Shad--I'll take inches or pounds.

LindaT--Glad you are okay. I understand about the journals. Congratulations on being named a moderator at 3fc.

Holly--I used to do the FlyLady routine and really need to get back to doing it.

PW--The picture my sister made of us will be coming your way soon.

Mel--You getting sidetracked. hm There must be firemen in the area.

Teel--Glad the computer is back home. I'm addicted to it.

Hello to Madcat, Teel, Tig, Meadow,Carla and Linus

Went to Paragould last night to visit with a cousin who came home for the Christmas holiday's. One of her son's and mother was there and my 3 uncles and there wives.
This morning I helped my uncle take the Christmas tree downstairs in one piece and vacuumed the floor then headed down the hill to see the kiddo's. My uncle and I ate lunch together. On the way home I stopped by the super Walmart and gas station, and to top it off almost had a wreck.

My husband saw a moose running down the train tracks this morning! For those who don't know what a moose looks like:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ittyfriend.jpg

I had some sugarfree chocolates today, the box had a warning of moderation as excess could cause a laxative effect I stopped

YEAH Teel! glad your computer was fixed for the new year. Did you miss us? we sure missed you. I hope you are feeling well and getting some sleep. Is Holly behaving? Has she rumbled any party goers in your neighbourhood? Stay cozy by the fire, watching snowflakes fall is a great way to relax.

LindaT-well you were sure making people wonder about you. Just goes to show that you can't slip away unnoticed around this place. Your energy boosts were lacking

Shad-I guess you will be the first to experience 2006. I hope you will face North and West during your moments of celebration and think of us waiting higher up Um, now how is this fellow situation going to work? Are you suggesting having a boytoy? Someone who is around to do your bidding and then bugger off when you have had enough? Whoo!

Mel-you sound determined to get some action. Is this where the firemen come in or is it all about your energy and choices? Say "NO" when it doesn't feel right, the guilt passes quickly and you will be able to focus on what really matters and that is your continued belief in your value and how you want to use it in the world. Why doesn't the lady want to talk to people I wonder... does a "hello", "good-morning" really take that much away from her? I want to have tea with her now and ask what that is about

Madcat-You vivacious siren you! Golly, bright red, is it one of those new Feria haircolours? Cool on making your own shawl, I just adore the russle sound of taffeta. I am excited for your night, I hope it is a blast!

Holly-okay you Martha cleaning nutbar, put down the duster and tell me what you are doing New Years eve? Do you have a plan? are the kids involved? I guess I may be the last to get to the New year

Lisa-Glad you are feeling better Don't party too hard now.

PW-so is your new resoloution going to be more painting? With all the visualization I would suspect you will be getting inspired. I believe in secrets personally, too much information is never a good thing.

Ceejay-goodness, almost had a wreck! how are your nerves? I'm glad you are okay. Be careful out there in the world.

Carla-I hope your head isn't too foggy. Mixing bubbly brands can result in a big throbbing headache. It is fun learning new tools on the computer, it just makes you smile doesn't it?

Linus-I hope you are relaxed and little CJ is cooing like a peaceful little bundle of love. Fingers crossed that all will be smooth sailing in 2006.

Rose- are you enjoying these last few days of 2005? I hope you are well and happy.

Happy- are you on the road? ((((safe vibes))))

Tig-how hot is it? Is there a New Year's day run? We have a polarbear swim, where folks hop in freezing ocean to mark the beginning of the new year. Whacky or what?

Honey-dipped-So are you into 2006 before or after me? I'm on the west coast of North America. Is Hawaaii the last or am I confused nothing new there I hope you are feeling well and in good spirits. Come back and give us an update

NZ is first, then Aus, then Honey-dipped in Japan, then Teel and Linus celebrate at the same time, then we get the Eastern Seaboard of Canada and US. and so on. So if you are on the same Mountain Time as Roseblush, then you and she will be the last on this thread. Hawaii, Samoa, Rarotonga are the last to see the new year in.

What's everyone else doing? I'm going to a friends for dinner, and then coming home - I don't even know if I will still be up at the magic hour. Probably not as I am feeling pretty unenergetic after a broken night sleep and gym this morning.

And so it begins. End of another year. And as the shadow of 2007 creeps across the globe, raise a glass to friends in far-flung places.



More later!

* Edited later: ummm. I meant 2006 begins. Having the last of my blonde moments...

In about 20 seconds, the bells will chime and the fireworks will reign supreme. So Happy New Year.

Good Morning!!! Happy Last day of 2005. I must say it has been a fabulous year for me and my family. As I drove to London yesterday( it was sunny and a beautiful clear blue sky) I cried softly remembering all of those close to us who had died. It started in Sept 2003, my cat Bonnie died and then my maternal Grandmother in October and then a series of beyond imagineable unrelated tragedies killed 3 of our friends and then a child died. I thought of each person and those they left behind. 2004 was an entire year defined by monumental grief and loss and endings. 2005 has been a year of renewal and redefining who we are, picking the few good pieces from the past and letting go of all the rubbish and then adding in the love and caring we have for each other and creating a family of strength and happiness. It has been a beautiful metamorphis.
So, now we are standing on a plateau with a vast future ahead and feel fully empowered to be completely fulfilled.Endless possibilites.


Meadow~fab post. I have been inviting people to stop by tonight for a couple of weeks now but dont have a clue who I have mentioned it to. It may be the 4 of us here watching the tube of 30 friends from town.I will let you know tomorrow. I will face West and cheers you at midnight, so at 9pm(your time) you better face East to catch it!!

Cheers to Mel, Shad, Tig, Teel, Linus,Meadow,Rose,Ruth ,Linda,Miss Mad,Carla, PW,Moreli,Honey, Raven,Happy,Ceejay............you are a joy and blessing to know, I am ever thankful.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

I HOPE ALL OUR NEW YEAR'S BRING US GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS AND CONTINUED FRIENDSHIP. LOVE TO YOU ALL.

LINDA~ WHAT?! ABSENT WITHOUT A PASS?! AWOL??? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING GIRL?!?! GIVE ME THE PROD!! I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE TO USE IT ON...YOU!!! WELCOME BACK. HOPE THE INTERVIEW GOES WELL WHEN HE FINALLY GETS THERE. I KNOW THE DRAINED/SAD FEELING OF THE JOURNALS. IT'S THE "MASS" OF IT THAT WAS KILLING ME THERE MORE THAN THE INDIVIDUAL STORIES. WAS TOO OVERWHELMING. I WILL STOP IN AND CHECK OUT YOUR MOD STYLE!!! GOOD LUCK AND IT'S A GREAT SERVICE FOR OTHERS THAT COULD USE A HAND WITH THE MED DIET. CONGRATULATIONS

CARLA~ THERE WERE A FEW FAUX PAS IN THE GRAB BAG DOWNSTAIRS TOO. YOU WOULD THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE MEN BUT IT WAS WOMEN!!! LOL BUT I HAVE WATCHED IN WONDER AS THEY OPEN THEIR GIFTS AND I SEE "GAG" GIFTS REVEALED.....SOMEHOW I HAVE NEVER TAKEN TO THEM. I CAN SEND YOU MANY WHITE ELEPHANTS!!! HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER.

SHAD~ SORRY I MISSED YOUR NEW YEAR!! I MEANT TO GET BACK HERE BUT ONE THING LED TO ANOTHER WITH MAINTENANCE. HOPE IT WAS A GOOD TIME ATR THE FRIENDS HOUSEE I THINK YOUR PROGRESS HAS BEEN VERY GOOD AND KUDOS TO YOU. ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT WAS PERSONAL CHOICES AND NOT SOME DIET. PROVES THAT HEALTHY EATING AND EXERCISING CAN DO THE SAME THING. CONGRATULATIONS.

MADCAT~ HOPE GOING TO THE GYM DOESN'T KILL YOU CAUSE I WOULD MISS YOUR RED HAIR AND SMILING FACE!!! YOUR AVATAR REMINDED ME OF A RIDE IN ASBURY PARK ON THE JERSEY SHORE. MANY YEARS AGO WE WENT ON IT WITH JEN AS A TODDLER AND LARRY WAS TRYING TO HELP HER CATCH THE BRASS RINGS AND NOT FALL OFF. MOM WAS TRYIONG TO GET A PIC OF IT AND FOUND A PILE OF HORSES ETC IN A CORNER. ASKED THE MAN WHERE THEY WERE GOING AND HE SAID 'TO BE REPAINTED'. IT WAS THEN THAT I COULD ENVISION A HOUSE FULL OF THEM WITH DIFFERENT USES. MAYBE IN MY NEXT LIFE!!! I HOPE TO COME BACK RIDING ON ONE!!! BTW....IS IT 2007 ALREADY?!?!?!

MEADOW~ FUNNY YOU SHOULD SAY ABOUT HAVING COFFEE WITH HER. WISH YOU COULD. LOL I OFTEN WONDER WHAT'S GOING ON IN HER HEAD. I HAD TO DEAL WITH HER AGAIN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON/NIGHT!!! MUST BE AN OMEN OF THE COMING YEAR....FOR ME TO LEARN HOW TO KEEP MORE 'PATIENCE' ABOUT ME!!!
HAD A LAUGH AT THE CSF CHOCOLATES!! THAT MIGHT BE A GOOD ALTERNATIVE FOR ME BUT I TRIED IT ONCE AND IT DIDN'T WORK!! ROFLMAO LOVED THE MOOSE!! REMINDED ME OF 'NORTHERN EXPOSURE'....I LOVED THAT SHOW.

CEEJAY~ THANK GOD YOU DIDN'T HAVE THE WRECK!!! GEEZ!!! GLAD THE DAY WAS A GOOD ONE THOUGH AND THE FAMILY IS HAPPY AND WELL. I WOULD LOVE TO GO TO WALMARTS AGAIN. I HAVE A GIFT CARD!

HOLLY~ EEEEWWWW!!! REMIND ME NEVER TO ASK!!

LAST NIGHT WAS A HORROR OF WORK RELATED CRAP. BUT AS I SAID TO POOR JIM EACH TIME I HAD TO CALL HIM BACK...MAYBE THE BLDG WILL GET RID OF ALL THE BAD STUFF AND START THE NEW YEAR OFF CLEAN!!! WE DIDN'T EAT TILL ALMOST 8. WATCHED SOME TV AND OFF TO BED. SITTING HERE WITH MY NEW PJ'S ON (JIM & HIS DW)AND MY ONE A DAY COFFEE. TRYING TO SEE IF I CUT OUT THE SPICY FOOD AND ANYTHING SUGAR FREE...THEN I COULD KEEP THE COFFEE. THE 'FACE' WILL TELL SOON ENOUGH!
I WAS LOOKING OVER MY CARDS AND LOVING ALL OF YOURS. I TAPED THEM AROUND SHAD'S GLOBAL MAP ON THE WALL LIKE A FRAME. MAYBE KEEP THEM THERE ALL YEAR TO REMIND ME I AM NOT ALONE IN 2006!
JEN AND RICHIE WILL BE HERE FOR A SHORT VISIT, SANS THE KIDS, THEN OFF TO A HOUSE PARTY AROUND THE CORNER. I WILL BE WATCHING MY BRITISH SITCOMS AND RECLINING!!
HAPPY SATURDAY AND GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE!
TO ALL THE ABSENT WORLDLY CHICKS: HAPPY NEW YEAR AND

Some How Shad And Holly Got In There While I Typed So Slow!!!

Cheers To Both Of You!! It's A Bit Hard Trying To Face Both Ways And Clinking Glasses!

Happy New Years Eve to most of us.
Shad is probably in the new year.

Mel--You are never alone. You have us. I've copied this daily motivator to put as my cover sheet of the new weight loss strategy.

Looking back over the year, I've had one major obstacle to really bother me and that is L. She will not get to me this year. My relatives especially my aunt and uncle have been a power source in my life in 2005. Work has been great, cause I have extremely good bosses. You ladies have been encouragment to continue with the unsuccessful weight loss but I'm not giving up just yet, just taking a different route.

I've been trying to catch up on my lack of sleep. Slept till 9 a.m. this morning and now it's already 12 noon and I need to get some things done.

This year I will try eat right and exercise.

It begins!! Shad is already in the new year I'm last so I get to keep drinking all day (coffee ) Cheers to all you Easteners

I am back fine chickies of the world. I found the 8 hour drive very boring - good thing it wasn't me driving as I was prone to nodding off without even realizing it. It was very good to go home again. We had a wonderful Christmas and it was so good to see our friends again. The one thing about moving away is that when we do come together we make a point of seeing each other instead of the usual weak "we should get together some time". Everyone agreed that our visits were way too short but when you only have a few days and many people to see, you do what you can.

I got some lovely things including an IPOD which I have to figure out how to use. Of course it is not compatible with the music I have already purchased online - I swear they are in contention with one another even if they say otherwise. Hubby did listen to me and bought me this cool food scale. It not only weighs food but gives you the whole nutritional content proportionate to the amount you are weighing. Very eye opening kind of explains WHY you don't lose weight even when you think you are doing well. I absolutely abhor counting things - calories and fat grams and carbs and the like but it is crucial to the weight loss effort I now see. I will probably limit to a smaller group of foods right now just to keep track easier. I will spend this afternoon converting the doctor's diet into a chart I can more easily plan meals from and will dash out to the store tonight. We will be having a nice prime rib for dinner tonight - a candlelight dinner is traditional for us. Tomorrow starts a new year with new goals of getting healthy and replacing the bad habits that wrap us in guilt.

One of the unplanned "presents" that I got was the traditional holiday cold. This one is a doozer. I have an upper respiratory infection so I'm out of breath alot and pretty much can't breathe through my nose. I'm glad to have the next 3 days off so I can take it easy and rest up. This always seems to happen when I go out among the crowds shopping at many places where germs are all over so it's to be expected. Practically everyone including my family were in some stage of the sniffles. Good reason to make some nice hearty soups!

So much to catch up on - you ladies have been quite the chatty bunch.

Happy New Year Shad and Honey Dipped, at this moment you are the only ones who have rung in the New Year. To the rest I hope you are planning a joyful celebration in your own way. DH is not one to sit up late - I have to poke and prod him to stay awake until midnight

Madcat, I always thought you looked fabulous as a redhead. Go for it woman! LindaT, for someone who not only has been successful at weight loss but also loves to tinker with recipes - I can't think of a better person to moderate a new diet program forum - congrats! Meadow - you come up with the very best graphics - loved the chicks and the one you did for Mel. Teel - glad to see you are back with us again, I was about to find you a computer repair person myself! Carla - it's always good to have new faces join our not so little group We used to participate in those chose a gift games but we'd bring one good gift and one junk gift - it wasn't much fun with the junk gift tho it was good for a laugh when one of my inventive cousins carefully recorked a wine bottle with apple juice instead of wine. Everyone kept taking that gift figuring it was a good one only to get fooled in the end. After a few years, the novelty of the game wore off and we don't do it anymore. It's a shame you got bunked when it was supposed to be all good gifts though. Holly, I guess that's what new year's eve is all about - remembering and a renewal for a fresh chance to start again.

Mel - I was going to say something about Madcat's reference to 2007 but figured that time passes so quickly perhaps I missed 2006 - not inconceivable. Hope your new jammies are warm and comfy. Not sure how to read your post but did you steal Jim's pj's for yourself Sweetie, you are never alone - now that we found you, we won't let you go

Oh oh, just looked at the time - if I don't get rolling here the stores will close soon. And DH is looking online at big screen TVs - I had better go interrupt him

Happy New Year to all the chicks round the world - Carla, Ceejay, Holly, Honey Dipped, LindaT, Linus, Lisa, Madcat, Meadow, Mel, Nae, Painter, Raventoy, Ruth, Shad, Teel, Tig - geez we have enough for our own neighborhood here.

Good health and may we all meet our goals in 2006!

Morning y'all

Welcome to 2006. Hope there is not too many sore heads out there this morning. Although many of you will have not gotten there yet. Actually I think I was wrong and LindaT will be the last of the thread to see in the year.

I had a nice time last night and surprising did not overeat - one helping of each thing which is a surprise for that household. The chef had made an Icecream concoction for dessert. It was a vanilla ice cream - all homemade with real cream etc. etc. and flavoured with craisons (dried cranberries) soaked in brandy and the whole thing was drizzled with dark chocolate. Yummy!! Will have to do some exercise today before that settles on the hips.

Today will be hot - yet again. I hope the weather predictions are going to come true soon and we will have rain in the New Year. So far no sign of it, but the heat is driving people mad. Road rage reigns supreme. Such stupidity.

So before it gets too hot. I'd better get out there and at 'em. See ya

This Martha nutbar has an absolutely clean house from top to bottom. Much tossed out. A new basket system for the everyone's junk. I took the extra leaves out of the diningroom table so the pile cant spread so far!! I am about to grill some steaks and have a glass of wine. Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wooohooooooooooooooo!!

Shad is up and at em already. A good omen for the year!!

Ps DS won another game today 9-2. On a roll.

Meadow, that's too funny about the drinking all day long!

Just make sure you don't drink so much that you stay awake all year

Hope you are all enjoying the Eve. The New Year is speeding west across the Atlantic - Australia, Japan and Europe are now in 2006 - in North America we're filling the toasting glasses. There is absolutely nothing on TV tonight. How are you supposed to amuse yourself if you don't care to spend it in a rowdy crowd?

Five hours to go for me... but you know I couldn't let AB not be apart of the fun