:dancer: Go Angie:carrot: Go Angie :dancer: Wowzers, 20.5 lbs gone, that is SO FREAKIN' AWESOME!!! :cp: :high: :hug: Enjoy your party and remember, it's just food. :)

I've been getting into my mom's rum balls my self. That damn chocolatey, nutty, sugary, rummy goodness. They are evil I tell you, EVIL! :lol: I'm doing okay though, I've been walking a lot so I should be going in the right direction as far as weight goes :crossed:. I'm contemplating on whether to go and see those Motley Crue bikes or just finish up my Christmas shopping... we shall see.

Cal, I got your gift yesterday. Love the calendar, thank you! It's gonna replace last years one :) I love that AZ has such varied scenery. I would love to do a road trip one day. Maybe start from AZ then pick everyone up along the way. Cherie in OK, Kempy in LA, Julie in WI, Dips in NY and finally Angie in ME. That would be something.

Red, don't feel left out. Here's a :hug: and a :gift: ;). We're happy you can come here and chat with us. You bring a new and different perspective on things that makes you very interesting. If you PM me your mailing address I would gladly send you a card and maybe a little something from HI. Yes, the Crue were very popular in my middle and high school days. I believe both Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee have gotten inked in Japan. When I was younger I even wanted to get a Mighty Mouse tatt like Tommy :rolleyes:. Thank gawd I've grown out of that!

Kempy, did you see that new commercial on TV where a family is coming over to one house for Christmas and they each have a yellow lab puppy? Everytime they open the door someone says, "it's brother", or "sister's here". You think they're talking about the people arriving, but actually it's the dogs. So cute. When the people sit down for dinner, all the pups are lined up at their bowls eating too. That just totally made me think of Echo's pups.

Dips, where ya hiding at? Did ya get the gift I sent you? Just making sure that the post office didn't lose it in the middle of this holiday mayhem.

Cherie, are you and Hannah feeling much better? Hope you have a great weekend.

Julie, got any plans for the weekend? Enjoy it!

I gotta get moving and start my day. Chat later.

Brrrrrr!!!! It's 66 degrees this morning. I'm freezing my @ss. :shocksn:

Hello everyone,

I can't believe how busy I've been. We have one more week of school; our last day isn't until Dec 23. The kids have been just crazy. We do have different activities planned for the next week that should help them get rid of some of that energy.

I hope everyone likes the gifts. Unfortunately, with a teacher's salary, my choices to send are limited, but I will try to make up for it next summer.
My BIL has started going over with us what colors we should paint our house. Unfortunately, he can't do the Venetian plaster because he can't find the materials he needs here. What he has found is much more expensive than in Italy. At least we get the house painted. I'm glad for that.

We spent last week with the plumbers here because of a water leak that they couldn't find. It only took 8 holes cut in walls and the ceiling to find it. We were lucky because the builder is paying for everything. Turns out there was a nail in one of the water pipes behind the upstairs shower. They will replace the carpet in Ashley's room and, if they can't get the colors to match, they will repaint the outside of the house. They said that because they had to go through the outside wall and stucco to find the leak and when they repair the hole, the paint colors may be very noticeable; if it is they will repaint the house. Alberto was very insistant that everything be repaired and replaced to his satisfaction. I'm glad he's taking care of everything.

I made the mistake of going to the mall yesterday. :shocksn: I knew it would be crowded, but...that's one mistake I don't think I'll make again.

Sorry I can't answer individual posts. After this week I'll have more time. After, of course, we get back from CA.

Hope everyone is doing well, getting over illnesses, enjoying kids (while teachers enjoy their break :D ), doing last minute shopping, etc...etc...etc...

Cal

Hi girls, how's your Sunday going? I'm just cruising at home doing the laundry and such. I sent Rick out with Michael to finish up his Christmas shopping, he still has to get something for his sister, and then there's me of course ;) The motorcyle build-off was pretty neat. The sucky thing though about being on this tiny island is that if you go to enough shows, it's all the same bikes :rolleyes:. I did get to see Vince Neil's bike and Ozzy Osbourne's bike. Very cool. Vince's gas tank has a heart painted on it with a cross going through with the name "Skylar", his daughter that died a while back. And Ozzy's....his gas tank is shaped like a cross and the rear fender has a flying V Randy Rhoads guitar, complete with polka dots, toggle switches and volume controls. Just awesome. None of the Crue were at the show though, it's just as well because there probably would've been a riot :lol:

Cal, I can believe your plumber's story about cutting holes all over the place to find a sneaky leak. I'm glad they found it though. You'd be surprised at how contractors can screw up a plumbers work. I'm also glad that your builder is going to foot the bill for the repairs.

Angie, how was your party yesterday?

Have a good Sunday girls.

Hi! The Christmas party was fun. I have a 1 1/2 pound bloatation because of it but I am right back on track and am hopeful that will leave by tomorrow. I am really happy with myself because I think this is the first time I have ever eaten more than I should have and then got right back to eating right right afterwards....usually it takes another week of bad eating before I do it. :lol: Alicia's boyfriend came over and he is so sweet. He wanted to spend the night so we let him(he slept in Coreys room) . We all got gift cards to Walmart so after everyone left we went shopping. We gave Philip(Alicias boyfriend) some money to spend on himself since the kids had money and he bought her a necklace that says I Love You on it. Isnt that sweet? :lol: Why, Why, Why cant Brit like the good boys???? :lol:

We bought an old snowmobile for the kids for Christmas and we gave it to them yesterday. They loved it and have been riding it in the backyard ever since.

We got tons of itunes gift cards so we did those all day yesterday. I should have some good music for my ipod now. hehe

I made the broccoli dip from the light and tasty magazine for the party and it was so good. You should all try that recipe.Everyone loved it.

Well, not much going on here today. Just working out and work. I am so heartbroken this week because I should be in Florida right now. WAHH!!WAHH!!

Hi Girls

Angie glad you had a nice party....don't you worry about those little bit of a gain. It will be gone before you know it! I went to a party yesterday and saw my step-grandparents and aunts and uncles....oh boy was there the food. I gave in a little. But back on track today too. I had a grapefruit for breakfast.

Cal I love the gifts! Thank you! The calendar is so so beautiful. I hope to get out west sometime. I hope this week goes by fast for you and break is here before you know it. I hope you paint job turns out just the way you want it.

Noelle don't you worry about those rum balls. You and Angie are my inspiration to keep on going! You are keeping up with your walking and that is great!

Okay girls my the several days have been just plain crazy since we got the dog. She will be four months on Christmas. We are starting to second guess if we made the right choice. But my son loves the dog. She is just so active but my FIL wants to take her here and there to do some bird hunting. She is peeing in the house. The guy we bought her from said she was potty trained! We are using a crate and everytime she comes out we take her outside. I don't know? Does it get easier? I was kind of in tears about it. It was proabally the pms I had kicking in but now that TOM came hopefully I get my mind back,LOL. Plus I am just overwhelmed with the holidays. My Dad is kind of bossy and called me and basically told me what I was going to be doing on Christmas eve, seeing his brothers an hour away. I am sorry for the rant girls. I am really am, but I am stressed and I hate being this way around the Holidays. I hope I didn't bring anyone down, everyone is so upbeat. Chat later on. Bye for now.

Hello everyone! :-) Merry Christmas a wee bit early! This month has just been hectic! I'm at work right now, watching the snow fall... we are not getting very much, but it's really pretty as it's happening.

Julie (((((HUGS))))) I am sorry you are feeling so stressed. The holidays and a new puppy to boot. It will get easier. I know my puppy is having some accidents in the house, and that is when I am not watching her. A lab is very hyper... but they are great dogs. Just give her a little more time. You might have to do what I do.. when you or your hubby isn't personally watching the dog.. place her back into her crate. Put the crate where the dog can feel included in what is going on, but put her in the crate when you can't have her right next to you. Keep her on a schedule taking her out.. and make sure you really praise her for doing the right thing outside. It will get easier. Oh, and I got your candle.. and I've been burning something in it all weekend. It's great.. thank you so much!

Angie.. CONGRATS on the weight loss! You are so amazing and doing so well! And what a gift for the kids... I think snowmobiling would be so much fun! I'm sorry you are not in florida right now.. it's just raining there... :D You are not missing much. Go out and have fun in the snow!!

Cal.. My girls don't get out of school til the 23rd as well.. I hope you have a restful holiday. :-) Thank you for the calendar and pot holder.. that is so cool. I love seeing things from other parts of the US. :-)

Noelle.... it's 27 degrees here and snowing!!!! :-) now that is BRRRRRRRRRR But I am actually really enjoying it.. I don't mind the cold if I can see the snow!!! I am so glad you had a great birthday.. the concert sounded awesome...

Red... I'm so sorry you are feeling left out... ((((HUGS)))) I do hope you have a Merry Christmas! I am still planning on running in the half marathon, as for training.. nada. Once I get back from skiing next week, I'll be buckling down and working. This month has ust been too crazy for me to do that.

Kempy... how did your party go?? Hope you are doing OK!

Well... I am here at work.. 4 days this week, and so much to do. I may not have time to post again til after the ski trip.. so if I don't.. I haven't forgotten about you all.... and I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season these next two weeks.

OK.. I better get busy here.... I'll talk to you all very soon!!!


Merry Christmas everyone! :clause:

Oh, and Julie... you might do this while you have the dog out. Put her on a leash, and attach the leash to your waist. Make her stay with you throughout the day. It's a bit of a pain for you, however, you will always be aware of where she is and what she is doing. Feed her twice a day... keep her on schedule.. and do as I said before, put her in her crate everytime you can't watch her. She WILL get better. You will need to make sure she gets out everyday for a walk/run and playing for about an hour a day.. this will give her the exercise she needs so hopefully she won't be so hyper inside.

Good luck with her!

Cherie

Hi. Julie, yep, it will get better. Do you have a spot remover carpet machine? If not I recommend you get one so the peeing wont bother you so much. I usually take paper towels and blot it until the carpet is all dry feeling then wash it. This way you get almost all the pee out before you saturate it with water. It will take some time to get her on the schedule you want but she will get it. She is probably a little nervous herself being in a new house with a new family and all too. Dont let it stress you out because she will get it.

Cherie, Where are you going skiing? Have fun.

Noelle, MMMM Rumballs!!! My mom used to make them and I remember eating so many of them. I know I am in such a snacky mood because it is so close to Christmas and for the last 33 years all I have done is overeat so it is now habit. :lol:

Angie.. I am going on the 26th through th 30th to Wolf Creek near Pagosa Springs, CO. This will be my third winter skiing.. and I can't wait. However, this time, instead of going with a group of friends, it's just Alan and I .. AND he is bringing the boys. I hope it goes well. In the three and a half years that we have been dating, I have only seen the boys TWICE... sorta.

Two years ago Thanksgiving, I got to spend a couple of hours in the same room with them watching a movie... and then a few months ago, I got to spend a few hours with Preston, the youngest when I took the girls to the track to see Alan. This will be a HUGE step for Alan..... he says he is protecting me from teenage boys.. hahaha... the hopes they act right. We will see. Anyway.. I can't wait. This Friday, I am driving the girls down to Texas, where we will spend the weekend with Steven's dad and stepmom and family. I am a little nervous about that since I haven't been to their house in about 4 years, AND I don't have Steven around to be the buffer. The girls are really excited though, and I am happy that they still consider me family. It will be nice. Sunday, I drive the girls to Natalie's house and then I drive home.. only to get up early Monday and take off for Colorado!

We come home on Friday the 30th... Saturday the 31st Alan is having a NYE party and Sunday the 1st I go and pick the girls back up.... so I will be really busy for the next two weeks!

And rumballs... YUM.. can I have some of those NOW?????

Thanks Cherie and Angie....she is a great dog and I know she will get it. Great tip about the leash Cherie! I will tell my husband about it. I guess it isn't the pup getting to me, maybe just Holiday stress. Thanks for listening to me girls. You guys are great friends! It is nice to know I can lean on you all for support. I will try not to be such a downer and just relax and remember what the Christmas season is all about!:)
Off to the store!

Oh don't want to forget to say Bye and Merry Christmas Cherie if you are not able to check back this week. Have a great time with Alan. Have fun!

Cherie, That sounds like a fun trip. I hope you all have a great time. I live in Maine and I have NEVER been skiing. :lol: The kids used to go once a week when they were in the fifth grade.

And If I dont hear from you before you leave I hope you have a safe trip and Merry Christmas.

Good Morning!! Wow, Where the heck is everyone this week? It is so quiet in here. Well, Today I weighed myself and all the bloat from the Christmas party is gone so that made me happy. :lol:

It is FREEZING here today. BRRR!

I am so happy because we worked it to get Friday,Saturday and Sunday off (for the most part) this week so that will be nice. I am excited to have Jay open his gifts from me so I can see if he likes them.

Today is donut making day for the neighbors. I make extra donuts in the bakery and the kids run them around to all of our neighbors.

Good Morning! Its still snowing here.. but luckliy it's so light that it's melting by the time it hits the roads. By the end of this week, we will be back up to the 50's and 60's. So is Oklahoma weather!

Angie.. I can't believe you have never been skiing!!!! It's so much fun. This is my third year going.. so if I can learn when I am 36, you can learn too! You really should go and take a lesson.... its great! Oh.. and you give out doughnuts for Christmas? I bet all of your neighbors love you! YUM.. that sounds wonderful!

Julie.. how is the new puppy doing?

I am so unmotivated to work this week! Thursday is my last official workday for this year.... I'm ready to play for a while!

Well.... I guess I should try to get something done. I'll talk to you all soon!

Cherie

Good morning ladies. I was feeling dizzy for almost half the day yesterday so I kind of just laid in bed. I didn't go to work anyway. I did get a walk in in the afternoon though. Then Michael and Rick got their new purple karate belts :dancer: I have my WW weigh-in today which I am crossing my fingers for. I will post results later. It's SO HARD to stay on track during the holidays ain't it? :mad: I'm so glad I have you guys to whine to though, it makes it a little bit easier. :lol: OK I have a little dilemma. I still have not gotten Rick anything for Christmas and I am drawing a blank. My problem is that everytime I think of something he mentioned wanting, he already has gone out and gotten it! How to stop a man from shopping??? Time is running out! Ideas on what you guys got your man?

Angie, I got the Light'n'Tasty magazine yesterday. I don't know what to try first! :hun: I will have to whip something up for Christmas even though... Man, I would not want to be one of your neighbors at this time of year--I wouldn't be able to resist eating all them donuts :lol:

Julie :hug: No stress! Remember that we can't be all things to all people, and most importantly, you can always smile sweetly and say "no". :D Enjoy the holidays. :xcheer: :snow4:

Cherie, when I think of skiing I get anxious imagining myself doing it. I think of me breaking a leg or myself crashing into a tree :lol: But that's just definitely me. You enjoy your time with Alan and his boys--and you'll be burning loads of calories at the same time!

Kempy, how was your party weekend?

Cal, just a few more days of school! :dance:

Dips, where ya hiding at?

Red, I am mailing a card out today. I'd like to see how long it takes to get to you.

Well, gotta get moving and get my butt in to work. Be back to chat later. :wave:

Cherie, I have been giving out donuts at Christmas ever since we have lived here. My bakery kitchen is in my backyard and all year the neighbors will always tell us how good the donuts smell cooking. The neighbor at the top of our hill works at the bottom of the hill in the mill and he says that everyoine at the mill can smell them cooking when they go outside for breaks. :lol:

Noelle, I bought Jay every chrome flame item I could find for the pick up. :lol: I know he will like it. I also got him a bunch of marshmallow candies from Valomilk that he saw on the Food Network and commented on. I know those will make him happy.

I know what you mean about having a hard time this time of year. I actually sat here yesterday and ate 3 Hershey kisses before I even realized that I was doing it. Luckily I laid off them for the night but I cant guarantee how the rest of the week will go. I have been having Christmas flashbacks. (just wanting to eat) :lol: Especially with 3 days off this weekend. I know I will be making mistakes but I plan to be totally back on track come Monday again. I think that is all we can do just make it a point to get right back to it. Are ya with me??

Kempy, I meant to tell you too that I went to the Mary Kay websight right after you said you wanted to sell it and I ordered the sample of the microdermabrasion set and it came in last week. I love it. It is really expensive but....it made my skin feel so smooth. That is huge considering how dry my skin is at this time of year. I am going to order some I think.

Hi girls... I just made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to have my knee(s) looked at. It was really hurting last night, to the point where I was limping around--my mom even offered me the use of her cane! :lol: She's done with therapy so she doesn't need it anymore. I hope they can give me some good news. I was just thinking, at age 34 my body is just screaming for me to do some healthy things, and so I'm trying, I really am.

Oh, I have to show you guys what Rick gave me for my birthday last week. I couldn't post it earlier because I couldn't find the cable for the camera.

It's a gold ring with square-cut garnet center stone (Michael's birthstone), and a double row of square-cut channel set citrines, and pave diamonds around the band. Can I work at QVC doing the descriptions? :lol: I don't know exactly what the parts of the ring are called or where they are (band, shank etc.) but I can tell you how they're set and cut ;) OK the picture isn't so great and it looks much better on the hand...but i love this ring.

Hey guys, I just emailed some pics of the dogs in their Christmas outfits....I FORGOT to resize them and the files are HUGE. Sorry! I hope I don't overload your servers :o

Noelle, I love the pups pics!! They are all so cute...even though they look as happy as Rebel when I dress him up. :lol:

I LOVE the ring Rick gave you. What a sweetie pie he is! That is beautiful.

I hope you can get some good news on your knee. I can imagine how bad it hurts.

Yes Virginia, there IS a Santa Claus
 

:hohoho: I am back from my weigh-in and I am down 4 lbs this week!!! :carrot: Man, Christmas came early!!! I can't think of a better present to give myself than a healthier, lighter, happier me. I stepped on the scale and just said "ohmygawd!" :lol: I couldn't believe it. I did walk 6 out of 7 days this week, and I did eat out alot, but I guess with all this extra retail therapy exercise (shopping and lugging the bags around) I burned a whole lot of extra calories. I am so STOKED! :dance: I was just telling Rick this morning, if I knew it was gonna be this easy to lose 20 lbs I would've started SOONER! But whatevers..... I did it and I'm so proud of myself. :lol:

Hi Girls

Noelle what a ring! You know I have not really got my husband anything yet either. I guess I am buying for the rest of the family first, LOL. I might get him a couple of shirts and a home depot gift cert. Boring HUH? haha...
I hope everything turns out to be okay with your knee. I wonder if they would scope it or something? Might have to use Mom's cane in the meantime! Hope it feels better today. Cut doggie pics.

Angie I think you are right having a little treat for Christmas but the important part you said is getting right back on track.

Gotta run dh just came and wants to wrap presents. Sorry so short. Check back soon!

WOOHOO NOELLE!!!!! :carrot: :cb: :elf: :hat: :cp: :bravo: You really are doing awesome! I am so proud of all the walking you have been doing too. I agree that is an awesome present to give yourself. You have inspired me to get through the night without cleaning out the fridge into my mouth too. :lol:

This is BULLSHIT!!!
 

DAMN! The MTA went on strike in NYC and it's driving me CRAZY :crazy: I had to miss 2 of my finals today. They were rescheduled. I'm hoping that my friend is able to pick me up tomorrow so we can drive into the city. Getting back is gonna be a *****! My father had to hitch a ride back to long island because the LIRR got shut down. People are walking through the streets in droves. On top of that, I don't knwo if I'll make it to my parents house for x-mas eve or x-mas. I have no way to get there! I swear if it isn't one obstacle it's another. SO What's up with YA'LL :D

Noelle- You are so awesome. You are doing so well. I bet you are looking foxier everyday!

Angie- You continue to inspire me.

J- A Home Depot Gift Card spunds fabulous to me ;)

Kempy, Cal and Red, Hope your week is starting better than mine.

I gotta make some calls. I'll keep you posted.

WAY TO GO NOELLE!!!!:bravo: I guess those rum balls didn't do any damage! Great job! I am so PROUD of you! What a way to bring in the New Year. A healthier you!!!!:)

Dips I heard about the strike, what a terrible thing to happen. I hope you get to spend the holidays with you family.

GoodNight Girls
:)

Hello, all! Just back from a trip into snow country for a PR article on a ski resort. It was up on the Japan Sea (well, right near it). I was up on the top of the slopes this morning (didn't ski myself) and they already had 4 meters of snow!
Now back in Tokyo.
Dips, I heard about the strike. Pictures on TV here too of course. People trudging across the Brooklyn Bridge and so. Hope it doesn't last long. You'll get some good exercise in though, eh?!?:dizzy:

And here...is a photo of where I was this morning...ocean and island of Sado are vaguely visible in the background in upper right...

On the right is a photo of Nozomi, one of my three...

Hey guys. I have been really sick. So much for the vitamins. The party was great and we all had a great time. Did I mention that we were all going to wear PJ's? Even the guys wore them so it was alot of fun. I was sick as a dog when I got up Saturday and have been ever since. I am just now starting to feel human.

Cal thanks for the calender. I look forward to those each year.

HOLY SMOKES Anige and Noelle look at those weight losses. That is is, I am joining WW next week. You guys have already lost all that I want to lose and look how easy it was for you.

Julie Rhea took a little while to potty train but Echo was easy. It just depends on the dog. Also she could be a little freaked out b/c she is in a different home.

I don't want you guys to think that I want you to order anything from me. When I startedthe company gave me 15 free mail out so I sent them to all of you guys too. I just thought it would be fun for you to see what I sell. Please don't think I was doing to it to sell you something.

Ok, I am still not up to par so I am going to go lay down for a little bit. I will try to pop back on later.

Good Morning girls!!

Dips, I hope they can get the strike over with and you can get back to your routine and make it to your parents for Christmas. I cant even imagine how much that must disrupt a big city. We live in a small town of 1200 people so everyone here has to have a car. We dont even have 1 taxi. :lol: We are definately in the boonies.

Kempy, I hope you feel better before Christmas. What are you and Joe doing for Christmas this year? Are you guys going to California soon to see his Mom? A pajama party is such a neat idea. I bought my Mom a fuzzy nightgown and she asked if she could just wear it...I guess I will have to send her to one of your parties. :lol: She would love it.

Red, I love the pics. Your kittie is so cute. Is he a cuddler? I have 6 cats myself and I have 3 that are really big cuddlers. The rest are only on their terms. :lol: One of them wraps himself around my neck and likes to be carried around the house. :lol:

Noelle, Are you and Rick going to Vegas after Christmas this year?

Cherie, Have a fun trip.

Julie, How is the puppers doin?

Well, I got in my workout AND I didnt cave into all the temptations last night. I have a spaghetti sauce in the slowcooker for supper so today should go well.

:cp: Noelle... WTG GIRL!!!!! Woooooo HOOOOOO!!!! :cp: That is so awesome.. you and Angie.... WOW... you ladies are really doing a great job... in the mist of the holidays.... I bow down to thee :D

Julie... I am sure your hubby will love a home depot GC.... he can go get all that manly stuff they like! :-)

Red... you didn't ski????? Oh .. you missed out... and that picture.. it's just gorgeous!!!!! What a beautiful view! And your baby is very pretty too! :-)

Kempy... get better! So sorry you are sick... what a bummer.... I am fighting something off.. but so far, it's been OK.

Dips.. what a mess that is... I don't know what I would do without my car... I hope they get those workers back in their jobs before this weekend.. What a shame to mess up so many people's holiday. How is the baby doing?

Noelle... are you feeling better?

I wrapped about 3/4 of the girls gifts last night... and I'll finish up tonight. I got their stocking stuffers last night.. so my Christmas shopping is done. Now on to packing... not looking forward to that.

Tonight, I am taking the girls to a drive through Christmas Lights Display... and they are really looking forward to it. Right now.. I should really be working on payroll. I am such a procrastinator.

OK.. back to work.. :-)

Good morning ladies. I'm up bright and early today, I have to get my payroll done then finish up some invoices. I see the doc for my knee this afternoon so I look forward to that too. Heh, I know I'm getting old when I look forward to seeing the doctors!

:hug: Dips, I saw on the news this guy getting super PO'd at a cop because the cop wouldn't let him get onto 96th street or something? He looked a little like Jerry Springer and I thought he was going to start throwing blows! That strike is such an upheaval for you New Yorkers. I really hope it gets resolved soon and that you do get to spend the holidays with your family. I feel for you girl. I also heard the transport workers union is getting fined $1M a day while on strike? Good! It's just not right to make people walk to work in freezing weather. I remember when HI had a bus workers strike--there was gridlock on the roads with all the extra cars on it. It would've been faster to walk anywhere.

Red, those pics are great! You were really up in the mountains weren't you? That's a beautiful shot. And your kitty looks so nice and content. He looks so smooth and sleek. What does Nozomi mean?

Angie, good job on not caving in to temptation and for already getting your work out in! :cp: I love exercising in the morning when it's nice and cool, then you just get it out of the way. Yes Rick and I are going to Vegas, next week Wednesday in fact! I had to take my razor blade and shave my soft-sided suitcase that the cats have been using as a scratching post. They frayed the **** out of the front corners. Crazy cats.

Kempy, tis the season for cold and flu :^: Get better soon! Hop on the weight-loss wagon, there's more room every day we stay on plan (since our butts get smaller, bwahahahahaha :lol: ) I wanted to buy one of those MK all-in-one type makeup sets, with the lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, etc... I need to figure out which color to choose. I will have to wait til after the new year but I will let you know what I want. Don't worry about feeling like a salesperson...I would rather buy from you than from someone local that I don't know at all.

Julie, thanks for the gift idea. I know Rick would love a GC from Home Depot. That's his idea of heaven :lol: I was also thinking about gift cards to restaurants that he frequents i.e. Subway, Genki Sushi, but to stay away from the bad ones like McD's, BK and the like. He's on a healthy kick too and has dropped 18 lbs in the last couple of months. How's your pup doing today? Are your kiddos out of school yet? I bet they are getting so excited with Christmas coming so soon.

Cherie, I know how the work piles up and the days fly by when you're working your way to a vacation. If you don't get a chance to post before you leave, HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS and a great vacation! :wave:

Hi Cal...is it almost over yet? (the school week that is) :lol:

Well, I gotta get a jump start on the day. Be safe ladies and have a good one.

Hi, I had to come in and tell you that I think I may be in trouble tonight!! My neighbor just dropped off a baked Ziti for us for supper. It looks so good but I am sure it is loaded with fat. :yikes:

Angie, load up on a salad or other veggies and just have a regular portion size of the ziti. Moderation and you can still enjoy. Oh but I know the perils of warm melted cheese :hun: You are doing so great, I know you will survive this, after all it is just food. And don't forget, you already got your workout in so you just built up some insurance to eat a little bit of extra calories. :)

I am at work now so I better get cracking.

Man, am I slow today. I feel like an old woman. I got winded just from going to the store. I didn't even get that much stuff.

Cherie I am sure that I have told you this b4 but I can not ski to save my life. Joe swears that we are going to go back and try and this time I get a private lesson. I am thinking I can just sit in the lodge and drink something hot while he has fun. The idea of me crying again just isn't very appealing. :lol: Have fun though.

Anige I agree with Noelle eat tons of good stuff first. And, drink lots of water. I have been drinking more water with lemon these days and boy does it make you lose water weight. That lemon just flushes it right on out.

Dips that sucks up there. I watched the news about that today. They said that the workers can be fined along with the union for this. I think what they are doing sucks. One lady said that they get to retire at age 50 as it is right now so what in the world are they complaining about?

Noelle if you tell me some colors of things I can send you samples. I have tons of them and if I don't have them my SIL will. She is my director. That way you can play with them first instead of getting it and not really liking them once you get them. It is so fun having all of the stuff here. It is kind of a bad thing though. I can just walk in the other room and get whatever colors I want. I sewar this is the most makeup I have ever owned in my life. :D

Thanks, those of you who commented on the photos. Cherie, I can't really ski and wasn't allowed to do anything at the resort, except use the bath, which I didn't. Was too tired after the trip up there.

angie, you have six cats?!?! Wow! angie, Noelle, thee cat is a "she." She's very strange, uncannily smart, not a cuddler but wants to be near me. I found her starving in a park but came up to me and wouldn't leave me be. I named her "Nozomi" because it means "hope," or "wish" and it was in tribute to whatever it was that kept her going, some hope of being taken in and cared for or something. It was all she had as she probably would have died very soon after if I hadn't put her in my backpack, turned away and brought her back home and then went to work.

Kempy, please get well soon!! Dips, you got your walking boots on?! jbbm, cal how's it going?

Sorry, no time to write now. :wave:

Hi girls, well I got to see the Orthopedic surgeon today, he manipulated my knee this way and that, then says it could be a meniscus tear (most likely) or a problem with my knee cap. He referred me for an MRI on Friday, so no resolution or diagnosis until after the new year...in the meantime what to do? I have to just rest my knee until I get the results back. A torn meniscus means surgery (yikes!) but if it's just the knee cap, then that would mean therapy. I'm hoping for just the therapy thank you very much. *sigh* Now I think I'm just going to take my walks nice and easy and avoid the hills on my normal route :(. I am disappointed about that, but I just gotta keep moving and REALLY watch my food intake for the time being. Oh well, such is life. I WANNA GO TO VEGAS already...

Kempy, thanks for the offer. I will go through my catalog and PM you soon. :cb:

Red that is sweet about your foundling cat's name. I have 6 cats as well...they are all a bit strange, one is downright psycho which is the one I like best :lol: All of our cats save one are all around 10 years old or older--and they are all neutered so no more oopsies with more kittens. :lol:

Noelle.... I hope you only need therapy too.... knee surgery sucks... My ex had it.. and it was just bad. :-( keep it supported and bandaged tight and maybe that will help it until you can get it fixed. I forgot to tell you I thought your doggie pictures were adorable. They looked like they did not want to be doing that at all... poor things :D How we torment our young. :D

Red.. that's a shame you couldn't do anything at the resort... I just learned to ski two years ago.. and it's soooooo much fun... seriously... I can't wait til next week!

Kempy.. I hope you start feeling better soon..... I have a case of the coughs in my chest and that is driving me crazy......

Angie.. how was the ziti??? YUM!!!

OK.. I am about to run my munchkins to bed.. we just got home from seeing the lights at the park... in an hour, When Harry Met Sally comes on.. so I am about to go curl up in bed to watch that!

Talk to you guys tomorrow!

Cherie

Hello My girls
 

Today I worked a double shift because so many people couldn't make it in to work today. Sales are suffering all around the city (Save the yellow cabs :lol: ) I want to scream! I'm trying to be sympathetic toward the union but they picked an F'd up time to shut down the city. I don't know how I'm still standing. I am pooped. :faint:

Red- you're right about the excersise. That's the good part in all this. 30 blocks a day both ways is sure to slim me down some :D

Cherie- Hope you enjoyed the movie. I never did see "When Harry met Sally" I bet it's a real sappy one.

Angie- Don't sweat the ziti. No one can make it through a diet UNLESS they cheat a little. You'll be fine, you're on a roll!

Noelle- You're doing great as well. I wanna go to vegas! Take me with you pleeease.

Red- The pics are awesome!! Hope the weather isn't kicking you in the butt!

Okay, I have to go to bed early to get up early to be prepard for my 30 block treck! YAY Union (those rat *******s!) Actually I shouldn't say that. I really d sympathise with them. I hope they come to an agreement soon. With a 1M dollar fine and two days pay lost for each worker, nobody is winning. TTYL

Good Morning!! The baked Ziti was awesome!! I ate about 1 cup of it and some garlic bread with string beans AND.... the scales were down 1 pound from yesterday so I guess I enjoyed it without hurting my diet. YEAH!!

I just got back from the vets for the pups shots, their licenses run out on new years so I had to get it done. I have determined that I will be leaving Candi(to keep Mickey company) and Mickey at the kennel next time we go on vacation. Mickey just doesnt like riding in the car and he gets anxious and whiney when he is around people. Last year he was pretty annoying with the barking at everything so I think for everyones sanity they will stay home next time but we will still bring Rebel because he is spoiled rotten and he loves to ride. :lol: I will miss them like crazy though!!

Cherie, I am glad you all enjoyed the lights. We went for a ride last night to see some too. I love it when people go all out on their houses.

Red, Yep 6....7 if you want to count the stray that comes around to warm up and eat all the food. :lol: I have tried to get him to adopt me but he just uses me for warmth and food. :lol: He likes to wander and plus I think the whole neighborhood feeds him etc. Mine are all neutered too. I hate the thought of adding to the cat overpopulation while there are so many homeless ones out there.

Well, Sorry to be so quick but I really need to get some work done.