Here we are again bright and early - wel early anyway. It is now 4.50am and I am about as ready as I will ever be to get on my way to the airport. Got up at 4.00 and packed. I think I have everything. Enough to keep me going for the week anyway. I just need to finish up in the kitchen, tidy up in the lounge and make sure things are locked up inside and out.

Went to the footy last night with DB2 and the kids. Niece invited a whole raft of her footy mad friends so we had a good if somewhat noisy night. Our team finally got up to beat the locals although it was a bit hairy there for a while. We had dinner out at the pub at Indooroopilly (pan seared Tasmanian salmon on a bed of hot potato salad and tomatos with an olive tapenade) which was very nice. Nephew has taken to eating in a big way and you ought to see him shovel it down. I'd forgotten just how much teenage boys could eat!

Here's a warning to you all for when the warm weather arrives. We've been having stinking hot days for a week or so and the humidity is right up there. And I didn't drink enough for the last few days and yesterday paid the price. Sure some weight dropped off, but the resulting pain of constipation (sorry TMI) and headache is something I don't want anyone else to suffer, so drink that water. There is a fine line between too little and too much I have to say. It's hard to know where to draw the line. Better to overdo than underdo I guess.

Puss went very unwillingly to the cattery. I'm sure she will be taken good care of - the vet recommended the place - but it was hard to see her sitting in the cage and very, very frightened.

Okay - time to put the show on the road. :wave: to you all. I gotta roll. See you next week.

Shad--
What is footy? What we call soccer, or something else?

Nice that you could go out with your family. Mine is so far.

Hello Ladies,

Oh, we had a pretty good cold spell the last few days, I think the high yesteday was 24degrees. We're suppose to warm up tomorrow. Spent most of the weekend cleaning house and just taking it easy.

Hal - Your breakfast sounded good. Everyonce in a while my mom will cook the big breakfast, especially if my brother is in town and she'll call me. She doesn't have to ask twice. OH, I don't see how teachers are expected to have a 25min lunch/relax and sometimes have to watch the kids. I'm try not to stress but it's not easy.

Cat - I too wondered if you got a real pet or not. OH, i think footy is rugby.

Nita - WTG on your weight loss. I too am going to see a chiropractor. My hip has been bothering me and I think it's from the bag that I carry back and forth to work. A few weeks ago I went to a health fair and there were some chiropractors there. I have an appointment next week. OH, did you ever go see the hyptonist? There is one that has been advertising for $40 dollars (group session) and I've noticed that they were here in Jan for about 2 weeks and now there back again.

Shad - have a safe trip and keep us informed.

Mooz - Hope your doing ok.

Morning all,
Today I find myself with a mouse which works and doesn't keep scrolling up and down the page constantly. Ever tried catching up with the page as it goes up and down. There's the bit I want - just down there oh oh up there, oh oh over there. Such fun.

I've been in different seats with different people and different offices all week and one day they will find me a place of my own I suppose. Equipment which doesn't work, using someone else's login. The list goes on.

Haven't go time to catch up much with the news and doings, but will try hard for some time over the weekend.

Catch you then.
__________________
Joy

Hi Shad,

Nice to hear from you. I hope they find you a place where all the equipment is operable. As I was reading your post, I got a message that my wireless mouse needed the batteries replaced. Well I took the time to do it and now it works great!

For a change I did get an alert to the site, however, it ended up in my junk mail. I did change it to "safe." Hopefully it will be fine from now on.

I may have seen the Chiropractor for the last time. The pains have all of a sudden gone. What a relief--like I said before you never know how good you feel until you get some kind of a pain!

I am still journaling but it seems I am stuck on 152-1/2 lbs. I am not giving up though because I really need to stay in good health for Gene and me.

Well I will close for now -- hope all the rest of our group is having a "wonderful" week!

Take care,
Anita

Shad--sounds frustrating. Hope they'll get you a space.

Today was a beautiful day to walk. In Kansas, though, we know we're not done with winter!

Hello Ladies,

Shad - glad you got to your now work site safely. I"m sure it's frustrating not to have your own office space. How long are you going to be at this job?

Nita - I have my first chiropractor visit this saturday. Let's see what she has to say. OH, to be stuck at 152 1/2. I would just love that. Keep journaling and don't give up.

Cat - it's still cold here, but not like it was this past weekend.

Hope everyone having a good evening!

Hello Ladies,

Just bringing us to the top!

Hi Ladies,

Well I fasted until 1:00 p.m. today so I could have all those tests put on by the Kidney Foundation. As usual, my blood pressure was very high 170/90 and I did try to explain this always happens at the doctor's office. I even took my journal to prove it is always low when I take it in the morning. Even though I weighed in this morning (without any clothes) 152--on their scale it registered 155. They actually checked the urine test right there and it showed I had a small infection and a "large" amount of blood. The protein count of 10 was okay. I believe I shared this before--the fact that I always have some kind of blood which shows up under the microscope. The glucose test was 98 which was perfect. They took two vials of blood and I will not know the results for six weeks or so. The doctor I talked with said the blood test does show symptoms of kidney disease long before you know you have it. It's one of those silent diseases. He did advise me to inform my doctor about urine analysis and he thought it might be time to have another round of tests. I also inquired whether my stomach problems would have anything to do with the kidneys and he said no it would not.

My yearly check up is due next month so I will definitely discuss this with my PCP. As far as my aches and pains--they are completely gone. My chiro is truly remarkable and the next time I am not going to wait so long to see him.

Well that is all the news for now. Take care all and have a "super" weekend!

Take care,
Anite

Hello Ladies,

Nita - Glad to hear that your aches are all gone. I went to see a chiropractor this morning too. Did a very long medical history on me and several tests to see where i'm at. Keep us informed on what your PCP says. The kidney foundation is also offering that testing here. It was offered last weekend but the weather was bad and I didn't want to get out. I think i'll keep an eye out for the next one.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Nita--sounds like a mixture of good and bad. Yes, the chiro can do great things.

Meanwhile, I am frustrated. I was so excited about the storytelling program we were planning to do this summer--but the pastor killed it. Said they'd had success with the old kind of program so they should not change. Shucky darn.

I made it back here, all the way from home. I can tell you that it is 1071km from my place to here - give or take a couple of detours here and there. It's a long drive and went well until about 100k out of Sydney when a thunder storm hit and torrential rain fell and I had to drive through it with all the idiots under the sun. Then it took 2 hours to get through the last 72k what with the storm and the traffic through Sydney. Got stuck in these awful narrow streets with buses and trucks either side. Felt like I was being hatched at times. Once under the harbour bridge and through the tunnels I was fine. I picked up my colleague from the airport and we drove on to Wollongong and the fog came down THICK. It was a case of 'where's that bl**dy car that was in front' Good grief. Let's go a little slower. Hope nothing comes belting up from behind!!!

Haven't got alot of time to add to this now. I'll try to get back later. Meantime I'd better go round up my flock and get some info out of them. Have fun today.

Hope everyone is doing well. The Chiro sounds divine. Gotta run

Hello Ladies,

Cat - Sorry to hear the pastor killed the storytelling program. Too bad you can't talk him into it.

Shad - OH, gosh, glad you all got to your destination safely. Nothing worse then driving in torrential rains and then fog.

It was another beautiful day here, the high about 78. Tomorrow is the beginning on the Lenten Season. I have decided what I giving up or doing.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi Ladies,
Went to the PCP yesterday re the blood in my urine and it was 3+ according to their reading. Because it has been some time since we checked this out they are having me do a CT scan and then see the urologist. The good thing about the CT scan is it will check my stomach as well as the kidneys and perhaps we can get to the bottom of this problem. As usual, my blood pressure was way up--170/98. The young man took it again just before I left and it was 160/94. I have been taking it every morning and logging it in my book and it very seldom is high. I was told to keep a watch on it.

The good news is I lost another pound and weighed in at 151 this morning. I showed the doc my log but he really didn't seem interested but was happy to see from the last time I had been there I had lost 5 lbs.

I still think I may be allergic to something I am eating, however, that would not account for the problem I am having. I bowled 515 yesterday and had some really clean strikes.

I have a very sick daughter in PA--she and her whole family have come down with some kind of a flu virus and I encouraged her to see her doctor today. I will check in with her later.

Hopefully all of you are having a "wonderful" day!

Take care,
Anita

Nita--

Hope they get to the bottom of your problems and come up with something.

The weather here is beautiful, and I am looking forward to walking the dog.

I think we need a new "home" for March. Can anyone do that?

Hey, I finally sent in the information for my web site. What a hassle it has been! I hope it's worth it.

Hi Ladies,

Just a quick note to let you know I will be having my CT scan on Tuesday. However, I cannot get an appointment with the Urologist until April 3rd. If the CT scan shows that I need immediate attention, they said they would get me in sooner, even if it meant with the other urologist.

Talk to all of you soon!
Anita

Hello Ladies,

Nita - I sure hope they get you some answers. WTG on your 1 lb loss. Do you know a pattern of when you feel bad to what your eating? Will say a prayer for your daughter and her family.

Cat - the weather is beautiful here to. Yesterday it was in the 90's! Can you believe that. We really need the rains here.

Taking a vacation day tomorrow. Running errans and then cleaning house. Saturday taking my 3 year old niece to see a play - Snow White.

Hope everyone is doing ok.

Just a quick note because I have to get to bed. I must be up by 3.30 in the morning to catch the early flight.

Hope you are all having a great weekend. Heres a couple of pictures of my two orchids currently out.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ctures0001.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...ctures0002.jpg

Shad--how beautiful. Does someone care for them while you're gone, or do you take them along?

Patty--hope you had a great time with your niece. Sigh, I wish mine were close enough to do things with.

OK--DA-TA--web site available. I think it is fine (I read the policy), if it isn't a LINK. So you can look at wwwdotstoriesbyannedotcom. Hope you like it!

Hello Ladies,

Shad - what beautiful orchids. That is something I know I could never grow. Their so delicate.

Nita - Will look your site up after posting here.

Nita - Keeping you in my prayers for good test results.

Had a wonderful time with my niece. Took her to see her first play, she only three, keep her attention for about 45 minutes then she started to get restless. We left at intermission but she didn't know that.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Kickin' us up to the top:encore:

Hello Ladies,

Gosh where does the time go. It's been 5 days since i last logged on.

We'll I went to see the chiropractor last saturday. She did a very thorough examination of me. My right hip is out of place & the right leg is shorter. It tilts forward more than the left. She said that is why I get the pain on my back of my hip. She did an adjustment and it felt wonderful all evening, unfortunately when I awoke the next day I had the pain again. She called me the next day to see how I was feeling (she knew this was my 1st time with chiro) I told her that the pain was back. She said it takes a while to get the muscles to adjust back. I went again yesterday and so far it has not moved back. You know this has been bothering me for over 3 years. And when I say pain, it's not a pain that keeps me home or anything, it's just a aching pain I've had. I even went to see my MD and he took xrays and said nothing's wrong. Makes me wonder why my MD didn't say anything. I think he was looking for something broken.

Anyway I'm going to keep seeing her and see what happens.

Hope everyone is having a good day and hope to hear from you all this weekend.

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I haven't been posting for a few days. I had to postpone my CT scan because when I went to pick up the stuff you have to drink the woman informed me that afterwards you could have some diarrea problems and since I bowl in the league on Tuesdays we changed it to this coming Wed. You don't have to fast, however, I have to drink two bottles of this banana-flavored barium before I get there and when I arrive they give me another bottle. I sure will be happy when it is over. I have my annual scheduled on Monday, the 20th, so perhaps the report will have gotten over there by then and I can find out what is going on.

Diet-wise I messed up and gained back about 2-1/2 lbs. but after talking with my daughter last evening she gave me the incentive to get back in control. She just joined WW and lost 5.6 lbs. her first week. I am so happy for her. I have decided to paste the WW diary sheets in my book and will track points as well as calories to see just how different it might be. Today is the first day it has rained in Phoenix for over 143 days. It has given me incentive to stay indoors and do some embroidery work.

Hope you are all having a "wonderful" weekend!

Anita

Better get this done before the day gets away from me as yesterday did. Somehow when I got home from gym the world fell on top of me and I slept most of the afternoon. Must have needed it! I did manage to do a couple of things but the weekend schedule has gone to pot and good riddance to it. I am not going to achieve all that I wanted but like all types of work, it will still be waiting for me next weekend.

I am thinking that I might come to Canada and USA sometime later this year - probably September'ish. No guarantees, but my friend Chris has definitely cancelled Europe until next year and is going home to check out her DD's new house instead - provided she is fit enough to travel by then. At the moment she is in hospital in Japan and trying to get on top of the Churg Strauss problem she has.

So I will be starting to plan out Shad's rough guide to the US in the next couple of weeks and get an itinerary to the Travel Agent for prices etc. by the middle of April. I'm hoping I can use some of my frequent flyer points to get through the US. No ideas as to when, how or where as yet, so feel free to bombard me with suggestions (polite of course). I am talking with the mob in Townsville (remember I used to work up there?) and they want me back to do an upgrade/ change management/ bullying type training again either late this year or next year so that may affect things somewhat. We will wait and see. I can't see that happening this year as there is too much planning to be done to implement in November as they were expected. You can't just throw SAP into the computer system and wait for it to work. It needs careful planning (more money for SAP). Sorry too much work talk there.

Following is some 'Zen for people taking life too seriously' for you to giggle over or ignore. Right now I am about to get back on a plane. Catch you later.

1. Save the whales. Collect the whole set.
2 A day without sunshine is like, night.
3. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
4. I just got lost in thought. It wasn't familiar territory.
5. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
6. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
7. I feel like I'm diagonally parked in a parallel universe.
8. Honk if you love peace and quiet.
9. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
10. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
12. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
13. I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.
14. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
15. Monday is an awful way to spend 1/7 of your week.
16. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
17. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
18. Get a new car for your spouse. It'll be a great trade!
19. Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
20. Always try to be modest, and be proud of it!
21. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
22. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
23. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
24. How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?
25. If everything seems to be going well, you have obviously overlooked something.
26. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
27. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
28. Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.
29. If Barbie is so popular, why do you have to buy her friends?
30. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
31. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
32. What happens if you get scared half to death twice?
33. I used to have an open mind but my brains kept falling out.
34. I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder.
35. Why do psychics have to ask you for your name?
36. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the heck happened.
37. Just remember - if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
38. Light travels faster than sound, which is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

Hello Ladies,

This weekend went by way to fast. Yesterday, did some running around, and Sat. evening went with my sister to go listen to a blues band. Sunday went to church, then picked up one sister and 3 year old niece and went to a St. Patrick's Day parade. There were two in Dallas this weekend, Sat. was the big one, but we went to sunday's. Didn't have to worry about the crowd or parking.

Nita - I've never had a ct scan, but I've had to drink a barium drink for some xrays that they were taking of my stomach and how long it took to process. I remember they told me to drink lots and lots of water after they finished, otherwise I would get constipated. I guess your's must be a different barium mix. Will keep you in my prayers.

Shad - I don't know when your planning your US visit, but if you come down south to Texas, your welcome here. There's so much to see in the US. Of course Washington has all the monuments, the capital, the musuems. New York, what can I say, the broadway shows. Nevada, has the grand canyon.
California there's LA all the movie stars, the wine vineyards. New Mexico - Santa Fe & Alburbeque - the artist, the Indian pueblos, the mountains.
Gosh there's so much to see and alot depends on where your coming down. Loved your Zen message.

talk to you all later,

Hi Ladies,

Just a quick note to let you know tomorrow is the day. Patty supposedly the stuff I have to drink is barium but they have added banana flavor to it. It is necessary for me to drink one bottle at 6:15 a.m. and another one at 8:15 a.m. And when I get there they will give me another one to drink. The test really only takes 10 to 20 minutes. However, it may be a little longer because they have to put some dye into me so they can take more pictures with contrast. The good news is perhaps we will finally get to the bottom of my problem. Needless to say I have used this as an excuse to go off my program. I am still writing down almost everything I eat but have not kept track of the calories. Maybe tomorrow I can start again.

Shad, why don't you come and visit Arizona--we are in between Las Vegas and California.

Hoping to hear from the rest of our group in the near future!

Take care,
Anita

RE: A plan, a routine...
 

Hey Girls,

Well, there certainly can be much said about remaining loyal to a plan, a program and this thread. I went back to WW this evening for the first time in 5 weeks. I've regained every ounce of the 8 pounds I lost, plus another half! Ironiclly, a woman came in, sat next to me and was so excited because she lost the exact same amount this week - her first week. I'd laugh, but I'm not in the mood. LOL

I won't pretend I did not earn or enjoy eating my way back up the scale. I will be honest and say I am disgusted.

Shad: Kentucky has beautiful bluegrass patures and horses. We have a two fairly famous horse racetracks (Churchill Downs and Keeneland). Naturally, we have really good food - bad I know. :devil: Let me know if you will be close and I'd love to meet you also!

Nita: All the very best as you take your medical tests. It is no fun taking any kind of medical tests. I hope it is quick, and uneventful.

OneDay and Cat... I've enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for keeping the thread alive and popping us up to the top when needed.

Mooz: Hang in there good friend. Let us hear/see you soon.

I'll be more faithful, I know it works - paying attention to the details!

Hi everyone,

Well I am over the test--it was not much fun at all. The test itself was a piece of cake but the barium drinks were just awful. But I made it and even went bowling this afternoon. I was lucky because the lady gave me the x-rays before I left so I could take them to my doctor on Monday. I tried looking at them but I really didn't know what I was looking at except I did see my spine and it looked in fine shape. However, the rest looked awfully bizaar to me.

HalGal, I know where you are coming from. I gained back 3-1/2 lbs. back just worrying about this test. Perhaps after Monday and hopefully the report will be good I can get back on track and start exercising again. It is so very easy to get out of the groove of doing what is best for my health.

Thanks again for being there--you are my very best friends!

Anita

Hello Ladies,

Nita - glad the test went ok. Your right the drink was terrible. Let's hope the doc. finds some answers to your problems.

Hal - I'm with you. My eating is out of control. Work is very busy and when I get stressed I EAT! I know that's not the answer, but yet it the thing that comforts me.

I'm continuing to see my chiro and after each session I feel good. Unfortunately the next day or two the ache comes back. She told me I needed to strengthen my stomach muscles. She recommened using one of those big balls. It's on my list to purchase this weekend. Like I said earlier work has been very busy and I get so stressed. I need to learn to not let things bother me.

Hope everyone is doing ok!

Happy St. Pat's Day all!

St. Patrick's Day and Cinco de Mayo are both ex-patriate celebrations largely. I remember they used to say New York has more Irish than Dublin, more Poles than Warsaw etc. I wonder what the stats are with the new immigrants?

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO SAY HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

I talked to someone at my doctor's office today and my report came back saying I had a renal cyst - 1 mm. I looked this up on the internet and found out this is a common occurrence in older adults. The doctor was not in so I will have to wait until Monday to see if I have to do anything further.

Take care all,

Anita

Nita-
Hate waiting for results. Of course in this case of course you don't want to find anything really bad--but you'd sure like to find something fixable. Hope they come up with something good!

Third anniversary of the war.

Hello Ladies,

Just a quick hello. We have been having lots of rains and storms here. Didn't log on at all this weekend. We have really been needing rain, but not all in a 24 hour period. So far we've gotten 9 inches.

Nita - Hope you can talke to you doctor on monday.

Cat - I can't believe it's been 3 years.

Will post more tomorrow evening.

Hi Ladies,

I did see my doctor yesterday and I am a whole lot happier today. Except for the blood still being in the urine which it has been for the last 20 years, everything else came out normal. Even my blood pressure wasn't high like it usually is. They also did an EKG which came out normal. I went for a blood test today and on Friday I will have one of those bone density tests. I still have to go and see the urologist just as a precautionary measure. He did give me an anti-depressant because I told him the stress I am under with Gene. Perhaps that will help the stomach problems. He also said the medication does not take effect until two weeks. That only leaves the mammogram which is scheduled for April 18th.

I am thinking positive and may go back to the gym tomorrow and then go bowling as I used to do.

Hope you are doing well! Also, I am still not getting e-mails even though I have asked that I be added to your buddy list!

Anita

I am thinking positi

Hello Ladies,

Nita - :carrot: Good news on your test results. You definitely have to think postive. Get those bad vibes away from you. I"m sure getting back to a routine will also help. Exercising whether it's the gym or bowling alley also raises serotin levels (SP) which also help raise your spirts. I'm so ready for spring and sunshine. I know I get somewhat depressed in the winter.

As for me, I started back on South Beach. These past few months I just talk the talk, now it's time to walk the walk. I need visualization, or something that reminds me why i want to lose weight, Besides seeing myself naked. So I have gotten a Big Poster Board and put it right in my hallway between the kitchen and living room. I have written the reason why I want to lose weight. And everyday I will write some accomplishment that I have done, whether is passing up on a donut, or getting off the train one stop earlier. I have also written this is a 14 day committment and at the end of 14 days I will reevaluate what I have done. I'm tired of being fat, nothing to wear, single and it's just a vicious cycle.

Hope everyone is having a good day. Hope to hear from you all soon!

Sorry, haven't had time to post in a while, but I'll be back.

Good news from Nita. Hope SB treats you well Patty

Hi, guys. Nita--glad for the good news on the tests. Hope the meds help.

Shad--glad it was no more than rain where you are.

Patty--could idea to set sub-goals. I need to do that, too.

Hiya all,
It's been a bit of a tumultuous time these last couple of weeks and I'm sorry that I haven't been posting and keeping up with or motivating anyone. I've sort of been going through a motivational void myself for a while and it didn't help any when disaster struck last weekend. See note below which I posted in my other thread and have copied over here.

I appear to have had my wallet stolen from the end of my bed. Stupid me, let the cat out of the sliding door in my bedroom and left the security screen open enough for her to get back in while I went to the kitchen, loo and bathroom. Came back to bed, didn't shut the security, slept till 5am and now can't find the wallet. Have managed to find a few coins on the driveway and path. I can only guess that some lowlife was already in the back yard when I got up. Talk about cheeky. So far in the last 2 hours I have cancelled the credit card, the debit card, the mobile phone attached to the organiser wallet, called the police, and am trying to figure out how to cancel my drivers licence given that the transport department doesn't seem to have an after hours phone number. So how I am supposed to get any money from my account between now and the replacement time I don't know since I won't be able to get to the bank this weekend. Nobody cashes cheques anymore.

Well since then, this has happened,
I now have a new credit card and debit card. Medicare, RACQ, Frequent Flyer and a couple of others are on their way. Drivers licence is proving a major headache and I shall be 'illegal' for some time to come. I have just finished writing a letter to the Department of Transport 'pointing' out a few major flaws in their system. I have a new mobile phone. The stuff has not been recovered, the police think he was only after cash and would have ditched the wallet within 30 metres of the house. I've chatted up the neighbours and found that a few of them have had back yard intrusions as well although none have yet been burgled. Hopefully after my mishap they won't. They were to check their yards but so far no joy (so to speak). I am now the proud possessor ?? of two new leather wallets - one for money and one for cards. Never again will I have all the stuff together. It's bad enough losing money you can't afford to lose. It's twice as bad when the banks decide to charge you for replacement as well and the airport longterm parking decides that you must pay for more than you should have simply because you can no longer provide them with a ticket. These things happen. Please take care with your stuff and ensure it is safe at all times.

In the meantime, the weight has stayed the same. Little deviation in either weight or measurements. My food has been pretty bad these last couple of weeks and exercise almost non existent. I've had to force myself to leave the desk and get a walk in. My working day is around 12 to 14 hours. We are extremely busy and 'flu is attacking the training team like wildfire. At this rate there will only be a couple of us standing by the time training gets under way.

Okay, I have work to do in the house. Sorry I can't get to reply to each of you today. I'll have another go before I fly back to Sydney tomorrow night.

RE: Welcome Spring, welcome back, welcome back...
 

http://www.imgag.com/product/full/ap...3/graphic1.gif


Good Saturday afternoon Movers and Losers!

I finally replaced the mouse on my lap top. I don't know who thought up the built in version of a lap top mouse, but trust me, 'he' was not a genius. LOL

With that said, moving around the lap top is much quicker, and I'll be my very best to once again post routinely.

I did not go back to WW last week because I did not follow the plan - not even remotely. I will be out of town this week on meeting night, so you can already guess how loyal I have been. I've always thought of myself as a fairly disciplined person. I know it is a decision, and up to me. Trust me I am doing all of the self talk. Now to do the self walk.

On the news front... not so good news once again. The man the took my nieces life filed a lawsuit from prison against the state of Indiana on the length of his sentence. They reduced his sentence by 10 years. The awful part is every single fact he submitted (3 of them) is inaccurate or for lack of a more discreet way to say it - a lie. I've contacted both the local prosecuting attorney and state attorney general. One more thing on my list to take care of. I have this awful feeling I will be speding the rest of my life making sure this guy stays in prison for his sentence. My niece will never receive a shorter sentence, much less a parole from her grave. It amazes me how little value we seem to place upon the human life in the US, based upon average prison sentences or should I say lack of. I feel strong, and resolute that this is just something I have to do,and will.

We have one more week of school until spring break. I am ready! This week I'll be working with our state department of education to score and write and revise state test questions. It is an honor to be ask to do this, and I am happy to do this. I walked out of the school building at 8:30P last night. My hours are still incredible.

I have located a good doggie sitter for Rocky. I've always had neigbhors I knew that would come in to do this, but not where I am now. That's OK. I know he will appreciate the extra attention. More bad news tho, the groomer I take him to evidently hurt someone's dog pretty severely - nearly taking an ear off. That person sent an email to the entire school district to not only say the accident was awful, but the co-owners response was we have lots of business we will not miss yours. With that said folks began posting their own horror stories from that place. I've had a few curious things happen while taking Rocky there, and with these reports my sense of alarm is heightened. They nipped him just below his eye once and just casually told me to put neosporin on it so I did not have a problem. No apologies, no reduction in cost of offer to purchase the $6 tube of ointment. I like the co-owner that grooms Rocky, and I am sure the one with the attitude is ther other one but still. One person reported their dog died because they over sedated it. They don't ask your permission to sedate your animal if they do this. There have been a few times I picked up Rocky and he appeared to be more than normally tired. So... what to do. Rocky has gone to this groomer monthly (if not more) for 3 years.

Some of my friends are going to a concert tonight with Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Dirks Bently. I have stopped going to these because I don't fit in the concert seats. This is upsetting. I wish I could get motivated to the extreme to just really take this weight off. Or as I tell my students to 'focus'. I overhead one of them saying that to another student during my class. LOL

Nita: You know it sounds like you are doing everything possible to stay healthy and your medical tests seem to prove this. I really think it is neat how you are so creative and busy. Hang in there, I am sure all good things are ahead for you and Gene.

CatLover: The teacher in the room next to mine has a sister that will have her first book signing for her first published book this Friday. I've invited my bookclub members to come, and I think 5 of them are coming. The book is "Just As I Am" by Virginia Smith. She describes it as a Christian chick-lit book. Evidently her publishers were so happy with this first book they have already signed her for a second book. As I read this very cool invitation, actually we have been invited to the book launch - there will be fancy food and drinks there. My radar just bleeped - food. Bad, huh...

OneDay: You remind me of ME! LOL How is your committment board going? You are right visulation is helpful. Possibly key. I think spring time with fewer clothes to wear helps in this area, huh? How is Blackie doing?

Shad: What a terrible thing to have all of your identification information as well as your cash taken. Were you traveling or at home when this happened? My neighborhood has recently picked up a few unsavory residents. I saw the police at a home down the street last weekend as I went out. Drugs and alcohol seem to be an intergral to what ever type of mayhem occurs.

Mooz: Car 54 where are you? :coffee: Join us for a sip of hot java and some good conversation. LOL

Have an OP week girls... :running: :dust: :running:

Hello Ladies,
My this weekend sure has flown by. Didn't really do much. Ran lots of errans yesterday, did laundry, clean house. This is 6th day of SB, and believe it or not the sugar cravings have stopped. It's just so hard to eat good, when your use to fast food. But I have my big poster board to remind me. Haven't done as well on the exercise but that is this week's goal.

Shad - Oh my goodness, I"m just so glad the bum who came in just took the wallet. I know what it's like to have that stolen.

Hal - I don't know how or why our legal system let's someone who has commited such a crime file a lawsuit to get a lessor sentenance. And why in the world would they reduce it. This is what's wrong with our system. OH, Hal, I think I would have to call the Grooming place and talk to them about this. Get there side of story. I know Rocky is like my Blackie and I want the best for him, and yet at the same time you've been taking him there for 3 years. I would definitely call them and tell them I'm concerned and see what they have to say. See what there response is! Have a wonderful spring break!

Cat, Mooz and Nita - Hope you all are doing well. Drop us a line!