Busy day today. Doing thing for work (co-worker is out today and I am seriously cleaning up the mess she dropped in my lap)
Sister had surgery this week and I was asked if I could bring Sydney and come stay with her for the weekend. So I'm leaving early (if I can help it) and going to pick up the kiddo and roll on down to her house.
We have a baby shower to go to on saturday, so I have to go back up to my house and pick up DH and go to the shower. I'm going to be sooo poooped come monday morning!!!
Hi, all - not too bad a day yesterday, went to pool this morning. Seriously trying to get me back into my day - feeling so lazy. As you said, a malaise. Leaving for DDs again in the morning, coming back Sunday. Princess 5 and her class will be doing their ballet "demonstration". They look so cute in their little pink leotards and tights. So Royal, all.
Who says things don't work out well sometimes, Wood Nymph? Hurrah for your brother!
Not planning to accomplish anything major today - just do some little fooling aroundSun playing peekaboo - a shower here and there. Springtime weather but a tad cool here today. Must find a way to bribe me to get going.
Hope things go well for your sister, Frogger. How was brekkie, Ceara? Great news of the streak, Empress.
Interesting Empress how the minute I saw SHANGHAIED I smiled as its so rarely used today but it certainly does conjure vivid images.
And yes, Wood Nymph, I can imagine how you are gritting your teeth. I can easily envision similiar issues w/ some family members.... yet.... and I am sure you have thought of this..... and I promise you this is true, later, you will not be sorry you spent the time......
Anagram, I can well imagine how you might be feeling nervous about things .... in fact, I came home w/ a friend yesterday who is now single and I wondered how well I will do when my turn comes.
But as all royals do, we will go on. And I love the image of the summer palace with the breeze moving gauzy awnings, the light laughter as the queens watch the royal pets frolic, and yes, how nice that the royal subjects feel they can mingle ...... makes this royal feel so benovolent........
hmmmmmmm
and on a very non royal note........
DH realized today when he picked me at work that I smell a lot like iron.... the same odor as when you open a supplement bottle .......
And I wondered why that would be.....
Too much iron in the supplement I'm taking....????? that's a shame as its got some b12 and other b's in it which make me feel zippier when I remember to take more than a couple days in a row....
Fly-bye as am continuing the workweek from h*ck and it really has been rough! But sashaying through the palace neighborhood still with banner flappin' in the gentle breeze 'n red, green and blue Rennaisance clothin' bobbin' with each determined step.
Thanks be to Sword Bearer, who did me the ly honor o' a click in me journal this week! I really appreciate it, Ceara!
WN, I will dispatch a Towel Boy east asap see if a brigadoon be available to leave the Shangai coast (wherever that is) and make suitable arrangements! :dc ... sending lavender sprigs north by Pony Express.
Anagramatic, enjoy your little pink princesses' performance ... I believe we s are all plannin' on attending (vicariously) ... I will wear my green and silver hoopskirt and gold tiara.
K, iron can be tricky to regulate. You probably should take a supplement with either a smaller amount or no iron until you are sure. You should have a blood test to see where your iron levels really are. You can take the B's by themselves ... they don't accumulate in body as iron does.
Froggie: Have a great visit with sister!
Ok, I really have to work. I am determined to get the writing done (the writing they pay me for) substantially done this weekend so finishing won't be so hard on Monday.
Rained a good portion of the early morning...and it is as wet as ever out there! At least the sun is up and shining...you need to qualify that these days...it does come up every day, we just don't see it all the time!
You're welcome Empress A!
Had a good evening last night with friends....2 cute little munchkins running around. Glad mine are grown. I don't have to take these ones home!
We (Dh and self) are off to TO shortly....wedding. So I need to go pack...he's hovering.
Still feeling slightly under the weather, so will just putter and take it easy today. Take a walk, do some tai chi, straighten the house a bit. It was supposed to rain, but it looks like clearing up -- same deal as yesterday.
I just did the big measurement on the body analyzer scale -- drumroll, please! -- I am officially "overfat" rather than obese according to my body fat measurement. That's better! Obese is such an ugly word! I've lost 10% body fat since the fall. I'm very impressed! Gained 12 pounds of muscle. Lost 3 pounds of visceral fat. Am no longer dehydrated (which I didn't realize most significantly overweight people were, but there you have it).
Ceara, sounds like a nice social time -- hope you enjoy your wedding! We've got a wedding for the son of good friends coming up in July. And it's the first wedding in years. This generation is rawther letting down the side in that respect. DS and cousins and friends all well into twenties or approaching thirty still not apparently thinking of matrimony.
Our friends will also be the first of our friends to join us in Grandparentland, which I heartily endorse.
Amarantha, I do thank thee for that wonderful lavender shipment and also for so royally maintaining the palace spirit. You make it so vivid that I can enter into that sacred space just by reading your descriptions. Pure bliss! And, of course, an attentive towel boy or two always help, whatever the circumstance
Anagram, loving the description of your princesses "demonstrating" in their gear -- hmm... what shall I wear? My irridescent blue/green silk, I think, that's laced up, hips to bodice, with the float-y train and multiple lace petticoats...
Kaylets, these family things are so complicated, aren't they? We're so responsible I don't want to drive to Ottawa, feel coerced, feel like I'm supposed to be happy to do it and excited about it, feel guilty about that, feel guilty about taking the time off work, feel ANGRY at my mother, feel guilty about that. Meanwhile, DH is slightly peeved that I'm going to do this with my mother when I usually won't go on marathon car trips with him. Feel guilty about that. I know I'll have to spend a fair amount of money taking this trip and I feel resentful that I've got to spend so much doing something I don't want to do when I can't spend it to do things I DO want to do.
And, if all goes well, you're right -- I won't be sorry I took the time. But a major part of the reason I don't want to go is that my mom is physically not up to a long car trip. We took her on a 45-minute drive Friday night to a party and she could hardly walk when we got there.
Anyway, I'm pretty much throwing my hands in the air, at this point and trying to adjust my attitude. Sorry for the earful!
I'm with Amarantha on the iron -- I think having excess iron in the body can be harmful. I take a B-complex + C (and a few other things).
Frogger, hope you have/had fun this weekend and aren't TOO pooped when you get home.
Huzzah to all ly personages and towel boys who dwelleth in this sacred space! This be somewhat a quickie as I'm officially in putterin' mode this afternoon, too, Wood Nymph!
Ceara, hope thou enjoyeth the wedding!
WN, personally, I don't see any reason for you to feel guilty about anything having to do with this trip. You are not saying you don't love your mom, indeed, you are concerned that the trip is not right for her or for you either. Folks right 'n left seem to be pushin' all sorts of buttons in thy poor ly head when they might just accept that at this time and point in life, you don't want to do this or (to phrase it better so it won't hurt mom), you don't feel it's the right time for such a venture but are looking forward to the next time you and mom can be together. Maybe your brother would be able to get away soon and bring her to visit you!
Truly, if the universe is flashing all this angst and these vibes are swirlin' around you that you don't want to do this, maybe it's time to listen. There's no reason to feel guilty.
And conversely there's no reason for dh to make you feel guilty if you do go. That's not helpin' thee much ...
Sorry, not meanin' to malign thy good royal relatives, but they might wanna back off and let our poor Wood Nymph come up for air.
See ye guys ... my exercise streak and stealth challenges continue (on journal in land far far) ... lost another .20 pound ... if I have to do the march through Pound 137 in .20s, I will freakin' do so! Avanti!
Good morning, lies! I think we have, at last, found a reasonably satisfactory compromise to the marathon drive issue -- we're going to take the train. It will cost a bit more but not prohibitively and will be much more comfortable and relaxing than being cooped up in a small car. And we'll save two nights' accomodation and gas money, which would have been substantial, come to think of it. Probably over $400 right there and the train is only $662. for the three of us.
My mom would still prefer to drive and doesn't quite understand why it wouldn't be as much fun for my sister and me but is happy enough to take the train.
Oh! Scale today has me down 2, which is a good start on my 8 pounds for the solstice. Will have to be very diligent while I'm away, of course. I often find on trips that I start off well but that things break down after a few days of stress and fatigue. Will have to guard against same. I think I'll pack fruit and almonds to help keep me safe.
Amarantha, thank you for listening so attentively to my pitiful complaint! It's such a relief to be able to at least express what's going on and then to be heard and understood makes it all bearable. Indeed, the folks do press the buttons. I need to learn to guard my button panel better, I do!
Congratulations on thine awesome streakin' action!
K, I'm trying to get a jump on my work-a-day (would take it off but need to make up for time off for the trip) so I'll take my leave of you now and try to get some stuff done while it's quiet.
Great jump start, Wood Nymph! And the train sounds so much more adventuresome vs. a long drive. Hope both you and the Empress get enough done to make today a mite easier.
Hope the wedding was a joy, Ceara. How's sister recovering, Frogger? And yes, family do know how to press our buttons. Must learn to protect mine too.
Fresh starting once again. Must find a way to deal with food situation when I'm at dds. Must. Also my last thyroid tests show it's down again but still "within range". I've strugled with this issue all my life, I think. I'm going to have to give this wt. issue my darnedest between now and next dr. visit and see if I can convince him that I can't spend my life struggling near the lowest part of the range. I admit my food choices have not been the best but I have put on a good bit of wt in a short time again. Explains my weariness too. Well, I guess, a lot of things explain that.
Looks like a good but cool day. Tai chi this a.m. Massage tomorrow. Must find time for a haircut too. It's just at the "sproing" point.
Hmmm, the train ... well, there ye go again, Wood Nymph! Shades o' the ol' Orient Express ... or an ancient "I Love Lucy" episode (d'ye remember when they went to Hollywood on the train and ran afoul o' a jewel thief?) Sounds enjoyable, especially if ye should meet up w' Hercule Poirot!
Anagramatic, I am dealin' with weariness, too! I think we should all have a good rest at the royal spa ... floatin' gently in the Magickal Pool amidst the lotus leaves whilst sunshine floateth in through the rainbow-hued oversized glass mosaic showing a diet crone in medieval clothing at her lute whilst being attended by kindly attendant folk in flowing Grecian robes, whilst the towel boys lurk sweetly in the background and K brews tea at a hob in the far left corner.
Hmmm. Guess I should go to bed. I found a way to get in here more often ... I just open up a solitaire game I have on my hard drive, then open up 3FC, minimize and play a hand or two whilst I wait.
I did get a lot of work done yesterday and today so tomorrow (last day of production cycle) will go well (barring unforseen glitches). Exercise streak is going well, as are the stealth challenges ... journaled in land far far.
Wood Nymph, congratulations on your two pounds released gently into the stratosphere.
I'm back! We had a great time...it was a novel experience staying in a hotel with DH....he is so funny. I stay in them all the time with the dog showing but he rarely does....Mr. Clean I think I'll call him. I wonder if he hung all the towels back up out of the tub?
The wedding was beautiful, but the ceremony was flat (in my opinion). Very new age...no substance. The related reader (family) was either very nervous or the reading meant a lot to her...which I don't quite get...it was rather blah...anyway, she was nearly in tears for the whole reading (a page) and could hardly breathe etc...kinda like a panic attack I guess. Very distracting.
But the reception was fun...
Anyway, a beautiful sunny day in the kingdom, and I've gotta run...will catch up later! is calling!
Am ready to have a quiet weekend -- too bad it's only Tuesday
I worked from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. yesterday and then we drove out to a little dinner party in the country. Was great fun -- we played charades. I did great getting "Seven Types of Ambiguity" across but totally bombed on "Ballad of the Lonely Construction Worker." We usually get together with this bunch for games a few times through the winter but this year my SIL was sick all the way through (some mysterious and strange illness that is yet to be diagnosed) and another key member had an injury that kept him down straight through. The injured guy is recovering and my SIL is better than she was but far from healthy yet. She's going to get biopsy report tomorrow -- has been to every kind of specialist you could imagine and none of them have a clue.
I faired reasonably well food-wise although I did have some nacho chips that will have to be counted for points. And wine, of course. After having had wine four nights in a row I'm ready to go on the wagon for at least a few days Woke up at 3 this morning and just sort-of dozed off and on until 6:30. Visited by 5 hot flash episodes. Both sleep trouble and flashes are related to the wine, I know... And yet, it seems like such a good idea at the time Maybe I'll do better this week, with the stress of that long drive removed.
Ceara, that's a funny situation, isn't it -- seeing someone rendered almost incapacitated by platitudes. Or flatitudes. Have seen same thing at both weddings and funerals.
Amarantha, I think thee doth be onto something! I do similar while I'm waiting for some slow applications to boot up. Yea, verily! Let us all drift dreamily in the Magickal pool...
Anagram, that fatigue is so problematic, isn't it. I swear, if I'd been rested and unstressed all these years I'd never have put on this weight. It's incredible to me how swiftly I turn to food if rest is denied. I'll be sitting here working, thinking how tired I am. At which point I should get up and go have a nap -- or at least a rest. Because if I don't, another 10 minutes will have me wondering what I can eat. Guaranteed. Take great and gentle care of your Royal Self! See you at the pool?
K, Lovelies. Back to work I go. Must get in exercise too -- grey and drizzly out there, though. Might be a day for the step tape.
Your yesterday sounds long and hard workwise, Wood Nymph, but joyful in the latter part. I totally agree on the food /stress thing. I do the same. And I'm pretty sure it's where my weight gain started. Of course, I do much better when thyroid is in better gear.
Ceara, glad you enjoyed wedding (mostly) and reception. How sad the reading/reader didn't work for the event. Seen it happen too though more at funerals where people just think they HAVE to say something, haven't prepared, or are too nervous and would have done all a favor to have declined. (I'd not do well at any of these myself which is why I would decline if asked.)
Ah, the Magickal pool - minus the towel boys it somewhat describes what I get out of the rehab pool. Not going there today - I have a MASSAGE scheduled again. I am being so very nice to me! May be my last for a while - but then again, maybe not. I'm still stressed enough to deserve it. Depends on how it goes I guess.
Forgot to mention how darling the dozen little ballerinas were as they stoically went through their little performance in pink. So intent! A real talent or two in there and of course the heart rending little klutz who was the only one who also had to put the performance on hold while she went to the bathroom. She's probably the one who'll go on to do great things in the dance world -- --
Nice outside, hoping it will get warmer -- last few days windy and cold despite sunshine. Had a frost warning last night so now must go put baskets, etc. back outside. No frost. Supposed to get in 80s in a day or two. Strange, strange.
Off to make me beautiful. And some other more doable things.
Yo!
ly honor o' a click in me journal this week! I really appreciate it, Ceara! 
Have a great visit with sister!
Sunday in the Summer Palace
Gained 12 pounds of muscle. Lost 3 pounds of visceral fat. Am no longer dehydrated (which I didn't realize most significantly overweight people were, but there you have it). 
I don't want to drive to Ottawa, feel coerced, feel like I'm supposed to be happy to do it and excited about it, feel guilty about that, feel guilty about taking the time off work, feel ANGRY at my mother, feel guilty about that. Meanwhile, DH is slightly peeved that I'm going to do this with my mother when I usually won't go on marathon car trips with him. Feel guilty about that. I know I'll have to spend a fair amount of money taking this trip and I feel resentful that I've got to spend so much doing something I don't want to do when I can't spend it to do things I DO want to do. 
Fresh Start Monday in the Summer Palace
is calling!
Maybe I'll do better this week, with the stress of that long drive removed. 
