[ceejay52]

Just in to say hello-- I've just finished posting the week end day sheets.

I told myself this morning that if I've not heard from either doctor by 5 p.m. I'm calling the gyn tomorrow concerning the thyroid test results. It's now almost 3 and still no word.

[Hollyhock]

Must be worrisome Ceejay. Hope you get a call.

[Tig]

ceejay ~ hope you hear from the doc soon. It's really bothersome waiting for them to get around to calling you back to interpret the test results and to let you know what they want to do. I do hope you hear soon. The veggies sound yummy! I adore veggies!!!

Mellie ~ NO COMPUTER FOR A WEEK!?!?!? Doc Torture sounds more like it...even if you do adore him. <sniff, sniff>

Shad ~ aquarobics sounds great. We joined the Y. When the project settles down, I hope I can find a class I can take and a water class would be magnificent. We went live this weekend. Today was smooth - just a few blips, as to be expected, but nothing to get excited about.

happy ~ put on your 'Just Do It' button and just do it. hee hee.

holly ~ sounds like you are doing great with your Avon. It has to be because you are so organized.

madcat ~ have a great visit!

hello to suzi, teel, linus, carla, nae, and all our other dear ones around the world!

[PainterWoman]

Just called a psychotherapist to “get help” with my weight.

I AM PISSY. Got so upset I thought the AC had gone out. HOT HOT HOT. DH is sweet about it but hopes for warnings if I start “spewing.”

Food has been my most steadfast ally.
What else is there?

CJ... thanks for the encouragement last week.

[Tig]

PW ~ you are sounding very hormonal. Except with your cancer history... so I would suspect you have to be careful about HRT? I wouldn't give up my HRT - I'd be homicidal... NOT just pissy.... Hot flashes don't EVEN cover it!!! And mood swings???!!!!!! HA!!! I could clear a room in nothing flat!!!

As far as "What else is there?" The answer: is "DH" Food doesn't love you. Food is fickle. DH isn't. Truth.

[happy2bme]

After 13 years on HRT, I finally gave it up. Thought I was more dependent on it than I really was when I got down to it. The hot flashes were the deciding factor - if they came back I was reaching for that pill box - damn the concerns about cancer and heart problems. But I'm fine. I just now worry about bone loss. And thinning hair, hair growing where I don't want it, deeper voices and feet growing wider and bigger. Ooogah - me turn into heap big cave man.

Miss Mel, I'm so sorry to hear that you are on restricted eye eye captain duty. I will have to call you and read you all the news that's fit to print tho you know that we will easily burn 4 - 8 hours on the phone. And then I will hang up, DH will say what did you talk about and I will say oh, nothing really.

Tig, yay for cutovers. Now you get 2 days rest until you can plan the next one. If you get that at all. Hope you get back in the pool soon. I've been "running" in the pool - just like Tig I say except I don't have to sweat

Painter, you need to join me in the Tig "just do it campaign". I realize how much time I wasted waiting for it to fall off on it's own. Ain't gonna happen.

Ceejay - hope you get some news from the doc soon. They sure do take their time. Dealing with the thyroid is annoying. They never get it quite right. So you have to do alot of research and find out what makes you feel best. Oooh yum yum on the fresh veggies. I'm jealous. THe squirrels are climbing my tomato plants and eating all my veggies.

Yes Captain Shad !!!! I did my 1 hour of exercises and swimming. Had milk instead of Coca Cola and measured my portions. Fruit and veggies in, sugar left in the cabinet. Thank you for your encouragement. How was water class? How was Pilates? I'm afraid to ask how training went.

Hope you had a little time to yourself Holly. I too hope that DH will not let Clyde suffer needlessly just because he can't let go. Especially if the poor thing is crying going to the bathroom. A few of us know what that's like.

Did you have a nice family visit Madcat?

Ok, this chick's got to run. I am never going to finish the book for the bookclub discussion tomorrow night. Most of it, not all and I am not sitting up all night to finish it either. If I don't catch up with you tomorrow, then Wednesday for sure. Adios chicas - to those near and far

[Shad]

Didn't get to aquarobics - it was too cold according to the trainer - only 76 hey. So I went for a walk instead. Then veged out with the tv. One trainer and I have organised a mercy mission for Sept 2,3 and have booked a luxurious resort in Cairns for some serious r&r. It will be nice. Next Saturday we are supposedly going to a ball - dancing under the stars - whether it turns out that posh I don't know.

I'm tired and a bit depressed - training went okay - the men are all too polite to say otherwise. However I had a 'blonde' day and couldn't remember it all. In fact the Strategies and Mtce plans went right out of my head. Most of the training material didn't work. So life just went on and on and on. Finished that course now. Got other things to work on. I will get over it I guess.

[happy2bme]

Oh Shaddie, I do think you are in some serious need of that R&R trip Frankly, I am astounded that you come in, pick up something that you know and apply it to something you've never heard before and teach people - at almost a moment's notice. It seems like despite your best efforts to plan, you are still running hard and fast. It has to be most stressful on you. I think you need a serious change of pace - if only for a short contract or two. DH was saying yesterday - 10 years is about all he can take before things get dull and boring no matter what and you have to shake them up. Perhaps you need a little... DANCING UNDER THE STARS!!! la-lah-lah-dee-dah-dah... Actually that could be alot of fun, but did you pack your ball gown?

I think you need to teach a class in PC basics - something you can have fun with and one which would break up the doldrums.

If you meant the water temp was 76F then yikers!!!! At 82 degrees I can hardly stand it and with that I also need the sun to warm up my cold, chilly body.

I am pleased to report that through some combination of diet, exercise and medicines, I am feeling not as horrid as before. I went down the stairs yesterday and got to the bottom and realized that I went rather quickly and didn't have to hold on to the hand rail - that hasn't happened in a long, long, time. I still hurt and am stiff but not as bad. I've been waiting for that to happen as I know I need to exercise but there's been a fine line between pushing it and feeling all crippled for days on end. I think I've come across the right balance.

Shad, those Push.tv exercise DVDs might just work for you, travelling the way you do. However, if you have direct access to the gym, that would be better.

Speaking of gyms - Suzi - did you ever join that fabulous sounding gym?

Time for me to fly - I have book club tonight (didn't finish the book) might not be back until tomorrow morning. See yah...

[Roseblush]

Hi everyone, It is still hot here and yet again the feeling that fall is just around the corner is present at night. Shad you don't quite sound like yourself. I do hope the break will give you some new energy. How long are you on this job?
Mel, gosh I do hope you have a better week. We miss you here when you don't speak to us everyday. You aren't around any cats during the days are you? Just wondering about the roseaca some reports indicate cats can inflame skin conditions.
Ceejay so sorry to hear about your thyroid. How high was your number? ARe you needing to go on replacement therapy for your thyroid? My history with my thyroid was caught and corrected but I must have been suffering with low thyroid for a long time. Please feel free to PM me if you what to chat or have any questions. Good Luck.
Happy I am with you on that kick it into gear thing. I was doing pretty well after vacation sort of running on a weight high almost. Well, now that I am plunck back down into the trenches of working at it and having to be conscious of making good choices for food and exercise. SO I will join you in your renewed effort to get BUSY!
Yesterday I had the oddest spell...... I experienced such a deep tired sleepiness.... I don't know if it is because I am dieting or what.... today I feel a little better....or maybe I am having burrito withdrawals......LOL
Hope everyone has a good day and we can look forward to better days ahead no matter what challenges lie in our paths today..... your support and encouragement does make a difference in my life.....

Take Good Care everyone...
Peace,
Nae

[ceejay52]

so I’m going to call the gyn later this morning. I’d rather him treat it or send me to the endochronologist.

Yesterday was a good day diet wise. Even though I ate to many chips I’m still within the 1500 calorie limit. Yes I logged every thing down. That really helps to keep an visual perspective on things. Rode the stamina bike for 20 minutes last night to burn 300 calories so I have some “flex calories” to have later on in the week if needed and I’m sure I will for the birthday bash planned. My uncles and I are celebrating this week end.

Keeping an eye on the radar because there is a storm that is in the area. I think I see the clouds outside the window now. Gotta go shut the plant down and turn the computer off. It looks bad.

[teel]

Oh yay I am going to make this real short 'cos last week when I logged in and tried to post, I hit the submit button and absolutely nothing happened! The screen froze and that was it for the rest of the evening...
Goodness knows what occurred.

Anyway here I am to try again!!

Its so nice now that the heatwave has finished....

I hope you are all okay!

I am going to press submit now and

[Meadow]

I've been working on my non-Caesar dressing. I have substituted a tblsp. of low fat mayonaisse instead of the egg now I like the taste but it sure isn't as creamy as with the egg and olive oil.

Tsp. red wine vinegar
Tblsp. low fat mayonaisse
clove garlic
10 cherry tomatoes or one large tomato
two tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
two tsp. anchovy paste
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
tabasco sauce (couple plops)
1 tsp. worchester sauce
Whiz in the blender and adjust to taste. Maybe a bit of salt and pepper

The librarian said it was a glitch in the computer system and that they have me on file as "book returned" No librarian ninjas after me so far

Sigh, summer is almost over.

[Madcat]

Evening Ladies! Tired today after a very long afternoon meeting with the external auditors. Oy. I had a good weekend including a nice visit with both my sister and my Mom. I think my Mom is starting a vendetta with her next-door neighbour over a shrub that straddles both their property lines. When I was waiting for my sister to get ready to go she gave me a photo album full of family pictures. Some are from old slides my Dad had taken. They were lovely – but they also made me get all misty. My Dad was so good looking when he was young – like Gary Cooper. I saw pictures from Christmases with my Grandparents and my youngest brother. They are all gone now. I miss them all sometimes – most particularly my Dad.

I have come to the realization that I really need to step up the exercise. I'm cruising and that is NOT going to get me anywhere. The elevators were out at the gym the other day and I had to walk up the 5 flights of stairs. I was wheezing as if my lungs were filled with fluid. I'm tired when I walk home. It is time to stop kidding myself. Went and did more weights today. I've added the Stepmill to my cardio (a whopping 5 minutes is all I can manage)… and I'm walking home where weather permits. Though my shins hurt today. I am a wimp. It's 2/3 of the way through August and the 3FC challenge and I am a whopping ONE lb down. At this rate I'll reach my goal on May 21, 2008. Pathetic.

On to the comments ~

Meadow~ Good one dodging the wrath of the book loaners. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I will have to try it.

Teel~ It worked!! maybe this is the beginning of some good 'puter karma

Rosebush~ Do you think maybe your tiredness could have been dehydration? That's how it hits me sometimes. Better days are ahead.

Happy~ Glad to hear you have found the right balance between effort and exhaustion. Maybe we can all dance beneath the stellar bodies. That sounds nice. And yes, Just do it is the way to go. I'm in (if I am invited).

Shad~ Oh girl, the idea of a nice R&R weekend in Cairns sounds like just what you need. Peace and quiet. It sounds as if the stress is taking its toll. Don't forget to keep time for yourself. This too will pass and, when all else fails, laugh. Sometimes it is all you can do

PW ~ What else is there? Art? Love? Truth? Sunlight? Laughter? This moment and the choices we can make? What else do we need? Good luck in getting help.

Hi to Tig and Holly and Ceejay and our dear missing Mel. I hope your eyes get better soon. Do what you need to do. to anyone I have missed.

[suzi in auz]

I have just had a lovely read catchin up on you all. I do believe Madcat and me are online at the same time Hope you are having a lovely day and are feeling so much better, isn't it amazing that sickness seems to rotate around the globe? it doesn't matter what the season.

Ok...I have HUGE news!
I just bought a NEW CAR!!!!
It's a brand new Ford focus and bright blue, has auto trans, power windows,steering, cruise control, hatch back 4 doors and really zippy.
I was in dire need of a new car realising that i just couldn't manage the manual too well with the knee and also the 2 doors were driving me bananas with the kids in and out and they are not SMALL kids.
So DH and I went to the car yard and had a browse and came out with a new car. I haven't actually GOT it yet but next week and I can't wait. I only hope my old car last the distance! Knowing I am going to get a new one I hate the old one now

On the "me" front. I have had a strange week. A little less hectic than last week but still quite emotional. I was writing a list of friends to invite to my birthday bash. As I wrote the list I looked and thought " these people barely know me!" It felt strange be invited them to my 40th! I burst into tears and just had a moment. I didn't want DH to think there was anything wrong cos there really wasn't, it was just strange and I had that usual "pang" for the familiar. I had spoken to my Mum on the phone earlier and wondered if that brought it on, she sounded good and it was lovely to hear her voice. I think I realised I barely hear form her ... I'm not sure why. I think it's an out of mind thing for her. ...I dunno just a moment. The boys were worried because I was upset. DS13 gave me a beautiful hug, DS14 was concerned and said " I think Mum's tired" It's his way of understanding his strange Mum.
A had a little ray of sunshine yesterday on the friendship front. A friend whom I have just met and is a wedding photographer and she called me up for a chat My phone never rings so it was so nice. She has asked me to come to a wedding with her on Saturday to help her with cameras etc. I said " of course!" It's just up my alley and Sydney is such a lovely place to get married and I get a lovely 4 course dinner for it! I think she wants to pay me but I don't want her to. it's a pleasure! It was such a lovely thing out of the blue, funny how things happen like that sometimes.
I will attempt to comment to all you lovely ladies, wow you have been busy.

Holly first.... to you at the moment. you have had so much going on. i am amzed when I see how your brain works, always onto the next thing. I hope you and DH find some peace about the kitty situation. Shad is right, Clyde has had a good innings. It is the best thing for him and you all.

Teel Hi there, Lovely to see you. i know what you mean about posting quickly, i know it's happened to me on occasion and you really want to be " heard " by your friends and then it vanishes off into the cosmos, it doesn't seem fair. I am glad the heat has toned down a little for you. We are just starting to warm up here and I am lookinf forward to longer days and warmer evenings.
Meadow, that salad dressing sounds delish! I love ceasar dressing but the very wicked kind and have tried others, they all seem a little vinegary! Good luck with yours. I hope you are having some lovely days with your little ones, summer comes and goes so fast!
ceejay you poor thing, you have had some worry lately. I hope you get some answers from the experts, good job on all the good eating and exercise. Have fun planning the birthday!
rosebush it's so nice to see you. I can just see you around the place. I thought of you this morning when you said when your DH purchsed his motorcycle how he went back and then back again to the dealer, I feel like doing the same with my new car but I am sure they will get sick of me!
Happy....about the gym. i have just learned that my membership for my own gym is now up and I either renew my contract or I cancel it, otherwise it will just roll over. I think I will cancel and then have a think....I need to realise that i am not a particularly disciplined person and I really want the GYM to work for me. This new one was good in that the "little key" told you what to do in your work out but i still have to get myself physically THERE! so I am having a think! will keep you posted of course.
I hope things work out a little better for you with your blood work. It is good to hear that you are "feeling" a little better in yourself...funny the things we say...yes we are all universally the same. I love the fact that y'all GET me!

Mel...have a lovely break, I hope the eyes are better soon...thinking of you and all that work! I can't believe you cut your hair off like that! You are so brave. I can just imagine you how funny. Well a gals gotta do what a gals gotta do!

Shad what's this about a "blonde" moment! my life is full of those! How nice to have to R&R planned you deserve it! and some dancing too....lovely enjoy.
PW great to see you, hope you can resove the Hormonal issues, primrose oil? I dunno but I know the natural way is worth a shot.
Tig.. Lovely to see you too.
everyone else.... gottan fly, lunch calls

[carla49]

Flyby post from busy Carla - am spending ALL my time learning to format the blankety-blank newsletter, quite successfully in fact.

Even if I don't post, I lurk faithfully, and send good vibes and hugs to Holly and her Clyde, Shad and her annoying worklife, Suzi and her new car (Yay! I'm so envious...), Ceejay and her health bothers, Madcat and her absent willpower - I think it's off some where living it up with mine. I've put on a pound since the challenge started, and also broke a tooth eating Smarties, which I think had the fates chortling away.
And of course I never forget to think of Mel and her sore eyes. Wish I had a mental pic of you Mel so I could imagine the new do - I need to do the same thing as I haven't found a new stylist to replace the one who really pissed me off...
Happy, what was the book for tonight's book club?
Meadow, don't despair - there's still lots of summer, just not so many nasty hot humid summer nights, at least that's my take on it.
PW - I wish I'd started HRT as soon as the symptoms came along. I think my "condition" contributed to my marriage falling apart. Of course the real culprit was an immature, irresponsible husband who felt diminished by my professional success, but I think we'd have weathered the storm if my emotions had been under better control. Looking back, even with the breakup being inevitable, I would have suffered so much less without the joy of menopause making it all so much more awful. I'm on HRT now, but think it's doing nothing and the problems I still have are me, not hormones. Of course, evryone has different health issues, and not everyone's a good candidate, but I'm glad I've tried it even if ti's too little too late in myc ase.

Hugs and waves to those I haven't greeted - back to fun with Word for this chick. Ta-ta.