Hi - back briefly. So much I want to respond to but not up to it yet. Weighed in at 214.4 this a.m. Down from last week but not great. I've lost a total of .6 since Feb 14th but I guess better down than up.

I recovered from the meltdown and had a good day during the midst of a rollercoaster week (and it's only wednesday). The high blood number of Monday evening was due to some sort of error at the clinic, Had to have another test done yesterday. Then had stress test done. Got good news tonight that there's no blockages to heart or anything. And blood levels were ok.

The dialysis is still cut but they had also told him that day that another test result showed he could probably go off dialysis. You can imagine how that made him feel. When they rechecked, it was not so. Apparently, another testing error!

Also heard from vascular surgeon that things looked good in his left arm for the surgery he needs. Had a call from his office today that that is tentatively set for April 11th. Some other problems to be worked out yet so we're waiting to hear more on that.

So while I've been recovering from original meltdown, we've been on this rollercoaster. I suspect my meltdown was premature - I usually wait until it's ALL over before I go down for the count.

Kaylets - I'd choose to laugh 'til I cried. Strangely, while I'll eat M&Ms if they're there, I'm having no craving for them. Like tonight, I told myself I can have something and can't figure out what I'd like. I've gone over all sorts of things in my head that are here in the house and don't seem to want any of them. Want SOMETHING just don't know what. And several times recently, I've been checking out of little stores where they have a box of homemade Easter eggs (including my dear peanut butter) and only 60 cents stands between me and nirvana and (believe it or not) I just shrugged my shoulders and said "oh, well". Who is this person living in my body?

Shopped a bit again this afternoon. Bought navy slacks (again) as one's I bought in fall are too baggy and another outfit in Misses sizes - one of my goals. Plus, today dh mentioned the black slacks I had on were looking baggy and i just bought them what seems like a short time ago and they were a pound or two snug when I bought them.

So even though the scale says I'm not doing much, I still feel the Pants=o=meter is working to some degree.

Hi to all, apologies for not catching up w/individuals. Looking for a peaceful day tomorrow. No dialysis, no appointments, hopefully sunshine and a runarond day with my old bf who (despite all of the above) is feeling better day by day and has even been out doing a bit of lawn work. Okay, I'm not really happy about this because I thought we had agreed we'd hire someone this year. But he said it just felt so good to be out digging in the dirt. I won't fight him as long as he keeps it moderate. Of course, he's never known the meaning of the word in the past so I don't have much confidence.

Hmm, maybe some peanut butter on crackers? W/milk? Best I've come up with so far. Nitey-nite.

Hello all!

Anagram- how FRUSTRATING! To be given two sets of wrong test results!! And of course, it's difficult to find out, were they misread at the lab or by the doctor?? Glad your DH is finding the stress relief out in the yard- - I know you'll be keeping an eye on him--

Big excitement about the baggy pants though!! At least DH's noticing if you're not! Seems like your spring walks are making a difference, never mind what the scale says!!

I hope you're luck finding clothes to fit is better than mine- When I was a size 24, it was hard to find, and all the sizes in between, just seems like what I'm looking for is not there! Used to think it was becuase the stores didnt sell much of the bigger sizes but now realize its when I show up at the store, NOT my size!! I just have bad timing!

Well, review didnt get written because I sent home the wrong file on the computer. So guess what I'll be doing early this am.

Is this one full week of spring now???
How shall we remember the day? Right this minute, for me, it might just be getting thru it!! Very sore and achy but we're inbetween rain storms so its really no suprise.
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Have a little question for the day..........

Quest 109 from the Book of Questions
"Since adolescence, in what three-year period do you feel you experienced the most personal growth and change?"

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And today's thought is:"Love the moment and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries"-- Corita Kent


Here's to Thursday!!
We're all in this boat together, we each have an oar, and if we just give our oar a little push, we can MOVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Dollar-- BRAVO on the lbs down!! You are so close I know you can nearly touch that 90lb mark!! Know you're disappointed about the BP medicine but it sounds to me that if it wasnt for the antinflam for the hip wasnt needed, you'd be off the BP med too!!

And I hope the snow is off the roof by now!! Has spring shown up in your part of the world yet??

I MISS the EMPRESS, ARABELLA, SCOOBY, SENAMAY, CEARA, and everyone else I'm missing!! Hope you can come by and let us know how you're doing! WE NEED YOU!!


Take care!

Good Morning All!!

Hope everyone is doing fine!
I weigh in tommorow and am hoping for a 2lb loss.

I'm bummed out though today. For the second day in a row (and a few a couple of weeks ago) my fiance hasn't been able to go to work. We have 1 car and I use it to go to work. My work is a totally different way that to get to his (he's an electrician and moves around sites a lot). So if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid. Less money for us! A guy he works with that he PAYS $40 a week for a ride to and from work decides he's not going yesterday or today. So we've been brainstorming trying to figure out where we can come up with the money for another car (plus insurance etc) It's darn near impossible having to pay for the wedding too. I don't know what to do!!!

Speaking of wedding, the pastor that we finally found that said he would perform our ceremony has never called. We've been calling for 3 weeks and he must be on vacation or something. We're supposed to meet with him to write up the ceremony. Don't know what's going on there!!!!

Guess I'm having a bad day.

Hope everyone elses day goes better than mine!!!
Hugs to you all!!

Dollar, sorry your visit to the doctor didn't go according to plan---but you how overly cautious doctors can be, Generally a good trait to have in a doctor!

Anagram, Thanks for checking in. Even though your husband is on dialysis now, there is the possibility that he can stop altogther some day? Wouldn't that be grand? Speaking of that, I think it's wonderful that you have that 'take it or leave it' attitude toward your beloved PB eggs. You're a new woman!
By the way, since you mentioned your meltdown I've been trying to remember the saying that was on a plaque in my grandmother's house and I think I've got it: "When all this is over, I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. I deserve it, I've worked hard for it and no one is going to deprive me of it!"

Frogger, good luck with your weigh-in. What a pain about needing an extra car. I tell ya, I can handle anything but when it comes to worrying about finances, I can go into panic mode pretty quickly.

Kaylets, I love the Book of Questions! They're always fun to use when meeting someone new--it's a good way to find out how twisted someone is!
Honestly I think I may be in the midst of my biggest 3-year period of growth and change. I had that false cancer diagnosis last year [a life-altering experience if there ever was one!], a parting of the ways with someone who was a big part of my life for 24 years, I'm turning 40 with all the gifts and challenges that come with it. I feel all sorts of shifts happening with myself---physically, spiritually, and dare I say? even sexually! The 40's are going to be fun! Can I get an amen, sisters?

Mornin', Ceara. Nice to see you back and nice for me to be back.

Today is our recreation day. "Recreation" these days being grocery store and lunch out but that's cool enough for me.

The forties are the Best (says the old veteran)! I felt more in charge of my life then than ever. Had graduated from college at 39, kids were off and I was off and running. And yes, I'd agree, sexually, particularly after hyster at 44.

Three years of growth - boy, I feel like I've had a lot of them. Growth and change - that probably would be during the time when 1 dh had heart surgery and retired the first time 2 my dear dad (who had already been quite ill) was diagnosed with cancer and died two months later 3 my ds got married 4 my dh went back to work 5 my dd got married 6. my mother had surgery for cancer (doing well still) All of that was in an 18 month period but if you count the next 18 months until I stopped reeling that would be 3 years.

Another (if I may stretch it just a bit) was the time I spent back in school for the obvious reasons. During that time, dd had spinal surgery, spent 10 months in a cast, MIL had surgery for cancer, FIL died, dh made partner (almost lost in the shuffle), you know, the usual stuff of life but a time when I was convinced I had become Wonder Woman (still feel like that a lot, except on scheduled breakdown days) and was holding the world together.

Eydie, that's the motto of my life. Your Grandma was a wise woman. There is still a miniscule chance dh's kidneys might improve enough to be off dialysis. We're not counting on it but it's not been ruled out. There has obviously been some improvement which helps and he's feeling so much better. Just not yet where he was nor where he wants to be.

Wow, Frogger! what a predicament. Esp if df moves around a lot, almost impossible to get reliable transportation. Do you work in DC or a suburb? I know Woodbridge is pretty far south but you've mentioned a long commute. Does your Mom have a job to get to as well? Sure hope the minister is reliable. Had similar problem w/vocalist for dd's wedding. Finally just had to get someone else (not easy at last minute, as you know). Then a week or so later, he calls with silly story about "just finding" an old message on his machine. He was a good friend of organist who wasn't happy either but he also worked with the second vocalist and she sort of chewed the organist out and got it all together. But nerve wracking and more so when it's the officiant.

I ditto Kaylets Miss List and the wow for dollar. I'm so darned pleased with my 35 down, I can't imagine how I'd feel at 87. Like I'm holding onto helium balloons.

I always have trouble finding the kind of clothes I like (and that fit), Kaylets. That's why I've held onto so many. Finding though they don't fit quite like they used to. But just getting into them is great. More exercise definitely needed. Timing is probably a big part of my problem because I only want to buy when on sale so lots of stuff is probably gone.

Hope to find a pair of navy shoes today so I can wear with some of the older ones. Shoes are the HARDEST for me. Don't consider this kind of shopping any FUN at all. Except of course when I actually find something.

Picture, please, Ceara when you get it all together.

Oh, so long again.......sorry.

Happy Friday eve!

Doesn't the first full work week after vacation just bite????

I echo Kaylet's "miss list" too! Where is everyone????

Eydie - I've been in my house almost a year n' a half now. I moved in Oct. 2001. My first home, mine all mine. I have been toying with painting my closet deep purple since I said from day one "when I own my own home I'm going to paint the walls purple" - I think I will!
Thanks to you and Anagram for the outlook on the 40's. I still have few years to go, but it's great to know it only gets better!

Ceara - Good luck (or should I say 'break a leg'?) in your play! Oh, and *I* sing in the car!!!!

Dollar - Congrats on the loss! You must be really looking forward to seeing that big 90 pounds gone mark! Sorry about the Dr.'s decision - but it sounds like it's just a delay and you'll get off the meds soon. I hope the walk works for you too - it sounds a bit late to me, but then I'm up at 5am too...

Anagram - Ok, the labs being wrong twice has got to make you mad... Even though I'm not a religious person in the normal sense of the word, I've always believed in the saying that we're never given more than we can handle. Believe it - you're an amazingly strong woman!
Oh, and "pants-o-meter"!!!!

Kaylets - Yes, today is 1 week of spring! Of course you'd never know it if you were here. Yesterday it was sunny, then rained, then hailed, then snowed, then rain.... Gotta love central Oregon weather
Loved your question too - I know exactly what 3 years I'd think of - '98-'00. That was the span of time when I started seeing my marriage falling apart, did the counseling thing, Grandma died suddenly, marriage imploded, filed for divorce, lost my dogs in court, moved 500 miles from *everything*, my Mom's cancer scare, my other Grandma died, 16 months for the divorce to finalize.... yeah, a 3 years worth forgetting - but on the other hand I don't think I'd be who I am had I not lived through it all. Again, you're never given more than you can handle...

Frogger - Oooh, that pastor.... people who don't return phone calls - my BIGGEST pet peeve. I hope something works out. You also have my sympathy regarding being car-less. I was stuck in that position once after an ex-boyfriend blew up the engine in my car - I ended up buying another car at 19% interest because I HAD to have something. Bad position to be in... I'll keep my fingers crossed for something to come up (great car with keys in the ignition with a sign saying "take me" would work right??).

Off to Home Depot after work and another home improvement store to do some shoppin'. I always do this - do nothing on the house until I know company's coming then haul butt getting all kinds of stuff finished.... nah, I'm not a procrastinator...

Toodles,
Terri

hi all!

just wanted to check in and see how you all are. i'm thinking of you and wishing you well, even though i can't always respond to your individual posts. i'm having some "technical difficulties" due to ms right now, so will keep this brief. i've been op today and got in some exercises earlier in the day. well, take care.

wsw

Hello all!

Ceara- how I envy your play!! Drama club is still my favorite highschool memory-- and how much I admire musical ability!!
Wouldnt it be fun to see you in costume?? and am glad to hear that no one's costume will be "nekkid"--- too much reality for me!



A new puppy sounds like fun too!! Its probably a good thing we don't have much more yard or house as I know we'd have more than 2 here!

Anagram- How true! The priorities become crystal clear when we we understand how quickly our time is spent here. My parents are still alive and I dread the day their health begins to fail. We are also fortunate that DD and DS are healthy although DSIL has a heart condition from birth w/ other illness related to the side effcts of the medications and inactivity. ( Gout, etc).

WSW- So sorry to hear you are have a rough time !! Hoping the "technical difficulties" ease up very soon !! Your positive attitude and bravery inspire me! Hope you can check in w/ us again soon -- We are keeping the wing chair by the front window for you!! And I've got a cup of tea for you too!!

Frogger-- Hmmm, the perpetual dilemma-- necessities of life have a way of making themselves known no matter how much we ignore them!! The good news is most insurance companies rates are better once you're married ( for the most part). Glad to hear DFiancee has his drivers license now. Motor Vehicle must be on the top ten of places everyone hates to go!
Sometimes when I resist paying for the necessities, I think of how much money would be lost without the necesseties. For example, if I let the electric get turned off, the hassle of candles, losing food in the fridge and freezer, reconnect fees, etc.

Punkin- Purple closet sounds very ROYAL!!
If it gives you a chuckle I say "JUST DO IT!" Its just paint after all!!
Deck sounds great-- we want DETAILS!! How many levels?? What kind of railings did you choose? There are so many pretty ones to choose from- the sunrise, the cut-out-work, etc. Are you painting or staining? Redwood or "aging ??"
AND----- who is installing it??? Any handsome carpenters here???


Today's question is Quest 24 from the Book of Questions: Are there people you envy enough to trade lives with them? Who are they??

Today's thought is:

"The love of our neigbor in all its fullness simply being able to say to him, "What are you going through? "-- Simone Weil

Lets make this a memorable Friday!

PS- Review is about 1/2 done! Whew!

I've been AWOL, I know. Got some kind of fluey thing - achy, sinusy, can't think. This seems almost to be some kind of chronic thing - maybe some kind of allergy?

Actually, the brain fog lifted yesterday, which was a relief work-wise. Had my darling grandson overnight Tuesday, and he was sick too, so I got about 3 hours sleep and did one of those mad dashes out to the drugstore in the middle of the night, coat flung on over nightie.

I had a couple of days that I didn't do well, diet-wise. Anybody else have trouble when you're tired or not feeling well? It occured to me that much of the time when I feel not together psychologically is when I don't feel well physically. I know I'm prone to binges then, too. I guess the answer is to try to work on my health. Which I do anyway, but maybe be more vigilant?

I'm almost done my work for the month. DH and I are taking a 2-day trip to Halifax for a little R&R by our selves. I intended to be completely done and take a 4 day weekend off work, but I will at least be able to finish up comfortably on Monday.

Good news is I just signed a contract to do work for a guy that I wanted to get work from. From all reports, he's great to work for, and it sounds like I can get as much work as i want from him. VISA begone!

I've been doing some work with the Adult Children of Alcoholics literature and I think that is really going to help me.

Kaylets, it's been the funniest thing here on PEI. Last Thursday, we had the first day above freezing (maybe the second) since the fall. And the whole week since, the weather has just changed right on schedule. Mind you, we've still got piles of snow but there are patches of ground and I saw crocuses pushing up through in someone's yard! It's almost like winter and spring consulted the calendar

Re: 3 years of growth, I'm having some trouble. I'm trying to get a serious personal growth period going right now.

Punkin, that's exciting about your guy getting a job w. yr co. Don't remember if it's official or not, but in any case one senses that this is to be "a continuing stoooooory." And Happy Friday!

wsw, I've been thinking about you! Everything is so much harder for me when I don't feel well. How do you cope? You're an inspiration!

And speaking of inspirations, DOLLAR!!!!! Wooooo-hooooo! what a success story!

Anagram, I'm going for the "laugh 'til I cry" too! I've had lots of food indulgences lately, and they just are not doing it for me. I will add the proviso, for me tho', that I want to do it with a co-laugher, instead of with people looking at me like I'm crazy

Frogger, hope that your transportation woes work out without a hitch. These technical problems can really make life seem difficult sometimes, can't they.

Ceara, break a leg! V. glad to hear that you won't have to be nekkid in front of an audience

Eydie, I love hearing about your belly-dancing exploits. Re: post 40 --- oh where, oh where has my libido gone? Don't know if this is hormonal, psychological, or a mix, but I'm going to try to get it back. DH really misses it! Maybe belly dancing would help

Wildfire, hope all is peaceful in your household!

Amarantha, I hope that all your endeavors are going well, and that we'll see you back here soon

To all Springettes, mentioned or unmentioned, let's make this a good one! Love to all, and happy weekend!

Can't resist the Q! Kaylets, although I envy other people's lives, I usually want my own life, just .... fixed-up!

Good Morning!!!

I'm posting a 1lb loss for the week. Not bad concidering that shortly after I weighed in this morning mother nature decided it was my week.
That's not the only bad thing that has happend this morning. I've been up since the butt crack of the morning (3:30) so I could get my fiance to work and get myself to work on time. So much for "on time" I was half an hour late, but no one else comes in until 7:30 so no one knows!!!!! We SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO need a little piece of crap car to get him to and fro. At least to work, he doesn't have to drive it anywhere else. Just something that will make it to work and back everyday. AUGHHHH

On another note, still haven't heard back from that pastor. My sister is going to ask her pastor if he will do it or if he knows of someone that is available. Another AUGHHH

Well, I hope everyone else's day started off better than mine. Check ya later!

Like our Wood Nymph, I envy some things about other's lives but can't think of anyone I'd trade with. I'd like to be thinner, healthier, richer, etc. but would never give up dh, dd,ds, etc for any others. Plus am satisfied with my own life overall (a worthy goal, I would think).

Eking out another fairly nice morning here, looks like - to take a turn for the worse soon.

DD and family arriving this afternoon for an overnight. Always enoy the coming of the (exhausting) princesses. Problem is I've been doing the clothes sorting in dd's bedroom so must hustle up and do more or hide it all somewhere and start over. Plus all undone projects on the dining room table must be dealt with (computer is in dining room and table is used more for paper than food). But worth the effort. They'll be gone again tomorrow and I can get it all out again, I guess.

Great to see you again, W.N. Enjoy that weekend! Hope you feel better soon.

You too, wsw. Are you finding being op is helpful to the ms?

Purple closet sounds like fun!

Knock 'em dead, Ceara.

Must get off this machine or I'll never be ready to play with the kiddles.

Hi Everybody!

Ceara, I'd love to see a pic of you in your saloon gal get-up! And I'm sure I speak for us all. Tonight's the big night, huh?

Arabella, I was starting to get worried. I was about to seek you out via e-mail. I've had some kind of weird cold thing too---I've had so many colds this season. Not good.

Anagram, are you going out with your family or are you staying in? Are you cooking?

Frogger, congrats on losing that pound! Okay, I'll just say it: I can't believe that person hasn't called you back. I think that's out rageous! Best of luck with the search. When is your wedding day?

Punkinseed, paint that closet purple--absolutely!

Hi wsw! Hope your 'technical difficulties' pass quickly.

Kaylets, after much deliberation I can't think of anyone I'd trade places with and that's a revelation in itself. Only thing is I'd want to have more money--I don't even want to be fabulously wealthy, just secure. But all in all, life's pretty sweet.

Almost forgot. I weighed myself this morning and I'm still at 146 pounds. My dream is still to get down to 135 by my 40th birthday--May 25th. It's ambitious, but I'm still going for it.

Eydie, dd and hubby will probably take advantage of free babysitting and go out to eat. I'll cook for the girls and dh but it will be something child friendly (like they love to make pancakes). Dh will really be a whatever, whatever works on his diet. If dd/dh don't go out, it'll be pizza or whatever they order in. I used to knock myself out but dd is a very picky eater, the girls don't eat much grownup food, dh on special diet. Blah! I'm not the world's best cook anyway so I've been taking the easy route since dh took ill. I cook more for son/wife because they eat a lot of things I like that dh doesn't (or can't). But they don't really seem to appreciate (or want) fuss either. SIL pretty much appreciates whatever I do (daughter doesn't cook much). Always politely thanks me, says everything was good, etc.

So most of shopping, cooking revolves around girls and things they like to eat or make while they're here.

Back to sorting clothes. Ugh.......Dh is out doing yard work again and I'd love to take a few minutes to join him. Well, why not?