Punkin, definitely go for the purple closet! I love the idea of painting the insides of cupboards and closets interesting colors -- like a nice "surprise" when you open the doors! Definitely adds an interesting touch. to the decor

Eydie, ditto on the bad season -- I've been sick about half the time since January Sometimes I think it's just one horrible virus that mutates. Only thing I can think of to do is to really work on my health, which I do find helps. Here's to feeling better!

Anagrammy, you have a wonderful time with your princesses! Aren't grandchildren one of the sweetest things in life!

Frogger, I am sending vibes your way for both the car and the pastor situations! Remember to breathe!

K, this time I really am going! Kisses!

Wonderful, blessed FRIDAY!!!!!

My arms and legs feel weighted today - it's been a long week. I've been here by myself all week as my Mom's been fighting some gawd-awful bug... Looking much forward to the weekend!

I agree with those of you that said you wouldn't exchange lives - I don't think I would either. I'd like my life, only better - and only *I* can change that!

Had a bit of a shocker yesterday. I bumped into my neighbors who's son & daughter I used to baby-sit when we all lived in CA (long story of how they ended up a block away from us in OR). Their son is now a Marine - his last known location was the Philipines, but they think, because of his sudden lack of communication, that he's finally been deployed. I knew it was going to eventually happen, but to finally hear it was a bit hard. Also, his sister is married to a Marine who's already in Kuwait... This is getting to be too close to home...

Ok, the closet will be painted purple! (once it's warmer so it'll dry!)

WSW - Take good care. Post when you can...

Ceara - Yea! I wanna see the puppy too! What kind is it that you're getting? *sigh* I can't wait till I can get a puppy...

Kaylets - Oh, the deck won't be anything all that fancy. It's going to be 10x18, stained redwood (once it's dry long enough for me to stain!) and the railings, etc. are a design of my stepfathers - wide top railings and 1x1 posts attaching them to the deck every 6 inches or so (if that makes sense). As for cute carpenters.... well, since *I'm* doing most of the work, then yeah, I guess the carpenter's cute... I'll do the deck part and my stepfather will do the stairs and railings.
Nothing official with "my guy". He called yesterday and we talked for over an hour (again). It's been fun - whatever it is...

Arabella - In answer to your question, yes, being sick makes me eat garbage - if it's a common cold. Flu, then no (of course), but a cold - I'll go through 1/2 gallons of ice cream and instant mashed potatoes (with frozen veggies in it) and gobs of butter.... total comfort food. Also, Bisquick drop biscuits - with butter and home made jelly. Geez, too bad I'm not sick more often - this is starting to sound really good!

Frogger - I'd drop that pastor - quick. Geez, if he won't even call you back, I'd worry that if you DID finally get him, if he'd even remember to show up for the wedding??? Pretty irresponsible sounding to me.... I hope your sister can help you out.

Anagram - Enjoy the visit with your princesses!

Well, right now the skies are blue, not even a breeze (granted, it's 20 degrees) but it looks like yesterday's confused weather has passed (lightning/thunder, hail WITH sunshine) and I juuuuust might get some yard work done.
On a sad note, it doesn't appear that my daffodils are going to survive the freeze we had last night.... bummer.

Weekend bound!
Terri

hey all, just checking in again.

beginning to think that it's a sign or something since this is the second pastor who has bailed on us. I had a really hard time finding this one. I literally called all the churches in the town we are getting married in. (There's A LOT of churches there) He's the only one that had the date open. I'm hoping my sister's pastor will do it or someone. I have a feeling that we're going to have to go to the courthouse friday and get married and then have a "wedding" as planned on saturday. If I'd of known how rough the process was to find a pastor or officiant in the first place, I could have saved a boatload of moolah doing the courthouse thing. Maybe we'll just wait until we go on our honeymoon and get married. That might be interesting. There's a few wedding chapels in New Orleans. I guess I'm just starting to stess out about everything. Only 49 more days until May 17th!!!!

Yo! Selfish me-me-me drive-by postie from Lurker Land! I miss everyone but am sticking to my little Easter challenge on the journal for now. Time is at a premium when one works as slowly as I do.

Everyone seems to be doing well, though poor Frogger needs a cleric to step up to the plate and officiate at her wedding. What a state things have come to when ministers' services are getting as hard to come by as doctors' and auto mechanics' ... I really think that s**** big-time!

Punkin: I love the thought of you and your purple closets.

Got to go take a nap now and then start working (maybe tomorrow'd be better, though)! Dumped Curves today and signed up for a trial month at the grown-up gym. It is cheaper and I get a free personal training session and unlimited access to all machines, classes, pools, etc. ... plus some people who I wish would employ me in future work out there AND that couldn't hurt ... I am gonna be a fitness goddess someday with a good job!

Thanks for stopping by, Empress A!

Hello ALL!

Empress-- So NICE to see you! -- I am PEA GREEN that your new gym has swimming! If you remember, I've been looking for an affordable place w/ swimming lesssons since last fall.
My guess is that you will see results very quickly as the swimming involves so many muscles at once and becuase its something new.
OH BOY I"M JEALOUS!

Punkin-- Look at all the activity points you'll be earning too putting the deck together-- and later, you'll have the satisfaction of that " I did this" everytime you step out onto to it.

DH and I are just starting to make plans for our gardens. Some "alterations" are needed in front, the stone walll sunk in places from frost heave but the back yard doesnt need that much this year. Bought lettuce seed and starter pots to use w/ the yogurt cups we're also saving. Decided NOT to do cabbage again as we really only have a postage stamp garden and cabbage needs so much room. But I do want many more sunflowers than last year and also plan morning glories 4 or 5 places more this year too.

Uneasy truce w/ DS was broken Thursday. It almost seems to me that his generation's form of rebellion is to resist adult responsibilities as long as possible. He spent Thursday night "out", came in Friday pm to tell DH that he had now "moved" and would contact us when coming by for "his "things. He only came by for a shirt and pants but did stop in the bathroom for his toothbrush. Now DH's good razor is missing, etc, etc. The razor is an example of common " thought it was mine" incidents. Short story is-- locks are being changed today as DH is scheduled to go back to work on Monday.
We do not have anything of great value anyway -- it used to be called Tough Love-- today, the term "enabling" is more common.
DS's "recreational" activities have been affecting his employment for more than 3 yrs but he was a recipient of the good economy.
Now that things are so much tighter, more rules are being enforced and he can't bypass employers who insist on drugtests b/4 employment. He was very frustrated w/ "someone who told me beer will hide anything-- They were wrong!" Typical-- he's the victim, he was misled, we should understand why he is out of work again and realize he needs cash NOW.

And that leads me to finally answering the question about most growth-- Teenage and early adulthood years w/ DD and DS have made me understand that I will never say "Well, look how they were raised" because it really should be "Look how they choose to live"-- Both DD and DS had nearly the exact same upbringing ( except the obvious gender differences) yet DD is proudly independent and DS ---NOT.
Some folks have to figure out things the hardest way-- no matter how many maps you offer--

Getting very long-- -- need to get to the hardware store!!

Today's question of the day: "For $20,000 would you go for 3 mos without washing, brusing your teeth, or using deodorant? Assume you would not explain your reasons to anyone and that there would be no long- term effect on your career. "


Today's thought: " When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our self preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness."--- Joseph Campbell

Let's have some tea!!

Kaylets, Thanks for sharing with us what's happening with your son. I can't imagine how frustrating, disappointing and sad this is for you.
I've heard other parents say that their kids will do absolutely outrageous things and then the kid acts like they don't know what the big deal is. Really frustrating.
I had a conversation with a friend just yesterday about how kids learn integrity and honor--and she said 'that's something you learn at your mother's knee'. I don't fully agree with that. It's all about how you choose to live.
You and your husband are doing the right thing for your son---it's got to be so hard for you though. I'll be thinking about you. Be strong.


About today's question: I think it'd have to be a cool million before I'd consider going without my daily ablutions for 3 months. Can you imagine how furry your teeth would get? Yuck!

Yo! Drive-by again ... Punkin, thanks for putting that comment on my journal ... please email me sometime if I disappear ... I think I gave the address to you? Dunno! Mind is going!

Kaylets: Sorry thou be having kidlet troubles ... sounds like thy approach is the right one but it is sometimes hard to be strong! Hope things get better.

BTW, I didn't mean to imply that I would EVER using the swimming option ... I'm terrified of water! But I'm going to try everything else ... it's really affordable. Can't wait to go today ... just playing around until I do the weight machines with the trainer ... I've only ever used freeweights.

Re your question ... I wouldn't do it even for a million ... what a terrible thought!

Well, we now have new keys -- DH had the lock changed in record time (Ironic?) - when we drove away both of us felt relief.

So, thanks Eydie and Empress- I 'm pretty much a spectator at this stage, technically, he is D StepS- This is a new place for DH to be though- But, he knows he has done far more than most would have done and it is time. In case anyone's wondering, DS is 23.

Empress- DH found the smoothie maker at Kitchen store yesterday.--We just had mixed fruit w/ vanilla yogurt- Remind me of your favorite recipe-- I want to try that too!
And I understand your fear of water- that's why I want to learn to swim-- trying to get past it--
Did you see on tv how some places have spining classes in the pools now??

We are running out to the Big W store for water and yellow ribbon.
Are there yellow ribbons in your neighborhood?

at least not in Central PA. Boo, hiss....

But I had enough little hugs and kisses to make the next week sunny. I feel so popular when the princesses are here. The two and a half year old doesn't let the almost seven get ahead of her in any way. So now when I head to hug the 7, the other shoulders her way in and she's FAST so she often gets to me first.

anyway, a few sore muscles from lifting up the younger one (weighs a ton and I try to watch what I say because she's repeated from others "I'm so heavy" and I don't want that to become a mindset) but otherwise resting up nicely.

Right, Wood Nymph, grandchildren are a real refreshment of spirit.

Kaylets, I am so sorry to hear of your situation re son. Even if your brain knows it's right way to go (and I'm sure it is), it's still awfully hard on the heart. It's important to remember, you've done your best. Off the top of my head, I can think of three families I know well who have an estrangement problem with a child. All were good parents. In two cases they have no idea what even caused the estrangement and both mothers will often say "I don't know what I did wrong" and I doubt they DID anything WRONG as each has other children devoted to them.
It IS about choices all through life, isn't it?

Empress, so glad to hear from you! You're always with us in spirit, I know but it's so nice to have you speak to us.

Punkin, hope your veggie weekend refreshes too. Need energy for those cozy hour long phone calls.

Ceara, applause, applause. I'm sure you're on a cloud - how'd it go?

Frogger, any transportation progress? 3:30 a.m. is just TOO early.

Bounced off the se rver again. Sure hope I can get this out without losing it. Sunny Sunday to others better geographically situated.

Hello all!

I got bounced too!

So here's the Readers Digest Version!

Saw the official first Robin of Spring yesterday! Then of course, saw dozens of them but was thrilled to see my first one!

Thanks Anagram-- you're right- once I started sharing w/ a few other parents, found many similiar situations also happening.
And you're right, in most cases, the only thing done wrong is doing too much. Are the princesses keeping your DH entertained too??

Today's thought is:"All of us need to be touched on the deepest parts of our lives to have our spirit uncapped. If you uncap it, it will go everywhere. That's why we're here."--
Reverend Cecil Williams


Today's Question of the Day: Question #184 from the The Book of Questions--Gregory Stock, Ph.dWhen you are given a compliment, do you usually acknowledge it or suggest that your really don't deserve it??


More than 1/2 way thru w/ the review-- YIKES!--

I'll be checking in!

Who would like a cup of tea ??

Having my second cup as I type, Kaylets! Yes, dh is entertained/tired by the princesses. But Mimi is the one they flock to (and I've worked hard for that). He enjoys my enjoying them and there is still the matter of protecting his dialysis port. He's always been involved with them but also has always stepped back to give me first crack. They'll always take Mommy first but I come in second even over Daddy when we're all together. (A lot of bragging here!)

When I was younger, I couldn't take a compliment well but have learned to. Even if I don't see it as being valid, I usually just say "Why, thank you" and try to do it in a way so as to make the giver feel good about themselves for giving out a compliment.

I'm still not a gracious gift accepter (according to dd) but am working on that. I think with my kids, I've not wanted them to go to a lot of expense, effort and they've seen that as being not gracious. I appreciate so much the smaller things in life that I think I'm more appreciative of small gestures than expensive material things. But she's pointed out that SHE wants me to have the things she buys and most of them are nice and it's not that I don't appreciate having them. So I guess it's time I stop putting myself after them. They're grown up.

Ironically, I find it's ds who remembers little things I like. He's not as much a gift giver but when he does (if he's chosen it and not ddil) it usually obviously reflects something he knows about me. Like he remembers how I like mocha anything; so when he bought the birthday cake, it's mocha even though almost no one else in the family shares that addiction. Or once when he bought a loofah sponge back scrubber and his wife was sort of embarrassed by the choice; but I loved it and esp. because he remembered I had had one earlier in his life. Hubby says I'm easily pleased but I think it's actually harder to come up with the emotionally satisfying "perfect" gift regardless of price. But I'm working on being able to accept graciously the more material as well because I'm worth it. And, thanks, dd for that bit of wisdom to Mom.

We're having snow at the moment. Heavy and sticking to grass but not supposed to affect roads/traffic. Hope not but it will go soon if it does. Must get at it and get ready for church.

How long has it been snowing Anagram??

We seem to be inbetween storms, dogs are coming in dry.

Yes, its true, the gift that shows that someone did remember your favorite is always the best-- no matter the cost. But it is soooo nice to know someone wants us to have the "better " things, that someone wants us to have something special we would never do for ourselves.

Just this past week, I was forced to take a long bath two nights in a row to get some relief for a painful shoulder. I had all the right things waiting, bath pillow, candles, loofah's (!) but put it off as "wastnig water, not enough time, etc"-- What a pleasant reminder !! And the relief was amazing!

Still fighting my way through this review. Going to set the timer for 15 minutes and finish it that way-- Just can't stay motivated !

I'll be back!

Yo! Anagramatic, Amarantha be dying to speak to all of thee all the time! It's just her ADD getteth worse as she ages and she can't get her work done 'cause she's wanting to post all the time and she needeth the money from this f****** job ... and she feeleth bad when she can't answer every post and only does me-focused posts all the time and she feeleth bad when she maketh weight goals and encourages others to do so and then she faileth everytime!!!

Ahem, EXCEPTETH this time! For the past two weeks, A hath lost a pound each week! It be a bit shaky on Big Daddy Analog Scale this week, but the needle be brushing the next pound down so that's our story and we're stickin' to it, Kemo Sabes!

Personal training session at gym tomorrow!! I shall be a fitness model in no time, albeit an aging one! Better late than never I say!

to all!

Kaylets: Lately I've been using the trick of writing down a vow to write my stories for work in 10-minute segments ... I write down how many segments I want to work on a story (say, six) and check them off as I do them ... it's surprisingly effective in keeping me from wandering too much, even though I don't always make the goal.

Re the question o' the day: I believe I usually just accept compliments with a thank you ... sometimes compliments aren't sincere and are used to further someone else's agenda, so it's best not to put too much stock in them either way.

Empress- Congrats on 1 more lb gone! You are on a roll now!
You are MOVING!!!

10 minutes on the clock sounds good too today!

We made Rasberry smoothies again today- used a full cup of lo fat milk w/ the yogurt and fruit and the machine had a much easier time than yesterday--
Didn't you have a recipe w/ Sugar Free Flavored Syrups? I can't remember their name but I thought you had come up w/ a recipe.

Now I'm wishing DH had picked up the popsicle molds as its almost impossible to find the wooden popsicle sticks around except in craft stores. and I wonder how sterile those are?