Happy Friday eve!

Ok, so what's with the annoying Adkins pop ups when we're trying to post?!?!? GO AWAY! (nothing against the program, everything against having my screen hijacked while I'm trying to type!).

Anywho... hoping for a quiet day. I've been reading about how the war is affecting people - either feeling depressed or extremely tired for no apparent reason. I fall into the later catagory. Just wiped out... So far no word on my friend's son's deployment - no news is good news I'd guess.

Eydie - Thank you for telling me about your cat - it does give me hope and I told my Mom about it. I will expect my miracle - until my Mom gives up hope, I won't either.

Kaylets - Wow, that's stress with a capital "S"! Sounds like you passed with flying colors though - so nah-nah-nah on them!

WSW - Harder on Mom than it is me - I still go home to "my girls". Keeping our fingers crossed that the little grey bug is out playing wild kitty somewhere.

Arabella - Anagram's right, neither carp nor crap is good. Take good care and feel better soon!

Ok, Kaylet's question...
~For dinner, I'd invite Dr. Wayne Dyer (motivational speaker)
~For a close friend (besides the amazing ones I have, of course), I'd want "my guy" - and I mean that in the geographical sense - if he were closer I think, if nothing else, we'd be great friends.
~For a lover... well, since it looks like I'd have competition with Eydie *and* Arabella (sheesh what is it about Alan Rickman? - nevermind, I *know* what it is!) I will dare to be different and take Alan Cumming - and have Alan Rickman on stand-by - like a little Alan sandwich...

Must skeedaddle,
Terri

I cant wait til friday...actually tuesday. Im going to florida on tuesdsay for a week...

I havent been around...think i have been a bit of a funk. Feeling really spent and exhausted. Luckily havent gained any weight back..however havent lost any. I think im mentally used to the weight im on so i cant get the motivation to push it off.

Pumpkinseed im sorry to hear about your cat...yea i would be going freaking crazy however my co worker cat ran away for a 2 weeks and came back...a little beaten up but he survived. And is doing well. He still tries to run out of the house if he gets the chance. And the female cat gets all pissed off at him when he does that.

So i have been dating a little bit..going just ok. A little scared...you know its so hard to tell when a guy is playing you or not. Oh well

Talk to u all later. i miss you guys

Sheryl

hi everyone!

i'm hanging in there op. last night was feeling a little touch and go in that respect, but in the end, decided not to give in and am glad about that. i had a meltdown the other night about my "technical difficulties" and how they really affect my life and it made me sad. also, i hadn't really previously stated out loud much about how it makes me feel emotionally.i talked to my closest friend about this the other night. he was very understanding, kind, and patient with me, as he always is. (he is a platonic friend.) i've still been feeling kind of raw, but more accepting (well, a little more, anyway!) of how things are, rather than how i would like them to be.

arabella-i hope you're feeling better very soon!

scoobysnacks-good to hear how you are doing. hope you have a great time in florida next week. staying the same and not gaining any weight back is a big victory in my eyes!

kaylets- you certainly have reason to be impressed with yourself!

--and hi to everyone else. thinking of you all. take care.

HI

WSW god i think we all experience technical difficulty. just realize it will pass . That is how i deal with my rough spots in life. Im glad you have a good friend to turn too.

Day is almost over....cant wait. I went to lord and taylor today and bought a coat for like 30 bucks..that was very exciting. And the fact that i could buy a large and not an extra large felt so dam good. HOwever i ate indian food while i was at the mall and i originally going for salad...sometimes those tastors really work...oh well. Im lazy so im making my brother take me to the gym again..having trouble doing it on my own. Thank god for him.

Talk with you later

Scooby, so good to "see" you again! You'll have to tell us all about your dating adventures. Also, I've thought so many times about your 'pound a week' program---that's so reasonable and do-able. I remind myself of it whenever I'm tempted to do something drastic, like one of those silly 'lose 10 pounds in 2 days' diets.

Punkin, "A little Alan sandwich"! Sounds delicious!

Hoorah! Arabella's back!

wsw, I'm glad that you have a close friend to vent with about your 'technical difficulties'. I feel a little sheepish asking this, because it reveals that I wasn't paying attention--but could you share a little about what you mean by that?

Anagram, who's Theodore Bikel? Again, I'm revealing my ignorance!

Weigh-in tomorrow morning! I'll let you know....

Hmmm. I can't see posts I've missed from this screen so I'm not sure what the question was about crickets exactly, but I wouldn't eat them for any amount of money.

On the question as to who I'd want to have dinner with, not sure if this fits the spirit of the thing, but the answer to that for me is I always want my older brother as my dinner guest, though that doesn't happen often.

Best friend ... I don't want anymore of those!

Lover ... Where to start?

Anagram, I'm taking you up on the no guilt for me-me posts ... they're all I can manage right now ... hope dh's procedure goes well.

My gym ratness is going well, but had two days of extra meetings and binges, back on track by saving up some snacks for just before and after tonight's meeting.

To all losers herewith enscribed, hoorah!!! Keep up the good work and to all plateauville residents, it's a good place to visit for awhile and even if we get stranded, there's always the Metabolism Garage around the corner.

I have no idea what the above means, just really tired ... this post doesn't sound like me or any of my 72 personalities ... perhaps there's another one in there I don't know about?

Hmmmm.

Wood Nymph, Punkin, Wsw, Dollar, Kaylets, Anagram, Frogger, Eydie, Flower, and everyone or anyone I failed to mention:

hi all! hope everyone is having a good evening.
scooby- i bet if felt good to buy a smaller size, ----that's great!
kaylets- i like the thought for the day. as for the question:hmm, i would want charlie rose as my dinner guest(because i like his eclectic group of guests on his show. i'd also like to be a guest at one of his parties, with the chance to talk with a lot of the guests he has had on. i would like my close friend(s) to be the wonderful, smart, irreverently funny, and comapassionate ones i already have; and as my lover, i would like the actor who plays ian thornhart on the soap opera, port charles (don't know his name.) what can i say, i don't mind watching a show with characters who are vampires, etc, with such a cute actor on it as he is!
punkinseed-just as i was reading your post, as a matter of fact, one of the pop- ups you mentioned appeared!
eydie- what i mean by my "technical difficulties" are my physical and cognitive problems /symptoms which i have due to having ms. they vary in intensity at times, and some, one, or all, may be acting up at once, and include: trouble with walking (from numbness,weakness, pain in legs), manual dexterity loss, blurred vision, problems with speech, and memory ("short term memory problems with retrieval of info."-basically meaning, i am much better now at remembering/using info. i had learned prior to the past few years before ms, than i am now; also, i read much slower than i used to, and i am much less organized now than before, blah, blah, blah---!!). i walk with a cane; and at other times, have to use a walker, or wheelchair. actually, what "melted me down" emotionally the other night, was the cognitive stuff. i was having trouble with my speech, and and having to deal with just how disorganized i am now (when i started to get my tax info. together). that just seemed to be the straw that broke the camel's back. i have been the least accepting of these changes. sometimes, basic tasks, such as filling out forms, for example, may feel difficult for me now (when in the past, it would not even have been an issue.) i also used to be categorized as "relapsing-remitting," but now am officially, "progressive." it wasn't a surprise to me to hear that very recently from my neurologist, since in the 2+years i have had ms, i have never had a remitting phase, but have only gotten worse. it was just hard to hear that out loud from my doc. ok, now that i have written a book, i hope i didn't overload you with info. in answer to your thoughtful question! hopefully, though, some of this makes more sense about why i can't often respond to individual posts, though i would very much like to.

well, take good care of yourselves! all the best, wsw.

Friday eve! Sigh!!

Hello Scooby! Glad to see you!! GOOD DEAL on the coat!

wsw-- I can only imagine how it must be -- I am glad you have come and joined us . Perhaps I will better understand- I don't know how I would act if it was me-- Sometimes we imagine ourselves in a situtation, and then when it happens---- I was even suprised at my reaction on one occaision-- Imagined I'd be brave and stalwart and then was neither.
And yes, if you don't mind sharing more details-- I've just put a fresh kettle on and I know everyone is ready for a chat if you are.
Sometimes, we don't realize how much we have in common for the longest time---

Anagram- Meant to ask you what color Amaryillis you're forcing??
They are such a big flower!
I'm happily watching my baby dwarf fruit trees bud and am thrilled they really did make it thru last summers drought and this wild winter.

Tulip leaves, hydrangea buds, but no sign of the Iris yet. Its really too early.

I don't know who this Bikel gentleman is either.
And I would like to have dinner w/ Mel Gibson. What was the rest of the question??

Punkin, 2 other people on my Good Morning email list also asked the same thing, "How big a bowl?" And so far no one has said they'd try it- only one suggested maybe for 40 million.
Initially I imagined a small bowl and thought I could do it.
But wondered what I'd think after trying a few.

Empre are you familiar w/ Brown Rice Syrup? DH found a company on line called Suzanne's Specialities and they offer rice syrup w/ fruit flavors. They call it Rice Nectar- Marcrobiotic, sweetner, gluten free-

I will have more info on it soon, expect it will be on their web page
Dh bought some flavors so I guess we are going to experiment!

Time to pay some bills and run a bath--

Take care all..

Eydie, Arabella, Frogger, next time, I promise, you will have my undivided attention!!

Yo! Another disjointed odd post. Back from the meeting finally and braindead, plus sinus infection giving me troubles ... just received the book I ordered on Berlin woolwork of the 19th century ... for some esoteric reason this is a topic that fascinates me.

Kaylets: I LOVE brown rice syrup (actually, I thought we'd talked about this, but maybe it was Arabella), although I don't care if it's macrobiotic ... my understanding of it is that it is a complex carbohydrate, as opposed to a simple carb such as sugar ... it is thusly (theoretically) sweeter than syrup yet absorbed like a complex carb, so it satisfies longer and doesn't spike your insulin ... those little packets called "Energy Shot" (and similar ones) are basically just a shot of brown rice syrup. It is wonderful in smoothies ... but keep in mind that it's as high in calories as honey ... however it is healthy and totally wonderful ... I like to eat it right out of the jar (but don't get started doing that!!) ... it ranges from light brown to dark brown in color and some people (not me) think it tastes like molassas. But it really just tastes like brown rice syrup to me. It is great in smoothies!

Wsw: Have you read the mystery novels of Stephen White? If not (and if you like that genre), you might enjoy them. One of the main characters has MS.

Later ...

Hello all!

The first Friday of APRIL!!

TA DA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Empress: Yes, I remember the discussion ( vaguely) but of course, since I wasn't finding anything in the stores ---- the lesson didnt stay with me. Just very recently we found Barley syrup but didnt really know what to do with it. Now that we have the Rice Syrup here in the house, ( and one of them is CHOCOLATE!) --will have to get busy. Tried the Rasberry last night, spread very thin on bread -- very pleasant AND did not not the "MUST HAVE MORE" taste in my mouth when I woke up this am. There are seeds in the rasberry but it is definitely a syrup rather than a jam. But I really am starting to see the possibilities used CAREFULLY--. OH BOY -- that smoothie machine is in for a work out! Thanks for the refresher-- Much of the "whole foods" world is very new to me and I appreciate you 're help!

Arabella- I do remember you were researching low glycemic programs ..... I can relate so well to that White Sugar Scream ....found that even Honey can do it me just this past week. Perhaps you've a recipe to share??

DH and I are now on the search also for Whole Wheat Pastry Flour-- Its interesting to me how the stores here are so far behind so many areas for whole foods. Evidently, there isnt much demand. The Trader Joes here had no flours or baking supplies at all and the coop isnt much better.

Scooby-- I am so impressed that your brother is your gym buddy!
Is your mom still going to??

Today's thought is:
"Know that you yourself are a miracle." ---Norman Vincent Peale

Today's question of the day: "If you could have free, unlimited service for five years from an extremely good cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, masseuse, or personal secretary, which would you choose?" Question 72 from The Book of Questions, Gregory Stock, Ph.d.

And did I tell you that for about 100 yards on one stretch of highway nearby someone planted about 1000 daffodils?? And nearly half of them are blooming?? They get full sun all day of course so they're ahead of time. What a treat!


Punkin-- Is the deck done now?? Any news on Mom's missing cat?? Hope all goes well that way.


How shall we celebrate first Friday in April??
Ok my lovelies, kettle is on!!

Good Morning, Springlings! I've been working at feeling better, and I am a little less fatigued, sniffly, and achy today. I started back to tai chi class this week, which I hadn't been going to since the fall. I've tried to do a set every day on my own, so I remember the moves, but you really learn so much from a good instructor. And I work A LOT harder in a class than I do on my own


Anagram, I've got an amaryllis (it was a Christmas gift that I eventuallly got round to potting up) blooming on my dining room table right now, 4 huge red/white blooms and a second stalk with the same just about to open. They're huge and gorgeous, aren't they! I had some brave pansies about to put out a couple of blooms, but then everything froze and they were gone.

Kaylets, everything seems to keep leading me back to the same type of diet, whether the focus is low glycemic index (or low glycemic load, a new, better-worked-out version that explains, for instance, why carrots are just fine - which the old system denied, although I never believed it for a second )
or now, thinking that yeast overgrowth may be my problem (I hate feeling like I seem like a hypochondriac!), the diet always seems to indicate lots of veggies, some fruit, judicious complex carbs and protein. Next week I'm going to do a herbal detox that includes a diet along those lines and I hope to feel like a new woman by the end of the week!

I'll take the chef - I like to cook, but .... EVERY NIGHT???!!!! I don't remember signing up for this!


Empress, I must seek out this brown rice syrup. It sounds as if it would really satisfy and that a little bit could probably be worked into my diet plan.

WSW, thank you for sharing the information about your "technical difficulties" - I understand your frustration! I'm sending positive energy your way. We're honored that you post - never feel bad for not addressing us individually.

Eydie, I'm still enjoying "Bring a torch, Babette-Arabella." It's a real self-esteem booster for me! How did your weigh-in work out?

Scooby, congrats on not gaining weight while in funkdom. It's so great when we dig our way back up out of the pit, but so often when I get back up into the sunshine I'm casting a bigger shadow.

Happy Friday, Punkin! I've been enjoying your "What is it about Alan Rickman?" Ah, yes!

Let's make this a good one! Love to all, mentioned or unmentioned!

Happy Friday all!

It's April, and it's snowing... IT'S SNOWING!!!! What is this all about???? Oh, it's because I have company coming next week - I know it is... this happens every freakin' time. I hope Mother Nature's having a good chuckle over this - I'm not! Yeah, it could be gone and 70 degrees by this time next week - but why snow now??? I don't get it...

Feel like carp (thanks Arabella). I woke up feeling headachey, achey in general, and the real kicker - hot. Mind you it's lik 58 in my house because it's SNOWING outside and it got cold inside overnight. But yea, I'm hot - and not the good kind... Carp...

Still no cat... don't even want to think about where she is or what she's going through. My imagination is far too vivid.

WSW - I can't even imagine how frustrating it must be for you to experience the changes in your body like you are. I remember after my Grandmother had her "near" stroke, she came to live with us and it was so frustrating for her to go from completely independant and able bodied to having to adjust to a new way of living and speaking. She recovered quite a bit, but you could still see the frustration when her body didn't do what her mind willed it to. I'd guess it's a similar experience for you? I have heard there are some amazing new studies being done for MS though - maybe you'll benefit from some?

Kaylets - Yea, there is a price to those bugs, but it's pretty high - not the 10k though, it'd be much, much more - and can they be chocolate covered????
I doubt the deck will be done. It's supposed to snow for the next couple days and right now we've just got the framing up. My stepfather was ill earlier this week (he's got RA, colitis, emphysema, etc....) and we didn't get anything done. Now I'm not feeling good. It may get done if the weather clears up.

Arabella - Ok, the obsession with Alan Rickman. I can't tell you how happy I was to find out I wasn't the only loon who found him amazingly attractive. Matter of fact, my mail today should contain the copy of "An Awfully Big Adventure" - yet another obscure AR movie I'll own.

For the quezzie of the day - Let's see, my house is always clean (it's just me), I am (or was in CA) a massage therapist, I love driving my own new car and I'm already organized and don't need a secretary, so I'll take the cook. I love to cook but I'd *love* for someone else to do it for me, freeze it all and have meals for months!

Toodles for now, gonna go crash on the couch!

Terri
( of Friday, Dutchess of Decks and Imperial Highness of Interior Design)

Hi All


Yes the pound of week program would work if i would not eat all the pound back once i lose it...i tell u i mentally dont think i want to go lower...which so sucks. Yes, my brother is amazing he is truely supportive. I dont know how i would of done it with out him. I tell him he could do this as a business..just how positive he is and geniunely caring about everyone. I wish i could find a man like my brother. Oh well! My mom i dont know she does not disclose her weight. Even though she is cute mommy. I miss her and dad but i will see them in florida..so that will be great.


WSW, im so sorry....i didnt realize that u had ms. I saw a movie on it and it does not look like a fun one to have. Im so so sad. You hang in there. And if you need anything please let me know. You always will ahve my support. I have a belief things are meant for a reason however i think i use that strategy to justify what goes on. Cause i cant imagine why horrible things go on except to pretendthere is a greater plan.


Eydie- you can do a pd a week. I am going to start doing it this week. Anyone with me on this challenge? I have to say i have lost over 90lbs and i could never have imaged a year ago i could be where i am now. I am thinking about joining a basketball leaque a year ago i couldnt walk down the street. So my advice is take it slow and it will come off. There is no rush.

And a awesome thing is that its friday and the weekend is almost here...i hope the sun comes out..snowing in april seems so unfair. However im glad it was not to big of snow.

Talk to u all later.

What is this "yuck" that seems to be travelling through the thread? One after the other of us seems to be going down for the count.

wsw - thanks for sharing the "tech diff.". I had fairly good idea. I have RA and have had to do lots of adjusting through the years, the biggest of which is "this isn't going to go away" like a cold. Fortunately, I've been in a semi remission for a bit and if I can stay there through all the s..... going on, I will be amazed. I too mind the head thing but in my case that got a bit better when they put me on thyroid meds.

Wood Nymph, Empress, scoobs - so nice to have you posting. Hope all feel better (best) soon. My amaryllis red (orangy)/white. I've had it many years, usually put it outside in the summer to bloom but needed it earlier this year. Have had it many years. Some years it does not bloom but I think I have the hang of it now. Bro who gave it to me eons ago says just still having it alive so long is a plus.

The Bikel reference is more a sign of my age. He is a folk singer and actor. He had the role of the Captain von Trapp on the stage version of Sound of Music and was the Russian Captain in "Hunt for Red October" plus a whole body of work. Never a top "Star" but certainly around a lot (though not much lately). I loved the fact that he could play so many instruments and speak so many languages when I first heard of him. Seemed so intelligent. Saw him twice in person once to talk to (make that babble). He seemed such a genuinely nice person. That was early and hope success didn't change him.

Hey Scoob, I'm taking you up on that "pound-a-week" challenge. I CAN do it! WE CAN DO IT!

Anagram, what is "RA"? Interesting point, about the things that won't ever go away. Makes me think hard about why we (I, that is) suffer so much with things, like excess poundage, that we totally have the power to overcome. This is my point to ponder for today...

Your Punkiness, hope you're feeling less like carp soon! What an excellent day this would be to find Alan Rickman in your mailbox, hmmm? That voice.... I wouldn't really fool around on him (not to mention real life DH, of course) with Brendan Fraser but -- in fantasyland, anything goes, am i right?