Kaylets, any possibility your Mom might have the topper from her original wedding cake? I have mine in good shape and I'm married 45 years this year. We also used it on my daughter's wedding cake - talk about frugal? Actually she used it for sentimental reasons and I was tickled. But if Mom would happen to still have one (if she did in the first place since not everyone does), it would be nice to have that. Don't know "rules" either but any pics, or souvenirs of wedding on a nice display is usually of interest. I still have tucked away a prayerbook, napkin or two, clippings, garter. Maybe Mom does too. (Of course, I still have gown, veil, shoes. I think I'm a packrat.)

One such I went to several years ago had a collage of pictures from the 50 years of marriage (interestingly, the family also used the collage at the mother's recent funeral as well).

This will be almost like planning a wedding so we'll want details.

Sounds like your nap was a great idea. Glad dh has some lead on a job. Hope it works out. Following ds's line of reasoning, I guess if he paid rent to someone else, he'd have had the extra money he needed (?).

I did fair amount of yardwork but in a "fun" way so I don't want anyone to think I "worked". Talked to daughter about Easter plans. She's invited ds and wife and my nephew/godson and wife and two children as well as the sister I've mentioned before who is his mother. We'll be going down the day before Easter for the elder princess' seventh birthday party (15 kids screaming) and staying over so we can hear her sing in the children's choir and then again celebrate her birthday at Easter dinner.

I've got to pull me together. I briefly mentioned a family annoyance and it has been bugging me. It's one of those things though that, if I mentioned it to anyone but dh, they'd look at me like I'm the odd one. It's not a new thing but an extension of an old situation and I should get over it and move on. But it's really been bugging me and thus getting in the way of my being the best I can be. I find I'm hurt by it but can change no one. My best bet would be to downgrade my expectations (and I thought I had) and then modify my behavior so that I am much less taken for granted than I have been most of my life. In other words, then others can downgrade their expectations (unconscious though they may be). Hmm. Typing that out seems to have helped me sort it out. Now if I just can do it.....

Fresh start tomorrow. I just had too much fun (spelled food) today!

Hello all!

Fresh Start Monday!

If any of you are like me, my "body image" problems are in part due
to comparing myself to shorter, more petite individuals. No matter
how much I try, I will never lose enough to be shorter or size 4.
Meanwhile, it took me years to realize, plastic surgeons were
becoming millionaires surgically adding what I already had. ( I think
you know what I mean?)

Sometimes I get caught up comparing my losses too. I read a post and
get green wishing I was 20 yrs younger or had the time to swim 2 hrs -
- Again, neither of these things are ever going to happen!

But then sometimes, when I look at my own stats, I am suprised. I
spend too much time comparing instead of seeing how well I've done.
Comparing and selling myself short-- making my success less than what
it is--
Recently, I read that Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14 dress. I suspect
today it would be 12 with most manufacturers but still, I think you
get my point.

Most of you who know me, know I am very cynical of the food companies
and their marketing campaigns-- all ways to get you to open your
wallet--But why am I not more cynical of the "Beauty Marketing"
people?

Just some Fresh Start Monday Musings......all thanks to today's
thought-- I heard Phil Mickelson, the golfer say this yesterday and
thought it was well worth repeating.

*************************************************
*************************************************
Today's thought is: "You can't measure success by wins or losses--
you have to look at how well you did individually,"
Phil Mickelson

************************************************** *
************************************************** *

================================================== =
Question of the day:
Do you find it hard to say "no" that you regularly do favors that you
do not want to do? If so, why?
Question 137 from The Book of Questions, Gregory Stock, Ph.d
================================================== ===========

Anagram- not sure exactly what you're referring to but seems as though every family has its ... "rough edges"?

Logging in I noticed the Empress has started a "One Week " challenge thread- Have to take a look later and see what it looks like!

Take care all!

Morning all. I know I promised to post pix today but I honestly don't feel like it. My camera was acting up and on Sunday I got a downfall of bad news.
I learned that one of my coworkers who is working on the same project as I and who I talk to everyday, died of a heart attack on Saturday. No known health or heart problems. I don't really know all the details and it is a sad and gloomy start to my monday here.

On another note, I won't be having a bridal shower or even a bachelorette party because everyone is busy with only 4 weekends free until the big day and one of those weekends is easter. My maid of honor is out of a job and I'm not sure if that has contributed to her lack of interest in festivities or not. She hasn't planned a thing. My mom and fiance's mom took over planning and we've found that it's just not possible. I'm hoping to just meet for drinks with a few friends one friday evening as a psuedo bachelorette party of some sorts.
The wedding stess is getting to me and I'm just ready to have it over with. Tired of dealing with vendors and issues and all.

Found fiance's credit card bill, (folded up on the floor under the couch) there's a motel stay on there. We've never stayed at this motel (right down the street from where we live) I'm hoping it's not what I think it is (another woman). He was gone for a weekend living it up with some friends and I'm hoping it was just a hotel party or something. I tried to talk to him about it (he's been gone all weekend with my brother in law to a race) and he said he didn't know anything about the charge. Then his phone "cut out" and I haven't been able to reach him since. I'm hoping he can ease my mind about the whole thing.

I'll try to post this evening or tommorow with pix of the toss bouquet, me in my dress and anything else I can think of.

Yo! Kaylets, the one-week challenge is just a little extra thing, not meaning to compete or resign from this great thread!!! I just need a boot camp!

Frogger: Sorry to hear about thy coworker ... these things are hard to deal with as they seem so unexpected. Sounds as though thou hast had a stressful past few days ... please do not worry a whole lot about that credit card bill ... but obviously you need to clear the air on that and I'm sure you will.

Anagram: Hmmm. I think your point about changing behavior subtly so others can downgrade their expectations a bit is a wonderful insight that applies to most of us. I'm going to mull that over in the next few hours and see how to apply it to some things bothering me!!!! Thankee kindly!

Re question: Yes, yes, yes, and yes!!! For further elucidation, I shall refer the universe to Anagram's comment on downgrading expectations!

Avanti all!

Hello all!

Frogger-- Wedding stress is the worst. You need to do something for yourself that makes you take a break- even if its only filling up the tub and sitting still for 10 minutes!
Its amazing how the muscles feel so much better! You need to pace yourself now.
Keep stopping by! We 're here waiting!

Empress- not to worry- Just curious ... sometimes we need a change to keep things fresh-
Maybe we should rearrange the parlor and shake things up!

Anagram- Different expectations -- interesting-- I dont' know-
has never worked for me w/ family. Only coworkers-- If I had trouble connecting w/ them professionally, sometimes I get along much better socially.

I think I'll see what Wildfire and the Empress and Arabella are up to.

This one-week challenge is just perfect for me right now. I've been having a hard time sticking to it all...either the food or the exercise or the sleep or whatever seems to slip...just haven't been able to get it all together lately! A re-focusing was on my agenda starting today, and Amarantha must have been on the same wavelength!

Speaking of which, what is our next challenge holiday? The Spring Renewal was set for Easter, wasn't it? I've blown this one, but the one-week challenge should put me on the straight and narrow for the next one. Hmmm... Mothers' Day? Victoria Day? Memorial Day? Canada Day? Fourth of July?

Kaylets, did DH hear anything positive from his contact about the work situation? Yanni concert...while I really enjoy his music, I don't think I'd like it live. Jesse Cook on the other hand...*ay carumba* If you ever get the chance, GO! He's AMAZING. Congrats on dodging the Easter Candy. It's one of my personal challenges over the next week or so, to avoid it all. So your parents were married in the 50's....how about a theme party? Get everyone to dress for the period, play the old rock'n'roll, etc. I often say I wish I was living in that era...well, for the most part...I'd still be an independant woman but wouldn't mind having a husband who worked while I took care of the home and shopped and lunched, etc. Hope DS is able to hold down that job and straighten out his financial situation.

Frogger, that is just not right that you aren't having a shower or bachelorette party! Think they could be faking you out for a surprise? I certainly hope so. I'd have one for you if you were here. Don't let your imagination run wild (yet) about that hotel bill. Talk to your fiance face to face and get the story first. If you still have doubts, then visit the motel and ask to see the signature for the room. Would love to see your pix!

Eydie, how is Lupin adjusting? DH and I went for a leisurely stroll at the boardwalk yesterday (it was COLD!) and I quite enjoyed watching all the dawgs...everything from teacup poodles to a Bull Mastiff! I want a dog, but it wouldn't be fair to have one in an apartment. DH says when we buy a house in a few years I can get one.

Anagram, I hope this family thing will soon be put to rest, at least in your own mind. Families can be wonderful, but then there's always the other side of it, too.

Punkin, how did your weekend go?

Where are all our other posters hiding?

I'm off to the treadmill and to watch the finale of Married by America. I can't believe I let myself get sucked in by this show!

Fly-by -- still recovering from last week. I was totally incapacitated, couldn't do anything at all. Still computer time has to be carefully reserved. Love to all, though, and I hope to be able to get in soon to have a real visit!

Hello all!

Hello all!

Fresh start Tuesday might be in the upper 70's today!
Have to turn on the air conditioning so the dogs don't get too warm while we're gone! Guess our 20 minutes of spring must have been yesterday ! ( lol!)

Had a discussion yesterday about body image which reminded me of Anagram's post when she who realized granddaughter getting the wrong impression every time she tried to pick the little girl up. Anagrman heard her granddaughter saying " I'm so heavy, I'm so heavy" .... We know what Anagram meant but it leads to another thought-- How many of us were told " You're too big to sit on my lap.."
Yes, they meant," too old or too tall " --but what did we understand??

Too heavy to be picked up and comforted-- to big to sit close---

Have you ever realized you're head is repeating a goofy commercial ?? Marketing people get paid to make them "catchy" so you won't forget--, in other words, we become programmed so we're more likely to by that product.

I think we also become programmed about ourselves, especially body image-- And in some ways its very convenient as its a built in excuse.
I know I didnt realize I was programmed " too big" until I had lost 50lbs. And was considering a dive off the wagon w/ Cadbury Eggs because "I'm so big no one will notice " reminded me that if people are stopping to compliment me, the loss IS starting to show.

I have recently begun taking nightly baths. Initially, it was to help a torn back muscle but once I realized how quickly my muscles responded to the heat, I knew I needed to do this for me as often as I could. Still doing some tweaking but as the tub's filling I get the next day's clothes together ( we still must multi task-- !!) So, far, have not been able to sit still long enough that the water gets cold but still, that instant relief when all the muscles say " Oh, Thank You!" stays with me.
I am doing it for me because I deserve the way it makes me feel. No guilt about time or water.



Today's thought is:
"Things are beautiful if you love them" -- Jean Antoulli

Today's question is: " A good friend pulls off a well-conceived practical joke that plays on one of your foibles and makes you look ridiculous. How would you react? " Question 58 from the Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.d

Arabella- sorry your neck is bothering you- Seems like its just been one thing after another for you this winter!


To everyone: Have a great day--

Just a quickie!

Have been busy with the new pup who's adjusting beautifully. I was happy to see a little playful interaction between Lupin and our older dog yesterday.

For the last few days I've had some dramatic drops in energy, mostly late afternoon. And last night I felt dizzy---I wonder what's going on there. It's certainly not from lack of eating. It's concerning me a little.

I'll check in later!

Okay, I'm back already! I saw Kaylets' post and couldn't resist.
When Kaylets was talking about a child's thinking she was too big too be held I kept thinking of the expression "comfort food". For the first time, I got the inplications of what that really means. Kinda creepy.

And about the question du jour: I HATE practical jokes, because someone's always going to look like a fool. Maybe it comes from my having siblings that were considerably older than me who delighted in embarrassing me [altho they deny it now, the creeps!], but I think it's just wrong to set out to humiliate someone and even tho the 'victim' may laugh and be a 'good sport' they've got to be hurt--not to mention most likely plotting revenge!

Morning all!

Talked to fiance last night about the credit card bill. Everything is settled. And no more charging!!!!!!!

Will attempt to take pictures this afternoon while fiance is at the doctor's. The least I can do is the toss bouquet and my flip flop shoes!!

Found out the funeral is on thursday at 1pm for my coworker. I think a bunch of us are going to carpool up to maryland where it is. It's a very sad and emotional time here at work. It almost makes me want to stay home to deal with it on my own. But we've found out we really do need and like eachother's company around here.

Frogger, so sorry about coworker. Nice you have caring coworkers when you need the togetherness.

My family irritation has pretty much been squared away. By mere coincidence or what, I don't know but some things have happened that have smoothed it a bit for me. It sort of all involved response (or lack thereof) to dh's situation. Yes, families can be the best and worst of any situation and I have such a large family that I have both most of the time.

Anyway that upset is smoothed a bit so no more excuses thee. Have run afoul of some jelly beans lately and expect no loss tomorrow. Still no peanut butter eggs. Will try to hang on to sanity through the rest of the week and be prepared again for a stronger start come Monday - my Fresh Start day.

Next week I'll be taking some tests as part of a project on memory and aging and that sort of thing. It's only a few hours one afternoon but it'll be something different. It's at my alma mater so might enjoy getting there early (or staying late) just to wander around.

Looooov-elly here today, accomplishing nothing or next to. Well, back to Trading Spaces.

to all ...

Sorry so little time to reply. Doing so well in not rambling on about lands of fit folk and spas and such, though I miss the motivation of being mentally in that spa ... hmmm, think I'll take a midnight bath tonight, Kaylets!

Re question o' day, I guess it'd depend on how good a friend it was who played the joke and how well I understood where he/she was coming from. In many cases, I think practical jokes are passive-aggressive expressions of deep-seated hostility ... you know, the "just kidding" syndrome, e.g., "you're too sensitive, it was just a joke, how can you think I don't like you since I'm a wonderful person and I like everyone?"

How I'd react would really just stem from my gut reaction at the time and I'd let it fly!

Hello all!!


Early start again so I can take Friday off with a clear conscience.

Am still musing about the "tilted" body image issue-- Again, its perception-- a theme you've heard me discuss before--
Our perception of reality vs reality-- Other people's perception of our reality vs reality. My reaction to your perception. Almost like one of those game cubes that change everytime you push one piece-- the rest of the cube changes too--
Today's thought is:
"People are watching the way we act more than they are listening to what we say." Max Lucado

Today's question:
"If you could be called by any name, what name would you choose for yourself ? Why?"
from Table Topics


Take care all!

Could be a True Story!

Subject: Female Brain Cell


> Once upon a time, there was a female brain cell which, by mistake,
happened
> to end up in a man's head. She looked around nervously, but it was all
> empty and quiet. "Hello?" she cried...but no answer. "Is there anyone
> here?" she cried a little louder, but still no answer....
>
> Now the female brain cell started to feel alone and scared and yelled:
> "HELLO, IS THERE ANYONE HERE?" Then she heard a voice from far, far away
...
>
> "Hello! we're all down here...."
>
>
>
>