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???? :shrug:

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! :cool:

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

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"!!!! :lol:

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 :dz:
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... :rolleyes:

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

Fabulous Friday!!!
 

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!

:dizzy: :?: :dizzy:

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!

Happy Friday, Wonderful Women!
 

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? :shrug:

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! :wizard:

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 :lol:

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

:queen: 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.":D 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! :cb: 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 :rolleyes:

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 :eek:

Eydie, I love hearing about your belly-dancing exploits. Re: post 40 --- oh where, oh where has my libido gone? :shrug: 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 :shrug:

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 :grouphug:

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.

Morning check-in!
 

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!:D 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.:D

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?

Just messaging you guys 'til you're sick of me before I head out
 

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!!!!! :dance:

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! :cb:

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... :yes:

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... :lol: 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! :T

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!

:wave:

Thanks for stopping by, Empress A!:D

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!

Sat am
 

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?

SUNNY SUNDAY - NOT
 

:cool: :cool:

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.

Scrumptious Sunday!
 

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.

Scrumptious Sunday! II
 

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! :) :wave: 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!

:wave: 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. :)

Sunday again
 

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?

sleepy sunday
 

I forgot
 

I love those questions of the day....

I just try and accept the compliment, and if I give one and the person declines it, I give a "motherly" and tell them to take all the compliments they can get...just say thank-you!

Ceara

hi everyone!

i have been trying to keep up with your posts and thinking of you all. this is such a supportive group and i miss you guys when i am unable to read through all your posts. i have had to lay low the past few days+, but i'm feeling better now. i have been able to stay op, at least, and am glad about that. well, i just wanted to check in and say hello. take care, all.

wsw

Marvelous Monday!
 

Hello all!!

spring went into the freezer!!

Just temporary but definitely needed the winter coat when we ran out to the library about 4:30 yesterday.

REVIEW IS DONE!! At least, 1st draft to hand in. I 'm pretty sure the foundation is good so I'm glad to be on this side of that project. !!

WSW- hello and so glad to see you on the board! Glad you are feeling more like yourself!! I don't know if I would've been able to stay OP like you did so I give you a big round of applause!!

Today's thought is:

"Ulysses S Grant, failed as a farmer, a real estate agent, a US Customs official and a store clerk. --- Later, he commanded the Union armies during the civil war and was elected 18th president of the United States"


Today's question:
"How do you react when people sing 'Happy Birthday' to you in a restaraunt?" Question #53 from The Book of Questions, Gregory Stock, PH.D.

Last day of March-- How shall we celebrate???


Take care all!

Well, we should celebrate "non-foodly". I've just been looking around for a way to celebrate this week. Or a new milestone to shoot for in dh's recovery. Nothing inspiring yet but it will come.

Congratulations wsw on staying op, surely a non-scale victory that's doubled by your circumstances. (I have RA and most of my urges to binge seem to come at times when I'm in most pain, etc.)

And congrats to you too, Kaylets. That relief is a non-scale victory as well.

We had heavy snow for all the morning hours and then some lighter in late afternoon. Still some on grass, roads were slushy when I went to church at 11:00. Sunny/cold today - tomorrow promises better.

Is your saloon girl career over, Ceara? Hope you'll retain some of the characteristics (in the most demure way possible, of course). Must have been a really fun time. Porgy and Bess as spectator or is your career still burgeoning?

Lots of good vibes to wsw to carry her back to good times and lots also to our Empress so continue her grand and focussed challenge which has already resulted in a loss of poundage.

Hi, dollar, frogger, Arabella, Eydie and all other Springettes as we head into the second half of our Springtime challenge.

Ooooh am I sore today!!!!

Busy, busy weekend! I did about 3 hours of landscaping and planting bulbs (grape hyacinth, crocus & tulips) then did another hour of potting plants (forcing some bulbs inside, starbrights and crocus) and planted some pansies. THEN, Sunday, more bulbs and over 3 hours working on my new back deck! Then, inside for a nice long bath, then installed the shelves in my laundry room. I'm whooped. I'm sore, but everything looks awsome! :cb: :faint:

Kaylets - I'm so sorry about your son. I agree completely that it's not always the parents. My ex and his brother were night and day. One was a cop (my ex), the other couldn't stay straight to save his life and was constantly picked up for fighting. Once he threatened to kill us. Same parents - totally different outcome.

There's no yellow ribbon 'round these parts - but a young woman in town has been putting up some 100+ American flags up and down our "main street" and said she'll keep doing it night and day until her brother comes home. I've been putting out my American flag at home too.

Amarantha - Yeppers, I have your email addy. So, if you disappear for too long, I shall hunt you down. :s: I think your gym sounds awsome too! I'm so sore (in a good way) right now I'm wondering why I need Curves this summer....

Anagram - It sounds like your royal visit was wonderful! I used to love when my neice was little and would come over to visit (she's 13 now!). My Mom and I would bathe her, dress her up, feed her, and just have a blast... they grow up too darn fast!
I'm sorry for your snow! We hit 75 over the weekend! Of course, now it's supposed to storm all week...

Ceara - Sounds like your play was a hit! So, any pictures???

WSW - Sending you cyber hugs. Glad you found your way here and enjoy our company as much as we enjoy yours!

Well, I think that's all from me, for now. Gonna go check out Netflix as one of my girlfriends *loves* them and I easily spend $20 a month in rental DVD's.

Toodles for now!
Terri

Yo! I seem to be posting more than lurking, but here I am again ...

Punkin: Had the session with trainer at the gym on the big people machines and realize I must have been kidding myself all this time that I was exercising!!! She wrote up a huge schedule that being the lone wolf I am who does not do what people tell her to, I shall not do but I'd be really, really fit if I did! But I'm going to go six days a week ... it is a better price than Curves and has lots more variety!

Anagram: Thanks for the vibes ... I can use them! :)

To All: :grouphug:

P.S. Hmmm. Kaylets, no one has ever sung "Happy Birthday" to me in a restaurant! :( ... or is that a :) ... dunno!

One time in Mexico an adorable young man with a guitar sang a song to me in a tourist trap restaurant. My Spanish is terrible so I don't know what the song was about but I kept a fixed smile on my face and petitioned silently for him to go away.

Yo! Not sure how I can claim to be a lurker with three posts in a row ... but just catching up on reading ... Kaylets, my favorite smoothie is with frozen peaches and ice up to the line on the machine, then I add some soy milk and Da Vinci (sp?) SF vanilla to the liquid line .... I've also made the same one with ff milk or ff NutriMil (a whey milk product).

Haven't had any smoothies lately but it was in the 90s today so the weather is about to turn to smoothie season.

I don't think I'd use the craft sticks in popsicles but you could stick freeze them in paper cups with a little plastic spoon stuck in ... if they melt you could eat with a spoon.

Ok, I'm really back to lurking now ... I'm taking a few days off work to bead and sleep and go to gym.

April Fool's!
 

Got on the scale and it says I've gained back ALL my weight!
April Fool! - sorry, that's the best I could do....
Not very lighthearted this am- DH recvd a call from DS not 30 seconds after DH came in from work, " If you're not on the lease, you can't stay here, .....what should I do, don't know what to do..." DH mostly listened and finally said, " So, are you going to get put on the lease?" . We are expecting another call " with all the details" --you can imagine. As many of remember, DH is diabetic and stress aggravates all the symptons.

Luckily, this am the dogs are in high spirits this am.

Empress- thanks for the recipe. I imagine frozen peaches would work , don't you think?
Isnt it interesting the two perspectives of "fitness" - Curves vs the new place?? I suspect the middle ground is closer anyway.
Don't let them initmidate you-- you can only start at the beginning anyway--

Did I warn everyone about the dried pineapple at Trader Joes??
5 pcs = 1 serving= 100 calories-- VERY VERY TASTY!! And lots to chew! But I'm starting to think all this dried fruit is dangerous--
Scale went up 1.5 and seems stuck there.

Have made a mental list of projects around the house. Plan is two birds with one stone-- Big Yard Sale and ACTIVITY POINTS--
Feel like I'm swimming in things here.

Punkin- You're yard is going to be spectacular! Could never keep up w/ your pace!

Anagram- Has snow melted? I remember a late Easter about 30 yrs ago in CT that caught everyone off guard as a suprise storm appeared out of nowhere while folks were in church.
It's always something!

Today's thought is:
"Do not wait for leaders, do it alone, person to person. "-- Mother Theresa

Today's question is:" When were you last in a
fight? What caused it and who won?" Question #43 -- Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, PHD

How shall we celebrate April 1 ??

Take care all

What a God-awful night....
my Mom woke me up from a sound sleep last night at 10:30pm to ask me if I'd help her look for her cat. Apparently, my Stepfather let her out *again* (he smokes while standing in an open door and doesn't pay attention) and, well, she's still gone. We looked everywhere, called for her and rattled the kitty treat bag. Mom's approaching devistated quickly and I keep looking out windows and trying not to cry. Sadie's the full sister to my Luna.
Send "safe kitty" thoughts if you can so the little grey bug comes home!

Amarantha - Yes, that's what I was starting to think too. After 6 months I'd think, even if my diet wasn't all that spectacular, that I'd be *seeing* something. And I *miss* feeling a bit sore - I like it! I want to feel like I've worked my body. I'm getting more of a work out doing my yard work than I am at Curves... I also keep reminding myself that the first time I lost 50+ pounds I did it all without the 'help' of a gym. I'd join a "big girl's" gym but honestly, I'm SO turned off by the 30 minute drive. Until I'm really good and motivated nothing's going to make me want to jump in the car for an hour round trip drive to exercise...

Kaylets - I'm sorry the DS saga is continuing. It's got to be so hard to just sit back and let him make his own mistakes at this point. Hang in there, you know what you're doing is right.

Hmmmm.... :chin: last fight and who won??? I've only had verbal fights - I can have a pretty sharp, tell-it-like-it-is tongue and quick with sarcastic laced wit, so I most often the other person just doesn't know what to say and drops it - not that I'm always proud of that (with the exception of my ex FIL, the abuser, who was often the deserving target of my tongue - I used to just nail him to the wall verbally). I don't think I've had a good rippin' verbal spar since I was married, thankfully.

Time to toodles, I think they're out looking for the cat again...

Terri

just a quick note to say hi. kaylets-hope things will start to get better with your ds situation as soon as is possible. must be so hard to deal with for your dh and you. punkinseed-you sure did have a rough night--know that i'm sending "safe kitty" thoughts your way. i am thinking of all of the rest of you too and wish i could respond more individually to all of your posts, which i have read, but because of some of my "technical difficulties" off and on (recently, and still, more "on" than "off"), i am unable to. as i have stated many times before though, please know it is not because i don't want to--and as always, i am very interested in how all of you are doing. i am op today, albeit only by the skin of my teeth, but op, nonetheless. i did lose 4 lbs. this past week too, so at least that's something. it's chilly, but sunny here today, so i'm sending some sunshine your way. take good care of yourselves. all the best, wsw.

Yo! I think I'm semi back!!! :)

Kaylets: Sorry about more troubles coming your way via ds ... not sure I understand what the lease issue is, but somehow it will resolve itself, don't you think? Sounds as though you and dh have done the right things and can only hope for a good outcome.

Re the middle ground of fitness ... dunno, for me, I don't think there's a middle ground ... I need to get strong and reach my goal and the middle ground isn't gonna do it!!! :) Today I prepaid a year in advance so I'll be less apt to say I don't have the money to continue or some lame excuse.

BTW, frozen fruit is all I use in the smoothies ... it works great!

Punkin: If I had to drive 30 minutes to work out at a gym, I wouldn't do it either ... this gym is very close to me. I also think you can get a great workout at home and in fact I did so for several years ... it's just that I can't get motivated to do it anymore. Re Curves, I think it's great for general conditioning, but for me it got old very fast.

I really, really like this gym, though. I'm getting too ancient to try to jog every morning in the Arizona sun as I did when I had my first weight breakthrough and my own weightlifting attempts have gotten nonexistent. But my little gym room is always there and I don't mean to totally give up home workouts. I think the key is consistency with change, whatever that means.

Thanks for the sun, wsw, but I'm sending my share to our friends up north ... since it was in the 90s here yesterday! :)

Re the question, I guess the last argument I got into was another of the stupid ones that I often find myself in with total strangers because sometimes dumb things annoy me and I just tell people. This was a few weeks ago at the craft store where the poor tired looking (older woman) clerk asked me what my zipcode was. This is a version of "what is your phone number" or "what is your address" that stores often ask for marketing purposes and for some reason this always irritates me, so my standard reply is "you don't need that." I had cash in my hand and the woman had rung up my purchases. She refused to take the money, saying, "I have to have a zipcode." I told her she did not. She repeated that she did. People stirred in line behind me. The woman said, "Didn't you ever have a job where they told you you had to have something?" which annoyed me further because obviously all jobs are like that. I told her she could just make up a zipcode, at which point she took my money and I left. I think she won, though, because I heard the next person in line murmuring sympathetic phrases and contempt for me ... dunno, I just get annoyed when I'm trying to peacefully shop by myself, minding my own biz and people ask me for information that isn't their business ... which is funny when you think of it, since I'm a reporter and that's EXACTLY what I do for a living!

Stupid story. Ok, back to lurkerdom.

April 1st--a fresh new month! I plan on giving myself a "good behaviour" sticker every day in April. [I only got 16 in March. Wah!:( ]

I know you've heard it before, but I'm going to do my food journal here every day for all to see--that really helped before. Had a bit of a binge the other day with nutella, then snapped back to my senses. Just because it has some european gourmet mystique about it [why?] doesn't mean that it's not junk food!!! So it got a good quantity of dish soap slopped into it and I 'relocated' the rest of it to the trash.:D

Punkinseed, best of luck with the cat search. I know how nerve wracking that can be. Have faith.

Ceara, sounds like the play was a huge hit--and there are probably a few gentlemen who see you in a whole new light, if you catch my drift.:s:

wsw, congrats on losing 4 pounds! You're doing great! Any secrets you'd like to share?

Kaylets, sorry about the continuing drama with your son. I'll say it again: be strong.
I'm late, but about the birthday song in public---I love it when people who love me sing it for me, but in public I always worry about how others feel. I'd be willing to bet that the waitpeople hate having to do it, and the other diners probably find it obnoxious---so I'd rather be in a circle of friends at home--seems more sincere!
And the fight question---I honestly can't remember the last time I had a really good one. But the last time I talked with my long-time ex-friend, I went all cool and sarcastic with her. I remember thinking at the time how odd it felt, like I wasn't "myself"--does that make sense?

Hi Anagram! How goes it?

Amarantha, So glad you're semi-back. I know we're irresistable!

Flower, Wildfire, Arabella--come out and play!

Wacky Wednesday
 

Hello all!

Caught myself eating bread w/ honey when dogs needed to go out during the night- now this am, everything is screaming for MORE MORE MORE! ah well, what are you gonna do but just FRESH START???

The lease "predicament" is this: No one not listed on the lease can live at the trailer. And if someone does, the landlord can evict everyone. This is the version we are getting- which may be the exact version DS is getting too-- Had anyone thought of this B/4?? who knows-- don't think I'll ever know the real story on that one.
DH had to pick DS up as DS has yet to figure out how to replace the lost keys for his car. The dealer has a"Closed " sign up, (vacation?) -- and we have not offered cash for locksmith. DS can only stay here provided he leaves the house when we are not here. DS was obviously needing cigarettes and who knows what else-- was actually begging for cigarette money but still very defiant about the new house rules. Started a big pity party about how no one cares about him anymore but no one here came to it. DS has a new "issue" -- he is "stressed, more stressed than anyone can believe"-- He was amazed at our lack of response.
And of course, my job is INTENSELY BUSY this week--

Sorry for the meeeeeeemeeeeemeeee posts lately---- All of your support means more than you can imagine--

Today's thought is
"Babe Ruth was raised in a Catholic school for delinquents in Baltimore.
----Babe Ruth became the first great home-run hitter in baseball history, hitting 714 home runs during his career playing for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

Today's question of the day is: Would you be willing to eat a bowl of live crickets for $40,000.00?
Question #206 from The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, PHD.


How shall we celebarate the 2nd day of April??

Take care all----
and thanks again