Good morning. LDLs.

Mom still in hospital an hour and a half away. Also got to take overnighter with dh to attend friend's bd party. Big weekend for him to finally get back to his hometown, etc.

Anyway, have been in car more than not it seems so will have to catch up on good news in all the posts I've only hurriedly scanned.

So nice to read of all your strengths and determinations. Helps me to hold on right now. Not been really bad on food but probably won't lose until things settle down. Exercise has been limited but plan to make pool today for workout. Water's been decent though. And no binges. Just not always the best food choices while travelling, etc.

But I'M HEALTHIER THAN I'VE BEEN IN YEARS. And had a pretty good Monday and starting out for a pretty good Tuesday (if I can pull me away from this machine). :cheers:

Day 1
 

Hello dahlings....

It's been a stressful week and it's only Tuesday... I can't wait for the next couple days to pass work-wise for things to settle down a bit. It just seems like everyone's on edge and testy about really stupid things and those that aren't mad about something seem to have taken a stupid pill.... :dz:

Eydie, I'm so moved by your sending in your ponytail! That is SO cool!
I'm with ya on the new exercise or food to try, I just have to figure out what I want to experiment with.... :chin:

Zadie, I think you're right to only take on one battle at a time. Right now your bar is more important than anything. I'll continue to keep my fingers crossed that it all blows over with your friend once it becomes more difficult for her to stray (w/ hubby and son back).

Bo-Beena!!!! :wave: You have to admit that I'm decluttered mostly because I don't have a husband and daughter to contend with! I can control *my* messes easily, but if I had to control others???? Well, you saw the house when I lived in CA... :rolleyes: C'mon, I had to step over a motorcycle engine to make my bed!

Frogger, congrats girl on kickin' the 2 :dance: :dance: 's to the curb!

Anagram, my continued thoughts for Mom. The distance has got to be making it even more difficult. I'm glad you had a little getaway with DH.

Arabella, you and Wildfire and starting to make me want a new bike now! It would probably be cheaper to buy a new one than fix my old (needs new seat, chains, wheels, tires, etc...). It would be fun to bike around here - I'd need a mountain bike though for all the unpaved roads!

I really want to pick back up on my yoga too. They did a study on yoga's effect on women with breast cancer and they found that they had less side effects from treatment and felt better about themselves during treatment. It decreased the amount of depression and nausea they were experiencing too. Amazing how something so fun can be so beneficial!

Q o' the day ~
Foreign languages in grade school.... now I know "grade school" means different things in different areas - where I'm from grade school covers grades K-6 - in which case I'd say yes. Learning another language when you're that young is a great idea. That's when I learned sign (technically another language) and I've retained a LOT more of that than the French I was required to take in high school.

Well ladies, I'm outta here for now. Time to get ta' work.... :blah:
Terri

Congratulations on the loss, frogger! And Punkin too - any loss is a good one.

Arabella, I can relate on the sugar blahs. I had forgotten how long it takes for the tiredness to go away after eating too much sugar, but I'm feeling it this week.

Eydie, I am a great collector of books, too. I move house often, so I never have any excess clutter. I can't get rid of books, though, ever... even if it means carting boxes and boxes every time I move.

I'm up for trying something new... I'll have to think about what it's going to be, though. I think I might go run the bike path near my house... I've been wanting to do that and putting it off for ages.

I'm planning to go shopping for clothes that actually fit this weekend, too. I've been holding off doing it for a while, not wanting to shrink out of new clothes. My situation is getting dire, though, I have only one pair of pants that stay up and don't make me look like a clown. Heh.

I'm half-on, half-off program right now. My eating is okay, I've exercised a bit, but not as much as I'd like. I want to do better for the rest of the week.

Oh, and as for the question of the day: I took French all through school and learned almost nothing. It took living in Paris to finally make me haul out my grammar textbook and pay attention. I like the fact that it's part of the mandatory curriculum here, but I can't say the teachers I had were very effective. I think it's tough to find fluent teachers for public schools.

Have a good day, everyone!

Good Mornin'
 

Hope everyone is having an on program day. Mine has started out well so we will see if I can continue.

QOD: I think kids should be taught another lang. in grade school. I think you retain it much more. I had a combination class in kindergarten, spanish/english, I still remembered a lot when I took it in Jr. High.

Eydie, I will try something new this week, gonna have to think on it.

Frogger, I know it is costs money to rent a truck but how much will your gas and time cost you? Don't make it too hard on yourself and hubby. :cp: :cb: congrats on the wgt loss!

Arabella, sorry your going through the sugar blahs, I hate that. Glad you had a great :hb: A new bike, is this a new trend? I actually bought a bike a few years ago that needed a little work. Of course, the work didn't get done and I still haven't ridden it. Maybe it is time to dust it off. Oh and how do you have time to do anything with all that excercise?? What an inspiration you are :strong:

Oh, Punkin, I had forgotten all about the car parts in the bedroom, isn't that romantic? Some interesting facts about yoga. Maybe that can be my something new this week. I have yoga tapes, I did them once or twice but found it hard to do what they were saying without looking-sometimes hard to look at TV when you are in positions, any suggestions?

Metta & Eydie, I love books also, lots of other things too but I really have a hard time of letting go of books.
Metta, I am glad you are buying some clothes that fit. You have worked hard so show it off :dance:

Anagram, sending :goodvibes: for your mom.

Have an inspired day!

BoBeena

It's cool that so many of us are up for the 'try something new' challenge. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

I'm trying to avoid a mini-meltdown here---trying to keep my wits about me, etc. Most of the time I feel good about my progress and my body, but today I caught a glimpse of myself at a very unflattering angle or something, and just felt like all my efforts are for nothing. I know what you're all thinking--"think of the health benefits"! And that's certainly true, but I really was hoping to lose some of the cellulite along the way!!! Know what I mean?
This too shall pass.....I'M HEALTHIER THAN I'VE EVER BEEN [even when I was a skinny 20-year-old]!
Ahhh, I feel better already. You guys are good!

Arabella, how was your party? Sorry about the sugar hangover. I know what you mean about it taking a few days to get back on track. I'm always compelled to have a little 'hair of the dog' for a few days after.

Zadie, it's really hard to watch a friend doing something so crazy. I've had to go thru that with a few people---it's like their brains have vacated their bodies, they're not thinking rationally. Really weird to watch it happening.

Metta, running the bike path sounds great!

Punkin and Bo-Beena, are you guys going to work out together when you visit? Maybe a little belly dancing?! I'm so jealous--that's going to be a party for sure!

Anagram, the woman who never slows down! It's my sincere hope that you have some downtime soon.

Frogger, just my 2 cents: I'd rent the truck!

Kaylets, I haven't said it lately---I appreciate your quote and question of the day. It's always a great start to the morning!

Good night, dear ones!

Tues p.m.
 

Even'n All!

QOD yup. None of the languages I studied did me any harm. Latin surely did help me with the French, which had been greek to me before I figured out declensions. I kinda object to the mandated stuff we do up here...what a way to encourage anglo children to hate French anything...except fries of course...and actually defused some of that when I taught in Alberta.

Sumpthin new...I'm having trouble keeping up with the Old!! If I am inspired I will pass it on though. Made a cool salad on Sunday...chopped tomatoes, cucumber, chick peas, black sliced olives, feta cheese, green pepper with greek salad dressing on it...was good!! Needed some fresh green onions though. It doesn't count as new though:(, cause I like and often eat all those...just not combined that way. :) :)

Anyhow, thanks for the fresh start card Kaylets! Am even considering a Journal :o maybe. New strategy for not eating...put in some perennials (I just won't eat with mud on my hands!), came in, washed, went online with a few grapes in hand. Am off to get some water and head for the tub...feel grimy from swatting bugs...darn things. Guess they are a sign of a healthy environment, although I don't know just for who.

So one day under the belt.

I think I feel healthier ;)

Ceara

Hi all!!

We actually decided to rent a U-haul for the move. Swayed in part because our 'friends' that we packed up and moved (remember them) are "busy" that day and cannot help us move. They've known about the move date for over a month now and volunteered to help us move that day. I knew this would happen. WHAT THE :censored: EVER... :mad:

Anyway, doing good on the low carb. Actually, I have just cut out all bread and pasta (and cereal) but am really not counting carbs per say. I have beefed up the veggie intake though. I'm just not eating corn or many peas ( I love peas though...) And I can't seem to get away from eating fruit. I have it in the morning for breakfast. A bananna and an apple. But I can't complain, I've lost 6lbs in a week and a half. So must be doing something right.

I fixed mom and hubby spagetti with meat sauce last night. I had steamed spinach with the meatsauce over it and a little mozarella cheese. You should try it! It reminded me of lasagna without the noodles. I think I may even add a spoonful of ricatta cheese next time to make it even more like lasagna.

Enough about me... How is everyone today?

Wonderful me Wednesday
 

Hello all!

Lots going on today and we are getting heavy storms- Flood warnings in some places.... But its still Wonderful Me Wednesday!
*****
Thought of the day--
[About the past] "The way I see it, you can either run from
it, or learn from it."
-- Rafikki to Simba in Disney's The Lion King
***

Question of the day:
When you have something you really dislike for dinner, how do you feel?"
--Table Topics

******

On a less cheeful note, DH recvd a phone call from a "check guarantee place" yesterday. They were trying to collect on a check written from a closed account. DH asked LOTS of questions and only told them at the end of the call that they were really looking for DS. So... this is getting very tense . If these folks decide to press charges too....

take care all

Fly-by! I was slaving until after 11 last night and have another conference call to do in an hour, and then another assignment later so I must run. Just wanted to say :wave: Tomorrow I should be able to visit a bit.

Have a great day!

Finally Wednesday.... this awful week is half over.

Yesterday was awful in ways I can't even begin to explain publicly. I'll probably journal about it later... this world can be one fouled up place. Mom's fine, it's not about any of that, thank goodness, but it's official - my life's now a freakin' soap opera. :rolleyes:

Hotter than Hades yesterday... I thought I saw a :devil: hiding behind the tree thinking he was home! 102 yesterday, the same today... with 20% humidity I've had NO problem drinking all my water (and then some!). I even got up early this morning to hop on the elliptical for 20 minutes since it didn't cool down last night until 9pm - too late to exercise....

Metta, I'm all for learning a language by immersion - I'm thinkin' a trip to Italy juuuuust might be a necessity!

Bo-Beena :wave: See you next week baaaabeeeee! :cb:

Eydie, you *know* we're most critical of ourselves. I'm glad you're feeling better about your glimps - always remember you're doing worlds of good for yourself in ways you'll never be able to see. When you're 85 and out gardening and feeling great I'm going to email you and remind you of all the things you did to accomplish that - and none of 'em could you see in a mirror. (off soapbox now!)
As for bellydancing with Bo-Beena :chin: Ya never know what I may talk her in to.... Hip drops everyone!!!!!

Ceara, your salad sounds delish!!! I wish I would cook like that for myself. I just don't seem to take the time...

Frogger, ok, I'll say this as nicely as possible - never, ever do anything for those "friends" again. They knew for a month and they're busy when you not only helped them move, but PACK too!?!?!?!? Uh, no, not cool....
You're doing great on low carb - 6 pounds in a week n' a half? Awsome! :cb: And your idea of putting 'sghetti sauce on spinach like lasagna w/o noodles sounds really 'nummy :T

Kaylets, flooding? It was 102 here yesterday!!! I'll send you a virtual liferaft! :rain: Sounds like things may be hitting the fan with DS soon, those check cashing places don't just go away...

:wave: Arabella!

Where's WSW? Dollar? Our newbies?? Come on back everyone!!!

Q o' the day ~
Really hard to answer since I'm cooking just for myself so I always like what I'm making!

Toodles everyone...

Half of day 2!!!
 

Good noon all!

Am half way through the second day.....must start glugging though...coffee doesn't count I hear.

QOD...funny. I can't think of anything I don't like! Except for fish with bones in it....they are a real turn off. I suppose I would feel unsatisfied and likely eat something horridly bad for me...Hmmm Thought-provoking.

Have had a busy morning and the rest of the day looks similar. So will just mosey on my way....thinkin' of you guys. Am off to make a little black bean soup and head back to the grindstone!

Ceara:wave:

Frogger, congrats on dropping an amazing 6 pounds! And 'boo, hiss!' to those folks who squirmed out of helping you move. I'm sure there was a part of you that saw that coming.

Ceara, your salad sounds great. I try to keep one of those sectioned covered trays full of cut-up vegetables for making quick salads. I've recently tried fat-free feta---it's surprisingly good. Someone here told me about it---was it Kaylets?

Kaylets, about the ? du jour: When I don't get what I want to eat, I feel very unsatisfied and "prowly", I start looking for something else to eat!

Punkinseed, hang on, baby! Friday's coming!

Thanks for checking in, Arabella! Now where's Amarantha?

For the "Try Something New" challenge, I did a balance ball video. It was fun--I didn't do it perfectly by any means and I think I need a smaller ball.
Today's been a great workout day for me. I started out the day with 30 min. of bellydancing, a sun salutation--and later I did 40 min. Of tae bo, and the 30 min. balance ball video. And tonight I have a yoga class. Now I have to make sure that my food intake is good too!

I'm kinda lost on the threads, but here!!! :s: I guess my everyday something new is that I haven't given up on the 21-dayer so far, when the ol' me would've crashed and burned!!!!

Eydie: The personal trainer I'm working with keeps trying to get me to do the ball thing. I just seem to have an aversion to it ... reminds me of gym class and people laughing at me!!! :) Is it fun?

Frogger: Amazing how your "friends" managed to have something to do when it came time to repay your helping them move.

Re all our skirmishes with fair weather friends and our comings and goings and bad feelings and good feelings, sometimes expressed here over the years, I'm taking a risk and referring everyone to a quote I seem to be posting everywhere these days because it resonants so strongly with me whenever I think about it. I have it posted on my refrigerator, as a matter of fact. It is by Mother Teresa and is underpinned by a certain specific religious orientation, so I won't post it in its entirety here and hope no one finds this inappropriate or offensive, it's just something that helps me in situations such as Frogger has to cope with at the moment. The religion warranted is not one that I personally espouse, but I find this quote amazingly comforting and wise and any diety of any gender or facet or spiritual force could be substituted for the last line, which I'm not posting. It begins this way, but there's lots more:

"People are often unreasonable, illogical or self-centered, forgive them anyway.

"If you are successful, you will be sure to make some false friends and some true enemies. Be successful anyway.

"If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you. Be honest and frank anyway.

"What you spend years building, someone could destroy over night. Build anyway.

"If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous. Be happy anyway. ........... ~ Mother Teresa

:wave:

Just a quick skim of the posts, my my you've been a busy bunch!

Having a really busy week and just no time for a proper visit! Friday is coming, though!

Metta, just noticed you are in Hamilton. I'm in Burlington! We should meet up sometime.

Amarantha, GREAT quotes. I'm going to print them out.

Arabella, you got a bike for your b-day? Whoo hoo! :dancer: I hope you enjoy it as much as I am mine.

Gotta dash, laundry is calling.

:bubbles:

Hey, cool, Wildfire! Neat to run into someone who lives so close. :)

Frogger, your progress sounds inspiring. I'm contemplating going back to a low-carb diet myself... not Atkins, but cutting out grains and sugar for a while. I did so well with weight loss when I was eating that way before. I got out of it because I felt kind of tired when I was working out, and I was almost losing too quickly... but that's a problem I wouldn't mind having again. Heh.

I just can't bring myself to commit to it. I've been having a bad week food-wise, but I've decided to wait until the end of the week, and then depending on what the scale says, I may talk myself into low-carbing again.

Anyway, hello to everyone whose posts I've read and missed commenting on. It's tough to find the time to respond properly to everyone.

Hello all!

Almost Friday!!

Our A/C seems to be only blowing air-- We're in a high humidity type of heat wave-- Any bets on how long before the A/C people
can get here??

And frankly, have no idea how to pay for the repair unless its cheap. Have to polish up the credit card I guess.

Punkin- have not read your journal but don't forget you can ALWAYS come here to vent.

Empress- thanks for the quote- Used to know the title but realize right now it escapes me. Sometimes it seems easier to rebuild than forgive don't you think?

To everyone-- take care--
***********
Today's thought is:
"Always take the scenic route"


Question of the day is:
"Is it Friday yet?"
***********

Good Morning Glories!
 

Good Morning All!

RE: Our 'friends'. I honestly can take them or leave them. They are the laziest 2 people I have ever met. I was not surprised that there was some excuse. But we have just bought a house, so nothing can get me down!! :dancer:

Cheated again with the weigh in. Lost another lb! I'm now at 215. I may just live to see myself under 200 again!! I'm so excited. Only 15 more lbs. Official weigh in is tommorow morning though. So we shall see.... Trying to have an ultra low carb day today. I never realized that banannas have so many carbs. Goodbye for today my yummy jungle fruit. :wave:

Punkin-I'm sorry to hear of your troubles. Remember, a brighter day comes soon. We love you! Vent away dear.

Kaylets-Yuck, I hate a muggie house. Can't sleep, can't move. :crossed: that the A/C man comes soon!!

Metta-That's all I'm doing. Making an effort to cut out the breads and the like. I'm not smart enough to figure out all the carbs - fiber crap. I obviously get enough fiber, ;) and I'm obviously doing something right cuz I'm losing. Good luck with what you decide on!

Amarantha-Thanks for the quote. That about sums my attitude up towards these ninnyheads.

Cerise!!!! Cerise darling where ya b? Still unpacking? Remember, packing/unpacking counts as exercise!

To everyone I've forgotten, have a great friday-eve!

I join in the "quickie" post club again. So many things I want to comment on - so little time. Mom still in hospital, seems to be failing but she's a strong person and these things are always uncertain. So while I can't get into all I'd like, I'm here for my dose of LDL support.

Such wisdom from M. Teresa. Such simple direction but such a guide to living for your own inner self. Thanks.

Kaylets, such crushing news! Hang on and be strong.

Something new? Can't even think of anything new to try right now though there are lots of things. The best I can manage is that we picked up our new car this week. A Camry. Not exercise/diet related but it's what pops in when I put "new" into my mental search engine.

I have given me a Bye card at the moment, just trying not to go sweet happy, etc. and given my circumstances, feel I've been doing ok. I'm leaning towards going low carb for a week or so once I feel I can hop back on the train. Having a slimfast this morning and it's not even Monday....Or is it? I'm somewhat foggy.

3FC withdrawl!!!!! Was the site only down for me this morning?? Ack! :fr:

Well, it's summer in central Oregon! Apparently you can't officially call it summer until something's on fire.... :rolleyes: I've had a headache for 2 days now because of the nearby wildfires. Last night it honestly looked like what I picture as "****" - with the sun setting through all the smoke, it cast an odd orange, purple and pink color on everything. Very surreal looking.

Amarantha, I really liked your quote by Mother Teresa. Great wisdom and excellent advice in that quote.

:wave: Wildfire, Metta and Arabella!!!

Frogger, go you! Yes, you WILL reach Onderland!!!! :cb:

Anagram, :grouphug: I'm glad you know you can come here for support... Hang in there and check back when you can. My thoughts are with you all.

Kaylets, my condolences on the death of your a/c - hopefully it's not truly dead, but just needing a little work :crossed:. Now is the *worst* possible time for it to go though! Hopefully they'll come out before Mother Nature takes care of your cooling needs.

Thankfully tomorrow's Friday.... praying the mumz feels better - the 2nd 'round of chemo has been harder on her than the first, by far. She's still sick 4 days out and has been feeling worse each day. Hopefully she'll round the corner soon, I feel pretty darned helpless and a tad bit scared (even though I know she'll be fine). We do have our light at the end of the tunnel though! September 2nd is her LAST chemo treatment!!!! :cb:

Snuck a peek at the scale this morning (I quit punishing myself for that, why bother, it's not like I listen to myself :dz: ), and I'm at 213.2. Holy shmokes! :eek: At this rate, I'll hit my "2-oh-whatever" goal I set for Labor Day in a couple weeks! Funny and scarey all at the same time.... :^: I haven't seen this number in probably 5 years, I look at myself in the mirror and feel a little disconnected from it. Hopefully shopping for clothes will put me more in touch with my actual size, not the size I still have in my head. :yes:
Still have until Monday for the official weigh in.

Onward and downward!
Terri

Yo!
 

Morning all!!

It's official, my weigh in for this week (that is). 215lbs. That's a 4 lb loss. YIPPEE!!! I can't wait until onederland!

Got electric, got water, got phone for the new house. Hubby's brother will not be staying with us afterall. Couldn't keep up his end of the deal. (Had to have a job by the time we moved in). So he has to stay with his parents.

Hello all!

Hope everyone is doing well on FRIDAY!!!!!
My favorite day!

The A/C man was here at 2pm yesterday and the A/C was working by 2:30-- Small part in the compresser (Sp?). Got lucky on that one.
***********************
Thought of the day:

The following article came from a newspaper and deserves to be shared to put our lives in proper perspective.


If Earth’s population was shrunk into a village of just 100 people, with all the human ratios existing in the world still remaining, what would this tiny, diverse village look like? That’s exactly what Phillip M. Harter, a medical doctor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, attempted to figure out. This is what he found:

57 would be Asian
21 would be European
14 would be from the Western Hemisphere
8 would be African
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be non-white
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian
89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the entire world’s wealth, and all 6 would be from the United States
80 would live in sub-standard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death
1 would be pregnant
1 would have a college education
1 would own a computer



The following is an anonymous interpretation:

Think of it this way. If you live in a good home, have plenty to eat, can read, and have a computer, you are a member of a very select group.

And if you have a good house, food, can read, and have a computer, you are among the very elite.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are fortunate - more than 3 million people in the world can’t.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank and in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the world’s wealthiest top 8%.

If your parents are still alive and still married, you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone’s hand, hug them, or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than the over 2 billion people in the world who cannot read at all.

Have a good day and count your blessings!

Hope you enjoyed that one- I've seen it before but thought it was perfect for Friday.
Take care all!

Yeesh. Can't remember what day it is...
 

Not that the number is getting that high yet, but I've been so busy. The nine fruits/veggies thing seems to be working nicely tho, and I intend to continue. Makes me feel clear-headed, even when I'm exhausted physically. Which is a very useful thing, since I do need to think sometimes... So nice to have a second to think today!

Tonight's DH's staff party. It's going to be a murder mystery dinner theatre thing, so should be fun. I've seen the menu already, and it should be fine. Mussels, lots of salad, chicken breast. I'll skip the bread and dessert and it will be all good...

Kaylets my love, what a wonderful and thought-provoking article. Reminds me that I should be very grateful for what I have instead of feeling "poor" because most of my friends have more.

My heart goes out to you and the ongoing trouble with DS. These are the kinds of things that I find almost unbearable, even beyond life-and-death issues. Somehow, in the midst of the most extreme crises, everything is clear. Maybe incredibly difficult, but somehow easier to deal with, for me anyway. I guess the hardest things for me are the ones where I don't know what to do.

I am reminded that the things we think are crises in our day-to-day are really insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Amarantha, loved the MT quote. I think that there's wisdom in all of the world's religions. I don't agree with everything MT said, but this really resonates.

Funny how people are about religion sometimes. I remember talking to someone at one of DH's other staff parties. The subject of religious tolerance came up, and she said, in all seriousness, "Well, it really doesn't matter what religion you are as long as you're a Christian." :lol: I had a major struggle to maintain my composure. I should have started to quiz her on other religions, but I was so non-plussed I didn't think of it. Tells you a little bit about the cultural environment here...

Frogger, a fantastic new house AND steaming to Onederland! Yay for you! :cp: :cb:

Punkin, :grouphug: It must be so hard for you seeing your mom feeling so bad. We'll all celebrate when chemo's through. And you're heading to Onederland at breakneck speed too! Nothing like new clothes to help us redefine our self-perception! Whoa! Hip drops comin' at ya! Gotta get me a belly-dancing tape...

Anagram, :grouphug: to you and your mom, too. Know that we're thinking about you! I'm happy doing mostly lowish carb. Mostly really just avoiding the bad carbs, and eating either no bread or heavily grainy bread.

Wildfire, bike hasn't arrived yet, but I'm so looking forward to it! Funny hearing people talking about "wildfires" this time of year and having both good and bad responses to the word! My word-association self thinks that Wildfires all over the place would not be such a bad thing...

Eydie, I can't begin to tell you how touched I was by your birthday message to me (i know this goes back a bit!). It meant so much to me. A wonderful gift! Thank you. And I could send you the same message right back, too.

Oh ye who are missing, ye are also missed! Please tell us how you are! Let's make this a great day - love to all!

Fly by postie....

Wanted to post the picture of my wall before it disappears again. It's an ooooold disk and for some reason it keeps deleting itself... :dz:

So here's the Great Wall of Punkin! :encore:

Beeeeeyootiful, Punkin! :D

Happy Friday afternoon! :cb:

Thank you Arabella! The cat that's draped herself over the dark orange chair is Maia - she likes that chair.

Well, Mom's feeling better - amazing how it all turns around overnight. We've been busy today making potato salad, trimming kitty nails, and just visiting now that she feels better that I'm just *now* at 2pm, getting to post!

Frogger, congratulations!!!! 4 pounds gone! :dance: watch 'em dance away....

Kaylets, nice to hear you're cooler already and that it wasn't a huge fix needed.
I love your post today. I'd seen it awhile back, but it's always an eye opener to realize just how blessed we all really are. When 9/11 hit I was 99% through the house buying process and it dawned on me just how lucky I am - to be a single female with my own income, property and a home that is my *mine* and no one else's - when in other countries just being female would make ME the property. Yep, I know I'm blessed.

Arabella, I'm so impressed with your 9 servings of fruits n' veggies. Something to aspire to for sure! :yes:

Have an excellent weekend everyone!!!

Terri
:queen: Punkin o' Friday :bubbles:

Today Mom was transferred to a nursing home. It's supposed to be temporary and for rehab. But I dunno.....

It's a nice place. RN sister works there and had all so well coordinated that it went fairly smoothly. Mom, of course, didn't want to go - who does? But she had always told us that when it was time for her to do it, she would. And she did, very graciously. Still, overall, not a good day.

Anagram, I know how hard this day must have been for you! Been there! Hang in! It'll get better! :wave:

Hmmm, two in a row? Why not! :) Arabella, just reread your post. What a funny quote from the staff party! Unfunny though is how that rings so true with me, as I know many people who would agree with the statement. :tired:

I don't agree with everything Mother Teresa said either, although I do find her one of the wisest of wise crones (and that's said with the utmost respect). Re religion, it seems to me that they are all one at bottom, they are just dressed up differently.

For me, the MT quote (especially the last line, which I did not post) has nothing to do with religion, though its words are couched in religious symbolism, which, of course, to MT were not symbols but concrete reality.

To me, this quote, which is really a poem, I think, is sort of like a severing spell that when I think about it really helps me daily in putting many things in perspective.

Hmmm. I seem to be rambling, as is my wont!

Braindead! Beam me up, Scotty! (I'm saying that a lot lately). :balloons:

Simply Saturday!
 

Anagram-- So sorry about what you're going thru. My best to you and your family. Is the Nursing home any closer to you ?? I dread this entire experience too. We are here for you.

To everyone: You're the best!

DH's made up the yardsale list- got to fly!


*************
Thought of the day :

'Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.'
- G. B. Shaw
******
Question of the day :

" What if the hokey pokey is what it's all about? "

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

Have fun all!

Lovely wall, Punkin! You're so talented. I love getting alittle glimpse into your life--post more! Beautiful kitty too....

Anagram, how are you feeling? And how's your mom feeling? That sounds so hard, to say the least. It's good that your sister is there. I'll be thinking about you.

Arabella, yeah, that was a funny quote from the staff party. Funny, in a chilling sort of way!

Amarantha, Thanks for sharing the quote from Mother Theresa. And to Kaylets for the statistics that show us how blessed we all are.

Off to see an old friend of ours who's moving to California. It may be the last time we see him for a while.

Day whatever...
 

The hokey pokey IS what it's all about!!!!!

:spin: :dancer: :cb: :gossip: :spin: :dancer: :cb: :gossip:

I'm BAAAAaaack. Frogger MISSED me!!!
 

Oh, my GOD, you guys. I never realized how much I LOVED all of you until I spent a week and a HALF without you. :love: I've just spent 2 hours catching up with your lives and feel rotten that I haven't been here for Punkin's mom's hair loss, Anagram's mom's health issues, Kaylet's DS's ibroglios and Poor Frogger's fair-weather moving buds!!

Kisses and tears to you all from the bottom of my heart. I MISSED you!! :angel:

So, where have you been, Cerise, you say? Ugh. I've been schlepping myself, Ramon, two cats, two doves and all our STUFF from a 1,000 square-ft. apartment in Eugene, OR to a 600 sq-ft apartment in downtown Seattle. GRAAAAAAAAGH. In 90 degree weather. :flow2:

I've been very, very sweaty, tired and my feet have adopted this charming habit of hurting all the bloody time.

We LOVE Seattle!!! We live smack in the middle of downtown where EVERYTHING is accessible, we have traffic rushing by our house (poor kitties have just now gotten used to it), my family's closer. We're really happy. And our apartment, while smaller, is much, much lighter, happier and more aesthetically pleasing. We get a good feeling here. :goodvibes

And Bo-Beena, we sho' do have to de-clutter, my girl. We've already made one trip to Goodwill and are planning another. Makes you keep what you really love and lose what you've been hoarding out of obligation or whatever. A very good feeling.

I have not at all walked per se. Not this week. I've nearly died of fatigue every night, though, so not really feeling guilty. I'm really optimistic about living here. It's a walking city, like Paris. And hilly. Very hilly. Parking's such a pain in the @$$ that we walk a lot to get to this store or that.

My brother, a 3rd-year med. student and his wife, the personal trainer, live here and it has been heaven, HEAVEN to see them nearly every day. Elisabeth is a monster, man. She teaches at least 3 Spinning classes a day and is CUT. She wears lots of skinny, athletic outfits, too. A daily inspiration. It helps that she's unfailingly kind and loves the **** out of me and really wants to help me be fit. Otherwise I'd probably try to kill her. ;)

Well, ladies, I'll never stay away this long again. Apart from the fact that you guys are incredibly wonderful to me, I've just missed out on a lot of your life stuff, important stuff, and I don't want that to happen again.

Lovies,
Cerise :grouphug:

P.S. I wanted to comment on that religion thing. I'm a Christian (though I have to say that I flinch at the label), a very liberal one, and have zero tolerance for any sort of religious superiority complexes. I was recently trying to explain to a more fundamentalist friend that I'm a "non-exclusivist", a fancy way of saying that I don't think that Xianity is the only, or even the BEST way to pursue spirituality, and he was like, "but what about TRUTH? Don't you believe that Christianity is the TRUTH?" Please. Truth is so evasive, and I believe non-linear. I don't think one belief renders another un-truth-ful, even if they seem contradictory. Anyway, there's my two cents. :soap:

Cerise! So great to see you back, and to hear about how wonderful it sounds like this move is going to be for you. We missed you!

I love your approach to Christianity. The belief in exclusive truth is my major bone of contention with Christianity. I was more-or-less brought up Christian but that just did it in for me. And I do believe there's truth in Christianity, but that some of the elements - such as exclusive right of way - were added because they served someone's purpose.

There's such a contradiction with a lot of people who think they're tolerant, too, in that they "tolerate" people who worship differently, but think they're going to ****. :rolleyes:

Hi, Cerise! :wave: I lived in Seattle for a number of years (in what we called the "U" district, dunno if they still call it that) ... very fond memories of the place!

I also have problems with the concept of TRUTH (aka exclusivity) in religion, as well as in many areas of life.

I don't really know what TRUTH is, especially when it relates to such huge matters as are often dealt with in conventional religions.

IMNHO, religion is a little like art and music, the best way is to just enjoy what moves you and not pretend to understand the rest!!!! :cb:

What I most hate is when people make assumptions about what I believe or when they try to foist their belief systems onto me out of a false sense that it's their duty.

Hmmm. I think that was about to happen early this a.m. when I was sitting in the car in the supermarket parking lot enjoying a quiet and messy moment with my ONE Krispy Kreme. Had the a/c on (in Arizona you just don't sit in a car long in the summer without the a/c, which is one of the things I dislike about the place, but I digress), the windows up and the car locked. Was thinking. A sweet-faced, nicely dressed woman with neat ponytail and conservative clothing (aka a dress in 95-degree heat at 7 a.m. on Saturday, which is my definition of conservative unless you're going to a wedding), clutching a pamphlet, startled me by peering into my driver side window, two inches from my face. I jumped and yelped and she waved her pamphlet apologetically and gestured for me to roll down the window. My interpretation, since the pamphlet seemed to have a Christian symbol on it, was that she was drumming up business for her religion. This made me mad, as she had intruded on my moment of peace (and Krispy Kreme), so I frowned heavily motioned her to go away, which she did.

Sigh.

A nice person, which I never aspire to be as it is beyond my powers, would have rolled down the window and been polite to the lady.

I could have given her the little "drawing down the moon" necklace I have hanging from the car mirror in exchange for her pamphlet.

I'm sure she would have appreciated it.

Sigh.

I need more Krispy Kreme! :tired:

Hey Chicks. :wave:

My plans to spend the weekend doing marvelous things (tackling Mt. Laundry, working out, grocery shopping, watching movies, etc,etc) seemed to be in the direct opposite of what my body had planned for me. My IBS decided to have me curled in a ball for all of yesterday with a crushing headache for good measure. I gave in at 7pm and went to bed, only to start it all again at 4am. :shrug: Sometimes you just can't fight it and it's better to give in. At least it's the weekend because I can't take time off work to deal with it.

All I can say about those nuts who pander religion is may God help them, 'cause they're going to need help when I'm done with them! :rollpin: No, Amarantha, you shouldn't feel you have to be nice to them. They certainly don't return the favor when they spit the word "Pagan" like it's some form of leprosy. Anyway, don't want to start any religious wars here.

Cerise, so glad you're back! I'm so happy you're happy in your new place! Sounds like it was a good move for you and Ramon.

Arabella, thank you for your sweet remark! I imagine, though, that my husband would disagree....one Wildfire is more than enough for him to handle. :D You did fabulously at the staff dinner! I know how you feel, though, about the other women in their skinny clothes. You'll get there, love. :grouphug:

Anagram, your Mom sounds like one classy lady. So many fight to stay at home when they know it is not the best thing for themselves and their families. I'm sure having an RN sister there will help tremendously.

Punkin, glad to hear you're Mom has turned that corner from her chemo treatment. One more to go! Your wall looks great! Maia is a cutie, too....I was wondering which one was on the chair. When is/was your shopping trip with Bo-Beena? This weekend? And what's the news with your guy?

Eydie, how was the visit with the friend? Hard to say goodbye, even if it's only for a while.

Kaylets, I hope things work themselves out for your DS. I know how heartbreaking it is when they do stupid things. You and DH are doing the right thing, no matter how awful it feels.

Where is frogger? I can't see her....OH! There she is...geez girl, you're shrinking so fast you might disappear! :cp: Way to go!

Think I'll see if I can handle a cup of tea.

Hello all--

This weeek has been nonstop challenges w/ family or house. The minute we think we've figured out how to deal w/ one, there's another.

From A/C to DS, then DD called w/ an SOS, but to top it all off, DH fell down our stairway yesterday. He pulled the bannister down trying to save himself and now has scrapes and bruises the size of two hands on his lower back.
This morning he is REALLY feeling it.

All week, as I became more overwhelmed I found myself reaching, reaching, reaching.....
Even realized I was not enjoying the pretzels that were oversalted but ate a few more b/4 tossing them.
This is the first time in the longest that I really just needed to cry and it would be tears of frustration.
And did I mention, while I was on the phone
"sharing" with a friend, one of my dogs had a slight seizure and wet the floor and vomitted too??
Do you see what I mean??

Luckily, this came in my email this morning as a gentle reminder I still have it better than many.....

Today's thought is : " I wish you joy".

***********

This will most certainly put a lump in your throat and maybe a thought
>in your mind to appreciate all the little things in your life (It is no
>accident you received this!)
>
>
>
>The Sandpiper by Robert Peterson
>
>
>She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I
>live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles,
>whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a
>sandcastle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
>
>"Hello," she said.
>
>I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small
>child.
>
>"I'm building," she said.
>
>"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
>
>"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
>
>That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper
>glided by.
>
>"That's a joy," the child said.
>
>"It's a what?"
>
>"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
>
>The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to
>myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on.
>
>I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.
>
>"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
>
>"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
>
>"Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny,"
>she said.
>
>In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle
>followed me.
>
>"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day."
>
>After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an
>ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out
>of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up
>my coat.
>
>The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly
>but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
>
>"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
>
>"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
>
>"I don't know, you say."
>
>"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.
>
>The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is."
>
>
>"Then let's just walk."
>
>Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do
>you live?" I asked.
>
>"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
>
>Strange, I thought, in winter.
>
>"Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're
>on vacation."
>
>She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind
>was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a
>happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.
>
>Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was
>in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the
>porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
>
>"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me,
>"I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of
>breath.
>
>"Why?" she asked.
>
>I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My
>God, why was I saying this to a little child?
>
>"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
>
>"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and--oh, go away!"
>
>"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
>
>"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
>
>"When she died?"
>
>"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself.
>I strode off.
>
>A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't
>there. Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I
>went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn
>looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.
>
>"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today
>and wondered where she was."
>
>"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much.
>I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please,
>accept my apologies."
>
>"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing
>that I meant what I had just said.
>
>"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she
>didn't tell you."
>
>Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
>
>"She loved this beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no.
>She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy
>days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice
>faltered, "She left something for you ... if only I can find it.
>Could you wait a moment while I look?"
>
>I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely
>young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in
>bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a
>yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully
>printed:
>
> A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.
>
>Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love
>opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so
>sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together.
>The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six
>words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony,
>courage, and undemanding love.
>
>A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who
>taught me the gift of love.
>
>NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened
>over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves
>as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and
>life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving
>oneself less.
>
>Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can
>make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a
>momentary setback or crisis.
>
>This week, be sure to give those you love, friends as well as family,
>an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment...even if it is only ten
>seconds, to stop and smell the roses.
>
>This comes from someone's heart, and is shared with many and now I share
>it with you.
>
> There are NO coincidences!
>Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside
>anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?
>
>Someone thought this was worth sending on and I do too.
>

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