I think I forgot to tell you that I ordered online and received 25 lbs of Dunkin Donuts coffee to take with me to SoCa!
Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Right on, Peg. Usually I'm here drooping over the keyboard with my latte earlier than this. I can't catch up with you all though, until the furkids have breakfast (two different meals), trek outside for you-know-what, and then play-fight on the bed while I try to make it up, etc etc. I don't always post, though, because my thoughts in the AM are rather sluggish. Well, truthfully, my brain can be rather sluggish until late afternoon, leaving me with a rather scant window of cogent thought. Yes, DH is at work, DF is away and I'm deliciously without any males of the species during the day.

What fun to think about an Oooooooklahoma (re)union :bear: What would you do with BOB though?

Let's see, if I count both marriages and a couple of committed years (when I should have been committed) I would have been married--HOLYMOLY--38 years for me, too. Sheesh! Whose idea was this, anyway, LOL!!!

Alida, I can relate to your sentiments while you were going down the isle. I really thought I was doing the "noble/self-sacrificing" thing marrying DH#1 (long story) and I wasn't even pregnant either, LOL. Well, tried to make it work for 9 years, but it was doomed.

Alida, the cellular companies all differ, but a few of them offer "family" plans--say a regular charge, dependent on package, for one cell phone, and a smaller additional charge for subsequent lines--$say, 9.95 in some cases here. But I think technically two cell phones can't share the same number. It's another area where you'd have to do some research--starting with your current carrier. Usually in those cases any minutes between "family" phones are free. We use our cell phones much more than the land lines and have enough minutes in our package that it's cheaper to use the cell phones for long distance.

Alida, you can cut back your hostas if they're in a location where they'd be unattractive before snow cover. However, I never bother. The foliage disintegrates for the most part over winter and any remains are less time consuming to clean up in the spring. JMHO

TB, your numbers look good, too, as do Barb's. I think us OF's on LC are good advertising for this way of life.

The AAUW here always sponsors the local candidates' political debates as well as charity drives, among other activities. I was invited some years ago when I was a more prominent working gal. Not sure I'd be quite as attractive a candidate now, LOL. Check it out, TB. If it's a nice group and have activities that interest you, go for it. (Another place to plant the seeds with your gourmet LC, too, heh, heh, heh).

Shell, I'm doing my best to participate in the end-of-year clearance on health care...preparing for colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow Thanks again for your prep info earlier in the thread.

Donna, oh the various ribbon "yarns" are gorgeous! They make wonderful scarves, shawls, even sweaters and afghans. In fact, yarn has changed soooo much since a crocheted years ago, I still go all ga-ga in a good yarn shop.

Sounds like your living room is coming along nicely! Hope you can keep the guys motivated.

Ilse, another new high school in U46? Or out where you live now...call me confused.

Later kids. I have to consume more latte while I still can today

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Alida: I just (two weeks ago) checked with my cell carrier, Verizon, and found that they technology won't allow two cells to share the same number. I wanted that too for DH and I. But, you have to have two numbers. We are going to use "my" cell number while we are gone. Going to turn off our landline phone. And, buy another cell number (on the family plan) when we get back for more privacy. Not sure why, since supposedly people can't get your cell number, but there it is.

Brenda: I SAID it was a dream. In my dream of our (re)union, Bob is not included.
(Ha!)

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Quickie --

We just got back from Cingular. Yup, you both were right. Two phones cannot share one number. And our current rate together was cheaper than the family plan! I pay $35/month and Bob's is $30. Every two years when we renew our contract, the rate stays the same. Bob got his phone a few years earlier than I did, hence his cheaper rate. If we were to change plans, then the rates would revert to the current rate. Clear as mud, eh? Upshot, our cost is the same and I got a new phone for $50. I love it! It closes, and has a speaker, which is great for me because then I don't have to take my hearing aid out to talk on the cell.

Also investigated the Time Warner cable phone deal. Actually, Southwestern Bell has lowered their rate to be competitive with TW. After adding taxes, etc, SWB is a few dollars cheaper! But TW does include caller ID, which we do not have with our SWB account. Plus, I don't have to run up and get my cell phone out of my purse everytime I want to make a long distance phone call. So it looks like we will go with the Time Warner deal.

I'm ready to take a nap, but have to leave for a very small job at 3:40. Also, my 9 AM appointment was a no show! That really P's me off. If this is the same customer I think it is . . . she originally asked us to do the lead job at least 4 years ago. After I ordered some colored film, the husband calls to cancel the job because . . . the wife is IN JAIL!! I think it had to do with adsconding with the funds or something or other. Anyway, he did pay for the film. So I guess she's out of jail and wants her leading done. Hmm. Think I may pass on this one . . . or get my $$ up front!

Talk with you in the AM. Gotta run!

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Alida, are you getting the All-in-One deal from T/W? We get caller ID,voice mail, forwarding, waiting, as well as unlimited long distance--all for "free." It's really so confusing to compare plans.

I ended up getting a Cingular cell phone mainly because several relatives had them, and we can all talk for free from anywhere. That includes you, Alida!

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

ROFL!!

Alida, sounds like you've had a busy afternoon, but got some things taken care of. Glad newer technology is helping you, too! Gee, if you and Barb both have Cingular, you can talk to my Dad any time, too. :silly:

I've finished weekly maintenance of the furgirls this afternoon. Ears, nails, teeth, complete brushing, lube job and 29 point check. Whew. They are really good, but it still takes time, patience, treats (for me and them ) and lots of sweet talk. Even with progressive lenses and the Optivisor I managed to nick the quick in one of Token's nails. How many years have I been doing this, for heaven's sake. The car's also washed and clean, and I treated myself to ANOTHER pedicure. Spur of the moment indulgence, just because.....ok, gotta go drink some delicious clear liquid...

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Good morning!

Ohhh! Brenda, this morning is your Great Colonoscopy Adventure! I do hope everything goes well and you are not too uncomfortable. Please give me the first-hand scoop. This is something I gotta do . . . .

Gee, thanks. Barb and I can't wait to talk to your Dad!

The fur girls must look all fresh and pretty! Wanna come and "do" my cats?

I think it was mine, Brenda. And have to agree with your idea on marriage #1. My first was doomed, too. I thought I was doing the "right" thing. So young and stupid. At least I got the second one right!

All this talk about beautiful Ribbon Yarn has my thinking knitting a plain scarf might be fun!

And thank you for the hosta info. They are in the front and turning UGLY. So I think I will trim them back this weekend.

Barb, after comparing all prices, we decided just to go with the TW digital phone deal. I called TW to ask about the taxes and fees on the 3-fer package deal. Those add about $11 to the cost, depending on your city. I currently have dial up. I would love Road Runner, but even with the package deal, we would not save money over-all. We are going to DECREASE our cable TV package to get it from $60 down to $30. We have found we just don't watch all those channels. I will miss the movies on demand. But gotta do what we have to do. Even though the phone cost is about the same with TW & SWB, we are basically getting the TW cable phone just for the convenience of using it for free long distance on our home phone.

And as for the cell phone, last night son Mark sent me an e-mail saying he signed up for the Cingular Family Plan and can add me to it for $10/month!!! We just signed the darn 2-year contract! Now I have to call and find out if there's some sort of "cancellation time period." There usually is with any type of contract. Always something.

Can't wait for Henry's Pot Luck. I'm having trouble getting the pecans from Sams Club. Bob has tried three times, and they are still out of pecans. Might have to buy them at the regular store. And just to be clear on this, this party is just for us and not spouses, right? Bob did ask if he was invited!

Peg, sorry my first marriage comment lead you down a darker path. I guess it would be hard to be with an ex-partner in a social setting, especially in your situation. My Bob has to be with his ex every now and then. It does put a damper on things, especially when we know she still bad-mouths him to the kids, even after all these years.

25 pounds of coffee??? How big is this Lexus you are taking? Also had to laugh at your Wal-Mart story! No tops? Broken tops???

It does sound like you are getting things cleaned up and packed up! I imagine actually moving the whole house might be easier. Then you know everything goes. But for just a six month move, you really have to plan and think of every item you might need. Daunting!

Agree with you on the TMI. I may be guilty of writing TMI because I LIKE reading TMI. It makes me feel closer to all of you. I don't consider any thoughts we may have as TMI . . .

LOL about your dream of a reunion in Ooooklahoma. No Bobs, eh? Although, I don't think OK is that far from KS. Shelley, how long does it take your DH to drive from your place to KC?

Shelley, hope you are having a good day and the end-of year rush to surgery is not too bad.

Judy, if you need a web site to "host" your top of mind logo, I can put it on mine.

Peg, when did you say Rachel was going to be back?

You know, it's a good thing I do get up at 4:30! It's now 6:10 and I am just finishing this post! I guess my brain is sluggish in the AM too, just like Brenda's!

Donna, I missed one Survivor, too, when I had to go to Chicago. Have you heard about your raise yet?

Oh, Peg, I forgot to mention -- cutting film is not too bad on my hands. It's rolling the film up when I'm done cutting that is a little hard on my wrist, but all in all, doable. Hre's a pic of my film slitter. It's in the unfinished part of the basement. You put the film roll in, adjust the slitters to the width you want, roll down to the length you want, then cut and roll up.

Have a great day!

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Alida
5'1" ~ 59 years old
Highest weight: 165
Atkins 7/10/2004
160/126/125
RE-DO, January 2008:
167/162/135

Wow, Alida, that's some contraption!

Yeah, here I am! Have been up for an hour, gluging icky stuff, and frankly, this may be the last time you'll hear from me for a while, since I will be occupied. Infact, I'm heading for my favorite room of occupation right now. TMI, Alida!!! LOL Just for you!

__________________
BC
LC Since 1998
Highest Weight 172
Current 104-108

Alida, once you have high-speed internet, you'll wonder how you ever tolerated dial-up. We were paying more than $20 for SWB local service only. If you choose to keep SWB, look into their DSL service (high-speed over the phone line). As long as you're paying for a phone line, you might as well get all the services you can. Besides, T/W digital phone doesn't support FAX--and you might need FAX service with your business.

Yesterday, I got an offer from Earthlink, my internet service provider for ten years, offering digital phone! Too late. Road Runner is a direct internet link, but that means you'd have to provide your own virus/firewall/spam filter and other protection you get with an ISP like Earthlink or AOL. AOL comes "free" with T/W All-in-One. Like I said--so many choices!

Bren, chugalug! I've done colonoscopy more than once. The prep is yucky, but the procedure is not scary. Major sedative--you'll never know. Very important to do this once in a while.

I bought pecans at Costco last week. Can you go there? The party is for us LCEers only. No spouses this time. Henry and Jan are only expecting about five of us. So carve out a piece of that cake for your DH, and come alone.

__________________
Barb L.
Atkins since Jan 2003
Maintenance as of 4/05


My Fitday Journal

OOOOOOOOOOpoor Brenda! Sending "Tucks" your way. Well, they are imaginary, but hopefully you'll get some soothing comfort! I was introduced to "Tucks" after childbirth. I'll never forget their soothing cooling feeling. How's that for TMI?? Also, sending good thoughts to you as you go in this morning. I hope you are not nervous. It's really not bad. I sincerely hope that your Doc uses that wonderful "forgetting" drug. I suspect that we won't hear from you until tonight. Do get back on and let us know how it went. After I had mine, I came home and slept for a while. You do the same if you need it.

Alida: Oh, I see. The contraption that you use to cut the film. I was thinking specifically about cutting those templates with the intricate cuts in them. How do you do that?? I can't press hard with my hand any more. I just don't have the manual dexterity that I had, and very little strength either in my hands. C'est la vie! It's alll good unless I need to open a stubborn jar or medicine bottle. I do have assistive devices here in the house if needed, but my most helpful assistive device is DH!

Rachel is on her way today back to Georgia. She said she would be back online on Friday. They will be in Georgia for another six months and then looking for more projects. We need to get her to explain to us what she and her husband do. It is just fascinating!!

Donna: How is it at work? Are you plowing through everything that was left for you? Are you feeling like you had a vacation? I hope so. And how is the renovation coming on the living room? LOL'd at your imagination about the fireplace, rug, etc!

Barb: What are you doing today? Gosh you are usually on by this time. I have an image of you exercising like mad at home and then rushing to work.

Alida: You didn't bring up any bad memories for me. Sorry it sounded that way. It is what it is. I accept it and think about it once in a while even without being reminded. My life has been a soap opera! One friend with whom I was getting acquainted said, when I got into my story, "Stop!" "You life is a bleeping soap opera!" Yeah! It is. But, it is what it is. Yaknow, I don't try to forget any of it. It has made me who I am today for better or sometimes for worse! I have learned to be strong. I have learned to have courage. I have learned how to laugh in the face of adversity. I have learned that hope is always justified, even when it seems that the darkness will last for ever. I have learned that appearing to be the fool is quite all right. I really don't think I would trade it now. Have you read "Good Grief" by Lolly Winston? Boy! I really recommend it. I could so identify with the main character who is a young widow trying to adjust. It is funny and poignant. Good book.

Judy: How's it going with the little darlings? Thanks so much for the new logo. It's working just fine for me. I ordered an external hard drive yesterday. I got a Maxtor II with 250 G's. That should be enough to transfer my whole HD in it. I researched it through PCmag. They gave it their Editor's choice award for ease of use. We'll see. Yesterday I started organizing my various power cords for cameras and other peripherals. I have my software disks organized in a three ring binder along with their license keys (if necessary) Yesterday I began organizing everything that I have downloaded from the Net in my HD here on the PC in order to know where things are. I have a Dell Axim too. I'm loading some stuff on it.

And, speaking of Pocket PC's, guys. Have you heard ot Sudoku? It's a puzzle game sweeping the Nation. It started in Japan. I downloaded it to my Axim and have been playing it like mad. I love computer puzzles.

Brenda: I also ripped out the row I needed to tink last night. Then I tried loading the whole thing back on my needles. Well, it didn't work exactly right, but I perservered. It's getting big enough now that I can keep my lap warm while I work on it. (Ha!)

I did enough scarves last winter to keep me and all my acquaintances in scarves for a while. But, what the hey, I may do some more. At least I can finish them!

Terry: What's up for you today? Thanks for the directions. My brother went to the big University in your town! I'm very familiar with it. Of course, that was 30 years ago. I suppose it has changed a bit since then.:silly:

Well, it's off to the shower. The handyman is coming today to try to fix the leak in the ceiling in the basement. Also, Deuteronomy is going today. I'm steeling myself against the loss.

Peace, peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young

Good morning!

I hope all of you are well. Brenda, good luck with the test today!

I had somewhat of a frustrating day yesterday. I left two hours early to go to the doctor in Maywood. The trip took about and hour, but I did encounter stop and go drving all the way of the Eisenhower. This was at 6:30am. I-88 was fine. I get into where I check in and find that my Flex pay is down to zero. I had just gotten a statement letting me know there was almost $200 left in it. I tried dealing with it from a pay phone, but it didn't work. Needless to say, my blood pressure was somewhat high from the stress of rush hour traffic and the Flex pay problems. The doctor wants me to have a whole battery of test to see if I am qualified physically for the lap band surgery. I imagine every test would have a $20 co-pay and I'm not sure if all the tests would be covered by the insurance. I have to find out.

I had breakfast with my parents and started heading home. I stopped at Whole Foods Market, but didn't buy anything. I drove out to Plainfield, IL. to find the high school I heard about. I drove it to see how far it was. The school was around 13 miles instead of the 26 (or more) I usually drive. Gas out there was cheaper too ($2.39/gal). I ended up doing an on-line application with this school district. We will see what happens. It would be a completely different direction than the health club where I swim.

I spent some time on the phone after I got home, trying to deal with some things. I ended up falling asleep for a couple of hours. When I got up, I thought it was around 5am. I grabbed clothes to wear for the day and headed downstairs. I couldn't figure out why my cell phone hadn't woken me up (I have an alarm on it) I did eventually figure out it was still Tuesday.

Gotta run, it's time for the next class!

__________________
Ilse

380 (Highest)/318(9-11-08)/230.2(current)/154
5'6"
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Walt Disney

Morning everyone. I'll probably have to make this quick but at least I got in here. Yesterday my server was so slow, I couldn't take the time to wait to get in.

Alida: I wouldn't cut your hostas back until the leaves can be easily pulled out of the ground. If you do it too soon, all the goodness hasn't gone back into the roots yet and you could loose them. As soon as the leaves as dead you can just pull or rake the leaves out. That's what I do anyway.

And, yes, I do work for a trucking firm. But, our biggest contract is for Pacific Press where all the major newspapers are printed. We distribute the papers all over the province of BC. My job is to take care of every store in our area by making sure they don't run out of papers, do the billing...everything to do with their account. It's all done on the computer and it's a lot of work. Clear as mud? lol No raise yet, but I refuse to give up. I'll nag him until he gives in. lol

I finally had to give in and put the sandals away along with my capri's. Today I'm wearing jeans and pantyhose (yuk) and shoes (that's a double yuk). Shouldn't really complain, it's almost November and not all that cold yet. But, my feet were just about frozen when I got home yesterday so I figured it's time for proper shoes. Come on Spring!!

The reno's are slowing down now. Dh put up another sheet of gyprock on Monday and then had to quit when he realized he didn't have enough to finish the next wall. He was supposed to buy more on the way home from work yesterday, but didn't make it to the store before they closed. My ds is again on afternoon shifts and can only help on weekends. Actually, this was his project, and I wonder how he'll feel about my dh jumping in there and doing some of the work. Hope his feelings aren't hurt.

We made a list last night of all the new furniture and stuff we'll have to buy for the front room/dining room. Now, that's the fun part. This is a second marriage for both of us and between us we had 4 kids and foster kids to raise, so we have always just made due with whatever we had. Or bought cheap stuff. Now it's time for us. I have a huge list starting with a new china cabinet, dining room table, lamps, end tables, coffee table...oh, I could go on and on. This is so exciting. Even in my first marriage I didn't have new things. So, this weekend we are heading to town to start pricing. The lamps will definitely be bought this weekend. Had to take one off the wall behind dh's chair so now he has a hard time reading. (If you call it reading...he opens the paper and promptly falls asleep. I think it must be the ink that knocks him out?) So, I'm really looking forward to this weekend. I do love to shop!

I have a plan for my cell phone where I only use it for emergencies and it only costs me $19 a month. Dh got in when cells were still pretty rare and his plan is $9 a month. Not going to give that one up.

Brenda: Thinking of you today. I'm sure it will all go well....have that nap.

Peg: (((Hugs))) to you today for having to give up Deuts. That's going to be tough for you. I'm sure he will understand.

From the sound of it, we all knew our first marriages were the wrong move. In my case, I know now that I married because I though no one else would have me (I was 240 pounds at that time) and being married was the thing to do. In those days if you weren't married by the time you were 21 there was a problem with you. I stuck it out for 10 years wishing the whole time that there was a way out. The only thing good about it was my 2 great kids. I'm so glad that there is a different way of thinking for the young people today and they aren't jumping into marriages that don't have a chance of making it.

Well, back to work for me. The days at work are just flying there is so much to do. But, I've come back from holidays with a different attitude about work. I'm not stressing that I'm not caught up and just taking it slowly. If it's not done....too bad. Maybe if I was paid more, I'd have a different attitude? lol Talk to you all soon.

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Forgot to say that now that I'm home I'm back into my routine of eating 3 meals a day. Great....now I've gained 2 pounds in three days. Awwkk!! I'm pushing the water but that's not helping. Maybe tomorrow I'll be down?

__________________
Donna
238.5/173.4/150
I will see my goal weight again

Bwahh hahaha haha! Oh, Peg - if you only knew! Working with Asilomar's event coordinators (a concessionaire, DNC, Inc.) is a bit like having the keystone kops running your conference. Very inefficient and prone to major omissions. You have to bird dog them ~every step~ of the way. I'm lucky if I get 5 hours of sleep combined from Friday to Sunday. The only good thing is that the work-a-day staff are pretty good at responding to all the mishaps and omissions from the poorly written event orders. Asilomar is a pretty great place otherwise - scenic, peaceful, historic buildings, etc.

I wonder if you are thinging of Esalen Institute in Big Sur (just a ways south of Asilomar) as the center for various alternative types of therapy? Esalen used to be quite famous for counterculture theraputic movements.
really? SJSU? ...if so, we might have been classmates. Yeah, it's changed a bit. Some major streets have been wiped off the map as the university built right over them. The whole valley is unrecognizeable from 30 years ago. This has been going on my whole life (landmarks changing), but I still find it to be disorienting.

Oh, Donna - a whole house makeover! Now that's got to be lots of fun. New furniture - YUM!

Brenda, here's wishing you good luck with you c-thing today. Whew.. sending hugs, anyway.

__________________
~~~Teelbee
Back to GOAL!!!
start weight: 176/goal range: 137-134/now: 138
Reached goal in Aug. 2003 - 4rd year of maintenance.

Terry:

I suspect that you are right about my memory! It probably is Esalen that I was thinking about. But, I do remember Asilomar too. Of course, you have to remember that all my memories of California are more than 25 years old. We've been in exile back here in the North East that long!

Also, I realized that it's been a "little" more than 30 years since my brother was at SJSU. More like 50 years! Sheesh. He is 15 years older than me and I remember going there to visit he and his wife when I was a little girl. Then he taught there in SJ for a few years until they moved to Whittier where he taught high school for another 20 years or so. Then he and his wife and kids moved to Africa where he taught in a school for missionary kids in Kenya. Colorful family, huh?

Well, another hour or so and Deuts will be leaving. I'm feeling okay about it. Have myself steeled against the feelings right now. I know I will miss him terribly tonight when he likes to cuddle with me in the recliner while I watch TV. And tomorrow morning when he isn't there to greet me at the bedroom door.

Peace, Peg

__________________
"Live the questions and some day you will live along into the answers."
Rainer Marie Rilke

Atkins since 2003
5'8" 206.4/197/175
65 years young