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RQP · #**121** 10-12-2005, 09:09 AM

Hi lovelies!!

I got in this morning at 4am (living in off-flight pattern areas means you get the dregs of the flight times!) and went right to sleep but am up and SUPER busy because we have the Christmas chorale here tonight and tomorrow night (another dark-thirty flight) I leave for the US.

The trip to Spain was long and difficult and wonderful. Is that weird? It was fantastic. I saw the whole family, we spent three days talking, laughing, crying, hanging out with Julian (Tere's DH), and basically just sort of 'being there' for one and other. It was incredible... Because I had cried myself out on Wednesday last, I had decided that I didn't want to really lose it - especially because I knew it would be a trigger but on the first day (Sat) that I was there - after comida (big late lunch in Spain) I helped Cristina get the coffee ready, including taking out the little tray that Tere always used and taking out the little blue and yellow cups and that was the moment for me. My first memories of Tere were of having coffee with her after comida every day... for 25 years now. That was the time of day that she and I frequently shared - many times just the two of us. I had to step out of the apartment into the hall to sob - I just missed her so terribly in that moment. It passed, and I did fine the rest of the weekend!

I feel bad that I have not been on line and as such have been away from you all and your adventures and misadventures.

Alida, I am so sorry for your loss... my friend Ana just lose a very dear uncle - young(ish) - it seems that it's one of those waves - not a good time of year.

Shelley - welcome back! I have really missed you! I promise to get back on the exercise thing come this weekend. I'll start walking again with my mom. I just can't do it with the kind of intense traveling I've been doing lately.

Peg, I have your contact info and I'll be talking to you VERY soon!!

Donna, Terry, Brenda, Judy, and anyone I have missed... much love to you all and please forgive this brief post... I have a number of things to get finished before I fly out tomorrow and I'm feeling very stressed - I'd rather spend the day with you all - get caught up and address you all - but I don't anticipate being on the computer again for another couple of days - until I get settled somewhere (MA? NJ?)...

bkloots · #**122** 10-12-2005, 09:45 AM

Rachel's probably at 40,000 ft. about now. Bye, Rachel! Have a good trip! Thank you for speaking so tenderly of the poignant moment with the teacups.

Judy, you're out there on the front lines of the future! Scary, isn't it? Take care of yourself. I'm glad to hear that at least one parent took the side of the school authority instead of defending the rotten kid.

Peg, hallelujah for the loan coming through! You paid dearly for it.

Teel, I don't know anything about bids like that--but I don't think I'd average. I'd try to get them to give me the highest amount! Why not?

Shelley, what's a URI? Dad has been moved to the cardiac unit for observation and tests. He's anxious for the docs to cure his "wooziness" and says they're not doing it. He is not a patient patient. The nurses at the hospital he's in are experts at dealing with older people, since the hospital is virtually on the grounds of a vast retirement community. I appreciate their forebearance, and also their feistiness. ( I mean the nurses'.)

My work today involves Graduation, stuffed animals, Kid's Valentines, and a Hallmark Brand Rally. Not the toughest gig in the universe.

I send you all the "very best" wishes.

KCTinter · #**123** 10-12-2005, 10:57 AM

Good morning, ladies!

Gosh, so much going on . . . as usual! I have a very busy day today, so this has to be short (famous last words).

Barb, I am so sorry about your Dad. If it is pneumonia, please stay on top of his treatment. My Dad died from it because no one warned him or my sister about the possibility of it setting in after he broke his rib.

You are going to Henry's pot luck, right?

Terry, no averaging! They should pay 100% for what you get. But the caveat would be: they ruined tile so they should pay for new tile. If you go with wood, you will either have a little extra, or have to pay a little extra. But changing the "specs" is your choice.

Sigh. Haven't heard from Paul. I am not sure when he's coming home. And "home" is probably with his Mother in southern MO. Last I heard was Saturday when he said he would call us tht night. Never called. Now we are leaving for Chicago. I did send an e-mail but no response. KIDS!!!!!

Thank God you went to the doctor about those bumps. I think the 2nd biopsy will probably be to see how far in the "pre-cancerous" stuff is. Gotta get it all out! Keep us posted, OK?

Judy, you sly teacher, you! LOL about "ripping a new one."

Peg, YEA!!! Your perserverance paid off!

Brenda, LOL about bathing suits. To Ilse, too, buying a bathing suit is right up there with having a root canal.

Another sock? OK, tell us the truth. Have you finished a PAIR yet? You are too, too funny.

WOW. If I ever want to get a wood floor, I know ALL about it now!

Shelley, that was my question, too. If the supervisor was the same one that was "wait and see." Hmm. Maybe the new one will be BETTER!

Rachel!!!! So good to see your post. I was thinking about you yesterday, and about your trip to the US. I thought it was coming up . . . as in TODAY! So glad your trip to Spain went well. Crying is good. Sorta frees up all the emotions inside. Now you can heal and remember the wonderful times with Tere. Those can never be taken away.

If I missed something, I am sorry. I really do have to run. So much to do today to get ready. Remember I mentioned the hassle of putting the seats in the van? Yup. DH is taking the van to the dealer today and have THEM put those suckers in.

I spent an hour on line this AM getting hotel reservations. Ends up our friends cannot "put us up." Oh well. At least we won't have to do that long drive. Always Something.

The 12 panes of glass I did . . . ends up I did 4 on the wrong side. So they were delivered yesterday around 5 PM and I re-did them. That chore was NOT on my list!

I will check in later, or tomorrow AM for sure, before I disconnect the computer!

Have a great day!

bkloots · #**124** 10-12-2005, 11:50 AM

Good morning, Alida--I'm at the office now, and I bet you're out and about. Yes, I'll be at Henry's. I haven't decided what to bring yet. Henry posts the most elegant recipes--can't wait to try his cuisine!

A footnote on FAT LEGS for Bren and Peg.

I've always had fat legs and a fat butt. F.A.T. At my lowest adult weight of 122, running a marathon, I have photos of those thighs flapping in the breeze. The effect has always been exaggerated, too, by my small waist and narrow upper body. X-Treme Pear. You know that bulbous little goddess figure, the Venus of Willendorf? I share her Germanic heritage and general shape. My kinda gal.

I've always tried to keep in mind that it's culture, not nature, making us believe that hard, thin thighs on women are desirable, or even possible. Real women have fluffy thighs--and real men like them! That helps a little. Besides, women with hip and thigh fat are far less prone to heart disease than women with abdominal fat--and I'm on the safe side there.

When I started ice skating at the age of 55, I finally saw those thighs diminish somewhat, and took credit for my exercise and diet exertions. Then someone pointed out that MENOPAUSE depletes fat--including those "secondary sexual characteristics" like thigh fat and--alas!--boobs. I didn't care. It was working for me! Cleavage you can get with a fabulous bra. Thin(ner) thighs are a gift.

I've also worked to develop strong, and somewhat broader, shoulders, and trimmer arms, to balance out my shape a bit. I'm in the best head-to-toe condition of my whole life right now. Even my head's in a good place.

Here's my dirty little secret. If I ever get to be a Merry Widow, I'd like to do a Demi Moore and get one last shot at, say, Patrick Swayze.

Never happen, but a good fantasy goal anyway.

Enjoy the day ladies, as best you can!

pegster · #**125** 10-12-2005, 12:43 PM

Hi Gang!

Okay, one little burst of energy ~ RACHEL'S COMING!!!! RACHEL'S COMING!!!!!

Now........Yawn. It's cloudy and rainy and windy, and is so for the fourth day in a row. I want to just crawl back into bed and make a nest for the day. DH just went off to exercise. He invited me and i nearly bit off his head. I went to bed with an upset stomach. Not sure what that was about, but woke up feeling fine except for this soul tendency to hibernate. I had to dress quickly and drive over to the boat launch to pick him up right out of bed this morning. We had the boat picked up by the people who store it for the winter. Then I came back, ate bkfst, got my coffee and came into the office to see what's new with my group of friends here.

Alida: Do have a good time in Chicago. I hope you get to see Brenda. Also, have a good family time. So glad you didn't ruin your nails with that van seating thing. Check in if you can.

Judy: Sweetie, don't worry about not writing. You are working hard, and frankly I can't imagine having to do all the reading and teaching that you have to do. Loved your story! I do hope that mama follows through. SO good that you have supportive parents. (I know that they are not all so, but it's good to get support from ONE)

Brenda: Whoo hoo, girl, you are quite the expert on floors! I should have consulted you before we had ours done. It's definitely not smooth, definitely has grooves, definitely has places that already are showing wear and it hasn't been a year yet. I got the wood at Lowe's. My BF's SO (at the time. She's kicked him out since) installed it over the weekend, remember? It's just the hallway. And, to the casual eye it looks just fine. But, if you look closely, you can definitely see nicks and grooves. There is one board that is actually split by a nail. I'm going to see about having just that board replaced before we show the house. It is definitely not good.

Now about "tinking." I've decided on this damn prayer shawl that I am not ripping out anymore. I'm going to have to give it to someone who is blind, because it is so bad. However, there is one good thing: I have learned to tell the difference between knitting and pearling. I felt like such an expert yesterday in Michael's when I looked at one of the patterns that had been made up. Ha!

Terry: Take the highest bid!! Let the insurance Co. of the contractor pay it, and you can then add whatever you want to the materials and labor you get. That's what we did when we have that devastating flood two years ago. The adjuster gave the insurance co a price and they paid us that. We got painting and carpeting that was a little bit more, and paid the difference. We got a beautiful basement for very little money!

I'm going to arrange for Deuts to go next week. I'm grieving his loss already. He has been SO sweet. It's going to be hard. But, I want to know how he is adjusting. If there is a problem, there will be enough time for me to place him with someone else. There is a Ragdoll breeder not too far from me, and I can call them if I get desperate.

Barb: I'm concerned about your Dad too. It does sound heart related, this wooziness. I suspect that his move to CCU will clear up the mystery. I was going to write that I don't know how you are so creative day after day. But, I realized that for 20 years people have been saying that to me! Ha! How soon we forget.

Shelley: Yeah, I thought about how little time your Boss has been there too. I remember when she came. Wow! Now, what exactly does your boss do? I mean what is the heirarchy? Is she the head nurse for the OR? Shed some light on this for me, okay? Do get some sleep if you can. I DO know what it is like not to be able to shut it off at night. That happens to me too.

Bren (again) What time do you get up? I know that you stay up until all hours. My actual "turning off the light" time has been creeping later and later. 11:30 last night. But, then, even 8:00 seems early to get up. But, if I sleep later, it seems as if the whole day is shot.

"Well, later ladies" as Shelley says.

My weight continues to stay up. I'm expecting a whoosh any day now. I'm eating clean and getting in my water. Sigh.

Peace, Peg

laffingbead · #**126** 10-12-2005, 03:56 PM

Good day to everyone!

I didn't really lose anything from yesterday. I am trying to be more careful with eating.

Not much to talk about. I did start a paper journal to have available in case the doctor needs to see it in two weeks.

I went swimming again this morning. The pool wasn't was warm as yesterday. It was still fine. I haven't figured out how to get to work any faster once I leave the health club.

I hope all of you are well. It sounds like so much is going on with everyone. Take care.

Judy · #**127** 10-12-2005, 08:59 PM

New school pictures came today.............whaddya think?

Shelleyg · #**128** 10-12-2005, 11:37 PM

Judy...very good! I'm on the fence...I did like your other one, in the blue shirt, so, I'm no help, huh?

Hope everyone is doing good. We had a busy day at work; tomorrow will be much better, but Friday looks intense...LOL.

I'm in the middle of writting a letter to my SIL, so sorry I can't stay and play...I would sooooo much rather visit with you all...oh well...shame on me for not getting this letter written sooner

later, chickiepoos

(((hugs)))

me

teelbee · #**129** 10-12-2005, 11:40 PM

I like the way this picture shows off your beautiful throat and bone structure. And, sort of, I think you look happier and livelier in the new picture. You looked more serene in the prior picture.

Judy · #**130** 10-13-2005, 01:32 AM

Hummm, maybe someday I should put together a composite of old school pictures. The best part of this pic being so small is that you can't see all the crow's feet around the eyes. Dang, I'm getting old! But, better to be just old than to be old and fat.

With that said, I wish I could get myself psyched to really get back to the basics again. After an intermission of stress, I'm just where I was when we started the whole thing.

One positive thought.........I got my statement from the Texas Teacher's Retirement System today. I am really considering the possibility of retiring in June and then finding some kind of part time job. If I could make $20,000 per year, I would come out ahead on the deal. Too bad wages in our area aren't equal to what they are where most of you live. Finding something may be easier said than done. There aren't many $12-15 per hour jobs out there for people whose only skills are tolerating kids and calling parents. I wish I had some bookkeeping or acounting experience to fall back on.

BC · #**131** 10-13-2005, 02:57 AM

Judy, I like the new one. I think your face looks thinner and a great smile

For heaven's sake, don't discount your experience. Judy, as a teacher, you are (Lord knows) qualified to be a manager or administrator of just about anything requiring people skills and administrative savvy.... Check your local medical center/hospital--there are usually a few nifty paying positions like "Volunteer Coordinator" which don't require medical knowledge. NFP organizations seem always to need good people--our Chamber of Commerce, for example, has a part time administrator on staff, talking up the town, planning events, etc. I can see you teaching clothing design on the side, too

Sorry I will have to make this short, with so much I need to go back and read and comment on, but today seems to be my day for fighting the migraine beast.

hugs to all

heykim · #**132** 10-13-2005, 05:25 AM

jude.. LOVE the new pic.. you look great!

KCTinter · #**133** 10-13-2005, 08:57 AM

Good morning Ladies!!

Nails are done, car is CLEAN (cleanest it's been since we got it), I am packed and raring to go! This Funeral is going to be a great family reunion. I'll see so many people I usually don't have time to see when I go to Chicago, plus all the rellies from out-of-town. And, the butcher who used to weigh me on the meat scale when I was a baby will be there. Amazing, huh?

I was talking to an old friend (known since kindergarten) the other day. She will be there for the funeral. She lost her husband to ALS a few months ago. Got to pep her up. When we talked she was telling me about how she felt "worthless" now. She says she's not a wife any more, not a caregiver, not really a Mom . . . all she is now is a real estate agent. "Life Sucks" was her comment. We were the closest of friends until I moved to KC. Then we sort of lost track of each other. WHY do we do this? Friends are so precious . . . .

Judy, I LOVE your new picture! Granted the old one is more of a close-up where we see your gorgeous face, but you do look thinner in this new one. LOL about crows feet! These suckers pop up overnight, I swear to God. I noticed a new wrinkle around my mouth the other day. I KNOW it was not there the day before!

Quote:

I wish I had some bookkeeping or acounting experience to fall back on.

Brenda has some good suggestions, Judy. NEVER discount your experience as a teacher! But I've got to agree with you. Since I have been scanning the Jobs section, the main requirement I notice is Accounting and Bookkeeping! Also Power Point and Excel. Most Administrative Assistant jobs require knowledge of MS Office. I am very weak in that area.

What you could do (as I will) is to write your resume and then make an appointment with an employment agency . . . well before you make your decision to retire. Let them tell you what type of job they could find for you and at what salary. That will at least give you a feel for what's out there. Then you can make an intelligent decision.

Did I ever tell you all about one job offering I read? Amidst all the qualifications, they listed: MUST HAVE A BRAIN. It sounded like they were very frustrated with trying to find a person with some common sense!

Barb, LOL!! Venus of Willendorf? Not familiar with that one. But the painting I am familiar with is The Naked Maja. Very volumptuous! KUDOS to you for knowing yourself and liking yourself!!

Quote:

Real women have fluffy thighs--and real men like them!

Agree. My DH always says he likes me a little rounder. Bless his heart.

Society IS the culprit here. I remember as a teenager longing to look like Twiggy. Remember her? No way this Polish body was or is EVER going to look like that! My thinnest weight was around 112-115. People thought I was sick. ((Sigh)) Can't win.

Quote:

and get one last shot at, say, Patrick Swayze.

DITTO!!! One of my favorite movies is "Dirty Dancing" . . . WOW.

Oh, Bren, I am so sorry you have a migraine looming. Big Bummer. Hope you are feeling better soon! Wish we could have connected while I am in Chicago (with you, too, Ilse) but there's just no time . . . especially since DH wants to leave Sat. night to be home in time for the Chiefs game!!

Peg, what's with this hibernation thingy? Perhaps it's just your body getting used to the shorter and cooler days? Perhaps it's your psyche winding down and trying to get used to this retirement idea?

Good idea about Deuts.
Whoops. 5AM. Gotta run. Everyone I didn't mention,

I'll be back Sunday! Please take care.

bkloots · #**134** 10-13-2005, 09:24 AM

Guess I'll have to fill the earlybird slot for a few days until Alida gets back. From the sound of the funeral plans, she'll need a recovery period.

Judy, the picture is so teeny on my screen, there's not much to compare. You look lovely in red, and you have a great smile. As others have said, don't discount your skills, especially the people skills. Customer service is the mantra these days, and you might find a role there.

I'm about to try tracking down an old friend via the online telephone directories. Any hints on that?

My dad should come home today. All his heart tests checked out perfectly, and he's happy about that. (I did figure out that a URI is an upper respiratory infection--presumably they got on top of that with the IV antibiotics.) The ER doc suspected a viral infection in the inner ear as the cause of the wooziness. Of course, that's not treatable with antibiotics--and my dad is impatient with the idea that there's someting that can't be CURED. He wants to make a trip back to Greenville SC to touch base with old friends he left behind. Hope he can do that one of these days.

Off to the day. Be well everyone!

laffingbead · #**135** 10-13-2005, 01:33 PM

Brenda, too bad the migraines are starting up again. I imagine it's due to the damper weather.

Barb, I have found most on-line phone directories irritating to use. It seems like there are less free ones. Most of them want you to pay for the information. Good luck with that.

Wishing Alida a safe trip. So much going on with everyone!

Not much here. I drove out to Arlington Heights yesterday to get a bit of sushi and some Japanese food. I should have watered down my soy sauce, as I am a somewhat bloated today. They didn't have the sushi I really wanted. Still, it was good.

I did swim 30 minutes today. The drive to work was a bit less time-consuming. One of the lifeguards (maybe a pool manager) asked how my drives are (I told him the first day I swam there it took 45 minutes to get to work). He said he would check if they could open the therapy pool a bit earlier. I told him I really need to swim as often as I can. And, with my schedule so tight, I wouldn't be able to increase my swim time, if my knees are up to it again. I do like that the last two days, the music has been turned off.

Wishing all of you well.

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