Good morning!

I woke up late today, so this will be very short.

Yes, they work out of their home too, just like I did. However, when it was MY house, it was OK! She is thinking of changing the payroll from a company called "Paycheck" to in house, with me doing the payroll. Pretty much a no-brainer. I am awaiting the time when I have my daily projects, know how to do them and can do my thing instead of doing a little then having to stop to ask a question. That is the problem. She's always on the friggin' phone or walkie talkie. It will happen. It will just take a little time.

Peg, you know, the last time I had a pap smear it hurt! So it has to do with being post menopausal, huh? Guess it makes sense. So the BIG surgery is in August? You know you have all our prayers for an easy surgery and a quick recovery! When will you be heading back to SoCa? I shudder to think of you driving all that way until you are completely healed. I also imagine you want to put it off until you are done with your job. Then I think about people viewing your home while you are recovering in bed! Yikes. I guess there is no GOOD time for this, if there ever is!

Terry, EXCELLENT advice about turning the problem around into the advice-giver's face! I love it! I have to remember that one.

Donna, your new outfit must be spectacular! Nothing like some compliments to make a girl feel GOOD!

Washington? Next weekend? Is this one of your BIG vacations or just a weekend?

Barb, have fun watching the cartoons!

Yikes. I just noticed the time. I have to run. Everyone I didn't mention: HI! Hopefully, tomorrow will see me back on schedule ? up at 4:30! XXOO

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

Hello, my dears. Just a sentence or two from home then I have to dash to work. I'll be on my computer too, all day, Barb. The class is a four week class studying Desmond Tutu's book, God Has A Dream. The Pastor's sabbatical is funded by the Lilly endowment and has as it's focus truth and reconciliation. He has taken his family and will study in South Africa with Tutu and various others who went through the truth and reconciliation process through the dismantling of apartheid. So, this book and it's principles may begin to open up some of the challenges facing the Church.

I'll be back on my work computer.
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
64-3/4 years young

Okay, whew!

Here I am at work.

Donna: I think that Terry's idea is just splendid! Do you think that your dsil would contact your dd? That would be the only rub. But, then, of course, if she did, it wouldn't be your problem, would it? Hmmmm.

My garden looks so lovely. I was an hour late for work today (nobody keeps track, except me!) because I wanted to make sure that the new babies got enough water for the day. The Allysum looks so pretty lining the bed. I haven't had good luck with it in the past. I'm hoping that this time it will grow and spread. I want that bed to look just spectacular in August when we are showing the condo. It's the entrance. Do you ever watch Home and and Garden TV? Well, I'm thinking of "Curb Appeal."

Terry: Again, I have to compliment you for your attention to Mrs B's family at the internment and service. You really have followed through with them and you are to be commended for that. I hope they showed their appreciation to you appropriately (whatever that means for you).

Yaknow, it's been my experience with ALL contractors that they are usually late, sometimes by days! I wonder if it goes with being handy with tools?

I know I should have taken a soaky bath last night, but I just didn't have the energy. I got up with so many aches and pains this morning. I often forget about FM, and over do. That's what I did yesterday in the garden. So, my back and legs are really sore. But, at least I got a lovely garden out of it. The "other" parts of my body are feeling better today too.

Alida: Yuck! I would hate working in another person's home. I did that for a little while back in the day when I needed to earn some pocket money. I worked as a secretary for an opera coach. Her typewriter and office supplies were in her bedroom! It was pretty awful. I was a smoker at the time, and she finally couldn't stand the smell of my smoke in her bedroom and asked me to leave. I never smoked in her home, but now, as an "ex-smoker" I know that the smell clings to your clothes and goes everywhere with you. I feel embarassed about it now. But, it was more than 30 years ago, so I guess I can let go of it! I know that you are smoker, but I think that the visage of children running around and getting in the way of work more than cancels out your smoking!

Re my surgery. I will find out today, maybe, about when the surgery will be. The Dr. expressly said yesterday that I was not to lie around in bed. I am to get up every day, take a shower and get dressed. Even in the beginning I am to walk as far as I can every day. I KNOW that that is best, but I have to tell you (and this is no surprise, I am sure) that my tendency is to lay around!

Shelley: Thanks so much for your concern for me. I have emailed you. I put in a frantic email to my primary care Doc last night. I suspect that she will call me some time today. I trust her implicitly. I think that I will go in and let her examine me and see if she thinks that I need to do the surgery now. Both specialists said that the surgeries are "elective." But, when they described the "challenges" to come as I age, I wasn't pleased about that either.

For those who are lurking, or others on this thread, if you want to know what I mean, email me and I will tell you.

Bren: Wow, you have been in the cleaning mode lately. I'm so glad that your headaches seem to have abated for the time being and that you can think of doing other things. I always love it when I have a clean house. DH and I cleaned for the realtor the other day, and I loved it while it was clean. Right now, it is a pit again. Both of us are not good about clutter. We are inveterate newspaper readers, and the d**n paper lays around all over the house! When you add that to the 200 catalogs (seems like that much) that I get every day, and that I HAVE to read, it gets pretty cluttered with paper.

Barb: I can just see you watching cartoons all day. It sounds like quite a challenge that you have been given. Your job is, in fact, I think, very challenging. You not only have to be creative, but you have to be creative about something that you are assigned. That would be a real challenge for me. Of course, I do preach the lectionary. That is sort of the same thing. Yaknow? The topic arises out of the text, but ofttimes, not easily.

Rach: Ohmigosh, those links to your time in Spain sound so exotic and wonderful. Spain is not a Country that we have seen yet. Gosh would I love to take you with us when we go. Right now we are planning our 25th anniversary trip next year. We are planning a cruise to Hawaii from LA. But, we are easily diverted to any other trip that looks easy for me to do. Dh's trip to Machu Pichu has been postponed to next year also. Probably in January. He is encouraging me to go. I DON'T THINK SO! I keep remembering how absoutely alone I was out there in Japan when I got sick. Never again.

Judy: I have attended many conferences where we stayed in dorms and ate college food. I am glad that they are treating you well. The only thing that I would miss, if I were you, would be the alcohol. We didn't have that either. I hate sitting all day! I'll bet that that has been hard.

Well, I guess that I have put off creating this curriculum long enough. Since I need to teach it in seven hours, I better begin the creative process myself.

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
64-3/4 years young

Would it work to list your questions on a pad of paper and hold them for one or two times a day? I had to do that when I was getting up to speed at a new job; otherwise I was constantly interrupting the managers and engineers with questions. I felt it was less trying on their patience to go over 10 questions at once than to interrupt them 10 times. But, I guess it depends on the nature of the questions - whether you can proceed at all until the question is answered. At that job, there were other things I could do keep making progress until specific questions were answered.

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

Morning ladies. Well, it's almost lunchtime here but still morning.

Alida: I wish it was a big vacation. No, just a weekend shopping trip. We're about 6 hours from Washington so we'll take the motorhome and stay overnight Friday and Saturday night then head home Sunday. Just enough time for me to do some serious damage. Actually, if you think I'm a good shopper you should see my mil. When we used to take them on holidays with us....she could actually fill the whole floor in the bedroom of the motorhome!!

Barb: Cartoons? What a fun way to spend the day. Better than listening to my boss that's for sure!!

Terry: Love your advice for my sil....but, it would do more damage than help to have her talk to my dd. Her first born has been raised by my inlaws since she was 4 months old. Her second got into drugs and alcohol at the age of 12, and her third (a son this time) is the kind of kid that no one can stand to have around cause he's so spoiled. Herself? She drinks a gallon of wine a night...and she was into the wine when she was giving me the lecture. But, I will remember your advice and I bet it will come in handy sometime.

Peg: I bet those flowers look beautiful. I love the way alyssum spreads. Just can't grow it in my area very well. When I lived in town, it came back every year but not here. Sorry you had a rough time at the dr. yesterday. Sometimes those men dr's can be pretty rough.

Shelley: I'll keep my eye out for that Hoyle game.

Well, boss is back. I'll try to get back in later.

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!

LOL, my advice was meant more as a means to stop her from giving ~you~ advice rather than actually tackling the problem with DD. People so fond of giving advice are rarely willing to follow through with action. If they get asked to do something concrete every time they offer advice, they tend to think twice about offering in the future. It rarely fails, in my experience.

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

Hi all........ I just had a few seconds to back read. I'm sorry that I can't respond to everyone. I am in a computer lab that is quite busy and I feel somewhat guilty about taking up too much computer time.

So how are things going here? I had to ask someone next to me what day it was. Every day is just like another. We start grading at 8:00, get a morning break, lunch, afternoon break, quit for a while.......then we get dinner. Yes, you are right, I sit and eat. Luckily, I have had a question that grades fast and our group has gotten to leave early the last couple of afternoons. Yesterday I walked to the state capital --- a beautiful building built in the early 30s. Today I went to the Nebraska Huskers football stadium/ athletic facility and looked around. It is amazing! They have 5 national championships and 3 Heisman trophy winners. If you don't think winning brings in money, just come look at this place. I even got to go into the press box.
We finish grading on Thursday and have our planes out on Friday. Right now I'm getting off in Dallas and doing the Dad move. Looks like I may go home for a couple of days, then turn around and go back to Dallas later in the week. Gasoline bills are going to eat us alive this month!

Gotta go chicks...........It's getting close to time for the next feeding. Tonight's plan is to wash a load of clothes and start a new book.....OR... I may go to a jazz concert in a park nearby. Right now if you asked me the worst thing about staying in a dorm I'd tell you it is .......... bad toilet paper!

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more fooling myself!

Hi guys!
I'm also just popping in for a few minutes. I've got the headache from heJJ...just tension I think, but nonetheless aggrevating....grrrr.
I think I shall hit the shower and work on the Slugdom crown a bit this evening.

Peg... I emailed ya back!

Everyone...sorry this is a shortie...gotta go see about better living through chemistry for this stinkin' headache.

(((hugs all round)))
later chickadees,
Shelley

__________________
~~~~
Shelley
~~~~

Visit Kassie's Korner



Life deserves a treat now and again, but life also deserves being healthy[with required disipline] to make it worth living!

Judy, so nice to hear from you. LOL at the "bad toilet paper." However, it sounds as though overall you're having a good time, considering the work involved. Glad you get evenings free and get to see some sights, too.

TB, your advice is (as always) right on the spot. I wish I always had those handy reponses at the ready. Hope your contractor made it to your house--sounds like something that will make your yard look even better.

Donna, a big shopping trip sounds like just the ticket Wow, I wish we'd had pictures of you in that outfit you wore (was it turquoise and silver). It does feel so good to get compliments, and I bet you looked terrific. Oh, I can just see your furgirls getting the full treatment from your In-laws when they stay there. My Mom was the same way with my dogs--spoiled them wonderfully and they adored her.

Peg, it disturbed me to hear that your exam was so painful. I'm really no expert at all, but it seems to me that barring extenuating factors gyne's ought to know how to give relatively painfree exams to postmenopausal women. GF Diane experienced a gyne at Mayo who was so rough she honestly felt violated, whereas her own gyne gives absolutely painfree exams in spite of her cervical and vulvar pre-cancerous conditions. After her experience, I suppose I'm suspicious. I'm really concerned, though, and hope that at the least that some measures can be taken next time for your comfort. ((((HUGS))) I also hope your DR. can give you a more clear overall picture of what may or may not need to be done, and when.

Alida, new jobs can be so frustrating, and even more so when there hasn't been a person in that position before, so the duties are nebulous and there are no footprints to follow, so to speak. Sounds like a difficult situation, but it also sounds as though they really need you if they are so disorganized.

About the lightning strike, believe it or not we had a "whole house" surge protector at the time, and would have lost even more and perhaps had a fire without it. Insurance covered everything but the deductible ($500) fortunately.

Shelley, well, we don't have your regular schedule of tornados here, and that's REALLY BIG weather, but lightening will do just fine, thank you, LOL.

Did you get rain today? Our area is like yours--the next block could flood and we'd not get a drop:(

Barb, it tickles me to think of you catching sound bytes and watching cartoons for work. I love finding out how some of the ideas for cards come together. Hope yours was a successful viewing day.

EDIT:::Oh Shelly! Commiserations on the headache!
_________________________
I've lost much of my energy the last couple of days, it seems. Or maybe I only need break. Anyway, today I decided I needed to be OUT, so errands and some quality time at a nursery occupied me nicely.

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

Cock-a-doodle dooooo! Good morning. I'm eating an early breakfast, then off to cycle class at 5:45. I've decided I don't like showering at the gym--have to haul too much gear--so I spend the extra five minutes to drive home afterwards.

Judy, by now you must be having an out-of-body experience. It's strange living in a cocoon of sorts for so many days in a row. And then you'll be back to reality in a big way. Breathe! We'll still be here holding down the regular spot when you get back.

Peg, let me see if I can put this together. The pastor for whom you are subbing is going on sabbatical to South Africa? And you are preparing the congregation to engage with him in conversations about peace and reconciliation when he gets back? We read and discussed Tutu's book at our church last year. Ultimately, peace is something you live out rather than talk about, but as you well know from the quarrelsomeness of even well-meaning Christians, that's the hard part!

Turns out I worked pretty hard yesterday trying to mine nuggets of humor from hours of research. We'll see how it evolves back at the office today.
I really, really want to use a sound clip that features Antonio Banderas as Puss-n-Boots coughing up a hairball. How about: It's your birthday... [inside] Did you expect me to cough up a present? Puss-n-Boots also has a good line about having a fiesta. That would be fun for birthday.

I couldn't resist checking the ketostix last night--after only 48 hrs or so of very low carbs. Surprisingly, I was in the pink. At this stage of my low-carb lifestyle, I'm not sure what that indicates in terms of weight loss. Previously, I've spent long periods of time "in the pink" with no loss at all. I don't think I'll continue with induction level any longer. Up to 30 carbs brings me back to my normal eating pattern for maintenance, so I'll modify upward a bit and see how it goes. Veggies, berries, and a few nuts are healthy additions I like.

Now...off to the gym. Crazy, I know, but when I get done with this cycle class I feel like I can fly. It makes the rest of the day a piece o' cake. Talk about endorphins! Ciao, bambinas.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Barb, moving out of induction already? Good for you! That's what I need -- endorphins or whatever. About 3 PM I start dragging and start watching the clock until 4 (when I leave). All the talk we have had about introverts having the energy sucked out of them ? that's what I feel like! Perhaps I need more protein at lunch?

I LOVE that line "cough up a present!" That would be a funny card.

Peg, good show on the garden! By August it should be ab fab!

Get up and shower every day after a surgery? Gosh, it takes me a few days just to get over the anesthetic! Then, of course, there is a little of the woe-is-me factor! Sorta nice to wallow in bed for a few days, being cosseted. But at least you know the surgery will not affect showing the condo. And, didn't you mention at one time perhaps waiting until SoCa for the surgery??? I would imagine there is a lot of comfort in having the surgery done by doctors you know, though.

Good luck with the class!

Judy, if I were in your position, my mantra would be "I am getting PAID to do this!" It sounds like you have a routine going, and can at least enjoy the sites of Lincoln. BTW, how far is Dallas from where you live? If I have my geography right, I take it Plano is a suburb of Dallas?

Brenda, thank God for insurance, huh? And what on earth is a whole house surge protector? Something that's attached to the circuit box?

Shelley, I hope some chemistry got rid of that headache! I get headaches very seldom lately. In that, I am very lucky!

Donna, so this is just a quickie trip. It will be fun, though! I know you will enjoy shopping and stocking up on lc stuff.

Your SIL was drinking when she gave you advice about your daughter? And her kids are not exactly perfect either?

Terry, yes, they need me desperately! I will have to learn 10-key, though. There are lots of numbers! She bought my computer yesterday, and the network guy comes sometime this week. So it looks like I'll have my "office" in the basement by next week, which I will like. My OWN space.

Another day at the mill today then tomorrow I have an etch job. At least there is a little variety.

I find I am getting up a little later lately. Could it be because this work, with so much of it being mental, is exhausting?????

Have a good day, everyone! And Rachel, HI! XXOO

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

Hi Gang!

Here I am at the office after a lively (NOT!) class last night. I had 36 in attendance, and they sat and stared at me, while I tried to mine answers to, what I thought, were provocative questions. Sigh. Back to the drawing board for next week.

I'm not preaching again this week, so am enjoying pretty much keeping the office warm and not doing too much. But, next week I start teaching both Tuesday and Wednesday nights through June, and then Wednesday nights until I leave the middle of August.

When I say keeping the office warm that's because the temp is in the 50's and we are having a "Nor'easter." The wind is blowing and it is raining like crazy. Sheesh! Someone needs to tell that danged weatherman that it is JUNE. But, I do have to admit that my flowers were singing the Hallelujah chorus when I went out to the car this morning.

I didn't wake up until 8:15, so got my big butt in gear and got ready in an hour and then hot footed it to the office.

Shelley: I'm so sorry that the headache bug got you. Boy, I know what that tension headache feels like! I used to get them regularly. I'm just finishing up my PT on my neck tomorrow. It has been good. Feels so good to have my neck massaged. Also, they have reminded me big time how to stand up straight and tuck my chin so my neck gets stretched. I also learned years ago that I have TMJ, so wear a mouth guard at night which has helped with the headaches. Hope you are feeling better today.

Bren: Yeah, I agree with you about the exam. The more I think about it the madder I get. But, this guy is the specialist, and I won't have to be examined by him again. He is supposed to be one of the best surgeons in this area for this particular kind of surgery, so I am going with him. The Urologist is a woman I really like. She will be there, too, and will do her part of the surgery at the same time. I am hoping that she will be the one I go to for followup after the surgery. I shouldn't think that there will be a lot of followup, unless something goes wrong.

So, you have run out of energy, huh? Boy, do I know what that feels like. I LOVE it when those energy times come. I'm going to have to get my butt in gear for one of those energy times for my house this weekend. It is a pretty bad pit!

What are you doing on this "hump day?"

Barb: OH! I love your idea about the hairball. That is just priceless. I would buy that one in a nanosecond!

Yes. You are right about my goal here. The Pastor and his family are IN South Africa now. The congregation has a long history of eating it's pastors. To it's credit, however, it has decided to take a look at that tendency and try to overcome it. There are some people in the congregation, however, who continue to hold on to the old way of operating and it has caused quite a rift. So, Tutu's book is very helpful on two levels; one is the worldwide issue of peace, and the other is the ways that it's principles can apply in this congregation.

Judy: One more day and you will be off to Dallas. I suspect that that is not a long flight. (You may remember that my geography is a little sketchy) Will you have help with your Dad's place, I mean other than your wonderful dh? Also, I think that it is hopeful that Ddad will be able to go to assisted living for a little while. Will you see DD while you are in Plano? I know that Carrollton is not far from there. I share Barb's admonition to you ~ Breathe!

Alida: I gotta give it to you, girl. I would NOT like working in someone else's basement! Will it be at least fixed up like an office for you? So, are you enjoying this, my friend? I mean, does it really float your boat??

Donna: Shopping in Washington, huh? I have two DS's who live in Tacoma. They just love it there. We spent a little time up there. It is a beautiful place. Enjoy it!

Terry: Are you having a good June weatherwise? I know that in Redlands, we used to have "June gloom." Often it was foggy and gloomy in the morning and might burn off by afternoon. Then July hit with a fury. I can't wait! Though we will be in Claremont, which is moderated a little by being closer to LA than to the desert.

Rachel: Missing your cheery post.

Grace and 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
64-3/4 years young

Morning, early birdy buddies

Barb, I'd say you are enjoying the anticipation of endorphins, too! You do sound nicely chipper this am.

Oh, yes, love the idea of the hairball cough sound clip. Really would be cute, I think!

Alida, oh good, I'm glad a desk of your own is shortly forthcoming! That will help no end. Ya know the only problem with learning 10-key? Calculator keypads are in the opposite order from telephone keypads. Once you learn 10-key by memory, like typing, it's possible to dial very strange phone numbers when you have CRS

Yes, a whole house surge protector is connected just after the main circuit box. We've gone through a couple--that reminds me to check with DH to see if we have one now. I seem to remember at one time we didn't replace it, at least for a while---$$.

Shell--I watched the final Everwood, too! I was sorry to see it end, and hoped perhaps another channel would pick it up, since it still had very good ratings. However, I thought it was one of the best "final episodes" I've seen, tying things up nicely. That Treat Williams--yum!

Peg, how'd the Dr visit go?
Rachel, TB, Donna waves to you!
________________________
I've just pushed the button to sell DH's company stock options, at least all of it that is vested. It's not a bunch, and I won't know the exact total until tomorrow, but it should be enough after taxes to pay off our house. That'll be one less worry, we're thinking It's an especially pleasant thought because we'd almost forgotten about about his having stock options, LOL!! Talk about found (sort of) money So whatever happens today, I'm smiling.

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

Peg, cross posting! or at least it took me too long to get back to the pc. Wow, 39 people staring at me would give me flop sweat, girl...

Glad you won't have too much further contact with Dr. Barbarian (what Diane called her rough gyne), at least there

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

Wednesday already...this week is going fast for me.

This crazy weather we are having is doing nothing for my allergies. I had to leave work yesterday...I just couldn't breathe. Running nose, headache, swollen eyes...boy, did I ever look gorgeous. I never had any allergies until a couple of years ago....isn't it fun to get older? Not!

Shelley: Headache gone? Sure hope so. I get my share (not like Brenda's though), and they aren't fun.

Brenda: Paying off the house? Ohhhh, that's what I'm waiting for. About 3 more years for us. It seems like it's never going to come, but when I think about it, I guess it's a real milestone when you've started over for the second time. Between raising 5 kids, paying support and bills...we never thought we'd own anything!

Alida: Here's hoping you get your office.....and soon! I couldn't stand not to have my own space. I've got family pictures and posters on the walls to make it more homey. I just couldn't work with other people's kids around. You have more patience than I have!

Barb: You just have to make a card with the cat and cough up on it. I'd buy it for sure. That's hilarious.

Does anyone have any idea what it is that makes my fingers go black where my rings are? Drives me nuts. It makes it look like I wear dime store jewellery. I've been told it means I'm low in iron and also that it could be that I'm tired. What do you guys think?

This getting ready to go away is worse than the actual going. I've been working until 10 every night this week and I'm pooped. Seeing as my inlaws are coming I've had to change all the bedding on the motorhome as well as get it all cleaned out. If it was just us...well, you get the message. A little dirt never hurt anyone, right? My mil is diabetic so I always try to have little snacks made for her too. Tonight, it's cut the grass, wash my hair and shave the legs as well as get the last of the laundry and ironing done. I have a load on the line right now that will be dry by the time I get home. Also have to move sprinklers all night cause there is a ballgame tomorrow night so nothing will get watered. Awwwk. I need a holiday!!! To top it off...it's invoices tomorrow!!

Back to work...I'll try to pop in tomorrow.

__________________
Donna
238.5/166.4/150
I will see my goal weight again!