Quick check in, then DH and I need to get his family presents wrapped for shipping tomorrow.

The outfit I work for (Youth Science Inst.) also subcontracts to the local water authority for it's school outreach edu. program. I was scheduled to start training on the Water district (WD) programs this week, but I got a yelp for help asking if I could teach a section last week. So, I changed all my plans around so I could observe one day, then teach the next.

I was mystified by the WD manager's "causual" approach to training. Watch once, then teach. Most of the curriuculum doesn't even seem to be written up. What I've seen that is written is sketchy, written in alternating English/Spanish paragraphs, and has some fairly sizeable typos - like, repeated sentences or omitting the word "not" so a line says the opposite of what it means.

When I watched the section I was supposed to teach to 2nd graders the next day, I was horrified to see the leader doing magic tricks, playing the ukelele, and singing songs! I rushed after her and told her no way could a learn all that in less than 24 hours. She just laughed and said proudly, "On, I'M the only one who does magic tricks and sings!"

"Ah, whew!" says I. So, then I asked what to instead." "Oh, you know... talk about water". I was a little miffed that she had me observe a "non-standard" version of the class. I asked one of the other teachers, whose answer was off-hand and vague, too. The only written part covers a hokey exercise that might last 10-15 minutes at the most, including the time for asking questions and getting answers from the kids.

So, Thursday, I wrote up my own section explaining groundwater and some local history about groundwater levels. And, also how the condensation/evaporation cycle works. I made up my own visual aid for showing ground water, too: a clear container with aquarium gravel, some colored water, and a see-through turkey baster to demonstrate drilling down and pumping out ground water. I thought that was pretty good initiative for having less than 24 hours notice and being new and all.

So, I taught that section 4 times in a row Friday morning, and I think it went reasonably well. The kids were not too swift, compared with the ones I observed on Thursday. I was a little worried, but all of the other teachers said the same thing. There was a huge contrast between the two schools, so it wasn't me.

Then, I noticed on the schedule they have me down to teach a pre-K class next week (no one asked me). So I asked for the curriculum. And was told there wasn't one; but don't worry it's easy. ??? (me, thinking... Fine, it's easy... but what IS IT?) It's "just" a puppet show. Could I get a copy of the script? No, we don't have one handy. Is it on the website? No. Then one of them said, look we know you just want to be prepared, but don't worry... you can have the easy part - just a few lines.

I get the impression that they think I'm a bit of a whiner for wanting better briefing materials. Still, they seem like a fun group of people. So despite my reservations, I'll go along for at least a while. Maybe they'll decide they don't want me anyway. Maybe I'll end up loving them to death.

I got my first paycheck yesterday. It was shockingly small, LOL! It may just cover the cost of some books I bought for background and a warmer pair of shoes!

Everyone, enjoy your Sunday - keep cosy and have a great day.

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

I'm convinced that Splenda loses sweetness with prolonged high temperatures. Maybe you could frost them with uncooked Splenda-sweetened frosting?

Otherwise, I've switched to using erythritol and/or xylitol for baking. The sweetness comes through and the crystaline structure makes for a nicer texture. I think the xylitol makes me a little gassy, so I'm careful with that one. I started using xylitol on my yoga teacher's advice as she is very knowledgeable about nutricueticals (foods for health and healing). It is sweeter than sugar (so you can use less) and has fewer calories. It actually prevents tooth decay according to several studies referenced on WebMd and Medline. One advantage to using the xylitol is that I can buy it at Whole Foods rather than ordering it online.

Alida, thanks for the board time tip. I set my user CP to Midway-Somoa and that seems to work for Pacific Time (at least until we are back to daylight savings time).

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

Trying to catch up!!..........Humm, reset the clock to GMT -9 and it keep saying GMT -8. To finally get it to show my correct time I had to pick GMT -10, hit reset and then it is correct at GMT -9. Whatever......... I finally have the right time again.

I'll be back again -- after a nap! (Slug)

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

LOL Brenda about that card idea. Geez, at least Hallmark could do a fill-in-the-blank card! But .... in a cemetery? How awful! thank goodness they are OK.

About all this baking: it's a family (read MINE) tradition. I give them away to friends and mail them to Chicago family, it's Christmas Eve dessert, and my sister eats up the rest. I make plenty of LC stuff so Bob and I do not feel deprived.

I personally don't like the taste of Stevia -- but maybe I should try it in my next recipe. I do have some packets.

Barb, I saw the insert about the WWI Museum in the paper. I am thinking this will be good place to go when friends are in town for New Year's.

Sorry you couldn't sleep. Was there any reason? But it sounds like you occupied your time!

Berta -- how wonderful of your DH to play Santa. That must have been so much fun for him, you and all the kids!

Shelley: Yea Sooners! Boo Chiefs! (they lost)

XXOO

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

Teel, my hat's off to you for being a real trouper. Sounds like the "fun group" of teachers doesn't take the responsibility quite as seriously as you do. Your creative demonstration put together in a hurry was probably more memorable--and more relevant--than magic tricks. I know what you mean about paychecks. What I get for my occasional stints as adjunct at Baker University is paltry if you break it down by the hour.

Alida and Brenda, the new Journeys line coming out from Hallmark in early spring isn't quite as specific as "sorry you were stabbed and robbed." However, it does tackle some other life situations--addiction recovery, cancer treatment, etc.--head-on. Oh, and I'm glad your friend's relatives were not more seriously hurt. You just never know these days.

Berta, can you get one of those doorstops to prevent further doorknob/wall collisions? They install at the baseboard.

I attended early church this morning. Then I tackled another closet--the bathroom closet. How did I end up with so many bottles of shampoo??? That's what using coupons can do for you. Too many bargains. Good thing it doesn't spoil.

After that, I screwed up my courage, and colored my hair--red first, and then the blond highlights with the cap and the crochet hook. I never know how it's going to turn out. There's a place on the left side that's hard to reach, so it's not quite as "highlight-y" as I want. Next time I'll catch it. But overall, it looks fine. I'm glad my sister persuaded me to try this.

Well, the Chiefs snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory this afternoon. That ends all hope of a playoff spot. If I were a real fan, I'd care.

Alida, I bet the KC STAR will run my letter praising the new museum. I sent it by e-mail today. I'll let you know if I see it in a few days.

Shelley, are you recovered from the Oooooklahoma game yet?

Hello to everyone. Have a great week ahead.

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


My Fitday Journal

Barb, I'd say there's an increasing need for non-traditional messages. So many of us really don't know what to say in difficult situations, and there do seem to be so many difficult situations.......

Congrats on undertaking another closet!

TB, honestly it feels like you are being taken advantage of, rather than your being a whiner. Do remember to be good to yourself.

Alida, I do know that you enjoy holiday baking More power to you!

Speaking of buying things and not using them, I have some unopened erythritol for some reason.......

Judy, oh Judy????? Where are you, sleepyhead, LOL!

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

Have you guys ever been so tired all you want to do is sit and cry? That's where I am right now. I'm at my wits end with Sora and maybe some of you have some ideas. She absolutely, postively, refuses to eat. I have a large syringe that I'm supposed to squirt the food into her mouth. Today alone, it's been on the walls, the floor, me, the table, and of course all over her. Try to picture me holding this dog on my lap while having syringe in one hand and trying to pry open her jaws with the other while squeezing this stupid syringe that doesn't want to move. I've put olive oil on the rubber part of it and it still sticks at the wrong time. Doesn't matter anyway cause as soon as I get it to work she turns her head and it's all over something else. She is finally drinking water on her own. I finally had to put her down and tell her to go away cause I was going to start yelling at her. So frustrating!! She also won't try to get up on the bed so I'm being woken up at least 5 times a night to lift her up. I think I'm having one of those days when ..... I want my mommy!!!

Alida: I bet your house smells so good with all that baking going on. Could you share your lc peanut butter ball recipe please? Sounds like something I could make for my mother in law.

Barb: How the heck did you figure out what was wrong with your computer? I would have turned it off and got on the phone to our techie and told him to get his butt over here. (I can do that cause he works at our store. lol)

Here's another card that I never see in the stores....A Happy Mother's Day to a Terrible Stepmother. That one would go to my stepmother.

You're so brave putting highlights in your hair. I've always wanted to try it but it scares the beejeezus out of me. What would happen after colouring my hair and then putting the different colour on for the highlights and then having it turn green? Also, when it's time to colour the main colour again what happens to the highlights? Do they turn a lighter colour than the rest of the hair? One of these days I might get brave... I love the look of highlights but I'm not paying that much to a hairdresser.

Brenda: No presents this year? I can really understand that. I'm almost wishing dh and I would do that. Anything we want we could go and get ourselves. He's so hard to buy for and never asks for anything. (we'll that's not true, but we won't go into what he asks for lol) I always wrap something for my furkids but they never want to unwrap it themselves. Too spoiled...they need someone to do it for them.

Bert: Good to hear from you. Thanks for asking about Sora...she's doing a little better each day. She still spends a big part of the day just roaming around and wants to go and lay in the snow a lot, but she actually played a little today.

Shelley: I think we all have horror stories about driving in the snow. I was rear ended by a young fellow during a first snowfall. To make it worse...I was nine months pregnant with my daughter. We were fine, but my car wasn't...the trunk was in the backseat. So, now you guys know why the first snowfall always scares me so much.

Your Christmas card arrived on Friday, Shelley, thank you so much. One of these days I'll get my act together and get mine done too. You're sooooo organized.

Terry: Good to hear from you. I was wondering how all the teaching is going. Shame on them for not paying you better. You put so much of yourself into making it interesting for the kids. Sounds like the rest of the teachers could take a lesson from you.

Rachel: Waiting to hear about your singing!

Judy: Did that bad weather ever hit your area? It's pretty mild here today, but the snow hasn't even started to melt. I'm paranoid about keeping my sidewalk clear so I'm running outside in my housecoat at night during commercials and sweeping away the snow. So, that's the only part of the whole yard that is clear.

****
Yesterday we went to town to do some shopping. Yup, I won and we didn't go to our in-laws overnight. I was determined that I would do all my shopping in one day and I did it!! Yay. And, I did it one store. WalMart has got to be the greatest. Doesn't matter what other stores I go to, I always find what I want at WalMart. Then we went to Future Shop where I had to stand back and watch dh buy his laptop. *sigh* yup, I didn't get one. Now he says I'm going to have to wait until probably Februay for mine. Sure makes it hard to watch him play with his knowing I'll never be able to touch it. It's for work only and I refuse to do the bookeeping cause it'll just be one more job for me to do.

Anyway, I've got to go and try to get in a nap. After all the fighting with Sora to try and get her to eat....she's sleeping peacefully by my feet. Mabye I got just enough in her to make her feel good. Who knows! Another weird thing is that she's gone back to sleeping like a puppy...you know, feet spread out behind her? Okay, enough, gotta go get some sleep. Talk to you all tomorrow.

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

Hi! Sorry I haven't stopped in sooner but busy as a bee. Yesterday was the last day of watching nephew since his mom has today and tomorrow off. Landlady gave us Monday as cut off. I just got a letter from the school that her and I have been dropping off our kids too early. The breakfast they serve (free for her and I - yeah we save some $$) doesn't start until 8:20. We've been dropping them off as early as 7:35 and cooking crew has been watching them. I honestly thought that breakfast was 7:30 but since I'm a SAHM I can drop off my guy at 8:20. Stepsister sometimes works at 8am so she'll have to sign up nephew for the HANDS morning/after school program. I gave her all the ppw (last Thursday) and all she has to do is fill it out. I CAN'T watch nephew even for a bit so she'll have to take care of this situation. I was going to hand it in on Friday for her since she works but she never gave it to me. I feel sorry for her because this all is happening at the worst time for her. I'm waiting for my mom to call back to tell her since I just got the mail. I'll have her call her because I'm selfish and don't want to hear how much she is going to yell about this.

BC - Hair cut for the New Year - new hair/new you! Did you know that DH dyes my hair for me? He takes such good care of me. I?ve recently started cutting my own hair but looks like I didn?t cut off enough. Either that or it?s hard to comb because the weather is making my hair super dry not matter how much conditioner spray I add after the shower and conditioner I use during.
Shelley - I?m in the middle part of Montana - Great Falls. It sure is super cold. The nephew situation seems to be mostly resolved. We?ll see how Wednesday goes since that is when my sister, step sister (nephews mom), step dad and mom go to their pool tournament. Who is left to watch nephew but me so I?ll take him to church with me. Hopefully he has a place to go after because they know that I can?t keep him.

Manicure sounds just lovely. You deserve to relax - you work so hard! Too hard even!

Alida - That is neat that you and I are ISFJ. We?re a pretty pleasant group from what I gathered.

4 ? years ld and the refrigerator stopped working? I hope you didn?t have to much food that spoiled.

Great job on the 5 pounds Alida!

Barb - Bummer that your power cord stopped working but glad that it was an easy fix. I understand about getting more done with the computer down. I?ve had the power go out here and so had no tv too. I only sit when I?m doing those 2 things so I was cleaning, organizing and getting caught up with bible study. Since the last time I?ve worked on visiting the computer only a few times a day to keep caught up with chores and study.

Berta - Your DH was Santa!?! That is so neat! My DH would play scrooge. I love him so much even if he isn?t a people person. As long as he is good to me and the kids that oh well with others.

Teel - Congrats on your first paycheck. Hope it gets bigger as time goes on to cove more then a few books and boots. Although I love boots!!

Judy - Howdy lady.

Donna - Oh Donna!! I don?t know what to say about your poor Sora except you might have to talk with the vet again to see what he suggests. I personally would try people food if needed if there was some that won?t upset her stomach. Whatever it takes to get her to eat. When I was young I remember my mom feeding our Scarlet puppy chicken noodle soup because it was the only thing she would eat.

__________________

Hey guys, I just printed out the address list for us all and I've goofed on my postal code. Could you change it to V0K 1A0 please? Thanks....the girls in the post office get a little ticked when it's wrong.

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

Okay gals, stop by Rob's journal and check out his Purina story. I was laughing so hard!!

__________________

Quickie fly by for me...
one liners...

Alida...if you use the erythritol in the nut recipe lemme know how they come out, OK?

Barb...yep...all recovered from the game and ready for the Fiesta Bowl on Jan 1st!
GOOOO SOONERS....(ok, more than one line, but whatdaya expect from a chatty okie?) LOL!

Heather...I love Montana; DH and I have considered moving there as well as Wyoming and of course my beloved Colorado.

Donna....glad you got the card!

Bren...wait til January for a H/C????

Peg, Judy, Rach, Bert....hiya hunnie-bunnies!

Teel, Bert, Heather....If you would be so kind as to share your mailing addresses with me, please PM me. Also, if you are comfortable with me adding you to the group's master list, then I will do that and forward it to all the others. If you prefer not to give your mailing addy, I respect that wish totally and completely

OK...trying to *PSYCH* myself up for the upcoming work week!!! Yeah baby!!! Bring it on!!!! I am woman hear me ROAR!!!!!
....um, no, this psych cr@p ain't workin'.....LOL. Oh well....life goes on....

(((hugs to all)))

Shell

addendum: along with mailing addys, if you would include your birthday and email addy. thanks

__________________
Shelley


Visit Kassie's Korner


"A goal without a plan is just a wish."
--Antoine de Saint Exupery

I’m SOONER born,
And SOONER bred,
And when I die,
I’ll be SOONER dead!
GO SOONERS!
I be ready for some football!

One little walker-runner Dude for every 10 miles!

Hi Gang!

Sorry to be MIA. I've had the most wonderful weekend with my dgd1. We sewed two pillowcases. One was a white one, and one was a Christmas pillow which she will put on her bed. I took pictures, but couldn't find my camera cords tonight. My DD3 and her man, just left with dgd1 and I am toast. They stayed for dinner. DD3's "man" installed my new speakers. Wonderful!

Love you all, Back tomorrow
Peg

Ok, so I didn't really come back immediately after the nap. I did a little shopping while DH watched the Cowboys squeak out another one. The new kicker certainly covered his salary today.

Alida -- Girl I'm another one that has to give it to you for baking. I've been good the last week, but I don't think I could handle a house full of cookies and such. Way to go on the continued weight loss.

Barb-- Hair color for me today, too. I did mine before church this morning (and I can promise you I didn't go to early church.) My hairdresser has tried to convince me to put in a few red highlights. I've got this color thing down pretty well, I'm afraid to mess with it too much. I might give it a shot during the summer to see what happens. Congrats on the tech fix. I would be crazy without internet and a computer.

Brenda -- Another month for a haircut and color? Mummm, have you thought of getting an associate of your hairdresser to do it for you this one time? Sometimes I can handle an extra week or so, but then there are those times that it just won't work. Earlier this week, between needing some "root juice" and a cut I was getting a little ragged looking. No presents for each other -- we started doing that a few years ago --- not so much out of any desire to honor the spirit or the season, but more to help cut the stress (and cost) of everything. I sometimes miss going out to buy DH something special, but I sure don't miss the pressure of getting just one more thing done.

Berta-- Good to see you drop in. I was glad to see that your husband was up to being Santa and glad to hear that the house is almost ready to rent. I have decided that Kansas is a pretty brutal place in the winter. Trudging down to do scut work can't be fun.

Donna -- Sorry to "hear" that Sora is continuing to have problems. Poor Baby. I do hope that she continues with little improvements that are noticeable.

Heather-- It sounds like you have the nephew thing in hand. Don't take a risk that you can't afford.

Peg-- Now, as soon as I get this posted, you will be the MIA for the weekend. Did you get something for you and DGD1 to sew? I hope you go with a pillow or pillowcase. She will be more "into" it if she makes something she actually likes. One time when I taught clothing constructions classes, I let the students make stuffed animals as a project. They really like that project. Another time we made pillows in the shape of letters and they spelled out their names or initials. That was also something that they liked. For another project, I recommend pajama pants.

Rachel-- I know where you are girl.......... off getting ready for the move, and the concerts, and Christmas, and on and on and on. Roger's busy and you are left with a bunch of the odds and ends. We're missing you.

Shelley -- Boomer Sooners...........Boomer Sooners! We were rooting for you guys yesterday. After watching that game yesterday, I was sure glad that I wasn't in Kansas (or Canada, or Montana or Chicago). It's still cool enough that we need a jacket. The temp right now is 37 and probably going down to 25. Thankfully we did not get enough moisture to make any problems. I hope all you guys get a little relief from the cold and wind. You go girl!!! Only two (?) more big weeks this year. That sewing machine is calling.

Terry-- Oh how I wish your work ethic would spread to other teachers. One of the problems that we see in schools today is that many teachers take the easy way out. I will tell you that as you go along and know the material better, it will get easier. You will also feel much more comfortable. I'm hoping that the experienced teachers that told you not to worry about things have just been at it so long that they have forgotten all the prep it took to get there. (Yeah, I know.........back off Pollyanna.)

Ok girls, I need to go clean the kitchen. Confessions for the night........... I made DH some chicken and dumplings for dinner. Yep, I ate a bowl or it, too. I tried to go easy on the dumplings and heavy on the chicken, but.......... Oh well, tomorrow's another day.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

Whoops Peg, you slipped in while I was typing. I'm glad that you had a successful sewing experience. Think about those pajama pants for round 2.

__________________
Judy
Goal = <135, Current status = RIGHT ON TARGET!
Never give up. Never never never never give up -- Winston Churchill

No way, keep it coming, Polly! LOL! I think many of them have been at it a long time. Plus this Water Dept. outreach doesn't have to "measure up" to any state curriculum requirements like the classes given by Youth Sci. Inst.

Gosh, you are all so brave to color your own hair. The times I've tried to give myself highlights, my hair came out kind of funky - skips and slugs of color. Now, it's too short now to make it worth the expense of having my stylist do it, but it sure would look a bit more dashing.

Peg, spending time sewing with your dgd sounds like a wonderful day. I'm sure she's very proud of making her own pillow cases. You are a great nana for taking time and teaching her some practical skills. Kids love that stuff, and most don't get enough of it these days.

Donna, what kind of feeding syring are you using? I think the turkey baster ones are more difficult to work with; the plunger type syringes worked better for me. I've had to force feed cats several times. It was a real tear jerker and exceedingly messy until I learned a few tricks. I don't know if this works for dogs, but cats have a lick reflex that helps with syringe feeding. You put a dab of food on the nose and they will automatically go to lick it off. They will keep licking until it's gone, so once that little tongue somes out, you start syringing food onto the tongue. It helps to have super smooth food so I would often buy a special food from the vet. Or, jars of baby food are super smooth and work well in a syringe.

Another option is a feeding tube, I think it's called a PEG tube? The vet has to insert it surgically, but then all you do is pour in the food. They sound horrible, and I've never seen one in action, but I've read about how effective they are on some cat care forums.

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