Maybe I should break out the Zicam before I check in here? Seems like a germy place these days! Spring is on the way--I just know. Meanwhile, everybody hunker down and get healthy.

We got a little snow last night, and there's more on the way during the day. It is, after all, still February. (Get your Valentines before the rush!) It is also Ash Wednesday. Church tonight.

Band practice last night was all right. Dr. Melissa was patient with me. I get "the sillies" when I'm not doing well. But she's taught a lot of 5th graders, so I guess she's used to it.

Peg, I'm guessing your friend really wanted you to be a "guest of honor" and not a helper on this occasion. Unfortunately, hanging out can be boring. Better to have a little useful occupation. Your relocation has been a huge adjustment in so many ways. Perhaps you could choose a target "start date" for The New You, Phase One. Choose one thing to work on, and take it one step at a time. It's way too overwhelming to tackle diet, exercise, and time management all at once. Not to mention forming new relationships.

Time to get my show on the road. I have a project at work that I can stretch out for the rest of the month. There's wicked satisfaction in passing up all those corporate meetings.

Everybody take care.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning! I just heard on the news about the terrible tornadoes that hit the states yesterday. Here I was worried about high winds here and others had that to put up with. Hope now of you were near them!!

We did have our visit with my grandkids last night. Whew! I'm just not used to so much noise and mess! It's hard to find somewhere to sit in that house. Everyone just comes in and throws their coats and boots, and there are two dogs demanding attention (one as big as a horse, I swear) and kids yelling for attention...and then there is Nolyn. lol I wasn't even in the door and he wanted to know when he could come to my house. They didn't tell him he was coming on Saturday or he wouldn't give them any rest. He ran and got his boots and was putting them on and telling me it was time to go to my "home". I finally told him 4 more sleeps and I would come and get him. His answer...Otay! He's got a tiny little lisp and it's so sweet. I was hard to know that Kaedyn was even in the room. Give him a gameboy and he's happy. They have to limit his time with it cause he would play 24 hours a day if they'd let him. Micayla is growing up so fast...she'll be a heartbreaker for sure.

The good news is that ds was talking to me like nothing had ever happened. I'll take it and won't be bringing up what was said or happened. At the same time I refuse to change myself and let him make me into something I'm not. Take me like I am....or leave me.

Ddil finally has a date for one of her surgeries. March 19th. That's when she will have one scar on her breast released. That should help her some with the pain. She had to slowly wean herself off her pain meds before the doctors would agree to operate. Now she needs an MRI to see if there is something else going on with her leg. Never ends! (I think she likes the attention).

It seems warmer here today. Or maybe I'm just getting used to the cold weather. The farmers say the geese are laying which is a sign of an early Spring. If they are wrong...we'll how about a nice goose dinner!!

Sorry this is all about me...today is the last day before invoices and my cut off is noon. Gotta get my butt in gear and get some work done. Have a good day!!

__________________
Donna
238.5/165/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Waves, gang. I'm here, doing fine even if snow bound every other day. Hope none of you experienced the severe storms of last night. Susie? Reading along but not a lot to add to the conversation at the moment. I'm currently engrossed in planning some financial maneuvering for dh's 401k, something I'd love to procrastinate until a "clear mind" day, but alas I think I won't see that day until after the maneuvering.

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

Hey, gang! I'm still alive. This URI is slowly improving, but my ears are still hurting and stopped up.

Tornadoes and violent storms all around last night. Three people died in the next county when a tornado touched down. Yesterday is was 72 and today it's barely 40. Weird weather to say the least.

Following along with everyone at a distance. Hoping to feel like getting back into my regular posting routine by the weekend.

Feel better wishes to Shell's DH and we hope that his wonderful nurse stays well.

__________________
Ozzie's Place

Hi guys,
Just a quickie check in from me as well.
Between doling out meds, making soup, pouring juice, and keeping Kassie out of mischief, I'm keepin' busy! LOL.

I did miss Kass so that sent up a big ole RED FLAG of, "dear, Lord...what's she into NOW?" Well, I went down the hall, and I saw what she was *into*...the sink! She's so funny. She tries to help me wash my hands and loves to swat at the water.
Today though, was the first time I found her *hiding* in the lavatory, so I couldn't resist the photo-op and snapped a few pics of the little darlin'. She's now 15 1/2 weeks old!...huh???...where did the time go already??? She's a bundle of energy, believe me!

Gotta scoot...time to make some soup....

oh, and so far, so good for me, as far as the scratchy throat.
time will tell, I guess.

sistaSue...I read about the horrible storms in your area. Very sad about the family that died. Tornadoes are so frightening.

(((hugs all around)))
s

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__________________
^*^*^*^*
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!

Hello ladies
I'm sorry we have people feeling bad with URI's, but I'm glad germs don't travel over the internet.

I still have 10 years before considering retirement - I'm so jealous Barb. I think you will enjoy more than most because you are so active.

love the knit boots BC. comfy. (if I could wear anything but light socks)

also jealous of Peg and her seeming to rebound so quickly from the foot surgery. I'm still NOT a happy camper and just got another bag full of Lyrica samples. I see the Dr Thursday, but there is just nothing that can be done. I think it will just take time (it does seem to be better).
but it is also hard to plan an exercise routine. I really need to stop feeling sorry for myself and DO SOMETHING.
but when it is a foot, makes it hard to decide what to do. I should blow up my grey 'ball' and at least do some light weight work.

I always seem to have good resolve to during work time, but then it just goes away when I am in leisure time. weight is up higher than it has been since before I started this site - and I'm very upset with myself. but then again, (TMI warning) - it has been days since my body has let go of anything besides liquids.

so. life goes on. I just wish it would brighten up.

__________________
Mary Kay 1/1/04 - 232
5/19/08 (5/23/08) - sw226/(cw222)/mg210/fg160

Good morning! (11:45 ... so it's still morning ....)

Another day off today. I did not go in yesterday because we thought the freeze and snow would happen around 1PM. Didn't happen until around 9PM. So -- I could have gone in. SIGH. She did promise me three days this week, so it looks like I will go in tomorrow and Friday (pay day). I am really getting used to these short weeks, LOL. It's also nice when I am off on one of Bob's off days, like today.

It's really amazing how changed Bob is since he started this job. He is very relaxed and actually talks about doing some much needed work around the house! I, on the other hand, have to start to DO SOMETHING in the evenings when he is at work. I tend to come home and plop myself down on the sofa and watch TV movies all evening. I don't make myself any real dinner and just munch on something. This is really bad and I have to get out of this funk. There is so much I could be doing!

Shelley, at least being a nurse to your DH comes naturally! The pictures of Kassie were so cute! I love the second one with her head cocked. By now, though, she should be used to having her picture taken!

Oh, you will have so much fun when your BFF visits! Bob and I have a couple we have visited/traveled with ... seems like forever. We always laugh at the difference between then and now. Then, we never went to bed before midnight. Now? 10 PM is stretching it!

Donna, I had to laugh at someone's comment that Nolyn was like "Houdini." Take a deep breath. And remember all the times you mentioned how much you miss seeing your grandchildren!

Peg, yes, it does sound like your BFF was just trying to make things easier for you ... while you were trying to make things easier for her! Did you take any pictures? We would all love to see them. Barb had good advice (which I should take, too). Maybe just try starting on one thing instead of the whole shebang. The last two nights, I actually got my bum off the sofa and did some exercises. Some are still hard because I still can't lie on the operated side of my hip and the other hip is a little painful if I try to DO anything with it. Little by little. what do you think would be the easiest for you to start with?

Brenda, There never seems to be a good time for that kind of stuff. If you are looking to change investments around ... selling one thing and buying another ... that usually scares the bejeesus out of me. My timing always seems to suck. Bob and I did add a few more shares of a local stock to my Roth on Monday ... but it should have been done a week ago when the stock was about $4 cheaper. SIGH.

Judy, what's happening?

Barb, lol about missing corporate meetings now! I imagine there is a big "Happy Retirement" party in the works? With CAKE?

Susie, I hope today finds you feeling a little better. That is so sad about the deaths caused by the tornado near you. You don't usually have that sort of weather, do you? Knock on wood -- I have lived in Tornado Alley for 30 years and have not seen one yet. Bob has, though.

Mary Kay, DITTO! We have to get out of this Blue Funk! I am sure once your foot feels better and you are not in pain any more, you will feel more like "doing something."

It's time to do something useful with my day off. Don't know what that is, yet! XXOO

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

work and school, work and school.... I left the house at 7:15 this morning and got home almost 6:00. That's a long day. I'm pooped.

Hugs around for all of you.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 138-140
Oh, to be back at goal.....

It's Thursday already. I've tried hard to squeeze a little work into my busy schedule of running around with a silly grin on my face. Between the prospect of retirement and pursuing a social life, I seem to be letting the "nuts and bolts" slide by. Let's hope there's nothing really vital in the mail. But I DO need to get the tax stuff together one of these days. And the dust bunnies at my house are getting as big as that fur puppy.

Shelley, Kassie is adorable. Thanks for keeping us cute-i-fied with current pictures. Veronica is a great cat, but being all black, not especially photogenic. I recently bought her the Cadillac of catboxes--one with a cover on it. I also moved it into the guest bathroom. She has accommodated these changes very well, and it has helped with both odor control and the tracking of cat litter all over my house.

Alida, in spite of your uncertain work schedule, it sounds like you and dh have a happier atmosphere between you now that he's at work. Hope that continues. I'm really, really ready for spring, aren't you?

to everybody.

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


My Fitday Journal

LOL, Barb. Posting late yesterday and early today does not leave many people to respond to!

Yes, I am ready for Spring. As for you, Barb, I imagine there is this little aura around you and within that space it's already Spring! And your "official" retirement couldn't be happening at a better time. Barb, I am so truly happy for you!

Yes, our house does seem to have a more relaxed atmosphere lately and it is wonderful. Not only is it more relaxed, the humor has picked up too. Next week is our anniversary (29) and we have a gift certificate from Bob's daughter for dinner at The Raphael. Actually, the certificate will probably cover two dinners! It's been years since I had dinner there. I hope it is as good as I remember.

Not sure if I am going in today. But since she told me I would work three days this week, I am going to get ready. I wonder if I should try the Internet trick again. See? Having dial up can come in handy. I did make an executive decision, though. Once my SS starts, I am getting broadband or cable, or whatever you call the fast thingy.

I did start my application for SS on line yesterday. My, they ask a lot of questions! They even want to know the name, SS# and birth date of my ex-husband. Duh. Well, I do remember his name but that's about it. They are just making sure that half of my husband's or ex-husband's SS is not greater than my own benefit (no).

Off to get ready. Have a great day! (Oh, Judy -- work and school, huh? I should have known!) XXOO

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

Good morning! Another snowy one for us today. The ambulance has already made a couple of passes on the highway next to me. When will people learn to slow down? Dh has to go to town today to have the remote starter put in his truck that I bought him for Christmas. He's already been given the motherly "slow down" warning.

The scales were kind this morning by dropping 1 1/2. I was so careful the last two days. My snack last night was 1/4 cup frozen blueberries eaten one at a time. Forgot how they can turn your fingers blue!!

Shelley: Thank you so much for the recipe that's not a recipe (lol) with the cabbage and shrimp. Dh just RAVED about it!!! His only bad comment was that I didn't make enough. He went on and on ... I was getting a little embarrassed. So, thank you for sharing. It will definitely be one I make over and over.

Barb: You go ahead a grin...it's allowed for sure. I'm so glad this year is so much better for you.

Judy: I sure hope you're getting a little "me" time. You work way too hard. (just about only put 1 "o" in there....do you ever find yourself grading our spelling?)

Alida: Can you collect pension and still work? When we apply for Canada Pension we have to be not working the month before and the month after we are eligible. That's only if we decide to collect it at 60. If we wait until 65 then you don't have to do that. I plan on collecting it at 60...but of course my boss has found a way around me having 2 months off.

Once again I have to run. Invoice day today. Oh, for those of you who have the bug like me....SURVIVOR tonight!

__________________
Donna
238.5/165/150
I will see my goal weight again!

OMG!!! DD called this morning; this was VERY close to her house.
She said helicopters and sirens most of the night with SWAT tanks and officers everywhere....
oye!

Years ago, in our old neighborhood, almost the same thing happened. SWAT team was on the roof of our neighbors, and news crews in our front yard. Escaped robbers were holding the family up our street hostage. VERY SCARY!

Off to make a sick and needy run to the grocery...more soup, juice and sprite. Poor dear. He is none better. This stuff is one wicked URI, lemme tell ya!

prolly back later...
(((hugs all around)))
s

__________________
^*^*^*^*
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!

Hi Gang!

I'm around and reading. Saw the foot Dr. two days ago, and he says that my foot is doing really well. It is beginning not to look so much like Frankenstein now. The scabs are almost all off (TMI), and it is not ALWAYS redder than the other one. He did give me a brace to wear, supposedly, all day, but I am only putting it on when I am sitting still (which is a lot!), or sleeping. It is to pull my second toe down. When the scar forms, sometimes it pulls the toe up. I'm going to have the other foot done next month. I just have a big bunion on it, so I'll have that shaved off, and he will take the rod out of my other foot at the same time. Then I will be able to wear shoes again without having that awful bump sticking out of the side, and without pain (hopefully).

Took dh to the Neurosurgeon this morning and they have ordered an MRI. They said it would take about an week and a half to get it, and then back to the Dr., to read it and schedule surgery. There are clearly bones out of place on the X-ray, but he said that the MRI will show more about scar tissue, etc. So, hurry up and wait. He is still in a good deal of pain, but doesn't complain at all.

dd is being a pill again. Same old story.

Barb: I can hear music coming out of your post. So glad for you! I must qualify that I don't hear trombone music. More like violins. Speaking of music, I am going to a harp concert on Saturday night. Should be really good. Harpist is going to be my (maybe) harp teacher. I'm going with the lady who introduced me to the harp.

Alida: I'll believe that you have broadband some day in the future when you get it!! Not until then. You are sounding happier too, girlfriend. I'm so glad

Donna: Come on Spring!!

Bren: LOVE the socks!!

Judy: You're on the downslope of this week. Take a breath, and know that the fire ring here is waiting for you with love and compassion.

MK: Hang in there girlfriend!

Susie: I hope that you are on the upswing! That sounds like a horrible virus.

Shel: I'm so sorry that your nursing skills are so needed in your house. But, I'm glad that you have them for your dear dh. He is lucky to have you. Otis loves to climb in my bathroom sink. He is a very curious kitty. Except that he fills my sink and slops over some. It is a funny sight. He has also learned how to open my shower door, so now when I shower I get to do it with kitty litter that he tracks in there. He is a messy litterbox guy. I put a litterbox with a lid on it and he just digs and digs in that litter until it is all over the bathroom floor! Fun time with cats, huh?

Heather: Howdy!

Rach: If you stop in here, it is lovely to see your picture on my desk, and think of you often.

To the rest of you (Wow, I just scrolled down and saw all the smilies! Whooppee!)

Oh, we are driving to Coronado (San Diego) this afternoon for the night and back tomorrow. So, I'll see you then.

Peace, Peg

Was up in the middle of the night, tossing my cookies - if I could actually eat those. Taking it easy today. Did get grocery shopping in with a house full of on plan food. No exercise today so calories are low enough to keep the metabolism going.

__________________

flying by.....
keeping things in tip top shape here at the infirmary...LOL. Thank goodness for disposable plates, spoons and forks, and tissues!! I can remember the *old days* of cotton hankies....ewwwww! It was really a BIG deal to buy a box of Kleenex with a pretty design on the box when I was a kid; can you imagine going back to washing and ironing those gosh-awful, germ-laiden handkerchiefs??? ack!

Really though, it's getting to the point of being ridiculous; whatever happened to the *3 day headcold*? Damn these *superbugs*! DH is never sick, so this is definitely taking a toll on him. Like I said a few days ago...he isn't a good *sickie*...poor thing.
We are hoping tomorrow will be much better...please send some good vibes, would ya??

Everyone stay well!!! Wash yer hands and don't kiss any strangers! har!!

(((hugs all around)))
s

__________________
^*^*^*^*
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!