Good morning ladies (yes, I'm at work..darn). It's absolutely pouring here Not something we normally see in this neck of the woods. It's grey...almost foggy looking. Good day to have stayed in bed.

The BBQ went excellent. All of the salads gone. Only 2 steaks left out of 80. I had a run in with one cranky old lady who tried lecturing me on how I should have done things...back off woman....don't get me mad, I'm menopausal!! .... I won! lol

Saturday night we spent the night in town with dmil. She's not doing well. Can't stop crying. I think she needs some meds to calm her down, but then no one listens to me. She's sooooo worried about all the bills that she got stuck with. Her payments are over $1000 a month and a woman on a pension just can't pay that! I think she should see a bankruptcy lawyer...but again..I'm just the dil and no one wants to hear this. She's going to end up having a nervous breakdown. I feel soooo sorry for her. Now, we've found another loan that dfil had taken out and needs to be paid off. She's also stressed out that there is no headstone yet for his grave, and she needs $200 for a stand to hold the flowers. I'm going to hit up all the kids for the money for that. It's only $40 a piece.

Sora is doing much better. She's so much perkier now that she can see. I think I'm going to try and get her back to the vet this week for a recheck now that the cloudiness is leaving and see if they can see anything in the back of her eye. Must be a reason this is happening..it's the second time now.

Dh still hasn't found anyone that wants to work the shifts that we have open. He worked Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then went back and worked from 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. When he got home he got exactly 1 hours sleep and then had to go to a cadets inspection to present medals to 3 of the cadets. That took 4 hours!! He insisted on going to see his mom (I said to phone and tell her we would be in on Sunday) so I drove and he slept the whole way. Sure hope he finds someone soon ... he's getting exhausted. Problem is that the young people just don't want to work anymore!

Judy: Capris are my favorites too. I found a really cute pair last weekend in denim with folded up cuffs. I noticed that my really favorite stretch denim capris are getting a little frayed in the seams...I'll cry buckets when I have to finally retired them.

As for t-shirts, I don't wear them anymore. I have a lot of really cute ones...but since gaining this weight I have a nice roll around my middle and I'm just too embarrassed to wear the t-shirts. I stick with baggy blouses now. I know...I'm trying to do something about it.

Alida: I'm so glad Bob is home. What a relief for you. And to be able to go to the show alreay..wow, what a trooper. My dh would be on the couch whining for at least a few days!

Shelley: Love the dishes...looks like Kassie does too. My Tia was screaming big time when we got home yesterday cause his wet food dish was empty. At 25 lbs...he wasn't starving.

And, looking out the dining room window this morning, I noticed 4 little kitty babies playing in the rain. Oh no....more strays.

Mary Kay: You are doing so good staying in track. Wish I could say the same thing. My problem is that during ball season we do so much running and meal time isn't when it should be. Yesterday I didn't get lunch or supper...that sure doesn't help.

Peg: How's the foot doing?

Heather: Love the hats.

Okay, I've got to get some work done here. When it's raining I always get a lot done for some reason. Good thing I got the grass cut last night. Have a good holiday!

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

Jetting by........

Foot's doing well. Stitches out on Wed. I dread that after the last time. But, then I will be all done with feet!!

NOT a lazy day around here. I'm washing, changing the bed, watering the indoor plants, and preparing for the worship I am planning for the annual gathering (all of SoCa and Nev) and my writing assignment which was postponed to this week! Aach. Though, I suppose it is good to have a deadline. Otherwise I just won't get anything done.

I've been suffering the chronic fatigue part of Fibro for days, and finally have a little energy today. TTTL.

DD3 and her kids have found this lovely church they love. I'm SO grateful that they are going. Of course, the Pastor is the authority, the final authority on everything. Sheesh. I'm just keeping my mouth zipped and telling her how proud that I am that they are going to church.

Reading along and following your lives. Alida: So glad that Bob is home. Don't let him overdo, no matter how good he feels. Remember, this is the guy who didn't know that he had a bad gall bladder!! He must be impervious to pain. My dh is pretty much that way too. Also, your Bob must be tired from the hospitalization. Dh is still napping in the afternoon, and that is unheard of in this house.

Good to hear about bbq's, surviving tornadoes, clothes (which I am having a heck of a time buying this summer because I've moved into the 1X category on some things. Tshirts show my roll. But, one advantage of living here in the ofh is that everyone has a roll!

See ya!
Peg

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Hi gang, catching up with you all. I've been in bed most of the last few days with whatever this is finally seeming to settle in my chest. At don't feel as bad now, but the coughing is something else so I'm taking it slow. It's already been 10 days, sheesh.

Alida, so sorry to hear Bob's stay was extended by gall bladder surgery! Yup, you'd better tell him to let you know if he even has a hang nail.

Shelley, shoulder now? Eek! Thought I was the only one falling apart lately. Take care, kid. By the way, which are the LLBean chinos you like? The easy care blend, the wrinkle resistant all cotton, the regular Baysides, or the "original chino". I am waaaaaaaay confused by the choices but need a coupla pr of pants that are between jeans and dressy, ya know?

Donna, glad you were able to get some help for Sora from a different vet. Hope the new regime helps.

Everyone, sorry to kiss and run. Need to take some more expectorant and go expectorate No work until next Thursday.

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

The problem working with kids it that most don't have a roll. however, flabby middles are more evident than you would expect. Right now, I have a generous roll which is of course aggrevated by tight pants. I'm burned out on polo shirts, don't like the T's, hate sleeveless things, and have enough of the empire waisted semi babydoll tops. Plain shirts are OK some of the time, but they look like a uniform when worn everyday. I hate to say it, I am into fashion but right now the fashions and my body aren't on the same page.

__________________
Judy
highest = 180, goal = 138-140
Every single time I put food in my mouth, it matters. No more Fooling myself!

Bren....
OMG...I'm soooo sorry you are still sick. Yanno...by your description, sounds like what sistaSue, my DH, and myself all had back in February, remember? It was definitely the URI from heJJ and hung on FOREVER, plus the cough was just wicked! Mucinex helped us as much as any other OTC med did. Sheesh...kiddo, feel better soon!

On the LLBean chinos...I have several pairs, and I like them all. I do have one pair of the easy care blend, but I always press them...I'm a neat freak when it comes to my chinos and oxford shirts. I really like the Original Bayside Twills...wrinkle resistant cotton. I have 2 pair in Stone, (different sizes), and another pair in Kahki. Again, I press them even though I hang them up straight out of the dryer.

hth
(((hugs)))
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!

Good morning, Girlfriends. Good to see all the life reports.

Brenda, so sorry you're so endlessly sick. That puts a crimp in your style for sure. Is it just a matter of waiting it out?

Heather, not long until the Big Build. I'll send up good weather prayers. Not too hot--not too wet, etc. Did I understand you to say they'll be building several houses at once in the same neighborhood? The camaraderie should be great. Will you have help with the kids while you do your hours on the build?

Peg, is there anything that eases the fibro? It doesn't seem to slow you down much, but it's a burdensome affliction anyway.

Last night, we decided to watch the beginning of the A&E mini-series, The Andromeda Strain. We saw the previews at the movie theater, and it looked better than the original that I saw decades ago. Unfortunately, it was slow and boring, and I remembered why I hate television: commercials. Even though I use the MUTE button to save being yelled at, commercials are still annoyances that get on my last nerve. Back to Netflix!

Even though I never saw minute of American Idol, I have to enjoy the pride of Kansas City in the local boy, David Cook.

Time to get in gear for Bible study at church. It is Tuesday, isn't it??

Have a great day everybody.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

Dixie is at it again! GREAT LOOK. Very easy on the eyes.

BRENDA, I am so sorry you have been so sick. It does sure sound like what Shelley and Susie had. Can your DH made a pharmacy run for that Mucinex?

Everyone who is taling about rolls ... yup. I got 'em. Two as a matter of fact. One high and one low. I am an equal opportunity person.

However, I am seriously (no, seriously!) thinking I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. Tonight I should get out Dr. A.

I agree with BARB about the Indiana Jones movie. Good and worth it, but not a blockbuster.

Sorry I have to run. I am working today. Bob is not going back to work until Friday. He is still a little fuzzy in the brain department. They have changed his meds around and I have to make sure he gets it right. XXOO

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

The site looks fantastic!!!

Tomorrow we meet with the 9 other families that make the group decisions for the houses. We build in 2 groups but make decisions as one. I'm excited to go. June 15th is getting so close!

Need to go and play on my elliptical. I have my house plans taped to the machine so I can work on decorating ideas.

Nothing much today except babysitting, cleaning, exercising and then later walking ds home from school. I think DH may rent the new Rambo which we'll watch tonight.

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Morning ladies. Looks like the storm that battered us yesterday is gone...for now at least. The weather this year sure is unpredictable. My hanging baskets took a real beating yesterday.

Just from reading a little here it sounds like all of us could do with a good dose of induction. I just need to get my brain ready for it. After 40 minutes on the treadmill last night I decided it was time to take my measurements again. Still no change! And the scale? Well, we won't go there. I'm not feeling good about my outer self, but can't seem to do much about it. Better be soon!!

My ds and ddil have given up their service station, so I bought the water cooler that they had for their staff. Should make it easier to track my water consumption. (they could have told me it leaked before I paid them for it!)

I just got told yesterday that my boss is heading back to Vancouver for more treatment. The excess calcium that his body produces comes out on his face in red bumps. Now, the surgeon wants them removed so he can easily see if the operation helped. So, they will be sanding his face...and he will be awake! Gross! This isn't the first time he's had this done. He can't go out into the sun for at least 3 days after having it done, and will be in the house for about 2 weeks while the skin scabs over and then comes off. He will stay at his brothers' house in Vancouver and then come home at night with one of our drivers. Looks like I'll be running work to his house for him. I'm not too happy about it with the cost of gas....I think he's going to have to start chipping in for it. It will be nice not to have to put up with him at work though.

Dd was at the doctor yesterday and has again had her meds upped. She's on an antidepressant and an anti-psychotic to help with the panic attacks. He now wants her to see a therapist so she has an appointment next month in town. She's done so well, I sure hope they don't get her all upset and she goes downhill again. I guess they know what they are doing. No idea yet how she will get to town.

Brenda: ((((hugs)))) to you girl. Sounds like you could use some. Get well soon.

Alida: Back to work and your usual routine. Don't let that guy do too much work and give himself a setback.

Heather: Yup, the countdown is on. Won't be long before you'll be wearing those cute hats and swingin' a hammer.

Peg: My dd's friend has fibro and lupis. She's just in her 30's, but having one heck of a time this year. Her face is totally broken out with the lupis. She's had so much stress...she's also an alcoholic (one year clean now), and her dd is in remission from cancer. WAy too much stress for a young person.

Shelley: How does Kassie handle all the siren warnings? I know my furkids would be going nuts.

Okay...off to work. Have a good one ladies.

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

following along...nothing to add, really. We had a line of pretty severe storms roll in about 0300 this morning, but not tornadic. Looks to be some storms forming to the SW of us, and we usually get those, so may be *bumpy* again tonight.

Donna...Kassie seems to be OK when the sirens go off. Of course I always grab her and put her in our *go to* room, while I run out and check the sky, or turn on the TV to see what's happening if it's in the middle of the night. Rude awakening sometimes!

Everyone, take care!
(((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!

Today's KC STAR reports that we're on the way to a record year for tornadoes--number and intensity. No surprise to you, Shelley!

I was up and out early to jog two miles on the Trolley Trail. It's ever-so-slightly uphill one mile out, and (ahhhhh!) downhill back. It's amazing how the tiniest incline can increase the work. I've been mostly walking lately, but plan to pick up the pace at least a couple times a week.

Donna, you have my sympathy and support in your "uphill" fight against the Weight Creep. You have a lot of challenges in your life, and weight management makes it even more stressful. Focus on staying healthy and taking time for you, no matter what. Do I hear a scrapbook calling your name?

I have a busy day planned, including lunch with my faculty contact at Baker University grad school. I've agreed to teach a course in January, and it's none too soon to start working out the details. I have to reinvent my plan each time. It will be much easier now that I'm retired. I had quit for a while, because I just couldn't handle night classes from six to ten, after a full day at work.

Early tomorrow morning, I'm off to Florida for a family visit, with my friend. I'm not sure what internet connection will be available, so if I'm absent, that's where.

Alida, I hope Bob is coming along well. You, too.
Peg, how's your feets?

Back later to see who's here. Take care of you!

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning....sunny and bright here again...but thunderstorms are supposed to come in this afternoon. Good thing the grass was cut AGAIN last night. I really should get a goat!

Barb: You know me better than I do. lol I am being pulled way too many ways and it is taking it's toll. Now that I have the yardwork to do also, I'm getting pretty tired. I did cut the grass last night but just felt sick after I did it. I don't think I've ever felt soooo tired. Felt better after I had some dinner but I'm thinking a scrapbook night might be just what I need.

Heather: Have fun at the meetings today. Let us know what happens.

Dh will be working his shifts today and then graveyards also tonight and tomorrow night. I think he figures he's Superman or something. Won't be long before I put my foot down. It's just not worth him getting sick. I know it's hard to find staff....but putting a help wanted sign in the window would be a start!

We finally manged to get the chain off my bike last night. Remember I put a chain with a combo lock on it then forgot the combo. CRS for sure! It took some doing, but we managed to get it off. I was off and riding in minutes. Hmm, you'd think that with all the walking I've done it wouldn't have bothered me, but the muscles in the tops of my legs were screaming. The other thing that bothers me is the helmet...I hate anything near my neck and the straps touch my neck. I'll give it another try tonight.

Off to work....have a good one!

__________________
Donna
238.5/168.2/150
I will see my goal weight again!

__________________

Nothing too new going on her either. I get my stitches out in about an hour. Last time I cried. I hope it is easier this time. I slathered the incisions with cream this morning thinking that maybe they would just "slide" out. We'll see.

Dh is off to work in LA. He walked to the train this morning at 7:00 am. It is about a mile. Then he will walk home this afternoon when he gets home. He is a wonder. He's still wearing that big brace around his middle, but gets it off in about 2 weeks. He is getting tired of it, but complains very little.

We are going to the first meeting of our 2007 class here at the ofh tonight. It is a salad potluck. It should be fun becuase there are few "oldsters." I don't think that there is anyone as young as me, but several are still in their 60's. We are a congenial bunch, so it should be fun.

Donna, I am so sorry that you and your dh have to work so hard!! Honestly, girl, you do an awful lot! I agree with Barb. Get out that scrapbook and let some of the work go. Last night dh asked me if I was planning to do the dishes! Ha! I have to empty the dishwasher before I can do them. I had to do that chore. I usually fill it so full that it takes a while to get it empty. Dh can't bend over, so it is mine to do. Honestly, he used to do all that before his surgery. I DO feel sorry for him. I don't particularly like dirty dishes sitting there either, but well, I guess I do have a higher tolerance. I also forget to make the bed! Sheesh! I am a slug!

I volunteered to help one of our dear little old ladies to get to the pool for her exercise every Thursday morning at 8:45 and back to help her shower, dress and get back to her place at 10:00. She is just a sweetie, and doesn't have any relatives. Lots of "Mom's" here that I could easily call my own. I'm thinking that when I can get my feet in the pool that I will join her. It's an excuse to get over there and that is a good thing. Last week was my first and I told her at shower time "Now, don't you be shy with me. We've both got the same thing." She chuckled. What a privilege, really, to dry her feet and her back and help her with her underwear, and put on her socks and shoes. It feels so much like a holy act.

Tomorrow is also our writing group. This time I wrote about when I went from being a "wimp" to a "trooper" in the Wallace family. When I slept overnight in the car with Bob in Czechoslovakia. I need to do a little editing. Barb, I find that I use the same adjectives. Not a good thing, I know. I definitely need to expand my vocabulary there. It's a good exercise, and very good for this aging mind.

Then, tomorrow night is our couples group. This is going to be a good one. The host gets to choose the topic we talk about. This is our question to answer: This is about our third meeting, so I expect that we will "drop" into intimacy pretty fast with this question!

Well, half a day has gone by since I tried to insert that question. Stitches out, no crying. Lunch over. Dishes done, bed made. Now, when dh gets home I'll go out for some errands. I pushed a button on my new Blackberry and can't get the dumb thing to work as a phone now! Sheesh.

Gotta jet,
Peg