Guess its time for me to check in again.

Congrats on the upcoming new home Heather. It sounds wonderful and couldn't happen to a better family.

I love hearing all the pet stories. we still have our grumpy dog - but I just adore him. He's like having a 4 year old hanging around.

Sorry to hear your foot is bothering you Peg. Mine still is, but it didn't seem to do any good to complain about it before to the dr, so I just don't bother anymore. I think it is a mix of the nerve (high reaction, and dead) and a muscle or tendon going to the second toe. I know he had to cut the tendon to release the big toe - but the second toe just isn't 'right'. It keeps pulling towards the big toe, leaving a big space between it and the middle toe. And the whole foot area hurts, but I think that is just the bone trauma still.
but, I'm getting into new shoes - I've just been so spoiled getting to work in slippers, slipon, or just plain barefoot!

Heading to Myrtle Beach at the end of next week for another Bike Week.. and I am 10 lbs more than I was at the end of the year. ITS GOING THE WRONG WAY!! but, nothing to blame but myself.

Busy year coming up. I have a class reunion (35) at the end of June, a trip to Mpls for training in Sept, Conference in Las Vegas in October - and somewhere near the end of the year - I am going to visit my brother. I have promised him I would for over 15 years, but keep putting it off. He lives in Australia and I AM getting there this year. I do think I have talked DH out of going with me.
He would want to be doing something all the time - I want to visit with my brother and SIL. and why pay more than $2000 for airfare for him to just sit around when he doesn't want to.
so. that is the plan for the year.

maybe somewhere in there I will start caring about myself and my health enough to do something about it.

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

It looks like it was a busy day around here.... especially weather wise. We had sirens go off right after 1st period this morning. I am supposed to take my kids downstairs to the boys bathroom in the hall below mine (my room is on the 2nd floor). I told the principal earlier in the year that there was no way I was going to do a duck and cover on the nasty boys bathroom floor. He would find me and mine in the lower hallway of the next building attached. The lower floor of that building is below grade and the safest place in the school. This morning we spent about an hour there. In fact we had all the kids from three hallways in about 8 classrooms. Some people are idiots. One teacher was going all gestapo on the kids in her room. She was having a fit about the kids using the cell phones, etc. She and a boy (who I later found out is a habitual discipline problem) got into a big power play. During all the storm sheltering, she starts wanting an administrator to come get the kid and do something with him. Our campus is large and spread out..... there was no admin where we were. I went down, got the kid, and took him down the hall. As we walked out I whispered to him to be quite and we would find him another room. I put him in where they were listening to the radio and eating popcorn... problem solved. Really, no really, just let them text message and listen to IPODS. It's not class.

As if that weren't enough, when I got back to my room it was flooded. A drain pipe outside stopped up and the water somehow got backed up in the wall and ran out between the wall and the floor. They sucked out a huge wet vac of water and have industrial fans still running. Those will stay in place for the weekend. I do not want smelly moldy carpet in my room.

Needless to say, "there weren't much learnin goin on today."

TGIF. I think the box of wine is calling. After this week, it's just better to buy the economy size.

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

Judy, I vote for a big box 'o wine for you, and a very long straw! Not the best day in a teacher's life, for sure. And the boy's bathroom? Sheesh! Glad you opted for a better environment. An hour there....you'd need medical attention (oxygen) after that and a new outfit. Thank goodness for your common sense in dealing with kids. Less experienced teachers would do well to emulate you. Hope your room dries out, too. what a bad, bad day

Shelley, Judy,Barb, Alida, so many storms for my friends in OK, TX, and KS. Glad you all are well, although we're missing Alida. We are having periodic thunderstorms but don't get tornado warnings nearing as much as you gals do.

Peg, I hope you'll see about your foot. I'm wondering, would surgery flare up your fibro in that area? I'm also amazed at dh's having energy at all so soon after surgery. Hope you have a lovely (and peaceful) weekend.
Mary Kay, it's really good to hear from you. I'm glad you have travel plans in your future--it's nice to have something different from the day to day routine to look forward to. Hilton Head sounds perfect this time of year. Have you considered acupuncture to address your foot pain? Sometimes the more alternative therapies do work, and pain takes so much out of a person that I wouldn't be surprised if you are blue and having trouble being good to yourself.

Barb, I'd love to hear you and your Dad together. I'll bet you'd draw quite a crowd there, too

Heather, how rotten to spend your birthday yesterday sick. I hope you get to celebrate when you feel better.

Donna, you are busier than 10 people. I'm not sure when you ever have a moment of your own, but I applaud your energy.

Bert, I'm so sorry to hear that your dh may have early signs of dementia. That's what it sounded like in some of your posts over the last few weeks, and a lot to content with on top of his physical health. Taking it one day at a time, right?

Shelley,Bert, I'm envious of your hair cuts, color, and girlie time. Not that I need anything done, but I do need the attention

Ya know, I still haven't made a decision about the job. Just some niggles of doubt, but I don't know about what. Last evening I attended the annual awards party to honor hospice volunteers. It was beautifully done. This afternoon I spent a shift on a hospice vigil. Perhaps it's too heavy a dose of the ultimate reality making the job decision more difficult.

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

__________________

Good morning, everybody. I'm up really early--especially for a Saturday. There's an educational event all day at the church.

Since I don't have a tv, I wasn't watching tornado news. Turns out a former colleague of mine was in a ravaged neighborhood. She and her husband just bought a new house about a year ago, and are expecting a baby, like right now. Their house wasn't damaged very much, but others--as tornadoes will do--were completely demolished. What an awesomely scary night that must have been. Judy--it's scary enough to think of being confined for two hours with a pack o' teenagers, with or without sirens.

MaryKay, sounds like you have some fun plans. Myrtle Beach used to be fun--now it's a glut of tourist stuff. Bike Week should be exciting though. Take care of you, and have a great time.

Brenda, do listen to those "niggles." Those are the things that will jump up and bite you on the a$$ later and make you miserable. Trust your instincts!!

Donna, you do the work of ten people. However, I believe it's in your nature to be energetic, helpful, and kind. As long as you feel good, just keep on being you!

Time for an OMM and the newspaper. I'll read all about those storms, no doubt.

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


My Fitday Journal

Good morning!

The weather has been quite the topic! Since Barb doesn't have a TV, and doesn't watch Survivor, she didn't know that storm news overtook the air waves Thursday night. As it should, when it's a real storm. There was a big brouhaha here in KC a few years ago when one station interrupted the nightly shows for a so-so weather watch. Now, when she comes on air for a weather alert, she is very apologetic!

Brenda, great avatar! And you look mahvelous! I did not go to the end of the April thread, but I take it a job was offered in a hospice (?). That type of job takes a special type of person. Mind you, I am NOT saying you are not that type of person! But Bob's daughter worked in a nursing home for several years in Prescott, AZ. It was so hard on her, she had to quit. She would get close to the patients and then they died ... one after another. She finally could not take it anymore. As Barb says, listen to your gut feelings.

Barb, that was quite a storm for some areas in KC. Gladstone was one. Have you heard from Henry? Is he OK? Luckily, all we got was rain. The sirens did go off at three different times but since we were watching the local weather coverage (had no other choice!) we knew the bad part of the storm would miss us. Yesterday I heard that the sirens did not go off in Gladstone. I imagine that may cause a bit of a dust-up.

Did you duet with your dad?

Peg, drats on your foot bothering you. What did the doctor say? Scored big at Chico's? I need to go out today or tomorrow and look for a pair of dressier summer-weight slacks. Chico's, Coldwater Creek and Macy's are right in a row at Town Center Plaza. I hope I get lucky!

Judy, I laughed at your description of that teacher. "Going all Gestapo ...." Some people are like that. What an ordeal that day must have been, though. Here's hoping your rug (Rug? In a school room?) dries out over the weekend.

Shelley, you have had your share of bad weather, too! You mentioned your new roof. CRS ... did you get wood shake or the other kind that I can't think of the name of right now. When we had our new roof put on, we went with hail proof! We also got a reduction on our home owner's insurance because the new roof is more flame-retardant.

Was Kassie sick? Sorry, I missed that post. But you are saying she is better. Whew!

We are having a heating/cooling guy over next week. What brand did you get? I'll send you an e-mail!

Berta, thanks heavens all was OK with your storm. That's right ... what would you do if there was a tornado? Is there any area on your main living floor that can be fixed up as a temporary refuge? I remember when I had my hip replaced, the visiting nurse did bring the subject up about egress in case of fires, etc. At least it was not Tornado Time.

Donna, so what did your do about DS's birthday? Just a card? Card and a gift? Bob and I just give money. That always seems to be appreciated.

LOL about your tight buns! And how nice of your husband to comment on them!

Speaking of your "itching" to get your flowers planted .... I go through the same thing. But I always wait for my birthday. There always seems to be a night or two of near-freezing weather prior to my birthday. Next weekend, which should be my planting weekend, I have to go to St. Louis for my DIL's graduation. She is getting her Masters and chose to have her graduation there so her parents could attend (they live in St. Louis).

Mary Kay, oh, I am so jealous of your travel plans! Australia is so exciting! It also sounds like a good idea not to have DH go. Then you don't have to worry about if he is having a good time and you and your brother can have a really nice visit.

Heather! I missed your birthday!! I am sorry you were not feeling well "on your day." But as you say, you'll just celebrate later! It sounds like your house plans are moving along. Oh, when you are moved in, it will feel like heaven!

Susie, how's everything with you?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a wonderful visit last night with an old friend who is in town for a few weeks. We talked for three hours straight. The thought passed through my mind how much I miss her. We go back to my opera days and it was nice to get caught up on all the "arts" gossip here in town.

This weekend? Not sure what's on the menu. I do need to do some shopping!

Have a great day! XXOO

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

Quick fly-by for me before I go and shower and get dressed for the inevitable lunch here at the old folks home. Today, in the shower, it is shaving day. I have gotten out of the habit of shaving my legs during the winter because I wear long pants all the time. But, I wore capris yesterday and, whew!, not a pretty sight. Also, I need to shave my toes. You know that a REAL lady doesn't go out with sandals and hair on her toes? And, the inevitable shaving on the face which happens to us old ladies.

The foot Doctor is convinced that the pain in my foot is the hardware he put in. It has done its work now and can be removed. I scheduled surgery on my other foot, which is much less invasive, for two weeks from now. On that foot he will take off the bunion, and either scrape the arthritis off the joint or replace it. My first joint replacement. Can you say proud?! Also, he will remove all the hardware from my other foot, which he said is not a problem and will make my foot feel much better.

Sooooooooo good to hear from you all. Aren't we great???

Gotta jet, hot razor waiting.....

Following along with everyone. The most fun I had this week was getting a completely new haircut/style and beautiful color. Had Remicade on Wednesday, takes me 2-3 days to feel "normal" after that.

Did my great-niece's makeup this afternoon for prom. I'll post a couple of pictures in my journal later. She and her date are going to stop by before going to dinner.

Hoping the Oz will feel better soon. Usually takes him 8-10 days to feel good after going to the groomer, he went a week ago. There are some cute pictures of him in the furkid forum.

Got a lot on my mind, haven't been sleeping well. Such is life!

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Ozzie's Place

per my journal entry today:

Now really...you guys can quit laughing anytime now...hehe!

The truth about the above *wedding picture*, is that it was NOT taken on our wedding day!
We actually eloped! gasp!!! So that pic was actually taken about a month after we were married, and after the dress was finished!
We still call it our wedding pic though. LOL!

Back to visit more tomorrow; right now a new pair of slacks needs a hem, and strangely enough, I'm in the mood to do it!

Happy week end to all!

(((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!

Sistashell, what a precious photograph! You were a beautiful young lady, classic 70s Breck Girl. DH looks the same only a little wiser for his years.

Congratulations to both of you on your 34th wedding anniversary. Quite a milestone in this day and age.

Oh Shelley, what a cute picture! You look just adorable! I love it that you eloped and still got a great wedding picture out of the deal. The best of both worlds, IMO. The trimmings without the hassle I applaud you and dh on your anniversary and wish you many, many more.

Sus, I'd love to see your new "do." Or at least tell us what color and style. I love to dabble in styles vicariously through my buddies. Gosh, I'm so sorry it takes Ozzie so long to get over the grooming. What do you think it's about???

Peg, I didn't realize you still had hardware in your foot. I thought it usually came out earlier but at least now I know why it's becoming so painful. And now the other foot--bless you! You gave me such a laugh as I envisioned a Spring shaving project much like cleaning up the yard after winter You know, removing all the old, dead underbrush. Sandals and hairy toes are indeed a no-no! LOL! And let's not think too hard about the facial hair--ack! I'm getting to the point that I can't always see the outliers and am surprised to find some rope dangling from my chin

Alida, good to see your post. Miss you when you're gone a couple of a days. How nice to have a visit with an old friend. Does the heart good.

Everyone else, big waves! No intention to slight you, my dears!

Had a massage/dog training swap today. Deb is encouraging me to see my doc about an area on my back that is staying bruised-looking and has a non healing spot. I can't really see it in the mirror,though, and dh is useless. Anyway, her dog is becoming more responsive, and I've been able to help with walking her. She's such a big, powerful dog that she was pulling the kids down the street. That was my day in a nutshell.

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

Bren, please do get that area on your back checked out!

Brenda --What a deal ....... dog training for a massage. Excellent barter. HOWEVER, that spot you described sounds kind of sketchy. I agree that it might be a good idea to get it checked out.

Shelley -- love the wedding pic. We had our 36th anniversary last December. Big weddings back in the day were far less extravagant than small affairs today. I hope that if DD ever gets married she will go for the elope/destination choice. And, I don't mean destination type like DS had. That one probably cost my annual salary.

Susie -- I had to look up Remicade to see what it was for. Sorry you have to take it. I went over to look at Oz (and Kassie's) pictures. I even found a couple of poodle girls on the pet thread. Cute babies belong to all of you.

MK -- good to have you check in. Sounds like you have some great trips planned.

Peg -- you totally cracked me up with your description of this mornings grooming needs. Long pants or not, I can't go without shaving my legs.

Kansas girls, Alida, Barb, and Berta -- I'm glad to hear that you all survived the weather this week, too. At one time yesterday I heard that it was supposed to be awful in KC. Since I know nothing of where you are in relation to the geography of the city, I just worried for all my friends in the state.

Heather -- funny story about your brother. Just wait, he'll be 30 some day.

Donna -- did you make it to the ballgames ( or stay home and play in the garden)? Hope you had a good weekend.

Today my friend and I went to see another movie from a film festival being held nearby. I have seen three of the five so far. She has seen them all. We will go to the last one from this year's series on Tuesday afternoon. They have been interesting and definitely not the hyped high budget stuff. I think they all fall into the category of art films. The one today was called "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day." It was a very classic comedy dependent on timing and delivery instead of slap stick and gross jokes. It even had a happy ending. It certainly wouldn't have appeal to today's kids and the masses in general, but it's a good guess that everyone in the theater today (who were probably all over 50) enjoyed it. Next weekend, for Mother's Day, DH is going to take me to Dallas to see "Rain" --- a production based on Beatles music. I'm really excited. It's been years since we have done something like that.

Bed time! I hope I didn't leave anyone out above. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

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

__________________

Congratulations, Shelley, on 34 years together. That's a considerable milestone these days. I remember those "up-do's." You look so cute. And happy. I didn't have a big wedding either. We just sort of stepped up to the altar after church one Sunday, with family and a few friends around. Later that day, we had a little party, with a wedding cake and sangria. The big deal was having a tv in the room, so we could all watch a rickety-looking machine touch down on the moon--Neil Armstrong and the boys. I've always said, "Well, he promised me the moon...."

Yesterday at Loose Park, I saw two brides. Both of them looked like dolls stuck in big white fluffy piles of icing. Remember those cakes? Their dresses were wearing them. Oh well. These days it seems to be all about the dress--never mind the future.

The guest speaker at church yesterday turned out to be quite intriguing. Diana Butler Bass writes about positive signs of life in the mainline churches in her book Christianity for the Rest of Us.

The weather has also held out fine for the Brookside Art Fair, which draws artists from all over the country. I wasn't tempted to buy, but I enjoyed the scenery.

Susie, can you post a picture of your new do? Hope you're feeling better post-medication. It's no fun when the "cure" is debilitating--but I guess we're blessed to have remedies at all.

Alida, I saw Henry's spouse at church yesterday. So presumably their house didn't blow away. Speaking of opera, I'm looking forward to seeing "John Brown" on Friday. Will you get to see it?

All this talk of superfluous hair. I think I'll go check my chin.
(I use facial Nair for the fuzz, and pluck the cat whiskers.)

Judy, have a wonderful time at the show. What a great treat. You deserve it.

Everyone. Have a good week ahead.

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


My Fitday Journal