So Zig had it right all along - I find that a bit suspicious. And Zig what did you and John do with BJ???

BJ is always on the go so who knows where she is by now but last I saw her she was in Epcot talking German, drinking beer and eating German noodles and cabbage, sauerbraten, and sauerkraut salad. As for the rest, my lips are sealed :-)

Raeanne ~ I sent you an email from work. Hope you get it this time.

Last weeks thread was lots of fun. Reminded me of the PBS show my son watched when he was younger, "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego"

Hi everyone else
Time to get back to work

zig

Hello everyone!

I heard that BJ is here in NJ looking to buy a casino in Atlantic City. Rumor is that she won lots of dough in a poker game last week. Say BJ, please make sure there is a huge SPA in that hotel.....and don't forget to invite all your SS friends for a fun weekend! wooooo hoooooo

Did Tikanis tell everyone what is going on with us? The latest is that DD had to sign a DNR today. Her DH had a major stroke--he'd been having TIAs & was full of clots. They say if he lives another week that they will take him off of life support & his feeding tube. Such a horrible thing for a 23 y.o. to be going through & she has a 5 y.o. & a 5 mo. old. So, things are pretty tough around here. If we had the money, we would be on our way back to Midland, TX soon. The VA said today that we need to wait until they have made their decision before we leave--which is supposed to be made between now & Sept. Then, if it isn't or if it is positive we can go to TX. We will have the right to file an appeal in TX if we move after the decision has been made. I haven't read up on what all has been happening with everyone but it sounds better than here. Dave's Mom was dx'd with epilepsy but they cannot get the "grand mal" seizures under control so she was supposed to go to a school hospital the end of March. They called & said that they had an opening on Thursday so they are going to get to go early. Positive thoughts & prayers for this whole family please. Thanks. Patti :)

Patti....my thoughs and prayers are with you at this time. Too much happening for you for sure. Take care. Hope you will be able to go to TX and give your support.

I am off to send positive vibes your way.

Lynn

[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[Patti, Family, & Friends]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]

Holey moley, Patti--I am so very sorry to hear of your SonIL. MG--that's terrible for anyone, but a 23year old??? Many hugs and prayers to you MIL as well-- we love you and Dave, both! :)

Well, I was gonna get on here and b!tch about petty stuff, but I think I'll tell my complaining b*tt to shut up--my stuff is very petty and small compared to what Patti and Dave are going through--nad I feel badly for evrn starting to complain--

Well, I joined a local gym yesterday. It's $20/month, and they have plenty of cardio equipment and free weights--the cardio even have small TV's with cable, so you can bring earphones and flip channels--no classes, but I never went to any of them anyway, so this is great--it's brand new, too. I walked 3 miles yesterday, and 2 today, and did (my FAV) ellipitcal--I need to do something positive for myself to pull me outta this funk I've been in--

AND.... my all time fav auctioneer just called and he's branched out on his own, and wants me to work for him. I mean it's PT, but I just think this guy and his wife are soooo great--this is going to be fun! :)

So, good news--I think things are looking up! :)

You're right, Dee---never say never!!

Hugs,

Maddie

(((Patti and Dave))). I am sending positive energy your way.

Maddie, awesome. I am so happy for you. Maybe it will work into something full time. You never know. Things always happen for a reason, sometimes it is just not immediately clear what that reason is. Good for you!

Not much new here. I'm back in the swing of work, but I have a really bad cold. DS has it too. I'm sure we will get through it, just feeling kind of funky right now.

(((HUGS))) all around. Have a great week.

1 1/2 hours of American Idol tonight!

Love, Besh

Patti and Dave (((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))) sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. I am so sorry for you and your daughter. How awful.

Not much new here. I had an accident on Sunday. This guy turned right in front of us and I tried to avoid him but clipped his front bumper. It wasn't much of an accident but it knocked the tar out of all of us. I stayed home yeserday as I was just so stiff and sore. Much better today. Now to get the car fixed but the good news is the appraiser has already been to see it!

Weather is so bitter cold and windy right now. I am praying for it to warm up and snow!!

Maddie, good for you for joining the gym and I hope your PT job works into your dream job. The exercise will be good for you.

I think the person who posted as John is an imposter. I mean, where is BJ?????? What's going on here?????

Wow, many hugs and prayers to Patti and family.

Suzanne, glad you are OK! Besh, colds make you feel the worst don't they? Maddie, I hope things work out for you the way you want.

Not much new around here, spent Friday night in the ER when my dad's 7 year old hip replacement popped out. A freak thing for sure but luckily they popped it right back in but I didn't get home until after 2:00 a.m. Oh, Friday was also my mom's birthday.

The sun has been shining but it is very cold and very windy.

Everyone check in! Stay warm and safe!

Donna

Rabbit! Rabbit! No news today. I still have a sinus infection & the dr. is out of town for a week & Dave is having heart problems & the VA wouldn't answer the phone b/c they only have one person to answer the phone & they were having another emergency in the hospital (I guess the cardiac ward.) We are trying to get him back in ASAP. He's been popping "nitro".

Maddie~I'm so happy for you & the chance that you have! WTG!

Thanks for the concern. Will try to keep everyone posted. Love~Patti :)

Patti & Dave ((((((HUGS)))))) I feel so badly. Can you call an ambulance for Dave - wouldn't they have to see him them? Please keep us posted on everything and I will keep everyone in my prayers.

Donna - was that very painful for your dad? Glad you weer with him for that.

Suzanne - WOW, I am so glad everyone was okay - it is amazing how a jolt like that can be so stressful on our bodies. I'm glad you took yesterday off - try to relax as much as you can today too.

Besh - do you ever take zinc lozenges? I pop those the minute I sneeze, sniffle or my throat feels scratchy. Not sure if they work, but I haven't had a cold in ages.

Maddie - sounds like you are committed to getting in shape - WTG. I bet once you start feeling good about that, everything else will fall into place for you - maybe with the auctioneer (let's face it that is your passion).

BJ - come out, come out, wherever you are. Rabbit, rabbit day can't even get you on here?

I have to get back to work, but will try to check in later - make the best of your day.

Hi Gang,

/hugs to Patti and Dave, I hope you all get the care you deserve and things go as well as they can for you.

I really havent seen BJ! honest!

I went to Orlando for a vacation and had a nice time, however the weather never got above 65 all week and we had our fill of other peoples kids. The trip was cheap and we used a friends 2 bedroom condo time share so it was nice, just not our cup of tea, next time its an adult cruise! :)

Since I got back Ive been busy busy! Lots of bowling practice and tournaments this time of year. I was 2nd place at the last one with still a day left for people to qualify, so im keeping the fingers crossed.

We had a little scare last week too, my mother had some bleeding near the brain and they had to run a bunch of tests, let the blood drain away, then rerun them. All the tests were negative, so they dont know what caused it, but its the best option and she doesnt have any long term damage. Shes tired and bored of being at the hospital but should be heading home in the next couple of days.

So if im not bowling, im working, or driving to bowling, or driving to the hospital, or sleeping!

I havent lost a pound but I also havent gained any this winter, 225 going in and 225 going out. I guess I cant complain too much :)

I have to read and catch up, but I hope you all have a great weekend and eat healthy!

QOD: what did you give up for lent! I usually give up some type of bad food, but with my diet already being restricted lo carbing to control my diabetes, there really isnt anything left to give up :( So im going to try and give up getting mad in the car at stupid people who drive too slow! Deep breath, deep breaths :)

/hug

John

Sure is slow around here

Patti ~ ((((((HUGS)))))) My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

John ~ wishing your mom a speedy recovery

NHSuzanne ~ hope you are feeling better

BJ ~ come out come out where ever you are

QOD ~ I fast every Wednesday during Lent. It helps me remember I need to eat to live not live to eat and living without food for 24 hours is my choice because I want to not because I have to.

zig

Hi all!

John---I hope your mom is doing better! Thank heavens she doesn't have long term damage--i'll keep her in my prayers---((((((((hugs))))))))) And...i know what you mean about DW--gimme an adult vacation anyday! :)

QOD---well, my promise was cussin', but that lasted about 20 minutes. (It was 12:20am, and someone was making noise outside, which of course, prompted my mumbled, sleep-induced comment of 'who the ***k is that', and thereby shot all to h3ll my Lent promise.) So, my resolve is to not drink any regular sodas; diet only. Oh, and be nice, even if it kills me. (It might.)

I have went to the gym MTW, and am going here in a bit. I've walked 8 miles (not counting any ellipital business), and I think I am going to "walk the Appalachian Trail". Now, what massive quanties of alcohol did I consume to arrive at this thought? I just finished re-reading "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson, and I have been inspired. According to him, the AT is approx 2,250 miles, and I figure that I sould finish this in the next ten or so years--and for any Bryson fans, thsi book is going to be made into a movie shortly--

Still job looking--apparently, no one is looking for me, however--

Hugs,

Maddie

QOD: I have vowed to be nicer, that means I need to find my Pollyanna braids somewhere. I felt that if I was nicer to others, it would make me feel better. If I feel better, i would eat less out of stress, and I would lose weight....so in the end, Lent is all about ME!!! lol

BJ, please check in to let us know you are OK.

Been working from home today due to ice storm. Tomorrow I have the day off, so I will spend it with a bit of shopping at Lord & Taylors (my fave) to see if there are any sales items I can take to Florida with me on the 10th. John, we are also going to DW for a day or two, but we will be with DS and DBIL, so we can do lots of adult things too (this is why I did not give up wine or martinis for Lent!)

Must get back to work; this laptop is slow today. Think it's because so many stayed home to work.

Still walking most mornings and writing down each and every morsel that goes into this mouth!

Make today count!
Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!
DeeMarie

Greetings all,

It really is slow here!

John, good to hear from you. You couldn't pay me to go to Disney World!! Sorry, but I just am not that fond of little darlings anymore! It's March and you are bowling in Keene soon. Do tell when and where so we can hook up. We have to make BJ jealous you know. Hope your Mom is doing okay.

Patti, I am thinking of you and yours. ((((((HUGS)))))

DeeMarie, let me dust off my braids and lend them to you!! I would love to see that. You are right though, you will feel better in the end.

Zig, what a great idea!! I usually don't do anything for lent, (pagan that I am!!), but fasting once a week is perfect and good for you. I think I will work towards that too.

Maddie/Dee since I joined that nutrition and weight loss program at my local gym I have been wearing a pedometer and counting my steps. I can't remember the amount of steps that I have logged in four weeks ago but it equals 123 miles! They keep a chart for us and I have to say it's pretty motivating. I have a goal to get a minimum of 10,000 steps at least five days a week. I am doing that easily. On the days that I can walk at lunch and workout in the gym I get 13,000 - 14,000! That includes my twice daily barn chores. I have only lost a few pounds but I feel tons better.

Tomorrow is Friday so everyone check in. ESPECIALLY YOU BJ!!

Maddie - I will start walking the Appalachian Trail from the New York end and meet you half way - say October of 2010.

John - I will send positive thoughts to you and your mom.

Dee - another trip? I love your life.

Magic Kitty - tell us how things are going in your hectic life?

Milkdud - how did the pre-op appointment go? When is your operation, March 7th?

Patti - hope things are better today, let us know.

QOD - I didn't give up anything for lent. Instead of giving up something can I add something? maybe I will walk an extra 5 miles a week. Since I missed 2 days, I can still make that up.

I'm going out with a couple girlfriends tonight - I really feel like just staying in, but I have promised.

Hi, checking in very briefly. Gotta catch up since I haven't read the thread in weeks. I appeciate the recent emails to check on me though! I will print and read and check in more often.

My life has been so busy that things are falling off my plate.

Been holed up in a time share in Orlando writing essays until they're coming out my ears...

Back in a flash----on Friday.

Touche' BJ! LOL

Raeanne

I won't spoil your day by singing my very off key version of happy birthday, but I wish you a very Happy Birthday even if I don't break out in song!!!!!

Your thoughtfulness, generosity, insights, wittiness, kindness and gentle nature is an inspiration. I am so glad to have renewed our friendship and it is my pleasure to have you as my SS buddy!

Have a wonderful day

zig

Birthday (((hugs))) Raeanne!!!

May you celebrate with abandon all weekend long!

XXOO Tikanas

My dear, dear, dearest Raeanne,

Happy Birthday my friend. I couldn't agree more with what Zig said especially the thoughtfulness, generosity, insights, wittiness, kindness and gentle nature part. It dawns on me today that you are a Pices a true Pices whom I love so very much. I hope you will have a wonderful day and a magnificent year. I also hope that we will meet again this year in Saratoga or some other adventure. Perhaps I can get you closer to NH to show you my stomping grounds.

I am happy to call you my friend.

Love, NH Suzanne

Oh my, you girls make me blush.

Marci - thank you so much for the decorations.

I guess we will leave the singing to Maddie or Dee LOL.

Suzanne - I am game to come out closer to you.

Tikanis - I plan on it LOL.

Zig - thank you for those kind words, it is great to have reconnected with you too, you are a great support and a wonderful friend.

I celebrated last night with a couple girlfriends and will do a little something tonight. DH is taking me to my favorite restaurant tomorrow night - so it will be a busy weekend.

Thanks again - you really know how to make someone feel special.

Happy Birthday to you.....
Happy Birthday to you.....
Happy Birrrrrtttthhhhdddaaayy my dear sweet friend Raeanne.......
Happy Birthday to you!

You are one of the support beams in this Diet Club chat, and I appreciate your humor, compassion, and good sense. I will always remember that you were the first one brave enough to post your menus and a picture of yourself!! You are the real, genuine thing and I love ya!

Happy, happy birthday Raeanne!

Have a wonderful birthday weekend - eat, drink, have cake and have fun! Be surrounded by love and laughter!

Love, Donna

Happy birthday, Raeanne! Hope you're having a wonderful day.

((((((((Patti & Dave)))))))

John, sending healing thoughts for your mom.

NHSuzanne, glad you weren't seriously injured in your collision.

Dee, hope you stayed warm and productive working from home and enjoyed your shopping trip!

Maddie, hope you get that job if you want it. Sounds like fun to me.

Donna, I can't imagine a hip popping out, artificial or not, but glad it all worked out well for your dad.

Zig, I admire your fasting on Wednesdays.

Tikanas, how's the knee? I found out at my pre-op visit with my surgeon Wednesday that I will be having a total knee-replacement on the other knee after this one heals. UGH! 'Wish I could have gone to the dr. when I first injured my knees; maybe I could have gone your route instead.

Besh, hope your cold is all better by now and that you're able to enjoy your weekend. What's the weather like there?

QOD (probably from yesterday since I'm so slow at posting this week!) I try hard to be especially kind during Lent in hopes that it will carry over to the rest of the year. No way would I attempt to give up cussing as Maddie did!

I have now officially completed all my pre-op consults, dentist appointment, even a pedicure so my piggies won't gross out the medical profession next week. I'm still set for surgery on March 7th. I should be checking out and home by Friday, the 10th. I've even stocked up on all my favorite reading materials and some new authors since my faves just aren't cranking them out fast enough for me! lol

Take care and have a great weekend!

Dee - I knew I could count on you to sing, you know how special you are to me too!

Donna & Milkdud - thanks for the wishes too.

Milkdud - I will keep you in my thoughts and send positive vibes your way. You are too funny about the pedicure - we think alike. Check-in as soon as you can.

I'm at work, but wanted to stop by and say THANKS for making my birthday a special one - glad to have all of you in my life.

Raeanne - hope your birthday was a great one!

My dad is doing good - a little sore but walking around like nothing happened. I never knew a replacement joint could pop out - I was sure he was headed for surgery. Milkdud, the pain was unbelievable - my dad is not a complainer and the pain was so intense he was shaking. I am keeping you in my prayers for your surgery.

Like Milkdid I am slow this week - QOD I gave up nothing fo Lent this year. A couple of years ago I successfully gave up chocolate and then began counting the days until Easter. I am just trying to be a better person - we'll have to see how that works out!

Zig - fasting once a week - I admire you too. I have never done that.

John - prayers for your mom.

I am out of shape and have no real flexibility - I am seriously thinking of giving yoga a shot. We have a yoga place very near my house and I might actually stop in there this weekend and find out about it. What exactly is it yoga does for you - increase flexibility? Is it considered a good form of exercise? My plan for this spring is to buy a new bike - the kind I had as a kid with coaster brakes - and to walk. Maybe that with yoga will increase my energy level?

Off to run errands - the usual Saturday! I will check in later. Hugs to all who need them.

Donna

donna - yes yoga is a great form of exercise. It is my favorite form and I used to go 5 times a week. It does increase your flexibility, but it also strengthens your muscles and you definitely increase your heart rate when doing it, so it has cardio benefits too. It looks much easier than it is, but you are trained to do only your best and not worry about what anyone else is doing. So you build up to it, like anything else. It not only improves you physically, but mentally and spirtually. There are many different types of yoga, some much more strenuous than others - so check it out and try it!

RAEANNE,

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SIS!!!! I didn't forget you, just behind (as always!). I hope it was the best one yet!

Love, Besh

Happy Belated Birthday My Fellow Pisces, Raeanne!

Dave is finally home. He had a heart catherization on Friday & he had a 90% blockage so they airflighted him to Orlando & he had an emergency stent put in. SIL passed away on Thursday night after DD had been asked if she wanted to disconnect him. She had him disconnected at 9:30 a.m. & he passed away at 7:00 p.m. Her MIL did SO many things that went above & beyond the boundaries, you wouldn't even believe. DD cannot go back into the house b/c it makes her too ill to even think about it. So, MIL went in there & read her diary. MIL said that she would pay for the funeral but after reading the diary where her son left DD for another woman after DGS was born she decided that she wouldn't pay. Then she took the tv, the stereo, the game boy & the games that the oldest DGS plays. Then she went to the courthouse to verify that SIL & DD were legally married which they were. My MIL found out that all of her epilepsy meds are the wrong ones & she will be weaned off of the wrong ones & slowly introduced to the new ones & will be taking less dosages after she works up to a therapeutic level. So, that's my story & I'm sticking to it. LOL Things are looking like everyone can start to heal now.

Maddie~I am so excited about your new job!

Thanks everyone for the hugs, positive vibes, & prayers. I can't thank you enough.

I cannot believe that 4 of us were in Orlando at the same time & didn't get together. That would have been great. Patti :)

((((Patti)))) hugs. I am so sorry for DD loss, but I am happy that Dave is doing well. Keep your positive attitude. What is DD going to do now?

I have sad news. My FIL is now in the "dying process". DH and I were there last night. We did come home to get some sleep, and DH just went back there. He is in the nursing home and being well taken care of. It is so hard to watch him go. It brings back such vivid memories of my Dad and my MIL. We are saying our prayers and hope that it is a quick process, for his sake.

Love, Besh

Good Sunday morning all,

Patti, I am sorry to hear your news. I am glad that things are going well with Dave. (((((HUGS))))) What did you mean "four of us were in Orlando" who, what, when?????? Too bad you didn't connect with ???????????????

Besh,(((((HUGS))))) I am sorry for your family. Death is not easy. I hope your FIL has a very peaceful passing.

I have sad news myself. A long time friend of ours called Friday night very late. His 29 year old son is in a coma due to a drug overdose and has very minimal brain function. Mark, (my DH), went down to be with them righ away and of this morning he has not improved although he has been able to breath for 3 minutes on his own. Right now they are in with the doctor discussing taking him off life support. The whole thing is agonizing for them. What a horrible situation. All we can do is pray and think positive and remember that everything is perfect the way it is.

Besh, I know what you mean about memories. It's hard to have to revisit such awful memories right now for me. I will be thinking of you.

(((Besh, Patti, Dave, Suzanne)))

What terrible, terrible things to have to endure. On the bright side I am glad that Dave is doing well.

You are all in my prayers - will check in later.

Donna

Besh~We finally got to talk to DD tonight after 2 weeks & she might move with us back to TX & let us baby sit the DGS while she works. Yay! She is blaming herself but she is also handling herself with beauty, grace, & honor. We are pround of her. [[[[ H U G S ]]]] to you & yours.

NH Suzanne~I might have gotten mixed up but I thought that John said that he was in Orlando & then that BJ said that she was there & then there was Dave & I. [[[[ H U G S ]]]] My heart goes out to you & your friends too.

Donna~Thanks very much. I appreciate it very much.

Did anyone here write me a letter? I got one from someone that I don't know for certain who it is from. Now I feel really silly. We are looking forward to having 3 grandchildren closeby. DS#1 finds out the s*x on the 21st the day after my birthday. I told him that was a good enough birthday present for me. Drink your water & try to get me motivated to do the same. Patti :)

Patti,Dave NHSuzanne ~ You all are in my thoughts and prayers...((((HUGS))))

Besh ~ My heart is breaking for you and your family. Having just gone through this I realize how stressful a time this can be. ((((HUGS))))

milk dud ~ my thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery

Raeanne and BJ ~ thank you for everything. You both are such special women. I'm proud to call you my friends!

To those who mentioned my fasting. While it isn't easy,the more you do it the easier it gets, the self awareness is unbelievable, the empathy you feel for those who are forced to go without food because they can't afford it, live in famine sticken areas of the world or are deprived of nourishment for any other reason is incredible and the spiritual rewards are abundant....I'm getting off my soapbox...LOL and back to getting things done here.

zig

Hello all,

Thanks for your well wishes. My FIL passed away this morning, 3/6/06 at 6:33AM. Kind of strange because my MIL passed away 8/26 at 8:26AM.

Love, Besh

Besh - Please accept my condolences. This must be hard for your DH to lose both parents in such a short time.
I will keep your family in my thoughts.

Patti - I am also sorry for your DD's loss and the family troubles. Hopefully things will work out for you and Dave to move back to TX and be with your GKs.

(((((((BESH & Family))))))), ((((((Patti & Dave)))))), (((((((Suzanne)))))))), (((((((Zig))))))), ((((((John & Mom))))))

Milkdud - I wanted to get on here and wish you the best for a smooth operation and speedy recovery - I can't wait to hear from you.

Patti - I hope you can make moving to TX work - it sounds like the best for all - you would be in heaven babysitting all the time. BJ was teasing about being in Orlando (i think - you never know with her). I hope Dave is feeling strong.

Everyone hang in there -I hope everyone finds peace and strength.

Patti, Dave and family - my thoughts are with you.

((Besh and family))

Milkdud - You are in my prayers - good luck and speedy recovery!!

I will check in later.

Donna

Besh, please accept my sympathies for the loss of your FIL.

Patti, what's left to say after our lengthy phone conversation? But, ((((((Patti and Dave)))))) anyway!

nhSuzanne, so sorry to hear about your friend.

Well, folks, I feel well prepared for tomorrow's surgery, and the good wishes from you are icing on the cake (SS cake, of course!). I'll update y'all this coming weekend when I get home. Meanwhile, take care!