I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!! Mine was good, hectic as usual but we got through it with emotions well intact! So much to be grateful for and it was good to really reflect on it with the family.

I am still recovering. I do to much and no matter how simple I try to make it, it's not!

The weather has been crazy. Pouring rain Christmas night and all day yesterday. Then late last night it turned to snow again! I want the snow to stay but they are predicting more rain later this week and temps in the 40's!

QOD: What was your favorite gift this year?

Posted by: aka_Raeanne (My Page) on Tue, Dec 27, 05 at 11:33

Tikanis - Did you enjoy Love Actually? - I love that movie and have seen it at least 3 times. Congrats on your win and it sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas. Yes, I love my "adult" relationship with my daughters. It is hard to explain, they are both very good friends as well as daughters but it is more than that. I was just thinking that last night - I not only love my kids, but I like them a whole lot too.
DeeMarie - Ed is a good and very brave man to go to Target the day after Christmas LOL. I wish you were closer I have a ton of leftovers that I am more than happy to part with.

I put all my sweets out yesterday with hopes of getting rid of them, but ended up with more. Just packed DD's up with as much leftovers and funky stuff as they could possibly take with them LOL.

If you haven't seen March of the Penguins you MUST.

I had a most enjoyable yesterday. The rest of my in-laws came and we just sat around and laughed and ate and laughed some more. I did a very casual informal dinner, buffet style with just ham, ziti and an antipasto - low maintenance. One family took MIL with them and the rest spent the night. They were packed up and out of here by 10:30 this morning and I came to work. I also slept for 8 solid hours last night - I think two gin and tonics may have done the trick LOL.

I can't wait to go home later and do NOTHING.

Suzanne- What a beautiful photo! Your weather sounds like mine. We only had a dusting of snow last night, but it rained all day Christmas. I actually sat out on my screened porch Christmas night in the cold and listened to the rain hitting the roof - it was very meditative for me.

QOD - I got these stemless wine glasses by Reidel called the "O" series. I have used them everyday since Christmas Eve.

I got to work at home today, finishing up on "paperwork" aka electronic charting and calling some former patients to catch up on their lives and their health status. I got a nice nap in there again today....

NHSuzanne, I love that pic! Was that taken from your home?? When can I come and visit? LoL! How peaceful it looks there... It was overcast for most of the day, with a chance of rain by week's end. I miss WEATHER!! ( my apologies to those who are suffering w/ really bad weather)
Raeanne, I thoroughly enjoyed Love, Actually. No one warned me that it was a 3 hanky movie! I was a blithering idiot there at the end. I am hopeless. I get teary during the Star Spangled Banner : (

Wow, DeeMarie, I can't even imagine facing a dept. store the day after Christmas. You and DH are VERY brave lol! I bought some of those storage containers recently and all of the holiday stuff is fitting in there nicely.Those little things
make me happy as well.

I am wondering how it's going for everyone else. Where's Lynn? I tried emailing but never got an answer. Hope John's Christmas plans went well and that Bj is staying warm up there w/ the mooses : )

Till tomorrow!

Tikanas

I forgot to mention that I have used those stemless wine glasses everyday, but not with wine in them LOL - just wanted to clear that up - I know I have a bit of a reputation around here.

Another good nights sleep and I am feeling human once again. I seriously need to detox my body of all that sugar I have consumed. I took a long sauna this morning, plan on getting over to the gym and consuming mass quantitites of water.

I am at work and have a pile of papers staring back at me, so I better get busy.

Enjoy your day!

Weather here about the same as the rest, rain and a bit of snow.
I came down with the sinus and chest cold Christmas night and have been under the weather ever since.

Favourite present - just that my whole little nuclear family came to church on Christmas Eve. That's a lovely gift - it is a service of mostly singing and it just sets the tone for a beautiful holiday.

Take care, breath and drink water!!!!!
Joanne

Raeanne, I need to detox too!! Wow, do I feel crummy from all the sugar! I just went crazy. I wish I had a sauna I love them.

Tikanis, yes that is a photo of my paddock and barn. It was a very grey morning as you can see. Come on over anytime you like!!

I have been trying to get my house back together since the holiday and it's coming back slowly but surely!

Not much to report here except warm weather and more rain..........ugh. We need snow here please.

DH bought me a Sirius radio. I am all set now!

Life is good here in PA. Had a wonderful Christmas with family. Lots of quality time, lots of laughs and lots of movies! We went to see Chronicles of Narnia and The Family Stone and rented March of the Penquins. Loved Narnia and March of the Penquins, but would advise waiting for the video if you want to see The Family Stone. DS and I are supposed to go see The Producers before he leaves on Friday, but not sure we will be able to carve out the time.
Today is the first day we haven't had to go anywhere in particular. I am doing laundry, reading and straightening up the house. Tomorrow I am taking the family to Olive Garden with my gift card from my preschoolers.

QOD - I got new makeup brushes and I love them. They are from The Body Shop and are so soft and pliable. They have a life time quarantee and they don't irritate my face at all. They had been on my wish list for a long time, but I didn't want to spend the money on myself. Now I don't have to.

Besh - Did you receive your package? I hope so.

Gretchen - It was nice to see you post.

Raeanne - Describe the wine glasses. They sound so interesting. I love unusual things.

Gotta run and start another load of laundry.

Marci

Joanne, That sounds like a most wonderful Christmas gift! Nothing beats time spent with the family.

NHSuzanne. That is THE most beautiful view! That photo should be on a magazine cover! Have you even considered it?? You might have a new career there.

Well, I get to "work" from home again! This gives me yet another day to catch up on electronic charting on the patients and time to watch another round of my new DVDs.
I could learn to LOVE this!

I, too, am feeling the effects of all the goodies I have eaten and am ready to start fresh.

QOD: What are you going to DO about it??

I am tired of the on again, off again roller coaster of prednisone for my ills. I KNOW there is a better way... I have tapered off and took my LAST ONE yesterday.(hurray!!) I have also ordered a set of supplements that look promising to impove my health status.I stocked my garage w/ a TON of bottled water to take w/ me everywhere and have installed a water purification system on my kitchen sink. Detox this week, new start next week!
How about everyone else?

Later!

Tikanas

QOD - I have done a lot of water today, but my eating could be better. I am weaning myself off the sweets and then I will be back to SS, hopefully in a day or two.

I feel a sore throat coming on and have been loading up on zinc lozenges - they usually do the trick for me. One of DH's nephews came to my house with a sore throat. The minute their car left my driveway, I had the lysol out - at the request of other relatives, but I guess it was too late for me LOL. I was going to go workout, but I am going to take a nap instead, we are suppose to have friends over for dinner tomorrow night and more company on New Years Eve.

Jen - I hope your package arrived by now. Let me know if it didn't.

Tikanis~I had tried the VA hospital Social Worker as well as their Chaplain & neither one answered or returned my calls.

NH Suzanne~I love the picture of your house.

DeeMarie~I'm glad that you didn't have a cavity or anything with your tooth that some sensitivity toothpaste wouldn't take care of. My DN had to have all 4 wisdom teeth extracted the day after Christmas.

Raeanne~That book about "Ireland" does sound like a good one.

My big gift this year was an iron. My DM asked if that was a hint. But, I had actually asked for it. I've never really had a good one, I don't think. I got a puzzle & I've always wanted one of those things to roll them up in. I ended up with a sore throat, headache, achy, etc so I didn't do much for a couple of days. Yesterday was the day that we took back returns & did a little shopping. Well, I hope that everything is going well with the rest of you. On the question about do you have a different relationship with your grown children, I know that it is different & yes, sometimes we are really good friends but there are those times when I really get my feelings hurt. (Especially by DDIL--if my favorite lurker who warned me about this is reading--you were so right & I was so wrong.) Patti :)

I just finished James Frey's second book, My Friend Leonard. It was great. Did you read it Patti?

Tikanis, I wish I were good enough to send photos for things. I would not even know how or where to send them.
What do you have to keep taking prednisone for? It's evil stuff I know that first hand. I hope you can stay off it.

Marci, it sounds like you had a nice Christmas.

Raeanne, I love those glasses. I have seen them but haven't used one...........a very nice gift indeed.

Sounds like everyone had a great Christmas! :) I had to work, but we were at his mom's by 1:30, so it was just a wee behind schedule--

Rog got me the mack-daddy of iPods. I asked for a Nano, but he got me the 60GB--it can hold appro 15,000 songs, had video and pic capabilities--I haven't had a chance to play with it though--I've had 12+ hours days all week,

SIRIUS! I got Rog the home and car kit, and he's waiting for the 9th and Howard!

Well, Besh sent me the most WONDERFUL un-birthday gifts--she is so sweet! Wait til you all hear--a hysterical note pad with pics of women in old-fashioned bathing suits on swings, and the caption is "Mood Swings"!! LOL A gorgeous, screaming pink and green eye mask (for sleep--I LOVE these things!). A beautiful brocade lipstick holder (and I just induldged and bought some new last week). The silliest cat ornament ever--she had on 4 red high-heeled pumps and a red shirt--this is going on my computer at work! A metal ornament of a redheaded angel that says "Friends warm your heart"--this is just tooo cute--again--going to the office. AND--honestly--the worlds' greatest cat pin--it's an enameled pin of a woman surrounded by cats, holding a bag that says "No such thing as too many cats" OMG--OH--and the fanciest witches' broom ever--it has a silver handle, and the brrom part is like twigs with gold glitter sprinkled on the strands, and there are metal squigglies and jewels on the handle--it's just beyond words-- ( I think Rog was getting ready to say that that was an appropriate gift in light of my recent moods, but I think he hought better of it!! LOL) THANK YOU BESH! (((((hugs!!!))))

Gotta go--this is the first time I've been home before 7 in weeks, and I need to get some house work done--

Hugs,

Maddie

Maddie, I am so happy you enjoyed your gifts. I was concerned about the broom getting there in one piece. I just thought you would enjoy a little piece of Salem. The funny thing about the cat pin is that I got it for you before you adopted your newest crew. How are they doing by the way? Happy Un-Birthday. You deserve the best!

My Christmas was busy. Three houses to visit. I'm glad the rush is over and today I am putting away STUFF, the tree and decorations. I am off from school this week and it is flying by. I just dropped off my car for a tune up and I am trying to get errands and other things done before school starts next week.

There are several QOD that I have not answered so I will try to remember what they are:

QOD: My favorite gift. That is a difficult one. DS#1 gave me an ornament that is painted from the inside. It is so beautiful that I don't think I will put it away. It is an angel, so it reminds me of my late MIL. DS#2 gave me the DVD Roxanne, because he knows it is my favorite movie. So sweet. DH gave me some Bling, do I need to say more! Because I have a weird collection of Mr. Potato Heads (it goes back to when I was rushed to the emergency room with Mr. Potato Heads teeth stuck in the palm of my hand - remember when the body parts were sharp and you used a real potato?), my sister gave me "Darth Tater". It is Mr. Potato Head dressed up like Darth Vader. I think that has to be the funniest gift.

Another QOD: What am I going to do to get back on the weight loss track? WW again. It works. I am trying not to obsess like I usually do. I am also going to ride my exercise bike.

QOD: Grown children. DS is living in an apartment now, but still has some growing up to do. He is a great kid, but is still trying to find his way. My relationship with him has not changed that much as I feel that I am still trying to guide him to make the right choices and I have throw in a lecture now and then.

Marci, yes I did get your package and thanks so much. I opened the scarf and it is beautiful. Did you knit it yourself? I have been wearing it since I got it. The big package I will open with everyone else on the 1st. I hope you are enjoy the week off!

Wow, I'm glad that everyone that wants to is going to stay plugged in to Howard. Personally, I can't take him. I never really listed to his show, but I have seen the TV show on "E". I'm assuming the radio show is that. DH likes to watch it for obvious reasons, but it doesn't do much for me.

Suzanne, what a beautiful picture. However, no more snow! It is raining here today and that is fine with me!

I must get some things done. Have a great day everyone!

Love, Besh

John, I took your advice, and my Development Plan is finally finished at 10 pages! Once I started, I could not stop and it looks terrific. No BS, just took an honest look at what I accomplished. Made me feel great. :0)

QOD: I'm going to get out my nutritionist's advice this Monday and following that should get back to feeling better. For some reason, I've been into the cookies this year (very unlike me), and the sugar is not good for this body. My neighbor returned from her holiday trip, so we have been walking again each morning at 6:15am. Feeling really good about that, because our Fitness instructor here at the office is off until next week. My chair yoga returns on Jan 3, and aerobics on Jan 4, followed by a return to Pilates on Monday, Jan 9.
DH has a terrible cold and he said he felt 'achy' last night. Well, I ran to get him some ibuprofen and Cold Ease, got him into bed at 8pm and have been making him take that stuff every 6 hours. This morning, he was taking a hot shower before I went off to walk and said he felt better. Put lots of IB and Cold Ease into his lunch sack and told him "every 6 hours"!

If you were expecting a package from a buddy and did NOT receive it, let us know. I think BJ is on her way home, so we will be planning our opening ceremonies! Should be interesting, as I'm sure most of us can use help in 2006!

Our admin assistant informed me yesterday that I still had to take one more vacation day before the new year (can only carry forward 10 days from 2005 into 2006); otherwise I'll lose it. Soooooo guess who has Friday and Monday off? Monday is a holiday for our company, however Friday was unexpected, but I'll take it!

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

I have my package from NHSuzanne!

Just skimmed and saw that Besh had accumulated the QODs, so I will answer them before I read the thread!

QOD: Weight Loss: I am doing well at maintaining my loss, but would still like to lose a few more pounds. What I really want to work on is getting my body mass index lower and get my arms, butt, and back FIRM! I and my handy guy moved my eliptical out of my garage and into my office before I left. The garage was an uninspiring place to work out and even though the eliptical takes up a lot of my office, at least I'll use it! He mounted a shelf in front of it, so I can put my laptop on there and watch my new "Laugh In" serries of DVDs while I exercise. Anyone remember that show?

QOD: Favorite Gift: So far, my favorite gift has been the food gifts-lol! Food from other places is so much fun! Ham from Virginia, fruit from Harry & David (really good!), mustards, relishes, salmon from Alaska, cheesecakes and pecan pies from the bakeries in the south, Corky's BBQ from Tennessee, ....just YUM and FUN! Hey! Not much cooking going on! :) My favorite hold-in-your-hand gift is a funny card my sister made. It is hilarious! ---And the cards my kids wrote to me. I love home-made cards.

QOD: Relationships w/ older kids: My 17 year old and I get along fabulously--- after I followed my SS Sisters' advice and just her be HER and accepted it! We are very different, but delight in sharing the same sense of humor and enjoy watching Six Feet Under DVDs together and other movies. We like taking flying and road trips and traveling together. She's easy to be with. My 15 year old is very social and I enjoy sharing humor with her and watching and interacting with her and her friends. She is magnetic to me and I enjoy her so much. I treat them much like adults, since they nearly are (!) and am happy with what we share---leads to fun conversations!

All for now. I'll check back to see when the "opening" party is for the boxes! Meanwhile, I'll print and catch up!

Cheers!

DeeMarie Yes
Raeanne Yes
Patti Yes
BJ Yes
Marci Yes
Jen Yes

Unknown Status:

Tikanas
Maddie
Tikanas
Besh
NHSuzanne
Joanne

I went back to read, but got very confused! LOL If someone has a more accurate picture, can you cut-and-paste?

Thanks!
D

Dee - I wish someone had to remind me to take a day off - WTG.

Besh - I thought Howard was a vile man, when my kids were young and he would be on the station I normally listened to I would quickly turn it off in disgust. When I started to drive 40+ minutes to work in major traffic jams, I found myself listening to him by accident and found myself laughing hysterically and didn't mind sitting in traffic. That was 18 years ago. YIKES about the Mr. Potato head and yes I do remember them.

Maddie - I hope you got some time to relax in between all that cleaning.

Suzanne - I wonder if Yankee magazine has a contest during the year - that would be a perfect photo for their cover.

I exercised today and plan on doing something physical everyday for at least 30 minutes. This has to be doable, if I can't get to the gym, I can certainly do some exercises while watching TV. The gym is crowded this week, so I will be working out at home until after the 1st of the year.

Unknown Status:

Tikanas
Maddie
Tikanas
Besh
NHSuzanne
Joanne
Raeanne No

****************************************

Besh, the guy I was dating in 1981 suggested that I listen to Howard when he was doing afternoon drive-time on WNBC, an AM station in New York. He said "right up your alley"! Well, I tuned in that afternoon and he was doing a parady of Hill Street Blues (one of my favorite shows at the time!). I fell in love with the sarcasm and silliness of it all. Over the years, I listened each day; however, when the naked ladies are on, I usually tune out for 1/2 hour or so. My favorite part of the show was always the news; Howard style. Anywho, DH did not want Sirius and I thought he'd get it for me. I may get it for my car and home because I just don't want to miss the fun!

Patti sends to Dee
Tikanas sends to Patti
Marci sends to Besh
NHSuzanne sends to BJ
Raeanne sends to Jen
BJ sends to Maddie
Jen sends to Tikanas
Joanne sends to NHSuzanne
Dee sends to Marci
Besh sends to Joanne
Maddie sends to Raeanne

(I sent Maddie's package before I left for Alaska-via priority mail-so she should have received it by now...)

Laters!

I received my package from Marci and I just mailed Joanne's this week. I emailed her and apologized for my tardiness. She probably won't get it until after New Years. :-(

Besh

Yes, I got the HUGE package from BJ--it's sitting under the tree.

And I'm soory to say that I didn't get Raeanne's mailed until Mon/Tues--I am sooo sorry--it's no excuse, but I wasn't expecting 12-13 hour days, day after day after day,,,,

#$%@#~%! BB--

Maddie

Patti, I am sending prayers your way for your MIL.

Maddie, What a nice un birthday present!

Milkdud, Why not join in? If Patti like ya' we will too! ;)

Besh, I am glad that you spoke up... I am another "Howard Hater", lol! But I didn't want to offend. I am happy for those who enjoy him to be able to continue. Darth Tater! Snort!

NHSuzanne, I think you just need more practice! Honestly, you should research photo publishing. I would buy a magazine with a cover like that on it! NO MORE prednisone for me!! I was having frequent Asthma flare ups and recurring kidney inflamation. Hopefully, this new supplement plus my nutritionist's other advice will do the trick for me. I'll keep you posted...

DeeMarie, Sorry DH is sick. Those men can be like children sometimes, not very good at taking care of themselves. How sweet you are to send him to work with all of the necessary supplies.

I have not received my pkg. yet but have talked to Jen and I know it's on it's way. I am glad that Patti got her pkg too. I was worried as a pkg previously sent to her was apparently signed for and absconded by someone else!

Today I went to work after after my couple of days of working from home. I was SO tired when I got home haha! Here's to a New Year with more stamina.

Have a good night everyone!

Tikanas

Patti, I can get help for your friend! I called Senior care Network here and they will get some information on community resources for you friend. ( Of course the wheels of action don't turn till after the first of the year) I need to know the County he is in, his income source and any other pertinent info. You can email this to me....

NHSuzanne, Since I tapered off on the predenisone (AGAIN!!) and took the last one yesterday, I was expecting a backlash of respiratory problems today.I started taking the new supplements advised by my Doc as well a my nutritionist yesterday. Lungs are clear and NO cogestion:; not even when I just woke up from my snooze! I am amazed...

'night ( again)

Tikanas

I haven't received my Christmas present. Sorry Tikanis. I don't know why I got put on the list of those who did.

Besh~I am with you & Tikanis. I'm not much of a Howard Stern fan. I guess that he is too over the top for me. LOL

BJ~Glad that you are back & that you had a wonderful time.

Raeannne~My DMIL & DFIL used to get the Yankee magazine & I think that you had a wonderful idea.

DeeMarie~That is nice that you get to take an extra day off.

To My Favorite Lurker~I'm calmer about it now after talking to you last night. Thanks.

Drink your water~Patti :)

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. My computer problems turned out to be fatal. Right now I am waiting for the delivery of my new one - hopefully within the week. I printed out so I can read and am checking in quickly from work.

I wanted to say THANK YOU for the wonderful and unexpected gifts and cards I had waiting for me when I got home yesterday. You guys are the greatest and I am privileged to be a part of your group.

I will post more tomorrow from my mom's computer but I did want to say thank you very much!!

Love, Donna

Got a 3-mile walk in this morning, then came back in the house and ate 3 cookies! OUCH!!

Patti, sorry you got on my 'received' list. Think I got confused when I read that package to you was mailed!

Need to run out for a few groceries; my guest list for tomorrow is growing...

Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!
DeeMarie

Dee, I recieved my package from Joanne before Christmas so I am all set.

Donna, I hope your computer is up and running soon. What a pain it is when your hard drive goes nuts.

Patti, you can get My Friend Leonard through Amazon.com That is where I got it. You have to read it when you can. It's so good and it more of the "rest of the story".

I think that commuting is how most of we Howard fans got started. I can't imagine a morning without listening. I cannot wait until the 9th. It will be so interesting! I have been listening to Howard 100 this morning. It's nothing like the real show!

BJ, welcome home. Glad you are back with us!!

Tikanis, I don't know if I told you this but I was on 60mg of prednisone a day for a year! I had a rare lung disease. It does awful things to you...........I hope to never have to take it again. But, it saved my life I guess.
What an ungrateful wretch!!

Milkdud, yes, why not join us???

Raeanne, do you and your new wine glasses have a date tomorrow night?? LOL

QOD: Favorite gift. This year's favorite gift was from DS, Joseph. He put together a big box of paint brushes, rollers, etc with a note that if we supply the paint he will supply the labor to paint the barn! It was perfect and just what we tell them we want..........more time with them! He finally gets it!! At least this year, LOL

QOD: What is everyone doing for New Year's Eve?? I am staying put, will have a nice dinner and probably in bed by 9pm if not earlier!! LOL

We have decided to stay home for New Year's Eve, too. Then New Year's we will have the obligatory black-eyed peas. LOL We could have gone to a party here for NYE but I got sick after the one for Christmas so...Dave says he doesn't want to chance it. We will probably watch DVDs & then watch the ball drop, I'm not sure what he has in mind.

Drink your water! Patti :)

I am up and at 'em, finishing up the massive amount of laundry I had from the Alaska trip and before. And I am putting the finishing touches on my laundry room, straightening it up before the in-laws arrive today. They are the neatest people I know---obsessively NEAT! My MIL is afraid of my laundry room - it's usually my attic room- does anyone have one of those? - where everything goes that doesn't have a place? AGGGGGG! Anyway, it'll be presentable by the time they get here.---LOL!

Donna! Great to see you here again! Computers: we love to hate them, but we SO, SO love them!

Raeanne~ I got your hubby's calendar in the mail. Lake George area is so beautiful! DH has begun saying, "Maybe we'll get tired of the island someday and move to the east coast!" We haven't EVEN moved to the island YET! He cracks me up! He LOVES the east coast.

Howard: I have to put in 2 cents here. The only time I ever have listened to Howard is at 4am on the way to the Lexington airport on my trip back from the Derby every year. I have to say I'm always amused by the things he can get people to do and say. My, what a talent. He's really doing what comes naturally to him and he seems to thoroughly enjoy his work. He is good entertainment for a long drive, but I think he'd be too much for me to listen to every day. I have to admire him for his longevity in radio; not many people can do that. But...he's no Dick Clark! :)

QOD: I am going to spend New Year's eve and day with my in-laws and my kids. I am looking forward to building a fire in the fireplace and roasting marshmallows. It's going to rain, blow, and be nasty weather weather here, so inside is a very good thing.

New Year's resolutions list anyone? :)

Half of my kids are gone. DS left for the sunny south this morning and I miss him already. But we had a great time over the holidays and I am thankful for that.

QOD - DH has to work NYE and I plan on renting a movie and watching it until he gets home. We will open a bottle of wine and watch the ball drop.

Resolutions - I resolve to not gain my usual ten pounds afer the holidays. ALL SWEETS will be banished from my house after this Sunday and I am getting back to my healthy eating habits. I have noticed that I am not sleeping well lately and I know it is because of my poor food choices over the last week. I promised my doc that I would pleasantly surprise him at my annual checkup this year and I intend to keep that promise.

Besh - Yes, I knitted the scarf. Glad you liked it. DD wants to know if I have graduated to knitting hats yet, and I had to tell her I was still stuck on scarves! LOL It keeps my hands busy while I watch TV and my mind off snacking.

Raeanne - I loved those stemless wine glasses. If I had any more room in my cupboards, I would get some. But maybe I will splurge on two for DH and me. I am going to look for them locally.

I read Teacher Man, and S is for Silence and started A Million Little Pieces last night. DS got me My Friend Leonard for Christmas and I hope to get both read before I go back to school.

I need to run to the grocery store for some pork and sauerkraut and run a few errands.

Later,
Marci

Gotta go check my "sauce"---Marci, this batch is a beaut!

Laters...
D

BJ - I would love to see you on the east coast, but I have to get out to the west coast to visit you first LOL. I have to turn Howard off many times, he does go over the top, but for the most part, I enjoy his common sense approach to political issues and current events and Robin is the best at giving the news. It is hard to believe there are that many women out there that will do whatever he asks them to do.

Donna - I hope the new computer comes soon and is up and running quickly. Glad you were surprised.

Maddie - no apologies needed about mailing the package late - it will be here in plenty of time.

QOD - I don't know. We never go out on NYE. This year a couple asked us to go out with them to dinner and then come back to our house for a toast (I don't know if I want to have them back LOL). Another couple is having a party and asked us to come over, even if we want to leave early (they only live 4 miles away). So we have to decide by tonight what we are doing.

Another thing we all have in common - we like to stay home on NYE.

I think I'm ready to rejoin the healthy-eating people of the world as of Sunday, so this is definitely the place for me. I've had success with SS before, also Atkins and WW. Just need to spend tomorrow meditating on the various programs out there and my willingness to commit to one of them. I've sent all the baked goodies to work with my son, so "almost" everything yummy and naughty is out of the house.

Thanks for the invites to join y'all. I'm in Texas and met Patti about 5 years ago when I posted here a few times then! We've been buddies ever since.

Welcome milkdud! Glad to have you aboard.

Love, Besh

Milkdud~I'm so glad that you'll be posting. Most people don't know that we met in person & that you have such a wonderful sense of humor & personality to add to this thread. You also are full of wisdom. Thanks for your help the other night. You were right after I had calmed down & thought about it.

So, are we opening packages on the 2nd? I'm like a kid in a candy shop. I can hardly wait.

Drink your water! That's my New Year's Resolution! Patti :)

Besh~Are you yelling for Indianapolis? Tony Dungy is a man of true character. I was duly impressed with the way that he handled his son's death.

Patti :)

Sorry this is hort, but we have a show this weekend, and I am off to work it, and then I really "work" tomorrow--should be a trip--this is the busiest night at the casino--

Stay safe everyone--

And HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!

Love and hugs,

Maddie

Please check in and let us know how you are. WOW, our very own little New Years Baby!

****************************************
Welcome MilkDud!

Hey Milkdud welcome, we look forward to learning more about you. Any friend of Patti's is a friend of ours.

Plan on opening the packages on the 2nd. I didn't get my mail, but it should be there today or on the 2nd at the latest.

I'm at work and better get busy. Have a safe and happy New Year.

I'd like to answer the QOD about relationships with grown children if I may. Ten years ago, I'd have never dreamed that in 2005 my sons and I would be friends. I'm thankful daily for the gift of their love and friendship. Oh, we still have our moments when I'm too motherly and they think they know everything, but those times pass quickly. To me, it's my reward for surviving their teen years! LOL

My favorite gift this year was my youngest son, his wife, and my DGD being with us on Christmas - the first time in 4 years.

Now, excuse me while I continue to ponder the best WOE for me for 2006!

I wanted to welcome milkdud before I head out. Today is also my mother's birthday. She is 80 years young today.
So welcome milkdud!!

Have a great New Year's Eve.

Marci

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Love
Dee

We have decided to go to our friends house tonight for dinner and come home early and then tomorrow we are having a small group over to our house late in the afternoon. I am thinking of doing a fondue - haven't done one of those in years.

ENJOY - see you next year (someone had to say it)

We are starting a fire, then eating crock pot chicken and wild, WILD rice. AND...drinking Cranberry wine from DeeMarie! Then we're roasting marshmallows over the coals.

Tomorrow...laundry, eliptical, and a visit to the hot shop at the glassworks! (the in-laws are here)

And...Happy New Year, everybody!

I got my pkg. from Jen!

Patti, I am hoping that mine came thru today? I have been worried...

Milkdud, glad to see you posting instead of lurking. WELCOME!! Any friend of Patti's is a friend of mine ; ) I am so glad that you had the holiday w/ your son. I see the changing relationships between me and the kids and I am in wonder at what decent human beings they have grown into. My DH would have ben VERY proud.

Maddie, I'd like to hear about your show AND the casino. This is interesting stuff.

Marci, I can't sleep till DS gets in the door. I know just what you mean.

Donna, how's that computer problem coming along?

BJ, Did you ever get your "attic" cleaned lol! Don't frighten the MIL!! Haha!

It has been a busy day but will be a quiet night here. DD is off doing her thing w/ the Boyfriend. DS is leaving for a NYE party at a friend's house. I had friends over for an early dinner and a few others are due any minute.

I bought assorted fresh fruits an veggies for my " NEW START" tomorrow. Baked an eggwhite, spinach and onion
fritatta to slice for next week's breakfasts and am ready to go! I will admit to a last "calorie fest" tonight: baked jalapenos stuffed w/ feta cheese, latkes w/ sour cream and Shrimp in garlic butter. Buttered popcorn for snacking when /if I watch a dvd later.

I have reviewed my goals list for the last year, thrown out the old and am ready to ring in the new.New Years is all about new starts, and I am ready!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my sisters here! Thank you all for being such a wonderful source of support. This group turned out to be SO MUCH MORE than I would have ever thought! I am very grateful to count all of you as my friends.

Love,

Tikanas

'night! Happy New Year to you!

Tikanas

Happy New Year everyone! I'm off to wrok, and I'll check in tonight--

Welcome, Milkdud! Gald to have you here! :):)

Hugs,

Maddie

I want to wish all my sisters and brother a wonderful 2006.

We went to our friends house and was treated to a wonderful feast with lots of great company and watched the Giants game. We left at the 3rd quarter. It was good to see Dick Clark back.

This afternoon we're having 6 or 7 couples over for cocktails.

Tikanis/BJ - are you getting all that rain we are hearing about on the west coast?

I have been exercising, but my eating is still off. I have cut back on the sweets, but I still have been eating too much starchy stuff. I am so mad that I was so good the week before Thanksgiving up to the week before Christmas, now it's like starting all over again - I wish I would stop doing that to myself.

Have a great January 1, 2006

We celebrated with champagne and a movie and I am paying with a headache this morning. (From the champagne-not the movie. LOL)

I gave away the last of the cookies to DD's DBF and gave the candy to DH to take into work. Most of it was gifts from my students, but I knew it was too much temptation. I am actually looking forward to getting back on track tomorrow. We are having our 2006-07 registration tomorrow and the kids come back on Tuesday. Not sure I am ready for that, but I am sure I'll adjust.

Hope everyone survived their New Year's celebrations.

Marci

Besh

Tikanis~Not to worry. I got your package the day that I said that I didn't have it yet.

Marci~I understand why you worry about the "kids", even though they are adults, driving all the way without stopping! I would have been worried too until I heard.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! Remember to drink your water this year.

QOD~I heard on the tv recently that woe works better if you do an 80/20 split. That way you don't feel like you are depriving yourself & it helps boost your metabolism. What do you think of this theory?

Patti :)

Thank you for the lovely birthday wishes. Very heartwarming. And,Milkdud, it's always nice to have a new old friend. I guess my art has touched a lot of people over the years. It's hard to keep going with it right now,but I need to stay with it.

In some ways, I miss the snow, and even the cold, and being safe and warm inside a cozy house. At the same time, it means a lot for me to be able to just go out the door anytime of the day or night all year round, and not have to bundle up or be freezing.And anyway, my wheelchair doesn't go through the snow, so was quite limiting.

I have some internet friends who are going through broken hearts right now. Sometimes I don't know what to do with all the grief that people go through.

Thank you for keeping me in your hearts, and you know you are in mine, too. I'd talk about my weight and eating, but it all seems too complicated,lol. I am trying to eat healthy and keep my carbs lower (not low). I try to stay around 80-100 carbs per day. That's recommended for fibromyalgia people anyway.

See you all later, and I hope everyone has a good first day of the new year.

Aloha, Amy

Maddie, I hope it is smooth sailing at work today.

Raeanne, We had heavy rains here yesterday and more is predicted for today and tomorrow. We are not seeing the deluge that Northern California is having, however. This is a good thing as we have some fire damaged terrain in the local mountains and the potential for mudslides is great.

Patti,WHEW!! I am so relieved that you got the box, finally! I was beginning to think I'd have to fly out there and hand deliver a box to you. lol! That might not have been such a bad idea.... : ) Glad that it arrived. What do you mean "80/20"?

Hi Amy!

Milkdud, I am doing laundry today too.

Besh, I know you will understand this because of your Salem/ Halloween tourist situation... The crazies are out in full force on their pre Rose Parade invasion!
Luckily, I no longer live a block from the parade route ( I live in a town just northeast) so I am no longer subjected to people parking their cars across my driveway or littering my lawn. Still, it maks getting thru the stores more difficult and going out to eat is impossible.The rains seem to have slowed them down some...

BJ, you CHARACTER!! Do you know that BJ text messaged me Happy New Year around Midnight?? What a woman!lol! I hope that you are having a fun family day.

DS slept in till noon. I'll probably just read and relax, finish my laundry etc. So are we opening tomorrow? I can't wait!

'later!

Tikanas

Needed to get on line (my nieces and stepdaughters had this computer tied up all weekend!) to wish all my friends here a very very happy and healthy 2006!!

My weekend company just left and I'm exhausted, but want to see if DH wants to try to make it for a few minutes to our friends' party up the highway (about 10 mins). Not so sure I'm up to it, tho.

Tried to get most of the junk out of this house, but was not successful. Need to transfer some of the food into sensible portions and add lots of veggies to it during the week. The rest of the food (along with ALL the leftover cookies) go into the freezer.

"See" you all tomorrow morning!
Take care, eat healthy, and NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!
Love
DeeMarie

DeeMarie~Glad to see that you got your computer back for a while anyway. Is everyone gone now?

My DSs are best friends so they end up spending a lot of time together. It is nice to know. My sister & brother are a lot closer to each other than I am to them but I am the oldest & my parents thought that I should be responsible for them & even when they were older my parents asked me to give them talks when they didn't agree with what they were doing so there is some resentment there. I cannot say I completely blame them.

Well, tomorrow is another day! It was good to see you posting Amy.

And, of course, Milkdud, it is good to see you posting after such a long time. :)

Drink your water! Patti :)

Well, tomorrow will be better...

:)

Happy New Year, everyone!

PS: In-laws still here, so they know about it, plus ex's parents called and were p!ssed about it too. Wonderful--I talked to DD on the phone and told her it's not the end of the world for her; just seems like it. It can all be talked out and consquences will follow, but life goes on and the good times outweigh the bad.

I hope everyone had a good holiday and put all that chocolate eatting behind you!

take care and be well

John