NOW is the time! It's MINE & I AM WORTH IT! (friends welcome to tag along!!)

[Lesli54]

Keeping you in my prayers that soon you will have answers for your DD.:hug:

Just tackle the to-do list one at a time.

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I typed a response earlier but I don't see it?:confused3 So here goes again!

I hope you get those answers very soon and I am very glad the TMJ place was able to work you in.

I agree with Tracy, take that to do list one item at a time! Hang in there friend and sending some prayers and hugs out to you.:hug:

[keenercam]

Julie - I hope you will hear back on the MRI soon. And I am so glad you were able to get an appointment at the craniofacial place so soon. Praying you will have answers and DD will have relief very soon. :hug:

[toystoryduo]

I hope you hear about the MRI soon. Sending more prayers.....:grouphug:

[goldcupmom]

We may be on track!!

Dr. visit yesterday was pretty amazing. Dr. was with DD18 for just under 3 HOURS! It's like this guy was psychic or something. He is 76, was a dentist, but he & his son & a partner now lecture world wide on craniofacial pain & his statement was that "some old farts like me sit & do crossword puzzles. I figure out what is causing people pain & how to fix it"

She does have TMJ, but mild. She has a square face & he says it is because her jaw muscles are over developed from clenching/grinding teeth. Then looked at me & said "she clenches even more than you do, mom". I was stunned!

He believes the cause of her pain is in her neck. Did all sorts of topographic ct scan stuff & her 3, 4 & 5 cervical vertebrae are inflamed & slightly twisted. 3 is the worst. and those press directly on the occipital nerve. Says she has occipital neuralgia. Says it is from some type of injury & could have even been a long time ago & just flared. I think it may have been triggered from when she stood up getting ready for work & smashed her head so hard on the corner of the counter that I thought the shower doors had fallen it was so loud....this was a few weeks before graduation.

Gave her a strong muscle relaxant to take only at night & is sending her to a neuromuscular therapist - massage guy for 2 visits which he says should really relieve the pain. Also going to get a mouth 'splint' to stop the clenching. hopefully it will all work.

Off to start the many 'to do' list items. DS23 bday tomorrow & I have nothing for him yet. gsale on Fri/sat & not even started. house a mess.

more later.....

[keenercam]

Julie -- You must be so relieved!! I am so happy that this Dr. sounds like he's nailed the problem!! Oh, wow! How soon should she feel some relief? Do you know yet when she'll get to the therapist? This is all such good news, Julie. I am so happy for both of you. :hug:

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!:banana: I'm so glad that you and your DD have found a doctor who is able to give you some answers!:thumbsup2 That is such great news, Julie! :hug: How soon should your DD feel some relief?

Happy Birthday to your DS! :bday:

Hope you have a nice evening!:hug:

[Lesli54]

That makes sense. I know that when I am under too much stress causing me to clench really hard at night that I can go days and weeks with everything hurting and creating a lot of sensitivity. Once relaxed enough, it is fine. Hopefully, this will work for your DD. Keeping you guys in my prayers.:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am so glad you found a doctor that can help you! You must be beyond relieved.

I hope ds23 had a nice birthday.

A messy house is not the end of the world and given all you have going on, its to be expected!

Hope the garage sale goes well.:goodvibes

[keenercam]

Happy Friday, Julie! I hope you have a wonderful weekend! :hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Hey Julie,


I hope your daughter is doing well and feeling better on that new med. Hope the garage sale went well, I passed by several today and thought of you!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

Has been a busy week! (But then again, when isn't it????)

DS24 birthday is done, garage sale is done....Friday was AWFUL, but I didn't realize until 10:30 that DH had not put out signs. Oh well.... Saturday was pretty good...about $200, so worth it.

Saturday DH finally took our Lab, almost 15), to be put down. She had not been able to walk for weeks (he would hold her hips to walk her out to potty), and since Thurs, she had not been able to even do that. WAY past time, tho still very sad. The other dogs are still looking for her.

DD has had no relief from the headache so far, & now her neck is starting to hurt. I suspect it is the muscles finally relaxing after what he says could be YEARS of being way too tight from some injury (the train last summer comes to mind as she really jarred her head & slammed it into the wall when we hit that truck) - I think it is a combination of many causes. She has her first therapy on Thurs.

WI on Thurs was down a whopping .2 from 6/10. But down 2.4 from 6/17. I leave 3 weeks from tomorrow and suspect I'm not going to break 160, let alone hit 155, but I am trying. I figured I need a 1500 cal/day deficit to theoretically make it. We will see. My body SUCKS at losing weight right now. Very frustrating.

I go get blood drawn either tomorrow or Wed. I needed to get my lipitor refilled & 1st avail. appt w/ my dr. is 8/23, so she mailed me a bloodwork order. To get a physical with her is now 2/12!:scared1: I definitely need a new Dr. I don't even like this one as she is the one who wrote me a RX for 'patience' for my hives.

This week I need to start to get organized for packing & the trip. First I need to reclaim my living room (packing room).

Last week I cashed out Inbox Dollars for $40 (and got the check today:)) SR for $25 chili's and at almost $10 again, and My Points for $25 Panera. Hoping to get the DJ HERO House Party for DS20 & friends to do. He has a good friend who was a DJ for Disney Cruise for a few years & now gets calls to DJ all over the country...he charges a min. of $5K/event. WOW!!! They would have a lot of fun with this game as they play RockBand all the time.

Off to get some more done on my large list & do 100 crunches (I'm behind on my 200/day so I need to do 400 today...OUCH!!) Did 4.45 miles before 8 a.m. with Sashi. It is VERY HOT here & now getting a humid(well for here anyway) as monsoon season is almost here. We actually had a bit of rain Fri & Sat nights.

Will catch up in a bit....Have a GREAT week all!

[keenercam]

Julie - So sorry about your dog. :hug: And really sorry DD hasn't had any relief yet. I don't remember anything about a train and a truck but geez! that sounds so scary! Thinking of you and hoping you can have one day of peace and not running and serving. Take care, my friend. :goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

The train wreck was the beginning of our trip to FL last summer. A diesel tow truck driver who had just picked up a lady & her motorcycle (on a flatbed being towed by his truck) decided to commit suicide in goshen, Indiana in front of our train. We were in a lower sleeper 2nd car behind engines & felt the impact & debris hitting under our feet. the engineer broke his shoulder he braked so hard. Train sliced the tow truck in half, the impact & debris under the train ruptured 2 of 3 diesel train engines, so we smelled diesel for 13 hours sitting there.

DD had just stood when the impact happened & slammed her head into the door frame. Didn't think anything of it. Sat there for 13 hours, then backed up into elkhart & were over 24 hrs late getting into DC. then they lost my luggage going into FL.

Then I developed idiopathic hives on our cruise which lasted bad over 6 months. not a good vacation in many ways.....

[goldcupmom]

Walked to get my blood drawn this morning....3.45 miles & sad Sashi couldn't go with me. I was there 2 min after they opened & it still took over an hour.

Still waiting for the Swamp Cooler guy to come.....again......Why can't paid repair people in NM seem to fix ANYTHING without it taking months to get it right? (Reason # 437 of why I hate NM)

I leave for FL in 3 weeks , 3 hours and 44 min.....but who's counting???:laughing:

Got my 400 crunches done yesterday. Only need 200 today to be on track. I'm hoping to get the upstairs picked up some so I can dig out suitcases later. At least then I will feel like the trip is real.

Hope everyone is having a good day so far!

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, I am so sorry about your dog.:hug: I don't care how old they are and how much the time has come, its always a loss.

And I am also sorry your dd hasn't gotten any pain relief yet. You really have to wonder about that train wreck. I mean to hit her head that hard. I hope she gets relief soon!:wizard:

Your trip to FL is coming up and if you don't make your exact weight goal, just remember you did well and in the midst of a very stressful time! When our kids hurt, we hurt and its not easy to lose as much weight when we are going through that.

Hang in there, vacation is happening soon and you do very much deserve one!

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Julie,

I'm so sorry about your dog, my friend. :hug:

I'm sorry that your DD hasn't seen any pain relief yet. :( We are praying that she starts feeling better soon!:wizard:

Did your DD's BF receive a diagnosis for what he has going on?

Woohoo about your vacation!!!:woohoo:

I hope you have a nice evening!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Quick update before i have to run & get dinner.

Neuromuscular/cranio-skeletal therapy was....interesting. Hopefully it will work. more about it later.

WI today was down 2.4. I now have 7 lbs to go in 19 days before I leave. I REALLY hope I can make it, but realistically, I will be happy ( I suppose) with 4 lbs which would put me at the weight I was when I left last year.

More tomorrow when I have a few minutes to myself to breathe. Hope everyone is doing well. Have a SAFE 4th!

Happy Birthday, Tracey!

[toystoryduo]

Way to go on weigh-in, Julie!:cheer2:

Has your DD seen any relief from the therapy? I hope she is feeling better!:wizard:

Have a great weekend!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Tracy! Actually I just checked and was down 2.6. even better.

Not sure if DD has any change yet or not. The 'therapy' was her lying on the massage table, face up, and he sat at her head, holding it, barely moving, eyes closed, and just using his fingers separated the 4 layers of muscle (interwoven like a basket) at the back of her neck and manipulating to relieve tension. Then using pressure points all over her head, neck, shoulder area. Weirdest thing was then putting on gloves and 'releasing the pressure' on a tendon inside each jaw and her eustacian tube drainage hole (to help clear out her sinuses & ears - said they would drain a lot in the next 24 hours).

And then when he was done he said " I discovered your lower back hurts a lot of the time. Next week we will fix that"....kind of creepy, but she said it felt good but at certain times she was really really dizzy with whatever he was doing. Said late last night that she thinks that if he did that more, the headache would leave, so I'm hopeful.

Last night was a miserable sleep night. Finally got to bed after 11 and was up almost exactly every hour between dogs barking, DS24 coming in to shower, leaving, then doing his hair (to go to see friends in middle of night - night off). So I didn't get up early enough to walk this morning and it's likely to rain this evening. I need my walks!! Hard to burn any calories without them!

Much to get done this weekend. DS20 is throwing himself a birthday party next Saturday....lol! Gotta love the kid! I dug suitcases out last night & want to start organizing & putting in the stuff I am taking to DSis & her girls.

But, what I really want to do is SLEEP!!!

Off to see how many surveys I can get today....5 yesterday! I think I'm getting addicted to SR, Tracy!

Have a safe, relaxing weekend everyone!

[toystoryduo]

Way to go on your weight loss!!!:cheer2:

I hope the therapy helps your DD feel better. :wizard:

I'm sorry you didn't get much sleep. I hope you get lots of sleep tonight!:goodvibes

Congrats on getting the 5 surveys!!:banana:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[serendipity]

Awesome job on the weight loss! :goodvibes

On a more sullen note I'm very sorry to hear about your dog. We went through it last April and it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. The trip is exactly what you need to lift your spirits so I'm happy it's just around the corner for you.

[keenercam]

Julie -- So glad DD thinks the therapy will help. I must have been really out of touch when you originally wrote about that accident. How tragic. I am so sorry DD got hurt. Congratulations on the WI and how exciting to know how close your trip is. :banana: I hope the next couple weeks aren't so crazy that you start your vacation exhausted. :hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, that therapy sounds really promising. I am saying prayers and keeping my fingers crossed!

That is great ds is throwing himself a party, good for him!

Taking out suitcases is always a good sign that something fun is around the corner.

I hope you get some sleep and CONGRATULATIONS on that 2.6 pound loss. You are doing so well, send some of that determination you have up I-25 towards me!

[goldcupmom]

WI yesterday down 1.6...good, but still frustrating as it wasn't where is should have been. But, good old TOM decided to make a spotty appearance for a couple of days after 11.5 months of nothing, so I know my body has been out of whack. Combine that with lack of sleep and I"m surprised I lost at all! Guess I have to start recounting now....bummer! 5.6 lbs to go to make my goal with 2 WI's left. 1 next Thurs, then the following Tues morning before I leave. I think I will probably sleep all the way to FL as llittle sleep as I am getting.

I'm making sure I get in my steps, and have a calorie burn/deficit of at least 1500/day, am not cheating, doing 200 crunches/day, so I am doing all I can. Either the scale will cooperate or it won't.

My current 'mileage' is at 44.07 so far for the month & 477.83 for the year. I think I'm walking myself shorter :scared1: Goal before I go is to hit 500 miles which shouldn't be a problem. And my speed is increasing again....I seem to keep a pretty consistent 13/14 min pace even up the big hills around here. I'm sure my mileage will diminish some as the trip gets closer as I just have too much to do, but I am trying.

Busy week here as usual. DS21 started summer school - 6 hours a day 5 days/week + 1 online class he is half done with. Means I have to be up @ 6 to make sure he is up. Oh well....gets me out walking before it is too hot.
Trying to clean house & get ready for his party tomorrow night, then Sunday he has a blackjack table reserved for 11p.m., so will have to go there with him for at least awhile. No sleep this weekend is my forecast. oh well...

Still haven't gotten to really start packing for the trip or getting stuff done that needs to get done.

DD had her 2nd therapy session. While she hasn't admitted it, I think it is slowly working. Another next Thurs, then backing off a bit to see if everything continues to be looser.

Got labs done. Chol. is 161, LDL 88, HDL 57, Trigly. 82, so doing ok. Still waiting in the RX to come in the mail, but should make it before I leave.

DS20 has my car as he had to drive to campus today & it gets much better mileage than his vette. DD is at work, & I should be out doing his party & birthday shopping, but instead, I needed a breather to DIS, try on some clothes & hopefully get some things done here. It will make tomorrow even busier, but oh well.....

I'm planning to go to the 3rd area of neighborhood garage sales tomorrow early (40 so far advertised), then do the party errands, clean & do laundry. Exciting, huh?

Off to try on some more clothes & get a few things done. Have a great weekend everyone!

[toystoryduo]

Congrats on the weight loss, Julie!!!!:cheer2:

Sending lots of :wizard::wizard::wizard: your way to help you with your pre-Florida to do list. Just think....You'll be on vacation soon!:banana:

I hope you're having a nice weekend.:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, good luck with the party and getting ready for your trip! You'll get it done just like you always do.

That sounds postive on dd's pain front. I am still praying!

So sorry about TOM, I am 12 months and counting and would be very bummed in your shoes. I hope its an isolated incident! Never thought I'd be so excited to be a dried up old lady ya know?;)

[DisDee]

Julie-I hope you're having a good week and taking care of yourself. When do you leave for vacation?

[goldcupmom]

Wow! These last 2 weeks have FLOWN & been ridiculously busy. But, I leave at 2:45 tomorrow, go to Kansas City, then to Tampa ...get in att 9:45 p.m. FIVE LONG HOURS!!!

Weight is BAD! I am hovering between 160 & 163. I can't get below. I'm hoping for 160 tomorrow & to drop below while at my DSis. UGH!!! And, the last 5 days, I haven't recorded food....just too busy....

On a positive note, my MILEAGE is at 513.52..... 102.72 ahead towards my yearly goal of 750. I'm hoping to get in about 4.5 EARLY in the morning.....Sashi & I both need it!

And now for the news.....(NO, I'm NOT pregnant!) But DD is ENGAGED!!!! DBF came over on Saturday w/ a diamond & talked to DH. Then asked her on Sunday. I'm ok with it as they both realize they can't get married til they can afford it & that school is a BIG issue. But hers is paid for completely & he has all tuition paid, so that is a start. I figure 2 yrs. And I do really like him. I"ll fill you in more on the AMAZING funny stuff my DH said, did.

DD should be home from work soon & I need sleep (it has been VERY scarce lately). I'll be on more while in FL than when I'm here, I'm sure....hope all is well with everyone!

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo Julie!!!!:woohoo::yay: Your trip is here!:banana: I'm so excited for you!:cool1:

Congrats to your DD and her fiance!:bride:

Safe travels, my friend!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, have a wonderful trip!

And congratulations on your dd, I know how much you like her boyfriend. A wedding to plan now!

I am interested to see what dad had to say about his little girl getting married!


Have fun and see you when you get back.:)

[goldcupmom]

I'm in FLORIDA!!!!!!!

Flight here was SO not fun! I turned down $300 credit and a refund of my fare for that flight as I really didn't want DSis & her DD's to have to wait til 11:05 to pick me up, but I really wanted $440. flight leaving ABQ was 25 min late boarding. Then we sat at the gate for almost an hour while they removed a 'belligerent passenger' from the flight. Then there was a microburst that grounded all flights for a bit. bumpy the ENTIRE way to KC and they never turned off the seatbelt sign. Landed in KC about 1.5 hours late & sat on the runway for 30 min due to backups at gates because of severe storms. Flight from KC to Tampa was also bumpy except for about the last 20 min. To top it off, we landed in Tampa at 11:28....14 min after the flight that I would have been on if I had taken the $440! OUCH!!!!

But, I am here!! Just kind of hanging out & enjoying being with everyone. DSis is working today & 1 DNiece & her girls are at Clearwater Hilton for the weekend for her DH meetings. So, I went to a library show on pirates with DNiece1 & her 2 DD's - 2 & 3.5. Horrid show, so DNiece left & DD3.5 & I were to follow in a couple minutes. We stood up, got in the aisle with backs to the stage & DD3.5 turns around and in a VERY LOUD whispery voice puts a finger to her lips & SHOUTS to me...."SHHHH!! We are SNEAKING OUT!!" I about died laughing!!! She is an amazingly funny and precocious 3.5 y.o!

Just walked DSis 2 dogs 1 mile each & decided to sit on the 'puter' a bit.

I think I should NEVER come to FL again.....after spotting over 4th weekend. TOM appeared in full force today after being MIA for just over 1 yr. At least not a week from now on my birthday! Seems TOM appears EVERY TIME I come to FL! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

So, back to the engagement story.....

DH reaction to DBF was " I won't stand in your way....and thanks for asking, I was too chicken" and he got up & walked back to lie on the bed & watch TV. Got up a bit later & told DBF that he needed to talk to me first so I didn't "freak out" - I was doing coupon shopping at WalMart while this was transpiring.

So, I am leaving WM and DH texts me to ask when I will be home. (we were supposed to go to Casino w/ DS21 & friends @ 4:30 & I was late). I get home & DH, DS21 & friends help me unload. While unloading DH whispers "Dorian (DBF) is here" - DUH! His car is here & he practically lives here as he now lives w/ grandma 45 min- 1 hr away. So, I finallyu throw something in microwave & head to the bathroom & DH says 'when you are done you need to go down & talk to D" My thought was "Who threw him out now?"

Get down stairs where D is playing games & he tells me & shows me ring which is fine with me..... D spends the night in the office as he works til 3:30 a.m. When I come back upstairs DH says " I hope she lets him down gently" to which I responded ' not a chance she won't say yes. You would have to be blind and stupid to not have seen this coming'. His reply....well, I kind of did, but I figured in 6 - 8 YEARS!"

sunday DBF & DD18 are getting ready to go out to a movie & then dinner & DBF comes in kitchen laughing & whispers " DH gave me $$.....what should I do with it?" My response, of course, was KEEP IT!! Then a bit later, I am in office & DH comes in & says "do you suppose it would make any difference if she realized her children will have flat feet & big ears?" (DBF does have perfectly flat feet but ears are NOT big....but he wears a pony tail)

So all day Sunday while they are gone, every time my phone rings or I am on the computer, DH is 'hovering', wondering if it is DD. Finally, he apparently heard the car pull in as he hightails it into the garage & opens it & goes out to meet them. DD quickly maneuvers around to the front door & comes in that way, then shyly comes into the kitchen where I am cutting coupons & DH is now standing. She already knows we know & shyly shows her ring. DH then HUGGED them both! :scared1: He doesn't hug ANYONE....even me! We all about fell over! He immediately had to call his DSis who lives <1 mile away & was upset she didn't answer. Finally got her on phone & had to rush right over so they could show her. Pretty funny!

off to maybe get a short nap before DSis gets off work. It is cloudy & raining now from Bonnie & I LOVE the rain!

More later....hope everyone has a great weekend....WI on Tuesday was 160.8 BOO! HISS!!!! But I guess TOM would probably explain my lack of loss....oh well.......

[toystoryduo]

A great engagement story, Julie! :goodvibes It sounds like your DH was surprised and then excited about the engagement. Have they set a date yet?

I'm sorry to hear about your flight to Florida. I'm so glad to hear that you're there safely! :hug:I hope you have a WONDERFUL time!!! :wizard:

[goldcupmom]

No date, but they are realistic about money. I would guess summer 2012.

Having fun in FL doing not much of anything. Feel like @##$%%!! TOM is apparently making up for 12 months of nothing. I will probably go thru 12 months of tampons, too! GRRRRRR!!!!!!!! This had better be at least under control by the cruise!!!

Today going to the outlet mall in Ellenton. DSis needs crocs & maybe ANOTHER Coach purse.....lol!

Exercise has been nearly non-existent. Food has been ok.

[traceycooper]

have a fab time Julie - i'll be their in 9 days :)

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, too funny about TOM in Florida, maybe when you get into the tropics your ovaries sense the change in humidity and go into overdrive! I hope this is the last hurrah on that front.

Very cute engagement story, especially the part where dh hugged! I think he did very well, dads seldom cope well when their little girls get engaged but he did!

Have a wonderful cruise, can't wait to hear all about it!

[goldcupmom]

Sitting in a dark, quiet hotel room in Orlando waiting for DD to get up so we can 'get going' & go to Krispy Kreme for birthday donuts & then off to Cape Canaveral....cruise tomorrow!!

Shopping yesterday was so-so. DD found a bunch, me, nothing....but oh, well......sometimes, most times, hard to find 'cute' for short, chunky, older people..... hopefully more later....if not, I will catch up when Im back!

[toystoryduo]

:bday: to you!

:bday: to you!

:bday: dear Julie!

:bday: to you! :hug:

I hope you have a WONDERFUL day, my friend and an AMAZING time on your cruise!:hug:

[DisDee]

Happy birthday Julie!!! We're 1 day apart-mine is tomorrow.

Have a wonderful time on your cruise!!!! They are just so much fun. Take lots of pictures to share with us.

Make sure you pamper yourself with a little indulgence...you deserve it!

[goldcupmom]

Home and back to reality.....unfortunately!

Never did get my Krispy Kreme's on my birthday, but oh well.....I didn't need them, anyway.

7/30 - left Orlando around noon, drove to PtC, met DSis & got pedicures, checked into hotel & ate at Grills near the port. Walked the hotel area a few times, walked to McDonald's & had ice cream & went to bed.

7/31 - up early, walked 2.2 down to beach/park area & to get breakfast at McD's after. Got to PtC at about 10:15 and were checked in & on the ship before 11. Dream is truly beautiful and HUGE, but the consensus is bigger is not necessarily better. After being on Dream, I'm not so sure I really want to go on Oasis anymore, and we were in each port with Oasis....almost 10k people on 2 ships is a bunch!

8/1 - Nassau.....really hasn't changed much in the 20 yrs since I've been there. Did TONS of walking & not much else. Decided on no beach excursions this trip.

8/2 - Sea Day - I did a Spinning Class and LOVED it! I wish there was one near me as I think I could get addicted easily. Played on the water slides, & spent way too much time in the casino - DD LOVED the slots!

8/3 - St Thomas......TONS of walking and shopping. DSis finally gave up & went back to the ship. DH, DD & I climbed the 233 steps to Blackbeard's castle (not a castle & blackbeard was never there....????) DH & DBil did 'Chef's Table' this night & said it was worth the $75 each they paid....best food they'd ever had anywhere, eaten in the galley & all the wine they wanted for 4 hours. Again, DD, DSis & I spent quality time with the slots.

8/4 - St. Maarten - Another beautiful island. Here we rode horses & then after changing out of wet clothes (horses in ocean), shopped until 10 min before needing to be back on ship. Got a charm for my Pandora bracelet(birthday gift) - which apparently are like Apple computers & the same price everywhere. DH & DD both got watches & I got a Phillip Stein watch....I resisted the urge to buy the all ORANGE one to match my bug and opted for black.

8/5 & 6 were sea days again & we pretty much layed around & did not much of anything. DD got sucked in to the machine where the quarters drop & fall off the ledge & sat at one for more than 6 hours playing on $20 and ended up with 2 luggage tags, a dice and a bundle of 25 $1 bills.

All in all, I got WAY too little sleep - up around 6 each morning, but staying out til about 2 a.m. with DD. Ate WAY too much food, but didn't take a single elevator all week. Woke up Tues morning with what I thought were allergy/sinus problems. By Friday morning miserable & coughing, & I still have it. DD is about 2 days behind me in symptoms. NOT fun, but at least I didn't get more hives!!

TOM left on time, but I was spotting again a couple days ago (mid cycle) so I'm certain that I'm not done yet.....GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

I managed to gain only 3.6 in 3 weeks, so I'm not too overly upset, but slightly disappointed. I think I will rejoin WW either this week or next as I really want to make lifetime and get there by Christmas. I know you have to be a member at least 6 weeks & I still have an OLD Dr's note saying I should weigh 150, which is 14 lbs away. I'm shooting for 135 or less.

I'm VERY slowly getting caught up. Only about 3 more loads of laundry, still need to go to grocery, etc, but also trying to catch up on sleep.

School starts for DS21 & DD18 on 23rd, so lots to get done before then. Dogs & house survived my absence.

I have tons of pics, but still haven't figured out how to post them on here. I will have them on FB later today, though.

Hope all is well with everyone. I'll catch up soon!! Missed you!!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, Welcome Home!!

It sounds like you had a wonderful cruise, those huge ships would definitely put a lot of people at one time into port! I can't even imagine how big those are, I've only been on the Magic which is tiny by comparison.

Good job with the walking, stairs and spinning. I bet you could find a spinning near you, most gyms have them. I want to try one out but I am too chicken. Come to Colorado and go with me!

Bummer about the spotting, I really feel for you on that one. Who knew menopause would be so desired???!!!:rotfl:

[toystoryduo]

Welcome Back, Julie!:hug:

It sounds like you had a wonderful time on your cruise!:cheer2: Great pictures on FB!:thumbsup2

I hope you have a nice weekend ahead!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, guys! It's good to be home......sort of!

The aquatic center near my house has spinning. It seems to be like $5 - $8/class depending on how many a week. Problem is I can't seem to figure out if you also have to pay the admission into the center to take the class, which is another $4/day or $15 for 35 in 3 mo. If so, that would make 1 class a week $12 which is $48/mo...and would be cheaper to join the gym. Ok, I just called. Only pay the class fee unless you also use pool. That I think I can handle.

I still have the respiratory crud, but it seems to be slowly improving.

I bit the bullet and rejoined WW this morning. FOR THE LAST TIME!!! Yes, I put it in writing. I WILL MAKE LIFETIME THIS TIME!!!! This morning at home I was 162.8...up 2.4 from when I left. I wore heavier clothes that I will ever wear to WI again ( want to have a loss the 1st week ;)) and weighed 165.6 at WW. Looks like they've redone their weight ranges again, as now 141 is the top for 5'3". I can't find my last 'booklet' that had my WI info and that in it. Oh well.... so I have 24 to lose to make it unless I use the note. I WILL!!

Still trying to catch up...house is a mess & I finally caught up with trip laundry in time to start on my normal weekend loads....fun, fun! Back at SR daily, need to print some coupons & hit the grocery. Still hoping for time to DIS this weekend!

[eyor44]

I wish for you the best of succes with WW. You can do it!:thumbsup2

[toystoryduo]

That's great that you found a spinning class near you!:thumbsup2

Great job on re-joining WW!!! :cheer2: I know you CAN do it, Julie!!!!:cheer2:

I hope you have a nice weekend!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

OMG! What a week!

My DSis went wacky over pictures, hung up on me, won't talk to me. I won't get into details, but I spent 2 days crying all day. Moving on. Realizing I was not wrong & that life is too short.

My big news is that I went to WW today (instead of tomorrow) and Down SIX pounds! Not sure how! I figure about 1.5 was clothes, but still a huge drop. Best of all......I weighed in BELOW 160(159.6) for the 1st time since I joined initially 1/2003, and BELOW my pre-cruise weight last year (160.2)!!!! Now, need to keep it up! That's the hard part.

But, it's only Thursday & I've walked 25.48 miles since monday....in 4 days:scared1: Guess it helps! I'm walking Sashi 3 - 5 in the mornings & then Sashi & the pups 1.6 @ night as the yorkies were getting ticked off at me that they never went.

College starts here Monday for DD18 & DS21. As long as he doesn't mess anything up he will graduate in May.

He finally formally interviewed for the youth pastor position at church...will know w/in about 2 months. Would be 1/2 time at the new campus as youth pastor and 1/2 time at the main campus as an assistant. Starts at 25k, but includes a new Macbook, Iphone & cell service & full medical insurance. Meantime, he was asked by someone he knows from church who owns a business if he would work for him part time doing web work....not sure that will work out, but would be nice. Still praying something good happens.

Lawyer and an insurance adjuster for the engine company came today to look at the engine. Don't know what will happen from it, if anything. Next step will be to file the suit if we can't settle. fun, fun!

And, while the lawyer & guy were here, the garage door people showed up. Spring snapped this morning and broke 2 hinges & rollers....$253.....it just never ends!

I still haven't totally gotten everything put away from the trip, but life will start to fall into routine on Monday. Thank goodness! But, DD18 only has class from 8 - 10 MWF, so will leave @ 7 & be back @ 11...just like her HS sched last year. At least I will have some time to get things done, and I should be able to get walking sooner as I will have to be up to get breakfast & make sure everyone gets going.

She really needs a new job. Tonight working 10p.m. - 11. Just to go in & clean. So, I decided to stay up & dis as I would just get to sleep & she would be popping in to let me know she was home. But I'm TIRED!!!!!

Hopefully I can check into spinning sometime next week. Also need to get back in touch with the Concealed Carry guy & set up classes for DS21 & I.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to make it to Costco. Went yesterday, filled my cart & at checkout realized their coupons didn't start until today.....UGH!!! Lady in front of me did same thing. They were in my held mail that was delivered when I got home, so didn't even look at the dates.....oops!!

Hope everything is going ok for everyone! Have an AWESOME weekend! I just hope fall comes soon! It's REALLY HOT here!

[toystoryduo]

I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your sister. :( I hope things work out for you soon!:hug:

Congrats on the weigh-in!!!!:cheer2:

Did you say you've walked 25 miles since Monday?!?!?:banana: GREAT job!!!:cheer2:

Hope your DD and DS have a great first day at college on Monday!:wizard:

Have a nice weekend, my friend!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Julie, I am so sorry about this situation with your sister. I am now good with my sister but my brother is mad at me. Family! Just hang in there and keep up the good attitude of you did nothing wrong. Sounds like she's just in a bad spot and taking it out on you.

Wow, 6 pounds!! That is great! With all that walking you will be at goal in no time. I know you will do it this time, I have faith in you!

I am praying your son gets that youth pastor job. It sounds perfect. And I will also say a prayer dd gets a new job. It will be good for both of you!

[goldcupmom]

Sorry I've been such a horrid WISHer lately! The back to college schedule is about to do me in!

I wake DD 18 at 5:20 a.m. as she has to leave for the bus by 6:20. Which means my internal alarm wakes by about 5. And, she works most nights til 11, so even if I try to get to bed before 11 - 11:30, it doesn't work as she(thankfully) lets us know when she gets home. As does DS21, who usually comes in around 12 - 12:30, and DS24, who comes in about 2:15 a.m. on his lunch break from work. UGH!!!!!! I have a feeling that I will get used to the schedule about the time the time changes for winter! Go figure!! I have managed a couple of naps, but generally, once it's daylight, I'm up til dark. Plus, Sashi is VERY well trained that when it's morning, we walk, so even the couple of days where I could have slept in, she wouldn't let me. Guess that is good for my exercise!

Exercise is good. Most days Sashi & I do 3 - 5 miles in the morning & then all 3 dogs & I do 1.6 at night. Food is not so good. Last week I fell asleep & missed WW. If I don't gain tomorrow it will be nothing short of a miracle. Tired, stressed, & all I want to do is EAT! And then there was a run in with a VERY EVIL bag of Pretzel M&Ms from Sam's - like a 3 POUND bag! I swear it attacked me!

DS21 accellerator cable broke on Sunday night about 11:30 and I had to go follow him home....he was able to crank his idle up so that he could get it home without accellerating. So, he has had to use my car this week...hopefully tonight he will be able to figure out how to replace the cable so we don't have to have it towed & pay someone to do it. This is his first night available.

So, today I have been stuck at home catching up....bills, putting suitcases away :sad1:, bathing dogs, general picking up(which you can't tell I've done any), wrapping Christmas presents, paperwork, laundry, etc. I can actually tell I've made some progress even tho no one else will be able to. As soon as DD18 gets home with her car, I need to run & drop off utility bills, mail bills & return a movie. Fun, fun!

Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend! I'm really gonna try to get journals visited & get on here more often!

[toystoryduo]

Sending a gentle :hug: your way, Julie. I hope the schedule calms down for you soon. Please be sure and do something special just for you this weekend. :hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, that is one heck of a schedule! I am not sure I could function, if I have to get up before 6:00 I am generally worthless. Hang in there!

Yeah, my sister bought two huge bags of M&M's: peanut butter and pretzels. Need I say more.:sad2: But they are so delish, I find myself thinking about them way too often!

Great job with the walking.

[toystoryduo]

Sending a :hug: your way, Julie. How was your weekend?

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, just thinking about you with all you have going on right now. Hope things are going well my friend.:hug:

[traceycooper]

sorry i missed your birthday julie - sounds like it was fun, congrats to DD on her engagement too :) Hope you make the spinning class - i love them :)

[goldcupmom]

Quickly updating while trying to stay awake to go pick DD up at work. She got off the bus from UNM @ 4:15 and had to be at work at 5. I had to drive her so she could eat.

Weekend was OK, but lacking sleep....again! At 2:40 a.m. DD's BF called me. He left work and was headed here to sleep & his car stopped running. Fortunately, he was able to push it off onto a side road. So, DH & I left to help him & got home about 5:30 a.m. with it running. The single wire that runs from the battery to engine had come loose from its' connector. After a trip to Walmart for wirecutters, DH was able to slip it back in long enough to get him to our house & then they bought a new clip thing on Saturday. But, of course, I had gone to bed at 11:30 and was up at 7 & walking Sashi.

Exercise has been fine, food has been HORRID! I HAVE to get this under control!!

Monday DD & I left at 6 a.m. for our fav thrift store 1/2 price sale. I got a pair of padded bike shorts for $2!!!!! Now I just need to figure out the spinning class schedule!! DD says if I EVER wear them in public, she will shoot me! Plan is to wear them under loose shorts. I don't think I would dare wear them visible. EEEEEWWWWW!!!!!

We are having sleep wars between DS21 & DS24 & DH. DH now says no one is allowed downstairs...at all....where our TV is, the Wii, and the kids bedrooms....until after 9 p.m. unless DS24 is awake & gives his permission. I haven't been able to play my piano in almost 2 yrs as DS24 is always asleep. Haven't been able to use Wii Fit in well over a year. DS24 seems to rule the house & I am NOT happy about it. It is not fair to DS21 or DD to not be able to use the house as well.

Off to get DD and hopefully get some sleep. Sashi is now DEMANDING that we walk every day if I'm not up & out by 7 she is hilarious! Gets her leash & drags it to my bedroom door & starts HOWLING! All I have to do is press the power on my Garmin & all 3 dogs run to me from wherever they are & think they are going. I'm managing to take all 3 nearly every evening for 1.5 - 3 miles and Sashi & I go from about 2.5 - 5 every morning. If I could just stop eating CRAP, I think I would be losing weight! UGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

Have a great weekend if I don't get back here tomorrow! :hug: to all of you!

[toystoryduo]

Sending a :hug:, prayers, and :wizard::wizard: your way, Julie. I hope your schedule settles down for you soon. Please be sure and take some time for you this weekend, okay?:hug:

Have a great weekend!:wizard:

P.S. I love how your dogs love their walking schedule and come running when they hear the Garmin. I love how Sashi brings her leash to you too!:thumbsup2 That is too cute!:dogdance:

[eyor44]

why is it when kids get there jobs out of high school they are all late at night.:confused3 My oldest DS was the same way. He loved working the night shift, but I hated his sleep schedule. Saturdays and Sundays were the worst to keep everyone quiet.

hoping your schedule settles out soon and you can get some decent sleep. Yeah, I had a run in with a bag of those MM pretzels. It wasn't pretty. :sad2: They should be illegal or something.

I hope you have a great week. :goodvibes

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I hope you are getting some more rest (but I fear you aren't)! With all those schedules you have, its got to be tough. Can ds24 sleep in another area of the house? That's a tough one to figure out.

Hang in there and I am glad Sashi is keeping you walking! That just cracks me up.

Oh and to answer your question you posted on my journal, we are getting chilly evenings and early mornings but still in the 80's and 90's during the day. Not one speck of snow on the high up peaks, I can't ever remember a mid/late September when they didn't have at least a bit of snow on the peaks.

[goldcupmom]

Wow! I have been horrid at getting over here to catch up. I've been popping in quickly on the BL 10 thread and just reading here. Time to update.

Insurance finally approved DD for her 'mouth splint' for her TMJ. Bad part is there is a $500 deductible then we pay 20%, so total, we pay just about 1/2 the total - almost $1000. Gotta love insurance & it's getting worse! I don't even want to think about choosing for 2011 next month & how much it is going to increase....again! I'm still debating cancelling getting my legs fixed after Christmas....I really need it, but really can't afford the almost 3k it will cost for my part. Wishing I could just win PowerBall! sigh!

DS21 still hasn't heard anything about the church job. Keep praying! The kid needs it & so do I!!

Lawsuit about his car just got filed in District Court. And our monthly bill for the last month was almost $1600 :scared1: Stressing me out! But I don't see any way we will lose. I just need to survive mentally & financially til the end which could be 2 yrs from now. :scared1::confused3

Good news is that I have another scoring job coming up ....if I qualify, of course. 11/3 - 19. But I must score 8 hours daily M-F from 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. I pray I qualify! I sure could use it, especially right before Christmas! Short, but it will pay a min. of $10/hr and likely more as it will be 60c/item.

Got a new dishwasher to replace my functioning one, but that had the top rack held up with duct tape & the door was broken so when you opened, it touched the floor. Love it, but really hoping I am able to pay it off before interest starts accruing in 18 mo. Those stupid things aren't cheap! But what is?

Trying hard to stay positive and keep on track with food. Exercise is still good. Should pass 780 miles tonight. 30 above my original goal for the year. Weight still isn't really cooperating. My next 'goal' is to reach 155 (at least at home). Hopefully will be this week or next. That is the weight I was just before we moved from TX to AZ in early 1991 and I cried every single morning for months when I looked in the mirror as I was so fat! Now I look at that as being pretty darned thin! Amazing how the perspective changes. My WW goal is now 140 - which puts me barely within their ranges. I REALLY need to reach that by 12/17 - DD's 19th Bday, so that I can reach Lifetime (6 weeks maintenance) by 1/28 - 1 day past 8 YEARS since I joined WW the first time. I just can't justify keeping paying each month and not getting it done! As of last week, tho, I had 18 lbs to go & 13 weeks left. So, roughly 1.5/week. definitely NOT easy for me, but probably doable for most people. I MUST stay focused!

Having a garage sale in 3 weeks and I've been cleaning out my closet & dresser. Doing an early changeover to winter so I can get it all out to sell....well, what there is of it. I'm happy that most 12's are getting too big & I am actually fitting into a few 8's (it's a fluke, but I'll take it!) I REALLY need this to be a REALLY good sale as my bank account is quickly being reduced to nothing due to DS21's tuition/books/life/lawsuit.

DS24 is still working, but still spending every dime he gets. Had to have dental work done a couple weeks ago due to a broken tooth, and he still needs like 8 fillings. His teeth are HORRID (likely due to drugs). I wish he would shape up. I'm getting really worn down by him living here & having 26k spending money a year when the rest of us are struggling.

Well, time to get busy again. Life goes on! Hope all is well with everyone!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I hear you on the insurance thing. We have to 100% private pay (Dan is contract so no benefits) and I just get panicky when I think about what may happen in 2011 to our already sky high monthly premium. Big Sigh, it will all work out!

Get your legs done, God only knows when you'll be able to do that again.

If it makes you feel any better, I first joined WW in 1989. I weighed 150 pounds and thought I was obese. Of course in those days, my "goal" weight was 115. Now my goal is that 150 pounds I thought was so horrible back when I was 24! Perspective changes doesn't it? You are doing so well and I am so proud of you.

Your walking is amazing!

I am so sad for you about ds24. Just know that I am praying for you. :hug:

And saying big prayers you get the scoring job and ds gets the church job!!!

[eyor44]

:hug: I'll send up my prayers also that you and DS get the jobs.

Yes, the PowerBall would be so nice. It really would solve a few problems wouldn't it. :goodvibes

[toystoryduo]

Sending lots of prayers your way, WISH sis. :hug: I hope things settle down for you soon!:wizard:

Sending lots of :wizard::wizard: for your garage sale. I hope it goes really well for you!:goodvibes

Have a nice Monday!:hug:

[DisDee]

How ya doin Julie? You haven't posted in awhile so I thought I'd check in. Let us know how things are!!!!!!

[Amy&Dan]

How are things going Julie? Hope everything is well.

Any news on your ds21's job prospect? Been praying for him to get that and for all of you!

[toystoryduo]

How are you, my friend? Sending prayers your way.... Hope you get a chance to check in soon. We miss you!:grouphug:

[goldcupmom]

I am here, but rarely, and briefly.

We got the issues about DDs mouth splint resolved, finally, and it ended up being only our $35 copay!! What a blessing!

Then on 10/10, I went downstairs to finish laundry and stepped in a puddle. Yelled to DS21 to see if he spilled something. Nope! Our sewage pump quit, again, just like it did 6 yrs ago. Flooded DDs room hall, closet, family room, furnace room...with sewage! State farm finally sent servicemaster our Monday morning to start toxic clean up. They were here about 1 hour when state farm called to stop them saying they can't continue until a claims adjuster determined it was covered, and an adjuster would be out in 7 - 14 days.

I LOST IT! We're talking my house smelled like a portapotty! Not something you should be walking thru, touching, etc. Servicemaster guys called national state farm, etc and they got the ok to continue. Yes, it is covered.

But, walls in family room, hall , 3 closets & DDs room are cut out, door frames, woodwork, carpet, linoleum, etc. ALL my luggage is ruined, lots of other stuff. I still need to catalog it all, find age, price, etc to submit claim.

Next Wednesday a packout crew is coming to put all my living room, dining room DDs room, family room, hallways, into storage. Because my house is very open, they are going to repaint all but the 4 bedrooms, kitchen & bathrooms. And re-floor them all as well. But, 3 days packing, 5 days for walls and paint, then need to get flooring done. They say 'hopefully' before thanksgiving.

And, 11/3 I begin (if I qualify) a 3 week scoring job. So, I am frantically trying to choose flooring -I am working on trying to convince DH that NOW is the time to get tile downstairs and laminate upstairs while someone else is paying for a lot of it. Our house is about 15 yrs old and really in need of updating. Seems like a good deal to me. But, since I have workers here on Wed. and I just got the flooring $$ amount from State Farm late yesterday, I am really in a dither.

We finally, much to DS21s dismay, settling with the insurance company about his engine. Yesterday, DH agreed to settle for our out of pocket. Yes, if we went to court, we would likely get many thousands of $$ above that, but it would mean pumping cash I don't have into it for up to 2 years before then. And my bank account is really dwindling fast.

And, the biggest blessing is that my leg vein 'fix' in December will only cost me.....$35!!!! It is done in his office, so as long as they don't bill it weird and they assure me the don't, all I have to pay is my specialist co-pay. I will believe it when I see it, but really praying it is so. I NEED it done, but really can't afford it right now.

DS21 still hasn't heard about job, but they are in no hurry and he doesn't graduate until May. DD is struggling with Trig....she can do it, but has an insane instructor who has all the problems be about Zombies and takes the formulas given and gives them alternate ones they have to use. Praying she can keep her 3.5 for her scholarship (but can have a 2.5 1st sem, 3.0 by end of 2nd and 3.5 by end of 3rd semester). But we all know how hard it is to raise a GPA.

I haven't had time to exercise since the 'flood' of sewage. Last I weighed I was 154, but not hopeful that it will be any lower anytime soon. I just really want to get thru the 150s once and for all.

Thanks for checking up on me and caring! I miss you all!

Seems someone is always asleep in the 'office' or needing this computer for school. And, until the house is repaired, this is now DD's bedroom! :scared1

::grouphug: to all!!

Oh, and lest I forget, on 10/1, I was standing at the kitchen sink, back to the stove when I heard a noise, and my glass stove top spontaneously CRACKED in lots of pieces! So, I had to buy a new stove, which was delivered on 10/13 and I just used the first time today.

Garage Sale was 10/15-16. Did pretty ok.

Of course, 10/16, 10/17 DS21 and I took the classroom part of our concealed carry class. Do 7 hours of shooting on 10/30 and we are done. Definitely NOT the time I wanted to do it, but it worked and was pretty fun. Just the 2 of us and one of DS21s friends.

So, life is busy as usual.....when isn't my life crazy? But, God is good and life goes on. Sleep sure would help, tho!

[eyor44]

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug:

Bless your heart! I pray they are able to get your house back together in record time.

:woohoo: on only having to pay copays. That is always a blessing.

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Julie :hug:

I'm sorry for all that you have been going through. :( Sending lots and lots of prayers your way...

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, you poor thing. We had a flood too, but I will take mine over yours any day. What a mess. I hate insurance companies, they love to take money but hate to pay. I mean seriously, they expect you to live in sewage for seven to fourteen days? I am glad you got tough and they did the right thing.

So glad you can get your vein fixed and so glad dd got her mouth thing done. Again, you have insurance, it shouldn't be this hard to get treatment done with only your copay. So aggravating but it all worked out!

I hope you got the scoring job, with all you have going on that income is much needed I am sure!

You did the right thing with the car lawsuit. Something now and having it done is worth so much.

Hang in there and I hope things are settled down and that you have new floors!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Well, I think this last week has been one of the longest of my life!

Saturday, 10/30, DS21, his friend & I spent 7 hours at the shooting range qualifying for our Concealed Carry permits. It was amazingly fun! And I passed!
They all decided I need a huge revolver instead of my compact Glock. I am more accurate with it...or one handed, left handed....go figure! But, I don't think I could carry a revolver bigger than my dog! :rotfl2:

Got home around 4:30, made dinner, started laundry. At about 6:30 went to check on laundry and the downstairs was flooded with sewage...AGAIN! Only this time spread a bit further because there was no carpet/pad to soak it up.

Called State Farm & had to file a totally new claim (another $500 deductible), ended up in a hotel Sat/Sun because couldn't get the plumber out. All luggage packed, so everything in Walmart Bags. Left hotel Mon morning w/ everything in cars. Plumber couldn't come out. Back to hotel. Did the same thing Tues morning. Plumber to come between 8 - 10. Never showed. Called him about 10 & he forgot to write it down. Back to hotel with our fancy luggage. Had another guy come out who sells the pumps & he told DH needed to replumb, rewire, move pump outside, etc....about $12k. Wednesday the real plumber came out and we had the 1/1million chance of getting a defective pump. Fortunately, pump company took it back & the additional plumber cost was under $200. We got to move home Wed night. Poor dogs were suffering from being alone.

DH had to take off M - W. Monday morning, he tried to start his cycle at hotel & battery dead. Bought one Mon night. They sold him wrong size. Tuesday I had to go get a different one. If he hadn't had vacation left, I would be a total basket case. Constant running, not knowing what is going on, etc.

This last 'flood' took out my laundry room floor, so now replacing it is being paid for. Only damaged a few pieces of laundry and a hamper, so that is good. Everything else is out of the house. I have 2 20' storage containers in the street out front. Have had workmen all week. Lots of time for them spent waiting for a plumber as they didn't want to fix things only to have them get soaked again when the pump was replaced.

I didn't get online to qualify Wednesday, but just needed to before 8 p.m. tonight. And I did qualify, so next 2 weeks I will score from 11:30 - 8p.m. Hopefully quickly as I'm paid by the read.

Painting is done, but they will come out one more time when they put in the molding & finish doors to touch up. I am having downstairs family room, hall, bathroom, closets & laundry room tiled. Tile guy comes monday afternoon to rip out/haul away carpet & prep floors. After tile he will carpet DDs room and the staircase. DH is insistent on doing the laminate upstairs in living, dining and hallway. With any luck, I will have furniture before Thanksgiving...but with DH doing the laminate, I'm not certain. They won't move us back in until everything is done.

My freezer is now on the back sunporch along with my washer. No washer/dryer hooked up is driving me crazy! But life goes on.

God really has a sense of humor. On my 'to do' list for the year was to paint/carpet one room of the house. Due to the 'flood' all but kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 3 bedrooms are being redone. Even the molding/woodwork. Not how I planned to accomplish it, but God thought this was best. :confused3

Food has been horrid, eating out for almost a week, not drinking much as a bathroom trip took 20 min & a car ride. Not exercising. I am managing to maintain most days, but barely. I think just the sodium in fast food is killing me.

Hopefully life will calm down a bit now. At present, I'm hunting for DS21s car keys. He has only one set and we can't find them anywhere!

Need to finish the Claim on damaged goods so I can start getting some $$ back that I'm spending. Hoping to get at least one really long walk in this weekend and more than 4-5 hours sleep/night. Time will tell! Hope all is well with everyone!:grouphug:

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Julie, so sorry you are going through all of this. God does indeed have a sense of humor, its good you can see that! Don't worry about the fast food, I mean what else can you do? You just have to get through this the best you can and look back and think "hey I survived that one"! I really hope your dh can get those floors done soon. So glad you got the scoring job!

Hope you found the car keys, that is beyond frustrating!

Hang in there friend, I am saying lots of prayers for your literal poopy situation!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Quickly popping in before I have to log in to score - started yesterday and it should last 2 weeks.

Things here are starting to feel somewhat normal.....whatever that is.

Found the keys, still have working plumbing. Tile guy is here to start! DH has almost convinced himself that he can't do the laminate.....YEAH!!!!!! Between his back, knees & job, I really don't think he could handle it.

Managed to walk almost 15 miles in the last 3 days. Starting to track food, etc. again.

This morning we walked in misty rain, sleet, snow flurries, wind and then HOT SUN!! Must be New Mexico. But, it's really beautiful out.

99% sure DS21 will begin a paid internship at church for spring semester. Waiting hopefully! They still haven't gotten a main pastor for the campus he interviewed as youth, and won't hire youth til they have main, so still very hopeful.

Off to grab a drink, potty and get ready to log in.

Hope all is well with everyone!

Glad your surgery went ok, Dee. Still praying about your surgery and pain, Tracy. Love you all!!

[DisDee]

Julie, You do have one crazy life and you are such a strong woman who deals with it all! I really admire you for that! I'm glad that your life is getting back a sense of normalcy and that you're scoring again. And thru all of the stuff you're dealing with you still manage to walk. You go girl!!!!!!!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, "normal" is a relative thing! Good luck with the scoring and I am keeping my fingers crossed that your ds21 gets that internship! I am betting once a main pastor is hired, he'll jump at the chance to hire your son.

I hope your dh decides to let someone else do that laminate, laying floor is not fun!

Very impressed you have walked that much. I wish I lived close by you so you could motivate my butt! Yep, the southwest, including Colorado and New Mexico can really have all kinds of weather in just a few hours! We were almost 80 on Sunday, yesterday we had snow and today was cold. Guess winter is here for this week at least.

Hang in there with all you have going on!

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Julie,

I'm glad that things are starting to get back to normal for you. You have been through so much the past few weeks and you are still standing tall. I am so proud of you, my friend!:hug:

Way to go on getting those walks in!!!:cheer2:

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, just sending out some good thoughts to you with all you have going on!

Is it cold for you down there? It got down to 17 degrees at my house last night! Can't wait for winter.:sad2:

[toystoryduo]

Sending a gentle :hug: your way...How are things going for you?

I hope you have a nice evening!:hug:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Julie, :wave:

How is the house coming along? I hope the contractors are getting things done so that everything can get back to normal soon. :wizard:

How are you doing? Are you still scoring or is that project finished?

I hope you have a great Thursday!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Scoring is over. This project was ok, but rather a pain to follow. The original question I scored finished in 7 days, then we all got put on a differnt question which ran another 6 days - 3 days longer than the original deadline. At the time I was really wishing it was over, but the extra money really was good to help pay vet bills which I didn't anticipate at the time! God does have a plan! I resorted to using M&Ms 4 each of 3 colors to try to keep track of things....it worked....but since the flood I have gained about 7 pounds. Not enough water, only 6 walks since 10/11, too much sodium, fast food, stress, and not enough sleep! It will improve.

And now the money stress starts. I am still waiting on payments from State Farm and yesterday wrote about 13k in credit card bills - mostly from the claim. Yes, I can cover it....BARELY, but with Christmas & the incidentals I need for all this, I'm taking lots of deep breaths. God is in charge. All is OK. Things could be MUCH worse!

In the middle of all this, Mia has been left alone a lot, behind a gate and she likes to jump on her back legs to get attention. Her hernia got MUCH worse and actually got stuck out just over a week ago. I finally got her relaxed enough to get it in and not have to go to Doggie ER, but Tuesday she had double inguinal hernia surgery and got spayed(silly Max can't do his job properly!). Picked her up yesterday and when we got home DD's cat was unresponsive.

Tiger was 14.5, and we knew she was failing and having trouble getting around, but I think she had a stroke. Took us about 1.5 hours to get in to the vet to have her put down. DD was ok with it until she had to sit holding her dying cat (Tiger was her 5th b'day present) for almost an hour. Fortunately the night before DD had spent hours with Tiger snuggling while she did homework and also yesterday morning, so they got their goodbye.

DS21 appears to be getting the internship to start in January.....PAID!!!! Huge Praise God needed. Will know for sure soon. Still haven't gotten the money from the lawsuit settlement, but it will come eventually.

For the damaged 'stuff', we get 75% unless we submit receipts, so I am frantically trying to find the stuff to replace. Unfortunately, I had to price stuff based on online pricing, and some I haven't found in the stores yet. And the sooner the better as I need the $$.

Tomorrow they move stuff back in. YEAH!!!!!!!!! Today I am doing laundry at DSil's (she is at WDW with her sister this week - ALL expenses paid by the DSis company!:thumbsup2) And I have 2 extra dogs:eek:! Then I need to clean the new tile and the upstairs floor to get ready for furniture. And I need to be prepared to REALLY clean and clean out everything as I put it away. I see a BIG garage sale in my future this spring.

Managed to go to WW Tuesday....WI was UGLY, but I knew it would be. Got all the new materials and will start back on it today. Confusing! I don't like that the only way you can calculate points is buying their calculator or using an App. No more slidey thing. And they only use Fat, Carb, Protein & Fiber. But, fruit is FREE!!!!(too bad I"m not a big fruit eater :rotfl:)

I have managed to finish Christmas for DS21, Almost done with Christmas for DD, Know what I want to get for DH - just have to decide between Nook and Kindle, and have NO CLUE for DS24 (but I would like to get him a moving truck and an apartment!:rotfl2:)

Off to go move laundry from washer to dryer at DSil's. More later. At least having to try to keep Mia calm & quiet might give me some DIS time today. Not sure how this will work tomorrow.

:grouphug: to all!

OK, so need to write points:

egg beaters - 1/2 c still 1 pt
ff cheese - 1 slice(have another I can still eat and keep the same points) still 1 pt
bagel thin - now 3 pts (was 2)
bacon - 2 slices 1 pt
Lean cuisine shanghai shrimp 6 pts
betty crocker instant loaded potatoes - 2 (was 1)
green bean casserole -2
Turkey - 3
Roll - 4
Fiber plus bar - 3 (was 2)
Wheat thins - OOPS! - 11 are 4 points....OUCH!!!!

So, day 1 - 30 points - 1 over.....not too bad for winging it!

I get the new minimum of 29 points/day up from 18 points. This will definitely take getting used to. I KNEW all the other points - but I had done it since 2003....and STILL haven't made goal! Oh well.......

[toystoryduo]

Julie,

You are an amazing woman, my friend! :hug:

I am so sorry to hear about Tiger. :( That must have been heartbreaking for your DD. :sad1:

Great news about your DS21!!!:cheer2: When does he find out for sure about the internship?

How is Mia doing? Is she feeling better?

I am sending lots of prayers and :wizard::wizard: your way that the house is completed soon, that the insurance company reimburses you soon, that the money comes in from the lawsuit settlement soon, and that everything works out for a blessed and peaceful holiday season for you and your family. :grouphug:

Sending our love and prayers your way.....

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Tracy! DS21 basically knows, but has to do the formal application. The Mid-school pastor wrote the internship for him and told him if anyone else happens to apply, it really doesn't matter. Don't know any details except that it will run January thru June, and is paid. Bigger news for him is that the band, Gozur, is going to Nashville to record in February....the company is bringing in people who handle Newsboys, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, as well as image consultants, etc. and has arranged for a concert for them there. Studio says over 90% chance they will get a recording contract. Cool, but kinda scary.

Today is move in day. DH just took DSil's dogs back to her apartment for the day....thankfully! They are terrified of people and noise, so all they do is bark and cry here.

DD is doing fine about Tiger. She realizes that Tiger had a good life and was a good friend.

Mia is ok, tummy has one glued spot - spay I guess, and then 2 incisions about 2 - 3" each one inside each back leg on her tummy. Poor baby! All she wants to do is lick, which I can't allow. Not easy to stop her.

Off to get ready for the move in crew! More later.....

12/5 -

Quaker High Fiber Oatmeal - 4 pts (was 3)

[toystoryduo]

Bigger news for him is that the band, Gozur, is going to Nashville to record in February....the company is bringing in people who handle Newsboys, David Crowder, Jeremy Camp, as well as image consultants, etc. and has arranged for a concert for them there. Studio says over 90% chance they will get a recording contract. Cool, but kinda scary.


WOW! :banana:That is sooooo cool, Julie!:cool1: It sounds like some really great opportunities are opening up for your DS21!:thumbsup2

How did move-in day go?

I hope Mia is feeling better today. :wizard:

Have a great Saturday!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Wow, Julie, that is awesome about ds21! How exciting for him and you and your dh.

I am so sorry about Tiger, but glad dd can see what a good life he had. Still, its hard and you are never ready to lose a beloved pet since they are family too.

I hear you on the flood thing, don't know why life's bumps and stresses always cause me to eat but they do! I am toying with going back to WW now but will probably wait until January. I hear the new system is way different, not sure I have the energy to deal with that right now! Good for you for going back and getting on that scale, that is a huge step in the right direction. You will get to your goal!!

Hope Mia is recovering more each day. Glad you got the extra scoring days, it sounds like you needed them!

[DisDee]

Hi Julie, Just popping in to say hello and hope that things are good with you and your family.

[goldcupmom]

Quick update to let you know that my vein procedure/surgery is now TOMORROW and Friday!!:scared1: Got a call last Friday that Dr. is going scuba diving again when I am scheduled.

Went today to get my left leg(better one) marked for tomorrow. LOTS of places they are fixing. Kinda scary!

I'm declining valium and hoping to tough it out with just the numbing of the areas. We'll see. Procedure and the walking for 40 min will take about 3 hours.
This leg gets injections and laser(from the inside).

Friday they are doing my bad leg - injections, laser and also removing one BIG vein. I want it done but a bit apprehensive.

Prayers welcomed. I'll be on later tomorrow - hopefully - to update.

Thanks!

[toystoryduo]

Sending prayers your way, Julie!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

I'm home. Just had lunch. Procedure took just over 1 hour. Had one vein that ran from groin to near ankle done with laser and then lots of tiny injections on others. Really felt nothing worse than drawing blood type of prick. Only problem was that due to nerves my BP was 173/98 when I went in. During procedure was 156-164/87-93. As soon as the Dr. said 'all done' it dropped to 132/84. Gee, I wonder if I have white coat??????

When it was time for me to go out and walk for 40 min. They had to CALL DH. He waited til they took me back & went to casino. I feel the love....lol! typical!

Not looking forward to tomorrow which is today, + removing the nasty one from behind my knee.

Wearing 2 compression stockings + pre-wrap, tape, a few small bandages and then an ace bandage at the top is a PAIN, but that is just for 2 days, then just 1 stocking for 3 weeks. All in all, not bad.

But still not looking forward to tomorrow at all......

Thanks for prayers....keep them coming!

[toystoryduo]

Sending more prayers your way...How are you feeling today?:hug:

[DisDee]

Julie, I hope everything went well with your second procedure and you are enjoying a bit of rest and recuperation. You need to take it easy on yourself for a few days!

Let us know how you are doing. Sending hugs and prayers your way!

[goldcupmom]

Thanks,Tracy & Dee. Things are going ok. Friday they called me back almost 1.5 hours before they actually started. BP was 171/89, but was back to 135/81 by the time they started. VERY CREEPY. This time I could SMELL icky smells when they used the laser. They put 15 slits behind my right knee, so was bandaged so much it was very hard to walk. Had ultrasound today & am now wearing just 1 compression stocking during day on each leg, none at night. Have to try to keep the steristrips on til 24th and have another followup on 30th.

Compression stockings are driving me NUTS! I try to walk and about every 40' they drop about 6" and I have to pull up. Today I got some glue to try to hold them up. Hopefully it works. Can't do anything but walk & not supposed to walk alone til after 1 week, but have to do min. 1 mile/day. Hard to get anyone to go with me. After 3 weeks I should be ok to do whatever.

Not really any pain to speak of. Just tenderness and some odd chilling sensations. I posted right leg pics on facebook.

Weight is still up. Eating is still out of control. Frustrating, but I'm not going to stress(too much) about it.

[DisDee]

Julie, I'm glad to hear that you're doing fairly well. It sounds like a bit of an unpleasant procedure. I agree about the compression stockings-they drove me crazy too when I had to wear them after my gyn. surgery. Just follow the dr.'s orders and I'm sure you'll be better in no time!

Have a great day and take care of yourself!!!!!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am glad the procedures went well, but that doesn't sound like a lot of fun. I am just so happy you got it done, that is now behind you and your going to be so happy its done and over with!

I have the white coat thing with my bp too, heck even when I go to the dentist my bp is always high!

I hope somebody has been walking with you for that one mile per day, although I guess by now you are okay to go alone.

Don't worry about your food, between the holidays and your procedure, your plate is loaded with stress! 2011 is just around the corner and a new start is always a good thing. In the meantime, just enjoy what you are eating and don't feel guilty or stressed about it!:hug:

[toystoryduo]

Hi Julie,

How are you doing? I'm praying that healing is going well for you and that you've had some Julie time over the past few days. :hug:

Have a wonderful day, my friend!:hug:

[toystoryduo]

I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas, Julie!:santa:

[goldcupmom]

Well, I sure have been gone from here a long time! But, I'm still here!!

Today was the first day I have walked alone. I did 3.84 miles. My legs are healing. Right one still has a LOT of faint bruising, but are ok. I can feel some lumps, normal, and I can actually feel the hard veins that were lasered at times which is creepy. The last 3 days I've had some groin pain about where the vein was lasered shut, but I go back to Dr. on Friday - was supposed to last Fri. but Dr. was sick.

Hopefully after Friday I will be able to do more than just walk. Since the flood in October, I am up just under 10 lbs. VERY frustrating, but.... I will SOMEDAY make my goal.

Finances still SUCK! Seems a constant drain. At least this is the last semester for DS21 books and tuition. Hopefully DH might get a raise this year - 1st in 3+ years, and a bonus. Would help. I really want to have some way to do a vacation as I need to plan a trip and know there is a way out of NM, but not realistic at the moment.

I need to get back to doing SR, but not thrilled about just having Amazon, disney & paypal as choices. Hoping I can trade Disney to my DNieces in FL as they can use it for camping at FTw which they do every 6 weeks. Don't really like Paypal.

Hopefully I will get to score both spring sessions and get at least 1 other thru the year. Getting 3 projects was a lifesaver last year.

Off to get some sleep & I WILL be back soon to visit journals! Love you all!!

[goldcupmom]

As usual, my life is never 'normal' and stress free. had just finished Bible & was starting to read the last of a book on my phone when DS25 called me to get him. His car - that DSil GAVE him almost 2.5 yrs ago - has apparently breathed it's last. And he has NO money, NO credit(except VERY bad). So, until he can save up & convince someone to give him a loan, we will have to haul him to work and back - he works nights Sat - Wed.

I'm sure DH & I will get into it over letting DS25 use my car or DDs. NO WAY! Maybe if he didn't drink & do drugs.........and smoke in cars - even when told not to.

And I"m sure DH will want to cosign or give him a down payment or just buy him a car. Not with me here.

So, I'm having a lovely day.....Welcome to 2011!

So far I"ve managed to stop my eating with about 6 very small chocolate pretzels. But I'm having a hard time. It's cold & windy here, but sunny, so maybe I will try to walk anyway. I really just want to crawl into bed & stay there for about 2 months!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am so sorry about this car situation. Just hold firm with dh, sometimes its hard to be the bad cop but in the end, you cannot risk your own credit and finances. I feel so bad for you.:hug:

Hang in there, good job with those walks, I am so glad your legs are healing up slow but sure. A few chocolate pretzels never hurt anybody so don't feel any guilt over those. You will make your goal!:goodvibes

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Julie,

I'm sorry to hear about DS25's car situation. :( I pray that everything works out for you!:wizard:

Great job on your walks!:cheer2:

I hope your doctor's appointment goes well today.:wizard:

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Tracy & Amy! Love you both!

Finally got to sleep after 1 last night and at 4:15 DH comes back in, turns on light & says I need to wake up ...NOW!

Sewage pump not working!:scared1:

So, I made labels for everything, then DD went to bathroom & flushed before we knew it. Fortunately didn't flood!

Called plumber at 5:30 and at 7 when he called DH back, DH went back down to recheck, plugged it back in for about the gazillionth time, and it started working. So, cancelled the plumber. Praying it keeps working. I just want to MOVE!!!

Dr. appt. today at 1. Went to WW - up 1.6 since 11/30. Not too bad, but frustrrating as now there is about a 3 lb difference with my scale. On mine I lost 1.8 this week. Gotta get this DONE!!!

More later......:grouphug:

[toystoryduo]

:hug: Julie,

I hope the sewage pump is working properly now.:wizard: How has the rest of your week been?

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Julie, I hope that sewage pump is working. I swear, if its not you need to sue who put it in that is unacceptable!

I love you wish sis, you just keep hanging in there and know that we are here for you. Come what may although I hope its not more sewage!:rotfl:

1.6 is not bad at all. Frankly, I am impressed!

[DisDee]

This may be a little late, but make 2011 a wonderful year Julie! We're here for you.

Hope your pump issues are over. What a stinky situation!

[goldcupmom]

I'm still here! Just been crazy busy with getting books ordered for college, car for DS25 & life! All is ok, tho, so just trying to breathe!

DH is going to a meeting in Phoenix next Friday - the following Wed, and I'm tagging along to take a break. Will likely sit in hotel for 4 days, but I'm all for that!

I have my 6 week vein mapping tomorrow and then DS21 is having a birthday party for his GF here, so gonna be another crazy day.....when isn't it??

I"ll be back on soon! Miss you all!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, that is great you are going to Phoenix! Some time in the sun relaxing will be so good for you.

Hang in there, you have a lot going on but you are very good at juggling it all!

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!!:cool1: Did I hear that there is a possibility for you to have some Julie time in Phoenix?!?!? Woohoo!!!:woohoo: Relaxation + :sunny: + time spent just for you = :cloud9: I am so excited for you!:hug:

Sending some :wizard::wizard: to help you get through that to do list until Phoenix.

Have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

I'm still here. Just very frustrated that I can't seem to get my head around the new WW plan, my Bugg, or anything else. Most days I can't seem to stay on plan beyond breakfast. I"m not getting my walking in due to winds, or any other exercise. I can't seem to get the house & especially the 'office' done enough to be able to even do a DVD, of which I have dozens. The kids college schedules this semester are all over the place, so I don't have set morning 'me & sashi' time & I can't get in a groove.

I did get to go to Phoenix with DH. I shopped thrift stores & explored while he had meetings. Ate too much, & not healthy, but all in all a good 5 days...and the first time in just under TWENTY YEARS that DH and I have done anything alone.....even very very few dinners.

My latest frustration is that DH's other DSis is moving here along with her DS28 & his live in girlfriend. She & her DH have been trying to decide if they should get a divorce & she couldn't decide, so told him to. So they are. So, DH is now house hunting for her, and she wants to live within walking distance of us so that DH can be a 'father figure' to her DS28 - who has never lived anywhere except with her, neither he nor his girlfriend work as he seems to be a 'germaphobe'. I foresee this being work for me. I already do holidays & birthday for the DSis who lives here, without even a thank you. Now I will get 3 more to do for, and 3 more dogs to 'sit' at their beck and call. Plus she wants her DS28 to spend as much time here hanging out with us & DS21 & DS25. Right. I need 2 more kids! I also imagine that DH will be expected, and will, go to NC or SC - don't remember which - to help them pack & drive here to move before 4/1. Which is money I don't need to spend and using up his vacation time. DH spent today with DSis1 looking at houses for DSis2, and then they went to the casino. fun, fun.

DS21 was told not to have any firepit fires while we were in Phoenix. DS25 had a friend over (almost 35 and lives with his mom as he can't keep a job) drained my hot tub and it is now sitting uncovered & FROZEN on the sunporch, and had a fire most of one evening and night in the firepit in the gazebo and it wasn't hot enough, so he built one in the MIDDLE OF MY YARD!!!!! DS21 took pictures....and DH could care less....but is mad as blazes at DS21 for having 5 friends over Thurs night to watch a movie as UNM was cancelled due to natural gas outage on Friday, and DS21 didn't pick up afterwards. Go figure!

So, somehow, I have to get my head back on straight and get this weight off. I have NO IDEA what I currently weigh, but have eaten nothing but chocolate, salt & FAT the last 36 hours, so it can't be good.

Tomorrow I"m going to organize ME, and Monday I HAVE to start being faithful to journal, on paper & on here, for accountability. My clothes are getting tight and I'm getting a serious muffin top back. NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!

Off to get busy. And, to catch up on journal reading!

[goldcupmom]

Ok. I'm trying to make it OP past breakfast......lol! and it is a challenge!

So far:

la tortilla wrap - 2 pts
egg beaters - 1 pt
turkey sausage link - 1 pt
banana peppers - 0

total calories - 185

[toystoryduo]

Sending a gentle :hug: your way, my friend. I hope things get better for you soon. :wizard:

What kind of goodies did you find in Phoenix? I love thrift stores, but the ones around here are kind of picked over and don't have much merchandise. Maybe that will change once people begin spring cleaning.

Have a nice evening!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am so glad you and your dh got some alone time in Phoenix. Don't stress about your weight, you can do this. The new plan is giving me some pause too, but its getting better. I think its a good one, I just hate having no slider to use! Old habits die hard.

I would just set the tone from DAY ONE with your sil and her kids of not being their social secretary or anything else. You have your own kids to take care of worry over. If your dh wants to be in a proactive role with them, its his sister and his choice. Don't let anyone including you get you into a role you don't want to do!

I guess its good ds25 didn't burn the whole yard down! I really want a firepit but I worry about stuff like that esp since we live in a big fire zone. I just need to move to Florida where I don't need a firepit to stay warm!;)

[goldcupmom]

So, 3 good days, 1 bad.....getting better....... I am trying to get in the groove to count points, but still not 'feeling' it.

But, on the bugg I'm better - at least I'm recording - Sunday 21 pts, 1033 calories in, 1385 deficit; Monday 27 pts, 1210 calories in, 1964 deficit; Tuesday 29 pts, 1084 calories in, 1657 deficit; Wednesday - haven't figured points yet- 2441 calories in, 95 calorie deficit (But, it was a deficit!!!!!!)

So, DSil1 found DSil2 house and it is supposedly rented. Very nice. I hope this works out for her and I am left mainly out of it!

I still haven't gotten the 'office' cleaned, life keeps getting in the way. I did get in 5.48 miles on Tuesday...hoping the wind dies down enough to walk later today. It's beautiful, sunny, but only 29 with windchill of 9. BRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!

More later...... Love you guys!

[toystoryduo]

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead, Julie!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, sounds like you are getting back on track. That was an awesome walk, good for you!

You should be warmer hopefully, we have been in the high 50's to mid 60's for a few days. Sheer heaven, wish it would last but of course it won't!

So glad they found your sil a place to live. And so glad that thus far, you aren't in the thick of things with that situation!

[goldcupmom]

Quickly letting you know I"m still here! Time FLIES (when you're NOT having fun!! - lol!)

Same old, same old, here. Exercise getting better, food still a MAJOR struggle! Still fighting the gain from scoring, sewage pump fiasco.

But, I have a scoring job coming up!!!:banana::cool1: 5 weeks beginning 4/18 - 5/20. And, if it all works out, I have a CRUISE booked!! 5/22-29 - we would leave on 5/20.

So, between all that, still getting house back in order from flood, DH going to SC Thurs to drive his other sister back here (moving here), DS21 graduating 5/14, trying to get ready for a much needed garage sale 4/1-2, I am NEVER still! Unfortunately, the scale is!!:rotfl:

The cruise may, or may not, happen. Booked a GREAT rate for splendor out of LA for DH, me, DS21, his Girlfriend, DD19 & her fiance. But, DS21 still doesn't know if he will get the time off his internship & we need 2 girls,2 guys to do the 2 rooms. IF we go or not, I have to know by the 7th as that is the last day I can get my $$ back. We would take Amtrak coach at 4:45 p.m. on 5/20, get in to LA on 5/21, have 2 free hotel rooms I can use, then get back on train, this time with CHEAP sleepers ('cuz we would need dinner, breakfast, lunch it is included) & be home on 5/30. Praying it works out. I can take SIX of us for less than I paid for 3 last year....much less! (Probably because Splendor is the one that had the fire, but oh well, it is fixed, and the consensus here is that it would have been a great adventure.....well, all of us but DH feel that way.)

And, speaking of DH......my MIL used to say he, like his father & all male relatives, would mellow somewhere between 50 & 60. I am seeing signs of it!!:scared1: He got on living social & booked us a 2 day stay at a B & B in Taos for 4/7-8. I am IMPRESSED!!!!! I told DD19 that apparently someone stole her father & replaced him with an Alien, but that if the behavior holds, I 'll keep the Alien! :laughing:;)

Off to take DD19 her goggles for Chem lab tonight. I really wanted to do a 50 mile r/t drive, especially with gas prices......oh well...... And, it means I won't get my long walk in.........sigh........

[traceycooper]

Helloooo - hope the cruise works out - sooo jealous AND DH has booked a trip for you, i hope my DH follows in his footsteps!! Told him tonight that hes acting old & needs to lighten up lol xxx

[DisDee]

Julie-I'm so happy that you're planning a cruise. I really hope it all comes together for you! I am quite the cruise fanatic myself. Are you a member of the Cruise Critic Message Boards? If not, you should definitely check it out. You'll get lots of great info and even get to meet your fellow cruisers beforehand. Of course if you're a member you already know that. LOL I'm sure the Spendour is in tip-top condition after the refurb.

Have yourself a great rest of the week!

[toystoryduo]

I hope the cruise works out for you, Julie!!! :wizard:

Woohoo for another scoring project!:banana:

That's great that your DH booked a B & B for the two of you! :thumbsup2 I hope you have a wonderful time!:goodvibes

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I am thrilled your husband booked that B & B! A romantic guy is being born and it couldn't happen to a nicer gal! You guys will have so much fun, I have always wanted to go to Taos.

I hope you kept the cruise!

Good news on the scoring job and your food will get in line. I am betting you do far better than you think on that front!

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, hope you are having a great week!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

OMG!!! Have I really been absent for over a month!!!!:scared1::scared1::scared1:

Life goes on, just tremendously busy. We cruise in 38 days, and I will be scoring - assuming I qualify - 35 or more of those.

Weight stinks! I haven't been to WW in about 2 months. I now have 5.5 weeks to lose 18 lbs to reach my goal that I had set for this cruise....not happening! I will be happy if I can get down about 10....sad, but true. I'm still up almost 14 from my low right before the sewage flood. :confused:

Gonna be HARD to lose anything sitting on my rear scoring 7 days a week. But, I'm gonna try!

Not sure how much I will be on here until after the cruise, but I'm gonna try.

DS21 graduates May 14 & we are taking him, his DGF, DD19 and her DBF. Gonna be interesting. Not going with my sister - they are cruising on my birthday to Panama, & I can take 6 of us out of CA for 7 days for only $200 more than taking 2 of us on the cruise DSis is going on - and that doesn't include airfare to FL which is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!

I'm hoping to get to FL sometime this summer or fall, but with air the way it is, not likely. Also, my nephew in IA is getting married in Oct & DSis & I want to meet up there - She won't go alone as she had a big falling out with our other sister & they haven't spoken in years.

Off to get more accomplished. Really hard to try to pack 5 weeks in advance, but if I don't I have no clue when I will be able to - at least all the miscellaneous stuff.

More later I hope!

[Amy&Dan]

Julie the key phrase is not that you are "14 above your low", but rather "SEWAGE FLOOD"!!!!! That mess from He** was enough to get you a bit off kilter. I know you can take off some pounds before your cruise. Just don't get stuck in the past! Believe me, I know how hard it is to not concentrate on the number of yesterday and let it get you down!

Airfare to FL is crazy, I think you'll be very happy to take the cruise you are doing. After all, your kiddos are growing up and taking vacations all of you right now is priceless.

Oh boy, nothing like a wedding in the family to bring all the dynamics to the surface! I hope you and your sister do go to the wedding. It might just bring the two of them back together. That's probably the next time my siblings may be in the same room, at one of my kid's weddings!

Happy Easter, you are so busy but the scoring gives you cruise money so that is a good thing!

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!:woohoo: In just over a month, you'll be on your cruise!! I'm so excited for you, Julie!:cool1: I can't wait to hear all about it. :goodvibes

Have a blessed Easter, my friend!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Happy Mother's Day Julie!:goodvibes

[toystoryduo]

Happy Mother's Day, Julie! :flower3:

[goldcupmom]

Thanks for keeping me on page 1, y'all!

I am a VERY BAD WISHER!!!!!!!!!

But, I am still here. And that is what counts.

DS21 graduates TOMORROW!!! :banana: Or at least we think he does. So far he has only 1 grade turned in. And he had a PITA online instructor who posted nothing until 10 weeks into the semester and has graded nothing at all yet, so no feedback. If he just 'pretend' graduates, he will have to take a summer school class to get his diploma. UGH!!!!

DD19 is really struggling. Will need a 3.8 next semester to keep her scholarship. She still thinks it's HS and is LAZY. Hard lesson for her to learn, but she could easily ace everything IF she did the work.

My weight is HORRID. I spent 1 day crying all day because, although I can still fit in my clothes from last summer, they look MUCH worse. As of yesterday I was still up 7 from last cruise and 11 from my low just before the flood. WHY do we do this to ourselves???? And tonight, I had a run in with pretzel M&Ms I bought for the graduation party tomorrow. BAD move. They were on sale at Costco and I should have left them there!!!!!

But, we leave next Friday at about 1 p.m. for the train station!!!!! Get to LA about 8a.m. on Saturday, shuttle to Long Beach, staying at Hilton, then leave on Sunday. Return the 29th, shuttle back to the train, check luggage, explore Chinatown, then sleepers back to NM arriving on Memorial Day.

I'll try to pop in again before we leave. Just wanted to assure you I'm still here! :grouphug::grouphug:

[DisDee]

Julie, Its good to hear from you again! Congrats on your son's graduation.

I'm so glad you're able to take your cruise. You'll have to let us know all about it. I've booked a Carnival cruise for the first time since 2000 so it will be nice to hear from someone who has sailed with them recently. Have a wonderful time!

[toystoryduo]

Congratulations on your son's graduation! :cool1:

I am so happy for you that you get to go on this cruise! :hug: I hope you and your family have a wonderful time!:wizard:

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, guess you are on your cruise!:cool1:

I know you guys are having a ball and a much deserved break from real life.

Congrats on your ds' graduation, I hope that idiot instructor got his grades caught up! As for dd19, I bet she pulls it together and keeps her GPA up. I'll say a prayer!

I have no idea why we do this to ourselves either (Lord do I have NO idea lol), but I can tell you that you are still within spitting distance of your goal and you can do it! With all that you have had happen in the past six months, I think you have done pretty darn good. You'll get that 11 pounds off just hang in there and don't be too hard on yourself!:hug:

Happy sailing!

[toystoryduo]

Hope you and your family are having a wonderful time on your cruise!:boat:

[toystoryduo]

Hope you had a wonderful time on your cruise, Julie!:hug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I hope the cruise was wonderful!

Are you near any of the wildfires? I hope not and I hope things are going well!

[DisDee]

Julie-We need to hear from you! Tell us about your cruise.

[goldcupmom]

I'm here, ladies! Thanks for keeping me on page 1!!

I think this entire state is going to go up in flames. We have had only .19" of rain this year, and high humidity has been 10%. It's windy (20 - 40mph) nearly every day and HOT!!! We usually have 1 month in the spring and 1 in the fall where it's always windy, but it just hasn't stopped this year.

I'm about 55 miles as the crow flies from Los Alamos, so about 45 from where the latest fire broke out. It has burned 50k acres in less than 24 hours and now threatens Los Alamos National Labs - think lots of top secret stuff, radioactive stuff, explosive stuff. They just ordered mandatory evac of the town. There is another fire burning in the Bosque ( only green/wooded area) that runs along the rio grande) about 25 miles south of Albuquerque. We just got done getting the THICK smoke from the Wallow fire & the other AZ fire (& we are 200 miles away). Why NM doesn't totally outlaw ALL fireworks this year I just don't understand. And our biggest threat is dry thunderstorms which are supposed to kick in over the next 48 hours. UGH!!!!

DH has a couple of cousins and his dad's only brother who lives in White Rock near Los Alamos, so we may have company soon. I really feel for them all and am praying they can get a handle on this fire soon. If the labs burn/explode, the state could for 100's of miles.

But to happier things......

Cruise was great in many ways. Ziplining was totally AWESOME and I can't wait to go again. The 6 hours flew by. I have almost 200 pics on FB just of that.

Everyone had a good time, except DH, but with him it's hard to tell. The only bad part was that except for dinner, I ate alone most of the time, as DH couldn't wait til I got ready, ever, or was in the casino. Sigh....... I really did miss having my DSis along as a 'playmate'.

DS21 really did graduate. Now to find a job. His internship ends Thursday, the day he gets back from helping with the HS camp. And, that day he has a meeting/interview with the new 'head hiring guy'. Hopefully it will be positive. Generally, the majority of the staff he is friends with all concur that they should make him the 'HR' guy and there really isn't one. Who knows, but it would be nice if he would just have a FT job.

DS25 had a birthday this week. Still the same, except he cut all his hair off!!! Not shaved, but NORMAL:scared1:!! Hopefully it is a tiny step in the right direction. And, he still has his car, so he must be making payments, even though he is still overdrawing his account continuously.

DD19 quit DQ and is now working for a new movie theater in town. Getting full time hours this summer, complaining like crazy, but oh, well! Still not sure if she will pull off keeping her full scholarship. She is quite capable, but doesn't study, or she wouldn't be needing a 3.8 next semester. Her business, can't tell her, but might be a hard lesson.

My weight SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still up from my low in Oct, by about 15 - 20 lbs depending on the day. It is just all over the place for no apparent reason usually. Had my annual Gyn visit, but no results yet. Was up 2 lbs there from last April, so I'm generally maintaining, but it just isn't what I need to do.
I SHOULD be officially menopausal in late July, but I"m doubting it. I spotted in Nov & again in May & I just don't feel 'done'. Wish I were!!

I can't seem to stay on track despite good intentions. I quit WW, again, as of July 15. I have been 5 times in the last year, and have been on again, off again since 1/27/03:scared1:!! I've had my Bugg 120 weeks which is totally depressing. Time to really buckle down and get this done once and for all.

I am planning to meet my Dsis from FL in KC on 10/6 and drive with her to Iowa for a nephews wedding. I haven't seen her in almost a year and she's cruising to Panama without me on my birthday :sad1:. My initial plan is to be back at my October weight by 10/5. I'm gonna really try to get going on this. The last time my 5 siblings & I were together was my mom's funeral in 2003, right before I joined WW and it looks like we will all be in Iowa. (remember this when my DD or DS21 get married and only 1 of them come) I am not quite the shortest of the group and I really don't want to be the fattest!!

Thanks to groupon DH & I joined a gym, I just really need to GO!!! Unfortunately, it's a 'no frills' gym and no classes or pool, but has the cardio equip, weights and showers. With the 28% water rate increase starting 7/1, I'm trying to shame myself into going to the gym to shower there.

So, once again, starting tomorrow, I'm going to try to micromanage my food/activity here. Hopefully I'll be on enough to make y'all sick of me!

I'm also trying to do a bunch of SR 'cuz I want the $$. And, DSis & her 2 DD's & families are going on a cruise together next July & I want to go! DH doesn't, of course, as he is very NOT social. And he wants to do something 'alone' for our 30th anniv. in May. Translation - BORING. His idea of fun is casino or something historical with a lot of sitting. Mine is being active. I told him we can still do something close to our anniv. AND the cruise.....time will tell! But, if I can make my goal, I'm gonna go even if I have to go alone!

Off to get a couple things accomplished here, check the 'fire news', and get to a few journals later tonight. Hope all is well with all of you! :grouphug::grouphug:

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I can only imagine what your smoke is like. I am so worried about you guys down there. I pray your family's home is spared. We have two going near here, and its supposed to be 100 today and windy. We are like you, windy all the time like its still March. The day we took off to WDW, I thought we'd escape the smoke much quicker, the AZ fire smoke went on for a long time. Very scary.

I am so glad you joined a gym! I know you will get that weight off. I think its alwways good when you have a firm date/event to aspire to.

Definitely go on that cruise one way or the other! Maybe your dh will surprise you and go with you. Is your dd still engaged? When is that wedding.

Praying for ds to get that job and praying ds25 with his new haircut is on his way to better things. I am so thankful he's kept up with the car payment. The overdraft thing is not good but one thing at a time and it sounds to me like he's on the right track!

So glad to hear how you are, I loved the photos on facebook!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

Smoke here doesn't seem too bad as the wind seems to be blowing this up more towards the CO/KS border. So far the cousins in White Rock are fine and are still under voluntary evac.

DD is still engaged. Wedding will be when they can afford to live. She doesn't think it's fair that I won't let them live here once married. Nope! If you are old enough to be married, you are old enough to support yourselves.(with obvious possible short-lived exceptions)

I'm beginning to think the weight is permanent. I just can't get motivated. It's 11 a.m. and I'm still in pjs wanting to crawl back in bed. I truly think I'm mildly depressed, but I know it will pass. Plus, my eyes are so puffy and itchy and heavy it feels like I've cried for days - undoubtably allergies.

No clue about the cruise, but I know DH would go, there's a casino! lol! but not funny!

Need to get in gear. I didn't get up and walk Sashi this morning. Just couldn't bear getting up at 6 a.m. Gonna try to motivate going to the gym, biking & doing some weights, but doing the weights really doesn't seem to burn many calories.

[toystoryduo]

Sending lots of prayers your way, my friend!:hug: Those fires out your way are intense and VERY scary! :(

I'm glad you had a nice time on your cruise. :goodvibes Loved your pictures on Facebook!:thumbsup2

Congrats to your DS21 on graduating college!:cool1: I hope the job interview goes well for him! :goodvibes

Sending good thoughts and prayers for DS25. It sounds like things might be going in a positive direction for him. :goodvibes

Glad to hear your DD was able to get a new job! :goodvibes

I'm sending a gentle :hug: your way, Julie. I know you're frustrated with the weight and exercise thing right now, but I know you will get back OP. Maybe you can set a small goal each day and then work your way up. You've done it successfully before and I know you CAN do it again, Julie! :cheer2:

Have a blessed weekend, WISH sis. :hug: Please take some time and do something special just for you!:goodvibes

[goldcupmom]

OK, so as promised, here is my info since Monday.

6/27 - walk 6.3 miles
gym - inner/outer thigh - 2 sets x 15 @ 70 lbs
assisted pullups/dips - 10 ea @ 90 lb
hanging leg & knee lifts - 2 sets ea of 12
triceps - 2 x 12 x 40 lbs
torso twist - 2 sets x 15 @ 70 lbs
Calories Burned - 3043
Eaten - 1606
Deficit - 1457
Steps - 19988
Activity - 190 min

6/28 - gym - 5 min steps 45-59/min
stretch machine
assisted pullups/dips - 2 sets ea. x 5 @ 85 lb
butt/hamstring thingy - 2 sets ea leg x 15 x 85 lb
crunch machine - 2 x 12 @ 40 lb
triceps 2 x 12 @ 40 lbs
hanging leg & knee - 2 x 12
5 min stride machine
35 min recumb bike
biceps 2x12@ 35 lbs
walk 1.86 miles
Calories Burned - 2536
Eaten - 1247
Deficit - 1289
Steps - 11318
Activity - 119 min


6/29 - gym - 36 min stride machine - 2.86 miles
inner/outer thigh - 2 sets x 15 @ 70 lbs
assisted pullups/dips - 10 ea @ 90 lb
hanging leg & knee lifts - 2 sets ea of 12
triceps - 2 x 12 x 40 lbs
torso twist - 2 sets x 15 @ 70 lbs
Calories Burned - 2409 - 91 short of goal
Eaten - 1034
Deficit - 1375
Steps - 11535
Activity - 97 min

Tuesday night Sashi limped home. She has a tiny divot in one paw pad. So I rested her yesterday & this morning she only made it .37 and was limping. Came & got the car & drove her to the soccer complex & walked her in the grass - 4.83 miles - I nearly went CRAZY!! I HATE walking in circles - or in this case, stripes. But she didn't limp. I really need to get her shoes, but they never had small enough. I guess I need to order. Poor baby!

I have discovered that my walking burns more calories than any cardio machine I have tried in the gym. And, weight machines don't burn much at all. I told my DSis this morning I need a 'second string' dog so I can alternate
& not wear their pads out. If DS21 really takes Sashi when he gets a job & moves out, I will have to get another big dog.....I really, really want a Black Russian Terrier (go to BRCTA.org & look at the pic near a german shepherd under 'adopt a dog'. Amazing!) But probably shouldn't spend that kind of $$ on one(although my 3 lb Max cost as much). I will probably end up with a Shepherd or a Belgian.

So, time to get organized for grocery shopping, go to the gym & do weights & try to get something done around here. Neighborhood garage sale is next Sat & I will have mine Fri/Sat again. Hopefully a good one to replenish some of the $$ spent on the cruise.

Hoping & praying everyone has a safe, happy 4th! I'm going to do as little as possible this weekend. My goal is to go to the gym M-F & also walk at least 3 of those plus Sat/Sun at least 1x. I will officially weigh tomorrow morning on 7/1 as I weighed on 6/1. Hoping I have lost at least something this month.

Got my 'all clear' from the Gyn! Please keep my Sil in prayers - she is 67 and just diagnosed with lymphoma. My brother is nearly completely blind from diabetes, so it's gonna be rough on them both, but she was given a fairly good prognosis thus far. Also, a young girl my Dsis in FL works with had a double lung transplant a few years back & Monday they discovered 1/2 of 1 lung had 'something' in it. She is a college student and a real sweetheart.

Gotta run! :grouphug: to all!

[goldcupmom]

6/30 - Walked 4.83

stretch machine
assisted pullups/dips - 2 sets ea. x 6 @ 90 lb
butt/hamstring thingy - 2 sets ea leg x 15 x 85 lb
crunch machine - 2 x 12 @ 40 lb
triceps 2 x 12 @ 40 lbs
hanging leg & knee - 2 x 12
biceps 2x12@ 35 lbs
hammer crunch ab machine - 2x10x30lb
back machine - 2x15x40

Calories Burned - 3122
Eaten - 1191
Deficit - 1931
Steps - 17993
Activity - 204 min

So, I'm still going. Weighed today.....169.4 :( So, my first task is to lose 15.4 by Oct 6. That is how much I am up since last October and the flood.

Bummed by the weight this morning & I ate salt & vinegar chips for breakfast. Off to the gym to do weights. Did 4.96 with Sashi this morning, so enough cardio. More later!

[goldcupmom]

So, before I forget what I did today at the gym -

7/1 - weight 169.4 - -0/15.4

walk 4.96 miles
gym - inner/outer thigh - 2 sets x 20 ea @ 85 lbs
rear delt/pec fly - 2 sets x 12 ea @ 30 lbs
assisted pullups/dips - 12 ea @ 90 lb
hanging leg & knee lifts - 2 sets ea of 12
triceps - 2 x 12 x 40 lbs
torso twist - 2 sets x 15 @ 75 lbs
seated row - 2 x 15 @ 40 lbs

Calories Burned - 3100
Eaten - 1180
Deficit - 1920
Steps - 16562
Activity -134

[goldcupmom]

7/2 -
Walk - 4.93
Calories Burned - 2900
Eaten - 1196
Deficit - 1704
Steps - 18436
Activity - 135 min

7/3 -
Walk - 3.93
Calories Burned - 2978
Eaten - 1087
Deficit - 1891
Steps - 20398
Activity - 140 min





7/4 -
Walk - 4.81
assisted pullups/dips - 2 sets ea. x 6 @ 90 lb
butt/hamstring thingy - 2 sets ea leg x 15 x 85 lb
crunch machine - 2 x 15 @ 40 lb
torso twist - 2 ea @ 2x15x75
triceps 2 x 20 @ 35 lbs
hanging leg & knee - 2 x 12
biceps 2x12@ 35 lbs
leg curls - 2x15x35lbs

Calories Burned - 2682
Eaten - 1450
Deficit - 1232
Steps -16524
Activity -136

[goldcupmom]

7/5 -
Walk - 3.09

Calories Burned - 2783
Eaten - 1256
Deficit - 1527
Steps -18199
Activity -127

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, you are doing so incredibly well with your workouts, keep this up and you will lose that 15 pounds my friend!

I find walking is the best calorie burn for me too, its also the one I enjoy the most and given your walking distances, you clearly enjoy it too!


I hope Sashi's foot gets better. Poor little girl!

I think you are wise to not let dd and her "husband" live with you once they are married. Its better for them long term to figure out their own finances and life. Lets face it, as the kids get older the only thing to keep us moms sane is the thought of being empty nesters someday!

Keep up the good work, I will definitely say prayers for your sil and your sister's co worker. I hope her lung maybe just has a cyst or something in it. How scary!

If a casino is how you get dh on the cruise, so be it!

[goldcupmom]

Well, if this last week is any indication, I won't be losing anytime soon. As of this morning I am UP 5.4 lbs! GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!

So frustrating!! And with the garage sale Fri/Sat, I won't make gym this week, and won't be walking F, Sat or probably Sunday.

DSis found out that the co-worker(22) is rejecting one of the lungs (and it has been a few years since she got them. They're trying to stop the rejection at this point. Very tough!

Off to do more GSale stuff! Hoping for a good one!

[toystoryduo]

You are doing a GREAT job with your workouts, Julie!:cheer2: Keep up the good work!:cheer2:

I'm sorry the scale is frustrating you right now. Are you taking measurements too? I've been doing the WATP workouts for a few weeks and I am finding that I'm losing inches more than pounds right now. With all of those workouts you are doing, I bet you are shedding a ton of inches!:banana: Keep on keeping on, my friend!!!:cheer2: The scale will cooperate soon! ::yes::

Sending lots of :wizard::wizard: for your garage sale this weekend! I hope it goes well for you!:goodvibes

Have a wonderful weekend!:hug:

[DisDee]

How's it going Julie? How are those gym workouts? I really need to take a lesson from you and get there more often! Did you have someone design your equipment/weight workout? I need to take care of that too.

Have a great day!

[toystoryduo]

How are you doing, Julie? Hope all is well!:goodvibes

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Julie, I hope the scale is behaving itself better! Just remember the scale sometimes doesn't reflect our efforts and even our true weight. Hang in there!

Hope the co worker of dsis is doing better, is she going to have to have another transplant?

Hope your week is off to a good start!

[DisDee]

Julie, where are you???????

[goldcupmom]

So, I've tried to post 3 different times.....long..... & each time have disappeared. I have given up each time, but will trybti be better. I need it! I will do this in pieces so it will be annoyingly backwards, but maybe stay.

I have been lurking, reading, but not posting. Have had a rough summer.

My weight stinks. As of Friday, I'm still up over 15 lbs from a year ago. And I feel it! For the first time in a long time, I have clothes I wore last year that are tight. Smehow I have to get this back under control.

Caveat: if something reads strangely blame autocorrect!

[goldcupmom]

So, July started off pretty uneventful, but 7/23 my world crashed. Ds22 was in garage working on a friends car & I was the only other one home. Went to feed dogs dinner when sash - in front of me to my right howled. I turned around and max was on his side on the floor. I picked him up, his heart was racing...more like vibrating. Not choking. I screamed, rushed to garage to ds to help and max began to gush blood from nose & mouth. He died in my arms & I can honestly say qlosing him was worse in many ways than losing my parents. I screamed so loudly it woke ds25 who came up held me made me sit down called dh & took max from me & put him in bathroom. I still crynthinking about it. He apparently had an aneurysm. Dh came home about an hour later and buried him for me. 1week later was my birthday & I was still spending most of my time lethargic.

It didn't help that my dsis left on her cruise on my bday & we didnt go together.

8/4 I had a flight to fl. Had a good time. I had it booked way before max, but timing was good. Spent 1 night @ ft wilderness with the nieces, shopped & just tried to relax.

[goldcupmom]

So, Mia was a basket case, I was too, & I decided I needed another pup & Mia needed a friend. I came home from fl with an 11 week old biewer German yorkie. He is from clermont, fl & his name is Mickey! I wanted another yorkie but since they are all very similar in
Looks I couldn't bear another little male. Mickey is tricolor & has a tail. If you are on Facebook there are lots of pictures. Healing, but if we slip & say max, Mia still starts hunting for him & takes max's favorite toys from Mickey & hides them. You would not know where he is buried, & deep due to coyotes, but 3 times, once this week, I have found Mia out back down the hill & laying basically on him, layers of dirt, rock weeds & she just knows.

But, Mickey has been accepted by both she & sash really well.

[goldcupmom]

The biggest news is that on 8/26 ds25 announced that he was moving out:scared1:! He and a friend of his( with wife with 2 kids) are living in a house that the couple needed help with rent. I hope it works out! They are brave! Have known them a long time & 6 yrs ago when he first moved back home he livedon their couch the longest. I am still trying to detox his room.....horrid! Mice living in his mattress & box springs. Trash & droppings everywhere. Praying he is better in their house. So far, so good.

Ds22 is officially the student/youth pastor for the new campus. They opened it 2 weeks ago. He is in his element! Fully employed. But at least on Sunday's he has to drive about 50 miles each way so we cosigned for a cycle loan for him. He & 3-4 friends are planning to rent a house in December/January.

Dd is a sophomore. Still engeged, still working at movie theater, but is weekend is getting phlebotomy certification. Will Look good for med school & good paying.

[goldcupmom]

Dh had issues at work I can't go in to, but very stressful on us both...of course when I was in fl. I th k it is going to be ok. But I am now really stressing about our insurance for next year. 8k deductible before we have coverage of 80/20. Like I have 8k laying around. not even close! So, when we get details, I need to shop for non employer plans. Makes me Ill.

House is a mess with kids packing & a puppy who shreds everything! I leave Thursday morning for nephews wedding in Iowa. Flying to kc & meeting dsis from fl there & I am driving to Iowa. I need to have my fall garage sale 14th & 15th when I get back, so no end to the household chaos. Allergies horrid, & I. Have metatarsalgia and plantar fascitis in Both feet, so my walking, when I get to, is miserable. Dd is having real issues with getting herself off to the bus to unm & it's still too hot here for me to walk later in the morning. Haven't made it to the gym since the cruise.

Dsis & both her Dds & families are taking cruise next 7/21 & I desperately want to go. I think dh is adamantly against. He doesn't like family....not just mine, but al. Just not social at all. I am trying tho. I need people!!!!!! If I didn't talk to my dogs I wouldn't even speak at all many days. Very sad.

My sil in okc has lymphoma & prognosis was good. Just before last chemo developed 102.7 constant fever & they can't find cause. Maybe pneumonia. Her white count is .3. Prayers appreciated. One of her 2 daughters lives in fl & can't stay in okc with her mom & having a hard time as she is an rn & knows the implications.

So, life goes on. I have two get back n track & get weight off. I thi k I may rejoin ww for the umpteenth time when I get back. I am so tired of being the fat one in my family, feeling frumpy and eating for friends. Off to bed!

[Amy&Dan]

Something for sure is wrong with the dis, I am having the same problems and its making me insane!

Anyway, Jullie, I am so glad to "see" you.

I had seen on fb that Max had died but reading about what actually happened made me cry. I am so, so sorry. So glad ds was home to help you and that you weren't alone. Our pups really are part of the family. I am so thankful you have Mickey! When I lost Benjamin I was so devastated and remember telling Dan on the way home from the vet "no more pets" but two days later had found Daisy from a breeder about 250 miles away. I can't explain it to this day but I swear God let me to that dog! I know you will always miss Max but am so thankful you have a new little dog to keep your heart a bit less sad.:hug:

You will get this weight under control! You have a lot of strength and determination and you have been through a lot lately. Just keep on keeping on and don't allow yourself to become too bogged down with "what I weighed x months/weeks/years ago. I do it too and its counterproductive!

I am so glad to hear ds25 has moved out. Good for him and you! Omg that room sounds like a nightmare. You are brave to tackle that!

So sorry about these job woes with your dh. 8k, who in the world has that kind of money around! We did Cobra for about five months due to ds' surgery in 2009 then switched the last few months to private insurance. Saved us a bundle, I got the name from my car insurance/homeowners agent. Call whatever agent you have for that stuff, they can always recommend someone. I will say prayers this works out! God is in control but man is it scary and I totally understand. Hang in there friend!:grouphug:

[toystoryduo]

Welcome Back, Julie! :hug: It's great to see you here!:goodvibes

I am so very sorry for all that you have gone through the past couple of months, especially with Max. :hug: Our furbabies are family and when we lose them, the pain is unimaginable. I am so sorry for your loss, Julie. :hug:

I saw the pictures of Mickey on FB and he is absolutely one of the cutest dogs I have ever seen!:dogdance: I pray that Mickey's love is helping your heart to heal a bit more each day, my friend. :hug:

Your DS25 moved out?!?! I pray that works out for him! How is the cleanup going in his room?

That is great news about DS22's new job! I'm glad that he and your DD are doing well. :goodvibes

I'm sorry to hear about the work issues for your DH. I hear you on the insurance thing! I pray that everything works out!

Sending prayers for your SIL... How is she doing?

I hope you have a great time in Iowa!:hug: I can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back. :goodvibes

Have a great week!:hug:

[goldcupmom]

Wow! I'm back to DIS & it's only been 2 weeks! Yeah, me!!

Life goes on. I rejoined WW today....sadly, I was 174.8:scared1:. But, I was wearing more clothes than I normally would, and had had 2 meals + lots of water. (Wanted a cushion so I can at least lose SOMETHING week 1 :rolleyes1) The things we do!

Fall is finally here and I'm glad I can now go walk mid-morning and not at the crack of dawn. Unfortunately, my feet are dying! I am putting off going to the Dr as the problems I've had before....metatarsalgia and plantar fascitis...unfortunately in both feet. Feels like I am walking on a golf ball in the ball of my feet from the metatarsal issues. Left foot is slowly improving, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the right. Right foot is still miserable. Worse when I first get up in the morning. I bought some inserts at Costco and am trying them. I first had both these problems when I was 16 & had ankle surgery, and they periodically flare. If I don't start seeing more improvement, I'll make an appointment late next week. I HATE wearing shoes all day, tho!

The wedding in Iowa was what I would describe as a cross between the 'what not to wear' wedding and 'my big, fat redneck wedding'. But DSis & I did have a lot of fun!

Off to actually visit a few journals & then MUST start getting ready for my fall garage sale Fri & Sat.

Insurance is truly as bad as it sounded. Makes me ill to think about it. Thank you, Obamacare!

[DisDee]

Julie, I'm so glad to see you around again! I really need to be on here more often and keep up with my friends.

Have yourself a great day!

[Desiree]

It's been a really long time since I've been here and thought I'd pop in and see how you were doing!

I'm so so sorry to read about poor Max. How heartbreaking. I'm so glad your ds was there with you.

I'm chuckling about your description of the wedding. Glad you and DSis had a good time though.

Hope you can get your feet on the mend real soon!

[Amy&Dan]

Oh Julie, I hope your feet are feeling better! I broke my ankle when I was in my early twenties and to this day, I have problems with it. When the feet hurt, well the whole body suffers!:sad2:

Yeah, I have been to some weddings like that in my time too.:rotfl: But so glad you and your sister had fun!

Hope your garage sale goes well!:goodvibes

[toystoryduo]

I hope your feet are feeling better, my friend!:hug:

How did your garage sale go?

I hope you have a nice weekend!:goodvibes

[Amy&Dan]

Hey Julie, how are the feet feeling? Been thinking about you with that and also hope your garage sale was a huge success!

[goldcupmom]

So, it's me again.....still plodding along.......familiar story?

To briefly recap.....ds25 is still moved out....and has a live in girl who is only 19. Seems to be a good/bad thing for him. She is getting him a bit more social, but he is spending money he doesnt have. I have met her a few brief times. Dd says she looks like the typical "scene kid, pot head" from high school. Hope not. But he seems very happy and not as grouchy....time will tell

Dd has changed her major....again, now to medical lab sciences, so she can get a job if she doesn't get in to med school 1st try. Smart move.n but, she will have to go to summer school in order to be able to apply to the program for fall & still graduate on time. So, if we do the cruise with my dsis & her girls/families, dd won't go. So far dh is still against the cruise with them......:sad2:

Garage sale was good. Sold my wii & on black Friday bought a 360 as I realized I like it better for exercise without having to hold controller.

Ds22 doing good. Loves being youth pastor. He & friends still working on renting a house to share. His dgf parents are moving to Denver as the dad finally got a job ....over qualified for everything. Dgf will be finding roommates to move out in aug. Ds22 buddy said they can't sign longer than an 18 mo lease as ds22 will then be getting married when dgf grraduates.nnmy suspicions are true. I really, really like her! So I would guess a diamond next Christmas & wedding summer '13. She is younger than dd but a semester ahead. So, feasibly I could have 2-3 weddings in 1
year:scared1::scared1::scared1:

Feet still hurt. I finally got brave and made an appointment for next Tuesday. My fear is being told to stop walking....not that I have much recently anyway.

Weight was improving til thanksgiving when I lost control. I have to get it back. Sad, but if I could just stay on plan....mostly... Just lose avg of 1 lb/week I could be at goal before my next birthday.....WHY dont I? I need to, I want to, but. I give in to food when I need a friend.....sad, pathetic, but true
That sounds so easy doable....1 lb/ week, buyer all know it's not. Anyone up for a challenge. keep each other on track?

Right now I am in a coffee shop near campus waiting on dd. Had to bring her down as next semester she has to take a class at the community college that is a requirement for acceptance into the med lab program. So next semester we have to figure out transportation since she cant walk between campuses. Fun, fun, fun.

Off to hopefully visit a few journals before dd arrives & I can head home. Love & miss you all!

[goldcupmom]

New journal coming very soon. I need to push the past aside and get this done! Same old story.........one pound a week will get me to goal in about a year, so why have I been struggling for almost NINE Years?????

[DisDee]

Hi Julie!

I WISH you and your family the best year ever!!!!!

[goldcupmom]

New journal, but I don't really know how to link......

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43641218&posted=1#post43641218