Dona's Wish Journal [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

donac

10-15-2010, 07:35 PM

Thanks Tracey for the welcome back.. I never really left but I haven't written a journal in a while.

What a crazy day. I didn't get as much as I should have. A fire in the chem lab sent us out in the cold during my AP calc test. I don't know if I should make a new test, which would be a royal pain, or just give them 15 more minutes. It will probably be 15 more minutes. I got some grading done but not enough.

F wants to see which of her students left my class and how the rest of them are doing. I really don't want her looking at my graddes but I also don't want to cause any trouble. We know that she got a copy of j's test and used that for her class. I just don't understand her. How do you not know how important SOHCAHTOA is to trig. :confused3:confused3

I am so glad the the weekend is here. My eating today was pretty good. I almost took a bagel from the main office but I held back. I know I didn't get enough fruits and veggies in but I didn't overeat or eat anything that I really didn't plan on.

Walking out to the fire drill and walking around for that 20 minutes in the cold was enough for me. Yoga last night killed me. My arms are okay but still tight.

Hope to get my quilt top basted tomorrow morning.

toystoryduo

10-17-2010, 06:40 PM

I'm sorry to hear about the fire in the chem lab. :( Is everyone okay? As far as the testing goes, maybe you can give the students 15 minutes to finish their tests. That would save you the work of having to make up a new test.

I hope you have been enjoying a nice, relaxing weekend. :goodvibes Have a wonderful week ahead!:wizard:

donac

10-19-2010, 03:16 PM

Been a busy couple of days. I wish I could get really hard core back in to exercise like I did a couple of years ago.

Most days I am getting my steps in. Yesterday I got in 16000 but the day before I only got in 7000.

Yesterday I was hungry all day long. I didn't eat as well as I should have.

Today has been better. I just need to get through dinner. I still have to figure it out. I should make some red pepper soup for lunches.

Pretty quiet here. Sean called last night to ask about pulled pork for the Newman house tomorrow night. Then he texted me about crockpot liners being on sale. YOu've got to love him.

I have a pile of papers on my desk at work to grade. Maybe no one will come in tomorrow because I am not giving a test tomorrow. Then I can get some paperwork done. I do have to remember to do some Take 10's for the classes.

Off to get some things done around here.

donac

10-31-2010, 03:10 PM

TIme to Scream
We just got this email:

Hi everyone,

I just confirmed with Mom and Mo this morning during my visit that Thanksgiving will be at my home this year. Mo agreed to drive. I finally got a new oven last year. It will make Mike's drive a lot shorter also. Of course, everyone's girlfriends are invited. I'd appreciate a headcount by Nov. 15 so I can order the fresh turkey through work. I don't know how to make stuffing though and could use some help.

Dennis, Happy Birthday!

kathy

First off she can't cook. Why do I want to go to some place where they don't cook.

Second I have cooked for Thanksgiving for the last 5 years and brought Christmas the last 4. WHy because mom is too frail to travel and dad can't travel too far without stopping at a bathroom. Why all of a sudden can they travel

Third They never even called me and asked me. After all that we have done for his family you would think that they would have the common courtesy to call me.

I want to cry but I can't I am in too much of shock. Dennis is furious. He has already talked to his folks but Mo is not there and she is the one who made the decision with his sister.

I know Dennis doesn't want to go to Kathy since she yelled him the last time we had a holiday there. But he just told me that even if that hadn't happened he still wouldn't want to go to Kathy's. She has shown me a great deal of disrespect.

donac

11-05-2010, 04:37 AM

Good morning.

Dr's appointment did not go the way I wanted it to. It was still not down in the office. Yet at home I got 124/80 on mine. It has been like this for the last two weeks yet it was 140/90. I don't understand it. I know it is usually high when the nurse takes it but when the dr takes it is usually okay. She has told me to monitor this for the next few months and to come back at the end of Feb.

I was not happy and then it was rainy and we had to drive out to see ds2 so my eating was not that great yesterday. we had a great visit with ds. He was telling us about some of his classes. One of his projects is about a cutting edge material used for roads. His group found out about hemp/crete. Concrete with hemp inbedded in it. He is headed to a conference today out in Pittsburgh.

My car is going in the shop today so I will be stuck at home. I am happy about this because then I can do some things around here. I want to reorganize my sewing room but I think that will wait until Christmas vacation. I can't find the types of containers that I want to put my fabric in and I will probably be able to when the Jan reorganization things come out. Those things usually show up as the Christmas stuff goes away.

Off to get somethings done. Have a great day everyone.

donac

11-07-2010, 04:06 AM

What a week it has been. First Kathy's letter. Then Dennis replied

Dear All,
Did anyone at all think that maybe Dona should have been included in the decision to move Thanksgiving?
She has done an awful lot of cooking for the family over the years and even moved the Coffey Xmas dinner to Toms River to make it all more convenient for Mom and Dad.
Doesn't she deserve a little consideration?
How much effort would it have taken to include her in this decision to shift?
If that isn't enough to think about, how about the thought that Mom is too frail to travel or Dad's weak bladder?
Is that all forgotten?
At this point, the W.L.B. Coffey family will not attend this Thanksgiving celebration.
I know that no one set out to hurt Dona's feelings, but they are hurt just the same.
Dennis

I thought Dennis was fair but then Kathy wrote back

Dennis,

I am truly sorry that Dona felt hurt and yourself. I really offered to do this to help her out. I know she has been doing a lot of cooking for the holidays. I felt that I wasn't pulling my share. I did ask Mom last week to see how she and dad felt about the drive if they were up to it. I should have called Dona yesterday after I found out that they were up to it and Mo agreed to drive. It was not a conscious decision to exclude Dona but rather that I'm short of time and didn't think of it.

I have been working six days a week for about six months. I only had time for a brief visit which included updating medical records and paperwork. You might not know that I handle lots of files and records for both of them and arrange some appointments, etc. I know that you have been helping with lots of the yardwork and repairs. We are all trying to help them in our own ways.

Again, I apologize. My intentions were to help not to split the family through an oversight on my part. This email really hurt me as well.
I hope that we all can get over our hurt feelings and look to a joyful Christmas which celebrates family together.

Kathy

It is all about her. we hurt her feelings when she changed Thanksgiving and never THOUGHT to talk to me:confused3:confused3 we later found out that her discussion was about 5 minutes and she wanted people to come to her house because we hadn't been there for a while. Well no one has been to our house for a while and there is a reason for that. Mom and dad can't really travel. especially mom. She takes naps every day and where can she nap at Kathy's house. Well the topper came in yesterday.

Good morning Dennis,

After discussions with Mom this morning, Thanksgiving dinner will be at their home. I am very willing to give up the cooking reins to Dona, who is a much better cook than I. If you can still join the family and Dona wants to cook that would be great! I can revert back to bringing some pies, applesauce, cider, cranberry relish, whatever. To me, the important part of the celebration is that we can give thanks with both of our parents. This is not the case with most of my friends.

Please let me know what you decide and I can plan accordingly.

kathy

Not even an "I'm sorry" She never really said it in her 2nd email so I am not expecting one. We never told my parents we were coming up for the holiday. We said we would decide this by the end of this weekend. Now we feel we have to go. It is going to be very hard to be cordial to someone who has no consideration for someone else's feelings. We are going and I am cooking again but some of the enjoyment is gone out of it.

donac

11-07-2010, 04:18 AM

Had a great time at my Mother's Day present. Saw Michael Finestein last night. What a great show. Even though he did mostly Sinatra there was musical from several of his other albums. The seats were great. It was a nice theater. Seats were comfortable. His knowledge of music and its history always blows me away. He told some great stories about Frank and Sammy

The bad part of the evening we were walking to the parking garage and I heard a click or a pop and my left knee went out. I didn't fall but it just went. I think something is in there maybe some arthritis. I can walk but it is very sore. I don't know how I am going to get my grocery shopping done. It is going to be very slow. It has to be better by Thursday. I can't miss yoga.

Tough night sleeping. I had to sleep on my right side, normally my left. I was up at 3:20 because of daylight savings time. This is going to be a long day. We also have to go out with Mary Ann and Bob. I hope he doesn't go off on teachers. It would ruin the day.

donac

11-20-2010, 01:02 PM

Good afternoon everyone.

I was up early this morning to go grocery shopping. I usually go shopping on Sunday but last Sunday it seemed like people who were shopping had never been in a grocery store. I told my dh that it seemed like there were a bunch of amatuer cooks in the aisles. Parking their carts in the middle of the aisle so no one could get through. Standing and staring at the shelfs like they have never seen them before. I saw someone in the spice aisle this morning staring at the spices for 5 minutes and she was still there when I left the area.

I came home with a large turkey for the 11 or 12 people I am cooking for. Turkey is in a pan in the frig starting it's defrost.

TOnight dh and I are going to a friend's 50th birthday party. His wife celebrated her 50th a couple of years ago. He knew she loved surprises so he planned a big party for her. I was on the planning committee. We had a partial pot luck and she loved it. But everytime he sent out an email he told us that he didn't want a surprise party. I don't know how this is going to work out. She told me that it is only 10 people. We seem to think that she means 10 couples. We shall see. It is at their house so it can't be as big as her party. I hope he isn't too mad. Dh did not tell him but told him to be on the lookout for any and everything

Yesterday was a little surprising. We were the only parent who showed up. But their reception was some subs and ds is very picky about what is on his sub so I am glad we took him out to an early dinner. It was also nice to have a relaxing day. Next week will be pretty crazy with 2 1/2 days.

Off to get some things done before we have to go. If I missed anyone HI:dance3: Have a great evening everyone.

mikamah

11-21-2010, 10:59 AM

Hello Dona!!

I was just lurking the wish board and saw your journal. I think about starting one, and never do.

I can't believe your sil! How frustrating, and now you are going to do it all again. You are a saint. I know I would not be as patient as you. It is so nice your dh stands up for you.

I hope you are able to enjoy your time with your mil and fil, and i hope they appreciate all that you do for them. I'm sure they will be very happy to be able to stay in their home again.

Happy Thanksgiving week!!

donac

11-25-2010, 06:39 AM

I am so worried about today. How can I be nice to Kathy after her blowing me off that way. I hope that I can keep my cool.

Turkey is in. Potatoes are going in next into the crockpots. Stuffing will go in about 10 and then the rest comes down and gets nuked at the house.

I know the food is going to be good and the boys will be with us. ALex will not and I am a little dissappointed with that but very glad that they made a grownup decision to split up so that they could both see their relatives.

Off to get some things done

Will be back later,.

toystoryduo

11-26-2010, 05:01 PM

How did your Thanksgiving turn out? Did Kathy apologize? I hope the day went well for you. :goodvibes

How is your knee feeling? I hope it's feeling much better!:wizard:

Have a wonderful weekend!:goodvibes

donac

11-27-2010, 06:46 AM

Thanksgiving is over. Now on to Christmas.

AS Dennis says "Get over Kathy and ignore her." She never said a thing to me all day Thanksgiving. She never spoke to Dennis or the boys. She can plan things with everyone else except my family. She was telling MaryANn about talking to Mike in KC but couldn't call me about Thanksgiving. I guess I have to take Dennis's attitude. It is her problem. She is not getting to know our sons and it is her loss.

The food was fine at Thanksgiving. I was so angry at MaryANn and Mo. I helped put the food away but I was not going to wash dishes. So no one helped Kathy. That is her problem. They are her sisters. If she can't ask them for help then I am not going to do it.

Yesterday went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Since I hadn't reread that book in so long I thought I wouldn't rememer anything but I did. It was great. I can't wait until the last one is here. It should be a lot of fun.

I also got the pillowcases out of the house. They were all washed and dried. Finished folding them up at Francine's house. We packed up pillowcases for jersey shore, monmouth medical and the regional group. Had enough Christmas for the two hospitals and some for the regional group. I have some Christmas fabric left over and I will put it away and work on it next year.

I sat down last night and pulled what I had for the workshop. I think I have to put things into some sort of order tomorrow and see if I should add anything. I had a lot more than I thought so I think I am in good shape. I do have to sit down with Dennis and look at the tangrams. Monday morning I need to organize all the stuff I need to bring with me to the workshop and sit and hope that the copy room is working so that I can make my copies first thing Monday morning.

Today I need to quilt. I still haven't talked to Dennis about going up to mom's house today. He has a mind like a sieve and never remembers that we usuallly go up on the weekend. He may not go for it. He has gotten very stuborn in the last couple of years. If we don't plan something a week in advance then it may not fly. I was too busy over the weekend to think about it.

I woke up yesterday morning with my knee feeling great but as soon as I started feeding the dog and moving around it started to feel like a knife in my knee. Aleeve doesn't cut the pain when I am moving. If I am just sitting it is not too bad and if I sit long enough the pain goes away but as soon as I start to move it starts to hurt. I guess I better call a doctor.

Off to get some things done.

donac

12-02-2010, 05:00 PM

Got to see a doctor today about my knee. He thinks it is torn minuscus. If it is not too bad then I may not need surgery. Need to go for an MRI Hopefully I can schedule one early next week.

Here's hoping that I don't need surgery.

donac

12-04-2010, 01:39 PM

Haven't been on too much. Sorry but this knee has me down. I have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

I am sitting here wondering about our finances since tuition is due dec 15th. I know we have money but why do I have to pay it two weeks before Christmas. This so minor compared to what other people here are going through. I just keep saying only three more semesters. We are also lucky that he has an academic scholarship and his GPA is so high I know he is not going to lose it now.

Sorry I was up at 2:30 this morning and I think that and my knee is just getting to me.

We have been so blessed in our lives that it really bothers me when I complain. It is just I thought we had enough money from the summer loan and I don't know where he spent it all this summer. It was just gone.

I just wish we had some more money inthe bank but I know I am so much luckier than other people. I just worry about next year when my paycheck is going to go down. I know that there will be no raise and we will have to pay more for health insurance.

I just had to vent.

donac

04-09-2011, 02:50 PM

Here it is 4 months later and I still have the same concerns.

I have been okay with my eating but not so much with my exercise. I have only lost about 5 pounds since January.

My knee was diagnosed as having a torn meniscus, torn cartiledge, arthritis and a stress fracture. It is doing okay. some days more painful than others. My other knee is still bothering me sometimes.

I am so down right now. It looks like we won't be going on any vacation this summer and maybe not next summer either. I should be happy that we both have jobs and that we two wonderful children. we are being responsible adults and trying to pay down our bills but it stinks to being responsible. I think that makes it worse. When I know that I should be happy but I just don't feel it.

I need to do somethings around here and maybe I would feel better.

I need to write out my feeling here more.

I wil be back.

donac

04-10-2011, 03:06 PM

I have lost a friend and it hit really hard today. After not seeing Fred for a while it was not so bad. But seeing him today was very hard. He is so angry. He feels someone is spreading lies about him. I have never heard anyone say anything bad about the man. I don't know what is going on but I am very sad about it.

There was nothing at info age but garbage. Where are the costumes?

This will pass.

donac

04-15-2011, 03:42 AM

Sometimes it seems like we're always putting off our goals until some vague time in the future called "Once". "Once the New Year rolls around...", "Once I have my new job...", "Once I retire...", "Once the kids are in school...", "Once the kids are OUT of school..." Sound familiar? By waiting for Once to get here, we waste time and frustrate our desire to do what we really want. It's a fact of life that every time one potential distraction disappears, it's quickly replaced with a new one. There will always be something that can stand in your way - if you let it. Ask yourself: are these distractions real reasons, or just good excuses for putting something off? Goals cannot be started in the future. The laws of time and nature dictate that you can only act in the present. You are here, today. So are your goals. The only good time to start is right now.

I need to keep this in mind. I feel like I have been just drifting along since Jan. I need to get my act together.

donac

06-27-2011, 05:56 PM

Our weekend of camping had some good and bad points.

We were driving up with some friends. we thought that we were leaving at 1 but they called and we didn't leave until 2:15 and at that we had to go back to their house for something before we hit the road.

We got to the camp and unloaded our gear and set up our cots and chairs. We used the tents that the scouts will use next week. They were set up the first week in June.

We had gotten a call before we left that we could not go tubing. With all the rain and snow melt this season the river was running very fast. A normal 3 hour trip would only take 1 hour. So no one was tubing. they were letting people raft but they were very cautious about that. I did not want to do that. I can swim but I prefer lakes and pools. I was afraid of water until I was about 10 and I still have a very big fear. I have never rafted and I didn't want to start this past weekend. Besides the water was COLD. I hate cold water.

We had dinner at a little place that my dh and his friend go to every year. I had a great grilled veggie panini but it was too big and I took some of the bread off and just ate the veggies. Then we met up with some other people who had also come up for the weekend. Dh had a beer and chocolate cake. I had 2 bites of it but that was all since I thought it was too dry.

I had a great night sleep and we got up almost at 7. All meals were included in our reservation because the kids were starting to come up to get the camp ready for summer camp. It was really nice that they had fresh fruit for every meal. I missed the make your omlet on Sat and had pancakes. For lunch they had sandwiches but also some hot dishes, one of which was grilled veggies.

After breakfast dh and I went for a hike around the lake. It was little bit more than I wanted to do but I made it. Dh stepped in one spot and almost lost both his sandles. He got them back and had to wash them off before he proceeded on the rest of the hike. We got back to the campsite (which was uphill and I layed down for a few minutes and next thing I knew it was 45 mnutes later.

After lunch we went to Bushkill Falls. It is called the Niagra of PA. I have been there before. We did one of the shorter hikes but it was beautiful. Since they had so much water the falls were beautiful. SO much water rushing down. If I get a chance I will post a couple of pictures.

We got back in time for dinner. They had prime rib and I added a salad. We skipped dessert since we had ice cream as a snack at the falls.

After dinner we went back to the campsite and I knitted while a couple of other people read. We had a campfire and I only had one smore.

Yesterday was another story. we packed up before breakfast (old boy scout habit that dh has). We left soon after breakfast (scrambled eggs and fruit). Our friends were driving. They wanted to go to their cabin in NY state because friends of theirs were up there and told them that the porch had some problems. Our friends are going up in two weeks to fix it so they wanted to stop and see what they needed to bring up. we thought we were only going for a quick stop. My gf started walking the property. We were there for an hour. After we left there we had to stop for lunch sinceit was now 12. We never got home until 4. It was along time in the car.

I did a lot of walking, especially up hill and a lot of steps at the falls so I was very stiff yesterday. I am feeling better today but I was very sore yesterday.

We had a good time but we decided that I am not going with our friends in 2 weeks to work on their cabin. We thought it would be good to keep her our of the guys hair but we found out another couple were going up so it was getting too crowded. Dh may go up but I think he is still thinking about it.

We had a great time and got to know some scouters that we never knew before. I will do this again next year. It was nice not to have to cook.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

Have a nice evening.

PRINCESS VIJA

06-27-2011, 08:41 PM

Hi Dona,

sounds like you had a nice weekend, with lots of exercise. Sounds like so much of it was also relaxing. Love the campfires. and only one smore.... outstanding!

donac

06-28-2011, 05:37 PM

Knee very sore this morning. It was feeling so good yesterday I don't know what happened but I guess this is the way it goes.

Rotten night sleep the last couple of nights. Dennis has been snoring a lot no matter how he sleeps.

We did find a paint for the house.

Went to the wake for Mary Ann F's mother.

Breakfast cheerios and milk and some almonds
Lunch shrimp and macaroni salad lemonade
dinner pork chop green beans and roasted potatoes
snack apple and almond butter some chocolate chips some grapes

I need to stay away from the chocolate chips

Cleaned the kitchen counter today and I have more room for things

Have to wash the table runner and baby quilts since the cats barfed on them.

Still need to wash the dishes from dinner and then work on BL stats.

donac

06-30-2011, 05:56 AM

Good Thursday morning everyone.

Spent the afternoon yesterday pciking blueberries. I went with a friend. She brought along her 2 daughters and their 3 cousins. It was very sunny and almost too hot since we didn't leave until 12:30. We ended up in a patch where you had to search for the ripe ones. There were a lot that still had to ripen so it was a little slow going. She had gone the day before and was in another section that needed to be picked since she got a full bucket by herself in 45 minutes. The ones she got on the first day were very sweet. The ones we were getting yesterday were a little tart just the way I like them so I got all the berries yesterday. I got 49 pounds. I put them in the freezer and have them all winter long in smoothies. Today's job is to get them into the freezer.

Today is my youngest's birthday. He turns 21. How did I get so old? He is coming home today to celebrate. His gf is coming on Sat morning so we can go into the city. We are going with our sons and their gfs to see Wicked. We still have to decide how we are getting into the city and where we are going to eat.

QOTD, Wednesday June 29th: water. how do you get your water in each day? drink glasses throughout the day? fill a water bottle? drink it by a certain time?

I always have a water bottle with me. When I am at school they have a frig with ice and water so I fill up my bottle a couple of times during the day. I can't drink too later because then I will be up and down all night.

Disney QOTD, Wednesday June 29th: When was your last trip to Disney? (WDW, DL, DCL, AbD) When is your next trip?? tell us a little something about it!

My last trip was 2 years ago. I was recovering from bunion surgery. I was recovering fairly quickly and inthe middle of July (3 weeks from the surgery) my dh says "Why don't we go to DW?" I had the plane and the rooom, with a discount, booked within an hour. We had a great time. It was the first time it was just us in a long time.

Our next trip was just decided on Father's Day. My dsis and her dh are DVC members. They are thinking about using their points for a 3 bedroom at BLT. It sleeps 13 so all the kids could also bring their friends. BLT is the one place I have wanted to stay. It is on my to stay list. It will be next Aug. We will be celbrating ds2's graduation from college. We have traveled together before but never stayed at the same hotel before so I don't know how this is going to work.

Off to get some things done around here.

Have a happy and healthy day.

donac

07-02-2011, 05:44 AM

Good Saturday moring everyone

Just a short note. We leave at 8:30 to go to the city to see Wicked. I can't wait. The only bad part is that a friend can't wait to talk to me about it and she is one of those people with unbelievable memory. She can pick something apart like you would not believe. I like to take in the entire thing.

We are going to eat at Ellen's Stardust Dinner. Burgers and things. We will be doing a lot of walking in the city so that should help.

Friday's QOTD - With everyone going places and attending parties this weekend, does anyone have any foods that they make that are on the healthier side, or that they alter to make them healthier? If so, please share.

I may make a veggie try for my friend's house. That is the only party we are going to.

Friday's Disney QOTD - Have you ever been to WDW, DL or on DCL during the 4th? If so, was there anything special about that trip that you enjoyed?

I hate very large crowds so we have never been there on a holiday and have no plans to go on special days like that.

Maria Dona -- We're awaiting ds's final report card which will be mailed. He told us he doesn't want to know the grades if they come while he's in Missouri this week. I don't blame him, he should relax and let those finals go. Next year he has algebra. We are quickly approaching the point where I cannot help with math. I took Trig, but I have no idea how it works. That must have been a blessing in your house when your guys were younger -- I'm sure they never got to a level you couldn't understand!

Good luck on his report card. I have been out of college 34 years so when ds got past calc 2 in college I turned to him and said "You are on your own. I can no longer help you. It has been too long"

On the other hand when the boys would ask us to read their papers we realized that if we could spot the mistakes they must be pretty bad. We are not great writers.

Off to get some things done before we leave. We are taking the train in. It is $30 per person to ride 10 minutes and get the train. If we wanted to drive and take a ferry it would be $18 per person, ferry parking, tolls and gas and it would take the same amount of time so we are taking the train.

Have a happy and healthy day.

donac

07-04-2011, 07:27 PM

Happy 4th of July

SOrry I didn't get on yesterday. With ds2 going back it was quiet and I just tried to enjoy it. I did feel a little sad with ds going back. It was rainy most of the day and I did enjoy that.

We had a great time on Sunday. The train left at 9:15 and we were in the city by 10:45. We walked to Ellen's Stardust dinner by 11:10 (18 blocks in 25 minutes). I thought it was too loud. If we weren't so close to the speaker I might have enjoyed it a little more. The food was okay. Dh had a turkey wrap that had turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce. I may try to make it at home one day. He liked it.

We had some time so we walked back to Times Square and went to the Disney store. Very nice. It is 2 stories so we got separated from the kids and I was able to text them to see where they were. Dh and I were downstairs waiting for them. On the wall to our left every now and then something else would be projjected on the wall above the skyline of NY. Once it was tigger and pooh, Another time it was fireworks, another time Tinkerbell, another time the lanterns from Tangled. There was also a tree with projections on it, from frogs to fairies to bambi characters.

We then went to the M&M store and loved it. We then went to the Hershey store. I did not buy anything in both stores.

Wicked was wonderful show. The number at the end of the first act was amazing. I love the way it foreshadows Wizard of Oz. If you haven't seen it try and get there.

Ds read the train schedule wrong so we kind of rushed to get back to the train station but we ended up with a half an hour wait.

We are going to a friend's house for the 4th. The pool has been closed for the last year so I miss that. I am bringing a veggie platter so that I have something to eat. I may bring my knitting to keep my hands busy.

Have a happy and healthy 4th.

My day has taken a different turn. My gf who has hosted a 4th of July party for over 14 years is not having it this year. I invited her and her dh to come over for dinner. I went out and got a few things and just have a few things to do. I am keeping it simple, chicken legs, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggies and dip and nachos and salsa. My gf is bringing dessert which she can then bring home with her.

I am enjoying just sitting here watching 1776. I love the movie since it took almost all the original cast from Broadway. I have seen the movie many times and seen the theater production a couple of times. It is a hard show to do since there are only 2 female roles. Most high schools never do it but it is powerful show.

Have a safe evening.

Breakfast fruit salad milk and bagel.
lunch potato salad blueberry cobbler
snack almonds

Didn't do too bad with dinner. Some chips, veggies, hamburger, hot dog and a chicken leg. Did have a wine cooler and a pepsi then two cookies.

donac

07-05-2011, 09:52 PM

We just got a phone call from my sil about my dnephew. I feel bad for him but I also feel bad for my dh because he is getting involved in something that he was involved with over 20 years ago.

His one sister was diagnosed as a manic/depressive over 20 years ago. We tried to help her to make it easier on his parents. we paid a couple of her bills. we distanced ourselves from the problem for a few years because we were raising our boys. She went through the usual of taking medication and not that they all seem to go through. She has been pretty stable the last few years. We are even helping her out by mowing her lawn even though she lives 40 minutes away.

Her son went through some health issues when he was younger with seizures. About 5 years ago stress got the better of him and he was hospitalized for a while. The other day we found out that he had lost his job of 11 years and we had no idea why. tonight one of my other sil's called us and filled us in.

He has been having problems for a few months now. He got engaged in feb and we thought things were going well. Apparently not. He did not get the promotion he thought he was going to get in May and things have been going downhill from there. Last week he was fired because he broke some equipment. He was not arrested but he doesn't have a job. His fiance wanted him to go to the doctor but he has been refusing to do so. She is telling everyone that he has changed. we don't know what is going to happen there.

Now my nephew is home with his mother. My dh is going down tomorrow without me to see what is going on. I know dh is not going to sleep tonight

Please pray for our family. thanks

donac

07-27-2011, 12:02 PM

Nephew is starting to feel better and his is living with dsil.

Went to mow her lawn and he is still living there. ONLY he brought more stuff with him that is now in the backyard which slows us up when we are mowing.

But the thing that really got to me was the lawn needed mowing and he made no push towards doing it. I know they didn't know we were coming but he was out kayaking. We haven't kayaked all summer and here we were cutting his mom's lawn. I did get upset but we got the lawn mowed. dennis knew I was upset.

The killer of the entire morning was dsil asked Dennis to install a smoke detector. Dennis told her to have her son do it. I don't know if he would have done it if he hadn't seen how upset I was when we started mowing.

We are painting the back of the house this afternoon.

dennis is starting to pack on thursday and friday for his trip to the Smokey mountains. I can't wait. I have nothing planned for the week except to bring up my sewing maching and sewing all week.

I am hoping it is cool enough during the next week to start to get into daily exercise again. I really need it.

PRINCESS VIJA

07-28-2011, 09:46 PM

Wow Dona, hugs to you with all that you have going on. I hope that you do get a chance to start execising. This weather has been tough on getting out and exercising. Your trip to NY sounded great. I hope to get out there someday!

Enjoy your sewing time! DH and DS are going to a boundary waters canoe trip and as much as I am going to miss my boys, I am looking forward to some Mommy and daughter time. Hoping we both have great weeks coming up!

donac

08-09-2011, 06:33 PM

Went for a walk with Dennis this evening. 1.84 miles. It was pretty slow but it was hot humid and I also had to think about my knee. It was a little achy by the end of the walk and I am sitting here icing it.

Good start.

donac

08-10-2011, 05:50 AM

Got in 13525 steps yesterday

Didn't do too bad with eating but need to do better.

Yoga tonight

Thinking about going to a hotel next weekend. I don't know if we will even go to Cape May next week. Would really like to finish painting the house.

Sean needs to move on Friday so we are going down there. So there is a day we lose painting.

Everyone will be home on Saturday. we could get a lot of things done if we all work together. We shall see.

Just found out my schedule is the same as June but I also got a junior field person. I really didn't want one but I can't say no now.

Spent 1 1/2 crocheting last night.

donac

09-01-2011, 02:56 PM

Sept 1 Day 1

yesterday I got 13000 steps in while in Cape May today was not as good a day.

I feel absolutely lousy. I did okay at breakfast but snacked all day

I feel like I am coming down with something. I have a headache and my back hurts. My feet are killing me. I think it is these new sneakers. I don't know what I am going to do.

I have no idea what to make for dinner.

I am not sleeping well these days and I really don't know why. Maybe I getting back into a routine will help.

donac

09-02-2011, 05:59 PM

Sept 2 Day 2

Yesterday I had 9000 steps. Not what I wanted but not bad. My feet hurt so bad that I really couldn't walk too much.

Today I got 15000 steps. It helped that we mowed Maryann's lawn. Dennis even cut down the low hanging branches that have been bugging me since I started mowing. He even got rid of the one that I keep banging my head on.

I did a little more walking because I had to put all the equipment away while Dennis mowed some of our lawn.

My eating was not great today. I had an okay breakfast but then ate at the school's breakfast. But for lunch I only had a fiber one bar. We didn't even stop for a soda on the way home from the lawn.

except for the walking I have done no other exercise. I really need to get back into this.

donac

09-04-2011, 04:58 AM

Sept 3 Day 3

I did absolutely nothing yesterday. I am so upset with myself. ddennis was gone all day long and I still did nothing.

donac

09-04-2011, 05:02 AM

Sept 4 Day 4

I think I might want to start some planning in writing and maybe it will help me get motivated.

I really don't want to go grocery shopping today. I have some chicken legs in the freezer so I think I have something for dinner. I think I will go into Red Bank this morning and hit the farmer's market after church.

to work on

Socks
mom's quilt

PRINCESS VIJA

09-05-2011, 09:05 PM

Hey Dona!

You started out very strong on day 1! Keep it going, and just remember, each good choice adds up. The walking sounds great. As a teacher I bet you get lots of steps in. I wish I could monitor my steps. pedometers just don't seem to work for me. Glad to see they work for you.

How was the farmer's market? Don't you just love the fresh veggies? It always looks so good.

Hope all is going well today, hopefully writing down your plan will help. That will help you get some goals in mind and a path to reach your goals.

Hang in there!:flower3:

donac

09-06-2011, 03:56 AM

Sept 6 Day 6

I got some great stuff at the farmer's market. The frig is cleaned out and there is a lot of good stuff in there.

First day of school. I don't know why I am so nervous about it. Maybe it is Joanne. I know she is nervous about teaching calc for the first time. I never realized last year she was so into preplanning. she has already planned out the next 3 weeks. Maybe it will be good for me.

The last couple of days have not been as good as they could have been. Maybe it was because I never went away and I was just enjoying myself.

Plan for today
Pack my lunch
get through the first day of school
socks

lisah0711

09-29-2011, 07:02 AM

Congratulations on being the Biggest Loser this week! :flower3:

donac

11-08-2011, 07:39 PM

"Do It Anyway"

"People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway..."

donac

12-19-2011, 05:24 PM

Every time I see someone else I am asked to pray for someone they know. THerer are so many people in and out of the hospitals I can't keep them straight. It makes me think about how lucky we are and then it makes me feel sad because we are so lucky.

THe new year is coming. I need to get my act together.

donac

12-20-2011, 08:40 PM

Today was an okay day.

Sean came home from college. He will be here until the 2nd when he leaves for Gambia. He will be gone for 11 days. He comes home the Friday before school starts. At least he has the weekend to get some rest time before classes start.

I need to get some new shoes. The ones I got in Sept are really bothering my feet. My foot is so cramped that it has gone into my calf muscle. I won't wear those shoes for a while. I see to be doing better with really flat shoes. At least my Teva sandals seem to be okay with my feet.

I almost killed Dennis tonight. We had to TALK over what we still needed but he didn't want to go when I wanted to go. If I had known that I was going to go by myself I would have gone on my way home from school. But it is done and all that is left is some cards I have to finish up (most are done but there are always some left overs), wrap presents and finish up the food for Sunday.

All I have heard the last week has been bad news but today Louise told me some good news. My favorite guidance counselor is pregnant and is due in March. I haven't seen her in a while so I wouldn't have noticed. I have to find some pink material and make her a quilt. Her husband is a great vp and I worked with him when he was a teacher so I am very happy for them.

I am so disappointed with not finishing my mom's quilt. I think I am going to sew around the edge and trim and bring it up to show it to her dena and sophie. I know they will all appreciate it.

Off to finish watching chopped and then off to bed.

donac

03-11-2012, 05:21 PM

I just wanted to bump this up so that may be I will be more inclined to journal.

donac

04-01-2012, 03:33 PM

April 1st.

For the last two months I have averaged over 10000 steps per day.

Feb 290000 steps

March 366000 steps.

It has helped that I was working on Annie Get Your Gun and the 50th anniversary at shore.

Let's see if I can keep it up. It is going to be difficult.

donac

04-07-2012, 03:23 PM

Good Saturday morning everyone.

Sorry I have not been on the last couple of days. Thursday I had to get ready for the last day of school. I had to pack some things up to give to a couple of people. I had made my friend some wool socks and I wanted her to have them before she left for Scotland to visit her daughter. I also had to pack up a blanket and baby sweater that I had made for a couple in the school who had a baby.

Yesterday ds2 came home for Easter. He is excited about graduation coming up. He was telling me that he got his cap and gown and about the classes he is taking this summer to start his masters. It is an exciting time for him but it make me a little sad to know that he is moving on and won't be moving back here when he graduates next month. But I keeping telling myself that it is what a mother does hope for.

I need lots of PD for ds1. There are lot of rumors about positions at his job but nothing has been posted yet. Please send the PD that things work out for him. Then maybe he will move out too. (he's sloppier than his brother and has been home for 3 years now so it is time for him to move out).

We have had a controversy this weekend. My nephew is getting married in June. Ds1 is in the wedding party. DS1 has been dating his gf for almost 8 years now. His invitation did not include his gf. we called his cousin and her invitation was for her and a guest. I think my ds is going to call his cousin. It was also pretty funny that my sons invitations were sent to their grandparent's house 30 miles away and my bil's kids got their but my bil did not get his yet.

We also have to decide where we are going to stay. We would like to stay with bil but he and his family are staying 10 miles away. When we checked out that place we did not get the same price they did. We got a price that was about the same price as the place where the reception is. I think it would be nice to be able to just go up to the room. But it would also be nice to visit with bil (they live in Kansas) so we have to think about this.

Well I have to get to the grocery store before it gets too crazy. I only need a couple of things for tomorrow. I am cooking a ham and an orange chiffon cake.

Have a happy and healthy day.

To make the day Kevin was accepted for his Masters at Univ of Nebraska and Sean got info about graduation.