Biggest Loser Princess and Tinker Bell 2011 and 2012 -- OLD please see NEW thread

[dumbo_buddy]

just got back from a SIX mile walk! woot! it is really humid today so i decided to walk rather than run. since thomas decided 5am was a good time to get up this morning, i left him with john around 6am to go to the ATM because apparently i still owe the beach club we belong to $35 for the raffle that is mandatory to buy tickets for.

dunkin donuts was just calling my name so i stopped and got john a breakfast sandwich and got a buttered bagel for thomas and me to share (aka i ate 3/4 of it).

so yeah, buttered bagel and a six mile walk and i'm probably still not even for the day. lol!

 

[liesel]

Kathy-My "healthy" meal at Chilis is to get the chicken fajitas without the tortillas (340 cal just for the tortillas ). You are supposed to skip the cheese and sour cream too, but I can't resist. I hope you enjoy your summer with Michael.

Taryn-Your story made me laugh! I know you'll make it through all your school stuff. Have fun at WDW!

Lindsay- I would have been furious as well. Good job getting back on the wagon, I'm sure you'll do well this week.

Maria- You've accomplished so much, I know you can do anything! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. Great job with the running!

Rose- You are very brave and such an inspiration. Its good to hear that you are working out how to get Tom his meds. I hope Mike's job hunt works out. That's so great that you Mike and Tom are doing a 10K together for the 4th.

LisaH-Watching an Ironman sounds like fun. When we were living in Hawaii 7 years ago (only for 6 months, but a total blast!) the Honolulu Marathon ran past our apartment. The energy from 25,000 people was amazing and I turned to DH and said I wanted to do something like that someday. Now here I am training for my first half!

Nancy-Pregnant you are still a faster runner than me! I'm glad the party went well and Happy Belated Anniversary!

*********

Well I went out for my long slow 3 mile run on Sunday and man was it hot! I decided to run at the local middle school outdoor track so I could keep better track of my intervals-run 1 lap (.25 mi), walk 30 sec (1 min after each mile). I did a very slow jog to compensate for the heat and the fact that I hadn't run for 3 weeks with vacation and DH traveling. I still managed to keep a 16 min/mi pace, which gives me hope that I can be under pace for the Tink. The best part was that I could easily maintain a conversation (lots of other runners out there), I wasn't tired when I took my walk breaks during the first 2 miles, and I finished strong with no pain! I told DH this and he said, "now you just have to go 10 more miles." I don't want to think about that yet! DH and I are doing a 4 mile run on the 4th of July-our first run together. We don't train together since one of us is watching the kdis. He can go 3 miles without stopping so I told him to feel free to ditch me, but I think he plans to keep with me the whole time.

The funniest part about my run was that when I got there I saw a paramedic truck. I thought, "all right who told them I was going out for a run!" The paramedics passed me twice (I did pass them once at the end during their cool down ), but I didn't let that make me feel bad. Its their job to stay in shape! The whole thing made me think of Kathy and the workers outside her house.

As for the AP thing, I do subscibe to Mousesavers, but I didn't get the email until after the camping trip. They announced the rate increse on Friday and did it on Sunday, and I was off camping the whole time! I was so used to the August price increase and was waiting until then to purchase the APs just before the prices went up. I can't believe they are now $50 more per person! LisaH-they don't have the nonexpiring hoppers at DL. We are still planning on getting APs and using them for our Oct trip, the Tink, and a post Carsland trip in maybe Sept or Oct 2012. I do have $200 in Disney Rewards saved so far, so that should help.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, and !

Lisa -- I think I'd have a great time running if I could watch paramedics while I did it Good job getting out there, it's all about the babysteps. Just take it slow, and before you know it you will be doing 10M at once!

Nancy -- 6M! Did you forget you're pregnant?! You are definitely creating a little runner there -- it's a good thing your so active so you will be used to it when you are running after 2 The mom thing is tough, and so complex -- sometimes it just helps to talk, even if it's not really going to change. I'd like to think that realizing what a precious gift a child is makes us great moms -- and sometimes our life experiences make us come to that realization easier. I compare myself to my boss who has 2 daughters adopted from China -- she is definitely more into every moment of her daughters lives than I am. But I digress. My point, and I did have one, is that your personal experience will drive you to be a fantastic mom, Thomas and BronxBaby (ok, what are you calling the Little Blessing as a nickname right now?) are lucky indeed!

Lindsay -- As long as you got a "makeup" something, it's all good! I'm sure he was very sorry, and you are acting very mature about the whole situation. I tend to fall on the "drama queen" side, I think it helps the marriage that my dh is vaguely afraid of me... Just Kidding, honestly. I did not know about the courting ritual of showing the back of the underwear -- that is one of those moments you can't buy, it's just too precious!

Kathy -- Today was Ben's last day, too, another half day. So far he has amused himself by going on all 4 subway lines (in Downtown Crossing, the last thing I want is a call telling me he decided to check out Forest Hills ), then going to Revere Beach. I'm sure he'll make it home eventually. It's hard to let him have this much freedom -- he has to text me everytime he gets to another destination, so at least I know where he is.

Taryn -- I love the bag labelling system for the clothes. We've been doing it with ds since back when I was still picking out his clothes. It was just so easy to grab a bag and dress him. It is so much better to have those discussions at home instead of on vacation! My niece is coming for a visit in July, and she has started wearing a bra (turned 12 in May), it's going to be interesting to see if she is all coordinated, hiding as much as possible or trying to let the straps be shown. She did look like a board, but her mother's a DD, so it will be interesting to see if she's showing those signs yet. Actually, I kind of hope not because ds will be way embarrassed.

Rose -- Go Gamecocks! I hope you really enjoy the game! I hope Tom's able to get his meds regulated quickly, so you can settle into a "normal". Forgot to tell you all--my Fairy Godmother was on GMA this morning. They did the my three words segment and it was a video of these three little girls behind the castle with MFG with the words--Bippity, Boppity, Boo. I totally started crying--I'm kind of mess this week! Goodness! Anyhow, it was very exciting! Ok, I confess, I don't know what this means?

Lisah -- I don't think I've ever inspired anyone to do anything, so I'm glad at least it was for something healthy for you! Great job exercising on your non-day!

AFM: I am feeling much better today. I woke up and ran 2M, which wasn't pretty but it was good to move. I have my healthy breakfast and lunch, with burgers on tap for dinner. DH told me he has a 4:30 meeting, which means I'll get home around 6. This gives me less time to eat things I shouldn't, so now I won't have to deal with that issue.

I have to confess I have a new guilty pleasure. I seem to have become addicted to "Toddlers and Tiaras". I just can't stop watching it. It's creepy and cooky, mysterious and spooky, altogether ooky, but I can't turn away from the train wreck.

Ok, gotta do a little work...

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi Lisa--how many calories was that tortilla! Goodness. Was that more than one tortilla?

Lindsay--I'm glad you and DH worked everything out. I'm guessing the whole thing just really scared you--it would have scared me to see Mike out of control and not knowing what was up with my kid. And when I'm scared I tend to get really angry. Anger seems to be an easier emotion to deal with than fear. Did he have a really nasty hangover?

Taryn--getting excited for you!

Have to get to bed, just wanted to share a thought I had earlier today -- some day our boys are going to be on a message board, all discussing why they can't find wives who are as wonderful as their mothers...I guess we'd better keep Taryn on speed dial!

Feeling a little better, hoping to run slowly tomorrow. Hoping to sleep well tonight since I haven't since last week...

Maria

This cracked me up! I just hope I get along with whoever it is.

Kathy--I hope Michael enjoyed his last day of school.

Nancy--woohoo for six miles!

Liesel--sounds like the track was fun.

Forgot to tell you all--my Fairy Godmother was on GMA this morning. They did the my three words segment and it was a video of these three little girls behind the castle with MFG with the words--Bippity, Boppity, Boo. I totally started crying--I'm kind of mess this week! Goodness! Anyhow, it was very exciting! [/I] Ok, I confess, I don't know what this means?

So my three words is this thing thing they do on Good Morning America where you videotape someone holding up three words and they play music. The videotapes are just a few seconds and they show a whole bunch at once. So the one on Saturday was behind Cinderella's castle with three little girls. It was so cute. Someone knew I needed to see My Fairy Godmother, I think.

*******
Long, long, long day. I skipped my run--still not sleeping and I think I am fighting a virus. I got so frustrated at work today that I threw an envelope--it was in the general direction of my desk and not at someone, so I guess that's good.

Thank you all for your nice words, but I am considered the slacker in my family--and not the brave one at all. One of my sisters is a CPA for a school system--some big thing and the other one is some bigwig with a pharmaceutical company. They both had inlaws who helped with stuff. My mil was diagnosed with alzheimers right before DS was born.

And then there's me. No big career, no big goals, no gluten. I still feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing--does that make sense? I stayed home with Tom because he was so sick when he was little that we were encouraged not to take him anywhere. He didn't sweat from the skin disorder he has and he would get so ill with every little virus and he had asthma. It was the right thing to do, but it killed any career goals. Then when he was in middle and high school Mike was working 60+ hours a week, so I continued to do the Mom thing. And that was fine. I think now I am just feeling pretty useless. I'm not really liking my job too much. As you can tell, I have been thinking about this a bunch lately. I just don't know how I got to this point.

Ok, enough Debby downer, Mike heard from the company in NC today. They are going to do a phone interview with the hiring manager in the next couple of days--so far he has only talked to the HR manager. So things are moving along. I think if we move I need to look for something different to do.

2nd game of the college world series tonight--if the gamecocks win this one they are the champs for the 2nd year in a row! Too exciting!

Have a nice night!

 

[lisah0711]

Hello Princesses and Belles!

Lindsay, big for the stupid husband trick. And they wonder why we sometimes yell "am I the only adult around here?"

A quick for you, Lindsay -- and if it were me his apology would also come with a concession for something I wanted (cruise, painting a room, actually changing the lightbulbs he said he'd change 2 weeks ago etc.) but that's just me.

This was my thought, too, Maria. I was thinking along the lines of a Disney trip myself or Princess 2013!

Taryn, no worries! Hope you have time to chat before you go but if not have a wonderful, wonderful time!

Nancy, great job on the 6 miles! Hope that your kiddle sleeps in tomorrow.

Kathy, it's summer!

Lisa, sounds like your training is coming right along!

Rose, you are totally not a slacker and very accomplished and intelligent!

 

[liesel]

Rose-The fajitas at Chilis come with 3 small flour tortillas, which are 340 calories total and I think at least half the sodium content for the dish. They taste like they are loaded with preservatives anyway, so its an easy thing for me to skip.

Go Gamecocks! I forgot to mention that a childhood friend of DH works there at the resource center for the first year experience.

I know how you feel about the whole career thing. Mine came to a halt too staying home with the kids, which I love, but I also miss working. Sometimes I have to remind myself that Madeline Albright didn't start her career until after her kids were grown and look what she has accomplished! I hope you find your path, too.

 

[flipflopmom]

Brad left for a few minutes, so I have time for a quick post. Lindsay, if I hadn't hidden the screwdrivers, I would have used them! Let's just say although he wasn't drunk, he had 48 hours of screwdriver worthy behavior! He has shaped up a bit, but I still feel like I am treating everything with kid gloves. Honestly, that man saps every bit of motivation out of me. I just can't accomplish anything when he is lying in the recliner watching tv or playing on his ipod! Our progress has been slow and steady towards getting ready. But, to be fair, a lot of it is my fault. I am so drained from working on school from 3:45 am to 11pm for a month that I was on the verge of a breakdown. I am glad I am done, and have kind of taken an easy approach to packing!

honestly, it's been so bad, that at times I have thought that I want out. Just done. I get tired of getting no help, him yelling at the kids. I know we are both so stressed, but our girls don't deserve the brunt of it. But I just can't. He's not abusive, but I can't stand yelling. Yes, I do occasionally, but not as much as he does. He was raised in that kind of home, and still reverts to that kind of parenting when he's tired. I wasn't, and it horrifies me. I will deal w/ the lack of housework help, but not my girls suffering. Anyway, when I talk about it, he sees where he went wrong, (would NEVER admit it), but I do see him making better efforts afterwards.

Sorry about the book, I just had to get it off my chest!!!

Maria and Rose - I just have to say, I honestly have no idea what it's like to go through the parent thing. I am VERY blessed to have had 2 of the most wonderful people in the whole world as my parents, and can only imagine and what you are going through.

Rose- start thinking about what you would like to do. What do you think you would want to do? Glad the phone interview is on the way!

Oops, he's home. Gotta go. more later

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Kathy-My "healthy" meal at Chilis is to get the chicken fajitas without the tortillas (340 cal just for the tortillas You are supposed to skip the cheese and sour cream too, but I can't resist. I hope you enjoy your summer with Michael.


*********

Well I went out for my long slow 3 mile run on Sunday and man was it hot! I decided to run at the local middle school outdoor track so I could keep better track of my intervals-run 1 lap (.25 mi), walk 30 sec (1 min after each mile). I did a very slow jog to compensate for the heat and the fact that I hadn't run for 3 weeks with vacation and DH traveling. I still managed to keep a 16 min/mi pace, which gives me hope that I can be under pace for the Tink. The best part was that I could easily maintain a conversation (lots of other runners out there), I wasn't tired when I took my walk breaks during the first 2 miles, and I finished strong with no pain! I told DH this and he said, "now you just have to go 10 more miles." I don't want to think about that yet! DH and I are doing a 4 mile run on the 4th of July-our first run together. We don't train together since one of us is watching the kdis. He can go 3 miles without stopping so I told him to feel free to ditch me, but I think he plans to keep with me the whole time.

The funniest part about my run was that when I got there I saw a paramedic truck. I thought, "all right who told them I was going out for a run!" The paramedics passed me twice (I did pass them once at the end during their cool down), but I didn't let that make me feel bad. Its their job to stay in shape! The whole thing made me think of Kathy and the workers outside her house.

As for the AP thing, I do subscibe to Mousesavers, but I didn't get the email until after the camping trip. They announced the rate increse on Friday and did it on Sunday, and I was off camping the whole time! I was so used to the August price increase and was waiting until then to purchase the APs just before the prices went up. I can't believe they are now $50 more per person! LisaH-they don't have the nonexpiring hoppers at DL. We are still planning on getting APs and using them for our Oct trip, the Tink, and a post Carsland trip in maybe Sept or Oct 2012. I do have $200 in Disney Rewards saved so far, so that should help.

oh man it would be SO hard for me to say no to the tortillas. i love them love them love them.

nice job on the run!

Good Afternoon, and !

Nancy -- 6M! Did you forget you're pregnant?! You are definitely creating a little runner there -- it's a good thing your so active so you will be used to it when you are running after 2 The mom thing is tough, and so complex -- sometimes it just helps to talk, even if it's not really going to change. I'd like to think that realizing what a precious gift a child is makes us great moms -- and sometimes our life experiences make us come to that realization easier. I compare myself to my boss who has 2 daughters adopted from China -- she is definitely more into every moment of her daughters lives than I am. But I digress. My point, and I did have one, is that your personal experience will drive you to be a fantastic mom, Thomas and BronxBaby (ok, what are you calling the Little Blessing as a nickname right now?) are lucky indeed!

AFM: I am feeling much better today. I woke up and ran 2M, which wasn't pretty but it was good to move. I have my healthy breakfast and lunch, with burgers on tap for dinner. DH told me he has a 4:30 meeting, which means I'll get home around 6. This gives me less time to eat things I shouldn't, so now I won't have to deal with that issue.

I have to confess I have a new guilty pleasure. I seem to have become addicted to "Toddlers and Tiaras". I just can't stop watching it. It's creepy and cooky, mysterious and spooky, altogether ooky, but I can't turn away from the train wreck.

Ok, gotta do a little work...

Maria

toddlers and tiaras??? really? oh boy! i've watched it a few times but i had to stop. i know i'd get sucked in! lol! some people are so weird, aren't they??

i like bronxbaby. that's cute! we still don't know what we're naming him but matthew seems to be the only name we can really agree on. matthew john i guess.

oh and the six miles - i walked it. too muggy and hot to run. my pace wound up being between 16 and 17 mile/min. i kept thinking "i would totally be swept right now"

and thanks for the kind words about my mom issues. all i know is that i will always make sure that thomas and bronxbaby will know that they are always loved. they will know it so much that i fully expect to her, "aw, come on, ma" alot.

Long, long, long day. I skipped my run--still not sleeping and I think I am fighting a virus. I got so frustrated at work today that I threw an envelope--it was in the general direction of my desk and not at someone, so I guess that's good.

Thank you all for your nice words, but I am considered the slacker in my family--and not the brave one at all. One of my sisters is a CPA for a school system--some big thing and the other one is some bigwig with a pharmaceutical company. They both had inlaws who helped with stuff. My mil was diagnosed with alzheimers right before DS was born.

And then there's me. No big career, no big goals, no gluten. I still feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing--does that make sense? I stayed home with Tom because he was so sick when he was little that we were encouraged not to take him anywhere. He didn't sweat from the skin disorder he has and he would get so ill with every little virus and he had asthma. It was the right thing to do, but it killed any career goals. Then when he was in middle and high school Mike was working 60+ hours a week, so I continued to do the Mom thing. And that was fine. I think now I am just feeling pretty useless. I'm not really liking my job too much. As you can tell, I have been thinking about this a bunch lately. I just don't know how I got to this point.

Ok, enough Debby downer, Mike heard from the company in NC today. They are going to do a phone interview with the hiring manager in the next couple of days--so far he has only talked to the HR manager. So things are moving along. I think if we move I need to look for something different to do.

2nd game of the college world series tonight--if the gamecocks win this one they are the champs for the 2nd year in a row! Too exciting!

Have a nice night!

psh, do NOT think you are a slacker. puhlease! you did more for your son than most people can say they have! i myself still struggle with the whole idea that i stay at home. i mean, why did i go to wake forest, double major, and work my tush off to climb the corporate ladder only to leave my position as the head of investor relations for a multi billion dollar asset managment firm to stay home and teach mommy and me classes? you know why? so my children can NOT have mommy issues. so they can remember great times with their mom growing up and not a baby sitter. now, that's not to say that people who work are making the wrong decision. i know lots of moms who work and have great relationships with their kids. but for me, it's the right decision. and for you, it was the right decision too!!

you're awesome, rose. and don't you forget it!

Hello Princesses and Belles!

Lindsay, big for the stupid husband trick. And they wonder why we sometimes yell "am I the only adult around here?"



This was my thought, too, Maria. I was thinking along the lines of a Disney trip myself or Princess 2013!

Taryn, no worries! Hope you have time to chat before you go but if not have a wonderful, wonderful time!

Nancy, great job on the 6 miles! Hope that your kiddle sleeps in tomorrow.

Kathy, it's summer!

Lisa, sounds like your training is coming right along!

Rose, you are totally not a slacker and very accomplished and intelligent!

how was your day?? i'm going to make your pasta salad for this weekend when we go camping with my 87 year old grandpa and his dead lady-friend's family. they are a really nice family of four - mom, dad, and two kids in their mid-twenties. they LOVE to eat. and they are all morbidly obese. as in, the smallest of the four is definitely over 350lbs. i think a nice healthy pasta salad might be a good thing to bring!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

It was just one of those crazy days yesterday. My sister lives in Taos NM and may have to evacuate because of the Los Alamos fire -- if the fire hits the lab property and starts burning nasty stuff. We also found out an old family friend had passed away and it was kind of the end of an era for my parents generation of friends from California. Then DH got up an hour early which put a cramp in my style because I lost an hour of my "me" time. Had to have new brakes put on my car so was carless yesterday, too. Nothing makes you want to leave like not having your car! Ah, well, it's a four day week-end because we will be closed on Friday.

Lisah -- I don't think I've ever inspired anyone to do anything, so I'm glad at least it was for something healthy for you! Great job exercising on your non-day!

Are you kidding me, Maria?!? You've inspired me for years now! I'm sorry that I never told you before.

2nd game of the college world series tonight--if the gamecocks win this one they are the champs for the 2nd year in a row! Too exciting!

If there is move in your future it will be the perfect time to switch jobs and look for something new.

And I have to admit I get a chuckle out of all your cheering for the Gamecocks as I recall a time when you were a little embarrassed to say their names!

Taryn, the stress of getting things done so you can go on vacation is the pits. There's so much to do, emotions run high, you can't help but thinking "wouldn't it just be better to stay home?" Not to mention all the other stressors in your life with work and school. But somehow it will all come together and when you get down there it will all be worth it. You can't put a price on family memories!

Nancy,walking a 16/17 minute mile preggers and in the heat and humidity is rocking it, girl! Don't be afraid to take it easy on yourself. Matthew John sounds like a nice name and you may come up with something you like more as it gets closer.

The pasta salad does travel well if you don't add the dressing until you serve it. We eat on it for several days. I will put up the other recipe sometime in the next day or two. It's couscous, pasta, red pepper, green onion with a peanut dressing.

I'm just working like crazy so I can enjoy my 4 day week-end. I'm coming to realize that a lot of the stress in my life is from things at work that I said would get done earlier than they could reasonably get done and things that pop up that mess up my good intentions. So I go in thinking these three things will get done today and by the end of the day none of them were done. Then I fret 'cause I hate those "where is my stuff calls?" :scared2: Fretting puts me out of the present and that's where I need to live. It's not as easy to retrain your neural pathways as you would think. Sounding a bit crazy now so better go do my run.

Hello to all our other Princesses and Belle!

Have a great day all!

 

[mikamah]

Good morning princesses and lisabelles!!!! Happy Summer!!

I got cancelled today!!!! Very exciting, and my name is up to get cancelled tomorrow and friday too. It's quiet at work, and i retallied my paid time off, and have more than I thought, so I figured if I could get cancelled 2-3 days this week, I would and start the summer off right. Plus I'm on call sat and monday, and if I get called in, I could take another day off next week. This week and next week, I didn't have camp and ds is going to my sister's and brothers houses. I figure once camp starts, I won't take any extra time off til vacation at the end of august.

Lisaliesel- I'd rather watch the paramedics than construction men, but I'll take what I can get. I bet they helped put a little bounce in your step. When I do the walking track and there are other people there, I definitely push a little harder. Especially if they're good looking men. Shirtless even better. I know chili's is so bad. We didn't go yet, but I owe him. This week is busy, so probably next week, but I'll often get the margarita chicken with rice and brocolli, and take half home so we can share the molten chocolate lave cake. Pretty much the cake is why we go there. Nice job on the 16 min miles. I found last year I was doing 16 min miles in the summer, and as I gradually increased my run lengths as part of my training, I was still able to maintain the 16 min/miles for the most part. Keep it up, and you are going to do just fine for the tinkerbelle.

Rose-I'm sorry you are struggling right now with work and everything. Nancy said it so well. You have been an amazing mother to Tom, and you are anything but a slacker. Kids going off to college is a huge adjustment for them as well as the parents. It is so nice to know you have a great relationship with Mike, he is there to support you. If you had been working and parenting all those years, there might not have been the time for your marriage to stay so strong. Does that make sense? I know so many people who's marriages fall apart after the kids are grown. As a single, working mom, my time is split 2 ways, and I feel like if there was a husband, it would have to be split 3 ways. I hope you know what an amazing woman you are. Hang in there, rose.

Nancy-6 miles!!!! You are one amazing pregnant woman!!! I'm so happy for you that you are able to get out there and move, and feel so good this pregnancy. I love bronxbaby and Matthew John.

Maria- Hope ds made it home from his adventure in one piece without a sunburn. I'm sure he had a blast. I like your idea to have him text you with each change of location, but man I'm not looking forward to ds gaining independance. My grandmother lived in malden, and as kids she always took us to Revere beach, and my Dad worked at a bank in malden, so he would drive us with him in the morning and drop us at her house and we'd take the subway to boston with her, and as we got older, we'd drive with him and then go into boston on our own with friends. I can't remember how old we were when we could go alone, high school at least.

Hello to Taryn, Lisa, lindsay.

Going to get out for a quick run/walk, with ds on his bike, and then clean out his room together. A big project, and after we'll go to our friends to swim, but only when we're done. Here come the construction crew, shirts on, but hopefully it will heat up later!!

Have a great day!!!

 

[mikamah]

It was just one of those crazy days yesterday. My sister lives in Taos NM and may have to evacuate because of the Los Alamos fire -- if the fire hits the lab property and starts burning nasty stuff. We also found out an old family friend had passed away and it was kind of the end of an era for my parents generation of friends from California. Then DH got up an hour early which put a cramp in my style because I lost an hour of my "me" time. Had to have new brakes put on my car so was carless yesterday, too. Nothing makes you want to leave like not having your car! Ah, well, it's a four day week-end because we will be closed on Friday.

Boy, when it rains it pours. So sorry about your family friend. It's very sad to watch our parents generation lose their friends and family. I remember my mom feeling so alone after her last brother passed away, and eventually we got to teasing her about being the matriarch of the family. My cousin started that, and it became a big joke, and now that cousin is the matriarch. Hope your mom is doing ok, and i hope your sister is ok and they get the fires under control soon. So frightening to see, I can't imagine how scary it is for her.
Hang in there, Lisa. Hope your week goes smoothly and everything you need to do gets done, and if it doesn't to heck with it, and enjoy every minute of your 4 day weekend!!!

And I still am amazed how we get up and post at the same time so much, and yet it's 3 hours earlier where you are. Too dang early.

 

[Rose&Mike]

My neighbor is having a new roof put on today--honestly, I kind of hope everyone keeps their shirts on. You all are too funny!

I ran 4 miles this morning--5 total with wu/cd, and ended up just under 40min for the run. It's a little hilly in our neighborhood so it was kind of rough. I had the garmin so I knew how much longer and finished on a slight downhill. I really wanted to be under 40 minutes!

Lisa--the los alamos thing is scary. I hope it all works out ok.

Kathy--enjoy that day off!

Hello to everyone else! Tom and I are cleaning closets today. I had a little (ok big) moment of panic this weekend when I realized that if I didn't get some of this heavy lifting stuff done while I had boys (Mike and Tom) around to help that I might get stuck doing it all myself. Maybe I'm putting the cart before the horse here, but I am working under the assumption that eventually Mike will find a job. Oh and Taryn asked what do I want to be when I grow up (my words)--I have no idea. I still thought I'd have 3 more kids at home, but we know how that worked out.

Ok, have a fabulous day!

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

And then there's me. No big career, no big goals, no gluten. I still feel like I am not doing what I am supposed to be doing--does that make sense?

Its one thing to feel like you still want to do more or something different but please dont base your success off of whether or not you were at the top of the company. You were the head honcho of your household and gave Tom something special. I would give my right arm to be home with my kids. What you sacrificed for him is way more important than anything your sisters have done. Feel proud about that.

As for feeling like you are not doing what you should be...I get that feeling. I am starting to feel like that as well. I overheard a conversation at the baseball snack stand one night between two guys....the one asked the other how things are going and his response was "livin the dream man!!" I thought that was a great attitude and made me really think about whether or not I am living the dream. After thinking about it I really feel like more often than not I feel like Im living a nightmare. Honestly I know others are worse off than me and I have alot to be thankful for but between my job and worrying about finances...not having money to do what I really want to do it just feels like some days are more like a nightmare than a dream. So I can totally sympathize with your feelings.

honestly, it's been so bad, that at times I have thought that I want out. Just done. I get tired of getting no help, him yelling at the kids. I know we are both so stressed, but our girls don't deserve the brunt of it. But I just can't. He's not abusive, but I can't stand yelling. Yes, I do occasionally, but not as much as he does. He was raised in that kind of home, and still reverts to that kind of parenting when he's tired. I wasn't, and it horrifies me. I will deal w/ the lack of housework help, but not my girls suffering. Anyway, when I talk about it, he sees where he went wrong, (would NEVER admit it), but I do see him making better efforts afterwards.

Sorry about the book, I just had to get it off my chest!!!

The stress of worrying about finances, getting everything done, job, school etc. is enough to burden any marriage...marriage is hard enough without these things. The best thing you can do is not to stop communicating. Let him know how you are feeling and although he wont admit he is wrong he will know what he needs to change.

I am sure this vacation is exactly what your family needs. I remember reading your last TR and you said something like it was the best time because it was uninteruppted quality time with your family. I think that is the best medicine!!!

psh, do NOT think you are a slacker. puhlease! you did more for your son than most people can say they have! i myself still struggle with the whole idea that i stay at home. i mean, why did i go to wake forest, double major, and work my tush off to climb the corporate ladder only to leave my position as the head of investor relations for a multi billion dollar asset managment firm to stay home and teach mommy and me classes? you know why? so my children can NOT have mommy issues. so they can remember great times with their mom growing up and not a baby sitter. now, that's not to say that people who work are making the wrong decision. i know lots of moms who work and have great relationships with their kids. but for me, it's the right decision. and for you, it was the right decision too!!

Like I said to rose the sacrifices you both have made for your kids are amazing and they will appreciate one day when they are older and have kids of their own and they realize what you did for them.

It was just one of those crazy days yesterday.

Gosh Lisa sorry about the day you had. Sorry to hear about your friend and I hope your sisters house will be ok....very scary.

Hang in there only a couple days left and you will have a nice long weekend to recouperate.

Here come the construction crew, shirts on, but hopefully it will heat up later!!

You crack me up.

Have a great day off.

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

Well TOM arrived this morning so I feel like my hopes of loosing this week are slim. I am feeling bloated today.

The kids are off to the philly zoo and I cant help but to be jealous. I love the zoo and I know they will be having such a great time without me. At least they are having fun and thats all the matters.

Only 2 more days of work and then I have 10 days off. Thats really what I keep telling myself today.

Have a good day!!!!!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

lindsay take a trip up here and come to the bronx zoo! we'll meet you and get you in for free! i love zoos too and go probably once every two weeks. we actually got engaged at the lincoln park zoo in front of the elephants. hehe.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Afternoon, Ladies!

Nancy -- I would offer up our zoo, too, but its We actually used to take ds to the Providence Zoo, because at least the animals don't look sad. Benjamin was going to be Matthew until about a week before he was born. DH got really attached to the name Benjamin, and I agreed if he was born with red hair and blue eyes (like dh), we'd name him that. Obviously, he was! It didn't last long, though, his brown hair and eyes came in pretty quick.

Lindsay -- TOM is so annoying! I hate that initial bloat feel. On the bright side, hopefully it will pass quickly. 10 days off sounds wonderful! Do you have fun plans? I'm sorry if I'm just forgetting. Some days it's a good thing my head is attached...

Rose -- Before we go shopping this weekend, I'm doing a closet purge! I'm actually excited, I plan to see what I have, what I need, and what I've been tossing on top of the shelves for the last few years Thank you for the "my three words" explanation, I was just lost. Okay, so it sounds like you are not in the right job for you. Moving to a new community will be a great opportunity to explore your options and find your passion -- what a wonderful adventure! And I don't think you should feel "less than" for being a SAHM. You did what worked for your family -- and this is the best that we all can do. I know it is natural to compare yourself to your sisters, but I feel pretty confident that each of you is a very distinct person with individual talents and trials. Perhaps one or both of them would not have been able to sacrifice career ambitions to nurture a child who needed more care? That is a skill I don't think I have...One of the reasons I work for a non-profit is the incredible flexibility. I earn 39 vacation/holidays every year, plus 10 days of sick leave. If I leave work at 2:00 to attend a school event, it still counts as a full work day for me. If I didn't have those options, I would find it so much harder to be a working mom! I am one of those rare birds who genuinely enjoys working and loves her job. I am lucky to be able to do something I am so suited for. When you feel like that, most days it's a pleasure to come to work. Not every single day, but most days. I hope you are able to do some searching, thinking, and exploring, and decide what you want to pursue next!

Kathy -- Yeah on the cancelling! We decided if we were going to have to let ds take the T home from school, we might as well let him take it there as well. There are not enough students to warrant an afternoon bus, so the kids are on their own. He texts when he leaves school and when he gets home every day. His tour of the T was something he and his friends came up with. We let it go to Revere Beach, and then told him it was time to go home. I feel like an honorary resident of Malden. We go to church there and it ends up meaning we are there once or twice a week, between services, treasurer duties for dh, youth group, and staff committee duties for me.

Lisah -- I'm with you on the 4-day weekend! I took Friday off and plan to do my 10M. Then I will be footloose and fancy free to go to the outlet mall Saturday morning Good luck getting your tasks done! I'm having pretty good luck with mine, just a few more things and I'll feel comfortable for today.

Taryn -- Everyone has given you fabulous advice. Marriage is another event that's a marathon, not a sprint. You are both exhausted and worried, and that is never going to translate into Snow White and her 7 Dwarfs whistling while they work. I know this trip is going to be wonderful for you, and I hope you are able to truly relax and enjoy your family By the way, while I have some adoption issues, none are with my parents. My mom and dad could not have been more loving, supportive, everything you would want for your child. I am really lucky, sometimes I get maudlin and forget how blessed I am.

Lisa -- Thanks for the Chilis advice. There are times when that's just where we're going and I have to try to reason my way through dinner

So, I got up this morning at 5 to get Ben ready to go to the airport. He flew out this morning to spend a week in St. Louis with my dad and his wife. Dennis took him to the airport on the subway so he could go in with him without worrying about parking. He was able to take him to security and saw him go to his gate, so I felt good about that. Ben texted from the plane when he was on and when he landed, so apparently he did just fine. I wasn't really worried, he's been flying since before he was 2, so this wasn't a new experience for him -- well, not totally new, it's the first time he's flown by himself. They are heading to Branson, MO (country music, family fun, theme parks, water parks, etc.) today, and will spend a couple of days there. That is a lot of travelling for my guy, but they're the ones who decided they wanted to leave today

While they were airporting I ran 3M. I originally wanted to do 4, but turns out I'm not really 100% yet, so that will wait. I am determined to do 10M Friday, so I don't want to push it too soon. I had a big bowl of cantaloupe, watermelon and blackberries for breakfast.

I had lunch out with my assistant, I had the lunch special which was a roast beef sandwich with a cup of gazpacho. It was delicious and not too pointy...tonight I have to go to a networking event for work, where I will have to order something. I'm going to stick to an appetizer and plan on having some soup or fruit when I get home. I don't want to have a big, heavy meal. I was gifted with homemade cookies for my birthday today(yes, they are a bit late) by another co-worker, so far I've stayed out of them. I'll take them home and let Dennis eat them.

So, I guess I'm on track -- I think I forgot to post -- Dennis says we have enough in our vacation account (I'm one of those women who is very lazy about her finances and has dh doing pretty much everything -- I know where it all is and he tries to show me what he's doing, I sort of pay attention ) for my Princess trip! More motivation, I want that Mod!

Maria

 

[Rose&Mike]

Ok, just wanted to say thank you all for saying exactly the right things today. Tom and I had a great day. We got through 3 closets. Mostly I pulled stuff out and he watched me and kept me from keeping stuff we don't need! We have 4 or 5 more big bags for goodwill and a bunch of trash. We are going to tackle some more on Friday.

I just checked Mike's home email and he got a request from the hiring manager for his next interview! That's how I feel right now. We have told no one about this except Tom and you all of course. The job sounds pretty cool and Mike is very excited.

Maria--great job getting through DS flying alone--Tom flew alone for the first time when he was in 10th grade I think--he was going to Miami for a music camp. We drove to Nashville so that he would be on a direct flight. The day before he left the director sent us an email saying some parent was going to pick him up at the airport in Miami--all along they told us she would be picking him up. I totally freaked. It was quite the experience. It all worked out fine, though and he had a great time. We drove to Miami to pick him up and had a little vacation--he was there for two weeks. Miami is gorgeous, but I have never seen so many RUDE people in one area before in my life! Goodness, everyone was cranky! How can you be so cranky when there is water everywhere??????

I hope you have fun shopping!

Lindsay--I totally think you should go see Nancy! How fun would that be! I wish I could go!

Ok, I need to get back to organizing and cleaning. I feel like Cinderella here lately!

And this one's for you Lisa, in case you missed it on the other thread---

WOOHOO! Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Baseball Champs 2 Years Running!!!!!


I'm getting much better at saying it!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning Princesses and Belles!

Thank goodness the week-end is almost here!

Kathy, hope you enjoyed the rest of your day off after that little tiff in the morning -- good to get that last of the school stress out of your systems. Some day we're going to miss this stuff!

Taryn, safe travels and have a wonderful, wonderful time!

Lindsay, it is hard when your kids are off doing fun summer stuff and you are stuck working. It's like where is my summer vacation?!? But staycation is right around the corner. Are you going to turn your phone off so people can't bug you? Or maybe only take calls at a certain time of day? We used to let our assistant call us right before we had margaritas at noon -- so we could unwind quickly. Now we do the news blackout on vacation -- no calls, no email, no nothing! Everyone survives and we actually get a break. Hope that you can do that.

Nancy, I'd like to come to the Bronx Zoo with you some time! And I'll buy you a corndog. You've done a great job coaching this week!

Maria, yay for non-pointy meals! Sounds like you will be ready for your long week-end. I think I'm going to make it, too, unless some emergency pops up today. I am so envious of your wonderful vacation schedule. I tell people I can take off as much as I want as long as I don't mind not getting paid. I'm actually very fortunate and it does make a big, big difference in the work/family stress. We are lucky! Take it easy on the 10M if you aren't 100%. I'm glad he made it to MO safely. I'm not looking forward to the first time DS does the fly alone thing.

And this one's for you Lisa, in case you missed it on the other thread---

WOOHOO! Carolina Gamecocks NCAA Baseball Champs 2 Years Running!!!!!


I'm getting much better at saying it!

Yes, I did notice, Rose!

I'm off to get my tasks done so I can enjoy the long week-end. Have a wonderful day all!

 

[dumbo_buddy]

um, rose, i don't even have three closets in my whole house! LOL! i'm jealous. no, wait, i have three. exactly three. do you know how difficult is to find places to put things?? congrats to south carolina on another win! how exciting!

lindsay almost time for staycation! whatcha planning next week? we'll be passing through your area on saturday on our way down to gettysburg. i will give allentown a big wave as we pass by

lisa i really like the idea of turning off cell phones and not checking email on vacation. i feel like not enough people do that (ehem, my husband) and it gets so annoying. when i was working i felt like i needed to be on my blackberry all the time when on vacation. and you know what? even the "emergencies" were never really emergencies.

maria good luck on your 10 miler! don't push yourself too much. it wasn't that long ago that you were feeling like poo! take it a little easier if you can! glad ben made it ok. i like the name benjamin. like, alot. might have to run it by dh. he'll probably have some problem with it! he is so annoying with the whole name thing. perhaps we'll just call this kid thomas #2.

oh kathy i am not looking forward to the talk back stage. yeesh. i'm glad he apologized though. he's a good kid. ok fine i only met him for like a second a few months ago but he is such a sweetie!

taryn have a wonderful trip and safe travels! can't wait to hear all about it. are you a trip report writer? if so i'll be reading! speaking of, i need to go check rose's TR b/c i'm not sure if i finished it or not.

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

ran 3 miles and walked another 3 today. i'm tired but feeling good. my friend just texted me asking if i wanted to go for a walk. lol. i asked her if she would settle for a stroll over to the green grass. yes, we call an area about the beach the green grass. cuz, you know, it has green grass (a hot commodity in the bronx! lol!)

well, i forgot to hit enter before and now i'm back from the green grass. haha! had a nice time. thomas is sitting in his high chair in a daze watching cars (for the millionth time) and not eating his sandwich (so you know who will be eating it instead ). i think it's time for a nap!

have a great day

 

[flipflopmom]

Hey ladies! I am taking a quick second to say goodbye! I'll try to check in from WDW - have to do online discussions for class, so I'll be on anyway! Girls are at Mom's, Brad is in the bed, car's mostly packed. Finishing up cleaning - OCD about leaving my house clean, and then going to take a bath with a book! so I can finish packing the toiletries!

Leaving around 7 tonight, hope to get to AKL around 7 in the am!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Taryn -- Have a wonderful vacation! I wish you and
and I hope we will get to see at least a mini TR!

Nancy -- You are cracking me up...you could be like George Foreman and give all your sons the same name...that would be an ice breaker! I'm glad you enjoyed the green grass.

Lisah -- Are you flying through your tasks today? I just have about a half hour and then I'm Outta Here! Unfortunately for me my boss came in today, and her mere presence seems to generate work for me. I got through most of it, and I have a to do list for Tuesday.

Rose -- Other than passing through to get on a cruise ship I've never been to Miami, it doesn't sound fun. And I would have totally freaked at the substitution in pick up. You didn't know this strange parent at all!

So, I didn't get home last night from the networking event until 8, and I was wiped out after getting up at 5. I skipped my workout this morning. I figure since I'm doing 10 tomorrow, it isn't a horrible idea to be fresh and fully rested, anyway. I nibbled a little on sweet potato fries, tomato/mozarella, hummus and salad, but didn't have a real meal at the event. When we got home we were a little hungry. I am very proud that I ordered a small Greek salad, added an oatmeal raisin cookie and called it a night. I woke up kind of hungry, but I got over it. I won't tell you what dh ordered

I have a strict eating plan for today since I missed the exercise, so far I've stuck to it. Luckily for me it includes Subway, that's my segue into "vacation mode" tonight. Yes, I've reached the point where Subway is a treat. Mock me, but I am losing inches if not pounds! I haven't decided what Tivo I'm going to watch yet, but I have a Poirot from Sunday night, so that's probably going to be the big winner. Tomorrow after I do my 10 I have the final 2 episodes of "The Tudors", I'm looking forward to that.

Everyone keep in touch and have a wonderful 4th! I'm sure we'll all check in sporadically. Just remember we are a committed group of and and we will not be taken down by hotdogs, potato salad and ice cream pie!

Maria