Nancy--I don't know what to tell you about the Poconos and the outlaws. Honestly, it's one of the few things we fought about in our marriage. I thought when Mike's mom died about 10 years ago that it would get better, but then more drama started with his sister. It was the same kind of arguments that you have too. I used to think it was mostly my fault, but they were not nice to me. Period. And Mike would do anything to avoid the drama with them. He really was between a rock and a hard place. I think if at all possible try to remove the emotions from the decisions. I think it is perfectly reasonable for you not to want to go, so the question then becomes--is this a good time for Matthew to be away from you. If all else fails, read the Four Agreements--and remember it's their issues, don't make them yours too. Remember at the end of the day, it is about you and your family.
Try drinking a mug of hot water about an hour or so before you run. It really helps me to avoid potty issues.
Lindsay--Uggh, the potty words. Not a fun stage. Just throwing it out there but, with the other stuff that came up with the conferences--do you see this as impulse control or just experimenting cause the other kids are doing it and being silly? Tom had some MAJOR impulse control issues--probably his biggest adhd symptom. His biggest issue--he would not put his books down. I know that sounds ridiculous, but he read all the time. Had to finish his books. Would rather get in trouble than put his books down. We had to take the locks off his bathroom door and then threaten to take the door down cause he wouldn't get a shower. He had to do his homework in the dining room or he wouldn't do it--he would just read. And he wasn't a bad kid. He just had ZERO impulse control. Anyhow, sorry to get off on a tangent. I know the whole potty word thing is frustrating, and definitely needed a punishment, but pretty "normal" in the big scheme of things.
I hope you have a wonderful day off tomorrow! Do you have anything fun planned?
LisaH--I hope the back is in tip top shape soon! As much as I complained about p-t, it really did help and I learned a lot.
Kathy--Sorry about the no more dis'ing at work. I don't dis at work--they monitor our computer usage, so it makes it easy for me to avoid it.
Don't stress at all about the 100 day challenge. I felt guilty for about a week, and then realized I am a very, very active person who needs a day off on occasion. You have been doing fantastic with the activity this year. Don't beat yourself up!
Maria--How are you? Are you surviving your work week? Are you getting excited?
Hello to everyone else!
******
I am really looking forward to next week, though I really wish you all were coming too!
Who all is doing January???? We are booking our dvc in the next couple of days. I think we are only going to be able to do Thursday (after work flight) through Monday night. But we will be there!
My foot is doing so much better, I am beginning to think I will actually be able to do the marathon! So who is going to run with me and Nancy?????
I know you all are dying to know if there was drama in SC.

Just a tiny bit, but honestly I kind of stirred things up, so I am going to take responsibility for this one. It was a nice visit, but boy that is one rotten only child who thinks that our lives should revolve around him. How on earth did that happen? I'm sure it wasn't my fault.

DS is doing well in classes, but Mike and I are both very frustrated by his lack of motivation in finding something to do for the summer. He seems to always think everything is always going to work out perfectly at the last minute. And maybe it will. Anyhow, I don't want to deal with him right now, so Mike is going to talk to him.
The work visit this week went well. I got tons of compliments about how much I get done in the amount of hours I work each week and about how prepared we were for the visit. I also got tons more work assigned to me.

I was exhausted by the time it was over, because it was 3 days of having to pay attention. There were three people from our office in the meetings, but I answered most of the questions, since I maintain our data base. So I couldn't even zone out cause every time I did they asked me something.

It was really good though, cause I have struggled with the fact that I didn't work for so long, and I am now realizing that I am still pretty smart and capable.

My boss gave me a ton of compliments and made me feel really good about things.
As for the foot--it is doing really, really well. Not perfect, but no complaints! I have even been wearing regular shoes and wore heels one day this week! I got my new skirt to wear with my tutu and ran in it on Tuesday. It's a little longer than my other skirts, so I think I can actually wear it out and about if I want to.
I hope you all are doing well. I really am a little sad that we will not get to see everyone next week. But I'm sure I speak for Maria as well when I say, I will be taking you all with me when I run.
Oh and one more thing--Mike and I are thinking about doing this race in Philly in May if anyone is interested:
http://www.oddysseyhalfmarathon.com/
TTYL.
