Chatterbox Thread-Cmon in and Jabber! Everyone is Welcome!

[kelmac284]

Morning and TGIF!!

Yeah Sara I know what you mean about the conveniece of a point and shoot versus the complication of an slr. I had my little point and shoot kodak and before that I had a sony and a different kodak but as much as I like just being able to literally "point and shoot" I have gotten SO tired of half my pics not turning out. I have deduced that if you want to take a pic of stationary objects in nice bright outdoor light then you are good! Otherwise forget it. And IF I can get my subjects (ie the kids) to sit still NO problemo but if they move at ALL it is blurry and my camera was NOT a cheapie either. My final straw though was, like you, when I tried to take pics at the meet this past weekend and I would get pics AFTER the fact. Mostly of a bunch of splashing LOL. Esp when they are in the water you just see a bunch of body parts but can't make much out.

I think I am DEF going to need a telephoto lens though. The standard lens that comes with I don't think will get all the way to the end of an olympic size pool. So if I start out at the blocks on one end I doubt I will be able to get all the way to the other end unless I walk along side and during a meet that is practically impossible cuz people usually stand all along the sides. SOOOO I am hoping I might get lucky and either get one for my b-day or get money so I can buy one Other than that and a case I think I am good.

I took a few test shots of the girls but the picture quality is SO good you can see every little dirty spot and flaw LOL. They have a portrait setting so I think when I take photos of people from now on I will use that setting as it is supposed to soften them a bit. But I am going to use it at the meet tomorrow and if my pics turn out I will post a few.

Sara that is AWESOME about your dbf! My ultimate dream would be to work in DL someday. Not for the money obviously but just to do it! I feel your pain about your bf's job. My dh is a tile setter and has been struggling and ironically he is trying to get his electrical contractors license. He is a disabled vet though so they are going to try and use that angle to get work. I am a bit skeptical but hope that it works out cuz he certainly isn't having any better time at tile. Good luck to your bf though cuz that sounds SO fun and I would DEF be there with him too!!

Don't ask me ANYTHING about fashion LOL. I have heard of Juicy but that is about it LOL. My idea of fashion is sweats and a T-shirt LOL.

And Tina I SO feel your pain. I have yo yo dieted for the last 20 years. My last attempt I was trying to lose 50 lbs and lost about 35 last year and went from 192 and got to my lowest around 155 last year but then when my health took a dive and I had a TON of stress with my stepdaughter things went to heck in a handbasket and I have put 20 of it back on I have made some half hearted attempts to try and get back on the wagon but I just CAN'T get motivated. Too many health issues this year and just can NOT get into it but I NEED to as I can't fit into any of my dang clothes and I HATE the way I look right now. I am hoping after this NEXT surgery that I will feel good enough and FINALLY get my butt in gear.

Good luck to you and I hope the exercise finally starts paying off for you!!

I am off to work today and hope to find a decent and inexpensive bag for my camera so I can take it to the meet tomorrow. I don't want to just throw it in our swim bag like I do with my old one. Plus I am SO anxious to see what events the girls will be swimming, how well my camera does AND if Katy can do as well in her meet as she did at Time trials. Also I am hoping shelby has a better day!!

Then of course I am REALLY anxious for the big lost finale on Sunday. Anxious yet sad that it is ending.

Anywho hope everyone has a GREAT day!!

Take care all and talk soon!!

 

[funnygarcia]

As a matter of fact when we were on vacation in Florida I had to take a picture of DD and her BFF in front of the Super Target sign because their friends didn't believe Super Target existed.

She can drive around the metro and take one every 30 minutes if she really wants.. It's harder to find a regular Target now.

The downtown Target got smart, they offer a nice selection of groceries including fresh meat and produce. I was surprised at the number of people grocery shopping there on Saturday, it reflects the recent trend of young professionals moving out of the suburbs and into the city, closer to work and "play". We aren't so young and professional but we do want to move into the city after the boys are done with school.

I buy Juicy stuff from Ross, Nordstrom rack etc... The only way it is worth it!!

Macy's has clearance frequently, last year's Juicy Couture PJ's and yoga pants are this years big bargain. Even I, the thrift store shopper, was tempted by the low prices.

Maybe I really do need to alter my diet after all. I don't want to though, I love pizza and burgers!

Maybe swap out for lower fat cheese and vegie burgers?

I'm amazed at the explosion of 100 and 200 calorie products on the market now. New products mean lots of high value coupons, free 200 calorie pizza? Sure why not. But taste.. meh....

I would rather make my own, cut back on the cheese, vegies instead of pepperoni, etc..

My family wouldn't agree though.

Mom? what did you do to the pizza??!!

 

[funnygarcia]

Kelly, definitely have your hubby take advantage of his status. I know it's hard to play the disabled card, but it might help in the current job market.

DH used state vocational rehab services to pay for his college, they could help with job search and talk to employers to make accommodations at the work site if needed.

 

[eatmypixiedust]

OK, I'm going to ask a dumb question. What is Juicy Couture? I think it's clothing isn't it? I'm thinking Juicy is a brand name, but what exactly is Couture? Guess I need to go look it up.

Looked it up, no longer confused...well sorta confused. Seems to be an expensive line of clothing invented by two ladies, one the wife of a member of Duran Duran. Their headquarters is in a dumpy LA warehouse. They use quality materials and fabrics and only sell in expensive stores or their own stores.

What I gather is that I will not own anything Juicy Couture until it is no longer in style and I can purchase it at garage sales for less than $1.

That is funny that you looked up the information. I love Juicy Couture stuff. When I was in SD a few months ago, I saw a Juicy Couture store at the mall. I bought 2 pairs of their socks. They used to sell the socks in Nordstrom but then they stopped for some reason. I'm not sure why. Their socks are not expensive and they are comfy and have cute patterns.

I do love their totes but I noticed that I am more drawn to their large canvas bags than the more expensive ones. I think the beach bags are cute and are roomy. I just like their stuff because it's cute and I like the pink and blue colors they use.

I buy Juicy stuff from Ross, Nordstrom rack etc... The only way it is worth it!!

I never saw Juicy stuff at Ross but I did see it on rare occassions at TJ Maxx. I also like the Juicy outlet in Camarillo. Ebay is also a good place sometimes.

I am so frustrated ladies. I have been going to the gym roughly 3 times a week, sometimes more some times less. I went shopping yesterday and I still can't fit into the size I've been trying for. I don't seem any closer either. I can see I lost some inches on my waist but nothing on my hips, thighs, bums or bazoongas. Seriously! Dh says I'm not exercising to lose weight, I'm exercising to be healthy. That's rubbish, I'm totally exercising for a small bum. I want to quit, I feel like all this effort and nothing is changing. Maybe I really do need to alter my diet after all. I don't want to though, I love pizza and burgers!

I'm sorry you are having a rough time Christina. I can understand your frustration. Losing weight is not easy and it's frustrating but so rewarding in the end. I recently dropped a pant size and am continuing to try to eat healthier. I don't have my X there to discourage me and be unsupportive and disrespectful of me wanting to lose weight anymore. I need to make myself go to the gym more often. I don't blame you for loving pizza and burgers I think it's just a matter of everything in moderation. It's really hard...especially when I'm in the market and see a bag of cookies or something that looks tasty. I just want to throw it all into my cart!

My sales manager was overweight and he lost so much weight. He started to go to the gym and decided to just stop eating breads and carbs. He said it's really hard, especially when his kids wave cookies and cakes in front of him, but he eats fish and chicken I believe and salads and is a lot healthier. He has a bad knee and works with a personal trainer at 24 Hr Fitness. He recently started riding his bike to work and lives farther from the office than me. I can't imagine riding my bike that far every day! I think by bike it may take him almost 45 minutes.

 

[eatmypixiedust]

Here is a pic of my robot necklace

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Good morning.

I just watched the Amgen Tour of California ride by my work. They started right up the street from where I work and are going all the way to Big Bear today. Like 135 miles I think.

 

[XTinabell]

Woah! That is alot of bikers! That would have been awesome to see. Just imagine if one person wiped out, they would take down a whole bunch of others.

I went to the gym today, I'm not having the greatest day. I was crossing the street and looked both ways, there was nobody turning or coming (or so I thought) so I went, and this guy flew around the corner and he did not have his blinker on to tell me he was turning and then he honked at me! Hello! Turn your blinker on so I know you're going to turn and I would have gladly waited for you to go!

The workout was nice, it made me feel a little better. Then I decided it was nice out so I wanted to go out for dinner, but then it started to rain so that foiled those plans.

And then, my friend had told me she wanted to plan a going away party for me at her place. So I told her I wanted a wine and cheese night, but the only night we're free is on our other friend's b-day. So I said we could combine the two events as long as friend doesn't mind, and friend didn't. But friend didn't tell her bf and now her bf is planning a BBQ that same weekend. So I cancelled my going away and I feel sad. I feel unloved.
Poor organization + Poor communication + Poor planning = feeling unloved

 

[XTinabell]

Looked it up, no longer confused...well sorta confused. Seems to be an expensive line of clothing invented by two ladies, one the wife of a member of Duran Duran. Their headquarters is in a dumpy LA warehouse. They use quality materials and fabrics and only sell in expensive stores or their own stores.

What I gather is that I will not own anything Juicy Couture until it is no longer in style and I can purchase it at garage sales for less than $1.

I know what you mean. I keep thinking I should get that $88 hat, but what if it blows away? That's like $88 dollars blowing away, actually probably $100 after shipping. 100 dollars blowing away. I might do it anyway, for the pom poms.

Maybe swap out for lower fat cheese and vegie burgers?

I'm amazed at the explosion of 100 and 200 calorie products on the market now. New products mean lots of high value coupons, free 200 calorie pizza? Sure why not. But taste.. meh....

I would rather make my own, cut back on the cheese, vegies instead of pepperoni, etc..

My family wouldn't agree though.

Mom? what did you do to the pizza??!!

Hmm, ya know, cheese is my very favourite thing in the whole entire world? I cannot have low fat cheese, that's like buying a brand new car and keying it. Taking away all the awesomeness. I LOVE CHEEEEEEEEEESE!
For the record, I'm not really fat I just want a really really small bum. It's the cheese that is probably ruining everything isn't it?
Did you also know, I don't really like burgers, I just like the cheese on top.
I'm so scared to try a veggie burger. Do they taste like vegetables?

Here is a pic of my robot necklace

My sister would absolutely love that! You always find the coolest stuff.

 

[funnygarcia]

Hmm, ya know, cheese is my very favourite thing in the whole entire world? I cannot have low fat cheese, that's like buying a brand new car and keying it. Taking away all the awesomeness. I LOVE CHEEEEEEEEEESE!
Did you also know, I don't really like burgers, I just like the cheese on top.
I'm so scared to try a veggie burger. Do they taste like vegetables?

You crack me up!

You must be related to my dh, everything must have cheese on it.. even Chinese food which I think is hilarious! It's really bad because he isn't suppose to have too much.. salty, too much phosphorus. I know when his phosphorus is high, he starts itching. I glare at him and say "see, told you !" and he whines back " I can't help it! I just love cheese!" scratch scratch scratch

There are bad vegie burgers and there are good vegie burgers. I like Gardenburgers or the black bean griller type made by Morning Star Farms are totally yummy! Boca brand is nasty! Reminds me of school lunch when the burgers were part soy and a vile shade of dark grey GREEN! ewwwww!

I wrap a black bean burger in a tortilla , some good lettuce greens, a bit of tomato, dab of ranch dressing and I feel totally stuffed. Oddly the black beans taste "meaty".

But I don't really care for meat anyway. I would go veg but the thought of making two meals every night loses the appeal. I torture the boys with occasional meatless nights. Hubby has fallen in lust for lentil tacos, the boys weren't so convinced.

 

[funnygarcia]

Amgen struck a bell , looked it up .. oh yeah

Amgen makes a pretty penny with dialysis centers. They make EPO (Epogen), Aranesp and Sensipar all meds that kidney patients need on a frequent basis.

The nurses call the tiny jars of Epo liquid gold. Box of 10 vials is about $3000 Each vial contains 1 ml. If you get a dose in center they try to charge insurance $600, silly considering they buy vials in bulk. If you bought it on your own at pharmacy it would be half that cost.

dh doses sometimes use 1/2 to 3/4 of a vial each week.
We have to very carefully use every drop of liquid. Pain in the booty!
Sadly we have a 1/4 of a vial in the fridge that has been open too long to use. I feel bad wasting it.


At one point, dialysis centers were heavily using EPO, happily charging insurance huge amounts of money. Feds stepped in and established parameters that will allow billing/ use of epo only if the patient had a hemoglobin below a certain standard. Capping that little money maker.

Good medicine, prevents the need for blood transfusions and further surgeries. But the price- YOWZA!

 

[eatmypixiedust]

I know what you mean. I keep thinking I should get that $88 hat, but what if it blows away? That's like $88 dollars blowing away, actually probably $100 after shipping. 100 dollars blowing away. I might do it anyway, for the pom poms.

Hmm, ya know, cheese is my very favourite thing in the whole entire world? I cannot have low fat cheese, that's like buying a brand new car and keying it. Taking away all the awesomeness. I LOVE CHEEEEEEEEEESE!
For the record, I'm not really fat I just want a really really small bum. It's the cheese that is probably ruining everything isn't it?
Did you also know, I don't really like burgers, I just like the cheese on top.
I'm so scared to try a veggie burger. Do they taste like vegetables?


My sister would absolutely love that! You always find the coolest stuff.

I think the hat is cute. I don't think it would blow away but maybe there could be some way you could pin it down with bobby pins? I'm not sure since it's a big hat but just an idea. There is one Juicy purse I like but I want to wait to see if it goes on sale. I don't want to pay full price for it. It's really subtle and doesn't have the Juicy Logo on it. it's just a normal canvas purse. I'll post a pic later.


I don't really like veggie burgers but my little sister likes the Morning Star brand ones. I think my mom buys them from Costco too but I don't know the brand. Have you ever tried turkey burgers? They taste good and really aren't bad. I like the ones at Tommy's in the mall but I rarely eat there. I order it without mayo and tomatoes and add cheese to it, so it tastes good.


I like cheese too! I like pepper jack and also cotswold cheese from Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. There is also a really good cheddar chipotle cheese that I found in Henry's Market that tastes delicious and is good for sandwiches.

 

[funnygarcia]

mmmmm.. Trader Joe's.....

The one bad thing about not having a car right now, Trader Joe's is just too far away. Not that we went very often, but sometimes I have a hankering for a few of the goodies we enjoy.

I did a little happy dance when I discovered Target carries the same brand of the little frozen cubes of garlic, cilantro, basil, etc.. Makes my life a little easier to pop out what we need instead of watching the fresh stuff wither and die in my too small fridge or the too hot this time of year cabinet.

Now if I can just find a substitute for some of the nuts /snacky stuff (chili lime thai cashews, plain unsalted cashews, dried green beans) and the frozen chili lime chicken burgers (YUM!).
I picked up garlic Naan last time, scarfed it all up when we had TJ's green curry. All those oddball things that are hard to find (or pricey) at the regular grocery store.

 

[funnygarcia]

Got ready to walk to the thrift store, the weather did not agree with our idea. Pouring rain, spectacular lightening storm and BOOM of thunder!

Hmmmm , guess we're not going anywhere.
Having our movie marathon right now, little break between movies to pick up Domino's and paged thru Hot Topic online clearance.. found 4 shirts for Noah, cute shoelaces for me.. under $17 shipped. The boy needs clothes! He's gained some height lately, he's developed his own unique "dark" style, and he can't wear his dad's or brother's cast offs any more. Now we need to find him shorts and black jeans.

 

[kelmac284]

Afternoon all! I am back from the swim meet and exhausted but I wanted to share a couple pics. Unfortunately I am still learning and a lot of the action shots didn't turn out too well. My older daughter is just TOO fast and I have to figure out the rapid shutter release! But I got a good one of my younger one doing the butterfly and a couple cute ones of them with their friends.

I hope to keep learning and get some better ones later on. We don't have a meet next weekend because of memorial day and I have my surgery anyway so I won't be taking any then and the following weekend they DO have a meet but I will be going with mom to a shower in San Francisco and then the meet after THAT I am going to take my video camera as I haven't gotten any video in a few years. But I WILL be attempting more pics soon!

Anyway just wanted to share and hope you all are having a great day!

 

[funnygarcia]

Awesome shot of the butterfly .. amazing how clear and crisp they came out.. cool!!!

 

[funnygarcia]

I'm so proud of my son. Some of his classmates don't agree, but he is being strong in his beliefs and knows that he did what was right.

 

[XTinabell]

Cool pictures. I love the first one with the girl in the back making the face with her swim cap

 

[XTinabell]

I'm so proud of my son. Some of his classmates don't agree, but he is being strong in his beliefs and knows that he did what was right.

Wow that can't be easy to stick true to your beliefs when your classmates are against ya. Good for him!

 

[kelmac284]

Morning gals! Thanks for the compliments on the pics.

LOL Tina yes that girl in the back I didn't even notice till I downloaded the pics. TOO funny what kids do when they are bored and waiting to swim. And my younger one had drawn all these silly things all over herself. She really doesn't have a moustache that is ink LOL.

Overall they did VERY well. Katy is in the top medley relay and freestyle relay teams and they took 2nd in both and dropped their times in both and this was a REALLY tough team so we were really proud of them and this team will stick together all year so they should do quite well and will go to championships and should medal!!

Then indiv Katy swam freestyle and took 3rd, she swam the 50 free and also took 3rd and lastly she swam the butterfly and once again took 3rd. She was 3rd only too the other team and is still first in our team. She dropped all her times again so it was a GOOD day overall!

Shelby swam in the medley and free relay as well but was NOT on a very good time and they got dq'd in their medley (disqualified) and got last (5th) in their free relay. Indiv she swam the freestyle and got 1st in her heat and she swam backstroke and got 2nd and then swam breaststroke and got 5th.

She didn't have quite as good a day as Katy but better than last week!

Luckily the weather cooperated and although it was chilly it didn't rain which was good!

Today we are just hanging out and relaxing until tonight and I am anxious for the big lost finale.

Next week I have the dreaded dentist on Tuesday for a cleaning, bleh! And then of course my surgery on Friday which I am just anxious to get it over with. I am hoping for a VERY speedy recovery as Shane's birthday is Saturday and of course it is the holiday! I am actually planning to get a cake for him on Thurs in case I don't feel well enough to celebrate over the weekend. He wanted some new jeans which I had already gotten for him a few weeks ago and my birthday is the following Thurs and I already got myself my gift LOL (my camera) but he got me a new p.c. My old one was 10 years and had a LOT of issues. It kept saying it had no room left on the hard drive even though I dumped practically everything off it and it kept locking up and it took FOREVER to download anything. It was just REALLY old and I have been wanting a new one for AWHILE. So he found a nice and CHEAP one at Sam's. So now I have a new Dell. I think my mom is giving me money so I am hoping I get enough to get the telephoto lens for my camera and then I will be a total happy camper for awile!

Anyway that's bout it for me.

Mom may come over here in a bit and we may run out to the Galleria to check on the crocs for the girls. I want them to at LEAST try them on. Whether or not I actually buy them there is debatable but before I even order them online I want to confirm the sizes since crocs fit so weird.

Then it is just sit back, relax and wait for lost.

Hope you gals have a GREAT rest of your weekend!

P.S. B glad you enjoyed your marathon and that is awesome that your son is making good choices. Makes you feel so good as a mom eh?

 

[sameyeyam]

I am so frustrated ladies. I have been going to the gym roughly 3 times a week, sometimes more some times less. I went shopping yesterday and I still can't fit into the size I've been trying for. I don't seem any closer either. I can see I lost some inches on my waist but nothing on my hips, thighs, bums or bazoongas. Seriously! Dh says I'm not exercising to lose weight, I'm exercising to be healthy. That's rubbish, I'm totally exercising for a small bum. I want to quit, I feel like all this effort and nothing is changing. Maybe I really do need to alter my diet after all. I don't want to though, I love pizza and burgers!

I'm at that same point. I can loose 5 pounds or so, but then seem stuck at that weight. The only time that I ever lost any meaningful weight was when I was walking regularly and on the South Beach diet. I know I should go back on that diet. It worked really well for me, eating 6 times a day and oh yes, it surprisingly had a lot of cheese in it (for I too like cheese!).

Here is a pic of my robot necklace

I don't have a robot, otherwise I would buy it a necklace also.

Woah! That is alot of bikers! That would have been awesome to see. Just imagine if one person wiped out, they would take down a whole bunch of others.

I went to the gym today, I'm not having the greatest day. I was crossing the street and looked both ways, there was nobody turning or coming (or so I thought) so I went, and this guy flew around the corner and he did not have his blinker on to tell me he was turning and then he honked at me! Hello! Turn your blinker on so I know you're going to turn and I would have gladly waited for you to go!

The workout was nice, it made me feel a little better. Then I decided it was nice out so I wanted to go out for dinner, but then it started to rain so that foiled those plans.

And then, my friend had told me she wanted to plan a going away party for me at her place. So I told her I wanted a wine and cheese night, but the only night we're free is on our other friend's b-day. So I said we could combine the two events as long as friend doesn't mind, and friend didn't. But friend didn't tell her bf and now her bf is planning a BBQ that same weekend. So I cancelled my going away and I feel sad. I feel unloved.
Poor organization + Poor communication + Poor planning = feeling unloved

Chatty Hyena friends + 24/7 means of communication + love of Disney = Lots of friends here who love you and are excited you'll be back on "our time".

Amgen struck a bell , looked it up .. oh yeah

Amgen makes a pretty penny with dialysis centers. They make EPO (Epogen), Aranesp and Sensipar all meds that kidney patients need on a frequent basis.

The nurses call the tiny jars of Epo liquid gold. Box of 10 vials is about $3000 Each vial contains 1 ml. If you get a dose in center they try to charge insurance $600, silly considering they buy vials in bulk. If you bought it on your own at pharmacy it would be half that cost.

dh doses sometimes use 1/2 to 3/4 of a vial each week.
We have to very carefully use every drop of liquid. Pain in the booty!
Sadly we have a 1/4 of a vial in the fridge that has been open too long to use. I feel bad wasting it.


At one point, dialysis centers were heavily using EPO, happily charging insurance huge amounts of money. Feds stepped in and established parameters that will allow billing/ use of epo only if the patient had a hemoglobin below a certain standard. Capping that little money maker.

Good medicine, prevents the need for blood transfusions and further surgeries. But the price- YOWZA!

So, could you have a doctor order a standing prescription for the stuff at a pharmacy, one that is nearby the dialysis center. Then you run over and get it. You know me, always finding ways to save money. I know your insurance covers it, but sheesh, no reason to charge them an arm & a leg.

Got ready to walk to the thrift store, the weather did not agree with our idea. Pouring rain, spectacular lightening storm and BOOM of thunder!

Hmmmm , guess we're not going anywhere.
Having our movie marathon right now, little break between movies to pick up Domino's and paged thru Hot Topic online clearance.. found 4 shirts for Noah, cute shoelaces for me.. under $17 shipped. The boy needs clothes! He's gained some height lately, he's developed his own unique "dark" style, and he can't wear his dad's or brother's cast offs any more. Now we need to find him shorts and black jeans.

May I suggest buying a $5 bottle of Rit black dye and throwing all the hand me downs into the washer. Problem solved, now everything including his skiivies and socks are various shades black!