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

[tinkermell]

Good morning!

I kind of caught up a little.

Bernice!!!!! Did you survive the tornados!!!

Sarah, I live on a few acres too. Whatever animal we happen to have, stays outside. (Because of allergies) We have had kittens, cats and dogs. We have lost a few too, due to the environment. It is sad. But at the same time, the dogs have free reign to do whatever they like. Lots of exercise and places to explore. Most of the time, they do not venture too far away. Only when we take a walk.

Ali, We put our DD through school too. We did everything possible to help with the finances. If your DD wants to be a teacher at all, there is something called the "Apple" that gives quite a bit towards the fee. Becky received $11,000.00 for that alone.

Kelly, have a super time at DL, you lucky duck.

Pix, Hope the meds clear things up quick! Take care!

Funball, (what is your name? Do I keep missing it?) That was cruddy of that poster to do that to you! BBQd lobster tails sound yummy!

So today is my final day to get ready for our big party tomorrow. Last minute stuff to do. As usual.

Have a great Saturday!

 

[kelmac284]

Morning gals!! Happy Sunday and Happy Father's day to all the dads!!!

Mel have a GREAT party today! I know it will be fun!!

Rochelle I hope your meds are helping!! I still have a bit of a head cold myself and hope it doesn't bug me on our trip!

Sara how was the lobster? That sounded really yummy!

We had a fairly good day at the meet although it was crazy cold. The temps never got past the mid 70's and then it was super windy which made the temp cooler. I was FREEZING all day! I just hope that doesn't next week at Disney. They say it is only going to be in the mid 70's there and we usually leave the room in the morning and VERY rarely go back although we are staying at the Grand so it is fairly close if we have to although I wasn't planning on taking long pants but now I am thinking I should throw in a few pairs! We are DEF taking jackets as we always seem to need them for the mornings and nights regardless of what time of year we go but I think we could still get cold in the evenings waiting for WOC or the fireworks in just shorts. HMMMM???

Anyway Katy had a really bad day and they had a girl who had outrageous times! Katy's BEST time in the 25 free is a 15.63 and this girl did it in a 13.81!!! That is just nuts! So that got Katy all riled up and she even swam it without taking a breath but still not only got beat by her and another swimmer on our own team but even went up a bit on her time so she get ALL flustered and I think that killed it for the rest of the day for her. Her medley team took 2nd because they had that fast girl on the team and then she took 3rd in the 25 free although Shelby got 1st in her heat and dropped her time quite a bit so she was REALLY excited! Then Shelby swam the backstroke and dropped her time and took 2nd which again was good for her! Then Katy did the 50 free and got 5th which is unheard of for her! She raised her time again which if she had still got in the 35's like last week she'd have been up there but the fast girl did it in a 31! Then they both did the butterfly and that is Katy's BEST stroke well of course that fast girl AGAIN was in it and did it in a 15! Katy's best time was a 17 but she was so ruffled she went up to almost a 19. She did an 18.90 something. So again she even got beat by another girl on our team which is EXTREMELY unusual for her as she is usually the number one butterflier on our team. So she was NOT having a good day. Shelby did well though and got 3rd in her fly. Then they both swam the free relay and Katy's team had quite the race and the top team did it in 1.03 and Katy's team did it in 1.04 so it was extremely close! And Shelby's team took 4th in their heat. So it was a GREAT day for Shelby for a change but awful for Katy. I am hoping this break next week will give her a chance to relax and re-charge so she can come back and do better in 2 weeks!

Anyway then Shane had tickets to the River cats and I actually felt ok to go but wanted to stay home and get some laundry done and some packing so they went and I stayed.

I am taking my good camera which requires taking the backpack so I had to switch everything out of the bag I usually take and so I am paranoid I am going to forget something. But hopefully not! I've already switched out my money, credit cards, DL etc out of my purse cuz I don't want to get rushed and forget later and we are leaving at the crack of dawn tomorrow!

In an hour I can print our boarding passes so that is one more thing I can check off the list!!

Not sure what is going on today. My parents are still up in Truckee but they may come home early and we may do something with them today. Not sure.

Otherwise that's bout it for me. Not sure if I will have time to get on tomorrow before I leave but I may check in via my phone on the trip. If not have a GREAT week everyone and see you when I get back!!

 

[eatmypixiedust]

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick post. I am feeling a bit better but am still fighting a cough. The meds are helping a lot, which is good. I was able to venture outside yesterday after being couped up at home most of the time.

I went to the mall and went to Disney Store. They had a Tink tote bag that was on clearance. I cut out the Tink and sewed it onto a larger tote bag. Here is a pic:

I like how it turned out It took a long time to sew it on but I think it was worth it I hope you guys have a good day

 

[kelmac284]

Have a few minutes before I take off. Have a GREAT week gals and see you when I get back!!

 

[funnygarcia]

Yep they are good, they are small, only 4.99 for one! But I got them at this chain store called “Albertsons” if you live in California you probably heard about them, they are good size! Great for grilling. And my annoying day is starting to take a turn!! Finally!

I lived in California for one year, Albertson's was within walking distance.. but it was small compared to the grocery stores here in the Twin Cities. Even the Ralph's was tiny, we drove to Winco instead which is more typical size for our area.... I miss Winco's bulk area.
Von's is similar to our Rainbow Foods, doubling coupons, nice deli and bakery. The price tag too... which is why I go on doubling days.

I shop at Cub Foods, my 3/4 mile walk, the parent company (SuperValu) now owns Albertson's as well. Our sale ads are similar for certain offers, except our ads run Sunday to Saturday.. about a week ahead of yours. So if I post a deal about a catalina offer (buy x products get coupon for $x off your next order), check your ad on Thursday to see if Albertson's is offering it too.

 

[funnygarcia]

Our dog (a Staffordshire Bull Terrior) likes little critters including cats. The kittens love to snuggle up with him in his doggy bed and rub them selves all over him and he just looks at us like why me.

Awww, cute!

Bernice!!!!! Did you survive the tornados!!!

They were not in our area, further away from the metro area were the bad touchdowns. We had a quick thunderstorm with some freaky cool lightening, quick downpour and that was it. I was concerned because we had the weird yellow sky after the storm passed, typically a sign that something else might happen.. but the storm was moving fast enough. I wouldn't be surprised if another line of storms, and it's accompanying tornado watch, will pass thru tonight. It's sticky hot! Ahhh summer in the Twin Cities is in full force.

I like a good storm, as long as I have a place inside to watch it.

Have a few minutes before I take off. Have a GREAT week gals and see you when I get back!!

wooohooooooo!!

 

[funnygarcia]

Saturday we went to an art festival/car show along the river front in a very old part of Minneapolis. (where Mpls got it's start using the falls to power the mills to grind flour)

Walked all along the booths and admired the art for sale, watching people with strollers full of their babies and the people walking their dogs.

The Mill City Museum has a farmer's market in their plaza on the weekends. Lots of local sustainable, organic, heirloom tomato, food trucks/ tents, trendy... . It's located on the downtown side of the river, so we walked across the beautiful old Stone Arch Bridge. In the past, it was a railroad bridge between the flour mills. Watched a tourist paddle boat go through the locks (thru the falls) and checked out the ruins park that is outside of the museum. (the ruins are the original limestone walls and metal that made up the mill tracings.. were the water entered the mill). Walked on that side of the river and up past the Guthrie Theater to get into the plaza.

But we were kinda late, they started to pack up as we got there. Darn!
But we did get a sandwich to share from a food truck called the Chef's Shack. The Chef's Shack has been featured in Saveur magazine and has rave reviews for making gourmet food out of a food truck.

Decided to be adventurous and ordered the crab sandwich with pickled ramps and fiddlehead relish. It's a whole soft shell crab, tempura battered.

Eloy got creeped out because the legs and claws were hanging off the sides. I snapped the legs off, he nibbled but it became a sandwich just for me. It was good!

Next time we want to try the beef tongue tacos, They looked very yummy and more Eloy's style .. he grew up eating tongue, I'm fine if it's been cut up.

From there we walked another three blocks up to the LRT station next to the Metrodome, took the train a couple blocks to Nicollet Mall. Snagged a bus to go a few blocks down to Target (free ride downtown along Nicollet Mall). Took a long leisurely break sipping latte and frappuchinos from Starbuck's (freebie for me, $2 for eloy with a coupon). Bought a few snacks, took the bus home...

Totally exhausted and my joints were BURNING hot to the touch in my wrists, hands, and elbows. Hmm, I think we overdid it. .. ya think??



But it was fun and we need to hit up that market again, taking the bus to it next time!

 

[eatmypixiedust]

Good Morning,

For the first time in over 10 years (seriously), I am wearing a skirt! I felt weird about it at first but I bravely decided to wear it to work today. I went shopping yesterday at Old Navy and had a coupon for $10 off. I tried it on just to see what it looked like. I haven't worn a skirt since high school (it was mandatory for the dress code) and just hated it. I never thought I would wear one again.

My co-workers were shocked and said I look really cute and my mom was like: "WOW!!" and she was smiling and shocked because she hasn't seen me in a skirt for so long. I am starting to build my confidence and self-esteem back up. I recently lost 20lbs and am trying to lose more. It's not easy but I just try to eat healthier things and choose foods that are less greasy and oily. It doesn't mean I don't eat yummy tasting food!

I feel a lot happier and better and am starting to build my life back up. This past weekend was not so tough for me and I kept myself busy. I have my hip hop class tonight. I am not sure if I will go because I still am coughing a bit from my cold. Hopefully I won't have to miss it.


Hope you are all having a good day

 

[sameyeyam]

ok i am a bit annoyed.

ok first off i have had this headache thing in the back of my head for 4 days, could not sleep at night with it, anyhow finally today it's going away as i feel less pressure and headache feel. so that is a relief--but still annoyed--i posted a thread asking if anyone needed a park map for DLR and or DCA, well then some poster just hijacked my thread and told the last person that posted that she had a bunch of maps to give..it's like what the heck, i was trying to do a service..

The one good thing about this thread...it's impossible to Hijack!

It boggles my mind how long BIL has been in school, he keeps changing his degree. Did I tell you he left his radiology program because the teacher was being a little rough on him? He claims the teacher was racist.. if that's the case, then stick it out and fight back!
Now he's going for IT support, I asked why not go for nursing as he already had all the science courses? His reply was "well I was going into radiology for the technology aspect.." uhhh what?? I don't get it.

He has exhausted his financial aid because of the length of time and how many credits he has earned. I don't see him being able to pay off ANY of his loans, including the ones his mom co-signed!! And he's not a youngster, he's in his 30's. You know my foot would connect to the boys' rears if we had that situation here.

I remember you talking about BIL and all of his school adventures. That's just crazy!!! I listen to the Dave Ramsey show on my computer at work and I'm shocked by the number of people that call in with HUGE student loan debt.

The only way I can get her to qualify for the grants you don't have to pay back is to marry her off this summer to a total unemployed bum! Then let her become his dependent.

Hello,

Earlier this week I thought I was suffering from bad allergies. It got worse and I went to the doctor yesterday. I was told that I had a left ear infection, a fever and I was coughing at times where it was like choking. I also had a runny nose that just wouldn't stop.

I was given some antibiotics and some strong cough syrup. It's only been a day but I do feel better after taking the meds. I hate being sick and just want this cold to go away!

Sure wish you felt better Pix.

Yep they are good, they are small, only 4.99 for one! But I got them at this chain store called “Albertsons” if you live in California you probably heard about them, they are good size! Great for grilling. And my annoying day is starting to take a turn!! Finally!

We have Albertson's here in WA. They are headquartered in Idaho. Not one close to my work or house, so I don't go there often. But sometimes I swing by one.

Morning gals. Didn't have time to read back but just wanted to check in real quick before we leave. Toy story was REALLY good! Loved it. Had fun last night!! We are off to our meet here in a minute and then Shane has tickets to a River Cats game (minor league baseball) but the jury is out if I will go or not because I usually end up with a headache after a long day at a meet. So they may go without me. Hope everyone has a GREAT day today and talk later!!

Have a Great Time!

Good Morning,

For the first time in over 10 years (seriously), I am wearing a skirt! I felt weird about it at first but I bravely decided to wear it to work today. I went shopping yesterday at Old Navy and had a coupon for $10 off. I tried it on just to see what it looked like. I haven't worn a skirt since high school (it was mandatory for the dress code) and just hated it. I never thought I would wear one again.

My co-workers were shocked and said I look really cute and my mom was like: "WOW!!" and she was smiling and shocked because she hasn't seen me in a skirt for so long. I am starting to build my confidence and self-esteem back up. I recently lost 20lbs and am trying to lose more. It's not easy but I just try to eat healthier things and choose foods that are less greasy and oily. It doesn't mean I don't eat yummy tasting food!

I feel a lot happier and better and am starting to build my life back up. This past weekend was not so tough for me and I kept myself busy. I have my hip hop class tonight. I am not sure if I will go because I still am coughing a bit from my cold. Hopefully I won't have to miss it.


Hope you are all having a good day

Awesome work, losing weight is hard. I'm very proud of you. You are growing as a person and also losing as a person (weight that is!). You're going to be just fine.

 

[sameyeyam]

Just hired a new assistant at work.....my daughter! I've been totally busy, crazy, working 60-70 hours work weeks since this spring.

It will give her the work experience she needs and I desperately need the help. She has been out searching for work anyway, so this will be a good thing. She can work more hours for me this summer, and then scale back a bit when she starts school in August.

I sent her out today to buy a few office appropriate outfits and she starts tomorrow morning. Boy and I piling up a ton of work for her to do.

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hi! Hope everyone had a good weeekend. We didn't do much, just went to the gym. I did 5 miles yesterday and my legs are a little sore today but not too bad.

Next weekend we are going to Catalina Island. We got a 2 day/1 night stay for free for going to a timeshare thingy a while back. We are going to go down to Newport Beach on Saturday and stay the night down there. I got a studio room for $43 through Priceline. Then Sunday morning we board the boat at 9am and head to Catalina. The hotel we are staying at there looks nice. We come back on the boat at 4:30pm on Monday.

 

[Funball]

ok i have extra clean and nice looking recent park maps. i got a bunch yesterday cause some other disboarders needed a set to plan there trips--anyhow i have left overs. if anyone needs a map from DCA or DLR or both--let me know!

as it stands i have 5 DLR maps with fantasmic on the front as the theme

and 4 DCA maps with world of color on the front as the theme!

i will send free of charge(cause that is how i roll! ) just pm me an address to send them to!

--sara

 

[MotoXPrincess99]

Hey Pix,

Do you need this pin?

Let me know and I'll send it off to you.

 

[funnygarcia]

Chilling with the AC today, bright, hot and humid -- typical summer.
I think we need one more fan to position in the hallway to push the cold air back into our bedroom. The nice cool air flows into the boys room at the end of the hall but can't seem to make that right turn into ours (just steps away).
It's like you hit this wall of hot air when you turn to face our doorway, ick!
I don't like to leave Eloy totally alone while he is dialyzing, but staying in the hot bedroom is torture. .. hot, slimy, all wet feeling torture.. stinky too I suppose?

Our current Xbox 360 is dying a slow painful death, it had died totally a month ago but Noah brought it over to a friend's and they popped it open to attack with cans of air and vac. It works again.. kinda.. slow loading, won't read some games, freaks out and shuts off for no reason.
(It's long past warranty and had been serviced once for "red ring of death", even that warranty is now passed.)

Thought about just going without but..
We use it to watch Netflix as we ditched cable and don't get TV reception in our apt, we don't own enough computers to keep everyone happy during the brutal winters and hot summers. soooooooooooooooooooo

I didn't want to pay for a used one (no warranty) and didn't want to shell out the big bucks for a brand new model.

There was a deal a week ago : price cut, two games and $50 GC. Arrived today and the boys are happily setting it up, put the old one in their room until it totally dies. It's not the new fancy slim model, it's the arcade version that is being discontinued.. but it was freshly made in March and has the warranty.

There is a our entire summer entertainment budget. Except for our one day of camping -- $20 plus whatever food goodies I can find with coupon deals. And a few summer festivals.. free to attend, just pay bus fare and carefully choose a cheap lunch or pack one to bring.

 

[funnygarcia]

Next weekend we are going to Catalina Island. We got a 2 day/1 night stay for free for going to a timeshare thingy a while back. We are going to go down to Newport Beach on Saturday and stay the night down there. I got a studio room for $43 through Priceline. Then Sunday morning we board the boat at 9am and head to Catalina. The hotel we are staying at there looks nice. We come back on the boat at 4:30pm on Monday.

That sounds like fun!
I miss the beach and digging my toes in the sand.
We have numerous lakes, but it's not quite the same as the ocean.

Lake Superior would be close to that feeling of "wow, that's a lot of water" but it's very very cold... brrrrrrrrrr.

 

[funnygarcia]

Good Morning,
For the first time in over 10 years (seriously), I am wearing a skirt! I am starting to build my confidence and self-esteem back up.

I'm so proud of you!

 

[funnygarcia]

The only way I can get her to qualify for the grants you don't have to pay back is to marry her off this summer to a total unemployed bum! Then let her become his dependent.

Sounds like a plan!

We will be the good disabled.. part time working... bums, Justin will take whatever he can get!

Just hired a new assistant at work.....my daughter!

Cool!

 

[dizzyami]

Another day and another close shift ....at least it gives me time to read the thread (although there is not really much to catch up on)

I am actually really excited for our trip this weekend to North Mexico (yeah, ok it is Tucson). There they have real malls and real restaurants - so I will ditch hubby at the bird show and go SHOPPING - at a real store and not with a mouse!!! I have a $50 Outback gift card that should at least feed me and the kids and three free tickets to Toy Story 3 (yes, we do have movie theatres, but no time this week)

 

[eatmypixiedust]

Hey Pix,

Do you need this pin?

Let me know and I'll send it off to you.

Awww...that's so nice of you Sarah! Thanks but I was able to find that one on my last trip to DL/DCA. I traded with one of the CM's (he was a manager I believe) and he had it Thank you for the offer though. I appreciate it.

I also just bought some on ebay yesterday- Donald & Goofy. I am missing Pluto, Rabbit and Piglet I believe. I don't know if there are more I'm missing. This set is so huge!

I'm so proud of you!

Thank you! One of my friends text messaged me and said she was so thrilled that I did that and that I'm totally breaking out of my comfort zone. My therapist called me yesterday and she told me that I sound happier and she is so proud of me that I am trying new clothes and wearing sandals and that I'm actually comfortable in them once I try it. She said I'm doing well and she said that she is really proud of the progress I'm making.


I found a cool bracelet at the mall while I was shopping the other day. It's so cute and was on sale at Gymboree. They have cute hair clips Here is a pic (I was surprised it fits me ):

 

[eatmypixiedust]

Another day and another close shift ....at least it gives me time to read the thread (although there is not really much to catch up on)

I am actually really excited for our trip this weekend to North Mexico (yeah, ok it is Tucson). There they have real malls and real restaurants - so I will ditch hubby at the bird show and go SHOPPING - at a real store and not with a mouse!!! I have a $50 Outback gift card that should at least feed me and the kids and three free tickets to Toy Story 3 (yes, we do have movie theatres, but no time this week)

And where have you been hiding missy? DIS board neglector!! J/k!! Your trip sounds like fun! Yay for shopping and Outback is delicious!!

I want to see Toy Story 3 but I want to wait until my cold is 100% gone before I do. I am feeling better though but have a cough that decides to kick in once in a while. I ran out of cough syrup so the pharamcy is waiting for my insurance to approve the refill. I should get it today (I hope).