EWP group?

[helenabear]

Good evening everyone!

Lisa, I wish I knew what to say about your parents. I did not have that problem at all. There is nothing wrong with a shower or registering. People will want to get you gifts because they want to, not because you are greedy and registering is the best way to show people what you would like. It was so much fun to register. If my mom had been around and said something like that I would have told her to keep her opinions to herself and I would have had a wonderful time at my shower & had fun registering. Don't let yourself feel guilty and don't you dare worry yourself about feeling selfish. You are definitely NOT a selfish lady at all!!!! Enjoy your wedding and all the good times that go with it before. I wish I had some real advice but I don't. Only a {{{HUG}}} for you... and a little support letting you know you shouldn't feel the way you do!

SG, 4.6 pounds is not trivial. It is something to be very proud of! I am so happy that you were able to lose that and I hope the weight keeps coming right off! I am glad that you and the grands had a good time at the mall today! And yes, it is freezing here. I went to choir practice tonight and I had to get gas on the way home... it was SO COLD and WINDY!!! I only had my leather jacket on and I wished I had my down coat on at the time.

Well my eyes are getting a little tired. I hope all is well with the rest of you! I will check back in tomorrow and hopefully when I come in for lunch the server won't be so busy that I can't stop in Have a great day everyone!!!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Good afternoon!

Been a little hectic around here this morning. Had planned to catch up on a few things but my oldest grand and his cousin stopped by for an unexpected visit. Took some homemade cocoa and cinnamon toast to warm them up. LOL

Helenabear, thank you for the kind words. My DH does not want me to lose weight and so it is hard going. Fat women do not leave home easily IHNOHO. (grin) Have tried pointing out the fact that if I drop dead he will not have anyone to wash his clothes, cook his food etc. but he is sort of dense.

DH has another retirement party so he will be gone this evening and I can catch up on the things that did not get done this morning. I have been cooking up some things for the freezer so I will have no excuses, or at least good ones. I fried up a bunch of ground round with vast amounts of onions, green peppers and such to stretch it and lower the calories and put them in 8 oz packages. DH is in the kitchen chowing down on some steaks and melon salad and is also having some of that Sweet Potato dish that they served at Bomba's. I fix mashed potatoes and such and let them cool, put them in freezer bags and lay them flat so that I can feed him when he gets hungry as he eats a lot more often and a lot more period than I do. No, he has not big weight problem. He has gained about 40 pounds since he retired but he needed about 20 of them.

I hope the weather has gotten warmer and the kids are in good health for Angelina. Have not heard from her in a bit. Seems like life goes in fits and spurts from time to time. She may be out planning her gardens for the year. Must be nice to have talent.

Take care, keep warm and I hope the day brings you all whatever you want most.

Slightly Goofy

 

[IASW Rider]

Hello!

Thank you both so much for your thoughtfulness, as always! I can always count on the people in this Suite to offer insightful and wise words, and great support! Thanks very much!

I don't think that we will actually register at this point, regardless. I can't really even think of anything that we truly NEED! I always liked shopping for other people from their wedding or baby registries - it does make it a lot easier to choose something that you know the recipient(s) need or want. It never really occurred to me to register, myself, though. (perhaps because I've been told all my life by my parents that registering is a "BAD" thing to do - hee hee!) Seriously, though, I wouldn't consider registering now for the additional reason that this is my second marriage.......and most of the people who will be at the wedding were also at my first wedding......and I wouldn't want them to feel obligated to go out and get me another big gift, or whatever - you know!

Anyway, what do you think - should I tell each of my friends at the shower (there will only be about 10 of them there - I told you it's going to be an "intimate" wedding!) NOT to mention the existence of the shower to my father at the wedding? (I doubt that any of them would have occasion to come across my mother at any point, since my mother doesn't leave her house. And also because they would never call her......since she decided that she hates all of them, immediately after their "selfish participation" in my first bridal shower, 11 years ago!) I know it sounds like a really dumb question, but I just have to make sure that my parents - really my mother - do not have any "ammunition" that could ruin my wedding day. Doesn't this all sound psycho? That's how my parents think! I guess the fact that they are trapped in the house all day together and have very little contact with the "outside world" doesn't help either of them, in that regard, either. They feed off of one another's paranoias and neuroses, and the result is a very warped view of people, their intentions, and things that happen in normal society.

Anyway......enough of that stuff! I'm being "bad", again, and writing to you from work, as I eat lunch at my desk. Frank is going down to his mother's house, directly from work tonight, for the rest of the weekend. He's finally going to discuss our "wedding stuff" with his mother and bring her a copy of that synopsis that I had written up. I hope that it goes well - I have a feeling that it will. In the mean time, I get the house to myself, this weekend (hee hee!)! I'm looking forward to renting a bunch of "chick flicks" and lying around on the couch, watching them! I really need to get rid of the final residual cold / bronchitis that I have, so that I'm feeling all better in time for the holidays, next week. Can you believe that it's already Passover / Easter time? Wasn't it just December??!! Where does the time go? I am also looking forward to watching the Oscars on Sunday night. I am a total awards show "junkie"! I love watching them and seeing what everyone is wearing and trying to predict the winners, and listening to the acceptance speeches!

Congratulations on your most recent 4.6 pound loss, Linda!!!!!!!!!!

That is FANTASTIC! 4.6 pounds is a lot to lose in one week - that's great!!!!!!!!! And don't even think about not reporting your progress, here - we want to hear about your accomplishments and definitely understand the need for support! Keep us posted! I lost a few more this week, too. I had slowed down a bit when I was really sick, last week - I may have lost 3/4 of a pound or something - but that's probably because I was sick and was drinking a ton of juice. I seem to be rolling along again, this week!

That's so neat that you make and store dinners and lunches so that you and your DH can just pop them into the oven or microwave and heat them up! Great thinking!

It's FREEZING here today, too, Elaine and Linda! BRRRR!!!! They said that the high temperature today was going to be 36, and the wind chill makes it feel like 11 degrees! Can't wait to get home and put on my pink flannel Minnie Mouse pajamas and big fluffy slippers and get under a blanket with some cats on my lap!

Hope that you're all having a nice day! Take care and thanks again for your kindness!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear Lisa

We will both be enjoying a lazy evening. I have a sister in law who cannot stand to be alone for a minute and while I enjoy people MOST of the time I do enjoy being on my own now and then. What kind of 'chick flicks' are you planning on watching? I am catching up on a lot of tapes of tv shows. I would not be surprised to find an episode of "Hill Street Blues" in the stack. I tape shows to watch later and later sometimes is very late. LOL

With some people you can do your best to avoid conflict and they will still find ways to object. They rule through terror. Some rule through weakness also. I don't see why anyone has to rule at all. Just go ahead and plan your wedding the way you and Frank want and if anyone causes problems just stand back,say nothing and let them make fools of themselves. Everyone will understand. I bet Frank will do just fine and with your thoughtful printout of what all the wedding will entail it will go smoothly. This is all so much better than the Wedding Story shows on tv. It is exciting and wonderful to be part of it. We all love hearing the details of what you are going to incorporate into the wedding next. I bet you were one of those little girls who planned their weddings when they were in grade school. Your attention to detail must stand you in good stead in your job. Are things getting a bit better there?

Your 3/4th of a pound was probably harder for you to lose than mine. It is a higher percentage of your body weight. I will be glad of that amount later on down the road. I am not doing too well today. Nothing too bad but I am really hungery. I had better get some of that veggie soup out so I can chow down on a couple of bowls to get me past the things that I might consume. (grin)

The house is quiet and reasonably neat. I have a couple of good books and a few hours to enjoy them in. Small pleasures are the best.

Warm hugs to you all and please come by the Suite later tonight for a cup of my own hot chocolate brew. A bit more cocoa and less sugar. Yes, I am too cheap to pay $2 for 10 packs of chocolate mix BUT mine is still better anyway. LOL

Slightly Goofy

 

[CathyCanada]

Just popping in to say hi and give Lisa a hug! Planning a wedding is so hard these days. I'm sure it will all go well and be beautiful!

Linda, can you make a cup of hot chocolate for me too please, I think I will be joining you all tonight in the suite and could use some warming up!

Enjoy the weekend, ladies!
CC

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Dear WM Cathy C.

With your warm heart I am sure that you are not toooo cold but I will gladly make you a cup of my brew, with a few marshmallows sprinkled on top to make you even sweeter.

Just made some low cal cookies to help me get through the weekend. There is a plateful over on the counter. I don't have much of sweet tooth but don't stand between me and a platter of meat! LOL

Slightly Goofy

 

[jstmee]

After reading of Lisa's trials, I've taken a few days myself to reflect. I have parents (at least a mother) that doesn't believe in showers, registries, or even niceties of a wedding. I think it's because she married my father by a justice of a peace because it was his second marriage and he had me and my brother already.

My first marriage was by a judge and my second marriage we had a real nice wedding and my mother (step mother, but she's my mother since I was two) forbid me to invite my Aunt, Grandmother and cousins on her side. Since my father is an only child, the only people I could invite on my side was my three brothers and my parents. So you can imagine out of 100 guests only 3 were related to me, my parents and one of my brothers.

That was eleven years ago this June and to this day I regret not inviting my cousins and Aunt and grandmother. They are not like my mother at all. They believe in the closeness of family and I am sure they would have wanted to share in my day.

My brother gets married on June 8 and she tried to do the same thing to him. She said to my sister in law to be that there was no one else to invite and didn't include the cousins again. We only have 5 cousins........Anyway, my SIL to be finally got the names and addresses from my mom and they will be invited. Thank goodness.

I also have "fear" if you will of my parents reactions, etc......my parents are paying for the rehearsal dinner and had a fit (my mother only) over the cost $50 per plate. Of course she wouldn't tell my SIL to be but my mother told me that I couldn't bring my 4 kids and that we should only choose the chicken (the cheapest plate).......I agonized over this for months and said okay the kids can have pizza at the hotel, etc.....I was getting sick over it cause my SIL wants us to be there, all of us and I lied to her and said I wanted a night out without the kids. Well to shorten this story, I got up the guts to tell my mom that I'm bringing the kids and that I'd pay for their meal. She said okay and we left it at that. She said for us not to pay though.....Now my dilemma will be the meal and how to order it. I never order chicken when I go out so I may just rebel a little more and order exactly what I want, there will be a few different choices. The same goes for the kids, I'm not going to dictate what they order.

Anyway I rambled and all the kids are coming in the room so I'll continue later. Wendy

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

My parents were the non interferring type. They never came to any school functions, not even grad night when I was awarded quite a few certificates and scholarships. I was allowed to marry anyone I wanted to just as long as I got out of the house. All of my siblings were so blessed. Report cards were not commented on, good, bad or ugly. We were not assigned any chores except for a major blowup once or twice a year where I would be beaten within an inch of my life. One shining moment in my life with my father was a few years ago when he and his companion came over to out motel room and when they got ready to leave he reached to hug me (a first). He told me"You are a good girl". I looked him in the eye and replied "I always was". One of the few times in my life when I said the right thing at the right time.

My mother asked me to take in a sibling without mentioning that fact that the reason they wanted to 'get rid of her' was the fact that she had taken off with a gang of boys for some 'fun' and was using drugs. I had 2 children at home that I did not allow to associate with such behavior. On my sister's birthday I mentioned that she wanted a watch,figuring it would be something special that would not cost much. BTW, we were paying all my sisters expenses. I was informed that they could/would not afford such a gift. We are talking Timex here. Soon afterward my mother sent my sister a letter telling her of a stereo system that they bought for the youngest girl. Dear sister got upset and went into a tailspin that she did not recover from, under my roof at least. I sincerely believe that was the turning point in her life and she has not recovered all these years later.

I went without clothes and other things in order to be able to send money to help my mother get some basic needs. When we found my brother and we got together his first words to me were "Do you know why Mom did not like you?' I suffered many years from the lack of love in my family until another sister said "If you let it bother you THEY win". I started doing what I could on my terms. I did what made me feel better. I was there for both of my parents until the end BUT I did not let their opinion ruin my life. I took the few good points they had and used them in raising my children and did everything else differently. Not sure if my kids agree that I did well but I tried.

Seems to me the secret is that our parents are people too and sometimes they come from a place or time that we cannot understand. Let them state their opinions as much as they want but do it your way IMHO. This is what I have told my kids to do with me. It does not hurt me if I give advice and someone does not take it. I do not mind people giving me advice either, but I make my own choices. Loving someone makes us awfully sensitive for what they do or say. If we expect our Higher Power to forgive us our imperfections we must do likewise to those around us.

Jstmee, I don't know if this would work or not but if your parents believe they cannot afford so much a good compromise might be that they give a set amount that they are comfortable with and then your future sil and brother could make up the difference if they want more. I gave each of our kids a check for several thousand dollars and they could use it as they saw fit, for a big wedding, nice honeymoon or down payment on a house or whatever. We are just regular working people and do not make a large income so that was the best I could come up with in order to be fair. I think the kids liked that idea. Our son has been married twice and the second time they got married in a judge's chambers with some family members present and I gave a reception in our back yard. I only had a couple of days to come up with that. They were just going to get married in chambers alone. We did give a decent sized check so they could have a small honeymoon too. My husband still gives me a hard time about that because of the way things have turned out. BTW, this is my dil who says we are not 'supportive'.

I had so hoped to end the cycle of hatred in my family with my children but it has not been the case. I am always willing to talk but you cannot make headway with someone who refuses to talk to you. My father was in a room down the hall from his sister when she passed away and neither of them wanted to see the other. How very sad.

This is not a happy train of thought and I think I will find something better to think about the rest of the day. We just came back from an Easter Egg Hunt at the town square. There is a white bandstand and a new playground up there. Small town living has it's perks. Just went by the lumber mill and they now have some mulch in so that is what we will be doing next week. I would rather mulch than weed. LOL

I made some diet cookies yesterday and ate far too many of them so I am on a 'rabbit' diet today. Might add a bit of tuna to sustain me though. LOL

Take care Jstmee, Rider, Angelina, Helenabear, Dan and WM Cathy C and I hope I have not missed anyone!

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone!!!

I just wanted to pop in say hi... say to you all I am hearing all you guys have to say but it always saddens me when I hear stories like this of parents. I have so much in my heart an on my mind, I just cannot say it right now. So my generic comment will be families are never easy and it is amazing to find that we get along as well as we seem to do at times. Lisa, keep your chin up and go with your heart and you will have a beautiful wedding.

I've had a long day and am not much for talk right now... at least for long talk. I have really liked hearing you all chat away about the good and bad in life. Today I spent about 4 hours at church with my choir practicing for Easter Vigil mass next week. I was given a solo to sing that I did last year. I am not much for this solo because it is really fast and really hard to find a decent spot to breathe in I have spent probably an hour today trying to figure out everything including rythms & where to breathe... no luck yet on that one.

Cleo is resting peacefully on my lap. She is so sweet. I do really enjoy having her for a cat

Wow, I guess I am not in a talkative mood, but more of a listening one and I really wanted to let you all know I am thinking of you all and my heart goes out to each of you especially when dealing with parents. I hope you guys have a great rest of the weekend

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

The last few posts have been very downbeat, mine also and I thought I ought to add that 'real life' is not like the old tv shows in that things get messy and are not successfully concluded in 3- or 60 minutes. I took the good from my life as a kid and tried to replicate that and did the other things differently. I can see from the warm hearts and forgiving natures of you all that you have done the same. We are evolving constantly and while it is important not to make the old mistakes it is not worth dwelling on to the detrimate of our current lives. I meet people almost every single day who have had it much worse than I ever did and so I am grateful for that. 'Nuff stuff. (grin)

On another note - - the weather has taken a turn, and not for the better, here. Yesterday, after church, I worked in the yard getting ready for a load of mulch. I might as well lazed around the house as it is cold and rainy (slick) here today and expected again tomorrow. We are lucky though as up North of here they are having inches of the white stuff.

I will be so glad to head back to school today. I have missed it. I found some great books on the list for really good prices. Not only does this job not pay me anything but it is cutting into my budget. LOL

Learned an important lesson this week. I found a recipe for WW cookies. It made 6 cookies. It also included a recipe for a batch of 36 and being the efficient person that I am I made the larger amount so I could freeze some. I am afraid that a vast amount did not make it to the freezer. Grrrrrr. Will not make that mistake again, I am very versatile and will think up new ones. LOL

I hope that Rider and Helenabear are not having the Monday Blues. It is always hard to get started at anything. Angelina must be wandering the beautiful streets of Fairhope looking for nice touches for her gardens. I hope that Jstmee is not deluged with snow.

Did everyone stay up for the Oscars? It was a very good show as these things go. I enjoyed Cirque even more for having seen it in person. Makes me want to go see it again very soon. How about tonight? Any ideas for dinner before or after?

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!

SG, I do agree, we have been a little more downbeat lately but as you said, such is life. Nothing is all roses but it is great to know we can come here for some good friends and a little sympathy for each other

The weather here was absolutely awful today. It is supposed to be spring and it didn't seem like it at all! We had somewhere between 2-4 inches (more up by where I work and less by my home) I think we are suposed to get some rain/ice tonight but I hope the roads are good enough for me to make it to work! I decided to take Friday off this week. Last year for whatever reason, I decided not to take the day off and really regreted not having Good Friday off. Knowing I only have three days left this week, makes life feel so much better!

SG, I had to laugh at your WW cookie experience I will remember never to do a thing like that in the future!

I did not watch all of the Oscars since I had to get up in the morning. I think I was in bed by around 11:15 or so (kind of early for me, but I was tired). Tonight I am just going to relax and enjoy life. I just need some time to relax and take it easy. Being here just makes it so much easier to do

Well my back is hurting today. I was blessed with scoliosis as a child which affects my posture just a little and I have another "issue" which causes my back to get tired and sore easily, so I think I am going to the pool for some relaxing excersize that might help stretch my back out. I hope you all have a great evening!

 

[jstmee]

helenabear I'd love to join you in the pool virtual or real no matter. My back has been cramping up on me all day and I could use some stretching also. My DH left for work at 4AM and I didn't get much needed sleep.

SG, I agree with the little downness of our topic of late, but isn't it amazing how we all learn from our past and are better people because of or in spite of it.

I seem to be full of erie news, but my SIL's good friend died two months ago of colon cancer, well they just found the woman's husband dead on Sunday. Dear friends of theirs truly believe he died of a broken heart. He was just 45 and she about the same. It was due to his heart, I guess he had a really bad heart and didn't know about it.

My little ones are all tucked in, have been for awhile and I'm enjoying some quiet time while the laundry dries. I watched a little of the Oscars the Cirque display was wonderful. I wish I had seen that in Disney. The award to Sidney Poiter was touching also.

Rider, I hope your bronchitis is going away, pop those vitamins.

Angelina, where ever art thou???? I bet counting girl scout cookie money!! Since I am a leader up here, I got stuck with quite a few extra cases to sell. Thank goodness we have a paper mill in town. My DD and I went selling our "wares" and within 2 hours had them all sold. Then I had to do the counting of the money, depositing, reporting etc.... busy busy. I bought the girls some badges etc. wow, are they ever expensive. I only have 9 girls in my troop and just the few badges I got them cost $45.00.

Cathy Canada thanks for stopping in.

Winter has definately returned here. All night tonight I keep hearing snowmobiles go by my house. vrroooom, vrroooom......

Goodnight all. Wendy

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

It seems as if winter wants to remind us of its power. We are being hit with what I hope is a last gasp of winter weather. Not too bad here, just wet and slippery and chance of a bit of snow, but further north there are inches upon inches of the white stuff cluttering the landscape. The poor flowers are tattered around the edges and may not recover. I believe that these types of things happen so we will appreciate it when things are perfect.

Dear Jstmee, I am sorry to hear of your sil's loss. Did the couple have children? The strain of of the worry about his wife must have been too much for the poor man's heart. What a blessing that he was able to be around until his wife died though. It is hard sometimes, but I try to find some good in most everything. It strains the brain at times though. Have you ever seen Cirque? I am a cheapskate and we shelled out $140 to see it and were in awe when we left the theater. We have gone to cheaper things and been disappointed but Cirque is undescribeable. You have to see it to believe it and then I am not sure you can fully comprehend the whole picture. I did not realize that the music was live until after we had left. So much going on all the time and your eyes jump from one corner of the stage to another in an effort to capture it all. Is very Disneylike in that you must see it many times and yet you will see something new each time. IMHO the best seats are in the front center of the second tier as you can see the preshow better. People who sit down front would have to strain their necks to look up all the time. I wanna go again!!! Do you ride a snowmobile? They look like fun. I kid about getting a 4 wheel motorcycle and taking my show on the road. Just watch out you just might see a sight not unlike the British show "2 Fat Ladies" one day coming down your road. (grin)

Dear Helenabear, I forgive you for laughing at my cookie experience. I laughed too after I got done beating myself up for it. I am hoping to remain steady this week, any loss would be appreciated though. LOL I do not know whether to root for you to be able to get to work or hope you got stranded at home for a relaxing day. Hope it goes however you wish. You have not mentioned how Luis is doing at his job or if he is hunting for something he might like better lately. My gsons only have school 2 days this week with 2 half days and then off for Good Friday. Austin has been raised to the 3.4 reading level. I am so hopeful. Dalton has started reading and is quite interested in it. He seems to have a knack for spelling and can spell most short words if he sees or hears them once or twice. The boys took turns calling me several times last night. They are a hoot. I am writing another letter to my son and dil today. God, give me the wisdom to know what to say. (this is a prayer)

Supposed to go to town today but not unless the roads thaw out a bit. Am too old and too chicken to go slipping and a sliding. I have some fun jobs, like cleaning the bathtub to keep me occupied today. It needs regrouting also. Does the fun never end? GRIN

Rider, has the bug left you yet? I hope so. Are you getting nervous about the time getting shorter for the wedding? You have so much already figured out that you have far too much time to just obssess over it all, I fear. Do you leave for Disney right after the wedding or are you going to take a day or even more to rest up between? I was wondering what special things you might have planned to do on this trip. As you have been so many times before I would think it would be hard to find something new to do, even for you.

Angelina, where are you? I will hunt around as I think she may be out wandering in the World. With my tendency to get lost, even in my own home, I may be the one to find her. (smile)

Take care ladies and I hope winter loses its grip soon and the trees bud and bloom and spring arrives.

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone! I hope everyone is doing well this evening!

SG, I do not like unpleasentries in life so I will answer your question and get it out of the way. Luis is still working at his "temp" job that he had in the fall. He is still looking but honestly it has been rather slim pickings recently. I hope things turn around for him soon as I know it is getting to him (his self-esteem). I will say I probably won't mention it again unless something comes up, but I do appreciate your thoughts. Trust me, if he gets a new job, you all will be amongst the first to know. I will be shouting from the roof tops and I will be so uncontrolably happy, trust me, you'll know

Wendy, I am so sorry to hear about your SIL's friend. That is very sad to hear, but as Linda said, it is nice to know that he was there for his DW.

Rider, I too hope you are feeling better. I am sure you are getting rather busy with your wedding plans and I do hope that all is going smoothly.

Angelina... we miss you... please stop in soon!

Well my sister got her engagement ring. I attempted to take pictures but none really came out because her ring is so bright & shiny that the pictures are full of glare or are too dark and get blurred... hmmm... we might play with some settings on my camera more and try again. The ring is beautiful and she says she feels like she is really engaged now and I think that makes her very happy. Actually I know it does. I haven't seen her this giddy in a long time. I hope she can just make it through the next 13 months without any trouble

On a more upbeat note, I just want to say that I feel very blessed tonight. A dear friend came through and helped me when I was needing it most today. As in my singature, this persons random act of kindness will live always in my heart... Also I heard from another friend of mine that I hadn't heard from in about a year (maybe less, maybe more... don't know honestly). It was nice to hear from here because I thought she and I were over with in the way of our friendship. She said she will be in town this weekend and I am not sure if I will have a chance to see her or not, but getting the e-mail I did and her apologizing just helped to make my night. If things get back on track with us, I might go and visit her in Chicago (well a suburb of Chicago) like we had once planned so long ago. So I am in a good mood and really truly am thankful and blessed for all my friends I have right now... of course you all are very much included

So now that I have rambled for long enough (but hopefully more upbeat this time) I will leave you all to your own happy thoughts! I really hope all is well with each and every one of you

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahh, dear Helenabear

I surely did not mean to make you feel badly. I was just wondering how things were working out for Luis. I am so very sorry that things are less than great. You just never know though that this might be a stepping stone to something wonderful. It is so hard when we are mired in our lives to be able to view from afar and see what is coming next. Maybe someone he will meet at this job will turn out to be important in his life, as a friend or an introduction to something in his future life. I know that in my life, the lowest times in my life, turned out to be for the best in the long run. I am sending smiles and a {{{{{GBFH}}}}}} to you both. I will be waiting for the fireworks when things turn around. May I have a front row seat? (grin)

How wonderful to find an old friend again. Friends are such wonderful things, especially old ones. They are a repository of memories and shared experiences. I am lucky enough to have my childhood friend still in my life. We can talk about things that we cannot with others cause we were there together and understand where we both come from. I hope you get to go to Chicago. Wave as you pass by although I am a bit south of where you will be. We go to Merrillville sometimes to visit my bil and sil.

Must be rough to have an engagement ring that is so bright you cannot capture it on film. LOL Isn't it wonderful to see someone you love so happy?

I am off to school early today as they are having a half day. Austin will come down to the library and ride home with me. Sometimes I have him take the bus so I can have a few minutes between the library and our tutoring sessions. LOL Dalton will come later and they will stay with me this evening while their parents attend some meetings. Our sil is very active in the community and he has 3 different meetings today. I am not a meeting type of person. Give me a job and get out of my way but I refuse to sit and talk for hours about things. Don't like commitees either. I let other people do that stuff and then I complete some of their plans. Don't want to be in charge of anything either. I have enough of that in my regular life. Besides if I am not charge I am not to blame for anything. (giggle)

The scale is standing still this week. Deservedly so. I will rise up and conquer this thing though. (grin)

I hope the weather will warm up for everyone today and bring you sunshine and smiles.

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hello everyone!

SG, you need not worry, as you did not make me feel down. I just don't like talking about things like that unless there is a level of happiness associated with it, only because I do not like bringing others down. And when the fireworks go off, you are welcome to have a front row seat... I'd actually expect you to One thing this had taught me is to be patient. Very patient. I also value things more than I used to. Not that I ever threw money away -- never have and never will -- but because we had housing and cars that were way beneath our means, we could spend money on things with out worrying ever. Where as a purchase for $100 might not have made me think so much, a $50 purchase would have me second guessing myself left and right. If I had to choose, I would not live like this, but we have the house we bought so we have no intention of moving. We will stick this out and hope for the best. So unless you hear anything from me, I always can use as many prayers and as much PD as any of you can spare for Luis.

SG, where are you in Indiana. I did speak rather quickly about going to Chicago to visit my friend, but I would really like to visit her there. I have been told I would like the city and most importantly I have known my friend, Hannah, since 2nd grade. I really hate to throw away a friendship, but she did really hurt me with the way she treated me and Luis. She really hated us being together becuase that meant she was losing me and she really resented seeing him in my life. She was the one that was supposed to be my Maid of Honor but after the way she made me feel, she was only a bridesmaid and my friend Marc stood up for me. I do remember now that I did try to call her sometime in the fall after we moved, but this is the first time I have heard from her in a long time. I admit I was shocked when I got her e-mail and even more so when she mentioned how much she would like to see the BOTH of us (she never ever has said that before).

Anyway I guess if I make it to Chicago, I will most likely drive there. I hardly have any miles on my car. It was new when I bought is 2 yeas and four months ago, and I don't have quite 14,000 miles on it yet (it only had 3 miles when I bought it Dec '99). So I could use the 300-400 mile drive (one way) to add to my car So if you are along the way to Chicago for me (if I really go anytime soon) I'd love to stop by even for a moment. I think to drive there I'd take I-70 W to Indy then go I-65 N (I think that is what my friend told me) most of the way from there. Although I really shouldn't speak too soon because things are beginning again for us, and even though it has been brought up, it really is too soon for me to say anything firm. She and I have grown apart over the years. She was into "partying" long after I was done with it. I am such a homebody compared to her and that recently caused troubles. Hopefully we will find our way back and be able to be friends again.

Well I have babbled long enough. I hope you all are having a great day!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi my Friends!

How are you all doing?

So sorry that I haven't checked in, in so long. I've been thinking about all of you, though, and am looking forward to catching up on all of your posts and what's been new in your lives!

I've been very tense about this week at work - this week was the deadline for everyone in my division to find out what is going to "happen to us" in the new reorganized business model. Well, I got that fated call from Human Resources, yesterday.......telling me that they are not offering me a position under the new business model. Basically, what that means is that (unless I find another job within the company before then), I get laid off in September. I feel really hurt and betrayed (after 12 years of service there, and 2 1/2 years in my current position), and I was pretty sad and depressed and despairing, yesterday. Today......I am livid and boiling mad! (I guess that's better than being depressed, anyway! ) All this to say, I didn't want to burden any of you with my neuroses (like I always do - hee hee!) and my apprehension about this week......and now I don't want to burden you with my anger / disappointment about the results! So I just wanted to stop in and say "hi" and wish you all and your families a very Happy Easter and holiday weekend! I'll be in touch once my head is "on" relatively "straight", again!

Happy Easter to you and yours, and thanks for being such wonderful friends, as always! Take care.

 

[helenabear]

Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about this. I do hope that you will be able to find another job there (if you want to continue at the company). I could only imagine how betrayed you feel by this! Remember this, we ARE friends here, so you may come to us and vent, scream or cry all you want. It won't be a burden. That is what friends are for. To be there through the good times and the bad, to be a shoulder to cry on. We are here so vent if you need. {{{HUGS}}} to you!

 

[angelina]

I spent last Friday counting and recounting cookie money, filling out the paperwork, and making another deposit. Thank heavens cookie time is finished. (Except for the 6 cases of unsold cookies in the trunk of my car, LOL)

Spring has sprung down here. The flowers that the freeze of two weeks ago didn't kill are blooming everywhere, and new leaves are popping out on all the trees. We actually have green grass, now that dh has mowed the lawn and sucked up all of the old leaves.

I posted here last week sometime, but I can't find the post. It was the day that I had to get the steam cleaner out to get the bottle of Elmer's glue off the couch after the little girls were making "sumpin f'you." They're so cute. My niece was sitting in a puddle of glue on my sofa as it spread out around her, and she had green and pink feathers and little pom pom balls stuck to her.

They kids have been sick again with a bad cough, and my ds stayed home from school today. I left him here while I ran errands, and he did o.k. He's good about playing computer games or with his game boy when I'm gone, and I checked in by phone several times.

My ds is making her first communion this year, and they have several things going on at school tomorrow, a passover dinner and play before their Easter party, then the Holy Thursday procession and service tomorrow night. It seems like I never have time to come in and sit with ya'll and talk. I've been catching up on your posts as much as I can.

Lisa, God has bigger things in the works for you. Hang in there.

SG, way to go with your weight loss.

Jstme, aren't you glad the cookie thing is over? I had patches to buy, too, for thinking day, rededication/investiture, etc, and they do get expensive. I have 19 girls in our troop, and my sister is my co-leader. Her dd is in the other 2nd grade at our school, just as our babies will be in the same grade one day.

I've decided to put the little girls in Mom's day out 3 days a week next year, and co-op (work) 4 days a month, so they will be able to go for the same amount we pay for one day a week this year. There's more than one way to skin a cat--for every day I co-op, I get 4 days of MDO free. I'm getting excited--that's 8 more days for me to do errands and what not.

I don't hear the girls now--I think my little one went next door to find her friend. Take care everyone, I'll check in later!

Angelina

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

It seems that when it rains, it pours and it is getting downright soggy around here. Better days are coming!!! (soon, I hope)

Dear Angelina, I hope that the GS cookies in your trunk are not your favorite kind. I used to buy the Thin Mints because I hate mint as much as I love chocolate. LOL I loved the "Sumfin f'you" tale. The story will make you smile long after the couch has fallen apart. I furnish my home to accomodate such "magic." I am so glad that the kids seem to be on the mend. I hope they stay that way. You are so smart to figure out a way to save money AND get more free time for yourself. It is very hard to get things done while hauling the kids with you. I left my DH at home today when I went to Indy and got a lot done in a relatively short period of time.

Dearest Rider/Lisa, I can only imagine how you feel. You have been on my mind so much the last couple of days. This will not affect your wedding/honeymoon plans will it? Angelina hit the nail on the head in that better things are in store for you. You are far too talented and educated to be out of a job for long and I am hoping that you will find the right spot for you at your present company, IF that is what you want. Times like these are when you need the Suite the most. Just come in and flop whenever you want and if you want to talk, fine and it you don't, fine. Your friends at IASW have been sending special thoughts your way, in every language in the world.

Helenabear, I live just south of Indianapolis. I was up there today tooling around. We are about 40 minutes from the south side of town and about 15 minutes from I-65S. If you want a cheap place to flop on the trip between there and Chicago you are most welcome. We are about half way between. Send me an email and I will give you the directions. I bet now that your friend has aged and matured a bit you will find yourselves better friends than ever. There is so much to do in Chicago, you will have a lovely time. BTW I have almost 30,000 on my Camry that we bought in February of 2000. It is almost double what I usually do but we travelled so much that first year of retirment and quite a bit last year also.

I have a few things I need to get done tonight. Tomorrow I am making a bunny cake for my boys. The little guy is in hot water because his room is a mess so he will not be visiting his grandma this weekend. I had such great plans also. I am planning on wearing a dress to church on Sunday. It fits!! I pick out a piece of clothing that is too snug and keep trying it on until it fits to check my progress. Only 1.6# last week but I was off kilter because of a batch of cookies I made and I am lucky I lost anything and was afraid I might have gained. I ate a lot of veggie soup to try to recoupe my error. (grin)

Happy Easter and God bless you all!

Slightly Goofy