Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[gettinhealthy]

I had a second interview today by phone with the Dir. of Finance. Then the CEO called to set up another interview for next Wednesday morning for the final interview. She said they're calling back 8 people for this round. Please keep your fingers crossed!

YAA! I will be praying for you!! I am doing my happy dance too
I'll try not to get too excited and jinx it for you.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Prayers of Hope for Lisa, Tom and JP today...so much power in Prayer and Faith!!


Well I went back to the Doc yesterday and she told me she was taking me out of work until Monday...I said no way, I have to work, so we negotiated it to 1/2 days...she shook her head and laughed and said I am the ONLY person who has ever told her NO when she said she was taking them out of work! I guess I just wasnt raised that way! So off I went to work, first stop the nurses office with my little note...she is also a friend there, and a wonderful person. She took one look at the note, heard my story and said NOPE, you are NOT going to work part time, thats why we have the benefit of the FMLA...so you can stay home, collect on your short term disability (another benefit we pay for and I never thought I would use) and take care of this vein thing all in one shot. Sit home with it elevated, take your meds, and get the inflammation taken care of, then have your doctor schedule the appt with the surgeon for the following Monday (nov.1) go see him, figure out what to do about it, and get it done! That way I guess I am only out once, instead of in and out for the next few weeks with scans, appt's, etc etc. So Pony is sitting here bored to tears for the next 2-3 weeks. OMG

No sympathy please though, we have Lisa to worry about, and this is NOTHING at all compared to that! I will be fine soon, so unless anybody else is hanging out and wants to call and chat, dont worry about me!

Kathy - that is so funny that Tyson decided to take matters into his own paws so to speak! He loves her! I would LOVE to have a puppy too, and I adore the brindle... too bad about the sugar in your coffee, that really hurts doesnt it? My doc has finally convinced me that all of the artificial sweeteners are evil, after explaining to me that it makes no sense to eat raw, fresh healthy foods and avoid prepackaged and chemical additives, and then dope up my coffee with Splenda! Thats why they pay her the big bucks, LOL, apparently there is some pretty solid research out there now that the sweeteners not only slow down weight loss, but also raise blood sugars and have negative effects on the adrenal system in alot of folks....she says just use the darn sugar sparingly...apparently on WW we can use the flavored creamers, so that little bit of sweetness should do the trick for me....I know there are artificial things in there too, LOL, but at least I wont be pumping myself full of splenda every day....we shall see!

Bev - sounds to me like you are doing great on WW, since they told us they like to see that 1/2 -2 pounds a week loss rate...apparently like any other diet plan there is the likelihood for greater losses the first few weeks, and then that inevitable slow down, but I guess thats to be expected, and we just have to learn not to be so darned anxious to lose it all at once! Of course I am the WORST when it comes to that! I figure when I set my mind to it, then I want the results NOW! NOW!! Ok, well I COULD wait until tomorrow if I had to... but seriously, who wants to lose 60 pounds and is content for it to take a year to do it! Not this girl anyway...I do think that if I can harness my impatience and let it go slow and steady I will be fine...I just have to somehow get past that 25 pound mark...if I dont plateau there and lose confidence I think I will be ok. Seems like I have lost that same 25 pounds about 10 times, and cant ever get past it...Im learning alot reading the books and apparently we have access to E-tools starting next week, so that should help too, since Im hanging out home on the computer anyway!

Diane - that is AWESOME news about your interviews!! I am so excited for you!!!

OK Kate, so here's the deal...we pre-arrange a meeting place somewhere around an hour or so from Kathy's house....then when she lets us know about the impending birth of the puppies, we implement "Operation Boxer".....we meet at the pre-arranged destination, rent a suitable, non- obvious vehicle...something in a neutral color that will blend in to the neighborhood...(make sure it has darkened windows) then we call Kath and tell her you are flying in to visit and she needs to meet you at the airport...then when we sit at the end of her street and see her drive by, we race to her house, apprehend us a couple of boxer puppies, and then slip out un-noticed and we are home free! Hmmm, maybe we need to bring a couple of stuffed boxers to put in their places to throw her off for awhile when she returns and finds the front door open because we forgot to close it in our haste to escape the scene of the crime...Ummmm, maybe we need to get disguises too...like Sears repairmen or something, so the nosy neighbors wont wonder who we are....OK Girl, thats all I've got, might need some of your ideas too!

 

[disneyeveryyear]

I had a second interview today by phone with the Dir. of Finance. Then the CEO called to set up another interview for next Wednesday morning for the final interview. She said they're calling back 8 people for this round. Please keep your fingers crossed!

Diane - sounds great. I got a call today and will interview with our local affiliate of the American Red Cross on November 1st. It is a part time accounting position which is what I am looking for.

I hope we hear from Lisa soon. I am on pins and needles waiting.

 

[gettinhealthy]

OK Kate, so here's the deal...we pre-arrange a meeting place somewhere around an hour or so from Kathy's house....then when she lets us know about the impending birth of the puppies, we implement "Operation Boxer".....we meet at the pre-arranged destination, rent a suitable, non- obvious vehicle...something in a neutral color that will blend in to the neighborhood...(make sure it has darkened windows) then we call Kath and tell her you are flying in to visit and she needs to meet you at the airport...then when we sit at the end of her street and see her drive by, we race to her house, apprehend us a couple of boxer puppies, and then slip out un-noticed and we are home free! Hmmm, maybe we need to bring a couple of stuffed boxers to put in their places to throw her off for awhile when she returns and finds the front door open because we forgot to close it in our haste to escape the scene of the crime...Ummmm, maybe we need to get disguises too...like Sears repairmen or something, so the nosy neighbors wont wonder who we are....OK Girl, thats all I've got, might need some of your ideas too!

First off, let me help you out a bit LOL. You don't have to worry about the color of the car. We have college kids next door, so there is every color you can think of in front/beside the house LOL.
You don't need to stay so far from the house. There is a Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn just about 3 miles down the road, with WalMart very close by.
As for the neighbors, most of them work during the day, so just make sure the "plane lands" somewhere between 8-4.
I have so many boxer toys, pillows, etc that I will probably just think they are hiding somewhere in the house. I did find a beenie baby at Hallmark about a month ago, and you guessed it, it's a boxer!!
If you offer Tyson and Bailey food, you'll have no trouble sneaking into the house. I will make sure to leave the door unlocked. Or perhaps one of you know how to pick our dead bolt?
Last and not least, I won't have to worry about them as I know you both will be the best mommies they could ever ask for!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Just saw on FB that Tom got a clean scan!!!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Robin,
Sorry to hear about the leg giving you so many problems. Thank God you had the disability insurance. That is the one insurance I always got when I was working jobs, especially at Lowes.
You have my number if you get too bored, right? Maybe Bailey and I just need to come down there and keep you company!!
How close was I when we went to TN? I never really thought about VA being that close to TN. It was sooo beautiful down there. I would love to go back.
Next year I will be heading out to CO for my niece's wedding. That is another beautiful place with mountains.
I find it so amazing how the different mountain ranges seem to have their own personalities.
When we go out there next year, we will be flying, and I am so excited for that, I think LOL. I have never flown before. I may need a few pills and a few more drinks!! LOL
OK, just rambling here, sorry.
I have also heard so many bad things about the sweeteners. The AF book I have recommends Stevia or Truvia. I am working on using those. I have a big bag of the granular splenda I'm trying to use up. I do find I am starting to enjoy coffee with just half and half in it. I love McDonald's coffee without the sugar. I just need to go there everyday LOL.
Tyson and Bailey are daily entertainment. He wants to play sooo badly and she just wants to sleep. Outside she will play for a little bit then comes in to sleep again. She is sleeping almost constantly. A big change from when she first came home. She was like the energizer bunny.
We are thinking of dressing up for Halloween as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and they would be our reindeer. Tyson already has antlers from Christmas last year.
Ok, done rambling for now.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good morning everyone!! I hope all is well with you all. Nothing major going on here. Getting ready to get ready for work.
Just wanted to check in quickly this morning.
Still hanging on in step 1. I think I have found my "beat" on this again. I am not tempted too much with extra carbs and bad carbs. I still do crave my nacho chips, but as Lisa pointed out before, I know I'll be getting them again LOL.
Ok, off I go. I'll check back later with you all.

 

[Wisteria1956]

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tomdevries/journal

Here's the link to my journal entry for Tom today. I should have posted last night, but we showered and went straight to bed! Our mall was burned up by an arsonist while we were out of town yesterday and we were too tired to even watch the news!

For those of you that don't go to Tom's journal - the bone scan was clear as far as the oncologist could tell. Has to be confirmed by the radiologist, but he said nothing he could see to be alarmed about. Prayers were answered for sure! We felt so much better after meeting with him. Both of us nearly fainted on the way in we were so nervous he would be negative, but he wasn't at all.

I'll catch up on the other posts later today. I see we need to be collectively praying for Diane and Bev and Robin! A busy day you all had!

Love you!

 

[Simpleone]

Good morning eveyone!!

Awesome news Lisa! Sending out the biggest vitural hug possible to you, Tom, and JP. Ah, this is so good to hear!!

Kathy don't forget, I'm right there with you one Step I !! My doctor confirmed once again yesterday that I must have a very low tolerance for carbs. Duh! He told me to stick with the Step I but to make sure I continue to take a multi-vitamin. Robin along this same line...it took me close to a year and a half to lose 58 pounds. I don't know why it didn't bother me. I think I just formed a mindset that it was time for it to come off, no matter what. I know having to take a blood pressure pill every other day pushed me right over the edge and added to my determination. You can do it, and realizing that it's going to take a while has got to be part of the plan.

Can't tell you were a police officer much Robin!! That's a whole lotta planning just to get a pup that she'd gladly give ya! lol So funny! Two or three weeks off with pay? Ohhhh take that and enjoy the fact that you're going to finally get it taken care of!! Hope it's painless and a quick recovery follows!

Diane and Bev, here's to wishing you both the best with your interviews!! Here's a little sprinkle of magic fairy dust for good luck!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, that is such great news! I will check the link out when I get home this evening.

Pam, I think the problem lies in they won't be able to pick just 1 since the pups will be so cute LOL I can see them arguing over who gets which ones. Especially if she has 12 and they have to divide them up between them both! LOL

I have decided I am in love with Wendy's. I stopped there yesterday and today for my usual salads and they custom made them! When I asked before for grilled chicken instead of fried the person said they couldn't do that. So I had been improvising Today is the cobb salad, no bleu cheese please, and ranch dressing. It only has 1 carb per packet and that is all I use anyway. A freebie delicious lunch! I have a yogurt for my 5x5 at 2pm

Ok, back to work now. Later everyone!

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - Fantastic, happy, wonderful news!!! I know you must be so relieved.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Wow! Another great news report from Lisa and Tom! That is so amazing and I am so so happy for you!

Bev and Diane - Lets hope our power of positive prayer can work wonders for you guys too!

Pam - thanks for the words of support...I KNOW it will take awhile, and it wouldnt bother me so much if I can get past that 25 pound mark...I am seriously hoping to make the 25 pounds by Christmas! Im pretty sure I have little to no tolerance for carbs either, so am trying to make my WW selections based on my knowledge of step 1. I am trying to keep my carb selections to whole grain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, etc

Kathy - well geez, here I thought you were going to keep them all to yourself and Kate and I were going to have to go undercover to get us a couple! Seriously though, I would LOVE to have you guys here anytime, so if Tyson wont let the little Mama get any rest, then get yourselves on down here and we can all hang out til puppy time!

Going to check out Tom's site to see whats next on the horizon for them...keep on praying ladies!

 

[Diane W.]

Robin - Didn't we talk about you writing a book? Now that you're home for awhile get started. I know a good title - "The Puppy Capers". It can be a detective novel.
I hope you heal quickly. Are you in pain?

I have a great pedometer that my son gave me in August. It hooks up to my computer and I download my mileage, steps, calories burned and time. Yesterday I thought it would be a good idea to wear it while I went on errands. Last night I remembered that I had worn it and it wasn't on my jeans. Then I thought about being in the Bass outlet and hearing something hit the shelf. At the time I thought it was one of those security things clicking from a sweater I was picking up. I went back to the store and they were closed, but a group of the salesgirls were hanging out near the register. I knocked on the door and asked if anyone found a pedometer. They did! She came over and unlocked the door and gave it to me. I was so happy. I'm only going to wear it on my walks from now on.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: Visions of you and Kate being Cruella Devil stealing spotted puppies.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

LOL, great idea Diane! I have got to find something to do with my time...sitting around watching my leg swell is not working out real well for me!

Lisa - I need a name for my book for the villainesses...Kate and Robin...hmmmmm I really look horrible in spots too, so need names that will lend themselves well to slimming disguises and outfits! perhaps something involving Spanx!

Hope y'all are well this weekend...the darn leg is not cooperating at all...felt good yesterday, but woke me up in the middle of the night all cramped and swollen again...DRAT... Jim is coming to visit tomorrow so we can "talk"...ugh, I hate when that happens...going to suggest we just back up a bit and take things slow so he can catch up! haha Im thinking we could get together once a month or so and see how that works out!

Have a couple Powerball tickets burning a hole in my pocket...seems like it would be enough for us to have our Godiva Ride together...plus get us all together in Cal to support Lisa and Tom! Cross your fingers!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: Sending you good vibes on the Powerball so you can get on out here!

Your poor leg! Spanx make my vericose veins worse, so we gotta find another option for you, lol! When is the surgery again? Can they bump you up in the schedule?

One of the possible side effects of Tom's surgery is blood clots. Another is rather permanent swelling of the leg due to the lymph fluid being trapped with no nodes to move it along. It's a grim situation, I'm afraid. The more I read, the worse I feel so I try to stay away from information, but that runs against my nature. I'm the informed one and he is blessedly naive. Probably best that way. The doctor was amazed at how proactive I am, lol! I had found the people in the hospital that could upload the CD of the CT scan we brought with us so it would be in the system before we met the doctor. As J-P used to say when he was little, "It doesn't hurt to ask." Wonder where he got that?

His girlfriend's daughter is having her birthday party today at a gymnastics place with trampoline walls and floors. He says the girls are literally bouncing off the walls, lol! So cool to hear him having fun at a kid's party and texting me photos. He's really sounding like a dad lately. He's trying to get them moved into a nicer neighborhood and has been decluttering their apartment and shampooing the carpets this past week. It's a nice distraction for all of us to have a child in the mix. I can't wait to see if they get to come down at Christmas. Can't wait to tuck her into my grandmother's bed.

It's raining all weekend. Tom's been cleaning the gutters and garage plus catching up on his Mom's paperwork. She is being moved next weekend while we are in the hospital. Terrible timing. My SIL is supposed to be handling it and now her son, our nephew, is in the hospital with horrible pain coming from his pelvic bone. Something there is infected and they are still running tests to try to figure out what it is. We're all on pins and needles. They live in San Francisco so we're all likely to be at area hospitals at the same time! What a mess.

We're going to watch a movie and stay dry. Hope you all have a good weekend.

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Hi Lisa - you need to quit worrying about ME and deal with everything you already have on your plate!! LOL, I appreciate your concern, of course, but I will be fine at some point...no surgery scheduled until the inflammation and swelling are gone, so I just have to wait it out for now. That is so great that JP is enjoying being a Dad....my daughter has been with her now fiancee for almost 6 years total, from friendship to dating to exclusive to moving in together to engaged. He has two great kids Katie and John who are now 10 and 13 and I have had the honor to watch them grow up these past 6 years! They call me Ali'sMom (one word, lol) and according to her, they cant WAIT when they find out I am coming! It has been amazing to watch Ali become a mom...they live with Steve and Ali most of the time and their own Mom is a closet alcoholic, so they are really Ali's kids and they totally adore her. She is a great mom and loves it too! She finds it most amazing that they totally thrive under her rules, chore schedules and expectations for them, instead of running to their mom's where its a free for all with no limitations and no guidance. I told her that kids thrive best with boundaries and guidelines, and of course I ran my home like military boot camp, so she does the same with great results so far! She helps with homework, expects good grades, and they are all doing so great. Steve tells me all the time what an amazing difference she has made in their lives and how lucky they ALL are to have her! He is a great guy and I could not have prayed for God to bring a better man into her life! They even badger me constantly to sell it all here and move in with them! (not happening!)

Praying for some positive resolution with your nephew...geez, its got to be about time for some relief out there! Maybe you all need to move here for a change of scenery!

 

[kater]

OK Kate, so here's the deal...we pre-arrange a meeting place somewhere around an hour or so from Kathy's house....then when she lets us know about the impending birth of the puppies, we implement "Operation Boxer".....we meet at the pre-arranged destination, rent a suitable, non- obvious vehicle...something in a neutral color that will blend in to the neighborhood...(make sure it has darkened windows) then we call Kath and tell her you are flying in to visit and she needs to meet you at the airport...then when we sit at the end of her street and see her drive by, we race to her house, apprehend us a couple of boxer puppies, and then slip out un-noticed and we are home free! Hmmm, maybe we need to bring a couple of stuffed boxers to put in their places to throw her off for awhile when she returns and finds the front door open because we forgot to close it in our haste to escape the scene of the crime...Ummmm, maybe we need to get disguises too...like Sears repairmen or something, so the nosy neighbors wont wonder who we are....OK Girl, thats all I've got, might need some of your ideas too!

Robin - I am SOOOOO down with this plan. I will bring the stuffed boxers. And, I will work on our disguises! Operation Boxer-Napping!

 

[kater]

First off, let me help you out a bit LOL. You don't have to worry about the color of the car. We have college kids next door, so there is every color you can think of in front/beside the house LOL.
You don't need to stay so far from the house. There is a Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn just about 3 miles down the road, with WalMart very close by.
As for the neighbors, most of them work during the day, so just make sure the "plane lands" somewhere between 8-4.
I have so many boxer toys, pillows, etc that I will probably just think they are hiding somewhere in the house. I did find a beenie baby at Hallmark about a month ago, and you guessed it, it's a boxer!!
If you offer Tyson and Bailey food, you'll have no trouble sneaking into the house. I will make sure to leave the door unlocked. Or perhaps one of you know how to pick our dead bolt?
Last and not least, I won't have to worry about them as I know you both will be the best mommies they could ever ask for!!

Kath - thanks for all of the tips. After the Boxer-Napping, before we leave town, we will invite you over to our room or just by for a visit. Acting as if we just happened to be in the neighborhood and hoping you don't notice the missing pups. When did you say they are due to be born? I have some planning to do!

 

[kater]

How close was I when we went to TN? I never really thought about VA being that close to TN. It was sooo beautiful down there. I would love to go back.

Robyn - I forget that TN is close to VA. I was in Bristol a few years ago for NASCAR. We were there in August - can you say HOT? We had to park quite a ways from the track - over a mile. My ex-boyfriend reports that I was so over-heated by the time we got there, I was white as a ghost. We immediately went into the air conditioned souvenier (sp?) store, I recovered, and we had a great time! TN was beautiful.