Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[kater]

Hi, Ladies. Sorry I have been AWOL. Things are good. Last week I sat on a jury all week. Can you believe that? I have never been picked before so I guess it was my turn to do my civic duty. I went to law school with one of the attorneys trying the case but we barely knew each other way back then. The defendant was accused of giving false information to a police officer and resisting arrest. He was found not guilty. It appeared that the police officer didn't have a lot of patience with the guy because he didn't speak English and bullied the guy.

The girls and I leave for Kauai on Wednesday morning. I am still really bummed that Brad isn't coming with us but it will be fun to have a "girls" week.

Diane - I am keeping my finders crossed for you on the job front. It is definitely your turn for something good to happen.

Kathy - I hope you are safe from stormy weather.

Lisa - keep me posted on Jocelyn and dates for getting together. I hope you and Tom are feeling a little bit more back to "normal."

xoxoxox

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kate: Have a wonderful time! You deserve it. I always say jury duty will teach you to toe the line - once you find out who your peers are you're far too afraid to leave your future in their hands, lol! With the exception of bright peers such as yourself, of course. I was on a jury once with a guy that didn't understand the simplest concepts. He caused us all a lot of time.

Diane: Still holding positive thoughts for you!

Not sure when Jocelyn will be stateside again, but I'm sure we'll hear from her soon.

Tom and I have had a couple of really good talks under our wisteria the last couple of days. We planted it over our arbor for our 25th anniversary. It now goes from edge to edge and we're about to celebrate 33 years in June.

I can't believe how time flies when we look at our kids. Happy Birthday to Owen! He's one year behind John-Paul. Tom and I were married at that age. Wow! Not that we knew what we were doing, lol.

Have a great day and Aloha, Kate and girls!

 

[Diane W.]

Kate - Have a wonderful trip! I hope you have a great time.

I applied for a part-time job that has possibility of becoming f/t. It's for a builder in the same town I worked in. I hope I hear from them.

 

[Simpleone]

Checking in to let you all know that I'm sorry for being MIA as well!! I'm still over here, busy and wondering how in the world it got to be APRIL already!! My PC crashed a few weeked ago, Millie dug her tabletop out of the basement and insisted I set it up for us to use. I've been keeping tabs on you all a little bit, still watching the grandkids five days a week, trying to get some work done outside, and help Millie with Julian...gads..I'm way too old for all this!!!

Anyway, Julian was born three weeks ago with a bit of a complicated syndrome, he has a clef lip, (which we knew about from her ultrasounds) luckily, no clef palette. The clef lip was cause for a feeding tube to be inserted in his little tummy, he nurses and get's tired quickly, so the tube is absolutely necessary. They want him fattened up and strong as possible for the surgeries he will have to endure. He has a mass on his brain that pressed against his pituitary gland which may compromise his growth, it also caused the blood supply to be slowed to his eyes, so his left eye didn't fully develop. They're in Indianapolis right now for his second appointment for his eyes, they want to make sure he's not blind in his right eye as well, it appears fine but they feel it's far too early to tell. They predict he will be slow to develop, mentally and physically. He looks just like his mommy, dark hair, olive skin, brown eyes and bowed legs and has his papaw's huge hands! They hope to be settled in their new home within a month, I've called dibs on painting and decorating his nusery, baha!..all mine! lol We've pulled ourselves all back together after the surprise, mommy and daddy are both upbeat and positive and we're all loving him to pieces! He's captured all our hearts in a way that I never would have imagined.

Lisa, I'm still thinking of you and Tom daily, you both have been through so much and I wish that I could give you the biggest hug in the world!! I love that you're working (tumbling) your agates. Trust you're inner-arteeesta and make yourself some pretty things with them. I love making jewelry, it's like therapy for me. You're so far ahead of us for Spring, my perennials are just breaking through and the grass is just starting to green up some. I have tons of yard work ahead of me this year because of our extended and very harsh winter. I can't wait to be able to go outside and enjoy instead of cringe when I walk out of the house. lol

Diane, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for you in your job search! It's tough enough to be out of work without being given the run around from the people you're applying to! Grrr! Are you still walking? Please focus on taking care of yourself and destressing daily. I've decided to ask for a running stroller from my kids for my birthday and Mother's day. I want to be able to take whichever little one I have, to my walking trail. Millie got a Jeep one and they're amazingly light and easy, but pretty pricey. I need our weather to be agreeable enough for us all to get out and be able to enjoy it.

Kathy, I'm Step I'ing again! I've done it backwards twice now and it works like a dream for me. Step II for two weeks staring on a Monday then on the third Monday I wake up and start Step I. It makes the detox so much easier. I've been on Step I again for just over two weeks now and I'm down 6 lbs and feeling great once again. I keep thinking about posting the idea to Diane Kress on her FB page as a suggestion for anyone that might find it impossible to get back on.

Times up!! I have to get ready to pick up Gav from school. Now that things have fallen into more of a routine around here, I promise to not go MIA for such a long period of time. Chat soon!



I see I'm too late to wish Kate a safe and wonderful trip...Oh, I'm so jealous or her and Jocelyns travels!

 

[Diane W.]

Pam - Hi!! So glad to see your post. Congratulations on your new grandchild! I will put him on our prayer list. It will be a tough road, but sooo worth it. I am still walking, when the weather allows. I'm trying to keep positive. You're lucky to have your grandkids to keep you busy! I would love to come and help out if I lived nearby.

Lisa - Hope all is well. When do you leave for your trip to your sister's?

I'm sure Kate is lying on the beach thinking about us.

Robin - How's your leg? Stop in and let us know how you're doing.

Yesterday I walked 3 miles. I started the 'couch to 5K program', but my hiking shoes were hitting the front of my ankle when I was running. I only did 3 cycles of the running part. Today I will wear my running sneakers.

Nothing else new. Talk to you later!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi everyone!
I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. We have some beautiful weather. I went to my sister's town for a Little League parade and pictures. I watched the softball practice for her 2 eight year old granddaughters. It is so cute. I miss those days.

Guess what? I have another interview on Monday with a new place. I got a call on Friday and the woman was so nice. I did a drive-by today on the way to my sister's house to see exactly where it is. By the address I thought it might have been the building where my mom worked when I was younger - but it's right across the street! When I saw the building my mom worked in I got a little choked up. When I was a teenager I got to use her car if I drove her to work and then picked her up. I went to that building a lot! I remember one of the guys who worked with her saying 'here she comes' when I walked into the office. Some times I would go and ask for $2 for gas. Can you imagine - $2! Anyway.........the job sounds great and I'm really excited. My interview is at 11:45 on Monday - keep your fingers crossed once again!

Hugs to all!

 

[Simpleone]

Good Monday morning to everyone!

Diane, we too had some awesome weather this weekend, it was great being able to get outside and enjoy. It did end in some pretty sever thunderstorms last night, gotta have that rain though, I suppose! I still haven't gotten my lawn mowed, it must be done before Easter Sunday or no one will find ANY eggs! "Here everyone, get a weedeater and find them darn eggs if you want'em!" Wishing you the best of luck with your interview today!! Yahoo!! I know you feel that something has to give soon, sending you the best vibes possible! It's funny, we were just talking about the price of gas. I remember when it went up to .79 a gallon, and thinking OMG, what will happen when it reaches a dollar a gallon!! We should be so lucky huh?

I'm sitting here looking out the dinning room window, icky, wishing that my day would include a few hours of outdoor work, but it appears I'm doomed to some more Spring cleaning, indoors! Blah! I wonder how power washing the deck in the rain would do?

Off to see what I can tear into. Once again, good luck today Diane! Rush back and let us know how things went.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Pam: It's so wonderful to hear from you! I imagined there were a lot of goings on with the girls and grandkids, but you really have had more on your plate than we could have imagined. Little Julian sounds like such a love and I know is going to be a very special person. I'm praying his tests go well and that he thrives under your loving care.

Tom and I had a discussion about whether or not you have a riding lawn mower. I said I didn't think so and he said you must! So you'll have to settle our argument. I can just see you out there like a kid power washing the deck in the rain. I was able to weed and haul in a punch of compost last weekend before we got another rain. We usually do get a lot of rain in April, but my goodness, I want it to be over.

Yesterday was gorgeous. I went to a backyard memorial service for my best friend from 7th grade's mother. She had a Catholic mass a couple of weeks ago. This was the party part of the celebration. It was really lovely.

Tom and I are going to the radiation oncologist for his check up in about an hour. I'm just waiting for my turn in the shower so thought I'd drop you all a line and let you know I'm thinking of you today.

Diane: I know your perfect job is coming - maybe today! It's exciting now you have several irons in the fire to choose from! They will be fighting over you! I'll be thinking of you today!

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - Good luck at the oncologist today.

Thank you Pam & Lisa for the good wishes regarding my interview! It went really well. A nice place, nice people, hmmm. They are doing the 2 interview thing - I hope I make the second cut and then the final!!

I got a message from the Catholic church that I had applied to. I tried to call back, but got the machine. I'll call again tomorrow. It's a person's house (I used the reverse directory) - probably a parishioner who volunteers.

I haven't heard from the car dealership. I really want the job at the place I went to today though.

Today it's 74*! I went for a walk this afternoon and got a sunburn on my face. I found a deer antler that had 5 pts. - I took it home so my son can see the 'one that mom bagged'. He & his dad hunt, so it's funny that I got the antler. Too bad it wasn't the set.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on my job interviews.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: I have a good feeling about the interview today! It might just be the job you have been saved for! Sounds like you had a really good day! I can't stop thinking about a deer wandering around with one antler left on. I'm glad you collected it in a passive way. Maybe it's a good luck sign.

We had a busy day, but learned nothing. Tom had a check up with the radiation oncologist here in town just because he wanted to follow up. He left us under the care of our UCSF doctor for the future. He agreed the scan is probably showing false positives because of the horrible infection causing the lymph nodes to respond. We're going to wait until June 6 for another scan and results on June 9 so we can go on our 33rd anniversary on June 3 without any results hanging over our heads. No news is good news for a short break from all of this. We also got his glasses fixed and his braces wired. Tom got braces on his bottom front teeth months ago to straighten one of them up. He couldn't have wires in his mouth during chemo in case he got poked and an infection would occur so he's had worthless brackets on his teeth this whole time. Tomorrow he'll be cranky even though little kids have 4 times the amount of braces tightened at once every month.

It was a beautiful day here with some high clouds and afternoon sunshine. I can't wait to plant some flowers soon! Tom's birthday is this weekend and we're hoping to go to brunch with some friends on Sunday.

Keep us posted about all those job interviews! You are juggling a lot of plates currently!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Just checking in to see if Diane has any news about the jobs.

We are going to brunch with friends this weekend for Tom's birthday. Closed a new deal today. Very stressful day yesterday, but all is well now. Gonna have some yogurt and watch Oprah!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Lisa - Thanks for thinking of me. I heard from the church. They're holding interviews the week after Easter. My interview is on April 27 at 9 am.
Also, I had a phone interview for another job. She said I'd hear back in a few days. I haven't heard from the car dealership and I don't expect to hear from the one that I really want until next week.

Happy Birthday to Tom! Enjoy brunch - you both deserve a special treat.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: I see it raining jobs!

 

[Simpleone]

Good day to you ladies!!

The deck belt on my mower just broke on me!! lol Yes Lisa, Tom wins on this one! We have just over five acres and it would be insane to try to mow it with a push mower, good funny visual though! I have an X495 Series John Deere with a 64 inch mowing deck. I'd prefer one of those zero turn radius mowers but DH has a thing for John Deere for whatever reason. My hubby has taken many stabs at me by saying that if I push mowed the lawn, I'd never have to diet again. I always tell him "Yes, I'd starve to death and so would you because I wouldn't be able to find the time to cook, it would take days to do it!!

It's been nice having a few good days to be outside, I've really taken advantage of it. Things are looking so much better, all clean and green. I'll hold off on the mulching until I set out my annuals and hanging plants. I managed to get about two thirds of the lot mowed before my belt broke, I can deal with that. The next few days call for some heavy rain, but I'm content with my progress, even if I don't get anything else done out there before Easter.

Lisa, are your days stressful because of the house closings because there's just so many things involved? I'm so glad to hear you're business end of things is still going well. I'm betting Spring is hectic as can be, even in a slower housing market. Go gett'em gal!

Also wishing Tom a wonderful Birthday, you two enjoy yourselves this weekend. Relax and enjoy each other.

Oh Gosh Diane! Lisa is right about it raining jobs!! I really hope you end up getting your dream job, you deserve it! I think this is going to end up having an excited ending for you..or shall I say a wonderful new beginning?

Into the shower I go...chat soon!!

 

[Diane W.]

Hi everyone!
I just got a call for the second interview! It's for Monday at 2:30. No one except Owen and you guys know about this job. I didn't tell anyone because I was so excited about it and didn't want to get jinxed. I'm still not telling anyone - until I get it!

There are so many things coming up - Easter, a first birthday, a double 1st Holy Communion, a bridal shower and a wedding. I really need a job!!
I went to Kohl's and got a cute outfit for the first birthday girl and another outfit for the great-niece who will be 11 the day after Easter. Usually I get a few things, but I really need to be careful with my funds.

I can't thank you all enough for the support and good thoughts. It is amazing how much it means to me - considering I've never met any of you!

Well, I 'm going for my walk. It's beautiful out today. I'll be daydreaming of my new job all the while.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Pam: Now I can see you up on your big mower! That's you with a green thumb. I thought you mentioned once mowing and exercise, but you are right, that would be too much! I can't wait to plant some flowers. Miss Bonnie has trampled some of my plants. I think I might try some areas again and put little doggie fences until she learns. I really want more summer lillies, glads and echinacea, which is my favorite. I had about 15 of them and either she or the gophers got 'em.

Let's see - why are the days stressful? Well, escrows are always stressful, even the ones that look like slam dunks. There is always a last minute thing that causes me to negotiate like crazy for hours at a time on the phone. Sometimes it's the loan and sometimes it's repairs. Sometimes it's banks being inhuman and slow. This time it was the seller's proceeds. I was representing the buyer and the lender told us we were only going to use about half of the concession the seller was giving toward closing costs. That was a bargaining chip in getting him to pay for $2000 in repairs. When it came down to it, the bank wouldn't let the loan officer leave that much money on the table and he was forced to use it up on the buyers, leaving the seller with about 1/3 of what he was lead to believe was coming back on his side of the balance sheet. All of this the morning of the signing. Good grief! We got it worked out, and without me paying for half of it this time, lol! His agent should have written an addendum, but in practice what the buyers don't use goes back to the seller. We now know for the future there could always be an exception in the eyes of the lender.

I've learned to laugh sardonically and say, "Oh, so that's what it is this time." Because it's always something!

Diane: I'm so excited about your interview I could bust. I'll be in the office through Wednesday then off on our trip Thursday morn. thru Monday night. I get emails on my iphone. I'll post it here for a couple of days then delete it. I think that would be safe.

Let me know if the job news comes in while I'm gone! Or Pam can Facebook me. I get that on my phone too.

Off to give keys to a cute couple who's little boy has never had a backyard. They've been living in a condo. I found them a house down the street from Grandma and Grandpa. I bought him a bubble mower today and got his parents a Home Depot card so they can get some big person yard tools.

 

[Diane W.]

Hi Lisa - I copied your email address, so you can erase it anytime you want now. Hopefully I'll be sending you some really good news.
Will JP be with you on Easter?

 

[Wisteria1956]

Hi Lisa - I copied your email address, so you can erase it anytime you want now. Hopefully I'll be sending you some really good news.
Will JP be with you on Easter?

Roger! Did it.

Yes, he will! He and his cousin are both driving down from Portland to be with us all. Mom and Dad got a cat sitter so they're coming too. Funny how small their lives get when they are older. You'd think the cats were their children or something.

 

[kater]

I am back from Kauai. It was so much fun. I love spending time with my girls. We did lots of swimming and snorkeling. And eating fish tacos and dark chocolate macadamia nuts! I didn't over do it and didn't do bad on the weight gain while I was there. And, the best part was that I wasn't stressing about it when I was there. Which I think helped me not "go crazy" and overeat.

Diane - I am so do a Happy Dance about the job interviews. I will have you in my thoughts tomorrow afternoon.

Lisa - so glad to things that things are back to normal and that you are doing normal things. I just took Halle for a walk in the sun and was thinking about you for some reason.

Kathy - how are those doggies? Did you end up with two of the puppies? How is Tris feeling?

Anyone hear from Robin lately?

xoxoxox

Kate

Oh, yeah! I got my engagement ring. It is BEAUTIFUL. I will see if I can figure out how to post a pic....

 

[kater]

http://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z452/kater422/

Not sure this is going to work? It was hard taking pictures...