Journey back to ME!!- I'm getting bugged!!

[toystoryduo]

Julie,

I am worried about you, WISH sis. You are always so busy doing things for others and you don't have much time to spend doing things just for you. You sound like you could use a solo vacation right now... Some time for you to think and pray and to just be Julie. I wish you lived closer so I could help you out or so we could go for coffee and just talk.

Please, please, please do something just for you this weekend. Maybe go to a movie. Go to the gym. Whatever it is, do it just for you. Your family will be okay looking after themselves for awhile. You really need some time just to focus on you and do something your enjoy.

If you need anything, please let us know. We're here to listen, pray, and help.

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie
Sorry things are not going well for you.
Lets hope some of it is down to TOM arriving!
I agree with Tracy - you need 'you time'
& you need to MAKE time for you, or your gonna get ill, stress can cause serious illness. & i dont want that to happen to you.
Hope things pick up soon, take care of yourself, where here if you need us

 

[tbstein]

Julie--you really do need some quiet reading time! Oh my! I am certainly praying for you and keeping you in my 'extra good vibes' thoughts. If I could wing, I would send my DH to paint for you. He isn't a professional painter, but he isn't afraid of hard work. For a 50 yr old, he does a good job!

Wishing you a relaxing night, and a bit of 'me' time this weekend!

Wendy

 

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Tracy & Tracey! You guys are the BEST!!

I had an acquaintance in KS who one day left her family a note that she would be better when she got back. She got on Amtrak at 2:30 a.m. in KS & rode it to CA , turned right around & got on the return train & went back home. 2 days of peace & quiet w/ someone bringing her meals to her sleeper. Unfortunately, CA is only about 13 hours from here on the train! I'd have to head east. Chicago is about 25 hours.....hmmmmmmmm........

I did make it to the gym today. Did about 20 min water jogging while I was waiting for the class to end so I could get a lane. Then swam my 2 miles, did the stair stuff & sat in the steam room for about 10 min. DD wasn't happy as she swam for about 30 min, then was going to do weights. I told her I'd be done in about 45 min. She never reappeared, so I took my time. When I got in the locker room she was fuming. She had forgotten workout clothes so had been sitting. OH WELL!!!! she survived.

DS17 got the claim number for the ins. co this morning. I called DH to see if he wanted to call & get the guys name since I have nothing to do w/ cycles. He did. But, he called our ins (same company) told them it was being filed under their 'household' policy(not), & we wanted them to hurry up. They said since DS17 has liability only there was nothing they could do. He called me, got mad, of course when I explained again that all I wanted was the claims adjusters name & number so I could contact him. I called, got it & he told me what aftermarket stuff we need to find prices for so he can finish up. DUH!!!!!! DS17 & I will go to the cycle shop - hopefully tonight if he gets off in time, then look up the prices & give them to the shop to give to the ins adjuster. Hopefully they will be able to at least order parts sometime next week. I'm really hoping that DS17 new phone arrives today so he will have something to occupy his mind.

DD is going to the birthday party/sleepover tonight, but I've read her the riot act that that is NO EXCUSE for not doing her share of the work this weekend. When they see my list they will all about FLIP OUT. Oh well!! She knows I'm not a happy camper as I wasn't even in the mood to shop yesterday which is REALLY REALLY weird for me!! I can ALWAYS spend money!

Well, the battery in my camera is charged, so I'd best get moving on some pics. More later.......

 

[tbstein]

Julie, what type of items do you sell on eBay? I have only made one purchase on eBay, so I am not very savvy with it.

Hope the slumber party was quiet!

Wendy

 

[goldcupmom]

DH is off to work - I told him not to worry, the cleaning will still be here when he gets back as I declared this a clean house weekend for ALL 5 people who live here. Not looking too promising!

Picked DD up at her party & am waiting for her to get ready so we can go to FedEx & pick up DS17 replacement cell phone & go to Costco & return a swimsuit I bought & didn't like.

I've managed to unbury MOST of the floor of the office so I can mover Ebay containers in. I sell mostly clothes, Wendy, as I come from a VERY long line of shopaholics. We used to have 3 - 5 garage sales a year, but I find doing Ebay is a bit easier. For Instance, one time not that long ago DD had over 50 pairs of shoes & almost that many pairs of shorts. Yikes!!

3/24 - Day 20/108

sf decaf tea(0)
chocolate(3) - this has GOT to stop!!
soup(4)
8 oz diet sunkist
Whole wheat spaghetti(3)
sauce(4)
bread(3)
chocolate(3)


I put a big pot of Spaghetti on with veggie meat & I will make WW noodles for me. I have no idea when/who will be here when to eat so that seemed easiest. DH of course doesn't like it, but since I have not idea when he will be home, if DS17 will eat when he gets off & not want dinner, when/if DS20 will get a break to come eat, if DD will want food or sleep, they will all just have to deal with it!

At the Hockey Game last night someone unfurled a banner that said 'Zamboni's Rule' the first time DS20 went out to clean the ice. The 2nd time another banner appeared that said 'We 'heart' the Zamboni Driver'. He was very excited! No one he knew - said he has his own fan club! He got home about 11:30 & went back at 8 for Scorpions practice, then the team they're playing tonight has practice, then the ice is rented to a couple of HS teams, then he has to get it ready for the pre-game practice & the game tonight. Chances are he won't be home. Good for him! They won't pay him for over 40 hours, but supposedly they are keeping track & will give him paid time off or use the hours/pay to fill in when he has under 40. Time will tell.

I got lucky last night. (OK! Minds OUT of the GUTTER!!!!) About 9 p.m. I was unpacking my gym bag & realized I had left my suit at the gym. Called & they didn't have it. I ran up anyway & fortunately it was there!

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie
sounds like your standing up for yourself with the housework
Good on ya
Glad you managed to get a swim in again, your doing fantastic with the swimming, so i'm sure a bit of chocolate wont hurt
Have a great weekend & keep smiling wish sis!

 

[toystoryduo]

I got lucky last night. (OK! Minds OUT of the GUTTER!!!!)

You are too funny, Julie! Thanks for the laugh!

I bet that was a proud moment for your DS20. He seems to really enjoy his job.

I am proud of you for giving your family a to do list! Now, remember to stand firm. It may be hard, but you need some time for you and with them helping more around the house, you're more likely to get some Julie time. Way to go WISH sis!

Hope you have a great week ahead!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie I am really glad to hear you are demanding some help around the house! You go girl, and don't let them not do it, just keep nagging and they will do it! (I know I am a good nagger with good results). That is really cute/sweet about your ds and Zamboni signs. That sounds like just the kind of boost he needs. And I agree with Tracey and Tracey, go on a trip yourself! Rent the movie Shirley Valentine, it might give you and your dh/kids some incentive and ideas about what you need! You do so much, you have such drive and stamina, its time somebody rewarded you!

I'm glad you got lucky . Swimsuits are too darn expensive to lose!

 

[goldcupmom]

I booked a vacation tonight!!!!!!!

DD kept pestering DH all weekend about our anniversary. He wants to go to Hawaii, but not without doing EVERYTHING. The other 3 of us prefer to Veg on a beach. He got really mad today about it.

She kept pestering, then DD & I got online - the 1 thing he REALLY wanted to do in Hawaii was horseback ride on the beach - He weighs too much. That REALLY ticked him off.

So, DD & I started looking at cruises. 6/3 - 10 had better be GOOD weather as we are leaving Tampa on a cruise (Carnival Legend) - Grand Cayman, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel. He wanted us to book 1 'suite' as it was 270 sf, instead of 185sf. I couldn't figure out some of the online stuff, so called. Ended up with 2 connecting balcony rooms for less than the suite so have 370 sf & more importantly 2 bathrooms. He's totally NOT happy about the extra costs, but......

Then the excursions - Belize has the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world (thanks for sharing DD) so she MUST scuba. He can't due to heart & DS17 won't be 18, so I have to go with them. And, in Cozumel they want to go climbing/zip lining - same problem Have to have someone over 18. We'll all go to the Mayan ruins near Costa Maya.

Now I just need cheap airfare to Tampa or Orlando in June. And, since it's so close to my DSis we can stay with her before & after & won't need a car.

Yes, I'm excited. Can you tell????? He's upset that there will be no internet ( I won't pay 75c/minute and no cell phone - $2.49/min roaming) Gee... it's supposed to be VACATION!!

So, I have 70 days to lose some more weight - motivation???? I sure hope so!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Good for you, Julie! I am so excited for you! A vacation sounds like exactly what you need. Will it just be you and your DH?

Have a great Monday!

 

[CaroleD]

A friend of mine just got back from Belize. She dis the zip lining and it was the highlight of her trip.

 

[CACruisin']

Julie, you have had an awful lot to deal with recently. I am so VERY glad you booked a vacation though. It really sounds like it something you could all really use right now. A cruise is perfect. You can veg by the pool while DH does all the onboard activities to keep busy. We did the ziplines in puerto vallarta a couple of years ago. It was an absolute blast. The kids (and YOU!) are going to love it! As for the lack of internet/phone access, that is the best part of the vacation for my DH. It is the only vacation we have ever taken that he truly "disconnects" from work. before our cruise last week, his boss kept saying "the company will pay for your internet access". He told them the Wonder didn't have internet. I did tell him that there is wireless access now, but his reply "oh no, I'm SURE the ship does not have internet!" He did not want to have even think about "emergency" emails on our vacation.

 

[goldcupmom]

3/25 - Day 21/108

egg beaters(1)
fiber cake(1)
ff chz(1)
2 ff hot dogs(2)
chips(3)
baked tostitos(4)
cheese(4)
chocolate(3)

No exercise as TOM arrived with a VENGEANCE.

Not much cleaning got done as DS17 & I were the only ones participating. I'm NOT too happy about that!!!!!!!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

Monday....UGH!!!!! TOM is NOT being kind & I slept only about 3 hours last night. Got DD up at 6 as she was going to the zoo with a group of friends & a couple of their moms. Keeping it a bit quiet as there were (shhhhhh!!!!!!!) boys going along. If she doesn't appear home soon, though, DH will find out! oh well.....

I'm HOPING to make it to the gym tonight to swim. I surely need it! DH forgot his pill case this morning so I had to take it to him when I took DS17 to work. No news on the cycle - hopefully tomorrow. Got home & intended to clean, but instead took a 2 hour nap. At least I'm semi-coherent now. I did manage to clean out most of my roll top desk (during a search for my old passport). I still have a box of stuff that came out of it when my sewage pump backed up 3 years ago that I've never opened (guess it wasn't too important, huh??)

As I was drifting off to napland I remembered seeing a cruise coupon in my Entertainment book - yep! Called & when I mail 2 of them in will get $200 credit to my CC. Can't hurt!

3/26 - Day 22/108

2 lt buns(3)
veg burger(1) (had to divide it into hot dog buns)
chocolate(3)
34 oz water
16 oz diet sunkist
fiber cake(1)
2 ff hot dogs(2)
veg beans(1)
1 reg hot dog(5)

Tomorrow I need to take DS17 & DD to get passports & renew mine. Easier than carrying around Birth Certs. Unfortunately, here they are saying to allow approx 10 - 12 weeks & we leave in just over 9. I HATE to have to expedite, but I think I will need to.

 

[tbstein]

Wow Julie!

A cruise! Hope you have a moment or two to relax and do something special for your anniversary!

Wonderful!

Wendy

 

[CACruisin']

Sorry TOM is not being a nice visitor . Hopefully the visit will be short. Good Luck with the passports. Sounds like you will need to expedite though. Be aware with the kids passports that BOTH parents need to be present or you need to have a notarized form from the absent parent. Another option is to go in person (in all that "spare time" you have ) to the main passport office. You drop off your paperwork first thing in the morning and then your passport is ready that afternoon. My DBro had to do that last spring becuase his passport was going to expire while he was out of the country.

Great job getting the $200 credit.

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Julie,

That stinks that you are going through a tough time....But good for you for standing up on the cleaning. I had to do that with DH, and he has finally got it. There are things taht I don't both with anymore and then there are things that I stick with! Keep your head up, things will get better!!

Congrats on booking your vacation...it's just what you need.

Keep up the good work, hopefully TOM is on his way out and you start to feel better.

Have a great day

 

[goldcupmom]

Busy Day, again, & I have an absolutely killer headache from the change in weather we're about to get.

Up early, packaged Ebay, got DS17 & DD up to leave. Then I realized it was Tuesday & needed to check on Airfares. Southwest was still $1800+ for 4 from ABQ to Tampa. OUCH!!! Decided to check Travelocity which showed a Delta fare for $174. So, I went to Delta & it was $128 (+ about $40 taxes per ticket) Round Trip. So, I booked 4 of us for $672+.It's not a direct flight - ABQ - Atlanta- Tampa, and we have to stay a bit longer than I wanted (darn the luck! )

So, we leave here on 5/30 will spend 5/30 at my DSis, then 5/31 we're borrowing a vehicle to go to Orlando to shop(I'll get a reward night hotel room). 6/1, back to DSis. We get on the cruise on 6/3, return 6/10. We'll stay w/ Dsis 6/10 - 11 then leave on 6/12.

DS17 got called into work. He went in for about an hour to help them prepare for lunch while DD & I ate lunch (said he didn't care about the owner or CFA, but cared about his friends). Then to the Post Office for passports - long line. I ended up paying to get our pics done there as we were running out of time. So, almost $500 later, 3 of our passports are on the way expedited. They said I can 'check' on them in about 3 weeks.

Then we went to REI to get new water bottles(to go in Easter Baskets). DS17 bought a CamelBack to use when on his cycle. DD got some new water shoes as she wears them as Tennis Shoes to school EVERY DAY. I had my 'dividend' check from my REI card + 20% discount coupon, so that helped.

I'm going to try to go to the gym & swim tonight if my headache improves even a little bit. I really want to go but between TOM misery and this, I'm really feeling pretty yucky.

3/27 - Day 23/108

CFA grilled sandwich(5)
64 oz cf diet coke
34 oz water
sm ice dream(3)
ww spag noodles(3)
sauce(3)
bread(4)
chocolate(3)

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, CONGRATULATIONS on booking that cruise! You guys will have so much fun, that sounds like just what you all need. And that is some great motivation for you to keep up all that hard work you have been doing Also, you were really smart to expedite those passports. I have had two friends recently that almost didn't get theirs back in time after more than the 9-10 weeks they are saying for regular passports. Its not worth the worry. Hope TOM goes away very soon!