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

[toystoryduo]

I hope that you get a few moments in this next week to take care of yourself, instead of having to focus on everyone else. You deserve it! (Oh, and isn't it almost Mother's day? Doubly deserve it then)

I totally agree, Bekki! I hope you get some Julie time this week and lots of pampering on Mother's Day.

 

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, everyone!

Unfortunately, Mother's Day at my house is another of those 'Hallmark Holidays' that aren't considered 'real' and are therefore ignored. I'm getting used to it! Sad, but true. I am hoping to get a small bit of downtime in, though!

Today was another of those 'WHY?' 'WHAT?' 'Where did it go?' days.

I had many plans for today that all ran away. First I checked the UNM application site for DS17. It now said they needed not only his GED score, but also a transcript from Keystone. Not good as to get the Lottery Scholarship (FREE college) he needed them to only have the GED (or a NM HS diploma which Keystone isn't). If they saw a Keystone transcript they'd see he's enrolled in the last 2 classes needed for a diploma & that may be bad. So, called UNM - yes they need both even though ALL of their application/admission info says GED OR transcript/diploma. Called Keystone, no, they can't send only the classes completed transcript. UGH!!! By this time I was almost in a panic. Called UNM Back, got a different admissions person, explained & she said ' we don't need both. give me his SSN and I will take out the HS transcript'. I'd like to hug her!

Then I called the GED office to see if they had sent his scores to UNM. NO, you have to COME DOWN and sign a release to have them sent. So, off we drove - 40 min each way, 40 min on campus, then had to detour to get DS17 taco bell (I had 1 taco) as it was almost 2 p.m. He ate more than an average family of 4 would eat. Where does he put it & how does he stay so thin?????? Got the form signed & they said they would 'walk it over' either today or tomorrow. Literally in the other part of the same building.

After all the UNM/GED stuff, DS17 decides he wants to buy himself a digital camera before our trip (and put it on my Best Buy card making payments to me as it's 18 mo no interest). So, we spent 45 min in Best Buy, then went home to do research.

We were home about the time DD got home. Less than 15 min later ChickFilA called. A guy from Corporate in GA had arrived & needed to see the security video and, of course, DS17 is the only one who knows how to operate it. Finished our camera research & headed to CFA. Got there & the guy had gone to get some food (ironic, huh?) and find a gym to work out at. Waited around almost an hour (but I walked most of it!!). Showed him the video & walked across to Best Buy where DS17 bought an Olympus SP-550uz camera. Really nice!

Managed to be home at about 5:45 in time to fix dinner. Nothing thawed, so making breakfast. I asked DD to make some muffins. She turned the oven on without removing bread, muffins, cheese danish I had bought yesterday from Sam's & didn't tell the boys yet. All now a plastic, melted mess in the oven. And the muffins were in the pan ready to cook. So, no muffins. After dinner cleaned the oven & just pulled the muffins out to cool - and she forgot to grease the tin so they are STUCK! And her last words before she went to bed were to make sure I got the muffins made, out & in a bag so they didn't get hard as she wants them for Breakfast. What fun!!

The best thing today was while dinner was cooking I checked the Carnival site & our cruise went down a tiny bit in price. I called & was able to get $30 in OnBoardCredit for each of us - $120 - not a lot, but helps with the mandatory $70/person gratuities!

May 8 - Day 65/108 - 22 days til I leave for FL/Cruise

baked tostitos/cheese/salsa (10)
taco(5)
egg beaters(1)
obrien potatoes(1)
veg sausage(1.5)
fiber cake(1)
m&ms (3)

Tomorrow's agenda - unless God has other plans - is

Walk to get coffee
Book our SkyVenture time in Orlando - bought 1/2 price tickets off
ClearChannel - Kids did it last year & LOVED it, so we all are doing
Check out a portable DVD player at staples - I have a $25 GC & it's on sale
for $69
Call the Dentist - my small bit of broken tooth/filling seems to be getting
sharper, so as much as I dread it I think I need to have it checked
Gym to swim & tan (& shower before Pirates)
Pirates of Penzance - our last tickets in the Broadway Series is tomorrow
night.

I THINK that's enough to keep me semi-busy for the day. Plus I need to get DS17 to keep plugging away on school!

Off to dig out the rest of the muffins & go to BED!!!!!

 

[tbstein]

Julie, great job on your son and his scores!

Wow! I certainly hope that ds's employers give him some type of recognition for his loyalty and dedication. And, a few freebies for you for doing so much to make sure he is able to help them!

I do hope that you have a few hours for some relaxation on Mother's day. I have to work, so we are doing a big day together the day before. I really don't get gifts, I just get a day to be with the family. Which is what it is about anyhow! I do still love the homemade cards they make for me. I ask them to, rather than have them buy me one. DS does a computer one, while DD still pulls out the markers and crayons!

Hope you put your feet up and take a breather!

Wendy

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm rather hoping for a trip to the ZOO on Sunday! Even if I go alone !! Our zoo passes expire 6/1 and I've hardly gone - mainly visited the aquarium.


May 9 - Day 66/108 - 21 days til I leave for FL/Cruise

decaf (lots of it!) (0)
slimfast(3)
fibercake(1)
keva juice(3)
sub meat(2)
ff strng chz(1)
cookie(7)


Last night was a NO SLEEP night. Finally got the muffin mess fixed about 11, got to bed about 11:15, Had a 'break' at 12:15, Max needed out at 1:10, Mia at 2:00 and both at 4:15. Alarm went of at 5:30 And I'm not a person that falls asleep quickly no matter how tired. I laid in bed til just aafter 6, but not really sleeping. UGH!!! Too much I need to accomplish today to get a nap in. And tonight will be a late night. Oh well......

So, I took DD to school & walked for coffee - it's a beautiful morning here. Decided to walk to the Post office since I had the cash with me & get some new stamps. Also filled out/turned in my HOLD MAIL card. Walked back past the coffee place & refilled my cup/ took a potty break - necessary when you're drinking 40+ oz of decaf! Then home.

While walking I called the dentist. I go in Monday at 9 to have him check my tooth. I told them I don't want a crown before the trip unless it absolutely can't wait. I don't want tooth problems to ruin the trip (although, thinking about it, it may help my weight on the trip )

I really DON'T want to go to WW tomorrow as I've been gone a MONTH! Last time I went was when I reached my 10% goal. Well, I stepped on the scale this morning and believe me, I'm nowhere there anymore and won't be unless something miraculous happens today. Could be the start of impending TOM in part, but I've just not had the time/motivation or the exercise needed to lose. I'm hoping it's not TOO bad tomorrow. So much for losing some more before the trip . But life goes on!


Off to try to get DS17 up, again, and busy on school. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to visit some journals!

Have a GREAT WEDNESDAY, everyone!

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie
Your DD sounds about as good a cook as me!!!
Made me smile though
Have a good week.

 

[mabenoab]

Hi Julie:

Just dropping in to see how your day went! Busy, busy! Did your son use that Olympus yet? I'm shopping for a digital myself, and the Olympus reviews are good.

Sorry, but LOL about your DD and starting the oven with all the stuff in it...thats the sort of thing that might happen here with my son! Its a bummer of a mess, though, eh?

Good luck at the Dentist...hope you don't need a crown, just maybe some patching up. I just got a temporary crown last week, waiting for the permanent one in a couple of weeks. It wasn't painful at all, just expensive...well, actually that part was kind of painful!! I'd rather spend my $ on Disney!

Take care,
Beth

 

[goldcupmom]

May 10 - Day 67/108 - 20 days til I leave for FL/Cruise

1 L diet sunkist
romaine(0)
boca veg chili(2)
2 ff hdogs(2)
cheese(3)
lt chips(2)
lt bun(1)
2 ff hd(2)
heart healthy ice crm(4)
blueberries(1)
ff string chz(1)


Beth - the oven thing happens ALL the time here! My oven tends to be more of a breadbox! I have a mouth full of crowns and HATE them! I'm thinking this just needs a patch job - time will tell. I'd like to just ignore it till late June, but with my luck it would disintegrate on the Cruise. DS17 LOVES the Camera - He got the SP-550uz. The things it can do are incredible!!! A bit on the large size - more like the SLR cameras, but definitely worth it. (On sale thru Sat at Best Buy)

Tracey - I KNOW you can cook!!!! I've read your journal!! I thought of you a lot last night! I was eating some 'fruit drops' I'd bought at Ross (clothing store) and they are from England. Simpkins "travel sweets". I liked the round tin cans they come in, but they are REALLY good! I need to find some more! Bought 3 kinds & DD already stole one can!

Not sure if I will make WI today or not. DH has a cardiologist visit about 40 min away at the same time. I haven't been and rather feel I need to go so he is.... hmmmmm.......truthful, shall we say. Still debating. However, if I go, it will kill most of the morning. Then I have to pick DD up at the bus at 2:45 so she can get home, snack & change & I can get her to work by 4.

Other than the above, my agenda (so far) is
-- Pull Ebay (in process), package, mail - tomorrow;
--Run to Walgreens - need a new under seat carry on & their $9.99 leather ones are AWESOME - 3 main compartments + pockets. Mine the lining is torn, but otherwise it looks new - & I've used it for about 4 years. Holds an amazing amount & fits under the seat Done
--Hollywood video to rent a couple of movies for the weekend for DD - Happily Never After & Because I Said So.Done
--Abs/WaistDone
--Gym & Tan - between us we have 19/20 visits left and 20 days left. We HAVE to do this!!!!Tomorrow - had to wait on call from dryer repair guy
--Order headphone adaptors off Ebay for DH & DD new phone so they can use the MP3 players in themDone
--Decide if I'm going to get the underwater camera I want for the trip & order
--Decide if I'm going to get walkie talkies for the trip & buy
--Get DS17 to submit more English!!!

Pirates of Penzance was really good! Made it home by about 10:30, so it wasn't too late of a night. Pups were a bit better behaved last night. Problem was that they won't go out in the rain, won't potty on the large porch, so needed to go but wouldn't. UGH!!

Have a GREAT Thursday, everyone! Almost the weekend!

Well,today isn't going as planned. Went to put clothes in the dryer & it won't turn on. Did this last weekend and I finally banged on it enough to get it to work, but it won't now. So, I called our home warranty people & have been waiting on a call from a repair company. UGH!!! I did go to WI - another frustration! I need to have a scale bashing party - y'all wanna come???? On my scale I weighed .2 more than I did on the same scale before I went to WW last time. Went to WW & had gained not .2, but 2.4 lbs!!!!!!! Bad scale, Bad scale, Bad scale!!!!

After WW I went to Walgreens, got my bag, then to Hollywood video. Picked up my 2 movies, gave them my 2/1 coupon & was told I had $8 in late fees for the last 2 movies. I MADE DS go with me to return them before 11 p.m. on the night they were due (had until midnight). Seems like everytime I use a 2/1 coupon, they hit me with a late fee. When I return these I'm going to insist on a receipt!

 

[toystoryduo]

Julie,

You always have so much going on.... I hope you'll be relaxing on your cruise.

I'm with you on the scale bashing party. I'm staying off mine, but would like to bash it all the same!

Hope your weekend is a good one!Happy Mother's Day!

 

[tbstein]

Julie, the ZOO can be a great place to go! Kind of makes me feel good about all my freedoms and such!

Have a great weekend!

Wendy

 

[keenercam]

Julie -- I'm sorry I have been MIA, but life got out of control.
Congrats to DS for doing so well on GED!!!
I have to admit I'd make DD clean up any mess she created, but I know it is probably less aggravation to do it yourself.
What a scary, sad situation at CFA. Your son acted very admirably in being so responsible in that situation. I think they should pay you and him for your time in dealing with it!
Hope all went well with your DH's cardiology appt (reminds me I have to go post in my journal about mine this morning!).
Boy, what an incredibly lucrative GS you had! You must have busted your butt to get enough stuff ready to sell to yield that kind of $$.
I am so glad you have your vacation to look forward to, Julie. I hope it really is a very relaxing time for you. And don't drive yourself nuts about the scale. It was a moment in time, not a lifetime sentence! We all know how fickle those things can be. If you have a scale bashing party, I will be glad to join you!
Have a great night!

 

[goldcupmom]

May 11 - Day 68/108 - 19 days til I leave for FL/Cruise
decaf(0)
fibercake(1)
romaine(0)
cheese(4)
boca veg chili(2)
ff strng chz(1)
ww yogurt/fiber one(1)
lt chips(4)
potatoes(3)
chicken(3)
cantaloupe(1)

Well, the dryer repair guy STILL hasn't called! I have a tanning appt. at 8 a.m., so I'm going to try him soon. I want to be able to swim while I'm there. As I'm typing, phone rings - he'll be here between 8:30 - 10, so, I won't swim then. But at least I'll have a dryer!!! Dryer update - The ins. co won't let him order the part, so they have to order/ship to him. I'm guessing a week or more. Oh well - that's life!

The rest of today's agenda is:
-take the Ms. Pac check to the bank & get cash so they can pick up tonight or tomorrow.Done- take DD to tan at 4 - I'll do some TM time or whatever cardio I can get
while she is tanning
- Mail pkgs after DD tansTomorrow rather than make 2 trips.
- Try to go back to gym & swim around noonDone - 80 min swim
- Start on Living room cleaning/carpet so I can have suitcases out & ready
for packing to start by Monday
- Help DS17 w/ English


I'm sure there are more things that will come up, but.....

I made it to tan, but they can't find any record of my paying for 20 sessions - thankfully I have my receipt!

Almost the weekend! Have a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY everyone!!

 

[keenercam]

Have a wonderful weekend, Julie! Even if your family doesn't give you the recognition you so deserve, I wanted to WISH you a Happy Mothers' Day and remind you that you are an awesome, awesome mom!

 

[goldcupmom]

Thanks, Cam!! You're AWESOME!!!! Come October I'll give you a great big hug!!!!

 

[keenercam]

Julie -- I was so psyched to see your post in my journal and to admire your new siggie addition. Woohoo!! As far as resorts, Dreams Unlimited got us a quote for POP with AAA rate of $84.15/nt inc. tax, IIRC. We heard there is a BMX event at WWoS that weekend and figured a lot of the participants will be at POP and we have been wanting to try POR, so we switched to that resort. Our MNSSHP tickets arrived yesterday (DU also took care of that for us) and we have our ADRs for Liberty Tree Tavern for Friday at 4:30 and Saturday a.m Boatwrights. The only other detail I need to get under control is where to have our pre-race meal and at what time. That is always tricky.

Oh, and a WISHer spoke with someone at the medal table at the Minnie Expo and he said they are still working on the medal design but are thinking it will look like the ToT with a moving elevator. The race shirts are glow in the dark, but I think most of us who have them will wear our WISH shirts. BTW, did you sign in on the ToT WISH roster thread on the events/competitions board? YOu should definitely introduce yourself and join the dialogue on planning, etc. It makes the weekend even more fun.

Let me know how your plans shape up. Howard and I are just flying in Friday afternoon and flying home Sunday night. Never long enough, but blessed to be able to do it nonetheless.

Now we really need to encourage each other to get and stay as fit as we need to be to do this race!

 

[ScoJo15]

Julie - Hi there!

Sorry it's been so long, but I wanted to stop in and catch up with what's happening in your world...check out the ToT clip in your signature!!! Cool to see you participating in that event, it really sounds like it will be a fun one.

Of course you are the busiest person I know...major kudos to you for simply making it through each day

Keep up the good work and have a great weekend!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hey Julie!!! Congrats on taking the big step to sign up for the ToT race . Good luck with training and maintaining your busy schedule. ITA with Scott....to accomplish all that you do on a daily basis and still continue to work out is very impressive. Awesome job .

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie
Hope the dryer gets fixed soon!
Glad you got to the gym
I cant believe how quickly your cruise is coming up!! lucky you!
Have a great weekend

 

[goldcupmom]

Well, I typed a LONG entry this morning and it disappeared! Sigh.......

May 12 - Day 69/108 - 18 days til I leave for FL/Cruise

fibercake(1)
pretzel(6)
baked tostitos(5)
cheese(6)
lean meat(2)

Thanks for stopping in, Amy & Scott! I'm pretty excited about the ToT. I've wanted too do a Dis event for awhile, but timing hasn't been good. DD is off school & we usually go in Oct as we find cheap fares then, so, as long as the airfare gods are good to us, we'll be there! Plus DD feels more comfortable with the 2.5 hour time frame to do the 8+ miles. My fav walk here is 8 miles in the bosque, so I know it won't be a problem for me even if it was the 15/mile. I just need to get her to join me on it more!

Tracey, I'm almost betting the dryer won't be fixed before I leave. Just a gut feeling. But, as long as I know the magic spot to press to make it work, it's ok.

Today got in my 15 min abs/waist & 90 min walk. Up at 6:15, did pkgs & mailed, took DD to work, ran to the mall to get freebies at VS & B&BW, decided to shop - OOPS!!!! Bought DD a swim cover black eyelet halter dress at Mervyns, bought me a hoodie one, and a swim suit (still need the resident fashion police approval). Then in Penneys bought DS17 a couple pairs of board shorts, & 1 for DH. Bought DD a shirt for school (has to wear henley or Polo style & she won't wear collared). Sad thing is I bought a girls Large and it may be too big for her liking. I think I could have EASILY fit the girls XL and I'm NOT small!!! Everytime we walk thru a girls dept. we marvel at how HUGE the girls clothes are getting. I think it's a sad statement on our society!

Did the 2 hour Saturday WalMart run. Didn't need much it was just PACKED!!! Then home to unload before the ice cream melted. Up & Down stairs to the freezer.

Just sent DH to get DD from work. She'll be thrilled as I think he's planning to go buy bags of dirt to build up a berm around a tree.

Tonight I'm hoping to watch one of the movies I rented. And I need to start laundry.

I have the itchy burny swollen allergy eyes again today and they always make me feel tired. It's was HOT here again today - about 83 and it hasn't cooled off as well at night the last few nights.

DD was talking to some people in choir yesterday & a girl (sort of friend, but not close) thinks she's on the same cruise. She's going to find out over the weekend. They'll have fun if she is - at least they will know someone.

The scale still isn't budging. But, I decided to try on a pair of my size Medium Columbia shorts and I'm wearing them. A bit snug, but wearable. I bought the size Large of these at Pennys like 3 years ago & fell in love with them. When I lost some weight I couldn't find them so went on Ebay & bought a couple of M pairs new. I've had them quite awhile, but they are the perfect travel/theme park shorts as they have double zip cargo pockets on each leg and mesh pocket liners so they dry quickly.

DD laughed when I told her I'm planning on taking the size M pairs for the early part of the trip and size L for later on! Not sure if I'd consider that optimistic or pessimistic!

Thursday night I heard DH cycle pull in & he came in hollering for me to come help. As he pulled (really idled) into the garage, he DROPPED his cycle. Fortunately it missed my car! He thought he could pick up the 800+ lb bike. NOT!!! I told him even using the 'squat' method which is what they teach he didn't have enough leg or arm muscles to do it. I ended up calling DS20 & telling him to be home when DS17 got off work. They QUICKLY lifted it. No damage to the GoldWing (older w/ lots of metal stuff) but DH wants an even HEAVIER bike. NO WAY!!!!

On a positive note, DH announced to DS17 that we have reservations for lunch tomorrow at 2. FIRST time in 25 years he's planned anything ahead for Mother's Day(or anything for that matter). His mom always told me men in his family begin to mellow at 50 & are 'almost human' by 60. Maybe there's hope! Funny thing is that his dad's only brother's wife told me the EXACT same thing about a year ago.

Well, I need to go get busy.

Have a WONDERFUL rest of the weekend and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

May 13 - Day 70/108 - 17 days til I leave for FL/Cruise
2 pt balance bar(2) - Vanilla Caramel - WONDERFUL!!
grilled chicken(4 pcs) shishkabob w/ peppers/onions
steamed veggies
3 sm red potatoes
1/2 sm greek dinner salad
1 slice hard bread/small bit of dipping oil
1 sm slice of grilled portobella mushroom
hostess(4)
chocolate mousecake - (10,000,000)

Went to lunch at a Greek restaurant. I'm not a big fan of most greek food, nor is DD or DS17, but..... what I had was very good and except for the bread & the dessert I did OK! I avoided the creamy soups, the cheesy pastas, the saucy rice.

Only exercise was a 15 min walk w/ the pups & my abs/waist, but not bad considering.

This trip is coming really fast now, almost too fast for the amount I need to get done.

Tomorrow will be a very full day and, unfortunately, my dentist appointment. I'm praying that this tooth doesn't need a crown & can be well 'fixed' before I leave.

DS17 is finally making progress on English - slowly! At least we're almost done with shakespeare & poetry!! BLECH!!!!

Here's hoping everyone had a good Weekend and a Happy Mother's Day! Have a GREAT week!

 

[tbstein]

Hello Julie!

Sending a wave!



Wendy