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

[pearlieq]

Wow--that's a lot going on.

Glad to hear all 3 are employed are close to it. Hopefully it stays that way for a while!

We have one of those green Walmarts by us. It freaked me out the first time I went into the freezer section--I thought they had a power outage or something. But I got used to it and it seems like a great idea.

You've been busy with your office--it sounds like it's really coming together nicely. I hope the final bits all come together well.

I hope the FL trip works out--sounds like they could use an extra pair of hands!

Have a great day!

 

[toystoryduo]

Wow Julie! You have been super busy! I'm glad to hear that you are re-decorating your office. I'm proud of you for doing something special just for you!

I'm glad to hear that everyone has a job now! That is great news!

That's great that you have another trip to Florida in the works. Hopefully, the babies will cooperate so you and your DD can see them while you are there!

Hope you have a great week ahead!

 

[Lesli54]

While the new "green" Walmart sounds weird, it does sound interesting. I am still not sure about shopping in the dark.

I hope you get your office done, mine is still in the progress, but I do plan to get it painted in the next few weeks. I do had to rethink how the office was used. Whereas, you are needing a daybed, we got rid of ours since it just ended up piled with stuff. Now I am looking to streamline my office so that it solely functions as that. It is alot of work, so good luck on getting yours rearranged.

Hope you have a wonderful day!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Ahh, well I see your life is tranquil and slow as usual! I love the sound of your new office, that daybed sounds really nice. Good job getting it fixed up the way you want it. If your engineer dh is like mine, you could probably not tell him and he may not notice the difference! So glad all three kids have jobs, I know thats a load off your mind. Hey does dd get you a discount at DQ? I may have to have my son apply there in a few years for some freebie Blizzards! Keep up the good work with that "more good than bad" eating. That is something to celebrate when you have more success in the food department. Hope your trip to FL gets all settled, that will be a nice thing for you on the train. Can I come too?

 

[DisDee]

Hey Julie-Good for you to have the office project to work on. I know its a lot of work, but I'm sure you're having some fun too. You'll feel that great sense of accomplishment when you're finished. Have a super day!

 

[goldcupmom]

Still here....I just can't believe how the days are getting away from me. I've spent 3 days refinishing the remaining bookcase in the office. I wanted to do another coat, but ran out of steam!

Tomorrow I will be at UNM from about 6:45 a.m. - 5 p.m. as DD has regional science fair. Since our school is on Spring Break, there's no transportation, no group, no anything & she doesn't want to hang alone. So, I'll be doing a lot of walking...if the wind isn't horrid....& waiting....hours on end when she is busy & I can't be there....Then Saturday there is FIVE HOURS of awards....& they don't tell you if you're going to get anything!!!! OUCH!!! There goes the weekend.....

Didn't make WW today....I ended up on the phone dealing with Paypal/Southwest problems...DO NOT use Paypal to pay for airfare!!!! Probably good as I imagine I've gained. Too much stress chocolate !

My house is a total wreck. As I'm redoing, I'm cleaning out for Garage Sale ....4/4-5. this will likely be first of MANY this summer. Too much clutter & junk!

Thanks for keeping up w/ me everyone.

Dee, I'm so thankful your treatments are almost over & have gone good.

If you haven't stopped by Cam's Vow Renewal journal (weddings board) she posted a link to the gown she's chosen. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone has a Blessed, Wonderful Easter!!!

 

[pearlieq]

Good luck at UNM tomorrow! 5 hours of awards?!? Yikes!

I hope you were able to get the Paypal/Southwest problem worked out. What a hassle!

Take care and have a wonderful Easter!

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie
Glad your ok...busy but ok
Have a great Easter - i hope DD gets an award!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Julie,

Sounds like you have been busy! I hope you have a chance to relax this weekend and enjoy the holiday. Happy Easter, Julie!

 

[traceycooper]

Happy Easter julie

 

[Amy&Dan]

Happy Easter Julie, Hope your weekend at UNM was fun! I am sure you are glad that one is over! The things we do for our kids...

 

[goldcupmom]

Happy Belated Easter to everyone!!

I just can't seem to get my act together. I'm flitting from thing to thing, never finishing anything & not focused. UGH!!!! Not like me, but I think I've been so overwhelmed for so long that it's coming out. All I want to do is nothing!!(And I do it very well ) Too many irons in the fire.

Taxes still aren't done, but this is DD spring break week, so 2 - 3 hours of total peace & concentration isn't happening. 4 dogs aren't helping the matter either! It's Wrestlemania here most of the time.

I will hopefully paint the 3rd section of the office today, then I'll need to go buy more paint & wait for DH to move the computer before I can finish.

I have to run to Mervyns & Kohls today, so I'm about to get DD out of bed & moving so she can get more driving time in. And, of course, she'll want to shop.

Science Fair & Easter prep took the entire weekend from me. DD was disappointed that at the last minute the combined Physics with Astronomy. Had they not, she would have had 1st in Physics. She ended up with 4th. No money there. But, she got a special award from the Optics (not as in eyeglasses) dept at UNM and got $75 cash and gets to go visit the Optical Lab & stuff.

She starts training tomorrow & will train 3:30 - 8:30 W - Sat & they will Open on either Sunday or Monday unofficially & officially on April 1. YEAH!!!!!!!

I feel guilty, but I did book a Florida trip before the cruise. DD & I will leave 5/17 & fly to FL. Someone will drive her to MCO on 5/24 & she will fly home. On 5/29 I will go to Orlando & get on Amtrak. Which means I will be in DC on 5/30, Chicago on 5/31 and home on 6/1. All of those fairly short stops(well, if you consider like 6 hours short), but long enough for me to take a break & wander a bit. The rest of the 3 days I will have peace in my little roomette on Amtrak. I may even opt out of meals & have them bring them to me. I'm stocking up on books to read, loading my Ipod, gathering a few movies & will catch up on some sleep, quiet, & blank-brain time.

I've dug out plenty, but have marked or organized nothing yet for the Garage Sale. This weekend will be cleaning the Garage & preparing for next weekends sale.

Food has been OK until Sunday when I blew it, and Monday followed suit. Must get back on track as I won't step near a scale. Won't make WW this week due to DD & Spring Break. Next week when I go I will have missed 3 weeks & I think I'll be happy to break even. I've got to really buckle down & focus on this.

More later when I can. Hope all is well with everyone here!! I miss you guys!!

 

[traceycooper]

Hi Julie glad your ok
the train journey sounds a holiday on its own
congrats to DD on the special award

 

[keenercam]

Hey, sweetie! So glad to hear that things are moving along, but I continue to worry about the frantic pace you keep. Awesome news that all three kids are working now. I just worry that even that means more scrambling for you. I am wayyyy psyched for you that you'll have 3 days on a train of nobody demanding anythign of you. I know the craziness you'll go through to make sure everything is organized for everyone before you leave, but it's so nice that you'll have those 3 days as a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sorry the food and exercise stuff isn't coming together right now. I can really sympathize. I know you can get back on track. I started WW again today and will go to my first meeting (new time & hopefully a new leader) tomorrow morning. I hope you and I can support each other for a fresh start and finally reaching our goals! Take good care of you and don't work too hard on your office space, though I can't wait to see pix of how it has all come together for you. It sounds awesome!

 

[pearlieq]

That train trip sounds so relaxing. I may have to try that some day.

Glad to hear that all is well and things are bumping along. I hope you have a great week!

 

[goldcupmom]

Sorry I've been offline....literally. My cable company is doing upgrades in our area, got it fixed, then a new subdivision cut a main line. Internet will be sporadic for another couple of days. Not good for frantic DS18 & DD who left homework til the END of spring break! Oh well...plan ahead!!

No WW today, either. DS18 left for work at 330 a.m. & has school til 930 tonight, & I'm not comfortable with him on a cycle with no sleep. So, since his 8 a.m. class was cancelled, I had to pick him up at 8 from work & take him to UNM. On the way back I detoured to target, bad move....easter candy 75%. Stocked up for lunchboxes & trips. Then ran to the grocery for a few things.

Yes, I'm really looking forward to the train ride. My grandfather worked for the old CB&Q then Burlington Route & finally Burlington Northern, so our rewards from grandma when I was very young was to take us on a free train ride. We'd ride about 45 min across the mississippi from Burlington, IA to Galesburg, IL, just to ride & it was free. Then when one of my older brothers was in Law School in OK we began taking train down there a few times a year. It's a very relaxing way to travel. Definitely not cheap if you have a sleeper, but worth it for the comfort, privacy & free food. (not to mention the showers!) Assuming we're fairly close to on time, I'll likely grab a cab in DC & go to where the Enola Gay is. My dad's oldest brother was on the crew & I've never seen the memorial. Or, I'll walk the plaza & spend the time in the Museum of Nat. Hist ....my fav! Chicago I will probably just wander by the station & hit Starbucks(unless Pearlie comes to visit....hint, hint....I'd LOVE to get to meet you in person!) When DD & I go thru Chicago in July we need to try to make a quick run to American Girl Place to pick up birthday gifts for the almost 2 & 3 year olds in FL.

DSis had her mammo today....scared to death as they made her do it over 3 times!!! But OK. This week marks 3 years since they diagnosed her, so she's really doing well.

I'm glad you're back, Cam! Yes, the jobs mean more running for me...at least temporarily, but a relief in so many ways. DD needs 4 hours 59 min Daytime driving and 2 hours 23 min nighttime to get her provisional license, so she will soon be able to drive herself. A VERY SCARY thought!! I will basically, when she gets her first check from DQ, let her go get it as she's almost there.

You're right, I will have them organized. In fact, I got on our Clear Channel radio websites yesterday & bought $200 in Super Supper ( like do it yourself dinners place, Amy) gift certs for $100 & I'll go pick up some of their Dinners to Go & fill the freezer for the guys. I also got $100 to a gourmet pizza place here ( whole wheat, etc) for $38. Next week I'm hoping to snag a couple of Spa Certs for DD & I ....$300 for $50....you get 4 separate visits to cover, hair, nails, face & body. If you haven't checked & are going to Orlando, their Clear Channel radio sites have dozens of 1/2 price deals you can buy for food, entertainment, golf, & sometimes for hotels around Daytona or the Cape. (Yes, I'm a bargain hunter)

Yesterday I finally made it to the gym. Biked 6.4 miles & then did weights for about 40 min. Planned to swim this morning, but since I had to haul DS18, that didn't happen.

Food is still a struggle & I just can't seem to regain control. Plus, I know I'm holding a lot of water right now. Crazy midlife hormones!!

Hope all is well with everyone. Assuming I have internet, I'll be home alone for part of the evening and planning to catch up.

 

[DisDee]

Your train trip sounds like fun Julie. I have fond memories of train travel cross country with my Grandparents (Phila. to LA). Now my SIL works for Amtrack so we've traveled on the Acela for free. That's my kind of deal!

Good for you getting to the gym. I know how crazy your schedule is. Have a great Friday!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Oh man Julie, that train ride sounds like heaven! Just to be locked up and nobody can bug you for those days, sheer heaven! Good for you for booking that trip. Keep us informed on the mammo results for your sister. That has to be nerve wracking for her and you.

Sounds busy for you (hey there's a switch! ), don't forget to take time for you! Your office sounds like its coming along. Great job at the gym, keep up the good work!

 

[goldcupmom]

DSis had a very trying morning. Got to the Dr & got right in, 1st mammo, wait....needed to do it again.....more waiting....2nd one......more waiting. Last time she needed 2 & when they told her she couldn't stop crying out of fear. Held it together for the 2nd, & then they told her they needed a 3rd set of pics. Thankfully, while she was waiting her DD#2 who is a teacher popped in & snuck back (DD#2 had to give a deposition this morning). Bottom line is she is clean for another 6 months, but very stressed after the morning.

I come with head down in shame. Remember earlier I said I went to Target? Well, I ate a bag of Cadbury mini eggs. No, not the personal size bag...the whole, huge, honkin' enormous bag!!!!! Mindless eating. I had done so well earlier when DS18 & I got to campus quickly & I drove thru McD's. Even brought some breakfast burritos home for DD & all I had was a pinch of DS18s biscuit instead of the whole thing(don't know why he orders them. He eats the sausage/egg out & leaves the biscuit anyway).

Oh well.... the rest of the day was ok foodwise.

Finished another part of the office paint. Just the 'window wall' left & part of the other that I can't do til DH moves the computer & desk. Plus a few tiny touch up areas.

I also need to patch a few cracks& holes before I can paint it. And, I need to go to Lowe's tomorrow to get more paint as I'm out. Even with the slow painting around the window, I should only have about an hour & a half left. YEAH!!!

Next week has to be Garage Sale, though. And Tuesday I MUST FINISH TAXES!!!!!!!!!!! That looks to be my first quiet day (well, that's really a relative term here!)

didn't make the gym today, but I will do my daily 200 crunches tonight. DD & I will go to the gym in the morning. I'd like to swim, but she will probably want to do bike & weights. They do have a new cardio machine I may try. it's called the wave. Looks kind of like an elliptical, but it's really more like a stairstepper & sideways elliptical put together. I bet it's painful!! (which is probably good!)

Amy & Dee I had a friend in KS who one day got fed up w/ her family & left them a note....drove to Newton in the middle of the night, caught the train & rode it in a sleeper to LA & back just for a break. Told them when she would be back & that she would be better for them when she returned. It's about a 3-4 day r/t from there & she just holed up in a room & enjoyed the quiet. What a plan!!!

I hate to admit it, but I have 1 suitcase completely packed for my May trip to FL. Just stuff I'm taking to my DSis & her family, but........ Pathetic, I know!

Hope everyone has a good Friday! I'm off to try to regain my eyesight. I took the blinds down in here & the huge window faces west. I'm even wearing my sunvisor & can barely see as I'm looking into the sun. But, can't put the new blinds up until I paint. Can't paint til I get holes patched & DH moves the desk/computer...... Guess I need to plan to DIS before noon or after sunset!!

 

[pearlieq]

Your poor Dsis--what an ordeal. I'm so glad to hear everything is clear.

I hope all goes well with the office project--that sounds like some good exercise!

I would LOVE to meet up when you pass through Chicago! Just PM me the details and I'll be there. That would be awesome!