Lisa's Wish Journal - Now we have gone Dopey.

[eyor44]

Well we are in NY now. Upstate NY, Rochester to be exact. We finally got here at 6:00pm last night. We arrived to Atlanta early at about 11:15am. Since our next flight didn't leave until 2:45 we decided to have lunch and ended up at TGI Fridays on the B concourse. We had a very nice lunch and a great server named Marian. We never had to wait for anything and she checked on us often. Our next plane was a bit late, but not much of a concern since they always pad the flight times. The first class passengers started to load and then they unloaded. We were told there was a small problem and maintenance had been called. Then our departure time was set back 20 minutes. Then we were told we weren't flying out on that plane. The guy couldn't say it quick enough that another plane had been called for. The next plane arrived about 20 minutes later and I told DH that if there was a problem with the next one, we were going home, in a car. Finally we got on and left Atlanta 1 hour later than we were scheduled. We arrived to Rochester at 5:30pm. Six hours past our original arrival time. I was so tired. The family was waiting and it was a great reunion. Iowa (DH's brother and family) arrived at about 8:30pm. We had a nice dinner and DD got into the pool as soon as she was allowed. Today is graduation day. It was storming so hard earlier but now at 5:40pm it is so nice. I am sitting out back by the pool enjoying the nice breeze and cool temps. We have had temps in the 100s this past week, so this is a very nice change. Of course they have the AC on inside. We took lots of pics of and with the graduate, my nephew, and now are waiting to leave for the ceremony. Tomorrow will be the big party. There are 6 graduates on this circle alone. Tomorrow should be a happening place in this neighborhood.
I didn't get to walk today as I over slept this morning and then had to go out and do everything I didn't get to do yesterday afternoon. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. And food? All this family does is eat and at very odd times. We had lunch at Pock's at 1:00 and will have dinner tonight at about 9:30-10:00. Depending on how long the ceremony takes. There are 400+ kids in this graduating class so it could be another long night.

 

[toystoryduo]

I'm sorry to hear about all the stress of getting to New York. I'm glad that you finally arrived there safely.

I hope you have a great time at the graduation party!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Lisa, glad you made it back from WDW, I can't wait to read your trip report. I am so sorry you had such a nightmare getting to New York. I hate it when I have to connect, especially in Atlanta! I hope you are enjoying time with family.

After my two weeks in WDW, my hat is off to anyone who lives through that heat all the time! Although I sort of got used to it!

"See" you when you get home from New York, hope your return trip is less eventful!

 

[eyor44]

Hello everyone and thanks for reading and keeping up with me. Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Things have been a little off with me the past couple of weeks. Our Disney trip didn't go exactly as planned and there were a couple problems and I have been really bummed ever since. But you know how lots of people make plans for change on January 1st? Well, I made a decision to get my butt in gear and get back to things on July 1st. And then I got sick and couldn't do much of anything. Way to get back started on the right track. Such is life for me.

Where to start? We got back from NY okay, no flight problems on the way back. The trip was great, as usual, just very quick this time. and the weather was wonderful. I had to wear a jacket in the evenings. DS stayed behind and DH went back up this past Thursday. They are going with the family to spend a week in the mountains, the Adirondicks. I love it up there, but have been so sick the past few months, I didn't have the time to take off from work. The family gets a cottage on a lake up there every year for a week and it is wonderful. We spend each day boating, swimming, sking, reading, sleeping and of course, eating.

The plan was for DD and I to have a girls week. Thursday, after we dropped DH off at the airport, DD and I ran a couple of errands and had dinner at IHOP. She loves eating there.
Yesterday I promised to take her to a movie and she chose UP. On the way there, I started getting a headache again. and in the middle of the movie I got real sick and we had to leave. I laid down for 3 hours after we got home. I felt somewhat better in the evening, but again had a headache this morning. I think part of it was too much caffeine (headache) and too much medicine (stomach sick). I didn't take any medicine this morning and just had a bit of coke. Finally I am feeling better again this afternoon and I finally ate something of substance. I have a problem with heat and pressure changes which we have a lot of in the summer. Add that to my sinuses and I am down a lot. I did go three weeks in between headaches this time, so that is good.
Work has been crazy as usual but one bright spot is I had my yearly appraisal a week ago. It went well. We have to write a one page assessment on ourselves to turn in before our appraisal with our supervisor. During our meeting, my supervisor told me that when he took it to his supervisor to sign off on, (we have to have to signatures on them), that he (the Department Head) looked at it, said "Oh, it's Lisa's?" and just signed it. He didn't even bother to read all the wonderful things I had written that I had done the past year. Of course I acted a little miffed that he couldn't even be bothered, but inside I was going Hopefully the bonus will be good. Don't get that until September. But if, and that is a big IF, we do go to Disney for Thanksgiving, (as DH had agreed to last Thanksgiving) then it will certainly help with that. DH wants a pool though, so our big spending priorities don't match at the momen. I want a pool too, but I just get tired everytime I think about adding yet another maintenance thing to my list.

Okay, I have really skipped around here and haven't gotten to the real issues at hand. Food and exercise. Both have been horrible lately. The whole month of June was not good on so many levels. But as I said at the beginning of this writing. July 1 was my day to start over and I have really tried. No excessive snacking for one. Although I am really hungry right now but don't know what to get.
I have a budget set up to follow, but haven't been able to work on it the past couple of days. Hopefully tomorrow. I really want to go to Disney for Thanksgiving and that is my short term goal. I also have another short term goal and that is paying off some bills. Unexpected car maintenance and a couple other things got put on credit cards and I hate that. We have savings and those have taken a hit too. I am determined to get all of that under control.
Exercise has been non-existent. I have tried some, but nothing consistent. I still have plenty of time until January and the marathon, but I had planned to be so much further along by now. This is something I really want to do and don't want to fail at. Plus I need the exercise just for me. I feel so much better afterwards.

Tonight DD and I are going over to E's house for dinner, swimming and watch the neighbors shoot off fireworks. I plan to just sit by the pool and watch the kids until time to walk down to the dock by the pond to watch the fireworks. E asked what I wanted to do this evening, I think she meant walk or work out, and I said just hang out. I am kind of wiped and don't want to push it for a couple of days.

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July!

 

[eyor44]

Hello today. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. Mine ended good as I have gone all day without being sick and at the moment I don't have a headache. I was a bit iffy this morning, but am good now. I have about a dozen things that needed my attention, but I'm have to do a little Dising first. And must make myself go to bed by 10:00pm. (like that will ever happen)

I am completely by myself right now, unless you count the furbabies. DH and DS #2 are in NY, DS #1 is at work and won't be home for hours and DD is sleeping at A's house. The house is soooooo quiet. A friend asked if I didn't miss everyone dreadfully when they were gone and was shocked when I didn't even hesitate to say "NO". I like a little quiet every once in a while. and to be able to watch a tv show or be on the computer without being interrupted every 5 minutes. (and that is not an exaggration). I know everyone is safe and having fun, so I can enjoy the peace without guilt.

Today we spent at home until time for me to take DD to A's house. Actually A was at a friend of her's house so we went by there instead. Got to play with the baby.....until his diaper leaked on me. Then I handed him back quick. Miranda kept insisting on my borrowing some of her clothes to change so I didn't have to go home to change before picking up my DM for dinner. I kept saying no as I didn't want to embarrass myself by not being able to fit into her clothes. She was a size 2 before she got pregnant. and I am an 8 on a good day. She insisted (even offered me some maternity pants if those didn't fit sweet of her, wasn't it?) so I tried. and GUESS WHAT? they fit and were even a little big. And I am not talking about the maternity pants. I was so happy, didn't even look in a mirror to see how I looked. (big step for me) Shirt fit too, so I was real happy.
Took DM to dinner, ended up at Cracker Barrell as usual. It was good as usual, she was happy and I was home by 8:00pm so I was happy

No exercise again today, but tomorrow, we'll try. A and her DD are spending the night tomorrow, so maybe I will get her to walk with me. A is helping me with DD while DH is out of town. She watches her each day along with a couple other children, but normally doesn't arrive until 7:15 and I have to be to work for 6:00am. She likes staying here so that is good. A is wonderful to have around and we all really like her. She has watched DD since she was a few months old at daycare. I feel so incrediably fortunate that she was willing to watch her during the summer. She thanked me for giving her something to do besides clean house and run the roads. And her DH thanked me too for keeping her out of the mall.

That's all from here.

 

[toystoryduo]

Lisa,

I'm sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well. I hope you are feeling much better and that your headache is gone for good!

Be sure and take it easy for a couple of days. I know that you want to get back OP with food and exercise, but you want to allow your body to rest and heal properly so you don't get sick again. You have been super busy the past few weeks so I'm sure that some rest and relaxation will help!:

Have a wonderful evening!

 

[eyor44]

Thanks Tracy. You are so right. I need to take a couple days to rest, but I don't seem to know how. I try and then I start thinking of things I need to be doing and suddenly I am off again. Saturday evening, I did just sit by the pool most of the evening at E's house and then Sunday DD and I stayed home for most of the day, but I was on the comupter and doing laundry. Guess that doesn't count as resting does it. This evening maybe. A is taking DD with her for the night and maybe, just maybe I'll have the evening to myself. Oldest DS will be working and he usually doesn't come home until after I am in bed. It'll just be me and the furbabies tonight. Hopefully if no one else realizes that I am home alone and decides that I need company so I don't get lonely. How can I be lonely? I have my DIS friends to catch up with.

Yesterday was a good day! I got some stuff done at work. A brought DD home with her and she and her DD spent the night. We ended up ordering pizza for dinner and it was FREE. Oldest DS decided to clean his room Didn't get real far, but all the trash got picked up, bed linens washed and the bathroom partially cleaned. The new walking track in my neighborhood has been paved and we tested it out. and it RAINED!!!!!!!!! I am so excited that it finally rained! and then this morning coming in there wer clouds and lightening off in the distance. We need this rain so badly. and as a bonus, it's a bit cooler outside.

 

[toystoryduo]

Lisa,

I completely understand. It is hard to rest and relax with so much going on. I know that when I try to relax, my mind is still going a million miles a minute thinking about all the things I could be doing.

Let's hear it for a clean room and rain!!!!

I hope you have a wonderful day today!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Lisa, I am so glad you got rain! And so sorry your trip to WDW didn't go as planned all the way. I can SO relate. I hope your Thanksgiving trip works out. I had to plan a spring break trip because I was so upset our recent trip turned out as it did. So boy do I get you needing another trip to look forward to! Did you like SSR? I hope so.

I think its great you did a Mid Year Resolution! And good job just hanging out on the 4th, after being so sick, you need to get back into things slowly.

Also glad you had some peace and quiet. We all need that.

Hope today went well and that your head is pain free.

 

[eyor44]

Thanks for stopping by ladies. I do love company.

Today was great. I woke up late, but was on time to work. STILL can't figure out how I did that. Work went good today. Got things done, not everything I needed to, but a lot. We had lots more rain today. and I had the evening to myself. I did have to go back into town to the grocery. It was storming when I left work and I couldn't stop as my umberella was not in my car. As usual, I am sure someone "forgot" to put it back. Anyway I went to Winn Dixie and saved more than I spent. I love when that happens. Between coupons and B1G1 free, I saved lots. I have decided to try something new. Each time I use coupons, I am going to total them up and then move that much to my Disney account. DH doesn't seem too impressed with my coupon usage, so those "few" $$ shouldn't be missed each month, right?
This evening went by soooooo fast. I have spent the entire time on the computer doing surveys and DISing. I shoud really be in bed now, but I'm not very tired. I'll get there soon.

Amy, we really liked SSR. It was so quiet. We were in the very farthest building that was at the corner of the property by the entrance. The villa was lovely and I couldn't belive how big the bedrooms were. We were in a 3-bedroom and the two on the second floor had two doubles and a bath each. Those bedrooms were as big as a value room. Then we had all the extra room of the living, dining, kitchen, and balconies. We really enjoyed the resort. DH and I didn't get to eat at the Turf club, but DS did. On the night that the adults went to the V&A's the two older boys ate at the Turf Club and then hung out at the pool.

No exercise today, unless you count all the stairs I climbed. For some reason I decided the elevator was not a good idea when it is storming. Our power went out twice last week, so I didn't want to risk anything. I am the only one in the building who knows how to manually lower the elevator and who knows how long it would take the fire department to get there.

Food was okay. I had an english muffin, plain, for breakfast. A cup of gumbo and 1/2 of a crawfish pie for lunch. (think turnover size) a small bowl of healthy cereal for snack and two pieces of pizza for dinner.

Tomorrow A and the girls will be back and Gram will be here for dinner. Tomorrow evening won't be quiet.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Lisa, so glad you liked SSR. Dh and I own a contract there and so we love the place but not everyone does! You were in the Carousel section, I actually like it back there, its nice and quiet! And yes, those extra bedrooms in the Grand Villas are huge. I have seen the model for a GV but never stayed in one. Someday I hope to!

Glad you got rain. That is a GREAT idea about putting the coupon money to a Disney account. I may have to think about that. In fact, I think my store will just give you cash back for your coupon savings. Hmmm, food for thought, I am always needing to save for Disney!

Stil need to get you that recipe, I haven't forgotten I am just too lazy right now. But I promise to by week's end!

 

[eyor44]

Hi All. Hope everyone has a good day today. I am going to make this a short work week and take tomorrow as my nonwork day. We can work 9 hour days and take one day off in a two week period and it works up to 80hrs. For those who took the time to do the math it works out to actually be 81hrs so one day we only work 8hrs. I love it when I can work this schedule.

Yesterday was good. Good day at work, (I am wonderful you know) Working with a bunch of guys can really be amusing at times. Some of the simplest things can make them so happy. This was some of my guys yesterday.

April and her DD spent the night again last night. Gram came for dinner as usual and after dinner we left the girls with her and went for a walk at the new track. We took Roo with us and she was doing this. We walked for about an hour and while tired, were both feeling great. She lives almost 30 minutes from me but we have decided that we are going to start walking together a couple days a week. She can't get motivated unless she has someone with her and I just like to walk (and talk) I don't mind walking by myself, but I seem to do better with someone else. I think the talking helps with the breathing.

Food was okay for the most part. I did have junk yesterday but in moderation. Pastry for breakfast, kitkat bar for snack, peanut butter sandwich for lunch, small bowl of cereal for snack, small piece of ham steak and small salad for dinner and a small bowl of ice cream for dessert. I do better when I have small things to eat throughout the day. I am not happy about the kitkat bar, but I was really hungry and it was still an hour until lunch. Then I ate my sandwich later and didn't have anything else with it.

Worked on bills yesterday also and not happy about a couple I had to pay. DH was not very good at giving me his receipts this past month. Had a couple surprises. We are going to have a talk next week. There are things he wants to do also, but we have got to get the day to day spending in order first. I have been logging my spending, thought about a No Buy July, but that went out the window real quick. But at least logging my spending and putting it in different categories is showing me where it is going. I will get this thing under control.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Hi Lisa,

I really enjoy walking with someone else too. Its nice to walk alone and listen to my Ipod, but even with that, talking with another person makes the time go much faster. That will be great if you and your friend can walk, can you meet halfway?

I hear you on the spending. My dh does the same thing with our debit card and it drives me batty. I am now trying to log into my bank each day so that at least I am surprised quickly, not so much after the fact!

Tried a no buy July too, but only made it until the 3rd! Now I'm trying "a bit less buy in July"!

Glad you can have tomorrow off since you got your hours in!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Lisa,

I've found that walking with someone is a great motivator! I'm glad that you and April have decided to walk together a couple of times per week.

I am in the middle of a No Buy July and it is tough. Out of 9 days, I think 2 of them have been $0 spending days. The good thing is that I get a chance to see where my money is going and how we are spending. It is an eye opener that's for sure!

I hope you have a great evening!

 

[toystoryduo]

How are you, Lisa? I hope all is well!

 

[eyor44]

Hello Everyone! Thanks for stopping by.

Oh Amy, what can we do about the DHs. Sat down last night to do his receipts from his and DS' trip and guess what? Receipts from before he left, he didn't bother to give me. I am determined to get this down though. I think I am going to add a column to my budget: DH's late receipts.

Tracy, you are right, No Buy is tough, especially since I do one errand a day on my way home. Being able to stop by myself actually saves money as I don't have anyone with me wanting to make extra purchases. Like you, I am still logging my purchases and seeing where I can improve.

Something else I need to improve on is time management and realizing when something is not working. I love doing surveys on line, as I want my opinions on things out there and sometimes, I get a great freebie to try out. I have had razors, shampooo, shaving cream, a case of dog food. Funny thing about the dog food is I think it was exactly the same as what I already buy. Anyway, there are some surveys that I can spend 5-10 minutes on, sometimes longer and suddenly "not qualify" and then end up with no compensation at all. To me that is a total waste of my time. The company has gotten info from me and is not willing to even do a partial compensation. I have finally gotten it through my head to keep beating a dead horse and stick with the ones, I know I will be compensated for. Less frustration and more time for DIS.

Friday was a good day, as I didn't have to go to work. DD slept late and I just worked around the house and got my shopping lists together. When she got up, she chose to go play with the other kids instead of running errands with me. Worked for me. I can concentrate better on my coupons when I am alone. I got most of what I wanted done and then went back to pick up DD. Do you know I can't honestly remember what we did Friday evening? I had developed bad allergies or maybe even a cold (sometimes I just can't tell). I did sit in bed reading a new book for a couple hours.
Saturday we slept in, 7:30 is late for me. DD helped me do a little house cleaning, she is wanting to start earning spending money like her brother. Then she went to play at a neighbor's. Late afternoon we rode down to the coast for a DIS Meet. There is a group on the Gulf Coast and we meet about every third month. That was fun and we were back home by 8:00.
Sunday we did more house cleaning until time to leave for the airport to pick up DH and DS. They had a great trip to the mountains and were full of tales as usual. Said it was a good thing I didn't go this year as the weather was cold and rainy a lot. I love going to the lake, but don't like the water to be 50 degrees. Seriously. Sunday evening we watched Parent Trap on Disney.
Yesterday, back to work and the same old routine. Last night E and I walked but she didn't get to do as much as usual. She was real sick last week and still hasn't fully recovered. I stayed after she and her boys left, as I wanted to get in at least an hour. I did a 17.5 minute mile. I was happy as I haven't been set back too much by not being able to walk regular. We don't have any more real trips planned for a couple months, so I should be able to get back into a good routine and get back on track. I am so determined to make a good showing at the marathon and I want to finish, within the allotted time.

that's all from here. Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[toystoryduo]

I hear ya on the survey thing. Sometimes I get so frustrated trying to get a survey! I keep trying to remind myself that the money is for Disney though. Sometimes that helps, not always though.

I hope you have a great evening!

 

[eyor44]

Yesterday was a pretty good day. Work was busy and I did the shopping for our luncheon on Thursday on the way home. After dinner, E and I (and her oldest DS) walked at the track by their house. E still wasn't quite up to par, but she did better last night than the night before. We had only done about 40 minutes, so on the way home I stopped at another track and did another 25. I timed myself again and did an 18.5 minute mile this time. Think that 15 minute break in the middle wasn't good. After I got home, I did some surveys, laundry and dishes. Didn't get on the DIS though. DH and I got to sit and have a conversation without interruption. This is so rare in our house. DS was tired as he is volunteering at a summer camp this week and has a group of kids he follows around to the different activities. He isn't old enough to be paid yet, but I told him that volunteering will look great on a job application. DD was spending the night elsewhere.
Yesterday, I did better on food also.
Breakfast: Milk on way in and plain english muffin, didn't finish muffin.
Snack: 5 chips and a bit of dip
Lunch: bowl of gumbo and 6 crackers
No afternoon snack
Dinner: bowl of cereal
Snack: scoop of ice cream @ home.
I also had a no "spend day".

After going back over my spending, I realized I have had several "no spend" days. I count "no spend" as days I don't buy anything extra or un-necessary. I do my shopping in stages and usually make one stop each day on the way home. Easier than taking anyone with me. I have had 5 real "no spend" days and a couple where I got a snack from the snack box (50 cents) or a soda from the gas station (85 cents). Those still add up, so I am trying to stop them. Today though, I forgot to bring in a new box of soda, so I had to go to the soda frig (50 cents). I am really trying hard to break the shopping habit. But I do so love clearance racks. I have gotten some really great deals over the years. I am trying to work that into my budget though, to still allow for it. First, I want all bills paid.

Hope everyone has a great day.

 

[toystoryduo]

Great job yesterday on food and on a no spend day! I hear ya on the spending thing...I never realized how much we spend on extras we really don't need. A dollar here and fifty cents there does add up. I think that we are going to use July's experience as an eye opener and then really work hard to avoid extra spending in August. We need to bump our emergency fund up!

Great job getting your walks in yesterday! I hope your friend starts feeling better soon.

Have a great day ahead!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Lisa, you are doing great with your walking. I am sorry E has been sick, but am imressed that you and she are still doing those walks! A 17.5 minute mile is awesome. I think the 15 minute break between walks is why your second walk wasn't quite as fast.

And good job on not spending. I am working on that too, its not easy. I found some receipts of dh's the other night too, I was ready to pull my hair out!

Your food looks good, you are really being disciplined and it shows. I am pm'ing you that recipe right after this post!