NOW is the time! It's MINE & I AM WORTH IT! (friends welcome to tag along!!)

[Amy&Dan]

So glad you got the grading job, every little bit helps! I am glad you aren't givign up on vacation, a lot can happen before summer and last minute deals can also crop up to help in that department.

I am sorry about the dog and about the hamster. I have heard of people finding hamsters months after they go missing. I hope that's your case!

 

[goldcupmom]

Well, we got about 1/2" (yes that is INCH) of snow overnight and school was delayed 2 hours. It is so funny!!

I'm currently at 134.46 miles this year....23.55 ahead of schedule!! Now if only I could get my sleep & eating under control, I'd be losing weight!! Sleep is horrid. DH has decided he needs more than half of our queen size bed, so now I'm folding my full size featherbed in 3 and sleeping on less than 1/3 of the bed....with the dogs. (featherbed is cuz the mattress is so darned hard....just the way he likes it.) I'm waking up nearly every 2 hours all night & since he watched TV til between 11:30 & 12 & then I wake up at 5 naturally, I'm really tired!! But trying to deal.....

Taxes are done and sent in. I still have to do DS20 & DD's, but they will take under 30 min total.

I still haven't made it to the aquatic center as I cut my finger back open. Between that & watching the olympics, I haven't gone. I have 15 daays to use before the 21 of March. but I can share & take DD if needed.

DDs foot has been bugging her since she did 6 miles with me nearly a month ago. So, she goes to the foot Dr. Thursday. I"m pretty certain it is nothing, but she is not convinced. oh well.....

Haven't gotten the paperwork to make my mammo appt yet, so will likely do that next week.

Hope everyone is doing ok! will try to visit journals tonight.

Sonic story:

Walking Sashi & about mile 3 she starts nudging & nibbling me looking for treats. I forgot them. So, I was planning a starbucks visit with my gift card, but didn't want to buy her something expensive & not very good for her so realized there was a sonic at about mile 4.5. We stopped & I ordered from the table area out front.

Me: I'd like one deluxe burger off your $1 menu....plain in the bun please.
Sonic: Are you sure you don't want something on that. It won't cost you any more.
Me: Yes, just plain burger & bun. It is for the dog.
(giggles from inside)
Sonic: Well, would you like something for you? Another burger or drink or anything? Um, well, we won't charge you any extra, just the $1.07.
Me:No, I'm fine, thanks.
Sonic: Are you sure? Some water or coffee or anything? It will be free.
Me: No, it reallly is for the dog. If you look out front she is here with me. I just forgot her treats.
Sonic: Well, would she like cheese on her burger? Are you REALLY sure you don't need anything else? For you? Water, coffee, burger, ANYTHING ? We really won't charge you.
Me: No, I"m really fine. I"m getting Starbucks in about 1/2 mile for me. Just the burger, plain in the bun.
Sonic: Ok then.....

And when she brings the burger out her eyes get really big & she says :Oh, you really aren't homeless! We all thought you were!

I feel so wonderful that I look like a baglady when I walk! WOW!!! But sashi loved her burger & also the last inch or so of my latte!! Spoiled brat dog!

 

[DisDee]

Julie, I love the Sonic story!!!! Why the heck did they think you were homeless? Sometimes I think I scare people when I'm out and about and I'm wearing one of my cancer hats and haven't bothered with any make-up. I guess that kinda puts us in the same boat. LOL!!!!

You are doing great with your walking and its just so good to be out in the fresh air. I am totally with you on the sleep issues. Do whatever you can to get a good night's sleep. I sleep in our extra room when I know DH is snoring and I have to do what I need to in order to get the rest that I need. I keep the humidifier in the other room and my Ipod dock is in there so I play restful music, breathe easier, and have the bed all to myself. It helps to get in that restful frame of mind.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

 

[goldcupmom]

There are VERY few people I truly dislike in this world, but my DSil is QUICKLY becoming VERY disliked!!

A couple weeks ago, she invited DH to come to a dinner party with her in Santa Fe - about an hour north, for her boss' birthday because she needed a 'date'. So tonight DH got home to go & I asked if he could please pull in to Walmart on their way past & return 3 movies to redbox - would take maybe 2 - 3 min total. He fussed & said I would have to ask DSil if they could spare the time. I wanted to not have to go out tonight to do it as if I needed to do that I would also have to take DD to work & pick her up. Since I had no time to call & coerce DSil, I just ended up doing it. Got back & DSil was pulling in the drive. Rolled down her window as I got out of the car & said "I could have invited you, too, but this is for people who work. Since you DON'T DO ANYTHING, you wouldn't be able to talk to them and I didn't want to embarass you." Last week, when they were leaving for the casino I said something about not wanting to go because I just can't justify throwing that much money away & her comment was that "SOME of us don't sit around & PLAY GAMES all day every day & NEED to go to the casino to get some much deserved rest & relaxation. If we did NOTHING like you do all day every day we probably wouldn't want to go either" and they both walked out the door. Am I being ultrasensitive, or is she as totally out of line as it feels??

But, my ability to not stress eat is, at times, improving. DD is at work, DS20 at church working, DS23 sleeping, DH at the party & I REALLY wanted to go pick up something YUMMY but horrid for me for dinner....taco bell, pizza, DQ, etc. Decided I didn't want to go out. Then perused the freezer & almost had taquitos & potato skins. Looked at the nutrition & decided I didn't really want them. Instead had oatmeal with 1 small square of a hershey bar in it. and green tea. But, I ate pumpkin pie ice cream earlier. Oh well....little victories!

Today Carnival announced that 3/22 they are going to increase prices....at least warning. So, DSis & I are again searching & considering. But DH wants to invite DSil to go if we do, & I'm not sure I want to be gone for a week with her badly enough to spend the money. Just not sure......Sad, isn't it?

So, here I sit with the pups trying to watch the olympics & the feed to our cable co. is frozen on a bayer aspirin commercial...I'd give up & go to sleep, but I have to pick up DD in 2 hours. Oh well.......

 

[toystoryduo]

Whoa Julie! I think your DSIL is way out of line! I'm sorry that she spoke to you like that. Please, please, please do NOT take what she says to heart.

I'm really hoping that you get to go on vacation this year. If you do go on a cruise, maybe the DSIL can stay at home.

Sending a and prayers your way, my friend.

 

[lovinaz]

I think DSIL was out of line. That was extremely senseless and rude! And it seems like an odd kind of relationship she has with DH. It's his sister, right??

I hope you are able to go on a cruise and DSIL can't go!

Too funny about the Sonic story!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I think you are more than a bit justified in disliking your sister in law! That is was very uncalled for. The relationship she and your brother has is what she should be worrying about.

As for her "you do nothing" comments, I have put up with this from my own sister and a "good" friend of mine. I think some women are way more anti woman than any man I have known. I never understand why some women have this need to compete with other women and down talk other women's choice. I stay home, I won't apologize and I know what I do and how hard I work. If others can't feel the same, well that is their pathetic problem. Any woman that has to fall back on her brother to be her "date" and then insult his wife, is in my book, pathetic to the point of sickening! Ignore her and consider the source!

Very funny about Sonic and I am glad the dog got her treat one way or the other! And you resisted Sonic treats for yourself in spite of them being "free".

 

[DisDee]

Julie, I hope you are doing your cruise planning, and that it doesn't include your insensitive, whack-job of a SIL. Why don't you do the trip with your sisters and kids again? It seems like you'd have so much more fun if you went that route. I know that I'm dreaming of a cruise, probably in the fall when I should be back to my "normal". When you do plan, watch for those price drops. RCI is great at crediting your account when the price goes down... (of course, you have to ask for it, its not automatic.) Do you go on the Cruise Critic Boards? They are a great source of info for me.

Have fun planning!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hey Julie,

I hope you've been having a good week so far! Have a great day today!

P.S. Sending you a PM...

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, I hope you are having a nice weekend!

 

[goldcupmom]

I"m still here! Busy, but here.

Tonight I start grading for Pearson from 6 - 10, so a bit busier than usual.

I finally scheduled my mammo - 23rd at 10- a.m. hopefully will get good news again.

DD is anxiously awaiting scholarship notification day on 3/15...or thereabouts. We know she has all tuition paid for 4 yrs as long as she keeps a 2.5, but this one would pay all the fees (about $2k/yr) and books. Get Sr pics done next Tues, need to make a hair appt for later this week for cut & highlights(lowlights actually). Currently shopping for Prom dress. NOTHING in the ONE store here that carries them....Dillards....it kind of looked like Rainbow Brite threw up in there. Found one online she loves, but the closest place to MAYBE try it on is Phoenix, Amarillo or Denver....1 store in each location that MIGHT have it. Those are all about 6 -7 hour drive. Beyond that it's Dallas which is 12 - 13 hours. And, since I"m scoring I can't be ready to leave until after 10 p on a Friday. UGH!! But, she has never been to a school dance & it's Sr. Prom. And, I have only 1 daughter........we'll see. the dress is really HER. And, DQ scheduled her OFF this Sat/Sun....VERY UNUSUAL, so maybe a roadtrip is in order!

DS20 is making it. And, the band he runs sound for seems to be about to 'make it'. They went to Nashville & got a good recording that is showing promise. Their bass player is about 23 yrs older than the rest of the band. DS20 plays bass some & they have decided that the older bass player is going to 'tutor' DS20 so that he can take over as the bass player ASAP. Cool possibilities! They are opening for Jeremy Camp soon & some other known Christian band (can't remember which one) later in the spring in 6 cities in the SW. Needless to say DS20 is happy!

DS23....well, what can I say....he is still employed! Other than that all the same & frustrating.

I go to a vein Dr. on Friday about the huge varicose vein behind my right knee. If my Ins. won't cover fixing it, I likely won't, but I"m hopeful. It has been getting bigger & started when I was preg w/ DS20. It now aches & itches after walking much, & is lengthening into my calf & thigh. Plus it is over 1" wide at the widest right behind the kneecap.

So, life is busy as usual. I'm really good on my exercise & burn, but food is still out of control most days. One day last week my food was oatmeal for breakfast, a bag of baked ruffles for lunch and a movie theater box of milk duds for dinner. The sodium alone is killing any weight loss! I lose a little, then gain a little. GRRRRR!!!! Yesterday was 1 yr with the Bugg & after all the gain from hives, I'm down 8.8. NOT where I wanted to be!!

On a positive note....I RAN!!! This is astonishing for me with my bad ankle, but as I was walking Sashi a probably 70ish man with knee braces on both knees was Booking it UP HILL. I decided if he could I should. So, that day I ran .3, decided I hadn't dropped dead & then went to a path area I usually don't go to (behind houses around a small, dry dam area) where there was a 3 person work crew down in the dam hole & a lady jogging & another walking a dog, and I jogged around it...... .7 miles at about a 10 min mile. 2 days later, I did .75 in another area. It is windy & rainy today, or I would add that to a walk today, but likely won't even get in my walk. I need to exercise before I leave to score though.

Off to run a few errands, pick DD up, run some more errands, fix dinner for the crew, leave to score then fall into bed. 5:45 a.m. comes WAY TOO EARLY!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Sending a your way. You have a lot going on!

I hope you're able to find a prom dress for your DD. A road trip could be fun!

Sending for your DD's scholarship day.

That's wonderful that your DS's band is opening for Jeremy Camp! That is very cool!

Great job on running, Julie!!!!!! That is wonderful!

Hope scoring goes well for you this week!

 

[Amy&Dan]

Julie, you have a lot going on, and you are doing so well. That is awesome you ran!

I can totally understand you wanting dd to have her dream dress. If you come here, let me know and we can meet up! I love your Rainbow Brite threw up all over it comment! I'll keep my fingers crossed and prayers said that your dd gets that extra college money.

That is great about ds20's band. They must be very talented, what a great opportunity for him.

As for ds23, being employed is something to celebrate. I know what a long road this has been for you.

Good luck on the grading, that extra money will be nice!

 

[goldcupmom]

Busy week here! Scoring is SO BORING!!!!(sorry....didn't mean to rhyme!) We are behind in training, the stand up trainer's voice lulls everyone to sleep! Computers keep going bonkers! But, I qualified for literary last night, so I am at least guaranteed to keep going for the project length. Tonight we start qualifying/training for expository.

Cold & windy here, so my walking has been at a minimum. Yesterday I did WATP Walk your belly flat. It was pretty good. Hopefully I can get out today & cross the 170 mile mark. Haven't had a chance to run again as I won't run into a 30 mile an hour 'light breeze'. MISERABLE!!!

DD's dream dress MIGHT be available in El Paso. I will call tomorrow to see if they still have it & color/size. Supposedly one in DDs size is to ship from the factory to Amarillo tomorrow. So, we might drive to El Paso Saturday or Amarillo next saturday. time will tell..... if so, we will be taking DD's friend who is a great girl, but kind of 'blonde & clueless' about life as she is the only child of older, very wealthy parents who just doesn't understand the real world. Like after all these years of knowing her, she still doesn't understand why I don't have a full time maid. I did tell her once that she could loan me hers!

Hopefully I will get to a few journals today & tomorrow. I've been quickly scanning them, but want to really read & post.

I am still holding back on a vacation of any kind. I'm not sure why, but that 'still, small voice' is just there telling me not to yet. I really want to plan one, but when I start looking, I just can't go thru with it. I need one, tho!

Have a great weekend if I don't get back here before then.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Denise, good luck with the dress!

I think that friend of dd's needs to work at something manual for a bit of time to get a taste of the real world.

 

[goldcupmom]

So, DD & I left got up at 4:30 a.m. yesterday morning & drove to El Paso to make sure we got to the Bridal/Prom shop when they opened. Walked in 15 minutes late & they were holding 'the' dress, even though they had not called me back to confirm that they would. She tried it on & although it is turquoise & black not red & black, she LOVED it. And the size 6 fit absolutely perfect, even the length! There was another girl & her mom there waiting to see if we would show up so she could try it on if we didn't. It ended up being the shortest shopping stop I think DD has even managed. We arrived, tried it on, paid & left in under 20 minutes!!! It was too perfect & she knew it!

So, we then walked 2 malls here, then 2 Ross stores & 2 marshall's & checked in to the free hotel room. We picked up Subs on the way to the hotel, but when I saw that there was a Cheddar's about a block from the hotel, the subs went into the fridge for lunch today. Cheddar's is a texas (& now some in FL) Chili's type restaurant, but less expensive & better. We shared an order of Texas cheese fries - crispy fries smothered in cheese & bacon with ranch, a double decker sandwich - turkey, ham, cheddar, bacon, and then a 'monster cookie' - fresh cooked chocolate chip cookie in a 6" iron skillet with hot fudge, ice cream, whip cream, nuts & of course a cherry. NOT what I needed weight wise, but SO GOOD!!!!!!!! Ended up bringing about 2/3 of the fries back to take home. Good food & good times.

I'm sitting in the breakfast room at Holiday Inn Express while she still sleeps. I actually slept most of 10 hours which is very unusual for me, but she could likely sleep about 20 straight if I'd let her.

Went to the vein Dr on Friday. Good news is they will "MAKE" insurance pay. My right leg he said is "WAY overdue". It was amazing how with the ultrasound all they had to do was lightly touch my leg in certain spots to make the blood go the wrong way thru the valves & there is a large, branched off vein in my thigh that shouldn't be there. So, at some point - they're backed up for months - they will 'fix' my right leg first with a combination of Laser, injection & also "pulling out the bad vein behind my the knee thru a 1/8" slit" all under local. As long as I don't have to watch I will be fine. Then they will do the Left leg. I think the worst thing for me will be having to wear compression stockings for 3 weeks prior & 3 - 6 after. And if it is over the summer I will DIE of heat! oh well......

It was 75 here yesterday & I am ready for summer now! Going back north 4 hours to possible rain & mountain snow will be tough!! And it is GREEN here!! But so sad to look across about a block & see into Juarez & the total poverty where people live in shacks, sometimes cardboard w/o water, good, etc. I don't think I could stand to live in this border town. I would spend every dime & every minute I had across the border trying to help.

Off to get more coffee & visit some journals. This is spring break week for DD and DS20, so hopefully I will be able to get a bit more sleep this week. Actual scoring starts Monday night.

Hope everyone is having a good weeekend!

FORGOT TO ADD: Please pray about DH job. There is a "possibility" coming up very soon that, if DH gets it, could be very good for him.....I am at peace either way, but he seems to really want it to happen & I understand why. But, ultimately, God is in control.....

 

[toystoryduo]

Woohoo!!!! You found the dress!!!! I bet your DD is so excited!

Glad to hear that you got 10 hours of sleep last night!

That's good news that the doctor will work with the insurance! Any idea when your appointment will be to have the procedure done?

Sending prayers for your DH. I hope everything works out for his job situation.

Have a wonderful day and a safe drive home!

 

[lovinaz]

Great news about the dress! And OMG, I could feel my arteries clogging just reading about your dinner at Cheddars! But sometimes you just gotta splurge!

I hope things go well for DH's job.

Awesome about the vein, any discomfort with the stockings will be well worth the end result, so hang in there!

 

[goldcupmom]

Just quickly popping in. Spring Break week is more hectic than a normal week here!

But, yesterday DD got the news that she got the Presidential scholarship!! Pays tuition, fees & books for 4 years!!! Has to keep a 3.0 & take 15 hrs/semester. YEAH!!!!!

Allergies horrid, food so-so, exercise not so good, scoring good, but lack of sleep is not good. But they all go back to school on Monday!!!

HOpe all is well with everyone!

 

[lovinaz]

Congrats to DD on her scholarship! What a wonderful accomplishment, you must be so proud.