The DDA Trouble Free Zone Part 6

[bengalbelle]

I'm headed to bed too. We meet with the realtor tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. so I have a lot to do around the house tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your compliments on Alyssa's pictures.

Sweet dreams!
Amy

Good luck with everything tomorrow! Take it easy, though.

 

[tink2020]

Good morning, DDA. I'd be grateful for PD and prayers for my Aunt. This is my Aunt Dot, and she is my dad's sister. Most of my family lives in a family complex -- land bought by my grandfather many years ago that is in the city limits, but has a tank and cows on it. Anyway, I'm very close to Aunt Dot. We found out yesterday that she needs surgery tomorrow morning for her Carotid artery. It's 75 - 95% blocked, and they can't use a stent -- need to go in and clean it out. It will be a couple of hours for the surgery, then ICU (she's 75) and then home after a couple of days.

I've seen what has happened when the DDA puts it's collective power behind something, so I'd be grateful for your prayers.

You got it! And of course, please keep us updated!

 

[tmfranlk]

But I bet a lot less worn out than you would have been a year ago!

Glynis, you (and Elin and Julie) have inspired me to get back on track with my eating and exercising. Now, I just started Monday, so it's not like I've done much yet.

I may have already shared this story. If so, shake your head at my turning into my grandfather and skip on. I have been overweight my entire adult life. Actually, that is an understatement. I think the term "morbidly obese" describes most of my life. In September 2001, I started going to Weight Watchers. In a year, I lost more than 100 pounds! I was down to a size 6-8. I ate very healthy foods and exercised (even started running). Fast forward to now, and I have re-gained most of the weight I lost, I eat terribly, and I am extremely out of shape. I have felt like such a failure for so long. Even when I was at my lowest weight, and everyone was telling me that I looked great, all I could focus on was the fact that I wasn't low enough to be at the top of the Weight Watcher range for my height. I thought I'd made a lifestyle change, but slowly I slipped back into my old lifestyle. I can't believe that I allowed myself to regain so much weight. I feel stupid and foolish and like a failure. I keep thinking that I'm going to be so fat when we go to Disney this summer no matter what I do. Well, it's time to turn that around. I can wallow in my failure and keep myself miserable, or I can pull myself up by my bootstraps (is that a new phrase to you, Clare?) and get back to where I was. I have three choices for our Disney trip: I can be this weight, I can be even heavier, or I can be at least a little lighter. That last option is definitely the best! Also, this time I'll take a size 6-8 and not worry about what Weight Watchers says that I should weigh. It's going to be a long journey, but I've done it before, and I can do it again.

Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because I need to get it all out in the open. I need to admit that I failed but also tell myself that I am not a failure. Because it's the first step to getting myself back in line and will give me accountability. Because I feel like you are family.

Beth

Beth! You are not a failure. You know that you can succeed as you have before. Plus, you know what can happen if you don't make it a lifestyle change so you'll be more likely to keep that in mind as well. I know that you can succeed and I think a 6-8 sounds great. I always get focused on the range I am "supposed" to be even though DH and even an old doctor think that 5lbs above that would be more than enough. Come join us in the support thread - where I am also currently trying to get back on track.

You can do it!!

 

[tink2020]

I can not believe this article...I have posted the highlights and bolded my favorite parts

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060419/ts_usatoday/thosewhoholdnycsdoorsmightwalkoutthem

Thousands of doormen, porters and concierges are poised to walk off the job Friday if they and their bosses cannot agree on a contract. That has many New Yorkers going into crisis mode and making contingency plans to operate their own elevators, man their own front doors and, yes, cart out their own garbage.

Weeks of negotiations between building owners and the union that represents 28,000 apartment building workers throughout the city have stalled over wages and health care. If a walkout comes, it would affect about 3,000 buildings.

Thousands of union members, who earn an average annual salary of $37,100, rallied on the streets of Manhattan's Upper East Side on Tuesday. Bearing banners, flags and placards, they protested a proposed pay freeze for the first year of the contract and a proposal that they pay a monthly premium for health insurance.


Emergency manuals have been distributed to buildings to prepare tenants for a possible strike, Grossman says. Some building managers are planning to hire security guards, while others may organize tenants to collect mail and perform other tasks.

I'm so sorry! I hope that you found that to be funny as well. What EVER will those poor people do?!?!


Crisis Mode? Emergency Manuals? For crying out loud!

 

[bengalbelle]

I'm wiped. Today was good and bad. Kids had a creative movement show at school and did the balance beam, tumbling, and line dance. It was cute, and they did a really good job. Then staff meeting, then ballet. By the time I got home and had 40 minutes to cook dinner, unpack from the day... I was in a FOUL mood. I think all the stress of Rees, being so busy, didn't sleep any last night has caught up with me. Went to choir in NOT the best mood. The kids were bouncing off the walls (I teach 4 year old choir). The other teacher and I both are rejoicing that there are only 2 more weeks.

Came home and got the kids in bed. DH went to bed early. I asked if I could DIS and watch TV in bed and got the big NO. So I am downstairs in the recliner. I feel like screaming, crying, breaking everything in the house, throwing a fit. I hold it together and then I just break. So now I'm crying typing this and hating how I feel. Sorry for the ramble. I just get so freaking mad over how life is for Rees, how complicated everything always is, how much effort just normal activities can be, how hard scheduling our lives can be. It is never just a simple little life here. It is ALWAYS something. Gosh darnit, why can't some evil kid have all these problems? It is so damn unfair. I'm off to have another glass of wine. Maybe I'll relax and get some sleep.

Denise, I hope this doesn't come out the wrong way because it's meant as a compliment, but I was beginning to think you were super human to be able to handle everything that's been happening over the last several months, plus keep up here, plus all of the activities that you and your family are involved in. I would have lost it a long time ago.

Just know it's OK to cry, vent, feel angry, or even feel sorry for yourself if that's how you feel. You have to let it out or you'll make yourself crazy.

We all love you (and your family) here and are here to listen anytime you need us. I hope things are looking a little better this morning

 

[bethbuchall]

Oh my Gosh I hardly know where to begin! I came in to tell you all your prayers are working for me!!! We went to court with Joe's ex on Mon. and it went really well for us.I am praying so hard that we will get custody of Jonathan.We have been in such a funk around this house for months and months.It's like a weight lifted off of us on Mon. afternoon. We still have a ways to go but it's looking very good for us!

Our neighbor Mr.Wilson is doing better. He's awake and responding .I don't know what the prognosis is by I just TG he didn't die.

I've been reading for a couple hours on here now trying to catch up on what I could.I think all I've read has been posts from today...well actually it's yesterday(Weds) now.I know I'll be leaving people out because like... I think Steffy said...I didn't take notes! I had thoughts about things I read
but now I am getting tired and things have left this brain!! OY!

Kate & Tammi...the Pixie Dust Zone is a wonderful idea! OMG it makes me cry.It's so sweet and wonderful.Y'all are so generous.The DDA...what an AMAZING group of people!!!

Kate... I didn't know you hurt your knee...hope you get better SOON!

Marti and Elin..safe trips!

Jo...I am so very happy for you on your sale of your house.

Amy...Alyssa is such a doll.Liquor store is the place I always get boxes.

Denise...I think about you and keep Rees in my prayers everyday.You're a wonderful Mommy and sometimes ya just got to let it all out.

Tinkaroo..hope you feel better too...

I hope everybody that's having a lousy time mentally or phsically feels better real soon! I know how it is,like things will never be right...I've been in those days for months lately and I'm happy to say things WILL get better...if they have for me,they will for you too!

Okay it's time for me to go to bed,

Night DDA!

It's great to see you!!! I will keep your family in my prayers.

Beth

 

[bengalbelle]

Just a quick post - I've read everything, and sorry that I don't have the energy to respond to everyone individually.

Elin and Marti - safe travels. We'll be thinking about you while you're gone.

Amy - cute pics of Alyssa!

Steffy - I feel your pain, sister. Southwest Airlines is torturing me on at least a weekly basis with DING fare to Orlando!

Kate - hope the knee gets to feeling better. Don't push yourself.

Kristine and Denise - to both of you. I'm feeling like you guys tonight as well. Life is just too much for me right now.

Goodnight DDA! I have about 2 more hours of work I need to accomplish tonight to just go start over again in the morning.

Lindsey, I hope things are looking up for you too this morning

 

[bethbuchall]

Good morning, DDA. I'd be grateful for PD and prayers for my Aunt. This is my Aunt Dot, and she is my dad's sister. Most of my family lives in a family complex -- land bought by my grandfather many years ago that is in the city limits, but has a tank and cows on it. Anyway, I'm very close to Aunt Dot. We found out yesterday that she needs surgery tomorrow morning for her Carotid artery. It's 75 - 95% blocked, and they can't use a stent -- need to go in and clean it out. It will be a couple of hours for the surgery, then ICU (she's 75) and then home after a couple of days.

I've seen what has happened when the DDA puts it's collective power behind something, so I'd be grateful for your prayers.

Prayers said for Aunt Dot.

Beth

 

[tink2020]

But I bet a lot less worn out than you would have been a year ago!

Glynis, you (and Elin and Julie) have inspired me to get back on track with my eating and exercising. Now, I just started Monday, so it's not like I've done much yet.

...

Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because I need to get it all out in the open. I need to admit that I failed but also tell myself that I am not a failure. Because it's the first step to getting myself back in line and will give me accountability. Because I feel like you are family.

Beth

Well, it sounds to me like you are in a VERY good place to start. What a great line "I failed, but I am NOT a failure". I think it's safe to assume that any one of us who has 'dieted' in one form or another has failed, as in not stuck with it perfectly. But you are definitely not a failure. I'm glad you know that, because we all know that

Hop on over to the weight loss accountability thread if you'd like as well... we try and keep each other on track, but are also there to keep gently pushing when we DO step off track (more often lately for some of us )

Good luck in this journey, and just keep picking yourself up by your bootstraps from whatever point you find yourself -- steps in the right direction are DEFINITELY better than no steps at all!

 

[bethbuchall]

It's quite a bit faster in the morning! It drives me nuts when I'm on later, and it is so much slower.

Beth

I'm quoting myself. Is that some strange DDA rite of passage? The boards have already slowed down considerably, but I'm getting closer to being caught up!!

Beth

 

[bethbuchall]

I can not believe this article...I have posted the highlights and bolded my favorite parts

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20060419/ts_usatoday/thosewhoholdnycsdoorsmightwalkoutthem

Thousands of doormen, porters and concierges are poised to walk off the job Friday if they and their bosses cannot agree on a contract. That has many New Yorkers going into crisis mode and making contingency plans to operate their own elevators, man their own front doors and, yes, cart out their own garbage.

Weeks of negotiations between building owners and the union that represents 28,000 apartment building workers throughout the city have stalled over wages and health care. If a walkout comes, it would affect about 3,000 buildings.

Thousands of union members, who earn an average annual salary of $37,100, rallied on the streets of Manhattan's Upper East Side on Tuesday. Bearing banners, flags and placards, they protested a proposed pay freeze for the first year of the contract and a proposal that they pay a monthly premium for health insurance.


Emergency manuals have been distributed to buildings to prepare tenants for a possible strike, Grossman says. Some building managers are planning to hire security guards, while others may organize tenants to collect mail and perform other tasks.

Beth

 

[bengalbelle]

Good morning, DDA. I'd be grateful for PD and prayers for my Aunt. This is my Aunt Dot, and she is my dad's sister. Most of my family lives in a family complex -- land bought by my grandfather many years ago that is in the city limits, but has a tank and cows on it. Anyway, I'm very close to Aunt Dot. We found out yesterday that she needs surgery tomorrow morning for her Carotid artery. It's 75 - 95% blocked, and they can't use a stent -- need to go in and clean it out. It will be a couple of hours for the surgery, then ICU (she's 75) and then home after a couple of days.

I've seen what has happened when the DDA puts it's collective power behind something, so I'd be grateful for your prayers.

Prayers said! Keep us posted.

 

[tink2020]

I would love to see what these manuals say....

"Push arrow button corresponding to direction you wish to go. When doors open, enter elevator. Push corresponding button to the floor you wish to exit. Exit when doors open."

Sheesh!

I don't know Tammi.... that might not be plain enough!

 

[tinker1bell]

Bless you, Terry (and Steffy). We are not going to Allentown. That is where my sister lives. We are headed to Punxsutawney in the north central/western part of the state. Now if y'all lived near Bedford or Breezewood we could make this work out, but that would be quite a haul for you. You are so very kind to even think about trying to meet me on this trip. I will wave at you with my right hand (toward the east) as we get onto the tunrpike at Breezewood.

Elin,
Just have a safe trip. We will be waving back at ya

 

[bethbuchall]

You are about 8th or 9th!

That's me, Tammi! A day late and a dollar short!

Beth

 

[julia & nicks mom]

But I bet a lot less worn out than you would have been a year ago!

Glynis, you (and Elin and Julie) have inspired me to get back on track with my eating and exercising. Now, I just started Monday, so it's not like I've done much yet.

I may have already shared this story. If so, shake your head at my turning into my grandfather and skip on. I have been overweight my entire adult life. Actually, that is an understatement. I think the term "morbidly obese" describes most of my life. In September 2001, I started going to Weight Watchers. In a year, I lost more than 100 pounds! I was down to a size 6-8. I ate very healthy foods and exercised (even started running). Fast forward to now, and I have re-gained most of the weight I lost, I eat terribly, and I am extremely out of shape. I have felt like such a failure for so long. Even when I was at my lowest weight, and everyone was telling me that I looked great, all I could focus on was the fact that I wasn't low enough to be at the top of the Weight Watcher range for my height. I thought I'd made a lifestyle change, but slowly I slipped back into my old lifestyle. I can't believe that I allowed myself to regain so much weight. I feel stupid and foolish and like a failure. I keep thinking that I'm going to be so fat when we go to Disney this summer no matter what I do. Well, it's time to turn that around. I can wallow in my failure and keep myself miserable, or I can pull myself up by my bootstraps (is that a new phrase to you, Clare?) and get back to where I was. I have three choices for our Disney trip: I can be this weight, I can be even heavier, or I can be at least a little lighter. That last option is definitely the best! Also, this time I'll take a size 6-8 and not worry about what Weight Watchers says that I should weigh. It's going to be a long journey, but I've done it before, and I can do it again.

Why am I sharing all of this with you? Because I need to get it all out in the open. I need to admit that I failed but also tell myself that I am not a failure. Because it's the first step to getting myself back in line and will give me accountability. Because I feel like you are family.

Beth

Beth - sending you hugs!! I know exactly how you feel!! I lost a lot of weight after Julia was born and put it back on after Nick and it is so discouraging - why did I let it happen?

 

[Tammi67]

Good morning everyone!

Denise - I hope you feel better after a few (ok, maybe a lot) glasses of wine and a good nights sleep. I think Kate summed it up best in her post. You've got to let it out once in awhile and what better place to do it than here, where you will get all of the support you need.

Marci - Prayers and for Aunt Dot.

Baloo - for you too in your court battle. I'm glad to hear Mr. Wilson is on the road to recovery.

Beth - You have by no means failed yourself. Failing would be not realizing that you need to get yourself back on track and doing nothing about it. You have taken the first step toward succeeding! You can do it again! We are all behind you for motivation and support!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

oooh, I want to know the question! I could never figure something out like that


(sorry, no advice as to whether or not I'd actually do anything about it )

ETA: Oops! You were so vague with the first post I didn't realize you had posted the scenario later. Go figure Anyway... everyone else is right. Just stay out of it ... too many bad things could come of it. Besdies -- did you see who was in the car? There could definitely be logical explanations for someone taking him to work, etc

What I saw in the car was enough to lead me believe it was his wife - who I now know was out of town - but you are right - it could have been a friendly kiss he was giving his co-worker for driving him home from work

 

[bethbuchall]

WTG Beth! This first step is the hardest. You are definitely NOT a failure. You made mistakes and just need to let them go and make a change for the positive. We are here for you to be your cheerleaders!!!!! Go Beth Go!!!!

Thanks! See that's why I poured my heart out! You are all great.

Beth

 

[bethbuchall]

Beth! You are not a failure. You know that you can succeed as you have before. Plus, you know what can happen if you don't make it a lifestyle change so you'll be more likely to keep that in mind as well. I know that you can succeed and I think a 6-8 sounds great. I always get focused on the range I am "supposed" to be even though DH and even an old doctor think that 5lbs above that would be more than enough. Come join us in the support thread - where I am also currently trying to get back on track.

You can do it!!

Thanks! I will go look for it as soon as I'm caught up here. Which may actually happen!

Beth