TerriDoodle

Good Morning!!! So much happens when I leave for just a day or two!! FIRST OF ALL, Haydee!!...Thank you sooooooooooooooo much for my GORGEOUS throw!! You are the best secret Santa EVER!! It is so wonderfully luxurious and how did you know I needed one??? We always have "blankies" on the couch and they are just old and worn out! We will really enjoy this one and it will put to very good use! Yummmmmm! Can't wait to snuggle down with it!! THANK YOU! PAMELA - I have much experience with the back strain you are now having and I can tell you that the ONLY way to make it better is to REST REST REST as much as possible. I usually have to take anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, heat, and 2-3 days of pure bed rest. When you start to feel a little better do some VERY gentle back stretches like laying on your back and pull one knee at a time up toward your chest...GENTLY. Getting out of bed too soon, walking around anymore than absolutely necessary will only prolong your misery. If you want to be better by Christmas that's what you have to do! I'll be thinking of you! TracyKS - You and your boys are so precious!! Cody is a doll! How could he possibly be any trouble at all with that cute face?? TracyK - I am so bummed for you that you didn't get that bonus. That is just SO not right!!! Did you express your thoughts to your boss? I kinda know how you feel, though. I work for these executives, y'know....and they make hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonuses every single year....on TOP of their thousands and thousands of shares of stock options, on TOP of their salaries and expense accounts!!! When they hand out our piddly 4% raises every year I just want to scream!....but i don't. I've worked here for 20 years and wish, just once, they'd throw me a bone I could get really excited about. It would be nice. Sorry, girlfriend. You deserved it. Denise - How fun!!! i'll bet it's a girl. Anyone else wanna bet?? Laura - I tried to catch up on posts but didn't see where you changed your username?? Whazzup with that? I like the new one, it's cute!! You didn't have a stalker, did you? LOL Today's my last day at work until Jan 2nd and I'm so excited to have some time off. It should be a fairly quiet Christmas and for that I am GRATEFUL. I do need to get some work done before i leave today so i better get to it. Ugh. Love u guys.

YO!! Here I am!!! OMG, you guys....I am so sick of being BUSY!!! I'm just not wired for this!! Typical day was yesterday: Wake up at 5:00a. 10 min coffee break then spend the next 20 minutes making bkfst & lunch ahead for my mom and getting her coffee & meds ready. Shower, dress and drive 45 minutes to work. Partner is on vacation, so I am assisting 4 executives this week! :confused: Lunch with my girlfriend, exchange gifts Leave work a bit early, drive 45 mins to get mom, then 20 more minutes to meet my kids for dinner. Leave there about 7:30, drive 20 minutes and drop Mom off. Go to the grocery store and spend an hour there. Get home at 9:10p, unload groceries, get dinner in the crockpot for tonight's dinner. Clean the kitchen (sorta!) Do some hand washing (i.e., Spanx!) Jammies, face, and crawl into bed at 10:20p Mom is doing pretty well. I think she's settling in and getting more comfortable every day. Her health is about the same but she is able to do a lot of things for herself like get dressed, get ready for bed and get herself to the bathroom. I just have to get her meals and medicines in order. She stays by herself during the day and is managing fine. My weight never changes. 182-184! Bleh. I think I am done shopping, but believe it or not we have not put up one decoration other than the wreath on the door . I'm a bit concerned about the dust with Mom. I'll put out a few things this weekend...I swear! The neighborhood is so pretty with all the lights....they're making me look REAL bad. LOL I'll go try to catch up on posts.........I am so far behind!! I hope you're all doing well! XOXO! T.

Judy - 10 degrees????? I remember one year....when I was pregnant with Evan, so that was 18 years ago!.... it got down to 11 degrees here for a couple of days and I'll never forget how freakin' COLD that was!! OMG! The car could never get warmed up inside and it was absolutely painful to be out in the weather. I am so NOT built for those conditions. Born and raised here in the south and my blood is THIN! We've gone for years in a stretch without even having what we call a "hard freeze"....meaning sustained temps below 30 for over 24 hours. Freezes here are such a hassle because we have to protect our plants and pipes! Invariably it's windy as well so protecting large shrubs is virtually impossible and we lose them or have to cut them way back in the spring. ANYWAY....stay warm and be careful out there today! TracyK - it's already raining at my house...and coming down in BUCKETS!! It's funny 'cause Richard has headed out to play golf on the SE side of town. I have this vision of him driving on the freeway with the wipers slapping and lightening crashing saying to himself "Must Play Golf....Must Play Golf..." LOL I have the feeling he'll get about 3 holes in at best. I have dinner with my girlfriends tonight downtown....and I'm thinking it would be a good idea just to have Richard drop me off and then take a cab home. Sheesh! That's a $50 cab ride but probably worth it. There are sooooooo many crazies on the road ....I don't want to become a statistic. Thanks for all your kind comments about the necklace! It's not really "talent"...I just follow instructions from a book! The real talent is in the original design work and I suck at that!!! LOL I still have a bit of shopping to do but nothing that involves a mall, thank God! You couldn't pay me to get close to one today! Things are going well with my mom. I really enjoy having her here and plan to keep her here as long as possible. For all the bitching about Medicare, it really is a good benefit program and she is getting good care with visiting nurses and therapists...at no cost. All is well....for now. Ya'll be careful out there today!

Ok. I just had a 6 paragraph post that got blown away. If there was a clean word for the amount of anger and frustration this has caused I would insert it here _________. But there isn't. Basically I was just outlining why I haven't been posting (too busy now shopping online for Xmas), why we don't have any decorations up yet (too busy with Mom) and why I've been eating a whole bunch o' crap (chocolate is the only thing that soothes my nerves ) I'm not gaining weight, though....still at 182-183. Life should settle into more of a routine for the next few weeks and you'll be seeing more of me again. Lucky yous!!! I've got the day off today, but have to get Mom to the doctor and various other chores today so I need to get rolling. OH!!! And thank you all for the Christmas cards!! I love them so much!! Almost made me cry yesterday when I got several all in one batch! I am so very sorry that I haven't been able to mail any out at all.

Good Morning Girliez! JENN - Are you wearing your all-powerful necklace I made for you??? Remember - all of the elements of that necklace have special powers....all meant to help you overcome your fears and obstacles. Why don't you wear it for a week and see what happens?? Couldn't hurt! For those out of the loop -- Jenn was my SS "giftee"....so I made her a special necklace with the following elements: Silver - handmade links (made with love, of course); silver helps in healing the emotions and relationships Jade - A very lucky stone that brings fortune, balance and healing Ganesh pendant - Ganesh is a Hindu diety that is known as the "Remover of All Obstacles", as well as the patron of wisdom and education. I'll post a picture -- it was my first completed piece using all handmade links and I enjoyed it so much. I just love working with the wire...bending and pounding and polishing it into submission. Very therapeutic! Ganesh Jade Silver Links.bmp

To All My Democrat Friends: Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee. To My Republican Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! tee hee hee.........:eek:

Not having a good day today, my friends. This has really been the weekend from HELL and I'm still reeling from it. The best part has been having my mom there.

Here's a before and DURING photo for you all.... not 'cause I'm fishing for compliments, but to provide inspiration for those considering the band. This thread was instrumental in helping me make my decision, for sure!!! Thanks to all of you at LBT (and especially the Violets) for your constant support and inspiration!

Trust me, that's a very flattering photo...... why do you think I posted it?!! LOL I've got lots of rolls when I bend or sit...which I do quite often! They have GOT to go! Kat - I'll be worried about your man!!! Tell him thanks a LOT for making us ALL worry! Tell him we're ALL mad, not just you!! I pray he makes it home alright. Why the heck didn't he take his meds with him? I've had the most exhausting day ever!! I'm way too tired to type. I look forward to greeting you all properly tomorrow!! G'night. zzzzzzzzzzz

How about a B&A to refresh your memories!

Hi All! Sorry I don't have time to catch up on posts right now, but I will later. Mom is coming today for her holiday stay and I have lots to do. Our Christmas party was last night and I took this silly shot just for you guys.... wanted to upload it while I was in photo mode....not bad for a fat and OLD lady,eh?.....

I'm sitting here PBing into my trashcan for the last 40 minutes because I had 3 bites of eggs. Would someone tell me why in the WORLD I thought I could eat eggs now, when every single other time I ever tried them I am in the same position???? Am I just THAT stupid????

Just had to come over here to share this joke with you!!! .......... WIFE FROM HELL A police officer pulls over a speeding car. The officer says, “I clocked you at 80 miles per hour, sir." The driver says, "Gee, officer I had it on cruise control at 60, perhaps your radar gun needs calibrating." Not looking up from her knitting the wife says: "Now don't be silly dear, you know that this car doesn't have cruise control." As the officer writes out the ticket, the driver looks over at his wife and growls, "Can't you please keep your mouth shut for once?" The wife smiles demurely and says, "You should be thankful your radar detector went off when it did." As the officer makes out the second ticket for the illegal radar detector unit, the man glowers at his wife and says through clenched teeth, "Damit, woman, can't you keep your mouth shut?" The officer frowns and says, "And I notice that you're not wearing your seat belt, sir. That's an automatic $75 fine." The driver says, "Yeah, well, you see officer, I had it on, but took it off when you pulled me over so that I could get my license out of my back pocket." The wife says, "Now, dear, you know very well that you didn't have your seat belt on. You never wear your seat belt when you’re driving." And as the police officer is writing out the third ticket the driver turns to his wife and barks, "WHY DON'T YOU PLEASE SHUT UP??" The officer looks over at the woman and asks, "Does your husband always talk to you this way, Ma'am?" I love this part.... "Only when he’s been drinking."

Good Morning Girliez- Laura - you misread, unfortunately. I was NOT able to quit smoking so I don't rock as much as you think! When I get into a size 12....or maybe 10 (which is my real goal) then I'll quit again. I'm like Denise...when I quit in 2003 I gained 60# in RECORD time to hit an all time high weight. Speaking of which....let's discuss SET POINT weights! Those of us who are 'stuck' or 'plateaued'....by any chance are you at a weight where you spent a lot of time previously? My set points are 180, 168 and 158. So yes, for me I'm definitely stuck at a previous set point. TracyK - So glad your sister is OK. Maybe this was her angel's way of waking her up to take better care of herself! Kat - What the heck is wrong with your hip?? It's hell getting old! Mine's been freaking out lately too...I need to find a chiropractor. Soon. I'm hoping Mom will get busted out of that rehab center soon. She's getting too depressed there...the other clients are so much worse off than her and 90% are devoid of personality. So I told her that she needs to come home with us at least thru the holidays and she was all for it! My dd will get displaced from her bedroom (haven't figured that one out yet) but I am really looking forward to spending this time with Mom. And now I have some ammunition to get her to 'behave' (stay hydrated and get exercise)!! If she doesn't, then it's BACK to the rehab center!! LOL That should work! Now....to get her discharged. Busy, busy BUSY day today!!! Gotta run! XOXOXO!!

Is that the preacher's wife way of saying "I need to get my shit together?" LOL!!!! <snort> I only lasted a few weeks....3 i think. I just canNOT diet and quit at the same time. I will quit though....someday!! GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!! Whew! I avoid those kinds of worries by just not going to the doctor at all. LOL I've got a list of appts. I need to make and just keep putting them off.... physical, dentist, mammocram, pelvic, and orthopedist!! Jeez. When am I going to do all that??!? I love Spanx (thanks, Judy!) but I need the chin to ankle spanx too. That would be oh-so-helpful. I should have invented those things myself and I'd be RICH!! i used to cut off the hose from my control top panty hose all the time!!! Dammit!!! HI! Miss you!!! She did contact me but I told her that, unfortunately, I am just too freakin' busy right now to schedule anything!!! Between mom, work and the holidays I have virtually *zero* free time. After Jan. 7th, i'm home free. Can't wait to catch up! My secret santa gift goes in the mail today!!! I hope she likes it! Thanks everyone for the dancing nanners!!! You girlz rock!

(((((((SUZIECAT)))))))) !!! We're so glad you're here!!!

Well, Tracy, you must be right about the GV jeans because i just went to Dillards to find some dress pants to wear to my parties this year. I took 5 pair in the dressing room....all size 16's (which used to be reliable)....but they were ALL too big! So I ended up with size 14 (Jones NY) that fit perfectly. However, i am wearing my Spanx today so that had a lot to do with it, I'm sure....and as a general rule I don't buy tight jeans....just comfy. The GV jeans have just the right amount of stretch in them. SO! I had a NSV today!!....and I haven't had one of those in a helluva long time!

Oh, I have found the perfect jeans!! Cheap and comfortable! Gloria Vanderbilt!! I can go to Kohl's and buy Size 16's and not even have to try them on! I think I've bought 5 pair in the last couple of months...all colors! Uh, aren't all blood donors volunteers?? LOL Kat, you're a better person than me, that's been proven over and over...but I'm one of those that hates to give blood. I do it once in a blue moon, but it messes with me and so I rarely do it. I had cheese enchiladas yesterday....I win the award for ETC day. Today I'll be picture perfect. I promise!! Suzie - I missed it....what kind of work do you do?

Michelle - Most evidence suggests that shaking up your routine by doing something different with your exercise routine and/or adding/subtracting calories, eating more protein, and more veggies will help the scale to finally move. What has happened is that your body has simply adapted to your routine...so you need to change it! I found this very interesting article about calories in/calories out, too, which supports the idea that you may be eating too FEW calories: Weight of the Evidence: Calories Count - In More Ways than you Think I am stuck too, but it's because I've been lazy. I understand your frustration....and it's little consolation if 1,000,000 people have been in your shoes and feel your pain. It's still your pain. How can you change things up?

TracyKS= You are soooooooooo right! You have everything now. Just sit back and enjoy this season with your grateful heart and it'll be the best one yet. I am sooooo happy for you!! Just think where you were a year ago and how much has changed in 2007!! Angels have been watching over you for sure. Cindy - You had a busy day! Sounds grand! Yeah, I'll just be wearing that jacket with slacks. I also have some pewter (shiny) heels that I can wear with it..should look kewl! Denise - I have been eating far more than 1000 cals a day....good for you!!! Maybe in 2008 we'll all be wearing WWDD bracelets! I have been working hard on my Secret Santa gift! I know your shocked to discover that I'm making jewelry! But it's a beauty and I'm even making all of the links myself....and having a ball!! Gotta get back to it..... Bye for now!

Morning everyone! Pamela - Christmas in Hawaii sounds divine! I am such a scrooge....getting away for the holidays always sounds great to me! TracyK and I live on polar opposite sides of town....and in Houston that equates to 50+ miles apart... here's a map link:from: dickinson, tx to: cypress, tx - Google Maps just in case you are that curious! LOL I shopped for 6 hours yesterday...and only bought stuff for myself. My mission was to find something to wear to Christmas parties this year and I was apparently way behind!! The selection was very slim. Anyway, ended up getting some nice things at Chico's besides just party stuff. Laura, like you said, there's 50 sleeveless things for every 1 with sleeves. Or if it has sleeves, then it's too heavy for Houston. At Christmas time it can easily be 80 degrees outside....or 40....you never know. So this is what I got to wear to my company's Xmas party (that I coordinate). It's very comfy and cool....and you can't really see it, but the buttons are beautiful rhinestone thingies. Very nice. I was shocked to see that I wear a size 2 (they size 0,1,2 & 3) in most things there!! Freaky! I'm still not used to shopping for clothes.... always have to exchange for smaller sizes after trying on. Today is beading day for sure. Yea!! TracyinKS - yeah, how ARE things with Cody??? Cindy - I might get a kit, but I doubt I'd be very good at it. It would certainly be worth a try! (I don't do the small beads, I do the bigger stuff) Judy - What is that thing you got for Bob? I'm always at a loss for what to get my husband!! That's a good question for everyone.... if you have a hubby or SO... what are you getting them for Xmas? I need ideas!!

PS - Michelle, I LOVE the dress!!! sounds like I'm built a lot like you are! I like the flesh colored lace one best, but that's just cause I don't look good in red/black combo. My first thought was a boa of some sort. It''d be cool if you could find a shawl with feathers on it!! A LONG string of pearls would help the eye go vertical, too. OOOOOOoooh!! And a wide cuff bracelet...pearls and rhinestones...and drape-y rhinestone earrings!! I wish I was there to help you play dress up!

CINDY!!!! First of all, WELCOME!! So glad you decided to join us! I visited the Crackerbox website and was blown over by the beautiful ornaments!!! The website, sadly, does not give any indication of what kind of skills are required for putting them together!? Obviously they look incredibly difficult....are they? I'd LOVE to try one!!! Gosh, your tree must look amazing!!! My company gives me a Swarovski snowflake ornament every year and I think I've got 8 or 9 now. Now we give them as gifts to several of the younger couples in our family so their collection will grow. They, too, rise in value every year...but nothing close to the Crackerbox ornaments!!! So cool!! TracyK - I've got the day off today for shopping, too! I haven't bought one thing either. Not one. Don't know why I haven't been just making beads for everyone!? Well, I do know....NO TIME! I'm going to the grocery store later today and I've vowed to myself that I WILL NOT BUY ONE FORBIDDEN ITEM. I usually buy 'treats' for the kids....like Toaster Streudel or cinnamon rolls or ice cream....but it's not good for them either!! Then they go back to their dad's and I finish off the ice cream!! I WILL NOT BUY JUNK, I WILL NOT BUY JUNK, I WILL NOT BUY JUNK. Grrrrrrrrrrr. Sorry I haven't been around. Things will slow down considerably after the middle of the month and I'll be back to posting regularly again. Mom is doing so much better than she was a month ago. She's much stronger....the PT and OT are doing wonders...as well as the fact that she's getting 3 squares a day and cleaning her plate each meal! She looks good. I'd give her outlook a 6 out of 10, though....she seems a bit depressed, but OK. Could be worse. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I'm starting to worry a little bit about my 14 yr old daughter. She told me the other day that she wants to become a vegetarian because she wants to "lose some of her muscle mass". Shit!!! She's 5'8" and weighs 130 and wears a size 5. I think she's upset because last year she wore a size 0 and is not getting the relationship between getting taller, 'becoming a woman', etc, and needing larger sizes. She knows she's not "fat" but apparently wants to be smaller....so in her mind she needs to lose muscle mass. OMG!! I've pounded good nutrition principles into these kids' heads since they were toddlers!! Is she crazy??? I'll keep a close eye on her. She does love milk so I'll keep pouring that down her throat. I've got lots to do today, girls.... I hope you all can be patient with me during my busy time and not think I'm just being a snot! Frankly, I'm feeling a little crazy and just trying to keep it all together. Love you all!

I'm here!! BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!

Oh yeah! I remember you telling me that before!! Sorry! (I'm old. Someday you'll understand.) DENISE - good news that you're not crazy!!