mousecrazy

What a surprise! Pat...AND pictures of the gang at WDW!!!!! Talk about a treat....and it's not even Halloween yet! Can't wait to meet our new friend...hope she pops in soon. See, Eileen, I'm not really working at DD's school, if you define work as something you exchange for a paycheck. I am up there practically every day...but they call this "volunteer" work. Maybe someday, though, it will be something else....I'm trusting that path to other hands, you know? I've allowed myself to be lead so far, and so far, it's been a great journey. I think it will all work out the way it is meant to be. I do sometimes, just a little, find myself stressing on making less $$ than I used to make...but then I force myself to stop it! Kat, let us know what the doc says. Mandy, love the pic of you and Dd...she does look like you so much! I've got to get my DD fed and in bed...she went to a sleepover last night, followed by another birthday party this afternoon, and she's so tired she doesn't even know she's tired...and full of junk food and sugar, and it's not pretty. Come on, bedtime! Love you all, Cindy

Hi gals! How great to see you posting, Donna! My prayers and great admiration for your son's friend. He has my utmost respect. Darcy, your DD is a beautiful young lady, and anything you do in her interest is well worth the time, trouble and effort. I know you know this. Jessica, hang in there. These bumps in the road do come along...and there will be a way to get over them. You can rant here anytime! Betty, glad you got the AC thing fixed...it is too hot here not to have AC! Where is our fall weather? I thought it was around the corner, but it seems to have been postponed...again! Kat, let us know about your medical tests. I sure hope you get some good news, because you sure need some! Mandy, I suppose you have recovered from WDW? I know it will be at least two years, probably more, before I get together another trip down there. We need to go back up to Maine again before we go the World...Wouldn't the superpower of instant travel be great?! As usual, I'm just doing PTO mom stuff...still having fun, still happy in my "retirement". Sometimes, I even have time to clean the house and go grocery shopping! LOL! My main battle is to stay away from chocolate...whatever in the world is causing these chocolate cravings???? Sheesh. Girlies, I'll be back later....hope it's a great day for all of you! Cindy

I knew I'd think of another question...I'm probably just hounding ya'll to death! Could you give me some ideas of why you chose the location of your port? Left side, right side, high, low, etc? I'm going to have to tell the surgeon where I want it, and I am not sure..... Port stories, anyone? Thanks in advance, Cindy

Congratulations, Darcy! So much of the courtroom is "drama" and done for effect. Things are said and allowed to prevent appeals and all that, and have nothing to do with anyone personally. I know it doesn't feel that way, though. The bottom line is the judgement, and that went in your favor, and that is all that matters. Yeah for you and Em! C.

Good morning! The first thing I was going to tell all of you was that I heard from Donna! I'm so glad to see she has posted a hello herself! Isn't that fantastic news! I think it's wonderful to find her again! Thank you, Donna...once you are part of our group, you are never really "gone." We just figure you have stuff of your own to do, and pray you will check in some day. And, you did! Kat, OMG! It is sobering to realize how close you came to a true tragedy...are you even more freaked out today? Darcy? I'm praying, still. I've gotta go now...BBL. Cindy

Thank you Elena and Annie for bringing "faces" to situations that all too often become "psychological" and "social" studies. I'll throw my hat in the ring with you that totalitarian dictatorships are indeed evil, and liberal-minded folks should be outraged at the way these men treat their citizens. It is inexplicable that they kowtow to these men and kiss up to them. Again, thank you for your enlightening information, and keep it up. An informed people is a strong people.

Looks like the day for all of us to touch base! The big 50th school celebration is over! I have been cooking since Wednesday...a friend and I were in charge of catering the Friday night alumni reception, and we had two other women in on Friday all day to help. Then, we were also the service staff that entire evening! My DH came in as dishwasher/server, also...we did not leave the event until almost 1AM. Everyone was very complimentary of our food; the friend is a pro chef/caterer, so we had that going for us! Last night was a dinner/dance, and "professional" caterers did it, but people said Friday night's food was better! That was nice to hear. It was a lovely night, weather-wise...tables and candles outside, live band, fancy dress, etc. I had a great time and am now getting ready to watch my Cowboys and veg out! Mandy, I can only imagine how wowed Abi was to get a smooch from Jack Sparrow! Darcy, I will pray for a good outcome on Monday. I can only believe that the best will win out, and if your DD is doing so well, surely the judge will see that. Good luck, everyone, with new fills, and new committments to healthy eating. After being banded for a long time, it becomes a bit harder to buckle down and do what we know we need to do. I have been having the same struggle. See you in the October thread! Hugs, Cindy

Happy Belated Birthday, Betty! Just popping in to say "Welcome Back, Sherry and Chrispy!" Glad you loved the Dole Whips...they are great, huh? I got blisters, too...there are some great ways to avoid those, but I forget sometimes. I've just been doing my normal running around...this week we're getting ready for the school's 50th anniversary, so there's plenty going on! Glad to see YOU, Pat! I love your new pic! Hugs all around, Cindy

Good morning! Glad to see you, Patty. Good thing you found all the 'puter viruses. It is a shame that we all have to be on the defensive all the time, even in our homes on our computers, but there you have it. It is indeed the reality, and it's better to offer up a good defense, then relax. (Although I suppose some would say I tend toward the "offense-ive"...I don't know where they get that....???? LOL!) I'm trying not to run around too much today, but I've already been sending emails out to the parent assoc. asking for volunteers...sheesh. You know, I wonder if they roll their eyes when they find an email from me? Hmmmm. I try to be nice and funny, so they won't! What are you gals doing today? Hugs to all, Cindy

Kat, what a terrible thing for Rick to have to witness. Prayers for the young man's family, for Rick and for all the loved ones who are grieving through this loss. What happened to your mouth, Kat? I don't know how I missed that... Sherry, I hope you and Chris have a TOTAL BLAST at WDW!!!!! I am absolutely green with envy, but mostly I'm just happy for ya'll, and hope you love the World as much as my family does! I want to hear alllllllll about it! Please have a Mickey Bar and think of me, will you? Thanks!!!! I'm getting my DD ready to go on her week long 5th grade trip to a ranch...they have a school trip every year. As they get older, they go further and stay longer. It is more of a primitive camp this time...they will do a Ropes course, and more outdoorsy stuff like orienteering and horseback riding...she leaves bright and early Monday morning. But....do I have the week off???? NOooooooo...I have meetings and stuff up at her school ANYWAY! I am totally out of my mind, it must be obvious by now! LOL! Honestly, I guess I'm just a nut for being part of mission I believe in, and I truly enjoy it. I've met some really great people while doing this work, too, and that's always cool. Oh, I went to an orthopedic dr about my shoulder...he was all worried about a bulging disk in my neck, which isn't hurting me at all, but he thinks that could be causing my problem. He calls it a "frozen shoulder" but there is another big dr name for it. Now, I will have an MRI on Monday to see if there is any rotator cuff tear...cross your fingers there isn't, because as you might guess, that's a surgical thing. For now, I have physical therapy exercises (they hurt!) and meds to help increase the range of motion...and we'll see what the MRI turns up. Hope everyone is doing well...hugs to all! Cindy

Hi girls! Mary! So GREAT to see you here again! Sounds like you have it all under control...as much as we can ever have it in control, anyway! You've been away far too long...don't do that again, you hear? HUGS! Patty, everyone's given great advice already. It stinks when you find out that people you have trusted weren't worthy of the trust. The important part is to realize it is not about YOU. It is about THEM. There's a reason that door closed. Don't mourn that. Look around and see what is OPEN. Find the reason. It's there. Nothin' new here. Worked at school planting stuff in the gardens, while DH did some staining wood stuff on the new porch off the dining hall. WAY TOO HOT! I spent the rest of yesterday sleeping. It kicked my butt. Tonight, I'm watching the Cowboy game, back and forth between the Travel Channel, which is a show about the Disney Cruise Line. If you read this soon after I post, check out the Travel Channel. I think there is another Disney show on after this. Hugs to all, Cindy

Good morning! Looks like rain here today, which is fine, except for our streets are still torn up...and they are planning to pour our corner on Friday. That means we are parking our cars at the neighbor's house, and walking through the yards to get to our cars! Sounds like a lot of fun, doesn't it? Can't wait for all the road construction to be finished! Otherwise, just my regular running around... Just wanted to say "hi" and hope you have a great day! Hugs, Cindy

Wow, no storms here, but wish there were! Finally, September is here, and my favorite season: fall! Not that we ever really have one, but I still like the idea of fall. Sorry about the poison ivy, Betty. That is some bad stuff, and it does take time to heal. I hope it gets better for you super-fast! Kat, I'm so glad you got a girlie biker jacket! I'm sure you look hot in it! Remember, Marilyn Monroe had a tummy, too! We are all way too brainwashed by seeing anorexic and airbrushed models on everything. Power to real women!!!!! You go, girl! Mandy, can't wait to see what your highlights look like! I always highlight my hair, but I do it myself. I just don't want to pay to have it done. Did you do it or did you have it done pro-style? I'm so proud of Abi for her accomplishments during her first week of school! Great week! Sherry, you and Chrispy are getting so closer to your trip! I'm happy for you! Of course, you MUST ride the Jungle Cruise, also! I concur with all Mandy's suggestions, as well. Get a Dole Whip while you are over there in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Yummy! And don't forget the Mickey Bars! Eileen, does the laundry ever STOP? Nope. DH reminds me that it's like the lawn...you cut it, it grows, you cut it, etc. He's right, but dang it. I get caught up, then in 2 days, there's a pile again. Sheesh. Happy September to EVERYONE! I'm so glad it's fall! Hugs, Cindy

Good morning! DH and DD just left for school, and this is the first morning in a while that I have planned to stay home! I just have those little jobs that need to be done, and maybe a magazine to read. Tonight we're taking my dad out to dinner for his birthday, and I'm so excited to give him his gift! We booked him a fishing guide for our local lake out here...and he will take our DD with him...so the two of them plus the guide will go out for a 1/2 day of fishing, and the guide guarantees a fish fry! He'll fillet and bag the fish, too! My dad loves to fish and has fished all his life, so I think having someone with them who knows the lake and the where all the fish are will be really fun for him. Also, spending that time sharing one of his hobbies with his grandaughter will be special for both of them. They won't go until early October, when the fishing is better. I can't wait to tell him! Betty, the pasta recipe sounds delicious! I'm going to have to make that! Kat, thanks for your explanation of how to freeze veggies. Do you freeze them, then use the food saver? Can you believe we have a foodsaver that we have never taken out of the box!? I'd like to know more about that...you can PM or email me. What kind of things are worth using the Foodsaver for? You can bring fall and winter on, for me. I get very, very tired of the heat and all the sun and humidity! How did I get born in Texas? LOL! Of course, for the NJ and Chicago gals, there's a little more winter than I might actually want...but I still wonder about that! Oh yeah...Kat, I hear you about the volunteer vs. paid job quandry. The position I want is more of a communications director position, so the tasks aren't exactly the same. I'm enjoying what I'm doing for the school right now, but think maybe they maybe able to see what I am able to do, and reconsider for the $$ job. I suppose we will see what is in the cards...whichever way, it will be fine. I better get off the 'puter, and do some of the things I need to do around here...hope everyone has a great day! Cindy

Mandy, I like them all (the swimsuits, I mean) but I do like the stripey one best! Eileen, keep that boss busy! I'm glad that's not such a problem like last year! Patty, stuff like that just says more about those people than it does about you. You are most certainly a bandster! That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. You just forget about that silly person, ya hear! Kat, yeeesssssssss.......I'm volunteering (as pres of the parent association). They did not have the $$ for a paid position this year. I would imagine this offer is still "on the table" and might come up in the future...I wonder if I'll still even want it??? LOL! Jessica, I'm from Texas, north of Dallas. See you wonderful girls tomorrow! Cindy

Welcome Jessica! We've all been through the dr visits and the analyzing, so ask any questions you have on your mind, and you'll get more than one take on whatever you want to ask! Patty, you just wait! You'll be in those XL clothes one day, and it'll be great! Sometimes when I hang up clothes out of the dryer, I am STILL amazed that that is MY blouse or MY jeans...and I wear an XL or an 18...so it's not exactly petite or anything. It's just after wearing 2X, and then 3X for so long...that size just seems small. You'll see. You'll be there. Tomorrow we have a baby shower to get to, so will be gone most of the day...will check in tomorrow night... Happy weekend to all! Hugs, Cindy

Hi everyone! Hi jetti (Jessica) - glad you popped in! Tell us about yourself...most of us don't even live in NJ...we just like the view! I was doing "school work" today, all day...met with the upper school leaders and did some bulletin board stuff...met with some people, etc. I did schedule some spa time later in Sept., so that will be a welcome day! Darcy!!!!! Glad you were able to get a signal, even though it was for a short time...keep us posted! Mandy, take it easy. You are a go-getter, and I know it's hard for you. It does take time, though...I was off work 6 entire weeks. Eileen, that new position at work does keep you busy, but I haven't heard you moaning about your boss-guy lately...is it a new guy, or have you finally trained him?? We're gonna make it under 200 one of these days, girl! Kat, what a wonderful trip the two of you had! And a big winner, too! Glad you were getting some rest time, too! Betty, how is the heat for you? I know you prefer the heat over cold, but I'm ready for some real fall weather (even though I know we won't get any of that very soon!) My Dh has some kind of brochial infection and the dr told him to stay home a couple of days, so he's thrilled. Of course, I doubt he'll actually rest, because that is just too hard for him. LOL! Hugs to all, Cindy

There you have it. A non-answer, and an attack on the questioner, not the question. This is exactly why I rarely visit this section. You can have it to yourselves, again.

I have been a teacher in public schools for 29 years. I recognize the problems, but I have a question for the extremely negative people here: Which country has a BETTER education system? Make sure that whatever country you hold up to the US also is a free, public education system that must educate ALL it's citizens, as well as any illegal aliens that are in its communities...AND it must educate all disabled and special needs children, up to the age of 18, mandatory participation. I am interested to find out what countries do this. It especially interests me since so many people want to come to the US for a better education. Are these people just misguided? I hope someone will get the word out about these other places that have better systems.

Wow! Lots of great news, here! Yeah! Beanie's back! And employed! I think you're right...you should have plenty of work with all the sub-prime loans going under and all that. I hope this work environment is more suitable for you! Where is your office? You said you had a long commute...I'm just so happy we'll be seeing you more often! Once you get to regular routine again, I bet the weight will start disappearing again, too! Patty, hi! We're doing the back-to-school dance, too. DD wears a uniform, so the school clothes shopping is pretty easy. We might have to see an orthodontist, but we get wait 6 months before we find out...she just lost her last baby tooth last week! We missed HSM2...we were at THE PICNIC. I put in capital letters, because it seems like it was such a huge looming event, and it is finally OVER! It went very well, girls! (wiping sweat from my brow...) We sold a little over 300 bucks worth of old ("retro") logo clothing, and saw 195 people at our booth for info about the parent association. That is pretty good! I only slept 4 hours per night for the three nights before the picnic, just getting all the stuff I had to do - well, done. I slept in this morning...but hit the floor running. As of this writing, DD has completed all of the projects that are due Monday morning, and I have done the grocery shopping for 2 weeks. I hate to mention this...tomorrow is the church Fall Kick-Off Picnic! Double-Dork. (that's for you, Eileen!) At least I'm a worker-bee for that one, and not a planner! I'm still hoping to drop 10 pounds sometime, and make it under the 200 area. I hover in the 200-205 area. Maybe we'll all "get the bug" for exercise. You never know.... Kat, where are you going for your birthday? That sounds like fun! Well, Monday is school for DD...and Tuesday is school for DH. I have blocked Tuesday off for ME! Not doing a thing....I swear! Hugs to each and every one of you, Cindy

Hi everybody! Sorry I've been AWOL a couple of days...DD goes back to school next Monday, and I've been gearing up the parents for the back to school picnic this Friday. I just keep laughing at myself for retiring to take on a full-time/no pay job! What a dork. LOL! So, you can picture me running around town, portable office in a box on the seat beside me, cell phone in hand, and a list of things to do a page long...that gets longer with each phone call! Sheesh. However, I'm not completely nutty, and yesterday DD and I met a friend of mine and her kids, and we went swimming. It is over a 100 degrees after all, and it's the end of summer, and we only have a few days left to enjoy the kids! We had fun at a little waterpark in my friend's town. Today, errands...BUT, a made time for lunch with a good friend. So, I'm making time for fun stuff, too....so glad to see Eileen and Patty checking in. Kat, you are sooooooo skinny, girl! WAY TO GO! I don't know if I'll make to -100, but you are such an inspiration! You look fantastic, dahlink! Mandy, slow down chickie. Shopping could be an Olympic sport, if you do it right, and you must have! You are giving me the Disney bug, just reading about your preparations for your trip...but, alas, it will be a few years before I can go back, I think...do tell me everything...you,too, Sherry and Chrispy! I love hearing all about it! Yes, Betty... I stayed cool, as long as I was in the water...but if you're just driving around, or God forbid, walking outside, it's not a good thing. I don't "do" heat! Okay, gals, back to the grind for me...I have ribbons to cut and lists to type....oy vay... Hugs, Cindy

Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday, Dear Eileen - ie! Happy Birthday to You! And many more! Hope you had a fantastic birthday, especially since you are finally 21! hee hee Hey, Darcy! So great to see a post from you! I bet it's hard to get used to dial up after having high speed internet, but that's one of the trade-offs for the simplicity you love...and it's worth it, I'm sure! Thanks for the compliment, also...I have not lost any weight in the longest time, but I'm okay with that...at least, for now. Who knows how I'll feel about that when fall weather comes, and we're back into a routine? Kat, the concert tickets as gifts is a great idea! We started giving gifts like that this past Christmas, and everyone really liked it...even my DD. We have way too much stuff anyway, and the experiences and memories were so much more fun than another Barbie or another game. The street construction and re-building has finally made it to the front of our house, so it's a pile of broken asphalt and dirt out there now...what fun! I feel like I need an off-road vehicle to get out of the neighborhood! Hope everyone's staying cool...it's getting really hot down here now...it was a long time coming, but we're getting up in the 90s...no 100s yet! Hugs to all! Cindy

Here's a pic of us before going to the concert! DD liked Stray Cats the best of the three bands...I'm a big Pretenders fan myself, but there was a problem with their sound so that was a bummer. Chrissie Hynde's voice was amazing as always. And, of course, Don Henley was fantastic. It wasn't the Eagles, but it was pretty close! A surprise song was a Tears for Fears song, "Everybody want to Rule the World"...I didn't know Henley ever did covers, but he did. His two first encores were Hotel California and Desperado. I had tears, I'll confess. Dd had a great time at her first rock concert, and I don't think I embarrassed her be dancing too much! She was impressed I knew the words to every song. Sherry, I am envious of your day at the beach, and I'm jealous of the Eileen's swimming pool! Dang it. I'm stuck on the prairie in Texas. Mandy, go easy, but I sure understand having cabin fever. Those incisions are painful, just the small ones I have had, so a big one like yours has got to be a real pain! Yes, laundry is the order of the day; I only finished about half of it yesterday...DH has gone to buy a new camera. One of cats got revenge on him last night for tossing him off the bed, but crashing his camera off the counter (where he left it after taking this picture I posted)...and killed the camera. He must have a digital to sell stuff on ebay, so he's on a mission. Hugs, Cindy

How nice to have a really long post from Eileen! The fair sure sounds fun...our state fair is in October, but it is usually not much cooler...it is usually around 90 or so! I love funnel cakes, but now I share them. Before lapband, I would probably bite your hand off if you tried to take any of mine! LOL! The concert tonite: Don Henley, The Pretenders, and The Stray Cats! I am very excited! I have seen the Pretenders and the Stray Cats before, but have not ever seen the Eagles, either alone or together, so really looking forward to that! This will be DD's first concert like this one. She saw Transiberian Orchestra this past Christmas, and loved it. She's into music and singing, so she loves performances. Dh and I are interested to see her reaction! She had a great time at camp, and is in her room resting now. She talked non-stop all the way home about everything and everyone. It really is a great camp and if it weren't so hot, I'd consider being a counselor. I think I'm too old to endure the high energy/hot temps for 4 days, though. Mandy, heed Eileen's advice, girl. I know it's so hard for you to cool your jets, but better to do that now, than have problems later, ya know? How are you feeling now? Is your mom staying with you still? Also, good job on catching that Lasko heater problem. I don't have any, thankfully. Hey girls, I have a mountain of laundry, so gotta go for now.... Hugs, Cindy

The stay-at-home day wasn wonderful. I even did my nails! Today I did three hours at my volunteer job up at the school, but it was fun, and part of it was lunch, so not too bad. Then I ran errands around town. DH and I went out to dinner tonight, then we pick up DD from camp in the morning! Can't wait to hear all about her trip. We'll bring her home to rest for a while, then it's off to see the concert! Everyone sounds busy and happy, and we can't ask for more than that. Well, maybe plenty of leisure time and happy would be better, but seems like we all prefer "busy" to the alternative. Glad you are maintaining, Sherry. I think that's great! I'll check in tomorrow, Cindy