mousecrazy

Come on. I have enjoyed Oprah and subscribe to her magazine, but even a big fan cannot believe that it is all about helping people and not about the money. ??? Lately, though, I notice that there is a more agenda-driven look to her shows; I feel like ideas are being pushed. I did not see this show. I hope it "helped" someone, though it appears to have offended quite a few as well. I suppose some would say those few "needed" to be offended, so the others could be "helped"? I respect her corporate ingenuity, her ability to make money, and to enjoy it. I am all for that! Let's just not pretend she is in it for altruism.

John, I am not going to argue T.O.M.'s or anyone else's point of view here, because I do not believe you came to us looking for a political/social argument. You came here for support and understanding. I understand how angry and sad you feel. It is a betrayal in a way. Your friend did not betray you exactly, but your values, that you believed were shared. You have reached out to him in Christian love, between you and him. You have done what you are obligated to do. I am sure you are praying for him, as well as his wife and family, especially the children. But, John, I think it would be right for you to tell your friend that you cannot provide him with an "explanation" for his behavior. I would visit him again, and tell him myself. You have the courage to do this, while many would not. You do not have to testify against him, or for him. His actions speak for themselves. You do not have to provide him with a way out, if it goes against your conscience. If others do not have this problem, that is their belief and their choice. You do. That is your belief and your decision. Who dares to convince you that your beliefs are wrong or unsophisticated? I know I will take much flack for these comments, but that is okay. I think you need someone who has your back on this, and I agree with you that people make choices. They are not just victims to the "luck of the draw" as you have so clearly proved in your own life. Hugs to you, and I will pray for all, as you have requested. C.

Mandy, my love and prayers, and I hope, comfort, are coming to you today. My heart breaks with your heart. You did a brave thing in telling him it was okay to move on. All the spirits we have loved are never replaced, but they move on to heaven, and wait there for us to join them. They are happy there, I think, and understand that we will love others, too. ((((Hugging)))) you from a distance. Eileen, I pray you are wrong that there is something more serious going on...I wish there was something we could do to help you feel better. Dang it! I just hate it that you are in pain like that! Thanks for posting and letting us know, just wish it were better news. But we are here to share the bad and the good news, so better to know than not to know. (Does that even make sense?) Anne, so good to see you! Glad you have been busy with happy things! Betty, sorry about your brother, and hope he is healing up and doing okay. Dianne, sounds like you had a fun celebration! Sherry, I haven't read Evanovich books...I am reading the Purpose-Driven Life (again)...I find I am just interested more in non-fiction/inspirational books currently, but have heard really good things about her writing. Enjoy! Glad you have something relaxing to do, since your work is so high-pressure! We are hanging in there with the dust and mess...about 2/3 of the living room floor is nailed down, and they should finish the rest of this phase today, stain tomorrow, poly the next. I think! With construction, there is always some reason for delay, so we just roll with it. Gotta run...love you guys, and great big hugs to everyone! Cindy

Question: Does anyone know anyone who does not have an "obsession"? I am wondering what the point of this show actually is...I'll bet you a nickel that eating was not our one and only obsession before, just like something else will not be now. I love scrapbooking, reading, planning trips...I am focused (obsessed?) on different things at different times. Does anyone think this distinction makes sense, or am I splitting hairs? I mean, is Oprah obsessed with producing her show? Confused.....?

Good morning! Sorry I missed yesterday...my house is a total mess! (Repeating to self: it will be worth it, it will be worth it....) No word from Eileen? Mandy, you are welcome in Texas any old time, and bring your DD! I'd love a snow day! I guess the "grass is always greener"... Hi Darcy! Hi Mary! Hi Everyone! Betty, yes, I am counting days, you bet! After today, I have 37. It can't go by fast enough. My "boss" can't even figure out how to make this transition happen...stalling on the decision-making (isn't that why they make the big bucks? And, they do, in case you don't know....), so the other 2 teachers involved and I have been put on the back burner and this has to happen by Monday. Nothing like having 3 months to figure it out, but waiting until Friday before the very day everything changes to have a meeting about it. (The teacher taking my place has been subbing for a teacher on maternity leave, and that teacher is returning Monday, leaving new teacher without an assignment. I am supposed to be moving rooms, and setting up a writing lab for my last weeks here, but don't know what room to move to, to make long story short). Life as usual, crazy! Hugs to all, Cindy

Just popping in to say a quick hello! I think we are going to subsist on frozen pot pies and dinners while this construction is ongoing...we don't have anywhere to sit to eat! LOL! It's a weird feeling...tomorrow I'll leave for work, and who KNOWS what it will be like when I get home? Eileen, good luck tomorrow! Sherry, keep looking around; I know you have your favorite places to find good inexpensive clothes. I usually rely on Walmart for some things, Target for others. Love the clearance racks, too...anywhere! Good luck! Betty, your parties sound like a great time! Hope you didn't have to work doubly hard today to make up for it. Kat, glad DH is doing so well; you really are amazing! Gotta run now...I'm rooming in DD's room for the rest of Phase 1, and I need to be sure my alarm clock is set for the right time in there! This is quite an adventure!

WoooooHooooo! Look how straight your arms are lying at your sides now! And that SMILE! You look so great, and I know you are going to continue on to your goal!

Eileen, I was hoping you'd feel a lot better, but Monday isn't too far off, and I hope they figure out what might help you! Sherry, I haven't gone to the picture thread yet, but will right after this! Thanks for your offer on the pictures...when I do them, I'll email them to you or Darcy...whoever's up for it! Please forgive the short personal list tonite...we just got back from the birthday parties, and then moved a bunch of stuff out of the house, and I'm just pooped! Oh yeah, Darcy and I chatted on Pogo last night, and it was so much fun! She surprised me while I was playing Mahjong...it was so cool!!!!! Love you guys! Cindy

Where are they posted, Sherry? I wanna see 'em! You are very courageous! I know you don't like to post pictures. I don't mind, I am just inept at posting them, and have to ask Darcy to help me...which she very kindly does!

Hi, everyone! I'm just taking a break from packing boxes...gotta sit down for a minute! I'm getting a lot done, and that's good. I've got to bake birthday cakes next - one for my sis, and one for DD. Sis will be 49, and DD will be 9. Oh, and wrap their presents, too! Did I tell ya'll about www.flylady.com? It's really a great place to get inspiration for beating the clutter. Body clutter, too. Mary, sorry about the deadbeat worker you have to clean up after...I bet the boss thought she was "all that" too. That's how it works in the school biz. The teacher's that are trouble makers and goof-offers are the ones the principal loves, and the ones who are always working and doing extra stuff are the ones he never listens to. It's so frustrating. Hang in there! Patty, you bet we're gonna get the cool microfiber mop thingie and the cool spray stuff for the floors...they wanted to charge extra for "hand scraped" wood (which means it looks worn and beat up) but we told him we'd take care of that all by ourselves! LOL! I better get away from the computer...Sherry, your whole post had me laughing, and I needed that today! Thanks! Hugs to all, Cindy Darcy, I see you are reading as I post...wish we were next door neighbors, but suppose the 'puter neighbors are the next-best thing!

Oops! Hey, Darcy...thanks for the good wishes on getting rid of headaches! Someday... I'm very excited about the new floors, if I only had the magic wand to make all the junk disappear until the floors were done, then could wave it again to put it all back! Dreamin.... Hugs, Cindy

Hang in there, Eileen. I hope you can make it through the weekend...it seems like such a long time to wait! Thanks for posting something, at least we know what is wrong. (((Hugs)) (very gently, so as not to hurt you!)

Greetings! There's plenty to learn, and lots of great people here! Enjoy!

Sherry, who can blame a girl for deleting pictures with double chins? I've been known to do the same. I need to take new pictures, too. I have new glasses, new hair...and a little different shape. You do yours, and I'll do mine? Patty, yes, 85 degress is a bit warmish, but it's like that in Texas a lot of othe time, too! Today, it's cooler, and I LOVE IT! Eileen, hey girl...you KNOW we worry. Check in and give us a quick status report on your general well-being. Mandy, you are right on the bad breath cause (ketosis) - I think I had it too, right at first. It gets better, Chrispy! I hope your kitty is having a nice,cozy day on the electric blanket! I believe I am (cough, cough) getting a trifle "ill-ish" (clears throat). I probably will need to stay home tomorrow to rest (pack boxes and move them out of the living room), and take it easy (move some book cases out of the hallway). If you get my drift..... See ya later! Cindy

Josette, you have writen a marvelous tribute to a wonderful mother, and a great lady. You are a great lady, too. When my mom passed away a little over a year ago, a friend wrote this to me: "Your life will never be the same, but it doesn't have to be bad." I think it's been one of the best pieces of advice; it has helped me through some hard spots. ((((Hugs))))

The schools are a reflection of "political correctiness gone wrong" and a society who is all-too-willing to sue school districts for just about anything. As a society, we have allowed the victimization defense to be considered legitimate, and here we are. Both kids receive the same "punishment" so that no administrator has to make a "judgement." It's not fair to judge, after all. (I'm being sarcastic on purpose....) Example: there was a fight between two girls in the parking lot. A male student tried to protect one of the girls, his friend, and had to push the other girl off of her. He was expelled, along with the two girls. Wouldn't want to treat him unfairly. So, Paula, walking away is one response to bullying, and can be useful. For repeated bullying, I believe something else is in order. Having issues at home, in my mind, does not excuse bullying behavior, and if more parents would rise up and demand a different response from the schools, I guarantee you something would change. They live in fear of parents more than anything, except lawsuits and negative media attention. Things have certainly changed since I started teaching, 29 years ago. Take care of your kids; no one else is likely to.

I missed posting yesterday, somehow, and then didn't get to it this morning...seems there is always something going on. We are giving the state test this week, so the schedule is kinda out of whack. That must be it. Good to see ya, Darcy! It's so great you are helping at the Humane Society. In fact, I've heard that they always need extra towels, so I'm going to call the one nearby and see if I can take a load of our old ones over there for them to use. Patty, yes sorry to say I still get them once in a while. Not all the time, thank goodness! I will always be grateful for all prayers, and thank you! Glad the aspirin did the trick for you! Betty, I think I'd check out a surgeon...no harm in checking, right? Eileen, how's your back? Mandy? How is your kitty? I almost hate to ask, but the two of you have been on my mind and in my prayers. Pat, you are skipping out on us again...come back! Dianne, stress affects my restriction also...I've also read on here that if there is any inflammation in the body (including periods) it can cause a tighter restriction. Even sinus drainage can do that. Take it easy, because you don't want to start the dreaded fill/unfill cycle! The big news in the Mousecrazy house is that starting Monday, Stage 1 of the new hardwood floors will begin! It's exciting, and crazy! It looks like we are packing to move, or even worse! It will be quite an adventure, that's for sure! So keep your fingers crossed that it will go smoothly, and I don't totally lose my mind in the process. DH is exceptionally good at these kinds of things, so he will be my saving grace, I'm sure! Hope everyone's doing well today, hugs to all! Cindy

Paula, a suspension is probably school policy, and has to be done, but you are right that it doesn't truly address the cause or root of the problem. Our daughter has been the target of a little bullying, which is weird since she is, well, HUGE (compared to others in her grade). We do not approve of aggressive physical behavior, if she initiates it, but we have shown her how to take care of herself physically. My DH showed her how to hold her arms stiff and push the little bully to the wall, and just hold him there until an adult arrives. She, too, was afraid of being "kicked out" of school, but I told her if she is disciplined due to protecting herself when no one in the school was willing to do it, then so be it. There are far worse things. She should not worry about that. I will be the one to hound the school officials about that, and I will. That is a policy problem and a school culture problem, and it should be dealt with. Unfortunately, the politically correct culture we have allowed into our schools only benefits the bullies and those who want to take advantage of the lack of standards and behavior guidelines. As parents, we are going to have to be willing to set our own standards and uphold them, regardless of what school officials do. Probably more info than you wanted, especially from a school teacher....but I hope it helps.

Mandy, having peace of mind is a big part of the process. I'm glad you are there. My dr. appt. went well...we are still adjusting meds to try to attack the migraines when they happen. The preventative meds are working pretty well, now just need something I can tolerate when I do get one. She was very happy that I had lost 12 pounds since the last visit, which was the end of July...average of 4 pounds per month. It seems slow when it's happening, but great right now! It's time for bed...good night to all, and sleep tight!

Hi, Paula First of all, there should be an adult somewhere, right? If not, why not? Second, Bully's behavior has been brought to the attention of the principal on AT LEAST one other occasion, which involved your daughter. Chances are, there are other reports. Go back to the principal, and pursue the school's involvement. Suggest, but don't say you will, that you might pursue involving the police (assault). That ought to get some action. No one is doing Bully any favors by allowing or ignoring this unacceptable behavior. If this is what he is doing in 5th grade, imagine what is coming. Consider yourself doing him a favor by confronting this now. Perhaps ask for a joint conference with principal and Bully's parents. See what happens. Sorry you are going through this. For the record, I am totally in favor of kids defending themselves as you have instructed your son. Especially if school personnel are not dealing with bullies.

Yeah, Beanie! You GO, Girl! I promise, even fractions of pounds add up over time, and then it's all a distant memory...the agonizing, the worry....it's just...OVER. I know, I know, it's easy to say that, and I still go through the fretting when I am in the middle of a "plateau", but they are necessary evils. You are going to do this! Chrispy, I am so glad the infection fear is passing, and healing up nicely. Do take care of yourself!

Imagine my surprise when I tried on some size 9's (I usually wear a 9W) at Target and THEY FIT! The WIDE is gone! Yes, the feet get fat, too! So, when you take your meausurements and they are not changing, remember, there is weight in your face, neck, hands and feet, all places you don't normally measure!

Happy Monday! No funny stories today...just a regular day. I've got a dr. appt today, so I'm working in my room during my regular lunch time... It's still raining here today, which is a good thing, since we need it so badly! Hope everyone is having a good day!

Dear Mandy, I know how hard it is. I had to say farewell to my cat baby pal, Athena, several years ago, it has been now. She was my kitty when I was single, then moved with me when "we" got married to my DH. She was by my side when I had my DD, sat up at night with me during the late night feedings. She was about 14 when it finally came time to say goodbye, and we had her humanely put to sleep. I probably should have done it sooner, but it was so hard. God gave us a special gift in having companion animals, and they have always been a blessing. I will send prayers up for your kitty baby, and you.

Just asking, so don't throw a shoe at me: Are you sure you want to be that restricted? Give the liquid/mushie diet a go for several days, but if that problem persists, reconsider your fill level. You do not want to have problems. If you can't eat solid protein, you will be tempted to eat non-food junk and soft food junk, and it will be counter-productive to your goal. I sure hope you feel better soon!