mousecrazy

Good morning! I think today is the first day I don't HAVE to do anything! I will, of course, but I don't have anything scheduled. DH has to take his father to a dr. appt...he's not driving yet (fell again after partially recovering from hip replacement). He offered to take DD with him, but I think I'll keep her with me and have a lazy day. I do need to get some paperwork together, since the insurance company of the guy who hit me (car wreck, not assault!) is now antsy to settle the personal damage part of the case. Does anyone have any experience with this? I did not have many serious injuries...bruises, neck/back pain, the normal stuff. However, because of the wreck, and being without a car for a while, I was not able to go to Houston on the weekends to be with my mom while she was hospitalized down there. Also, I was driving my grandma's car i bought from her when she had to quit driving, so it was paid off and you know what happens when an older car is paid off and totalled...we did not get enough $$ for it to replace it, so I had to get a new car, and new payments...so, any advice or personal experience with this would be appreciated. Patty, good for you! You have your car working, and can go on your trip. I've seen pictures of the Crystal Cathedral, and it is beautiful. You can have snow at Disney World, too, as I'm sure you know! Have a good time! Eileen, enjoy the Narnia movie. There are some "scary" parts, but my DD, who is 8, did not suffer any problems from seeing it...the parallels to the story of Christ are obvious, and she is familiar with the sacrifice Christ made on the cross, so the similar event in the movie is moving, but not frightening. We made our reservations for our Maine vacation in July. Thank God! No vacation at all last year, and we definitely need one. Rough year. Pat, Betty, Beanie...just waiting to hear from ya'll and hope you are enjoying the holiday! More later...hugs, Cindy

I like checking in on a challenge...I like everything about your challenge, the NSV's and the weight posting! The one suggestion I would like to throw out there (for any comments!) is to shorten the length of it. Maybe Jan. 3 to mid-Feb or so? I don't have a calendar with me, but I think 6 weeks is about all my attention span will handle, and still have a good time with it. Whatcha think? Cindy

Merry Christmas, everyone! I know it's been a few days since I checked in, but I could barely get everything done, much less play with MY toy! LOL! Yes, I got my cranberry orange bread made, but not the mini-cinis. Some things just don't get done, and it's okay! We had a good day, as good as it can be. Everyone was at our house for gift opening, then separate houses for a rest, then met at the movies where we all saw Narnia. Today, we went to the Gaylord Texan to see ICE...2 million pounds of ice carvings in a 9 degree environment. They even give you parkas! So, we survived the first Christmas without Mom and Grandma. It wasn't easy. We all did the best we could! Everyone's holiday sounds like it was good...anyone want to tell what their best gift was? I think mine (will be) a new watch. It's backordered, but it's a Seiko gold and diamond watch. The picture is beautiful! Of course, I also love my laptop. The best thing we gave my DD was a collection of vintage Polly Pocket compacts (from the 80s) that we got on Ebay. She adores them! She likes here little Nintendo DS with the dog program, too! It's good to be back in touch with everyone, and find out I'm not the only one eating cookies and other sweets...I gained some weight, too...but am determined to chill out, and get back on track after the holidays. I hope everyone is having a blessed holiday! Oh, Beanie...the choir practice is for DD!!! I only sing in the car! Hugs to all, Cindy

Everyone gave you some good advice...when you are told how long you need to have liquids, it seems like forever, but it does go by fairly quickly. I've had two fills; I can still eat a moderate, decent meal. Jack is right; listen to YOUR band. It will tell you what is right. If you overdo it, you will know right away! Keep reading, and good luck! Cindy

It's ALL about the attitude, girlfriend! You're a beauty, and great job on the weight loss! Cindy

I'm writing on my new laptop! Can you tell? I'm in the livingroom, sitting on the floor. Everyone just left after decorating sugar cookies, and I finally have time to use my new toy! What a blast! I am sure most people think they are old hat by now, but I am thrilled! Eileen...sorry you are having such a time with your inlaws' health. What a terrible time of year for all that. I guess pretending you have diverticulitis isn't as bad as pretending you have some other things. I'm trying to find something light-hearted about it...LOL! Hi, beanie! Better luck next time. Love you, too! Betty, you must have a great family! I bet they love to see you coming with all those goodies! It's been a good day, and lots of fun! I did find cranberries...our local store got a shipment of 12 bags, and DH bought me 3 bags. So, now I can make my cranberry bread tomorrow! What did ya'll get your DH's for Christmas? See you tomorrow! Cindy

Hi, Roger. You'll have plenty of time to get what you need before surgery. I think the best stuff was some kind of liquid antacid...I even used simethicone drops for babies. Sugar-free popsicles were really great! A heating pad for the gas pains, which I thought were the worst part of the surgery, but not all people have the same problem. I guess because not all people feel pain the same. It was a little uncomfortable getting a good sleeping position for a week or so, but it goes by fast, and then you tend to forget all about it. Check the "search" feature and see what others have to say about preparing for surgery. Good luck! Cindy

Wow! A busy day for all, I see! I just got back home from Haven's choir rehearsal, and then I went to the store to get cranberries (Does anyone know that song Christmas Wrapping by the Motels? I always think of it when I say cranberries!), and guess what? Out of cranberries. They tell me there's a shortage???!!!! So, I guess I'll keep looking, or blow off the cranberry orange bread. MMmmm... Wrapped presents and made white chocolate dipped pretzels today. Sugar cookie dough is on the schedule for the morning tomorrow, with baking in the afternoon. Sister, nephew, and dad are coming over in the evening for a night of pizza and decorating cookies. I love it! Not the pizza part, but I can usually eat one piece, if I go slow. Thanks for the nice compliments about my DD. She is a sweet and sassy kind of gal! I love her to pieces! Betty - more cooking! And turtles? One of my faves, for sure! Beanie - what's up with your office expecting you to work? It's the holidays for goodness sake! Hope you sail through the rest of the week, and then get to rest for a while! Eileen, glad to hear you FIL is okay. Ya'll take it easy, and get through Christmas in one piece! Lisa - see, we LBT types assured you that you would be okay, and you are! Take it easy on those cookies, even if you are spitting them out! I wonder how many calories are absorbed while you're chewing....there must be a study out there somewhere.... Patty, have a great vacation, and post when you can! Pat? Whatcha doing? I know, it's crunch time! Shop, wrap, bake, repeat! Good night, all! Cindy

1. What does your handle mean? Mousecrazy means I'm crazy about Disney, especially DisneyWorld...Mickey "mouse"! I'm not at all "mousey." 2. What book are you currently reading, or did you last read? The last book I read was Jan Karon's The Light in the Window. I am going to start the Left Behind series over the holidays. 3. What do you do for a living? I've been a teacher for 28 years...High School English at an alternative school. 4. For what in your life are you most grateful? The incredible good fortune to have met and married a fantastic guy, who is my best friend and pal! 5. What's one thing about you that you think would surprise other people? Probably my past...before I grew up at the age of 40! 6. One word to describe yourself? Curious 7. One word others use to describe you? Caring 8. Would you rather play a game with someone better or worse at it than you? Better. I want to learn. 9. Favorite movie? Favorite show? Too many favorites, all different kinds, as far as movies. Shows: I'm a news junkie, and prefer Fox News (O'Reilley, Hannity, Gretta, etc.) I like American Idol, too. 10. Something unusual about yourself? I'm a 50-year-old mother of an 8 year-old daughter, a big-city girl living in a small town, happily married and living life as a domestic goddess wannabe (when I retire next year!) If you knew me, you'd know this, in itself, IS unusual!

I just want to wish you luck in your endeavor to find the right job. I have been a teacher for 28 years, so looking for new jobs and changing careers isn't something I know about. My advice to my students is to really examine what makes them feel happy and what they are good at, then try to combine them. I do not love every aspect of teaching; you will not love every aspect of any job, I don't think. But, I love working with kids, especially the at-risk ones, and helping them learn both the academics and the very important lessons about life. You make more than I do, after 28 years. I know I wouldn't be able to have a career where it was all about the money, but I know people who do. What kind of person are you? That's the important part! Good luck! Cindy

Keep the faith, and I wish you a blessed new year! Stay strong. Hugs, Cindy

I'm free! I'm free! No school until Jan. 3!!!!! My DD wrapped lots of packages today, and I finished making "Texas Mix" which is otherwise known as Chex Mix in other regions of the country. Tomorrow, DD and DH are going somewhere on an adventure, so I can wrap her presents! Did I tell ya'll that I got my DD's present early, last night? She (they) got me the Willow Tree nativity scene...all of it! It is so beautiful! She substituted a different angel for the usual one that goes with it. The one she picked has a little angel holding her ear to a seashell, and is called, "Thinking of You". She said it was to remind of us her Nana (my mom) and Grandma K. (my gma, and her great-gma), who won't be here with us for Christmas anymore. Can you imagine the tears? So, we had our cry, set up the nativity, and admired it for a while. Sigh. You know it's gonna be hard, but I guess you're never ready for just how hard it is. What's everyone up to tonight? I'm done for tonight I think. Tomorrow, we'll make chocolate dipped pretzels, rolled in sprinkles, and Cranberry-Orange bread for Christmas morning. Also, choir practice for DD. Pat, I know. I'm weird about weather. I guess we get so much sun here, I just like something different. Ira, beautiful family. Merry Christmas to you, too! Dianne, good girl! Pneumonia isn't something to mess around with. Beanie, whatcha doin'? It's just soooo busy, isn't it? Off to bed...can't wait to try the new flannel sheets I just put on the bed! Hugs, Cindy

Congrats on your revelation! I'm glad you feel better, and you will just keep feeling and looking better as we go into 2006! Cindy

Today is the last day of school! Yippee! They are walking out the door at this very minute! I don't know who is more excited: us or them. Raining...I love it! Bad weather puts me in a good mood...weird, huh? Dianne, take your medicine. Good health trumps weight loss. Eileen, poor girl. Sorry to hear about the in-laws. I pray for their health. Let us know. Betty, relax! You DESERVE it! And, I'm glad to hear you are so close to goal...right now, when I see I have 88 pounds to go, it just seems like forever. I am learning to trust the weight loss, nice and steady, but it seems unreal to lose that much weight! Pat, good luck at the mall! I went to Sam's yesterday, and it was a madhouse! I survived, of course, and lived to tell the tale. There is part of the hustle and bustle that I really enjoy! Jan, good luck on your surgery! You won't feel tip-top for a week, so don't be surprised. It gets better every day. Be patient. Should get the wireless network set up tomorrow, then I can surf in the comfort of my own bed! Ha! I doubt this will help me get any more sleep! LOl! Luv, Cindy

It's going to be okay, hon. Look at the panic as a sign of how important food is to you, and why you chose to do something about it. I still find great pleasure in food, and all the memories associated with it. I still enjoy most of the foods I used to enjoy. But ONE cookie at a time, instead of 10. One-half a roll, instead of 4. Embrace the melt-down as a part of the process, and chin up! You are going to be fine. Cindy

Just checking in with you all! I'm at work (not on my laptop, though), just kinda chatting with the kids who actually showed up today...nice and relaxing day, for the most part. Took DD to the mall to shop yesterday, and she got all her presents for everybody. Not much going on today...a little Sam's shopping after school. Tomorrow is a half day, and the other half is our faculty "party." I put it in quotes because it's really just going to a restaurant to eat. That'll be enough! Hope everyone has a great day! Cindy

I have gone to Cracker Barrel several times...I had a salad, and I've had a couple of the child's plates. I haven't had any trouble...I think you are just in the "new phase." We all have lots of issues around food; maybe you'll feel better now that you've let out some of your emotion. Good luck, Cindy

Hope you have a fantastic birthday, Cissy! Cindy

Funny story! Glad you've got your sense of humor! Take care of yourself, and your mom, and get better fast! Follow the rules and let yourself heal...it's the inside that counts! Cindy

HI, and welcome! Good luck with your surgery on Thursday! I'm sure it will go well. Use the search feature on this site, and look up liquid diet, or some combination of words for post-op diet...you'll find good ideas abound here! Since this is a busy holiday season, you might not get quite as big of a response as would be usual, but everyone is so kind and willing to help! Here's to a successful surgery, and healing...ask anything! Cindy

Another great post, John! Thanks for the reminder, and you have presented a great analogy, that should help us make the connection between what we do now, and how our lives will bein our later years. Blessings, Cindy

Impressive! Beautiful home, and creative decorations! Thanks for posting! Cindy

Happy Birthday! Hope it was extra-special! Cindy

Amen! I want what's on her list, too! Maybe I could add this one little thing? An enchanted house, where everything magically finds its way back to where it belongs!

Welcome to LBT! Take it nice and easy, so you can heal and your band can "set". No need to rush. The band is in there, and it will work with some help from you, of course! Ask anything! You'll always get an answer! Cindy