cramerk

Morning ladies! Quiet day yesterday. Pretty tired. I have class on campus today, then DD#2 gets here from Idaho. She will take me home and put me to bed. I figure that's all I'll be able to handle. One of the teachers brought me dinner lasst night. Ate a few bites, but still don't really feel like eating. Everything taste funny. So get through today is my only goal. Hopefully I will get something accomplished after that. Phyl it would be nice if you and Earl found a mobile home. So much more room, especially since you spend half the year there. Candice, how is the new mucisan working out. Nope I can't spell. Well need to go groom up. Check in tonight, have a good day!

Phyl, my sister was saying the same thing in their adult living community that they snowbird to in Mesa Arizona. I'm bummed they didn't do the additional surgery when I was under. But have an appointment for next Wednesday with the surgeon. The surgeon that my doc wanted is booked solid so I have his 2nd choice. Visited with the office personel while confirming my appointment and I wasn't impressed. I looked on line at the docs website, and I can tell he is just the arrogant type. His picture is of him surrounded by all his attractive female staff as if they were worshiping a god. NOT impressed. They won't schedule the surgery until AFTER they meet with we. Are you kidding. You are going to get a better idea that my doc who was looking at it from the inside what needs to be done. So they just don't know if they will be able to get me in this month. Having some trouble getting food down. It is just too much effort. So I ate about 3 bites of veggi soup today. I just feel all fuzzy headed today. I will try to drink some tomatoe soup later. That won't require me to chew. I do have a nice nest built up in my room. Everything within reach. then just snuggle down when I get tired. Which is a lot. Been taking a nap about every hour, lazy. Has anyone heard from Janet? Has she picked up a nice latin lover yet? How about Linda? She is probably swamped with end of semester papers and grading. Check in later, Phyl I hope you feel better soon.

Candice, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are back on track. We are so proud of you. I know with the holiday season it will be tough, but you have all that sugar out of your system so things will be easier. Plan a few splurges, we have to live. Before long, you and I will be sharing clothes. Each day, also plan some splurges on your trip, but don't forget the basic rules and you will be fine. Here is your challenge... Come back from your trip without a gain. I know you can do it. Yep, some extra time off work doesn't hurt my feelings any. If it is more than a few days I will have to apply to the sick leave bank. I only have five additional days of sick leave. One of the teachers brought me some delish stew last night, it must have had some burgandy wine in it. I never think about cooking with wine. I use to make a killer alfredo sauce with white wine, but since it is truely 'killer' for your cholestrol and waistline I don't cook it any more. But it sure was good with fresh garlic and parmesean. Okay, sorry I digress down the food zone. Been dozing off and on this morning. Still pretty tired. I wake up, do a little school work and then back to sleep. It is good to be home with my furries. They sure were silly last night. I had one sleeping in each arm pit. Normally they just sleep in the bed with me, but aren't to concerned about touching me. but both had to be touching me with their heads on my shoulders, just like little kids. I guess they missed me. Going to try to eat later, I just haven't felt like it. I know I need to push the Water, but food isn't my biggest concern. Well, check back later. And Candice, you are right about not quilting with your friend, the last thing you need is to get sick. If you are feeling really bad about not going over, take her some Soup tomorrow or something, just don't go in. Glad you were able to find a new mucision (sp). Life is too short for drama.

Phyl, what a cute thing, you need to fluff it up, maybe some flowered seat covers with arm boulsters!!! Candice, actually I have little pain. I just got back from walking down to get a latte in the cafeteria. I guess I have to have an additional surgey. The found a largish hernia in one of my old c-section incisions. So I have to have it fixed, so I am hoping to get it taken care of while I'm off. So I guess I will miss some more school. Didn't sleep last night, finally dozed off about 4 this morning. will be glad to get home. Got an early Christmas gift for myself. Took my car to get the oil changed and had moisture in the brake line and needed the radiator flushed. So there went $240, great!

I'm good, was able to use the da vinci machine, got to room ab out 8 lpm, tired, but can't sleep, chat tomorrow, may be even skype,

I have myself so stressed out I haven't been able to eat for 2 days. Water hasn't been so great either. So dinner tonight is my friend Ben & Jerry's, I have to get something in my tummy because midnight no more food and no water after 6 am. So high in calories, but I need some food. I have bought stuff for protien drinks for post surgery. Thanks for all the well wishes, all will be fine. My tummy is starting to settle down with the help of Ben & Jerry's. Final homework is done and submitted, so just have to do discussion and a lesson review for class on Saturday, Once Saturday is done, I don't have to think about school, either work or master's!!! I can't wait to play in my quilt room. Jamie, DD#2, is going to help me set up my midarm quilting machine, so all will be good. Candice, glad you had a good day with your mom! Phyl sounds like you had fun!! Love you all,

Candice, the quilt room it DONE!!!!. I just love it, all cozy, of course if I had a fireplace it would be even better. Did the maga shop for groceries, so I am set for the month, did a little Christmas shopping. But I am TIGHT. Today I have managed to eat, 1/2 a carton of 100 cal yogurt & some veggie chips. I am going to try a stuffed portabello mushroom for dinner. It is just stress, I want my house clean before I go, but I don't know that it is going to happen. Unfortunately DD#4 let me down again. She was suppose to clean for her car insurance, but not. But at least she is paying for the insurance. Tomorrow won't be pretty when I give her the bill. I have some homework to get done & then I'll check back in. Candice it sounds like you had a glorious time!!! Phyl? Linda?

Quiet day?? I haven't had energy to do anything. My surgeon doesn't want me taking my Bcomplex amino acid shot until after surgery. So my brain has shut down and my energy level stinks. I have done NOTHING today. Well, not totally nothing, I finished my paper and separated buttons into jars by color...can we say obsessive compulsive. I can't focus on anything, it just ticks me off. I have so much to do before Tuesday and I wasted an entire day.

Phyl, my surgery is Tuesday afternoon. Got some of the carpet shampooed, didn't do it all just the hall ways and heavy traffic areas. I can't wait until I can afford laminet floor, that is first on my list. But even if I had the $$ now, I couldn't do it. I am banned from lifting more than 10 pounds for the nextthree months. Heck my groceries weigh more than 10 pounds, it will be interesting. But I will behave, I have no other choice. Well back to it,

Phyl, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sorry I'm slow at this. Glad you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving. I did the cook athon. Had to run to the store first thing. Since I don't bake much anymore, I had no flour or sugar when I went to make the pie. Believe it or not, food was good yesterday, 100 cal yogurt for breakfast, 100 cal popcorn, then dinner which was about 3 oz of turkey, 1/4 mashed taters with 2 tbles of gravy, 1/3 c yams (yes they had real butter and brown sugar), and 1/8 of a pie slice with homemade whip cream. I know I was over cals, but heck it was thanksgiving!!! So considering it use to be 1/4 of a pie with heaps of whipcream, I figure I did pretty good. Candice, I love the block. you did a good job. I have never tried the mirrored images, you will have to send me the pattern. Janet, hope you will get to post from vacation!!! Well today I have to write my paper and get the house cleaned, etc. Believe it or not, NOW I am starting to get nervous about my surgery. Lame I know. No Janet, I am not out shopping. I don't like crouds and I don't have the money. Having to buy a new phone kind of killed my Holiday shopping. Plus I usually make most of my stuff. Besides, this year will be lean. Have a great post Thanksgiving day!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!!! Hope you all have a fabulous time with family and friends!!! I haven't started our turkey yet, it is just a little one, so will start it in a couple of hours. Need to make pumpkin pie, but realized I am out of sugar, don't use the stuff anymore so I have to run to the store this morning...if they are open, if not I will hit up the neigbor for the 'cup of sugar'. Other than cooking I don't have much planned, I need to finish my last paper for the semester but other than that will putz in my quilting room. I need to clean and do laundry, but that can wait until tomorrow. Janet, I know you told me when you headed on vacation, but I can't remember. On Tuesday right? or is it this weekend? Phyl, you and Earl drive safe to your friends house for turkey day.

I hate it, the background is way to light, but I figured out how to dim my monitor so that should help. Maybe if we complain enough we could get them to change it back. Don't we have anything to say about? Isn't it our website...okay, well maybe not. We need to get Janet to complain. I be she could make them change!!!!

Good Morning, Happy Pre-Thanksgiving!!! Do you all have your turkeys defrosting? Mine has been in the refrigerator since Saturday and is still hard as a rock. Ah the wonderful fun of a winter wonderland. There are actually people who think this weather is lovely...ARE they CRAZY? Oh well, enough weather grumbling, I have a warm home, food in the refrigerator and DD#5 is coming home for the weekend. She is inbetween boyfriends so I get to pamper her!!! I found out what the exboy friend said to her when he broke up. Let's just say that if I had known at the time, he would be singing soprano!! and may still have that opportunity if I see him. Today is my preop appointments. So much fun, actually not a big deal. I am sure they will send me to the hospital for blood work bleck!! But I get 4 whole days to play in my quilt room and do final preparations for recovery time. I need to get stuff cut out for project preparation. Also I want to get some Christmas packages wrapped and out of the way. Maybe even put the tree up, AFTER it thaws out from being stored in the shed! This is the first time in a very long time that I am excited about Christmas preparations. Suppose I best get ready for work. How many layers can you put on and still be mobile? Think of me all you warm and sunny people. Oh that's right, Janet was at a 100+ degrees this summer....nope couldn't do it! Have a great and wonderful day. Enjoy your lovely weather. Candice....Kepp at it, we are all so proud!!!! Janet, we expect souviners from your vacation!!!!!!!!! You could bring me a latin boy toy!

Well I don't know that I can handle this new site, but we don't have a choice. I guess we are just getting too 'vintage' to change. Candice good job on the restraint!!! You are controlling shopping & food. A cruise...what a delicious idea. So while you are in Italy, you could pick me up one of the Italian lovers.... Okay, how about some italian buttons? Two days left AND counting. But I still have to crank out one last paper this week. Then I will REALLY be done for awhile. I wish I could bribe my kids for my Christmas present early, I THINK I am getting a Kindle, it would be so nice to have while I am recouperating.... Told the city that I wouldn't be shoveling after next week, they at least made a note of it some I shouldn't get fined for not having my sidewalk shoveled. But we will see. With the water bill going up, I really can't afford to hire someone to shovel, plus I am just being rebellious. My furries are not thrilled with the cold, I have to watch them like a hawk so the don't refuse to go potty outside....gr..

Morning, Phyl sound like you had a busy day. It doesn't sound like your gyno is bettin it!! Man I'm tired this morning. I don't even dare blink, the eyes will stay closed. So tonight I am going to come home and take a nap!!! That is what Fridays are all about!! I just need to make it through the next twelve hours!!!! If I didn't need my sick leave for surgery, I'd be calling in sick. But alas, I can't. Way cold this morning. No clouds last night to it is bitter. Forcasted to be near zero and I think we made it. Winter, or something close to it is here, bleck!! Looking forward to the weekend. Need to think about my LAST paper of the semester. But I think I will be able to work in my quilt room. I need to finish organizing and putting away, I'm real close. Then I will sit down and figure out what projects I can realistically do while laid up. I am going to spend Thanksgiving weekend doing any cutting out. I'm sure that I will be able to sew, but the standing and cutting out won't work. I'm missing some patterns, I imagine they are in there some where. I think I have enough patterns to open a smalll quilt store, okay maybe a big quilt store. Janet, your last weekend to get organized before your vacation!!! Have a blast! Candice, I'll think of you while I'm playing in my quilt room. I still dream of getting that treadle sewing machine home. Ah only in my dreams. My brother is thinking on getting his wife a new long arm quilting machine, if he does he is going to sell my her sweet 16. Now that would be heaven on earth. Well best get to it. You all have a grand day!!!

Janet, you need to write a book. Everything you said was just what I needed to hear. You are right about the treats...and the pants. Everyday I put on a pair of pants in the morning I hold my breath...will they fit? Yep, every darn day. You are also right about the king sized, hell no the mega king size herseys bar with almonds, I would eat several a week. Every day, every time in the store, we have to remember. We can do this for the rest of life!!! I get sad when I don't see Steph here. She was the first person who said I could do this! But I know I can do this because I refuse to be fat again!!! Thanks dear...I owe you!

Candice, YOU ARE DOING A FABULOUS JOB!!! The things you had to deal with this month and you are still on track. I say you need to give yourself a treat. Go buy a fabulous, decatant pair of shoes or jewelry. You have earned it!!!!

Candice, Valentines, how romantic, it will be fabulous! But Candice, I messed around and wasn't serious for about 6 months also. I know I would weigh at least 280 if not 290 by now. My mother's sister died at 51, my age, weighing over 400 pounds, so the genetics are there. I'm just scared because I have never kept the weight off for this long. And I find myself nibbling every once in awhile. I can get away with it during the summer when I am physically active. But winter for me is hibernation mode. Also I am worried about the month of little or no activity I am facing. Usually when I am home I don't eat much, so I am hoping that will help. So fear of fat is a phase...what comes after that. You all are working on year 4, I guess I ask myself, how long can I do this before I relapse? I know that you all keep me in check, but I see people drop off, Jackie, Steph, Karri, Kari and I wonder...are we going to drop off also? I can't do this alone!

Janet, tipsie Janet is a hoot!! Do we get a repeat performance this year? You are right, I probably will have some turkey with lots of salt this year. Sometimes I get so wrapped on depravation that I don't forget that this isn't about depravation, but moderation for life. Oh yeah, that would be that serving of carmel corn I had last night instead of dinner. Fixed some soup I had in the freezer and just couldn't get into it. So had carmel corn for dinner. Fortunately the carmel corn no longer exists so tonight I don't have to worry about it. Don't even aske where it came from, let's just say a weak moment and a boyscout got together and the rest is history. Candice you are doing fabulously!!!! I new svelter (hum is that a word? doesn't matter, I like it) Candice for the new year. Keep doning what you are doing. Man I could use a nap this morning! Slept well, just tired! Two days and the weekend is here. Then 3 days and a 4 day weekend. I'm not counting the days or anything!!! Candice, I use to love Law & Order SVU, but not so much anymore. I have watched the Defenders and enjoyed is, Belushi is a great actor. But I was working on my paper, okay, I was KIND OF working on my paper, knitting a dishcloth AND watching Criminal Minds on DVD. Yep, I'm the only person known to man to knit their own dishclothes. I also knit small squares for face cloths, perfect exfoliation and not all big & drippy. Well best get busy. Need to start getting ready for my sub. I don't have to plan the whole month, just the first week. Janet, Phyl, Candice, love you all, if you hear from Linda, remind he that we love her and want to hear from her. Maybe over thanksgiving! TTFN

Candice, I guess I keep worrying that I will wake up one day and my band will quit working. I wonder if it will work forever? I know, rather lame.

I don't really like turkey, except for turkey soup or deli turkey. Real turkey I always put way too much salt. Never have liked real turkey sandwiches. So I alway use to eat the leftovers naked with a shaker of salt at my elbow. Not good, so I don't eat it much anymore. I'll cook a baby one for DD#5. Called and checked that my insurance if my insurance approved my surgery and they have. My maximum out of pocket is $1400 until the end of June. So I may look into whether the insurance would cover a conversion to the sleeve. I doubt they would since the band is working for me, but it is worth looking into. Plus I feel much better knowing that if I lost my band it would only cost me $1400 and all the hoops they would make me do. So we shall see. Really didn't feel like eating today. Had a light yogurt, 1/3 of an apple, a wedge of laughing cow, a cup of soup. So my calories today are at about 300 or so. I am still not in the mood. Yep, I have bought the egg beaters for baking, so I will try some scrambled, my band doc really nagged me last night about not eating enough protein. Candice, glad you and Bridget got to visit you mom. So they let furries in the assissted living for a visit? I think that is fabulous. Phyl, let us know about the gyno appointment. Enjoy your visit to your friends. She probably enjoys the excitement, and keeps her mind off the health issues. I always love a 'everyone pitches in' dinner. It is always so much fun to have all the cooks in the kitchen, gabbing away. Janet, next weekend right? or this weekend for your vacation. Okay, alzheimers is kicking in. Well need to go do some homework before Criminal minds, check in later!!

Morning ladies, Happy Wednesday, it's hump day!! So are you all beginning your pre-Thanksgiving preparations. I thought I was going to get away with no preparations, but DD#5 has decided to request a turkey dinner. Not so much for the turkey, but the turkey noodle soup following Thanksgiving. So it will be simple, turkey, mashed taters, yams, dressing, and pumpkin pie. I will have a small slice with the homemade whip cream and then send the remainder home with her. What family is coming? Hopefully Linda will emerge from the paper avalanch and be able to check in. Phyl are you guys going out for dinner, or cooking in the motor home. Last year you made a turkey, right? Janet, is Andrew coming over? Candice???

Have my paper almost done, probably not the best, but I am struggling with a lousy attitude. I'm trying not to think about all that I have to do before the 30th. Candice, when is your next performance? Is the voice strong? Phyl, are you and Zoey beautiful? Janet, if you ever get bored, you can always come and be my personal chef!! I do need to figure out how to get more Protein into my diet after surgery. I am going to try eggs. I still don't really like a lot of solid protein, but I never did preband. Then I use to eat mainly carbs, now it is mainly fruit and veggies. I'll eat a salad with feta and diced meat any day of the week over meat. But that is mainly because I haven't figured out how to cook it without it being dry and chewing. I do get enough protein in Beans and dark leafy veggies (they have protein don't they?) Anyway, Janet, hope boot camp didn't take you out. Chat tomorrow!!

Morning everyone, I sure didn't want to get out of bed, hit the snooze which I rarely do. It rained all night, hopefully it will wait awhile before turning into snow. Not much to say this morning, you all have a great day!!

Janet, it is in the air, I got so stuck on Breakfast that I ended up vomiting it. I was doing okay until the teacher that bought my house informed me that they may be sueing the house inspectors and possibly me. I ran across some extra keys and a braker for the power box so dropped it by. Heck the braker cost me $31, I thought I was being nice. But evidently the well pump has a leak and had to have someone come and work on it. If they can prove that it was leaking before the inspection they are going to sue the inspectors, which may lead to suing me. I called my realtor and he said not to stress about it yet, tell that to my breakfast. We will just have to wait and see. IF it was leaking before the inspection, I didn't know about it, and my realtor said that should protect me. The reality is that they can sue if they want to, I don't have any money. If I have to hire a lawyer, I will counter sue for my lawyer fees. Don't piss me off! Anyway enough grumbling, back to the paper! see you all tomorrow!