ocotillo

I just got my lab results a couple of weeks ago and my triglycerides are down (and I stopped taking the pills months ago) and my total cholesterol numbers are up a bit, but the ratio is better than it's been in years and my HDL's are way up...they've never been this high. I think it take ours bodies a while to figure out what's going on then it will settle down. I do believe in global warming, but as the natural cycle the earth goes through...warm then cold...man may influence some of it, but it's going to do what it's going to do whether we are here or not. It's not a static planet.

Hi all, I'm back several pages trying to catch up a bit...takes some time doesn't it? Jodi, you mentioned eating whole grains such as orzo? Orzo is Pasta (white flour) or the Italian name for barley. So are you eating the pasta or barley? I really like barley...it's chewy and sort of nutty. I like pasta too, but trying to stay away from that. Congratulations on the weight loss....you are doing fabulous!!! Especially congrats on no more pills...at least many less pills. That is the ultimate goal isn't it? Apples, have a wonderful weekend. Should be very busy at your lake this weekend since it's the kick off of the summer season. Hope the weather is beautiful and you get a lot of reading in. I just finished a couple of audio books that might be interesting to read...one was Sunday at Tiffany's by James Patterson. It was delightful. The other one I'm still working on is When we Were Grownups but I don't remember the author. Watch those killer mice!!! Oooohhhhh mice on the feet.....uuuuwwwww. Laura, your weekend sounds nice. Your DH really is a gem. It is so nice to hear how supportive he is with you and your Dad. I've never been in a container store (I do think Tucson has them also). I would probably be in trouble if I did. So I'll be around this weekend. We can be the ones posting. Lori...safe drive and hope for the best with the insurance and the house sale. That darn hail....I lived through that several times in Colorado and don't miss it at all. It beat up my brand new car one year. Are you excited about getting into your new house? I missed if this house was in the part of town you wanted. Linda...have a great weekend (lots of work to get ready for the weekend). Looking forward to being "bored" by your pictures!! Joyce, at least if you don't have a lot of "stuff" all over your house, you don't have to clean it. I keep trying to keep my house simple, but it still adds up. We don't have basements in AZ so I'm not able to stash stuff down there. So you'll be around posting this weekend too. Cool. Oh by the way....I will probably be through KC in November at Thanksgiving. I'll probably drive through there on my way to OH. Melissa....I read about your stress and distress in an earlier post, so sorry and I completely understand. Am having stress eating issues too. Snacks....I'll tell raw carrots work for me...for one thing, I really have to eat them slow and chew them up very well....so they keep my mouth occupied when I'm stress eating. Popcorn (non buttered) goes down a little too easily, but it's also helpful with stress eating. Just make sure you measure it out and count those calories. Phyl, the long stemmed rose tattoo is pretty funny. If you got a tattoo, what would you get and where would you put it? Cheri, sounds like life is treating you very well right now. Good for you and I'm really glad they show their appreciation by giving you a raise. It does help doesn't it? Your pictures are great...you've come a long way. Charlene, congrats on the continued weight loss. How are you feeling? What are you up to this weekend? LauraK, when are you heading west? Jessica...can't wait to see the new tattoo. I've sort of wanted one, but I think I'd be suffering from Phyl's long stemmed rose idea with my saggy skin right now. Janet, it's going to be hot this weekend, how's your pool doing? Last year, we were determined to start pool exercises on Memorial Day, this year, the pool is still too cold. It hasn't hit 100 here yet....way too weird, but it's been nice. You'll have to have the other ladies come organize you (you aren't all that unorganized) in the winter when they are freezing and you are still toasty warm. Work getting any better? Sorry about the ranch issues. Hope that works out and your partner can buy out the charities. Julie, are you on your way to Ohio? Good luck with the roof work and don't you dare hurt yourself. Hope everyone else is doing alright. I will really try to keep up better, but life just seems to get away from me. Later, Eva

Morning everyone. Another stressful day at work yesterday and then "date night". I am so glad to be back at home with my "routine". It sure helps me keep better on track. I'm planning on walking after work...maybe it will work off some stress. I will make a major effort to check in for real tonight. Eva

Hi everyone! I'm finally back but haven't read all the posts. I'll catch up over time. We got home yesterday, but didn't even turn on the computer. I had 3 hours of sleep the night before and just wasn't functioning so well. I took today off and am catching up on stuff like watering and scooping poop (dog & tortoise). I also have to send my renters a certified notice to vacate. They are three months behind in their rent. I feel sorry for their new landlords. I'm sure they won't be asking for a reference. Just wanted to stop by and say HI...I'll read and post more later. Take care everyone. Eva

Jessica....WOW CONGRATULATIONS...YOU DESERVE IT FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!

Lori...Happy Birthday...hope you had a wonderful day!!

Hey everybody....trying to catch up with the posts, but too many. Julie, glad to hear you got a little relief....I completely understand and I really hope your insurance company gets their stuff together and lets you get what ever it is you need for releif. I'm getting pretty tired of my foot and leg pain and this trip has not been nice to me in regards to that....so do what you have to do to feel better. Judy, I've seen you lurking on the thread....glad to see you recognized your issues and are taking the steps you need to help yourself. Stay in touch. Janet, we need you as our straight talker...it's refreshing and honest and thank you for being here. I was amazed to read you took a sick day....I didn't think you ever did that. (I know it was probably a few days ago....but I'm trying to catch up). Great, congrats on the house....can you post pictures of the house on this thread too? Maybe I can get to FB also...maybe not tonight. Jessica....you look amazing and your pictures are really cute of your family. Joyce, thanks for the well wishes. Yes you need to see your doctor if you are too tight....it causes too many serious problems. Jodi....my you are one busy person. I can just imagine you running from one place to the next getting all that you do done. Good job on the mini makeover....do you still like it? Laura, Linda, LauraK, Melissa, Apples....and anyone else I've missed, HI!! I'm in Tyson Corners just outside of Washington DC. DH has already fallen asleep and I wasn't tired yet, so I had to try and catch up....not really possible. I got stuck in Dallas again....I texted Janet, but don't know if she got it....remembering our really fun time in Dallas in February. DH and I rented a car and found a hotel room for a very short night. We finally got to Regan National airport in DC just before noon and got to our concert a little after 3pm...we missed a couple of the bands, but we caught Sam Bush, John Hiatt, and David Bromberg. We bought VIP tickets and it was worth the money....they had seats and fed us very good sandwiches, cookies, and tea, water, and lemonade. It was beautiful weather too. Our luggage didn't go with us...it went to Baltimore (where we were supposed to go). We ended up having our suitcase delivered to my SIL's in Annapolis and we caught up with it on Sunday. Three days in the same pants and I was very ready for a shower and clean clothes. I had a spare t-shirt, under pants and socks, but DH only had a spare t-shirt, so we ended up washing out our "undies" in the sink and drying them with a hair dryer...we thought it was pretty funny. Had a nice visit with SIL and then met up with my brother and his wife in McLean (next to Tyson Corners) tonight. Tomorrow we are going to try and go to the spy museaum in DC and then off to BWI so we can fly to Arkansas on Wednesday. Once again, don't know when I can check in again but will try to do so when we get free internet. Take care, Eva

Apples, we love you teeth and all, but I know you are going to love the white new teeth and it will be worth all the trouble over the next 3 months. Can you get satellite internet? Hughesnet or something like that? Someone asked where we were going again....we are going to Delaware for a concert (festival) on Saturday, then to Annapolis on Sunday through Tuesday, then on to Arkansas Wednesday through Sunday. I might have internet access or not, not sure, so if I'm MIA for more than a week, that's why. We have a house sitter this time for the entire time which helps me feel better about leaving for that long. I'm really beat and need to write out instructions for the house sitter. Tomorrow night will be packing and watering, etc because there won't be time on Friday morning when we leave. Hope everyone has a great night. Eva

Janet, at least my office is big enough I can avoid my management team....my boss is okay...he is usually busy enough that I don't see him much...it's his boss that's making the bad decisions and she's in Phoenix, so I don't have to deal with her....just her decisions. I have so much stuff going on I'm just spinning my wheels. I am waiting for this thing or that thing and have this fire to put out and then something else comes up....I'm going to go on vacation again and the sh@% is going to hit the fan when I'm gone and someone else will get involved and it may be ugly. I don't like that. Julie, I'm so glad you had a pretty good night....hope you are still feeling okay. Lori, man, did you get a lot of stuff done. Aren't you going to SLC tomorrow? Ready for that too? Hope you find the perfect place for you. Apples, you are going to love your new smile and all the stuff will be worth it. Sounds like planting is pretty busy too....hope you get a good night's sleep. Jessica...way to go on those grades. B's are great unless you are trying to get into grad school, but I bet they'll take you into the nursing program with no problem. Congrats on the 16's too. Wow, that's great. You'll make your goal, you are doing a very good job. LauraK....just hanging in there waiting for the big move? Is this happening in June? Let us know, I might just get tired enough of work to leave early (probably not, but you just don't know). Hey Phyl, did you have a beautiful weekend in Washington? Portland was really nice. Wish I would have had more time...would have come visiting. Hi Laura, hope you are enjoying your time in NC. Cheri...we'll wave when we are in Chicago next Wednesday....we'll be there less than an hour. Talk about a fly by. Charlene, how'd the doctor appointment go today? Hope all's well. Linda, you must be really busy, haven't seen too much of you lately. Must be spring. It inspires people to be outside. Well, I'm going to try and sleep soon....didn't sleep well last night. Hope everyone has a good evening. Eva

Hi All, Just a quickie to say I'm back from Portland. Had a very good trip and saw my nephew graduate from Lewis & Clark. We also visited with friends and family. Upgraded and flew 1st class on the way home. It was very nice. Bought too many books and my backpack was way too heavy. Have to remember to curb that tendency. Walked a lot and did some shopping. The weather was wonderful until today and even then it didn't really rain, just was sort of wet. I'm a little wired due to too much coffee I think. I was in the pacific northwest so coffee drinking seems to go with the territory. I'll catch up on posts tomorrow...have a great night everyone. Eva

Just a quick fly by before we leave for the airport.... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL!! I wish for you all the love and sweetness your kids can give you on your special day. We're pretty much ready to go....just working on a graduation card for the nephew. Graduation is on Mother's Day....I wonder if they planned that. Talk to you all next week. Eva

Oh, by the way, my avatar is an ocotillo flower and they are blooming now and look just like this. I love the ocotillos when they bloom, they look so cool...let me see if I can find a picture. The first one is an ocotillo that has lost it's leaves....they only leaf out when it rains and they have enough water.... The second picture is the same ocotillo with leaves but not flowers. And the 3rd picture is from just a couple of minutes ago...same plant but it's dark and it's in bloom.

Wow, without Apples junking up the thread, it was easy to catch up tonight. Laura, the book Linda suggested sounded just right for your devastated friend. It's so sad to lose your pets and it's really hard to explain to a young one. Gee, wished I could have seen Boomer too...but my VCR is dying and we haven't moved into the realm of DVR yet. Jessica...yeah on the A!!! I'm proud of you girl. I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up. I should be packing, but I don't want to. I just want it all to be magically done. Fortunately we will only be gone for the long weekend. I can't decide if I want to bring a skirt or not....probably not, then I don't have to worry about the shoes. Makes life easier I guess. Attended another Webinar about band problems. It was interesting. This was Dr. Martinez, the other doctor in the practice. He said too many band problems come from over fills and one really needs to pay attention and get it taken care of. He also said they are having less and less problems because of more information and experience with the band which is nice to know. Food should be going through the band while we are eating and not packing the pouch...it's painful if it isn't going through and that is what causes slippage and sometimes erosion. It's also something that causes heartburn...I only get heartburn now when I eat really spicy food and it gets a little stuck so it sits above the band too long. If I eat properly and not too much, I don't have too much problem with it. Today was hot and I had to do some site visits and didn't bring enough water. Now I'm burned out and tired. I'm going to bed early and hopefully will be all chipper tomorrow. I'll try and check in before I leave. Have a great night ladies. Eva

Jodi, must have been posting at the same time...wow what a windfall for you. Enjoy those clothes!! Chicken veggie soup. Take boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast and cut up into bite size pieces. Coat with a mixture of spices such as, Mrs. Dash (what ever flavor you like) or I use the organic no salt mixture from Costco, salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, paprika, cayenne (if you like it)...I use something different every time and fry it in a no stick skillet until browned. While it's cooking, I cut up celery, onions, carrots, mushrooms, fresh corn, or what ever veggie I have on hand or am in the mood for. When the chicken is done I add the veggies and either move the whole mess to a bigger pot or just use a large high sided skillet and cook the veggies a little bit. I add chicken broth or water with "better than bouillon" stock base. Bring to a boil and simmer a few minutes and it's done. I've used boxed broth or home made broth or what ever works for you. It takes less than an hour and the soup is wonderful. The veggies are still crisp and the chicken has lots of flavor and really enhances the prepackaged broth. I usually add the cayenne for a bit of a bite. I didn't give you quantities because you can tailor the ingredients to your own particular taste...it's more the method...brown the chicken until cooked through, add fresh veggies and broth. Yum. Have a great night everyone. Eva

Apples, re: Benson...yes, ask your friends and let me know what they say. We had a nice visit with our friends....it was a kid explosion when we walked in...4 kids, 2 of the around 3 years old and 2 babies...I held the 7 month old for hours and actually enjoyed it. In case you can't tell, I'm not much of a kid person since I've never really been around them much. Sorry about Tanker...poor toe, is it his dew claw (sp?) Glimmer isn't thrilled with the vet either and shakes really bad, but I don't have to carry her through the door either. Keep my fingers cross about your youngest. I know you will support whatever decision he makes. Janet, regarding yesterday's post....exfoliating, tanner, etc...you must be beautiful now!! I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. {{HUGS}}. I'm glad you have such fond memories of him, it's a good way to remember him. Joyce, I didn't get stuck and PB until my 3rd fill....now I'm pretty familiar with the experience and don't like it much, but I still forget and eat too fast and don't chew enough. I think it doesn't matter how old we are we still need to learn stuff. Congrats on the 7lbs....great job!! Laura, my fills are all self-pay and are $100 with fluoro. Of course that doesn't take into account the flight to San Diego, rental car, etc. Unless I loose another 60 pounds, I doubt I'll need another fill because I'm pretty right there most of the time....I'd be afraid to get any more fill because getting an unfill would be very difficult for me. Arlene, I'm sorry that your Mom is having such a hard time. I bet those flowers will help a lot. Egg beaters aren't the worst thing you could eat...at least they are protein. Congrats on the 2 pounds....you are doing amazing and I'm proud of you sticking to your program. LauraK...glad you survived the encounter...it is amazing watching some people eat now isn't it? When do you leave? And who is telling you what you are doing? Jessica, look how up beat you are especially encouraging your DH about working out. He is very good to you. You sound like you are in a better place than last week. Hang in there, school is almost out. It's cool you are close to the same weight as DH. I finally weigh less than my DH and that hasn't happened in decades. Phyl, I can't do the recumbent bike because of my hips...it really aggravate them. I do the regular old up right bike and that works okay. Maybe you can give that one a try and see if it hurts your hip/knee. I think riding bikes is really hard on knees, it's what hurts the most when I'm riding a lot. Hi Jodi, how's the dog sitting going? Well DH is feeling better and I'm not. I only put 8 hours in today at work and I'm only going to do 8 hours tomorrow. I came home and made chicken veggie soup with cayenne and I'm going to go to bed early tonight (I hope). I don't want to be sick and out of town. I'm going to post my chicken soup recipe...some of you might like it. It's easy and pretty much home made. Eva

Evening ladies I've been avoiding the thread because I've been distracted....AGAIN. I'm easily distracted in case you haven't noticed. I ate too much for dinner. Now it wasn't all bad, broccoli and some salami, but it was too much. I really need to start loggin my food and paying attention, but of course, I'm distracted....AGAIN. DH has been sick, really sick..he even stayed home from work yesterday. I think he's coming around now though, still coughing badly. Well, I'm not sure that I'm not catching it. I'm trying to stay away and keep myself healthy....keep your fingers crossed. I'm going to Oregon this weekend and Delaware next weekend and I don't want to be sick and traveling. Sorry, this is just about me...I'll try and be better tomorrow. Love all of you guys and reading your posts are the best thing for me. Take care and I'll be back again. ee

Morning....sorry I was MIA this weekend...took a little time off. Shoveled shi$%% literally and we went to Benson to visit some friends. Except for the really awful wind, a pretty good weekend. Cheri, ask your doctor about piroxicam (feldene?) for an anti-inflammatory. This is the one I'm on and it doesn't seem to have bad side affects like keeping me awake. In fact I slept very well last night, only woke up once. It seems to really help with those shoulder/back hip/back aches that are achy pains and keep me awake. As for the bone stuff, I think it keeps the bursitis at bay which helps with the arthritis pain. Charlene, let us know how you like the cook book...that one sounds very interesting. You are doing so well and so determined now...it's nice to know we can get back to that place again. Jessica....hugs to you girl...you are not a failure and never will be. Do what you have to, take your meds, but keep posting to us and we will try and help you through this slump. I am constantly fighting the negative mind set, but you can over come it. School is almost over and look how far you have come. You are doing well even if you don't believe it right now. Joyce, glad to hear you are walking easier. It's one of those things we take for granted until it's painful to do so. You're lucky your daughters are close to you. Julie, congrats on the lower weight and all my sympathy for the "unloading" issues. It's been an issue since banding, something I never guessed I would have a problem with. I think the anti-depressants are not supposed to give you "highs and lows" they're supposed to even you out so with your pain....it's probably having a much harder battle in regulating those brain chemicals. Jodi....I haven't shopped for pre-packaged food in a very long time. My diet world has always been there are years ago I was told to shop around the outside of the store...fresh veggies, eggs, meats, etc. Stay away from the prepackaged pre-made food. It's served me well, especially once I started really reading the ingredient labels. Of course I don't have a 10 year old to feed. Congrats on the weight loss, bet you feel a lot better. Janet, do you recycle your clothes? Meaning when you buy something new do you get rid of old stuff? Once again, I can't tell you how much of an inspiration you are to me and your ability to stay positive and practical. Froggie...congrats on the smaller pants. That is so great! I just bought (mail order) 2 more pairs of smaller pants and shorts. I got rid of all my smaller shorts last year before I got banded and now I regret it. I don't have any shorts that aren't knit stretchy and too big. Don't buy too much though, because you'll just have to buy more as you lose more weight. Laura, great pics as usual...glad Nels is a happy boy. I don't like donuts...they used to give me heartburn and I haven't had one since banding. However, there are many other things I do stick in my mouth that I regret. Bananas used to give me heartburn too but they don't now. I've been eating 1/2 of a banana every day or so and it seems to be helping with the leg cramps. Okay, I'm running late for work. I'll try and check in tonight. Have a great day ladies and HI to everyone I've missed. Eva

Hey Phyl, Is the steak house the teppan yaki kind? Cook at your table with the fancy knife work? $24/month for a gym is very reasonable especially if there's no initial start up charge. Arlene, good going on the weight loss. You knew banding wasn't fast and 2 lbs a week is great. Laura, good for you too. Your sister rewired her insides, you didn't. So you lose slower and have to work harder, but I think in the long run, you are much better off. Her system may learn to reabsorb all those calories in another year or so.....yours won't. Your car is nice and in great shape, you shouldn't have any trouble driving to NC. I'm thinking of driving to Ohio in November with my 2001 vehicle...I might get new tires by then. Linda, win lots of money at the casino!! We are going to Benson to visit friends tomorrow (it's an hour away) and then pick up a load of horse poop for my tree hole. It's supposed to help break down the oils and poisons from the eucalyptus tree. Beside laundry, that's all I have planned this weekend. I did go shopping today and bought some new capris and a pair of shorts. It still amazes me that I can wear the size I do. I just think the pants are getting bigger. I also got another set of new undies.... I'm throwing the old ones out and need new smaller ones. Yeah! So the thread may be quiet with people all traveling everywhere....hum.....hope they have fun. Later, Eva

Cool...and I'm so excited. My DH just booked flights to Baltimore and Arkansas. Now I'm not so excited about the Arkansas part, but we are going to Wilmington, DE for a concert...yipee!!!

Joyce, yes, you will have to let me know when you come visit....we will meet. Janet, we must be having sympathy work pains right now because I'm getting the same stuff you are. Drop everything you are doing and take care of me....it is all about me.....this one customer, not even mine, called me 5 times because the other engineer didn't call him back soon enough. Gee, it's not like we are twiddling our thumbs just waiting for your call....yep, know what that's all about. So I just got a new Taco Bell and the Trolly Barn to work on besides the "I didn't plan this well and we need you to remove this working cable by tomorrow because we are pulling the building down" issue I've been working on. Julie, so sorry your shoulder is still bothering you...are you going to the doctor this Friday or next Friday? Lori, have lots of fun on the cruise. That's giving me an idea....we've been talking about meeting here and there, etc....next year....why don't we plan on meeting on a cruise? There are all sorts of them out there. I've never done the cruise ship thing, only sail boats. What do you think? Oh, buy the way, thanks for letting me whine about work. I'm so overwhelmed that I'm really just floundering around. Hopefully, I'll get focused and get stuff done. Made home made chicken soup tonight. DH is sick and has a really bad cough, so you know what they say....chicken soup is good for colds. I hope it helps him. Its also one of the few ways I can eat chicken. I really need the extra moisture with that stuff. It's almost May and it's only 60 degrees right now. Hold on to your wigs Arlene, it's heading your way....wind and cold weather. I'm going to go do something. Talk at you later. Eva

Lori, I would probably go for the house as long as the neighborhood wasn't too bad. Neighborhood is important, but the "right" side of town....ug, it's not always so "right". I find the more affluent neighborhoods may have snootier people. Having good neighbors is certainly important. When you get to SLC, go spend some time in the neighborhood at night and see what it's like. Have fun on your trip....I'm all for traveling while you can. Off to work...later.... Eva

LauraK....have a safe trip and best wishes to your DD! Apples, what a great subject. I mowed lawns and cleaned houses before I was 16 and I also cleaned motel rooms. I always had chores to do in the morning (summer time when I was out of school) then I could do what I wanted in the PM. In the summer, I spent most of my days at the pool. I was not fit, but I must have been tanned, can't remember. I never really learned to swim well until I was an adult and had moved to Tucson. My first official job was in the hospital kitchen, washing pots and pan. After that there were a few different ones, like bookkeeper in a credit bureau, waitresss, engine stuffer at Estes Industries (model rockets) then the phone company where I've had many jobs. Yes, Lori, it's Qwest and your sisters should worry. They will be getting rid of redundant people and the headquarters of the new company won't be in Denver. I don't think I'll be working for the new company, at least I won't be still working there when the merger happens. Can't say I wouldn't come back as start over with the new company. It would depend. So I've been talking to the other half and I'm pretty sure I'll be leaving this employment either the end of this year or very early next year. I'm pushing for November because I would like to take a couple of months off. I think I might go to real estate school and try to get a license. I would like to try being an RE assistant...don't want to list and sell houses, but would like to be a gofer maybe. I could try it a while and if it doesn't work out, then I'll find another job. Guess I'm looking for a really radical change. Still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. We'll see. Janet, I do know what you mean about let me work and leave me alone. I really don't have time to stand around and talk about how hard the job is. 10 1/2 hours today. Tomorrow will be better, it's sushi day. Phyl, you were meant to be a nurse and a nurturer...all you butt cleaners, my hat's off to you because I can't do it. But our lives are so much better for the fact all of you can. I didn't have any grandparents either. My Dad's Mom died when I was still in school and Mom was German and her parents had died years before. But I learned a deep respect for older people. I used to hang out with an old couple and loved to spend time with them. I also feel old people are neglected and ignored because they are old. Maybe when I retire I can volunteer to drive someone around like Lori does for her Grandma. Okay, off to bed for me.....have a great night everyone. Eva

Evening ladies, Sorry I've been MIA again. Some days it's just too much effort to read and respond...even when I haven't done anything. Weird. Apples, you asked if guys ever notice a new haircut...well my guy does, every time. It's weird because sometimes I forget and he always mentions it. He always has. There are other things he misses however....LOL. And you know we like it when you "junk" up the thread. Phyl, you are one of the lucky ones...getting paid to do the ironing. Julie, aren't you having fun helping with the wedding planning? The right dress will come to you...just wait and see. Glad you are getting into the doc sooner than later. LauraK...have a safe trip and hope you have lots of fun. I can tell you are very excited...it make me smile. Congrats on your daughter's employment...that is great!! Lori...at least you now know what the market is like in SLC. I'm not sure house prices are going to fall that much any more....so you might be at the best time to find what you want. I like the condo idea too...especially if you are going to downsize...however, since you won't be spending time with your GM you will have more time on your hands...you don't garden though do you? I think you said your DH does the yard work....so maybe you can find a patio home....tiny yard for him and smaller and nicer. Joyce, nice to have clean windows and support the economy. Good for you and the gym, hope you had a productive workout. Charlene, glad to hear your Mom is doing better. How does she feel about going to nursing care? Good for you and staying on plan...that is so hard, but you are doing great. Linda...you are going to look great at that wedding. All those stairs must have been really hard on you with your hip. Aren't you glad that is better? Melissa, hi...hope the fill goes well. The liquids before/after fills really helps too. Debra...let me assure you...you may wake up one day and want to eat everything in sight and you may go over board and eat too much, but trust me when I say this....the band does keep that at bay. You can only stuff so much in there before it comes out and that isn't fun. So you learn to channel that urge in a different direction. I've only lost 45 lbs and am not anywhere near goal and haven't lost any in a couple of months, but I still have cut down what I eat by magnitudes and am very grateful for it. Just learn not to push the band because it can hurt you. It's a great tool. I haven't told everyone about the band....don't want to be "watched". But besides that I don't care. Deb, I'm still catching up on past posts...so if you can't figure out where this comes from, it's from a few days ago. I wish you were closer to the desert too, you could come hang out with us. The weather has been wonderful lately (besides the allergies). Laura...right now my eating is going pretty well. I've really cut out the carbs except fruit and the protein bars. When I stick to that, I seem to do very well. Haven't been on the scale. The goal is mine...148lbs, not 117 (I need to lose 117 pounds to get to goal)..I think I'll be ecstatic at 160 or 170, but I had to put a goal in there that I should strive for. Jodi, they say I'm busy, but I think you have me beat. Take care of yourself. What a dilemma with the dog....glad I'm not there because that dog sounds wonderful. That's a lot of money for a gym...or is that for the trainer? I guess the $20 exercise video isn't really motivating enough is it? And as for that older profession.....well I bet someone would buy, but yuck, you probably wouldn't want them. Janet, I really get it about work being awful. At least you'll be getting some help sometime in the future. It's just all the stuff you are having to do before that happens. I hope your gym workouts help burn off some of your frustration. Last night I walked 3.2 miles after work and I was tired, but it felt good when I was done. We got another wonderful email about how our "compensation" read as paycheck will be substantially similar after the merger and that our time off paid (vacation) will be the same through 2011 but all bets are off after that. There was also some verbiage about retirement pay, etc that was unclear along with our benefits. So, I'm really thinking that I'll be looking for another job sometime this year, especially by the end of the year. I think the icing on the cake was we had a little training session to start doing AQCB's. So this year we will be doing our normal wirecenter jobs plus AQCB (fiber), road projects, cell sites, and FTTN (fiber to the cross box). I realize you guys don't know what all this means, but it means a lot of work and following stupid processes and meeting arbitrary deadlines. Yuck...although I can handle most of this, it's being micromanaged while doing so that I'm having a hard time dealing with. Ug...so this is my whine for the day. I have to say I really like my boss however. He's cool and is only doing what he has to. Food is going pretty well. Not eating flour all day is doing me good. I threw out chips and cake and stuff after the party and I'll be throwing more stuff out tomorrow (trash day). The cravings are fading and I'm grateful. Okay, I'm going to go relax and maybe look for another job. Hope you all have a great night. Eva

Charlene, hope your Mom recovers quickly. It's pretty scary for a woman her age (it's scary for anyone) but it's worse when it's your Mom. Sorry folks, I just sort of skimmed the posts. It's been a busy weekend and I needed a day off today. Lori, I had my "getting younger" appointment on Friday. Got my hair cut a little shorter too this time. It's the summer "do". The purse party went very well...had 15 people besides the representative and it ended up being a $800 party for the representative. I was tweaking about the party because people were coming that had never been to my house and I get anal about everything being just right. I'll take pictures of my purses when they come in and post them then. My sister from Phoenix and her husband were here from Friday until today. We had a nice visit and she seemed to enjoy the party. It was nice to visit. Today, DH rode 50 miles on his bike and it about kicked his butt. He ran out of energy at about 40 miles and called me to meet him (two miles from home) and pick him up. Poor guy, he just hasn't been riding as much as he used to and it was a very long ride (this is a bicycle not a motorcycle). I finally got my plum tree planted and some calla lilys, watered, finished laundry, cleaned the kitchen from the party, and made jambalaya with brown rice. A quiet day. So it back to the grindstone tomorrow and another hectic week. Sorry I didn't post to each of you but know how much I appreciate that you are all here. Have a great night. Eva

Janet....Yeah, I get it when you say...what more can I do for other people....there's always something. 30 second download is too much, it's needs to go faster. Yep, work stress sure doesn't help anything. Good for you just saying NO. You really do have amazing control and are an inspiration with it. You look great Janet....you really don't need to change a thing. Linda...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Glad you are having such a wonderful day. It really is nice to know you are loved. Healing thoughts to your DB, hope everything works out for him. I don't do the physical labor in the heat....usually. And I enjoy it even though it make me really tired and everything hurt...it feels good to get something done. I would so rather do concrete than go to a gym. My hips seem to be okay right now except when the weather changes like today. It's cold and windy (it's April, what's up with that?) and I'm achy. Anyway, you continue to have a great B-day week. Melissa, work is rough and you can't let it get to you...you just keep plugging away and we'll be behind you. Great...good luck on the showing. Do you have to vacate when they come over? It's really weird when people are home and you look at their house. I think I would feel weird with people looking in my closets while I was there. I can't imagine having to keep everything organized and clean all the time either. Julie, if those little girls aren't getting along yet, it may be a while. I think the pastors advise with regards to "date" time is great. Yep, then they will get to know each other without distractions. Great advise. Glad you are feeling a little better. Hope it continues. Charlene, the icky weather is coming your way, be prepared. It's 48 degrees here right now and I've been achy all day. We even got a little rain, very little but some. Chicken and lettuce sounds good to me...that's what I had for lunch yesterday. Good for you in sticking to the diet. So my company announced it's merging with another company today. Qwest is merging with CenturyLink. The last merger (say hostile take over) didn't go so well for the employees and our stock. I really hope this works out better. I fear for my retirement. The merger won't go through until next year, so there's some time to figure things out at least. I just got involved with another project at work....it's kind of fun figuring it out, but oh it's going to take a lot of time and I have so much other stuff to do. Yikes. We are trying to put fiber in a historic district and the homeowners are having a fit. So coming up with an alternate solution is very interesting. My job isn't really physical except when I have to get into manholes or walk miles to take measurements. That doesn't happen every day. Some days I don't leave the floor I work on...just trips down the hall. Well DH just walked in. Guess I need to go catch up with him. Have a great night everyone. Eva