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OK, 'tis only 1 week or so past the equinox and here we are thinking of summer! What are your heart's desires for these few months? State your goals and let's get ready for our summer tiaras and frocks! :hug:
Support Groups - Regal Procession of the Faire Queens to Summerceara 04-02-2007, 08:49 AM OK, 'tis only 1 week or so past the equinox and here we are thinking of summer! What are your heart's desires for these few months? State your goals and let's get ready for our summer tiaras and frocks! :hug: ceara 04-03-2007, 08:10 AM Yes they are really funny....they love rabbit raisins! Arabella, sorry to hear about your sisters' straits...how can you not file income tax for that long without someone catching you? What kind of candles? Sounds like you are coming along Anagram. OUt in the gorgeous weather. yesterday. Thinking about your BIL. Have a programme this morning and I got a last minute work opportunity yesterday that shot my day....so I gotta run! :wave: ceara 04-05-2007, 08:50 AM Have reset my goal to try for goal weight by July 1st. Have 20 to go exactly! I think I shall do this...and if I don't I'll at least be closer to it! I was panicing when the recall came up...because one of the foods...canned..I was using is on the recall. I think it is made in one of the plants that has been OK, but I'm not using it anymore. Cooked ground beef, with garlic is what they get on their kibble now. I am using a large breed formula, for sensitive skin made by a company who so far seems to do their own food. Menu Foods is a Canadian company, but the affected plants were in the States...I follow the story nearly daily. Well, gotta go...tomorrow is a Stat Hol, so I must shop today. :wave: anagram 04-06-2007, 02:18 PM Hoo Boy, a new thread! Thanks, ceara. And wonderful news, Kaylets, may yours be the first in a round of really good news for the queenlies. So glad there's a ray of light for sis, WN. You can feel good that you helped but she's got know that you can't turn your whole life upside down. (We do do that too much, don't we?) I have been doing well -perhaps too much so because I got a mite carried away and now my knees are acting up. Hobbling is not good for knees esp. when two of them are metallic. So I'm resting up a bit. Had told DD I didn't think I'd be down for Easter and she took it coolly and gave me until today to decide. I'll probably go - because I want to - but knee/foot care is much easier here. She's worked to arrange transport with my bro driving me halfway tomorrow and sis doing same Tuesday. Then friend doing same next weekend when I need to go down again. Hopefully DS will be able to bring me totally home after pin is removed - ELEVEN MORE DAYS. BIL seems to be doing very well with surgery (thank goodness) but, of course the BIG QUESTION is what will the lab stuff show as to spread. Sis is staying Baltimore to be there everyday. His son and two grandkids did show up here this morning though. Had sixteen various relatives stop in this morning - from Alaska, Arkansas, Texas and N. Carolina plus a few from PA. Including 4 little boys under four! It was a relatively short visit and I fed no one (though bro did bring some snacks and he made tea, etc.) They had done the same in Nov. but it may now be a fairly long time until I see them again. Did a relatively small decluttering/rearranging job yesterday. Not tempted to go outside much now that the weather decided it doesn't want to do April anymore but to make up for one of those mild winter days. Poor daffs look so sad :( Guess i'll go call DD and tell her I won't be difficult and will come. Always love to be with the princesses but this cold spell has RA making life a bit tougher. I'm fortunate both kids seem to want to have me around and the princesses make me really feel important. Don't feel much like packing up again. Anyway, goals for the Summer Solstice. Well, just get more active and more back in synch. These last several weeks have taken some punch away for sure. I CANNOT WAIT TO DRIVE - MUST START LISTS OF WHERE TO GO. Of course I haven't bought gas during this recent upsurge and may have a coronary when I go to do it. ceara 04-08-2007, 10:23 AM Good luck Anagram...I think a list of where to drive is a great idea. Something to look foreward to. Are you having to wait until the pin is out to drive? Is it one of those that stick out? I hope you had a good time with the princesses. I am having a few people in for dinner...we are having ham, not people though! :lol: Anyways...church shortly and then home to clean! Arabella 04-08-2007, 01:06 PM I found you! :) I'd just been linking to the old thread so I didn't realize we were in business again on a new one (Thanks for posting, Ceara!) Then I thought it was getting a mite quiet... :chin: Eventually the penny dropped and I came to the thread list to check -- WALLAH! We are reunited. I'll slip over and drop a breadcrumb at the end of the old thread. I'm reenergized, it seems ... yesterday I scrubbed kitchen floor on hands and knees w. Curly Kate and TSP to remove the waxed-in dirt that previous owners had left behind. And then put a coat of wax on the CLEAN floor to keep it nice. Today I'm scrubbing the rest of the kitchen. I may actually get through the whole house this spring clean season. :crossed: Why do I have all that time, this festive weekend? Because we're in the midst of a BLIZZARD -- more snow down already than we've had so far this year. Three parties cancelled -- one last night and two today. Would have been nice to see folks but not possible so I'm enjoying the day I've got. I'm noticing a seemingly effortless change in my eating habits, too. When I'm hungry I look carefully for my best choice (and if occasionally less than perfect, never anything bad). And seem to easily stop when I'm full, never think about food when I'm not hungry. This'll work! Onederland, here I come! Ceara, have fun with your dinner! Mmmm... I love ham. That's what our brunch hostess was going to serve. Ah well... I've got tandoori chicken marinating for tonight so we have a nice dinner to look forward to. Can you say hi to Queens of yon Realm for me? I just find that it's hard to keep up two palaces. Not to say I won't be back, but in the meantime... Anagram, I guess you'll be off and enjoying Easter w/ Princesses and family. Nice! Yes, I feel a bit of the pressure off since my sister has a bit of a plan. I really have felt a lot more able to cope since you reminded me that I can't take on the task of fixing her life. K, Lovelies, I must be off. Fritter away a bit more time and then finish the kitchen for today. Kaylets 04-08-2007, 04:31 PM Hello all, Thanks for the new thread.... its perfect timing... Glad most of us are up and at 'em..... Not ate them... at them.... hmmmm interesting how so much ties right into food w/out me realizing it.... And that it my ephinany this spring..... that I am either obssessed w. perfection regarding food or in total denial..... So... I am vowing to be much less obsessive. To take back the power I have given food...To have far less guilt... to live and let live..... hmmmmm Here too, weather is too cold to want to be outside. Especially since we had some springlike days already, this cold snap is misery. I too feel joints aching reminding me that pounds lighter means joints have a easier time of moving... I also am playing "How many trash bags ?" as I travel from room to room.... I even have filled a box of books for the library sale or Goodwill, whichever comes first... and expect a 2nd one will be filled soon too... Funny how as I empty one shelf, I find more to should go on another.... How boxes under desks, in closets, stacked "discreetly" are really full of more things that should be let go..... And still, with the document shredding..... its amazing..... Hope all are well today. I just saw a couple of snow flakes.... guess I should go make sure I still know where the shovels are! Take care all~ ceara 04-09-2007, 08:12 AM Ham was good, the whole dinner was good. My SIL and bro brought these absolutely wonderful cheesy scallopped potatoes, I had the ham, fresh brocoli, caesar salad and yams, Mom brought 2 pies, biscuits and coleslaw. So, it was a good meal. Now today I have water retention....salt. Oh well, it was worth it! Gotta go! deleted2 04-09-2007, 06:40 PM I've traveled thru the bleak hinterlands to wave hello to my royal friends! 'Twas the lights in the palace windows that led me on---so good to see Kaylets, Arabella, dear Anagram!:hug: AND Ceara, who magically transports herself hither and yon! I want to try to get back here more often--I really do. Things are going well for me. I'm taking more chances and putting myself out there more. Currently teaching a Pilates class at work and will be teaching a bellydancing class in May and yoga in July so I'm staying reasonably fit. Still in the process of losing those last 10 pounds [actually 9 pounds at this point], and feeling hopeful. Recent adventures include Garry buying a new juicer, so we're having fun juicing all sorts of fruits and vegetables. Pretty amazing; really gives you a lift. I'm even thinking of quitting, well, cutting wayyy back on coffee! Love to all!!! wsw 04-09-2007, 11:59 PM hi eydie-so nice to see you! kaylets-congrats on your promotion! ceara-thanks for starting this new thread! arabella-congrats on those pounds down! hi anagram-so glad to hear your recovery continues on course. not driving for a long while after surgery can really be maddening, i know. hang in there, and try not to overdo too much, anyway. this whacky weather with winter back these past few days+ has confused all the poor flowers that had bloomed so beautifully. it snowed the other night a bit, after being 75 degrees only a couple days before. ms technical difficulties, however, didn't seem to be tricked by the return of the cold weather, unfortunately. ah well! have remained op and kept up with exercising, so pleased about that. way past my bedtime, so will sign off. thinking of you all. take care. ceara 04-10-2007, 09:09 AM Morning! I have a cold....which I am not thrilled about. SO I must go medicate it and then get some brekkie and plan for programme this am....2 year olds and their Moms...it is fun. I wonder if I can sing? Ah Well, tough. I'll croak. Then afterwards, I will go for a walk. I have a busy week shaping up here...work today, then 2 shifts tomorrow, plus adult book club. Then Thursday shift, and Saturday. Hmmmm. Will keep me outta the fridge! Yes wsw...the poor things....I think they may be OK though...the daffs are sticking their heads up a little! Have a great day ladies! :wave: Arabella 04-10-2007, 10:44 AM All goes well here -- did a half-hour on the mini-tramp and then 40 minutes of yoga/meditation. I'm going to a sound yoga class at noon -- almost told myself I didn't have time to do it but am just darned well going to :D And I'm taking Reiki training Friday evening and Saturday. It's the introductory part. Once I take the second section I'll be able to establish a practice if I want. May be something I'm moving towards, gradually... whilst maintaining my "paying the bills" job. Oh, Ceara! How crudly to catch a cold at this point of the year! May it be mild and fleeting. I'm so thrilled for you reaching goal by Canada day -- there may be fireworks to celebrate! WSW, yup, I'm wondering about my flowers, now under a foot or more of snow. Ugh. All that was blooming was brave little crocuses. I hope they're still okay... Eydie, what a treat to see you in here and hear about what's going on! Wish I could be there to take your bellydancing class! :cb: :cb: Kaylets, what a good idea, that "How many trash bags" game. I must play, too. I seem to be in declutter and clean mode, always a good sign. :yes: Anagram, that sounds like a managable visit from the 16 relatives. Still, a lot of people to have in at once. Hope your Easter in Princessland was blissful! K, Lovelies, I must get some work done before I'm on to the next frolic! Let's make this a good one! :encore: anagram 04-12-2007, 09:46 AM Good rainy, stiff, yucky morning, Royals. So good to hear from you, Eydie. Sounds like you indeed are having new adventures and really putting you in a new place. Thinking of you, ceara, as big dog show in town this weekend - Blue and Grey Cluster (?) - 156 breeds - close to 1500 heathens, I believe. course I'm not going - this "not going' is wearing thin. Even though I was at DDs over the weekend and did go to Mass and dinner. We were twelve at dinner and the chilluns' choir was sweet. Princess Almost Eleven sang for the last time with the group and Six going on Seven was most enthralled and performed well. Bro ended up driving me all the way down as DSIL went to emergency room Sat morning. All sort of ok now but it was a hectic weekend. By Sunday he was not really well but soldiered on for the Princesses. Came back Tuesday courtesy of DD driving me part way and DS/BIL bringing me the rest of the way.. Getting ready to go down again on Saturday (courtesy of a friend and DD) - will get pin out of foot on Tuesday (FIVE MORE DAYS!) and hope DS will be able to bring me up on Wednesday. I have my list ready of little places to drive when I once more can. It is all getting SO old. Since March 7th, I've been away from a house (either mine or DDs) only a very few times - like 2 doctor's appts (w/breakfast after one), one lunch, then the trip to DDs and Easter out, then the trip home (big meal en route). Not much for such a long time. Oops, I went to Mass w/neighbor one other time. Still not much. Did more shredding yesterday while doing laundry in the basement again. Really the best that can be said about that, is that it's a bit more decluttering. Hi, wsw, you inspire me that you keep on with your plan despite all. Arabella, I don't know what that is that you're planning to do tomorrow night. May it go well, anyway. Wonder how things are going in FL for FLower. Still trying to get the joints to want to move but move I must. Keep on inspiring me :queen:s. I need it. Really though it should me enough that my forsythia is blooming and the daffs, narcissi, hyacinths and a few early tulips are shining despite the cold nights and the gloom of today. Guess I need both! ceara 04-12-2007, 09:50 AM Yup...and that is the first one I've had this season. Guess I was lucky! However it is already breaking up so it was a fast cold...I love the horking stage. :lol: It seems pretty QUIETin here...did y'all drown in the rain? Are ye lost? Hello? Well, it has been raining here...after the snow last week...and the mud abounds. However the good news is that the bulbs don't appear to have lasting damage...the daffs are shooting their little heads right back up after bowing under the weight of the snow. So all is good in my world! I like daffs. Well, must be off and walk in between rain showers if possible. Aimin' for at least 20 minutes per day up to Sunday....I usually go longer...if I promise myself 20 minutes then I give myself permission to go further if I feel like it. Some days I wonder how to carve out the 20 minutes of time...but I do. I am important too....and am finally figuring that out! Arabella 04-13-2007, 09:58 AM Good morning, good morning! We've had some lovely sunny days this week but here we are commencing with our second snow storm in less than a week. :shrug: What are ya gonna do? I ran out early to get to the gym, hit the vet's and the grocery store and am now likely in for the duration. If it's as nasty as they suggest the Reiki training is likely to be cancelled, I would think. Going to just have a nice day, whatever. Even if I do have to work. Anagram, Reiki is a little like therapeutic touch and works with the body's energy pathways and the healer's intention. It sounds a bit woo-woo but ... I guess I do believe in that type of thing, the power of intention, our ability to heal and so on. I'm not sure if I'll ever get into it in any big way but it's interesting to learn. It's something we often do intuitively, sending healing vibes, etc. only with more method and a bit more formalized. Won't be long now before you'll be able to GO as much as you want! :D Ceara, I'm glad to hear that your daffs survived! There's not much cheerier than a daffodil. I just adore all the spring flowers. It's really the best time in our flower beds here. Summer they get to looking a little bedraggled. There's much room for improvement :rolleyes: K, Dollings. I must get some brekkies, shower and ... actually do some work. Love to all! Let's make this a good one. anagram 04-13-2007, 10:00 AM Gray this morning but I'm feeling somewhat better than yesterday morning. Managed to do more decluttering but not any good on the diet front. That 20 minutes a day (or at a time) is a good goal, ceara. 'twil be mine again soon. Bit of good news. Talked to friend yesterday who told me "my" pool is indeed open again. So I called this a.m. and checked and it is. Happy not to have to find another. Will start back as soon as pinhole heals over. My bones are ready for it. BIL home from hospital after cancer surgery. Seems to be doing OK (which, of course, is not yet "good"). Crossing fingers all goes well. Branched out a bit yesterday and started cleaning china closet. One more d/w load and I'll be ready to fill it up again - hopefully moving some things at least to storage. I'm hoping weather is at least good enough to stick my head out the door. I do think I have MAJOR cabin fever. Four more days. anagram 04-13-2007, 10:03 AM Such good timing for me lately. Simulposting with WN today, ceara yesterdy. I do believe in healing touch too, WN and all of the mind aspects of healing. Not in an overboard way but in the fact that anything positive beats anything negative any time. Just sometimes forget to do some of the things that would help me. And - away......................... ceara 04-14-2007, 09:13 AM Mornin' All! Nice to see you up and about Anagram....so there was a little pin sticking out...was it like a christmas ball on the end....that is what my friend had...we threatened to paint it! Arabella, too bad about the storm...I think we sent it that way! :lol: Yes, most of the things are OK...there are a couple of soft perennials which I thought were a bit early, that are going to have to start again, but that is OK. And of course the kildeer and robins were quite disgruntled at the weather change...there were still insects around though. The frogs shut up. They were tentatively going last night. OK....worked all day yesterday and am again today so gotta run! :wave: anagram 04-14-2007, 11:03 AM Sunny but still cold. Storm expected here too, possibility of snow - unheard of for this area at this tiime of year. Spring has got to stay soon. Daffs, etc. still ok but it's nicer to have warm weather to enjoy them. Yes, a little green ball like thing on top of pin. Last time I didn't have a bally thing. Pin just stuck out. My little ball is green and my sister (who saw it on St. Pat's weekend) asked if they come in different colors for different holidays ;) Pin itself, I understand, is about four inches long according to PA. I won't be looking to find out. So I'm off to Princessville again today. Hoping to come back on Wednesday if DS can do that. Sis offered to do the halfway thing again. We'll see. Last time I was down there was a problem with my getting on line and doubt it's fixed yet so probably won't be checking in again until I'm safely home. FLOWER - where are you? Promenade on, Royals. ceara 04-15-2007, 08:36 AM Hopefully Flower is getting settled in her new home in Florida! Well the sun is out after that surprise snow blizzard last night...I walked in it. It is headed your ways Anagram and Arabella. Rather pretty....big flakes, didn't stick around. Likely Nature's last hurrah! 'K...I'm off for Cornation Street! Arabella 04-15-2007, 10:30 AM Well, the Reiki workshops were verrrrry interesting... many of us intuited areas of people's bodies where there were issues. One guy actually had a sharp pain to his shoulder when he went over mine and I felt the energy from my hand going to his knee. My shoulders/neck area are problematic and have been for quite some time. At some point yesterday I read that that corresponds to taking other people's problems onto your shoulders. There was an "Aha" for sure. When I was going to sleep, I heard a whisper: "I'm dying of cancer." It was a female voice, purely informational and without any emotional weight attached to it. I didn't get the impression that it was about me. Apparently Reiki makes one more intuitive or more open to one's intuition. I'll talk to the woman who led the workshop about that. It might, I suppose, even be from the past -- someone who's lived in this house. It might also be nothing -- but it doesn't feel like that. In any case, I don't find it disturbing. Ceara -- WHAT???!!! MORE snow? Ah, say it ain't so... 'Tis beautiful and sunny here today, although there's a fair amount of snow on the ground. I must get out for a walk. Oh, wait a minute --- I think they're calling for rain here tomorrow. Which in April seems much more apropos. :yes: You're right though, sometimes snow this time of year seems almost magical when it's mild and the snow is beautiful big soft flakes. Anagram, I'll miss you till you get back from Princesville. Have a wonderful time, though. Oh, so soon that pin will be history and you'll be on the road to... being on the road. Lots! :) Speaking of which, I'd better hit that road to get in walkies. We've got a party at my sister's that was postponed from last week. Busy weekend! Kaylets, WSW, Flower... are ye there? :grouphug: Love to all! Arabella 04-17-2007, 08:23 AM Quiet in the palace. Of course, Anagram's in Princessland until tomorrow and Flower may not be able to get here from Florida yet. Hope all others are well. As I recall, HRM Ceara had been caught by a cold. All is well here. I'm considering going back to WW -- weekly WI does tend to make one hocusPokusFOCUS :wizard: I've got sound yoga at noon today. It's really cool -- I felt wonderful when I left class last week and for days even thinking about it made me feel good again. :) Shall walk over there, maybe try to do some qi gong too. I've got to shower up and head for ye olde salt mines. Let's make this a good one! ceara 04-17-2007, 08:59 AM WOW, you are up early Arabella! My cold is still here...apparently I kept DH up the other night with my nose whiffling...I took a decongestant last night which did not make me sleep well, but hopefully he did! Anyway am off tomorrow I hope to the D.C. area...be back in 10 days or so. Should be able to log in and report though! Your reiki and yoga sounds interesting. I do believe that stuff works.... :wave: Have a great day ! Isn't Anagram getting her pins out today? Or is it tomorrow..... Arabella 04-17-2007, 10:32 AM I believe it's today. Sending healing vibes! :goodvibes: :yoga: ceara 04-18-2007, 09:09 AM Leaving tomorrow....will be gone for 10 days....my main goal will be to stay on programme. I do not want to re-gain anything....what a challenge, eh? I may be able to pop in here as we will have a computer and internet, but I don't know how much I'll be able to....hope you all keep well! :wave: Arabella 04-18-2007, 10:54 AM Fly-by :wave: I went out for breakfast with a friend who's off to hike El Camino de Santiago in Spain for six weeks. I'm slightly envious -- although I'm not sure I'd want to devote six weeks to hiking. Had a spinach and cheddar omelet and home fries. Not quite my usual oat bran and soy milk... but once in a while won't hurt. Oh, 'tis quiet indeed. I b'lieve our Anagram returns home today, pin-free. Whither other :queen:s? :shrug: Ceara, have a wonderful trip -- hope you get a chance to pop in whilst away. I know you'll do great! :yes: Anagram, welcome home! Sending healing vibes for your tootsies! :goodvibes: K -- back to ye olde salt mines for me. Let's make this a good one! anagram 04-19-2007, 03:57 PM Aye, Royals, I am home and pinless....Still tender. Took a little tryout spin around the neighborhood but decided I can wait another day or so for a sojourn. Still grayish but things are to look up tomorrow. Must find a place for PT for 6-8 weeks and get new orthotics made. Easy enough, all. ceara - DC area? Why not when I was there. Princessville falls into that category and surgery was at Georgetown Hosp. Dear BIL had to have emergency hernia repair this week 13 days after his major cancer surgery. Hear he's doing well (nickname now "Ironman"). They did find one malignant lymphnode and a little cancer in remaining tissue somewhere though so he will be having another round of chemo in less than a month. Yikies! So - after all this inactivity and "pity party" eating, I finally stepped on the scale. Gained of course but not as much as I should have for all my transgressions. So - finally - I'm setting my goals for this lap - all the back to basics stuff and a goal of 9 lbs down for the remainder of the Summer Solstice Plan. Of course the first 2 or 3 will be the same I'm always losing. Hoping to get back to both pool and tai chi (as well as PT) starting next week. Nine pounds in nine weeks would be doable for many but my fat is so very fond of me it hates to leave. But I think it's about time (and overdue) for a major try. And we're beginning the fresh fruit/veggie time, so there's no better time to start again than now. Plus flowers, spring and all that. I love hearing about your Reiku, WN. I do feel we dismiss our intuitions a lot and that we can "grow" in that way if we work on it. So off I go, have a few old letters, etc. to file or discard. Did a little shredding today as well as laundry and unpacking. Must take advantage of last non-driving days ;) and enjoy at least what I've managed to get done so far. So off I go. So good to be home. katrinabgood 04-20-2007, 04:55 AM Back from far off lands and beyond to a place where I've always felt most comfortable. Mind if I pull up a small parcel of cyberspace and hang out? I'm feeling the need to state some goals and intentions and to actually stick to 'em this time! I won't blather on, just gonna put it out there: In order to become a healthier almost-50-year-old, I need to do the following: Eat well. Exercise daily: body and brain That should cover it! Seems simple really. SO WHAT'S STOPPING ME? :?: These and other issues to be explored in future posts. For now, I'm just glad to be back somewhere near the track, if not fully "on it" yet! Spring is returning, apparently, to my neck of the woods tomorrow (later today, actually) I can't wait to get moving outside...lots of yardwork and gardening to be done. Definitely my favorite kind of exercise! Ceara...I'll be in DC next weekend! :wave: Arabella...Thanks for luring me over, it's good to be back! :hug: Hi to everyone else: Anagram Eydie, Kaylets, wsw. I'd like to add more but my beeper just went off, people around here expect me to work, I guess. Will pop in later from home. Have a good day, all! Arabella 04-20-2007, 09:10 AM Also, calloo callay! Faire Anagram is home, pin-free and Faire Katrinabgood is in the Palace. Life's good :) Oh, we've got sunshine today for the first time in ... well, seems like a very long time. I recall it was sunny a week ago last Tuesday... I've been doing a Reiki treatment every morning and it really makes me feel good. Having interesting things happen. It's supplanted the yoga spot, though, so I'm trying to work yoga into the day in segments. Not managing too well, though, so must try harder. I'm not having issues with food intake control at all and have been off sugar and flour very close to 100% -- just incidental amounts. Although I may have a glass or two of wine tonight :cheers: It's FRIDAY!!! (and maybe Faire Punkinseed will return to proclaim some day but in the interim I could not resist -- although I really didn't try very hard). So ... fairly big work day today (yup, Kat, that's the problem with work -- if they just let us do what we wanted and come and go as we pleased it would be SO much better). Soooo, I'm going to go shower up and then have some coffee (I'm down to a decaf/caf mix that ends up being the equiv. of one cup a day -- not totally off but not so needful as I was). Let's make this a good one, :queen:lies! anagram 04-20-2007, 09:52 AM Oh, sunny day! Hail! All the spring yellows seem so much more yellow in the sunshine. Drove around the neighborhood yesterday for practice. Don't know if I'm going to brave more today or not. I want to, cluck, cluck, cluck. Anyhoo, I actually had a good day foodwise yesterday. One down - well, that's one more than before. Also slept well second half of night so SHOULD be up to anything today. Music - I need to turn off the news and hear some music. And find some fun................. ceara 04-21-2007, 10:44 AM Quick pop in...weather is gorgeous...have walked both days here...4.5 and 3.5 respectively. Am having a great time! Arabella 04-21-2007, 03:23 PM We've got the second day in a row of sunshine and warmer temps today -- lovely! We went for an hour-long walk, shopped for a couple of hours. In between, I've done a set of tai chi and am in and out of the house cleaning out the flower beds. I know it'll be no time before the weeds start to flourish if I don't get them out now. :s: I'm reading Ultrametabolism and it's making a lot of sense to me. A lot of it is stuff that I've been trying to do for a long time but some is stuff I didn't realize was part of the equation -- the effect of toxins & etc. on our metabolisms, for example. I've been trying really hard not to eat any artificial ingredients since I read You: On a diet. As always with the no wheat or sugar thing, I'm not finding it hard now that I've gotten going. Surely to goodness this weight has got to go :yes: AND IT WILL! :strong: I'm off to make a salad for lunch... Hope everyone's having a lovely Saturday! katrinabgood 04-21-2007, 04:27 PM Just a fly-by to cheer about the wondrous weather we're having too! Amazing how a sunny day lifts the spirits and makes everything seem all right. My favorite form of exercise: gardening. Even the most menial and mundane chores (weeding, cleaning out beds) make me feel great. I love seeing the potential, being surprised by what's made it through the L O N G winter and planning for the future. Right now, I think I may just run over to the garden place for some pansies to get things started. I'd love to stay and chat, but don't want to waste this glorious sunshine! Am already behind because my body insisted that I sleep after a long night at work. hmmph. anagram 04-22-2007, 09:30 AM Oh, these bodies and their killer ideas, katrina. The good weather is SO wonderful. All the blooming goodies. Sort of bummed though that I can't do any yard cleanup or anything myself at this point. Someone supposed to come this week (for many $$$$) to make it presentable. Called neighborhood boy two days ago about mowing. Waiting to hear while the grass grows like hay at this point. So nice this morning, I sat out a bit on patio of contentment. It never lets me down. Still a mite too chilly and not really set up yet so only read two sections of paper there. Kaylets, how's dh doing on new diet? Numbers reading better? Enjoy this glorious day! :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: :flow1: Arabella 04-22-2007, 02:20 PM Oh, it's nice! :) Not really warm, but a good 10 degrees above where it's been up until Friday. I'll take it! Another day coming to terms with the perennial weeds, which really feel like they've got a new lease on life. Shall nip in bud. So much grass in the beds and some tremendously tenacious other weedlies. Some of those ones that go down so deep and spread by all means possible. Nevertheless, what can one do but fight on? Also, many trees seem to have decided to take up residence in the flower beds. Must remember to mulch well after I get them cleaned out. :yes: Went for a nice walk this a.m. with DH and then home for yoga. I still have my Reiki treatment to do but I'm not having any difficulty making myself do it because I feel so good afterwards. Well, yoga makes me feel pretty good too but it's considerably more effortful :s: DH is at this moment baking two kinds of cookies for a bake sale at work. This is not a sight I ever expected to see. :lol: I've pretty much decided to join TOPS tomorrow evening. It's so much cheaper than WW and is in a convenient time spot (right before choir practice) and on the way there. There's no getting around it -- weekly WI is a good motivator. I AM going to do this. :yes: Kat, I love pansies. For some reason they aren't crazy about the spots I've put them in here. Maybe I should try cooler spots... Anagram, so happy to hear you've gotten to the patio of peace and contentment! If tomorrow's nice, my deck chairs are coming out of the garage. A sun porch is definitely on my wish list for our place -- it'd be great to be able to extend the season or to have a place to sit and watch the rain. Some day! K, lovelies, I must be off... to go slump on the couch and read the papers. Have a good one! Arabella 04-23-2007, 09:13 AM This is going to be a good week, I can tell :) I'm going to go to my first TOPS WI tonight. I usually weigh in first thing in the morning and nekkid so I'm not so much looking forward to the number after dinner with clothes on -- but it'll just be a baseline for next week's good loss. :yes: I woke up at around 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep. Laid there and did my Reiki treatment. It consists of putting hands on one's body in various positions, taking in energy with the breath and channeling it through the hands. It's neat actually feeling where the energy goes in my body. I can feel it working around my spine or in my feet or etc. Then we walked over to the gym and did circuit training, came back and did yoga and had breakfast. I've got a big pot of black bean soup started and the dishwasher's going. I'm sure I'll collapse at some point, hopefully around 9 tonight :yawn: I'm going to start the 3-week detox phase of the Ultrametabolism diet next week. I know full well that wheat is a problem for me. It'll be interesting to see if other things are too. Anyhoo, I should probably get some paying work done. Let's make this a good one! anagram 04-23-2007, 09:19 AM Another lovely day here this morning as well!!! Hit the 80s yesterday, to do so today as well!!!! Still no luck finding a mower and cleanup guy hasnt' shown yet either. Drat! Wish I could just do it. Have been driving short little bits - so delightful to be able to do that. Cleaned out another little corner yesterday. I don't have to get much done to feel self-satisfied ;) Eating improved - quality great, quantity still too great. Starting to feel a bit better - as always results from proper attention to healthy life. Sleeping enough too. So, for now, off to the shower and then to one important errand, maybe another more intriguing one later. Then just puttering and quest for mower person. Gave my mower away last year - knew I'd never be able to deal with it. So am in rock-hard place situation - same true of neighbor across the way - guy who did ours the end of last year has health problems, not sure if he'll be doing it this year - and at any rate - it's almost knee high now. But - oh, the daffs, hyacinths, forsythia and the so-far tulips have been so delightful even amidst the dregs of winter. Sun porch sounds like a marvy idea, Arabella. One of many things I might consider should I decide to stay here. So much needs to be done here and first I'd have to concentrate on stuff that would help sale of house if I decide it's too much for me (it is really too big a place for one person and looks like it's going to be pretty costly to maintain). DH never wanted to screen the patio (which is covered and carpetted and more like a porch now) but I think for me it might work much better if I decide to "age in place". TOPS idea sounds like it's very workable for you, WN. Extra $$$ to go to other fun things. I need to go spend on some little fun thing. Maybe tomorrow to reward me for doing mammogram. Kaylets 04-23-2007, 09:49 PM Hello all..... Can it be almost 2 weeks since I've posted.... impossible! I too am realizing how much this gorgeus weather is improved my outlook... I was stunned tonight to pull into the driveway and see tulips blooming... I thought for sure they were too old to bloom again..... how nice.... Hope everyone is doing well.... I am really needing to get detoxed myself.... As for "new diet" and numbers... what happened instead was that we visited nearly every burger place in town and now remember very clearly most of the reasons we gave up beef in the first place.... But we do what we can... I promise not to be such a stranger.... I need to keep on plan and one major component is to be queenly about it..... I am going to the royal bedchamber to catch some royal zzzzssss Arabella 04-24-2007, 09:07 AM I've actually been up just about 5 hours already -- we woke up around 4 But went to bed at about 9, so that's almost 7 hours anyway. Nevertheless, I seem to be hitting my afternoon slump :yawn: Things are going well, mostly doing the detox already but still have to give up the oat bran, eggs, dairy (milk in my coffee, yogurt, feta and parmesan are about it but hard ones to let go) and caffeine. It's been getting better and better -- I occasionally think of some forbidden substance but haven't had much difficulty beating the thoughts back. Yesterday was the first sunny and WARM day we had (very temperate, actually) and I did have wistful urges for a gin and tonic on the deck. Well, someday. Have done yoga, most of a set of qi qong and reiki so far. Will walk -- in the sunshine! -- to sound yoga later. It's a lot more sound than yoga but I LOVE IT! Walking home from it I actually thought: "Oh, this is what that 'walking on sunshine' thing feels like." And I'm really not the kind of person who thinks things like that ;) Kaylets, so glad to hear you're getting back in touch with your inner :queen: Remember, detox-wise, that it gets SO much easier after even a day without the... crap. Anagram, glad you're feeling a little better despite pesky yard helpers -- well, pesky in their absence/scarcity. We're in the long, slow process of deciding whether to try to find another house or just settle into this one for the duration. We need a bit more space but I feel like that can be accomplished. We'll see! In some ways, I just want to make the decision and get on with it! K, :queen:lies! I must do some work. Love to all! anagram 04-24-2007, 10:23 AM Always a tough decision as to whether to move or stay put. I've been back and forth on that for SO long. But the spring, when all the things we've planted come alive, it's so nice to be here. On the other hand, not getting any younger, expensive to pay people to do all the things we used to do (or even part). Anyway, scale playing with my mind. KNOW I should weigh only once a week and that was my plan. Day 1 - happy with weight considering, Day 2 - down 2.4 lbs Day 3 up to almost Day 1, Day 4 - up above Day 1. I know effort will pay off sometime, I know it, I know it. Been sleeping somewhat better since pinhold is filling in and becoming less tender. A good night's sleep helps everything. Have vacuumed first floor and two sets of stairs. Not much else. Have mammo today so I think I'll say I'm done the dirty work for today and go hit the shower, then putter. Might be a good time to sort of pull together a project or so where I've been working helter/skelter. So many of them, of course, but at least PARTS are done. When's ceara coming home? Wonder if she had such a good time that she's going to stay. Good - then I can meet up with her sometime. Must have been an adjustment to your systems, Kaylets, for sure. Is it helping the diabetes though? Missing you, wsw, but sending good vibes. Hi ho--------------- katrinabgood 04-24-2007, 07:22 PM Ahh. Sunshine. Works wonders on one's psyche. That and the sight of tulips and daffodils and green busting out all over. Does a body good! I'm feeling much sunnier myself! Food is vastly improving. (See: Sunshine, effects of) I took a firm stand and opted out of the Washington DC weekend. It's a Boy Scouting event, and since I am neither a boy, nor a Scout, I decided that Spring Cleaning and a garage sale would be much better usage of my limited time! So, I'll have four days alone to clean out closets, and haul things out to the driveway...there will be bargains galore here, I may just mark it all "FREE" so that people will just take my junk away! I'm excited. Gotta run, must make dinner for the boy, Enjoy the sunshine, all! Kaylets 04-24-2007, 09:02 PM Hello all,..... Did someone say yard sale? I remember them so fondly...now it will only be if they are on the way somewhere.....too often the hunt is now costing what ever bargain one may find.... Too bad too, it used to be my favorite sport... Anagram... well, golf is helping the diabetes... getting some activity, away from the job.... all in all, I think super combo of sun and fun will motivate him more to resist temptation.... Me, I am trying my best to go back to the middle ground... I forgot how miserable my digestion is with this stuff.... I REMEMBER now..... Walking on sunshine sounds delightful...... The dog is telling me someone is in the well or the chicken breasts need to be turned... I need to go see...... Kaylets 04-25-2007, 06:16 AM Good Morning all Royals!! This morning's Good Morning Thought seemed especially fit ... hope you agree! *********************** Thought of the day: " There ain't much fun in medicine, but there's a heck of a lot of medicine in fun." - Josh Billings, 19th Century Humorist Question of the day : "What do you do for fun?" **************** Here's to making this a great day..... food and fun ....!! Arabella 04-25-2007, 09:41 AM Good morning, Queenlies, I seem to have a bit of the flu that DH had -- sure hope it doesn't last as long as it did with him. I don't feel totally wretched, just slightly ill and achy. I've notified coworkers that I'll be in and out of the office today so I can take it a bit easy. Maybe I can fend it off :crossed: I've got writing group tonight, which I don't want to miss. OH! I almost forgot :eek: I lost 2 pounds and am now slightly under ticker. That's 4 so far for the solstice challenge. Food control has not been an issue at all, which is wonderful. I'll be interested to see what happens next week when I take out those other items that could be problematic. But, in any case, taking out the sugar and wheat always does this for me. This is it! :yes: Kaylets, I loved the quote -- so true! I just realized yesterday that singing and even learning singing technique brings me the purest joy. I keep finding that in new situations: taking voice class, going to choir practice, going to sound yoga. When I got home from sound yoga yesterday I was on a real high. It's deeply satisfying to me -- there's a resounding "YES!" from deep inside. That said, I'm looking for more fun, cuz more is better :D Kat, good for you skipping the trip and dispatching all boys and scouts! Four days alone sounds good. :D Somehow our peeples take up a lot of time and energy, don't they. It really is amazing how much difference a little sunshine makes -- seems like a different world. Good luck with your garage sale! Anagram, it sounds as if you're settling in nicely and striking a good balance in terms of doing stuff and not doing too much. I really enjoy a good putter. K, Dollings, I'm off to put in a putter-y work day interspersed with lying on the couch.Have a good one! anagram 04-25-2007, 08:23 PM Congrats, kat, on thinking through what would be best for you. Sounds glorious too. Loved the quote too, Kaylets. FUN has been a hard thing for me lately. Other than puttering which I too love. Gardening is usually good this time of year but is still mostly out for me. On the FUN front, I have planned a movie for tomorrow afternoon w/two friends. Talk of same has been going on for some time and I just said "hey, I'm going w/or w/o you". So they're going. I share your joy when you talk about your music, WN. And ceara's joy in her heathens is so lively. Hate to see you miss the fun of your yard sales, Kaylets, but agree the cost of running back and forth makes much prohibitive these days. My "better mileage" vehicle is still at DSs and I'm driving my old, big car which is a joy to drive BUT..... I don't feel I can take it on any but the smallest jaunts (which suits my foot well at the moment though). Had first PT today. Looks like it will be 3 days a week at first, then two. Liked the young chickie so "no problem". Let's see how I feel if she hurts me ;) It's raining here and I've been back in the funk - eating too much, curled up watching tv, etc. Smack, smack, smack. Need some fun, need some fun. Yard people were here though and things look good. Need to bring some more mulch to finish. Next week - but the front of the shoes are shined. Arabella 04-26-2007, 08:40 AM Pride goeth before a fall... After my big talk of food control not being an issue I dove off the wagon yesterday afternoon. AND then nibbled at writer's group. I think, on some level it happened because I"m afraid of changes that I feel are going to happen in my life because of the Reiki, sound yoga & etc. Coming unstuck, coming back to life. Having a bit of a chow-down made me feel more anchored. Also wasn't feeling well yesterday, which is often a challenge. Should have done a Reiki treatment -- I was "saving" it for after writing group to make sure I could get to sleep (wow! does it ever work for that!) But need to remember that I can always do a second session. Anyway, slip was a slip and not putting foot on slippery slope. Uh-uh. I'm tired today. I ended up putting in a pretty full day yesterday after saying I wouldn't. Maybe I can take the time today... Anagram, congrats on getting the yardwork done! O, I meant to say, too, that Ceara was going to be gone for 10 days. Now I've said it, of course I can't remember when she left... :dz: I've got Reiki session and first of yoga done. Will shower up and walk 'round my harbour when it warms up a bit. I intend to either finish yoga or do a set of tai chi. That'll do 'er for today, I think. Maybe some vacuuming & dusting... :yawn: Or maybe I'll go back to bed. Let's make it a good one! anagram 04-26-2007, 11:20 AM Rainy today. My pity party continued all night. I can usually shake these fairly easily but not last night. I realized one partial reason this morning. I have a neighbor who is kind and caring in many ways but I think she's being a toxic force in many ways lately. I did speak up to her on one subject and she hasn't repeated that. But it's just a general thing. I do want to be there for her but I must learn how to steer things so they don't get me down esp. when I might have other reasons to be down and am fighting those. Weighed in on my "official" morning and was down .2 from last Thursday. More than I deserved. Going to movies this afternoon. Have been sorting, putzing this morning so far. Am going to tackle a smallish bit of paperwork and then go outside and try a rescue on some small plants that seem to be mulched over. Not too much work today though. All this "reorganizing" wears me out. I'd rather straight out clean but it is spring and it is time for some of these things. Some involved putting out some of the things I put away at Christmas and just never got around to - of course, I'm rearranging, not just putting back where they were. Anway, onward and downward and all best wishes for continued success to the queenly ones. anagram 04-27-2007, 09:17 AM So - rainy again this morning but to be slightly warmer than yesterday. Enjoyed movie and dinner out w/friends. Must do more. Foot slightly more swollen after first PT round. Another one today. Laundry, some very light dusting, etc. Boring stuff. Did rescue and/or transplant some little pieces of mums. Hope they all make it. Am thinking I will do no more planting except in pots. (I think I say that every year ;) ) Looking forward to quiet weekend but must add some fun. Next week looking very busy - catching up lots of things (appts) that I had postponed during post-surgery time. Breakfast - then loud music, I think that will suit my mood today. And keep me from falling into a gray Friday funk. P U M P K I N - YOU ARE STILL MISSED - LONG THOUGH IT BE. AND WILDIRE, MISSING YOU AND YOUR JOYFUL WISDOM AS WELL. Wood Nymph - which won: vacuuming/dusting or going back to bed? anagram 04-27-2007, 09:26 AM Looks like ceara left about the 19th so we may not miss her too much longer. Fuzzy head missed that 10 days part - probably part of the scanning I did quickly when I came back. Hope it isn't that flu thing coming and going for you WN. I MUST get on with it though I'd rather just lollygag - IOW a normal morning for me. Arabella 04-27-2007, 09:44 AM Gotta say, I'm cranky today. DH is a very restless sleeper sometimes and last night was one of those nights. Coupled with me having a little more difficulty getting to sleep than usual, it cut into my snooze time. I did Reiki and then actually got up and moved to the futon in the hall but I was just about ready to whack him. And the crankiness lingers, despite walking, gym and yoga. Will fit house-cleaning into work day today. That always makes me feel better. Anagram, sad to say what won yesterday was... work. Ick. I really should have gone back to bed. Not so tired today but maybe some of the crankiness comes from me not giving me what I need? I think I need a holiday... :chin: Anyhoo... on with the day. :dz: I'm sure I'll feel better by the end of it. anagram 04-27-2007, 06:10 PM Yes, you do need a holiday, Arabella. Me too. Now that may sound funny to some who are more harried on a daily basis but I think I need it in the "change of scenery" format. Are you planning anything like your rental cottage of last year? I suddenly dropped all this a.m. and went and had my hair done. She didn't do a great job but still - having someone shampoo and blowdry did help my disposition. I usually combine that with a grocery run as well but didn't have time for all that before PT so just did the hair (and a quick trip to checkout the cemetery). Did at least two housework type things on the list and then did odds and ends and nothings. The rain is stopped at the moment and the sun is [I]trying[I] to break through so life is less glum at the moment. I need that "walking on sunshine" feeling. Where you be, katrina? Floridian Flower - hope they hook you up again soon. Arabella 04-28-2007, 09:37 AM :rain: Well, drizzly, anyway. And my flower beds definitely needed it. Of course, my vote would have gone to having the rain during the work week and sunshine on the weekend. But I couldn't find the polling station :shrug: The choir's spring concert is a week from tomorrow, so I'd really best get in some practice. We're doing Haydn's Mass in Time of War -- beautiful, beautiful music -- but really challenging. I really must put some effort into learning how to read music properly over the summer when the choir's on hiatus. I may have to take my practice CD and sheet music out for a drive and park somewhere to practice because DH is home. But that doesn't sound too bad. I could go park along a shore road somewhere... Anagram, we seem to be parallelling a lot lately. I did the same thing earlier in the week -- just shot off for a haircut. Likewise, not a fabulous job -- he trimmed the bottom but not the layers, which is really what needed to be done. He was busy and getting ready for a trip to the Dominican Republic but I think I'll make him freshen up the layers when he gets back. 'Tis quiet in the Palace, isn't it. Wonder if those boy scouts kidnapped Kat and made her go after all? I'm not thinking of renting a cottage for a couple of weeks as I did last year. If I do rent one for a shorter time, I want to go for something right on a good beach. I'd rather have a long weekend somewhere like that than 2 weeks somewhere like I was last year (had to drive to a good beach and the bugs were too bad to even be able to sit outside). I totally understand you needing a holiday after being tied down and constrained post-surgery. Are you thinking of going anywhere? I'm going to head out for a walk round my harbour as soon as I finish my coffee and post. Riiiiiiiiiight about... NOW! Have a good one :) Arabella 04-29-2007, 12:26 PM Cool and grey here again today. Walked round the harbour with DH and through town to make it an hour, came home and did a set of tai chi. Showered and brekkied and got a load of laundry on the go. I'm tired, will probably try to relax for the most part the rest of today. If I get really inspired I may give myself a pedicure ;) Hope all are having a lovely Sunday! anagram 04-29-2007, 01:59 PM Sunny here today - hooray! Still on cool side but getting nicer. I'm somehow in a much better frame of mind today. Been a busy little bee this a.m. but about to cut out THAT nonsense :0 On that paralleling thing, I had made up mind this morning that it's time for me to get a pedicure - looking at Tuesday though as I'm not about to do it myself - it's my Reward of the Week. Reward for what? Well, not for good dieting technique. Maybe for breathing. No vacation plans yet - though still sort of planning to sign up SOON for an Elderhostel thing. And thinking, if I'm brave enough or find a buddy, maybe a day or two at the beach in the fall. But am looking for bus trips, etc. Problem is finding someone else who wants to do same. I'm not fearful of going off on my own but a companion is nice sometimes. I have friends, of course, but (have I mentioned this before?) I often seem to feel like I'm the oddball in tastes, inclinations, etc. I just haven't met the right people yet, I guess. Watch out, people, I'm coming after you. As to my Royal friends - hope you're having a relaxing weekend, all. I plan to as soon as I finish sorting through shoes and checking out what else I may be able to wear until swelling goes down. FUN! Actually - I've done my FUN thing today. I've had on the Croatian Radio Program for first time since - forever. So I've been listening/dancing (as well as once can on a tender foot). It's about to go off, so that'll be my cue to move on.................................Bye! Kaylets 04-29-2007, 05:42 PM Hello all..... Well, it happened....I was shopping for shoes and when I least expected it, I had a run-in with a big full length mirror. AND I heard that big click... I've gone way beyond "well, you gained a few pounds but it doesnt look bad... hardly noticeable " to.... YIKES.... I do realize that the first look must have been at an odd angle because two or three looks later my face didnt look quite as round but THERE IS NO DOUBT, no "darker colors appear more slimming" denial about it.... So.... Said before but this time with real feeling..... I know the extra hours at work are part of it... Sitting, sitting, sitting. And the stairclimbing is actually painful since I did something to my knee...... Maybe jumping jacks to get my heart rate up. I did find a pair of sneaks that feel good on my feet in the closet so I am counting on a fast walk at lunch... even if its up and down the hallways.....I know what I need to do and obviously what I've been doing is putting weight on instead of taking it off.... Thanks for listening. I know you all wonder how many times I am going to say "This is it!" but I really do mean it! I have about 18 hrs of clean, "no guilt, no reason to not go on" and I am looking forward to watching my waistline get smaller..... So.... anyone for a challenge? :carrot: ceara 04-30-2007, 10:29 AM I'm b a c k! And up 5 pounds...but that is OK...southern cooking with lots of fat and salt....plus 2 beers per night...coping mechanism... But I survived and had a great time...will post more later...if you don't get bored by my vacation tales....saw a lot! Right now I need to do heathen work, laundry and walk and bank and shop and, and, and........oh yeah...unpack! BYE! Be back later! Arabella....I do that too...the self-destruction whilst succeeding...I found a lot of self-talk....why am I hungry exactly? Why am I eating this? Why do I want this?.. helps me. Just getting away from the food halps too! Arabella 04-30-2007, 01:14 PM Hi Goilies! I'm a little shleepy today, as I have been the last couple of days. I'm thinking that cutting out coffee may explain it :chin: I don't feel badly o/w, just like I need a snooze. Which I should do -- and may :eek: Gym, yoga, walk all done. May do Reiki this aft and have a little nap or I may wait until I get home from choir practice, which is overexciting for me and tends to keep me awake -- how pathetic is that? :lol: I had brown rice cooked in unsweetened soy milk for brekkies and made a really good mussel chowder for lunch. So far, the detox is not too daunting... Anagram, I know what you mean about friends that don't really share many of your interests. Elderhostel sounds great -- would it be somewhere close to you or would it involve a trip? Ceara, so happy to see you home! Don't worry about those 5 fluffies -- they're bound to go as quickly as they came after a short stint of reformed behavior! ;) Kaylets, yup, gotta hate those reality checks. Funny when they click though instead of just getting shrugged off. How often have I been shocked to see how fat I looked in a picture? Far beyond what I saw in the mirror. Even so, good catch. Look at your original number -- you could have not noticed until you were right back where you started. K, Queenlies, I'm off to see about doing a little work. Have a good one! anagram 04-30-2007, 03:10 PM So beautiful here today. I plan to take an apple and some boring reading material (that must be read) out to the patio and enjoy! PT was good today but maybe because I'm just in love with everything today. Oh, yes, Kaylets - a feeling I know too well - and a lot of it the overeating and sitting around post surgery. I have a couple of clean hours under my belt and lots of plans. Challenge? Yes! Fresh Start? Of course! Welcome home, ceara. You were indeed missed and we wait with great interest your tales of derring-do. I love your music keeping you awake, WN. Sign that it's really good for you. The trip I'm considering is about a two hour drive north - my limit for now. It's to be at a college where I spent two semesters in my early life - though after so long it's a completely different place, I'm sure. But it helped put it in my comfort zone for the first one I try (also the single supplement is so much cheaper than most and I think for the first one I'd like to go it alone even if I could find someone who'd be halfway interested - I don't want to feel responsible for someone else's enjoyment). I've sort of had in mind that I'd make final commitment next week or the week after. Others intrigue me as well but they're later in the year and who knows? Maybe I'd even go for two (if I don't opt for a beachy thing). Also might incorporate a side trip to spend a few hours w/some family if I do go for the one I'm considering. Lots to recommend it - sort of a reawakening, a little mental inspiration, a walk down memory lane, a spiritual retreat (I remember a lot of woods - probably mostly gone for more buildings), etc. Hope I'm not pinning too much on it or anything. Well, my apple on the patio is sounding better every minute so off I go to enjoy the balminess while it lasts. Kaylets 05-01-2007, 06:50 AM Good Moining all.... I wore the pedometer all day even though I think its possessed. It talks outloud and told me at midday that I had walked 1.5 miles.... which would mean only back and forth from printer/bathroom.... could be possible but the frightening part is that I was blaming LACK of activity for the weight gain.... BUT ....note to self.... aprx 10 am, reports and phone calls made office stress and it only took me 45 minutes to finish an entire package of baby carrotts.... Sounds pretty safe right???? Well.....at aprx 5 pm, I was RUNNING to the restroom.... So..... yes, Ceara, stress eating = coping mechanism..... Yes... I get it... somehow I always figured my little issues were not real stress...... Now I realize it doesnt really matter what the level of stress is, I reach for something to put in my mouth..... Thoughts to ponder..... But, overall, I did well. Am also limiting coffee. ************** Thought of the day : "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit." --Aristotle Question of the day : "Other than where you live now, where would you like to live?" *************** Lets make it a royal day! ceara 05-01-2007, 07:54 AM I like the thought of the day, very provoking! I don't know where I'd live...I think I make the best of wherever I am! I may get back to that one. OK, another busy day shaping up. I have a programme for 2 years olds and their parental this morning, the class cancelled likely because of the weather, and I think I will take advantage of that and do some more groceries. BUT I need to wash out the fridge first...since it is nearly empty anyway :lol: That will save me time later... You were right Arabella...three of those :dance: have gone already...salt! Gotta go...be back later 'gators! Arabella 05-01-2007, 09:14 AM Yup, woke up to see the ground blanketed with it again. Hooray, hooray for the first of May :dz: But it can't last, will probably rain. Day one of detox under my belt and I've been fighting back an urge for coffee -- even organic decaf! :prettyplease: The issue is the milk, but I was thinking if I snuck out and got some organic milk... Probably shouldn't though. Maybe I can learn to like it with soy milk? I switched with tea years back and I came to truly prefer soy in it before long. We'll see... Choir practice was good last night although I kept thinking "If I'd been to all the practices I'd be able to sing the heck out of this music." Ah well... I DO intend to practice this week. Concert's next Sunday, Haydn's Mass in Time of War. Ceara, wow -- class cancelled? What kind of weather are you getting? Anagram, your plan for Elderhostel sounds so much like the way I'd approach it. What kind of music is on the Croation station? Kaylets, I have had that same experience with baby carrots except that it kept me awake all night. Shoot -- moderation in all things, even frickin' little baby carrots! :rolleyes: K, dollings I must do some work. Got sound yoga at lunch :D. Let's make this a good one! Arabella 05-01-2007, 09:18 AM OH! Almost forgot that I'm actually down a pound today and in virgin territory for the last few years. Can't wait to break the next "decade!" anagram 05-01-2007, 10:34 AM Drat - just lost a nice post. Will come back when I'm back in my May Day mood. Kaylets 05-01-2007, 10:28 PM Ah, Anagram, I know that feeling.... I put my whole heart and soul into a post and pFFFTTTTT .... LOST IN CYBERSPACE...... Maybe on a parallel internet, we have a parallel chat. Hopefully, I am slim and trim and still at goal weight...... Ah well... Worked very late this eveing, took a shower when I came in and sat down to watch Idol. Noticed today when I took a stairway, the knee was protesting. But I will persist and find a middle ground. I am carrying much of the weight gain in my midriff and I know the more I can get up and down stairs, the more the midsection can flatten. Brought celery to work today. I've decided that since I'm more there than home, I am also going to bring a container that I can have celery and water so the celery is super crisp. I truly don't know why I never thought of this kind of stuff before. After all, I spend more than 1/2 my day there, why do I make myself wait to be at home. Yes, Ceara, what kind of weather are we talking? Is the class outside and you have rain? And yes, Wood Nymph, I hope your snow melted. I'm off to find some things to declutter..... to throw or give away...just need to do it!!! Night all.... Kaylets 05-02-2007, 06:51 AM Hello all.... We had rain last n ight .....now this morning, its very,very humid.... I'm already sweating.... Let me see, what was I wishing for in January? ********************** Thought of the day : "The purpose of a life is a life with purpose." Robert Byrne Question of the day : "What's for lunch?" ********************** Lets make this a good one! ceara 05-02-2007, 08:01 AM Arabella congratulations of the "virgin" territory.....it is a wonderful feeling isn't it? Especially when the scale starts to consistantly stay there! Anagram...I hate that when it happens....the trees here look so naked compare to the ones over your way...our leaves are way behind! How are your gardens doing? Kaye...good plan on the snackies...celery is a good crunch....add a little peanut butter, it will stay longer with you! Class visit...the kids walk about 7 blocks to the library, and they were grade 2, so they don't like to get 'em wet. They are so cute, they could melt you know. Just thunder storms...no snow. Am 1 pound away from ticker....the water weight is coming off. Walk/ran yesterday...the old walk 2, run 1 thing. Haven't done that since last Nov/Dec. Once my lungs were in danger of freezing, I quit running. Wasn't too bad. We managed to get to Jamestown while in VA....it is their 400 anniversary and there is a rather interesting write-up in this months' National Geographic! Anyway, we were at the original settlement...not the newer one. They are still excavating their way through it....have built a new museum, to house and display the artifacts....some really interesting things, plus 2 skeletons on display. After they excavate and document each part of the site, they fill it back in....the original brick work is so old that it will crumble in a short time if left exposed to the air. The soil is the best way to preserve it. Jamestown was a very busy little colony...and they sure changed the course of North America...read the article! Anyway...looks grey out there....but not drippy :lol: I have to walk, and then DH and I are off to the licence bureau...he can't find the ownership for the car I own, and he wants to put back on the road....so must boogey. Besides the heathens are whining. Arabella 05-02-2007, 03:06 PM Hey Queenies! Busy here -- I've got tons of work stuff to do, the concert to practice for and DH's piece about his mom to edit. And I'm tired! :snore: I've got a Reiki share group tonight so maybe that'll fix me up. (Practitioners get together to... practice) Kaylets -- heat? I can hardly imagine it! Enjoy your AC. :) Ceara, Jamestown sounds very interesting -- think I've heard a bit about it before but I must go look it up... Anagram, I feel deprived! Really makes you think there's a :devil: on the Internet just waiting to snatch away those good posts. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever lost one that was just a fly-by nuthin' :chin: That said, I'm sure this post is safe and I'm off again. Mmmmmwwwwaaaa! anagram 05-03-2007, 12:39 AM Didn't get back yesterday - I feel like I said it all. Tomorrow I'll catch up. Two perfectly gorgeous days and I've been so mellow. Too sleepy now to get it all out and down on "paper" but sending love to all Royals. Kaylets 05-03-2007, 06:58 AM Hello all! HAPPY THURSDAY! I am beginning to feel that "its great to be eating well and moving more" feeling.... Another personal reminder..... *********** Thought of the day : "........Do it big, ...do it with style!" Fred Astaire Question of the day : "How often do you wear sneakers?' *********** Overslept fo the first time in years.... all of us running out the door..... Take care! ceara 05-03-2007, 08:40 AM Last night was a good night for sleeping! I slept well too...but when you have 5 four-footed alarm clocks, you don't sleep in. Ever. The day looks nice...sunny, cool and springy. Gotta love it! I think I need to go to the doctor...my cold is on the end of it's third week? Not a cold. Darn thing. Have grade 1's coming today, and the computers were out last night...so, it may not be an easy process this am! I am going to Halifax! In June...for the week-end...it is my DB 50th. And on the ticker front, I am where it sez I am! Yeah! Arabella 05-03-2007, 09:19 AM Reiki share was good last night but it went later than scheduled. Too much talk beforehand! I wouldn't care if I could sleep later than 5 but I can't. Yup, I need a vacation. One without a 5 a.m. alarum. :yes: Cloudy, cold and drizzly today. We're really not getting a very nice spring here. I'm trying to decide what form exercise will take. Ceara, cool that you're going to Halifax. That's our nearest "city getaway." Kudos on getting right back to ticker so quickly, too! :cb: :cb: Kaylets, hmmm... if you count running shoes, probably 3-5 days a week for me. But I mostly wear clogs or my fuschia mocs around the house. Anagram, can you send some gorgeous weather vibes this way? Won't ask for weather itself since, of course, you can't actually spare it. Gosh -- talk about leaves on trees and gardens growing makes me a little envious. But... we have now a single daff in bloom and tulips on the way up, crocuses doing their best to cheer. This fall I intend to get a lot of early spring bulbs for naturalizing. There are a number of lawns around that have big swaths of lovely blue... not sure what they are, actually, and snowdrops crocuses, miniature iris. Such a magical look! WSW, sending vibes your way... :goodvibes: Hope you're well! Katrina, Be thee about? K, :queen:s -- let's hit it! ceara 05-04-2007, 09:03 AM Mornin'...They could be grape hyacinths...they often are used for naturalizing....got to be brief...I am working at 10-12:30 in another branch and I need to visit the shower and the breakfast calls....so I will endeavour to visit later! Sneakers....every day! I have about 4 pairs, in various rotational spots...grass cutting ones, daily ones, walking ones, running ones....I tend to wear open flip flops with drains in the soles mostly though.... Bye! Arabella 05-04-2007, 10:41 AM More flowers coming up. We've had some rain, which we needed. Now we just need a little sun! Back from gym and brekkied, done a little work. I've absolutely got to get some practice in for the concert today. Will do, too. :yes: Then that's it for the choir till the fall. I feel like I've got a lot going on these days. But several things go on hiatus over the summer so that'll free some time up. We've got a dinner party on for tomorrow and then final practice and concert on Sunday. Ceara, they're not grape hyacinths but in that color range. They're smaller but tend to grow in swaths. So sweet! I was very happy that DH seemed to like the idea of naturalizing spring flowers in the grass. I must away to shower mine own self. DH will be home for lunch before I know it! Have a great day, :queen:lies! anagram 05-04-2007, 02:48 PM Yikes - where've I been!!! I guess mostly enjoying the beautiful days we've had all week. Sunny bright, low humidity, pretty, flowering, springlike. And I've been feeling, doing much better. I guess PT is helping foot after all and I also made it to pool yesterday. Croatian music is mostly stringed and somewhat similar to Russian music, played on a tambura instead of a balalaika. The show also plays a lot of polkas (of somewhat dubious musical quality) that I also enjoy. DH was of Croatian background and listened more or less regularly but I'd not tuned it in since he died - so it was another one of those little steps along the way. Enjoy yourconcert - sending you "happy, proud" vibes, Arabella. I love the thought of you surrounded by all those wee ones, ceara. If I count only recent two months re sneakers question, I'd have to say once. I tried on a pair the other day (well, tried 3, could get into one) and that was it since before foot surgery. Before that, I'd say it was for part of every day. Sill wearing the sandals, swelling is down but not gone. Off to PT shortly - then a leisurely weekend. Still not driving much so am prone to getting stuff done since I'm here so much. Next week looking much more active - like it or not. Still doing the May Pole dance ................ anagram 05-04-2007, 02:50 PM Ooops, forgot yesterday was "official" weigh in. Down .6 from start two weeks ago. At least it wasn't UP like prior week. ceara 05-05-2007, 08:56 AM Yeah Anagram! A loss is a loss! Congratulations! Well I have a brekkie date with my BGF this morning....so I need to boogey....did a lot of gardening yesterday...the balloon flowers are just bursting through the dirt...I started with 3 plants, and now I have many more...they had babies :lol: And the old clematis which my husband tried to kill 2 years ago, has been attacked by rabbits! I cleared out the dead stuff from the trellis (which was all of it, they chewed it off at ground level.) And thank goodness, it is coming back from the root....again. I will fence it. Anyway must boogey....enjoy the weather Anagram!. It is great! Where is wsw? anagram 05-05-2007, 12:47 PM Yea, verily - another gorgeous May Day here in Central PA. My heart is bursting with spring joy. Yes, the loss is small but I am feeling so much better that I know this is the way to continue. Plus I've been moving about a bit more. PT started on strengthening my RIGHT leg (yes, just the right one). Good thing I do some exercises on BOTH - may have to do more on the LEFT so I'm not OFF (well, some say I am anyway). Off to water the few plants I've put in pots and the four (reduced already to 3 by the bunnies) coleus I planted in the ground. Also will put in six geraniums today or tomorrow - and then THAT'S IT. It really is this time. ;) Arabella 05-06-2007, 05:23 PM Hey Girlfriends! Just got back from the final choir practice. DH is cooking dinner and then it'll be time to go back for the concert. :eek: Wish I'd practiced more, but I probably won't disgrace myself and then next year I'll be better! Also had too much wine last night, which I'm sure isn't helping me sing my best. :rolleyes: Interesting trying on the same outfit that I wore for the Nov. 11 concert -- both pants and blouse are baggy and were not at all then, although i weigh nearly the same :chin: Anagram, kudos to you on the fluffy release! The sun has finally come out again here. Oh, I hope it stays! :crossed: I don't remember a cooler or grayer spring. I had to wear my winter jacket, hat and gloves to go for a walk this a.m. Ceara, bad wabbits! We don't have a lot of them around here, just slugs in the gardens and skunks on the lawns. Kaylets 05-06-2007, 06:44 PM Hello all.... For the first time in memory, I had the past 2-3 days a full blown allergy attack....contant sneezing, running, burning itchy eyes and that was AFTER I took a "once in 24 hrs" generic .... I could tell every time the time release was working because that's when the symptons would subside. Bought the old fashioned take every 4 hrs stuff this am to try and so far its much more bearable. One thing for sure, it deadens all taste buds.... need super flavors to feel like you're eating.... Hot peppers here I come!! Everyone sounds so positive I hope we can continue feeling the same way for awhile. I am doing household chores very slowly today although I am playing "Fill 3 trash bags"... I will have more than 3 but its only becuase I found two craft boxes had been also found by the mice. I rescued a small bag that was wrapped in another bag but the remainder had to go into the trash. So another 2 ft of space is cleared. When I look at the dates on the newspapers things are wrapped in or the prices or even the stores I am amazed how old these "treasures" are. I found upopened candy canes that must be nearly 20 yrs old as the store stamp is one from Connecticut. We havent lived there in that long. Way beyond edible. I am watching Shear Genius on Bravo. Its interesting to me. I'm off to see the ending. Take care all! ceara 05-07-2007, 08:28 AM That is great news on the pantsuit Arabella! Things are tightening down! Was your concert last night? Anagram, how did the planting go? I have some geraniums here to put in also...into pots. I am slowly turning the hanging pots from plastic to peat lined metal ones....much more durable. Those darn plastic hangers break! And those darn plastic pots split! I planted a couple of perennial geraniums yesterday....blue, an ornamental grass, transplanted an unhappy pacysandra and 2 astibes, put in a new to me snowball bush and moved/split a couple hostas this past week end. Plus I chased the lawnmower around on Friday night...I need to dig out some cone flowers for the library, I had 2 potted to go, but I gave 'em away last night....and some black-eyed susans to dig too....they are into the cobblestones, and the same person would like some of them.... The tulips are looking beautiful...and so are the paperwhites....they came in a daffodil mix. Not quite what I was expecting! Rehearsal was good last night....and DH and I went out for dinner....I had disappointing fish and chips, without the chips, salad instead! OK, must finish logging and fly! I'm hungry.... Arabella 05-07-2007, 10:03 AM There was definitely some over-indulgence on Saturday. I had a few non-OP nibblies before dinner and 2 chocolate-walnut tarts after dinner. Plus several glasses of wine. On the positive side, I had my first woggle of the season and it was good. :cp: :cp: I'm ready to do that 3 days a week. Yay! And then yesterday my behavior was poifect. So, I see this as being how it goes for the rest of my life. Healthy eating -- with the occasional whoop-de-do -- and lots of exercise. Sounds like a solid plan! :) I'm a wee bit weary today but have walked to gym and done circuits, come back and did a set of tai chi. Got my sheets hanging -- actually on the deck railing, since we lost the clothesline in a wind storm (must replace). Ceara, yup, the concert was last night. The turn out was a little disappointing but the tickets were a little expensive. Also I'm not sure whether Sunday evening is the best time for a concert. And the sun had also just come out for the first time in a couple of weeks so maybe people wanted to be outside. Aaaanyway... it went okay. Sounded pretty good and I didn't do any impromptu solos (although a few people around me did). Next year I'll be better! Is Shear Genius about hair styling? K, Loves, I'd best get some work done (going to try to be efficient at work and get out as much as possible today). Let's make this a good one! anagram 05-08-2007, 12:13 AM Our lovely spring streak continues albeit a little cooler today. More on the way. I've been feeling pretty good - hope it continues. Yes, we do seem positive of late, don't we? Must get back to the trash tossing too. Slacking off there of late but then I've been getting some other things done. Lots of social stuff the last two days. Overdue. My plastic hangers all broke too. I do like the peat lined ones I have and might get a few more. Though (repeat after me) I'm not going to put much in this year.................. That's how I see the rest of my life too, Arabella. It's a journey that will never be done. I'll work on it, fail occasionally (or constantly sometimes), hop back on and try to stay very active. Visited today w/94 year old friend and marvelled at her spryness, interest in life, etc. A good role model is some (surely not all) ways. Spent last evening w/two 82 years old and marvelled at how good they look. He played golf four times last week. Both slim and fit (though not without health problems). Seem to spend lots of time observing others and how they've fared. Still trying to learn, I guess. Busy week. Don't like to be QUITE this busy but things are being accomplished so I'll squeeze in restful moments when I can. Life is good. ceara 05-08-2007, 08:20 AM Guess the operative words in my post were I'm hungry. The day was poifect....:lol:...no indisgressions. Then came night....argh! I watched my self do it...3 beers and 3-4 trail mix bars! Boom into the gullet! I need to eat a bigger supper...a hard thing to do on a 4-8 shift...when I'm really not supposed to eat there. And I didn't bring much with me. Resolution....bring supper! Regardless! That being said...off for another poifect..all day....DAY! You all sound like you are doing well...congrats on the concert Arabella! Anagram...sounds like you are going great guns in the gardens....Flower should have checked in by now...... Arabella 05-08-2007, 10:07 AM Flying by, running late. All goes well on diet and exercise front -- woods-woggled again this morning and then did most of my yoga. Brekkie, shower and Reiki. Now I've got about an hour and a half before I head out to sound yoga :yoga: :lol: Gosh, this self-actualization stuff can be time-consuming! Ceara, three beers sound good! But I think I'll have mine with nachos or fish and chips inst. trail mix bars, please. :s: Anagram, yes -- we can always learn so much from others. Even if sometimes it's what we don't want to do as we get older. It's all part of living an intentional life. K, Dollings, I must actually do some work. Let's hit it! Kaylets 05-09-2007, 06:28 AM Yes, Anagram, you are so right! Its so true for me, the more I learn, the less I realize I know...... Its very foggy here this morning so I am leaving super early.... Just wanted to say hello to everyone and leave you "the thought of the day" ************* Thought of the day : "Always remember, there is more strength in you than you ever realized or imagined. Certainly, nothing can keep you down if you are determined to get on top of things and stay there." Norman Vincent Peale. Question of the day : "Have you or would you mountain climb?" ************** Take care all! anagram 05-09-2007, 09:51 PM Another beautiful day here. Feeling the rain though that we're supposed to be getting tomorrow or next day. Been battling squirrels who are pulling out my little flowers as fast as I put them in. PT has gotten more involved and I think now qualifies as "exercise". Coming along fine. Doctors scales! Don't you love 'em? Saw internist yesterday, liked what his scale said. Saw gyn today, his was 3 pounds heavier. Weighed in the same on my scale at home on both days. I'm sticking w/internist scale as he's the one that has record of me at my highest. So I can always point out that it was 46 lbs lighter as of yesterday. Of course, most of that was lost years ago but still - holding is good too. Any kind of drink is sounding good to me right now ;) With meds, don't have any very often but there is a bar down stairs and some booze going to waste. Tomorrow's another day........ So, goodnight Faire Queens - present and accounted for in the palace or floating around in other realms or currently unable to respond to our calls. I think of May as one of our "bonding" months. Of course, October is a big one in our Queendom. But thoughts of Maypoles and spring bring back fond memories of our early days. So, off.............. anagram 05-09-2007, 09:58 PM THOUGHT OF DAY - No and No, I couldn't. Used to hike up mountains in earlier days but never actual mountain climbing. Kaylets 05-10-2007, 06:35 AM Hello all, We have dense fog again this am... I am leaving extra early.... Got my water in yesterday..... Hope all Royals are finding Thursday to their liking! *************** Thought of the day: "The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything." from "The Coffecup" Quesiton of the day : "How often do you read a newspaper? Is it paper or online?" **************** Off to see, find or be the Wizard! ceara 05-10-2007, 08:55 AM Very rarely. I read the obits occassionally online. Just to see if I'm there! :lol: Never been mountain climbing...no urge to either. 'Tis foggy here too...the buses aren't running in am but will this pm. So I am off for a woggle...I love the images that brings up. I'm doing 15 minutes in total...5 joggling and 10 walking..then any extra walking is a bonus! So far I'm surviving.... Thank goodness the squirrels haven't discovered us here...the trees are not mature enough to support them. Gardens are coming along....I have many more barrows of dirt to move, and many more plants to plant! Need to get some coneflowers out and moved down to the library....they've been rained on so the outing part would be easy.....Also am moving hostas around, they aren't terribly happy where they are, and I have a spot for them...if it isn't too hot.....am doing sun study there at the moment. Wish the danged thing would come out! Gotta go! anagram 05-10-2007, 05:23 PM Yes, hard to study sun w/o sun. Yes, I read paper daily. Hard copy. Was reading a bit on patio earlier as windowwashers were here. Now I'm vacuuming before I put things back in place. Well, at least I'll do the first floor. Tomorrow's another day as far as the second floor is concerned. One more chore off the list (I manage to get very tired even watching other people work). Grass guy not here yet. Neighbor must be close to a breakdown. She's forever calling these people (invoking my name as well as hers). I am not getting far in my campaign to teach her to stop sweating the small stuff. She called him MORE THAN TWO HOURS AGO to see where he was. He SAID he'd be here Thursday. I thought she and I had agreed to give him the whole day to get here and not call until tomorrow. I am much too lazy to worry about all this stuff and she calls me all the time to tell me she's called {"whoever"} Ah well, she takes care of me, I guess. In case you wondered how I could write and vacuum, of course, I can't. So it's back to the machinations. ceara 05-11-2007, 08:19 AM Looks to be a beautiful day shaping up out there! I have the Friday parental brekkie, so I will be brief. Many plans for the day....shopping, gardening high on list after breakfast...so I must be off. Want to woggle before I go! wsw 05-11-2007, 08:39 AM hi royals! i know it's been a while, but i have been thinking about you. i had some ms and some computer "technical difficulties" both of which have kept me away. i have a lot of posts to catch up on, but just wanted to peek in and let you know im still here. :) have a good friday, one and all. anagram 05-11-2007, 05:53 PM So grand to see thee, wsw. May both of your technical difficulties take a good long break so we can have more of you. I think I really overscheduled this week. Life's not as much fun when you have more to do than your old body is up for. Next week - less which will be more - at least in the FUN dept. ceara 05-12-2007, 09:25 AM Hi wsw! Nice to see you back....sorry about the problems though. Saturday dawns windy and overcast. But the sun will peek through by this afternoon. And since I'm working, that is fine with me! I am stiff this morning...I ran 10 minutes of the total woggle time yesterday. I know, I'm too fussy. I time everything. I guess it is one thing I can control....how much I do, that is. So today will just be a long walk around the block and some easy weights. Gardens...I planted 18 calla lilies yesterday...the white, and light pink ones that look like the silk ones in the expensive decorating stores....tublar and short ones.. They look very elegant, and I hope they do well. The consensus is that that bed is going to be too hot for the hostas....dalias and those lilies so far are there...and some creeping phlox. And a bleeding heart....I hope it isn't too warm for it now that it has lost its' ugly shade shrub! Anyway, I plan to continue gardening this pm....after work. Manure and dirt to haul for expansion #4 of the far front bed! Have a great day Ladies! Arabella 05-13-2007, 01:13 PM Fly-by :wave: We're taking my mom out to Fisherman's Wharf lobster supper. Yay! No cooking! In the meantime, though, I think I need a nap and I'm just going to go pop into bed with my novel :s: Love to all... AmberJoy 05-13-2007, 03:53 PM Hi Ladies! I was wondering if I could join your group. My name is Amber Joy, I am 23 from Utah. I'll tell you more about in my next post if you'd like to hear. I have 80 lbs to lose. Anyways, you seem like fun people and I would like to get to know you! ceara 05-14-2007, 09:49 AM Hiya Amberjoy! Pull up a tiara and have some tea....Kaye is the tea lady I think. I like wine :s:. However, as it causes me to lose my inhibitions and eat in an un-:queen: - ly way, I try not to inbibe too often! How was the Wharf Arabella!? My DH BQ'd and the parentals came over....very nice. Too much wine and too many poppers. However. Fun. I must beetle....am to be trained this am and I want to get the heathens out for a bit! Kaylets 05-15-2007, 06:41 AM Hello alll! Welcome Q Amber Lee, please tell us more about yourself! Hi WSW! Glad you've had a chance to stop by and give us an update....hope we see more of you ! boss is leaving for vacation tomorrow so I have a few extra chores....so off I go! Wearing the pedometer I hope! *********** Thought of the day: The present is what slips by us while we're pondering the past and worrying about the future. - Ziggy, cartoon foible Question of the day : "Can you jump rope?" *********** Lets try to keep smiling today.... anagram 05-15-2007, 09:56 AM Welcome, AmberJOy - always glad to share palace with kindred spirit. Jump rope? Well, at one time I could (even a little Double Dutch a long time ago). Artificial knees don't thrill to the thought though. I admit I tried a jump last year with the younger Princess. A memory best not recalled ;) DS was up over the weekend which made it eminently pleasant - plus he does countless little things for me while here. Also a little family occasion on Saturday which was pleasant in itself but more so because he doesn't get to too many of them. to be ultra warm today after a few cooler days - and then to be cooler again. Dressing for this weather is a real challenge. But it's mostly been very pretty. Made it back to tai chi class yesterday AND had PT. And did lots of other laundry and stuff. Restarted again yesterday, of course. And we'll all be waiting for your scoop, AmberJoy. Kaylets 05-16-2007, 06:54 AM Hello all.... Sorry Amber , I confused your name... Not a very royal welcome! Amber Joy is very pretty and I will not forget it! Anagram, I agree about how to dress..... when the a/c is turned on at the o ffice, we all grab sweaters and throws as its very frigid. I finally brought an extra blouse to wear if the heavier jacket I usually wear is too much. We joke that we have to take clothes off to go outside.... Ceara, WoodNymph and WSW, hope this Wednesday bodes well in your kingdoms.... ********* Thought of the day : "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." William James Question of the day : "Share a funny story." ******** Here's to us! ceara 05-16-2007, 08:46 AM Quite the weather that blew through last night! Has dropped the temp a bit! I have a dr.'s appointment this am...am fasting for a blood draw...jeesh, not even black coffee allowed! I want a coffee! Have done the floor exercises, and am off shortly to woggle and walk. Need to find my wind pants. Too chilly for shorts! How was dinner out Arabella? We BQ'd here, and drank wine. My mother is a horrid influence on me in that area. But we had fun! Have a great day ladies....Hope you all are doing well!.. Arabella 05-16-2007, 11:20 AM Hi Y'all! Guess what's forecast for tonight? Hint: white, fluffy. UGH. A cold has caught me -- must not have been going fast enough! I'm going to try to take it a bit easy today. It seems to be lodged in my chest, instead of starting in my head as usual. Ceara, it was a lovely evening out. Mom was very happy and everyone had a good time. Too much wine here, too. ;) Welcome, AmberJoy! Anagram, that's great that you made it back to tai chi. There's a group here that meets once a week that I'm thinking of joining. Good Ziggy quote, Kaylets! WSW, so nice to see you back in the Palace. K, I'm off. Seriously am going to take it easy this aft., not just say I will and then work through the afternoon. I really feel like lying on the couch with a blanket and watching movies might be just the ticket. ;) anagram 05-17-2007, 07:56 AM Fluffy stuff? Oh, no. I guess I'll smile at my slightly cloudy, occasional shower. Sunny at the moment though. Groggy, didn't sleep well night before last so made up with it last night and having trouble getting wide awake. Brekkie will help. Still playing catchup on appts. Today's the dentist. Food decent again but scale is truly being annoying. I'm just not getting enough exercise yet. Doing a version of woggling on the stepper at therapy. But I'm only on that 8 minutes. Not even that on the agenda today. I am SO jealous. One of the Baby Brothers gets to visit Halifax in a few weeks. Though he's heading up for a Conference, he's added some extra time and I know he's going to see a lot of lovely area. Green eyes don't become me. Have a good one, Royals all. I'll betcha Wood Nymph is out walking the harbour with just light little fluffies swirling capriciously around her. Nice visual anyway. ;) Hope the cold is better and not going into bronchitis. And that your bloodwork comes back with all fab numbers due to your healthy diet, ceara. Remember a little wine is good for you - operative word "little". ;) Yoohoo, AmberJoy - have you lost your way to the palace? I note we have a lot more readers than posters and just want to say to all that the palace is a joyous place where you will find welcome whenever you brave the moat - our moat in springtime is mostly just a little trickle of a stream inhabited by only a little tadpole or two and one can easily hop over it and traipse up the little meadow to the open Royal Door. Tea awaits but only the occasional crumpet due to certain caloric restrictions. ceara 05-17-2007, 08:18 AM Snow! :yikes: I'm with Anagram..I'll enjoy the wet and gloom.... Got the phlox in the ground yesterday...of course I changed my mind on how I wanted them and moved things around. So now I have to go get some more mauve ones.....gardening hazards! Bloodwork is just normal stuff...sugar, cholesteral etc...liver function he said? I guess he figured since he had some he'd run a profile. I'm on drugs for the sinus infections.....gotta get that script filled... So busy day shaping up...gotta get goin'! :wave: Arabella 05-17-2007, 02:36 PM Flying by at half-mast... I'm on deadline. Also had a friend forget she'd invited me to lunch today -- good thing I called! I was slightly relieved, actually, because of said deadline. Woke up to a blanket of snow on the ground. At least it was a thin blanket. Ok, no more talk about blankets -- it's making me want to jump back into bed! See ya! ceara 05-18-2007, 07:41 AM Snow! :yikes: DH and I hauled in the fuschias (it looks funny) last night and I think it was colder the night before! However, I'm sure they are happy for the night of relative warmth in the garage! Friday brekkie. Then hosta planting and off to groom one of mom's dogs....shave down. Pretty easy. I ran 10 minutes yesterday...shook up the ol' work-out...instead of 1 run, 2 walk I did the other way around. I'm amazed that the 2 minute stretches so close together did not kill me...but they didn't. I tell the tale! I did get some more phlox to put in...not as many as I wanted, but that be life. I will check Crappy Tire today...I have some of their "money" I can use! :s: So will toddle on here....have a great day all! anagram 05-19-2007, 06:56 AM Good early Royal morning! Up on purpose this time. DS/BIL picking me up early to go to ceremony wherein one of my baby bros will get his Doctorate. So proud of him but then I've always been. Felt rather lousy last two days finally culminating in a migraine yesterday. Haven't had one of those in ages (thankfully) and remembered my little ice trick to keep it from going long and full blown. Did both PT and tai chi yesteray though. I know a big part of my current malaise is lack of exercise. I'm doing some but not at level yet of prior to surgery (and that wasn't that high) Anyway off I go. Hoping for an interesting day though not eager to sit through the several hours until they get to bro. Should give me lots of catchup time w/DSis though. She's heading away Monday for a two week or so vacation and I know I shall feel shorn while she's not just a half hour away. anagram 05-19-2007, 06:59 AM Two snow reports!!! It's past mid-May - when will this cease in your part of the realm? We're sort of back to mid April some days. But that's ok since I usually like mid April. So off again. Just realized I had to check in case I missed some back posts when the page turned and I had. NEVER want to miss posts. Ieva 05-19-2007, 07:08 AM Hi for everyone! i am new here...:P i have big wish to have a perfect body and i really hope that this wish will became into reality.. its so bad looking at my body now.. i am eating everytime...:( my weight now is 73-74kilos.. i wish to be 59kilos. anagram 05-19-2007, 07:58 AM Welcome, Ieva. Our Royal palace will be happy to share in your weight loss journey and to encourage you to do the best you can. We have different approaches to how we try to lose weight our emphasis is on enjoying life as we go along and to see and enjoy beauty in everything including our selves and our fellow :queen:s. Let us know more about you and how you are faring in your quest. Arabella 05-20-2007, 04:02 PM Happy Sunday, Queenlies! I'm still sick. Went to my baby brother's 40th yesterday and we're supposed to go to a dinner party later today but I think I'm going to opt out, ignoring all DH's attempts to guilt me into going. I think I'll be a lot better off staying home and having some quiet time than I would be at a (typically) boisterous gathering. Besides, his sister has been sick for about a year and a half with some mystery disease and her immune system is terribly compromised. I'd hate to pass this chest cold on to her. We've had torrents of rain yesterday and this morning. Seems like a typical early spring kind-of day. Hope we see some sunshine at some point this week! Welcome, Ieva! I look forward to getting to know you better! Ceara, I feel your pain. Snow is just wrong this time of year! I think June 7 is the record as far as snow days go here... Hope we're done with that foolishness, though. :crossed: Yup, "fuschias" definitely looks funny. I remember looking it up one time after trying to figure it out for a lot longer than you'd think. Anagram, how exciting for your baby DB (Doctor Brother). What's his doctorate in? All other :queen:lies: :wave: I'm going to go slump on the couch. Arabella 05-22-2007, 07:54 AM Happy Tuesday in any event, Queenies! Still cold and drear here, still feeling cruddly but what the heck. I'll try to take it semi-easy and work mostly from the couch. And eventually this too shall pass... Voice lesson planned for today is not going to happen though, I don't think. Yesterday I sounded like Dr. Malfi on the Sopranos. I said I'd go get us a tea refill whilst we lounged in bed and DH said, "You don't have to go" prompting me to "sing" Led Zeppelin: Oh oh oh oh oh oh, You don't have to go oh oh oh oh oh You don't have to go oh oh oh oh oh, you don't have to go. It was humorous. Diet's good, all easy and under control although exercise is low. K. Off for brekkies. Let's make it a good one. anagram 05-22-2007, 08:49 AM Poor Arabella - not nice to be laid so low AND to miss your joy (singing lesson). Cool here this a.m. but SUNNY and to hit 70 or so. Stayed up too late but still feel fairly decent so far. DBs degree is in Adult Ed. He is almost 53 and nearing retirement age from his gov. job so, a few years back, started looking ahead and now feels he's prepared for a "second" career if he feels he wants one. Right now he's eager to do things in the new field (though it does tie in with current job) and the trip to NS is to present in that area. But a couple of years from now will tell its own tale. Sunday I sat through 18 groups of young'uns performing various types of dance. Princess Six did a tap number in a group of eight. Lasted probably less than two minutes but was great to be there. She was apparently very pleased that I was too. Almost had me all the way on the school bus yesterday morning before she'd let go of my hand. SIL had picked me up at halfway point Sunday and DD brought me back that far Monday. She felt I could not drive the whole way yet and she may have been right though I was of the opinion I could make it. Anyway, I'm hoping for a good day all around. Was promoted from the wait list to a reservation for a bus trip to see the King Tut exhibit in Philly next month so must dash off and pay before they give it to some other eager person. Part of seeking my joy - told one friend about it yesterday and (as I predicted) she said she wouldn't want to do that. That's why I didn't ask, hon. ceara 05-22-2007, 09:28 AM That exhibition sounds like fun! I'd go...what is it with people anyways. I think we are so over media'ed that nothing is exciting to see any more. Got a programme to prep still...so only on for a minute...week-end was long, and not as productive as I'd wished....too cold. Too many calories... Hope all get better...welcome to Ieva! I told you this was brief! Kaylets 05-23-2007, 06:35 AM Hello all! WoodNymph, hope you feeling better.... many chestcolds this way too...... Seeming to knock folks flat..... I agree with you, recovering seems faster when you do it at your pcce .... Anagram.... The princesses do adore you don't they! As they should of course but its just so touching to hear how they want you right up to the moment they step on the bus..... These are memories they will carry of your forever! Ceara!! Running! You are my inspiration! Do you bring any heathens with you on your runs? Welcome, welcome Queen Leva! Please, tell us more about yourself! Wsw? HOw goes it in your kingdom?? In my, my company bought another and it looks like things will be intersting as duplciate departments are determined and winnowed. In fact, isnt this close to where I was when I first found all of you nearly 6 yrs ago??? But, its too early to stress about that..... Good news is that DH 's very close to a promotion. Its supposedly "in the bag"...they had him pick his office furniture.... but he has to "interview" to make sure all the proper steps have been taken.... As for foood..... Oh dear.... do I have to be honest???? Well, lets put it this way..... It's a new day, a fresh start..... and Here we go Wednesday!! Here we go! ;) ;) I could use some tap dancing myself! ceara 05-23-2007, 08:29 AM 'Tis a beautiful day in the neighbourhood....and I hope to finish planting the "sun" flower bed....am now adding annuals. We all wish for the day when there are just perennials, but I wonder sometimes just how hard I really wish that...I do like the perky colours of the annuals, and they can change the look of a bed... Today's agenda is walk, water, calories and finish that bed...before I work, or buy more plants! :lol: Sounds like exciting things for you Kaylets...Arabella, get better...I'm on drugs now...fluonase and antibiotics for sinus...my cold went into my cavities of my head...lots of 'em in there! Wsw...how thee be? Welcome to our new queens...tell us something! Anagram...how dost thy gardens grow? So, :coffee: in hand...I'm off like a turtle! Have a great day all! Arabella 05-23-2007, 08:46 AM And do I need it! Yesterday afternoon I made a visit to a place I haven't been for quite a while -- binge city. :o I think it was the combination of feeling ill and ... shoot! not taking the time off, along with allowing myself to eat on the sofa watching a Sex & the City rerun. Hadn't thought until this minute about working when I was sick being a factor, but it probably was. The biggest factor, though, was not eating at the table. So that rule is back firmly in place. I've got lunch with a friend (the one who forgot last week) today and then writing group tonight. I do feel like i'm on the road to recovery today. :crossed: Ceara, you're right. There are an awful lot of sinus cavities. I tend to have trouble with mine a lot in the winter, which seems (winter, I mean) to have extended through to almost the end of May this year. I got a product called sinus buster that has kept my sinuses in pretty good shape since January. Kaylets, you're so wise to realize it's not time to stress yet. Maybe the changes will be good! And kudos :crossed: for DH's promotion! Anagram, I wish I could be there to go see the boy king and entourage with you! I've always been fascinated with ancient Egypt. One of my ancestors was an anthropologist who spent a fair amount of time in Egypt. I wore a hair comb that she'd brought back when I married the first time. Alright, work calls. Let's take this day and do the best we can with it... Kaylets 05-23-2007, 09:54 PM Hello all.... popped in again before bed..... Missed your mention of the trip to the King Tut exhibit Anagram..... coworkers have been and were fascinated. I can very much relate to friends not sharing new interests. And in enjoying new interests with new friends. For me it was almost as though I was just "pretending" and then realized, I was having a good time. Its hard to see a friendship change ..... but for me, I am also realizing there was too much negative energy. Looking back, I remember how often after I said "Good Morning" to start a phone call and always the response was, "Well, you're full of energy today, aren't you?" in a tone that would make me cringe. And then the long list of how many things were wrong and how I should feel sympathy or what I'm not sure...... I guess some would call it toxic. And what is it about some folks that you have to be the one to always make the call.... even when its been a long time since a call was made...... Am I missing something or is that another form of passive aggression? Oh my, I think I need to get ready for bed before I am thinking too hard and can't sleep. Hope everyone who is under the weather feels better soon..... Binge city. Now I know where I've been too..... ;) ceara 05-24-2007, 09:08 AM Arabella, glad you are feeling better! An occasional binge is OK....it is when it becomes a continuous binge that is dangerous. You know, part of my journey has been in recognising the binge, sometimes the reason for it, acknowledging it and stopping it. I think that is a huge step! I got in the plants I had here, dug holes for what I wanted still, went and bought them before work and then I planted them lickity split after work...the mosquitoes are really bad these past few days! It will look very nice. I watered early this am...dragging the hose around and donating more blood to the bugs. I have another row of vincas to put in but will wait until after today....maybe tonight or early tomorrow...there is a forecast high of 31 today and cooler with rain tomorrow...that would be a better day. Am going to finish grooming the girls, and maybe dig some holes in prep for above. So....am off like a turtle again! Friendships have to be give and take...usually when someone is grumpy with you, they are very unhappy with themselves.... Too profound...gotta go! Arabella 05-24-2007, 12:20 PM Yup, did it again yesterday afternoon. I think I just wasn't prepared. But... onward! I went for a woggle this morning and then did a set of tai chi. Will not let munch monkey get me this aft. Nuh-uh. Oh, I'm tired! :yawn: I was up late because of writing group last night and then DH woke up at 4:15 and woke me turning the alarm off :dz: It makes a pretty loud beep when you turn it off, which seems like a stupid idea, now that I think of it :chin: Anyway, I was pretty much awake then. I'm going to actually try to get in a little nap after lunch. Maybe if I try giving myself what I need instead of replacing it with potato chips... Kaylets, yup, binge city. Shall we pack up kit and kaboodle and move? Let's go! Ah, yes, I know those responses that just sap all our positive energy. It's funny how long you can go on putting up with it before you realize what's happening and get away from it. Toxic is the word, I think. Ceara, you're my gardening hero! I've got a lot of stuff to move around out there. If I don't hurry up and move them while they're small, they'll take over. Feverfew, bergamot, lamb's ears -- so many babies! Not to mention the forget-me-nots! :rolleyes: K, Dollings, I'm off to have lunch with DH. Have a good one! anagram 05-24-2007, 11:33 PM Where've I been? I must have lost a post somewhere as I thought I'd been pretty faithful. Binge City - I too have visited a lot this week and did finally acknowledge to myself why. At least one possible reason why. Hope bringing it out to light of day will help. Yes, ceara is my gardening hero too. I have put in very little this year though it does look pretty out front. Getting to the muggies - supposed to be here full blast tomorrow. Ah yes, friends change as do we. One has been playing games with me all month - well, maybe longer than that. She has been a dear, long term friend but I'm not on board with the way things have been going lately. I'll never chuck her and I'll "accept" her silly excuses (she sounds so nervous/giggly even as she gives them) but am not pursuing. She gave me a long spiel the other week about how long our friendship has been, etc. but somehow I don't think its value to her has much current currency. Arabella, soul queen. How I do wish you could be on the Tut trip with me. I too have been long fascinated and, in a way, am glad not to have anyone accompanying me. That way, I'm responsible only for my own enjoyment rather than being concerned about the contentment of some one who went just to go with me with no real interest. Yes, Kaylets, concentrate on the promotion and leave off any potential job stress until it looms more directly. (Easy for a non working person to say!) Royal Prince and his bride coming tomorrow, leaving Saturday en route to wedding in MA. So will enjoy their company for the brief time they'll be here and mayhap catch them again on their return trip. No special plans for the weekend. Maybe a nice lazy day or two and a little light gardening. ceara 05-25-2007, 07:29 AM Oh, it is going to look so nice out there...kind of cottage gardeney...but that is OK...I love colours. And it will give the perennials a chance to grow! I have another row of vincas to put in...am going to do that before brekkie...it is supposed to rain later. Have a busy day...one of my dog's babies..8 mos old...is coming for a groom. I have a brekkie date and I need to shop....gotta go! Anagram...you are right...being responsible for yourself only at the exhibit will be liberating. I know I felt rushed at Jamestown, because the other person couldn't walk that far and I felt I was holding her up.... Have a great day ladies...make the best of your day! Arabella 05-25-2007, 09:42 AM It's supposed to be warm today, and a mix of sun and cloud. I've got the gin and will buy tonic and lime -- the inaugural G&T on the deck will be ce soir :crossed: No binge yesterday :cp: Anagram, I love going to galleries and exhibits on my own. You can look at exactly what you want to look at for exactly as long as you like. One always feels a bit constrained by any companion, even if sympatico! Ceara, my garden starts off cottage-y and ends up heck in a handbasket :lol: Spring is the best season but I'm working on the summer display. Intend to move some stuff over the weekend. I've got enough volunteers in places I don't want them to fill in bare spots in the back. Plus the ferns are starting to come back and I'd like to get them reintroduced in a few spots. DH laboriously dug them all out for some reason. :shrug: I'm having lunch with friends today so I've got to rush to get Friday work chores out of the way ASAP. Have a good one! ceara 05-26-2007, 09:15 AM Yesterday was busy....did some house indoor tidying, and a little outdoor stuff. Put in another 24 plants before breakfast, in anticipation of some rain...which did not happen. But it is now? :shrug: I wanted to run before work....am up to 15 minutes now...6 two minutes with 1 minute between and 3 one minute with 2 in between... I don't huff and puff hardly at all...that is why I went from 10 to 15 total. Stiffy the next day though...Course I am getting to crone stage you know. OK...when is the trek to the museum Anagram? G&T on the deck...change to red malbec on the front patio and I'm with you Arabella! I like to sit out there and watch the hummingbirds. I witnessed a mighty battle there yesterday....territorial little critters! Wsw how thee be? And where are the new queens? Have a great day ladies! anagram 05-26-2007, 09:46 AM The Tut trip isn't until the end of July. Good because I hope to be able to walk better by then. Footsie still tender. Lunching with a friend today - then an hour of Meerkat Manor. That's my big plan. Waiting now while DS/DDIL get ready to leave for MA and wedding. A little excitement this AM on the patio of peace and tranquillity. Was out reading paper at 6:30ish and shortly after, heard all sorts of screeching, yelling, etc., etc. After about half an hour (off and on, mostly on) and once DDIL came out and could make out some words I decided to call police as I thought I heard some childlike voices in between and I was afraid for them. I hate to be a buttinski but also would hate it if harm came because someone really was having a breakdown - this was way beyond the occasional rantings of a mad mom (in the irritated sense). Nice young policeman came and said he probably knew who it was - they've had incidents before. Of course, by then DS had heard door slam (again) and this time car started. There is a child involved but she's about 16 and according to the policeman probably the cause of the disturbance. Unsettling but it really was WAY beyond what I would have considered a normal family disruptance. As I told the cop, never heard anyone carry on like that around here unless it was me ;) But a loverly day now and the cop was so cute, I could have put him in my pocket and kept him.But now my breakfast has been delayed so I think I"ll get to that and my second cup of tea and move on. Fun to all! Arabella 05-26-2007, 11:56 AM Loverly day here so far, warm, mostly sunny. There's some potential for thundershowers later but that would be okay too :) I woggled through the woods, did tai chi. I'd already done qi qong earlier. Intend to just please self today. I'm going to run out to visit my mom, drop off some library books. If I've got the energy, I might drop into thrift shop and see if they've got anything exciting for me. Next on the agenda, though, I think I'll take self out to the deck for a little meditation in the sunshine... Ceara, we paralleled yesterday. Busy! Housework, work work, shopping and lunch with friends. But now I don't have anything that desperately needs to get done today. Only semi-desperately. :rolleyes: Anagram, you did the right thing, absolutely. So much better safe than sorry! And I think it's a good thing for people to know that they've gone beyond what's acceptable. The hope being, of course, that they will try to learn to deal with things more effectively. Not to mention quietly... Always fun seeing a cute cop, in any case ;) Let's make this a good one! Love to all, mentioned or un-, present or wandering... Arabella 05-28-2007, 10:11 AM :rain: Cold and wet here again today. Saturday was nice, though. And one supposes, cloudy days are better for work. Nevertheless, it's Memorial Day and I'm in the office without my virtual co-workers so I'm going to pop in and out, take yoga breaks, etc. Binge-free since Thursday :cp: It's funny ... I looked back and saw that Wednesday morning, pre-binge, I'd been happily announcing how much in control I was. :rolleyes: Oh, I've had a bit of an inspiration, I think. I'm considering starting a book about PEI ghost stories. It would be enough fun that I can see myself working on it in my free time. I've got some ideas, may advertise for people with stories to contribute. Who knows? Maybe I could transition into freelance... K, Queenlies -- let's hit this week in style! anagram 05-29-2007, 11:23 AM Oooh - we're back in business. Didn't check yesterday. Loverly here this a.m. w/slightly lower humidity. DS/DDIL just left on their way home after a stop en route back from the wedding. They are such healthy eaters they are an inspiration. DDIL is training again to run the Marine Corps Marathon again this fall (if she gets a place in the lottery). She's done it several times but not the last year or two. On Saturday, Princess Eleven took part in her first Feis (Irish dance competition) and placed third in two of her competitions (reel and jig) for her age group. She was just in for fun and we were surprised/pleased at the outcome. I'm so glad she shares a love of that particular music with old Mimi (her Mom never did). Although she seems to like ALL music so I can't take much credit. The last several weeks I have put on several pounds. Usually it's just an up/down thing but this time I think it's for real. Am going to have to get drastic at least for a while. I am almost done PT (I think) and am hoping to get back to more walking soon. They have upped the PT workouts though so I'm hoping that counts for something. But this three months of lowered activity are taking a toll. Don't like the way I'm looking/feeling. Did fertilize the front yard yesterday a.m. (early while still damp from rains and dew). Huffed and puffed - not good. Hope you enjoyed your "holiday" Arabella and were able to take all the breaks you planned. The book idea sounds truly great. I'm sure there are a lot of such tales. I know someone from Gettysburg area did something like that and got at least two books from the idea. Apparently a lot of apparitions still floating around from the battle. ("Ghosts of Gettysburg") Off now to look at my day and what to do with it. PT at 2:00 and should go see Uncle in rehab - if he's still there. Had a lot of rest over the weekend and am in a "sort and throw" mode. DDIL/DS took back several pair of old athletic shoes with them to throw into recycle. I didn't know they take them and grind up the soles for use as running tracks. But I gained a little tiny bit more space. Hooray! And the way I part best with things is if I know they're going to somehow be useful. So - off to Tuesday and hopefully a joyous day. ceara 05-30-2007, 07:51 AM Oh, a ghost story book sounds very cool....people like to read those, expecially if they are in their own region. Yes, the self-sabotage that we do is amazing. Again I say a big step is the recovery from such. No recovery=continuous over-eating = rather chubby queens. We must be svelte...we will be svelte. Gardens are pretty well in....potted up a couple pots yesterday....want to get in the tomatoes etc this week-end. I have a couple perennials to stick in way back, and some poor iris' in a pot to set down somewhere. Some of the Iris that I got last fall at Costco are now flowering...I thought they should have flowered in Feb with the other Siberians, but they are now :shrug: They look very pretty, more so because I was only expecting leaves for this year! The dreaded Book Club (management mandated attendance), is done! I feel free! Actually it went quite well. Having a performance background is great....the person running it was a little pissy, and began just assigning when people presented...I was the first so called. I hate volunteering. Very brown nosy. And they had already clammered for the first spots...us hangers back were left. Out of the blue I heard my name, so I just began, very informally with my foot up on the chair, hugging my knee, telling the story. Opened my mouth and out it came. Just like tongues :lol: Really peeved her. I didn't "wait for her signal", just started. It was great. OK...have quartet rehearsal this am, and I want to do the block. Have joined the Empress in a 55 mile (88 km for me) marathon. I can crawl if I want....also tread mill and eliptical are in there...so why not? I did 25 miles in May...converted those which is a bother. Just converted the 55 at the beginning and now will log in kms. Much easier. I do have CRS you know. Ok, that being said, I must be off, brekkie calls and....those km will not happen on their own. Although, the vacuuming fairy appeared in my house yesterday :lol: (DH is on "SPA" week) Have a great day :queen: S! anagram 05-30-2007, 09:36 AM The patio of P&T was great this a.m. and I overstayed a bit with my Slimfast and my paper. Made some good choices yesterday as to time use - hope to do it again today. Committing AGAIN today to improving health. Will finish PT on Friday but must continue to strengthen at home. No prob - do most of the movements anyway. Having pain in one shoulder - new problem. Hope it will be temporary. Love the sound of all that planting. Missing it. However, my amaryllis are blooming in real profusion. Have four stalks in one pot and two in another. All from a simple single stalk some sixteen years or so ago. I have them greeting the world outside my front door at the moment. Really bright (red). So, off to explore Wednesday. Next - my tea, then a shower and then we'll see. PT this afternoon. Easy pace today, maybe, both before and after. Maybe make a bit more space here and there. Always puts a smile on my face. Arabella 05-30-2007, 09:52 AM Good morning, Queenies! Tired this a.m. -- woke at 4:15 and, silly me, got up. I may disappear for a nap at some point :yawn: There's a Reiki share tonight. Supposed to be over at 8:30 but last ones have gone longer. The "spring" continues cold and cloudy here, although the sun's trying to peek through. I'm trying to stay positive but it's been pretty grim. On the weather last night, I noticed that places a few hundred miles away were warm while we were perilously close to the freezing mark. Maybe I need to move :chin: Ceara, I love the image of you cool as a cuke and the words just pouring out! Kudos! I'm getting better but I'm still not really at ease speaking in public. Iris blooming in February? Sheesh, you do live in the banana belt, don't you. (Yes, I'm jealous!) Anagram, your amaryllis sound lovely. And it's so nice to have lots and lots from a little start, isn't it. I love your "exploring Wednesday" -- that's the attitude, for sure! :) Did I mention I want to crawl back into bed? :yawn: And I might, too. :s: Onward, Lovelies! Let's make this a good one! Kaylets 05-30-2007, 09:25 PM Hello all..... Hope everyone is feeling well.... Realized Sat at work that I needed to just close up the desk and get out of there..Emailed home work to do as having 2 more days off seemed like so much time. got outside for a few minutes but it was too hot/muggy to enjoy. Alos had a splitting, splitting headache so I took a nap and then another one. Sunday, did a little gardening, mostly cutting back wayward vines and weeds and then got too warm again. And then took a nap inbtwn episodes of shear genius..... Monday, realized I wasnt going to do any of the work I sent home and started guilting about it and then realized, NOONE but me expected me to send work home and do it. Realized today, that just relaxing made all the difference in the world... Also got an email from Spark which caught my eye " Is overtime making you gain weight?"..... and I have a good idea they are right....extra sitting, and etc.... anyway.... lesson...? STOP GUILTING about not being a machine!! Anagram....Yes, and yes and yes....never mind worrying about butting in.....if something really did happen, you'd have felt awful if you hadnt called..... And yes, people do need to know that the rest of us don't have to listen to their tirades.....justified or not.... I agree. Everyone seems to think they're entitled.... in stores, lines, etc.... I don't need to wonder when I need to duck because someone might start throwing the first thing available..... Ok.... WoodNymph, your book idea sounds delicious. The reaseach will be so much fun. Please tell us more, more, more...... Ceara... Running!!! I am so inspired. Too bad I have really wrenched my knee..... Its still where I can ignore it most of the time but running would be pushing it..... I am so impressed that you have pursued the running! Ok TO the shower! ceara 05-31-2007, 08:16 AM I am off for a couple K...they have put fresh gravel on the road...makes it a bit treacherous. Have parental dog to shave down this am...so must be off...I can't believe it is Thursday already! Arabella 05-31-2007, 09:13 AM :yawn: Tired again. Had a Reiki gathering last night and then DH was restless. Plus prolly that big old moon coming full again. Anyway, took a long time to get to sleep. The book idea is taking shape. I think I'll start a blog where people can enter their stories and advertise with my phone number, email address and the URL of the blog. I'm coming up with a list of people I want to talk to and a list of haunted venues... I thought DH would pooh-pooh the idea but he hasn't at all. :) I've done my little run through the woods and a set of tai chi. Had brown rice pud for breakfast (staying off gluten, which leaves my perennial oats out of it.) Kaylets, what a great breakthrough realizing that the person putting all those demands on you was ... you! Wish we could even out our weather. I could definitely spare you some coolness... Ceara, yup -- where do the days go? Soon it will be the weekend :cloud9: Not to mention June -- time for me to get motoring on my solstice challenge. Plus I kind of don't think I'm going to manage 15 pounds in 3 wks... :chin: :queen:lies, all: Let's make this a good one! anagram 05-31-2007, 09:53 AM Oh, yes, the solstice challenge. Only 3 weeks to go and I've gained. However, recommitted yesterday. So one day down. Plus this weather we're expecting today (hot and humid) definitely makes liquids more appealing. But not walking - well, that's ok as I'm not back to walking yet. Although I did a stroll through two department stores yesterday. I've come to thoroughly realize how I'm the one demanding of me - esp. since DH isn't here. Not that he was that demanding (in our later years anyway) but just that it's only me here now and I'm doing things in any way that suits me and mostly when it suits me. ceara, I too was proud of your "foot on the chair" approach. Waiting for a "signal" seems so elementary school (and I mean the elementary schools of my era - think it's less so now). I've been sleeping much better - in fact so much so I didn't realize it was full moon time until I heard it mentioned on TV. I've usually been so affected by it. Well, taking the car in for inspection this morning so must meander. But that's ALL I have on the books for today. Anything else I accomplish will just be a happy bonus. And I may not accomplish much. :) Happy last day of May, Royals, and esp. end of month crunchers. ceara 06-01-2007, 09:02 AM OK, just a fly-bye...the internet is NOT co-operating this morning...very spinney. So I must be off shortly. Have a great day all :queen:S 'Tis Friday! anagram 06-01-2007, 09:44 AM So 'tis. they come about so fast some weeks. Ms Scale starting to be slightly kinder. If I can only keep up my end of the deal. Off and running - figuratively. Some unplanned stuff has come up - as it has a wont to do. Hot/humid again today - maybe a storm. I'm hoping for a little one - we're so dry. Dance the Merry Dance, Regal Ones. Arabella 06-01-2007, 10:38 AM End-of-month has crashed right into end-of-week. I've got a shipload of work to do today. Refuse to stress, though. Will work smoothly and calmly and thus accomplish miracles. :) Anagram, I hadn't thought about how difficult it would be to find anyone but me to blame if DH wasn't around :chin: I just hate when I start to fume about something done (or not done) and then it dawns on me that I'm the guilty party :o Ceara, I feel your pain! I remember dial-up :( Let's be :queen:ly today, shall we? Love to all! anagram 06-02-2007, 02:29 PM A good day so far. Actually did some housework. But enough of that. Going to hit the shower and get ready to go out for dinner with friend mentioned in recent post. She has such a tendency to cancel that I'm surprised it's still on. Hope everyone's feeling well and having a nice relaxing weekend. katrinabgood 06-02-2007, 09:41 PM Hi all...mind if I re-join this merry band? I know I've been here in fits and starts in the past, but I always seem to be drawn back to your fine and friendly ways. If it's a problem, please let me know! The last time I was here, I was battling some depression-like issues. Just feeling like I was sinking deeper into the depths of despair, regarding my failure to get a handle on this weight thing. My cholesterol is also an issue, and I wasn't making much headway there either. I had a long talk with my doctor about the possiblility of bariatric surgery. She was not against it, said that I could certainly explore that possibility, she would be there for me if that's what I wanted to do. (I have explored this before, been to the doc for a consult---just somehow can't bring myself to do surgically what I am truly capable of doing on my own) She (wisely) suggested that in the meantime, I just do what needs to be done: healthy eating and exercise. Not to make too big deal of it, just do it. Seems so simple, really. Eat less, move more. Just bring it down to that very basic concept. So far so good. I'm walking every morning. Eating well. It's working, and I do feel much better. The last piece of the puzzle is support, and I know that I've always found that here, so here I am (again) hoping that you'll not mind me crashing the party! That said, I'm off to catch up on what you've all been up to! Since I haven't been posting, I haven't been following either...looks like I've got some reading ahead of me... ceara 06-03-2007, 10:35 AM Hey! Great to see you Kat! :) Yes, that strategy will work. Keep in mind it took you a while to get where you are and it may take a while to get back to where you want to be. I have issues with that too. I want to be thin...NOW! :lol: I'm compromising with a little thinner every week. :wave: to the other :queen: s...I've gotta run...to get ready for church! Arabella 06-03-2007, 06:13 PM Beautiful sunny warmish day here today. Maybe the third we've had so far. I've spent a fair amount of time out there, not doing much of anything. Visited with DS and DGS, later went to see an exhibit at the gallery with DS and his GF annnnnnnnd... they told me they were going to have a handfasting ceremony (like a pagan version of a wedding -- I remember our Punkin 'splained it to us once) this summer and asked if I'd officiate! I'm so excited! Now of course I'm starting to try to plan the whole thing ;) Have been doing well food and exercise-wise. Went for a longish trot through the woods yesterday, about 45 minutes. Gently, gently and all was well. Came back and did yoga. Today DH and I walked an hour and I was bopping around much of the rest of the day. Now I'm relaxing with a vodka and pomegranate juice. :s: Can't be too perfect... KatrinaBGood, so happy to see you in the palace! :cp: :cp: You KNOW I was just about to go lookin' for ya. Didn't want to bug you... but I prolly would have anyway ;) Support is crucial, for sure. Hang in there, babes, we'll make it! :yes: Ceara, your ticker is so motivating! Just steadily ticking downward. I'm following, I am. Anagram, hope your dinner with your friend was lovely! Kaylets, WSW, hope you're having a delightful weekend... Love to all, mentioned or un- ... anagram 06-04-2007, 08:57 AM Kat - so good to see you again. I always consider you a Royal, posting or not. But your wise doctor has set you on a good track. When I think of surgery, I remind myself of the small portions that can be tolerated afterward and say to me "hey, just do the small portions NOW" - I say it, I seldom really do it but it would work. Arabella, how honored must you feel! Hope things go so smoothly and pleasantly for a long time to come. I'm following (in awe) too, ceara. Yes, dinner was nice. There are many reasons she's been a good friend for 45 years now. Just off-and-on as to seeing her. And I had hoped for a tad more support in the time since DHs death (she was widowed at 48). But we take people as they are at the moment and, as she said, in 45 years we've never had an argument or disagreement. I hope you're sharing in the delightful showers we're having this morning, Kaylets. It had become so dry. But my paper reading on the patio this morning was SO delightful. I've had a couple of pleasant days recently (and good healthy stuff as well). Only blight has been more sad health news regarding BIL suffering with cancer. He had been doing so well but is on another round of chemo and now is hospitalized with more problems. Life........................... Well, breakfast is calling. I need my tea. katrinabgood 06-04-2007, 11:43 AM Thanks, girls, for your warm words...makes me realize how much I've missed you all! I know I'm in good place, here among friends! Things are going well in my neck of the woods. This morning I left for my walk, like I've been doing, hoping the rain would let up a bit. It didn't. I sat in the car for a while, thinking, "ah, I'll just come back later..." but LATER never seems to come for me, so I just sucked it up and walked. It was fun actually, I was a drowned rat by the time I was done, but the sense of accomplishment will carry me through the day and help me to avoid any possible pitfalls. Today was my 6th day in a row of walking, 10th day in a row of some kind of meaningful exercise...I don't want to break the streak now! Yesterday, my daughter and I participated in a walk to raise awareness for Scleroderma. I have a cousin who is dealing with this, and her family walks every year to raise funds in her name. We walked the boardwalk, along the shore in a great beach town, and I think I may have to add this place to my list of favorite walking spots. Arabella! What an honor! How exciting for you...I can't wait to hear more about the doings of the ceremony! You inspire me with your trots through the woods and I look forward to the day that I can "trot" without inflicting too much damage on my poor, tired knees! Anagram...what a wonderful thing, to have a lifelong friend, such as yours. I have a little group of friends that I've known for, good Lord, almost 30 years now. We get together usually once a year to catch up/compare notes on life/reminisce. It's nice. I think we're almost due, come to think of it...thanks for reminding me to start making those calls! ceara... Yes, a little thinner each week is a much more manageable approach than wanting it done yesterday! Sometimes I think the hardest part of this whole thing is changing the mind set...undoing years of damage and misguided thinking. I'm focusing on how good I'm feeling at the moment. Gotta get moving and get something done around the house now. I'm so glad I got that walk in...too much to be done around here! Have a great day, royal ones! :queen: Kaylets 06-05-2007, 06:44 AM Testing, testing.... I can only get so far and then lose the page.... Hoping this willl take.... Here we go Tuesday??? Kaylets 06-05-2007, 06:45 AM Ok, I should have thought of that much sooner!!!! Hope everyone is well! I guess that 's a lesson... if not one way.... ANOTHER!!! Arabella 06-05-2007, 09:54 AM Good morning, Queenlies! Wild weather here overnight. Last night the weather man said "Wind from the east, good for neither man nor beast." The sun appears to be poking through now, though and it's warmer than yesterday. I've got sound yoga today, after a 3-week hiatus. Woggled in the woods, where it was very green this a.m. and came home for tai chi. Kaylets, I like that "if not one way, then another." :) Anagram, I'm so sorry to hear the news about BIL! Such a hard thing, cancer. :hug: Sending healing vibes... Kat, 10 days in a row is darn good! :strong: What a bonus that you got to walk in a lovely place for a good cause -- can't beat it! K, must become productive. Let's make this a good one! anagram 06-05-2007, 10:39 AM A decent day yesterday, actually a very decent one. Cooler here today and to be even nicer tomorrow. Scattered showers, much needed. Read an article in the paper about trouble losing weight when on certain meds, or how one gains when on them. Wish I hadn't read it as I don't need to think of other excuses. Have an appt. this a.m. and then HOPING to go to pool afterwards. Little sleep last night as had lots of discomfort - approaching cold front maybe. But I have only those appt and pool on for today so I'll make it that far and then we'll see how it goes. I'm looking forward to walking again and my gait is much better. But I'm still waiting for the new orthotic to come in before I buy new shoes. I have a feeling none of currently owned ones are going to work - at least for comfortable walking. Toes seem a bit longer now than they were - straightening probably does that. Anyway, things still not improved w/DBIL. Feeling helpless as to how to help him and Baby Sis right now. If he's not discharged this a.m. (and I don't think he will be), maybe I'll take a run to the hospital later today. Will be good for her, I think, as I'm currently the mater familias (agewise anyway) and maybe can boost her a bit. She's soooooo drained - fortunately (or not) she is a nurse so isn't operating in as much of a vacuum as I would be. But nonetheless, it's Tuesday and OURS to make the most of..... so onward! ceara 06-05-2007, 11:54 AM WTG Kat! A ten day streak is nothing to sneeze at! Kaylets...you sound busy. How goes it? Am fighting "binge"ing here...not too strenuously, or I still wouldn't be doing it. Wonder why? Ah well, I think I've done with it this am...back to the straight and narrow. I really haven't done that for a bit, and have logged it all faithfully. It is still redeemable at this point....salad for the rest of the day! :lol: Anagram, sorry to hear about DBIL....one thing after another! Hope all works out well for them. Matriarch...that is how we thought of my grandmother...I guess it is my mother now. Arabella...we have had some wild weather here too....what is the temp there mid-June? I need to start thinking of what to pack for Halifax. I could get arrested if I show up nekkid! OK...gotta go. The veggie garden is not planted yet and I have other stuff to move...besides me :) :wave: Kaylets 06-05-2007, 09:26 PM HEllo all, Trying this way to see what happens... Kaylets 06-05-2007, 09:39 PM Yahoo.... I can post again! Yes, and yes ..... Funny how a tiny thing forcing you to at least TRY another way opens the door to so many other possibilities.... Like you Kat, I have been trying to readjust my schedule to get more movement in.... My old standby of stairclimbing must wait till my knees are feeling better. I get a strong twinge when I put too much weight.... mostly coming down stairs. A twinge strong enough to stop me midstep.... But as I was thinking about much better I know I always feel when I get that movement in, I thought ... why not just walk the halls during that same time frame I used to devote to stair climbing.... It definitely is not the same quick "get your heart rate up" but it sure beats what I'm doing now..... Interesting. As soon as I made up my mind I wanted to find an alternative I did..... Hmmmmm Was watching Rachel Ray cut an onion and I thought she did it differently than all the rest of the world. Then I saw Bobby Flay do the same thing, cutting the onion in half or quarters and then removing the skin. Much faster than my method of doing it before hand. Guess there always is something to learn no matter how many times you've done something..... Anagram, so sorry to hear your bil is battling cancer. I am sure your show of support at the hospital meant the world to them. Times like these you really find out who your friends are. To everyone, sorry for being short but the washer has stopped and I must get things hung before I need to run the load again to get the wrinkles out. Here we go Tuesday evening, here we go.... katrinabgood 06-05-2007, 11:37 PM Fly by post...I'm heading for the shower, then it's off to work. It's been another good day. Walked early, got enough sleep during the day (something I've been trying to work on---getting enough sleep---hard when you work nights) I even got outside for about an hour to do some tidying up of the flower beds. That always makes me feel good. Did some tidying inside too and actually hauled out the vacuum and gave it a spin. Amazing how clearing the clutter from my head goes hand in hand with clearing the clutter from my home. :chin: another "hmmmm," eh, Kaylets? Yikes, 10:35...gotta run. Nighty night, all! :wave: Kaylets 06-06-2007, 06:45 AM Good Morning all! I do make myself laugh when I am suddenly "enlightened" by something I've known all along.... even might have "spouted off on"....... A long tmie ago, I accidentally realized while walking to work during the aftermath of a finished romace, that I felt better mentally when I arrived at my destination. Although I have known this for years, my first instinct to "cope"...... You guessed it, the only movement is in the jaw........ hmmmmm Ok, ready, set, JUMPING back into movement....... Its more fun then being a bystander anyway! ***** Thought of the day : All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them, but confront them. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble." - William S. Halsey, WWII U.S. Admiral Question of the day : "Name the best day of the week." ************* HERE WE GO WEDNESDAY!!! Arabella 06-06-2007, 03:45 PM Yo Queenlies! I started a message earlier but got sidetracked -- housework, work work. That's about it :chin: No goofing off... Hmmm... Anagram, I know your support of DS and DBIL must help them so much. It's hard when there's nothing concrete you can do. I always find it that way in those situations, a little flummoxed at the lack of an appropriate action to take. Kaylets, funny how many times one lightbulb can light, huh. I have lightbulb moments from time to time, forget all about the revelation and then marvel anew next time the same idea occurs. :rolleyes: Re: Q -- Saturday, for sure :yes: Ceara, Halifax is a bit warmer than here usually. Probably a little cooler than you but in the same ballpark. We've got 24 degrees here (cherishing each one, I am) today. Calling for rain but it's sunny and lovely so far. I'd say pack for the cooler side of what you'd expect mid-June. Kat, that sleep is crucial! When I'm tired my resistance is so low... I'll be sitting here thinking how much I'd like to go back to bed and sit another few minutes and ... another few minutes finds me going through the cupboards like a plague of locusts. K, I must return to ye olde salt mines. Love to all! Kaylets 06-06-2007, 09:25 PM Well, all in all, I did very well today. Never went to the vending machine and avoided all candy dishes. At one point of very high stress ( I realized I had made a major error!) I seriously thought " What a day not to be able to binge"... and even wondered if I should find some privacy if I needed to compose myself. But.... I decided to wait for the other shoe to fall and find out how awful the message back from the office would be.... and it was very supportive.... That of course, I didnt mean to make the mistake and luckily it was found quickly. Why do is it so easy for some to just shrug and say " oh well, ".... yes, I know I';m human but I sure like to do things right .... all of the time.... Ah well. So. DH takes a very early flight for business tomorrow. He'll be back tomorrow evening and will be tired as he will be getting up to be at the airport for 5 am. Yes, lightbulb that keeps lighting.... I like that concept. Too bad I can't remember to keep it lit. ! :hug: Arabella 06-07-2007, 09:02 AM :rain: 'Tis a rainy one here although not raining as hard as it was when I woke up at 4:30. Went to sleep at 9, so not too bad. And it was cozy snuggling in bed and reading the paper, drinking tea. I ran through the woods anyway -- so green! And it was mostly enjoyable, other than an area that was a bit of an obstacle course what with all the waterlogged worms laying prostrate (prostrate? supine? So hard to tell with our wormy friends!) on the path. Came back and have done most of my yoga, had brekkies, showered and am just about to hit the saltmines. I feel pretty good, like I've just gotten unstuck. Intend to keep this up! I'm printing out my behaviors checklist and will keep it on hand to remind me :yes: Nice that I've already got a bunch of stuff to check today :smug: My weight hasn't changed but my body fat is down 2% and muscle mass up 4 pounds. Pants that were snug at just about this weight in the fall are now a little loose in the waist. Now to make the poundage reflect changes... Oh, I forgot... I had an email from an old friend that I haven't been in touch with for 10 years or more. He moved to Montreal a few months before I got married. He's going to be visiting in a couple of weeks. It'll be great to be able to catch up with him :) Kaylets: "What a day not to be able to binge" :rofl: Reminds me of Leslie Nielsen (in Airplane? maybe?) when catastrophe after catastrophe struck and he went off the wagon repeatedly, from "Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit smoking" to "Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit smoking crack" or somesuch. :lol: Been there and done that with my own drug of choice... Anagram :hug: Sending love and healing vibes to you and your family! Love to all, mentioned or un-. Let's make this a good one! ceara 06-07-2007, 09:08 AM Kaylets! :lol: Yes keeping the bulb lit is sometimes a real chore! Another fly-bye...QOD...any day that is sunny and not too hot. We are heading for 33 today apparently...Geesh. So I am getting the heathens out and am off for a woggle before that happens... 'Bye! anagram 06-07-2007, 09:26 AM So, another pleasant day behind me. Saw the movie "Waitress", enjoyed. Slightly cloudy here at the moment, weather was SO perfect yesterday and to be nice today I think. HOT tomorrow so I must run today, hide tomorrow. Feeling healthier than in a long time. Must keep working on that. Lightbulb moments, ah yes. And so many of mine are repeats. Picnic today - looking forward to it but will have to remind me that I can't snarf everything in sight. Concentrat on people not food and I'll make it. Catching up with friend sounds like a treat to look forward to, Arabella. Sort of reminds me of the countdown to the Irishman meetup. Any good story here? Well, laundry calls. And other drear stuff needed to support the "exciting" moments. Thrill of the day - taking the car in for new tires. Ugh! But I did make a decision yesterday that I've long postponed and wasted a lot of thinking time on. Progress of a sort. Kaylets 06-08-2007, 07:03 AM Hello all..... was ravenous yesterday morning and wound up eating breakfast and lunch together.... and I might have hit on something.... I was not really hungry at lunch.... hmmmmm Thought of the day: "Its not your aptitude, but your attitude, that determines your altitude." Zig Zigler Question of the day: "Do you have a fear of heights?" katrinabgood 06-08-2007, 11:05 AM I would have to say that's my favorite day of the week. I work every other weekend, but I'm always off on Fridays. Which rocks on my weekend off...and makes working the other weekend not quite as painful. These past few weeks though, I've been putting in an extra day each week, to squirrel a bit away for upcoming Vegas trip, and it's been brutal. So, I'm especially loving THIS Friday, as I am off tonight! :cb: I just had to use a Celsius converter to see what's what up there in the great North. Hey! It's HOT there too! Going up into the 90's (30s) here today also. Yesterday was so wonderfully warm, but not too warm, and breezy, I had every window open. Already today the humidity is rearing it's ugly head, so I've battened down the hatches and hit the a/c again! I got my walk in again today. Contemplated skipping it because my left knee has been a little twingey the past two days. I have been walking on a blacktop track though, so today I hit another park, much more pastoral and less utilitarian. The other place was a good start for me, just to get me back into the habit of a daily walk...but now it's time to branch out and really enjoy the full experience. It was a marvelous walk, hilly and green and rambling. A full sensual onslaught of sights, sounds, smells and happy thoughts. I have always loved this park...so many good memories, going W A Y back to childhood...winters sleigh riding and ice skating, summertime family picnics, nature hikes in the fall with girl scouts, even skipping school on those first glorious spring days and the hill would be covered with like-minded truants playing frisbee, hanging out, a smoky haze hanging over the scene...hey! It was the early 70s, what can I say? Every place I passed had a sweet memory attached to it. DH and I even had our wedding pictures taken there. AND? My knee really didn't hurt as much. :yes: Kaylets...I'm glad all was resolved without a binge! :cp: :bravo: Anagram...how did you do at the picnic? Socializing = less calories than Snarfing! :gossip: ceara...did you get your veggies planted? :broc: I keep talking about the same thing...hasn't happened yet, however. Arabella... I feel pretty good, like I've just gotten unstuck. Hear, hear, sister! I feel it too and it feels good! :cloud9: Off to hit the shower, take a wee nap and enjoy the rest of my day off! I hope you all have a fabulous Friday too! Arabella 06-09-2007, 03:36 PM Good morning :queen:lies! I've been up for hours already while DH continues to snooze. A little Reiki self-treatment, a little poring over decorating books and magazines. Amazing how the time goes, but it's nice to have the leisure :cloud9: Woke up to a lovely sunny day that clouded over -- I see the clouds seem to be breaking up again so I guess I'll clothe myself soonly and get over to the woods for my run. Anagram, I hate car-related chores, too. :p House chores less so, except that time and energy never seem to be adequate to keep them done up. :dz: Nope, no romantic aspect to the old friend meet-up. He's gay, for one thing. But just someone to have good conversations with -- and what's more precious, really? Katrina, working an extra shift? UGH! But hopefully your trip will make it up to you. Your walk really does sound wonderful -- a powerful, integrative experience. Kaylets, it's interesting when we try to let our hunger guide our feeding, isn't it. I know I have a tendency to try to ignore the hunger pangs that don't seem to be at an appropriate time (even though an impulse can have me diving off the wagon any old time of day -- and hunger not the point). But what I find, when I let myself work with it, is that I may be extra hungry one day and then the next not so much. Heights? I'm okay as long as I feel secure. But climbing a tall ladder? :no: K -- I started this in the a.m. and now it's past 3:30. Hope all are enjoying their royal Saturday! flower 06-10-2007, 08:31 PM Hi ladies. I have been in denial. But everything I had lost is back on again. I need to be in some kind of group to be accountable. I didn't want to be a slave to a diet. I thought maybe I could eat like a normal person. Nope, not to that point yet. Can't excersice unless I am dieting either. Tomorrow I will be back on the band wagon. I have a bratty baby right now or I might just start tonight. lol I "think" I will be joining WW again this week, paying for meetings. My house in NV is in escrow, FINALLY! It is suppose to close Friday. Being broke is AWFUL on the waist band. I tend to eat away my worries. I have missed you but I wasn't brave enough to come back here without hitting bottom again. Hubby got a motorcycle this past week and he took a picture of me on it, and I saw the picture and I cried. That is NOT me! I got rid of my big clothes and I refuse to buy more so I have no choice but to lose it again. I hope I can jump in the convo without reading a million pages I missed out on. If I have missed something REALLY important, PM me please. Thank you! Husbands are REALLY hard on a diet. lol The trek here wasn't too hard. My teenager is back at home. My baby turns 1 in a week. We are broker than broke paying for 2 residences for 6 months. But all in all, everything is fine except my self confidence. lol Missed you all! Kaylets 06-11-2007, 06:42 AM Hello all!! Spent the weekend doing laundry and taking naps. Both DH and I were off which was a treat. Did have to see the vet for an flea bite that got chewed up but we were told we got there early.... Watched the "Queen" yesterday and was very teary throughout..... Flower! I'm with you ! I don't want to buy clothers either! Lets drink water and get more activity in today..... AND don't forget, you've been thru lots and lots of stress lately.... Coping with food may not be good for our waistlines but at least its better than some other coping skills! Rain starting here so I am off..... Hugs to all Royals!! ******** Thought of the day : "Kindness is difficult to give away as it keeps coming back." Church Billboard in Louisiana Question of the day : " Did you watch the Tony Awards or Tony Soprano?" ********** ceara 06-11-2007, 08:58 AM QOD...neither. What is a television? Mine goes on and my eyelids slam shut! Hi Flower! Glad you are back and things are relatively good....You will do it! I know you can. I've gotta boogey....have a walk to do, and rehearsal this am...so...:wave: Arabella 06-11-2007, 09:00 AM Good morning, :queen:lies and welcome to a fresh new week. Let's get this thing started! I'm thinking seriously of trying to take a little time off. Definitely seems like I'm ready. In the meantime, though, I've got a lot of work to get through :p Housework, too. BUT... MIL's estate will be settled soon and I've told DH I want to get a maid service in to do one of their spring clean kind of deals. Once the place is up to snuff it will be easier to maintain. :yes: Flower! So nice to see you back in the palace! Ah, yes, denial. I've spent lots of time there. And so often it's a photo that yanks me out. Don't worry -- you'll have that off again in no time! Kaylets, I'm looking forward to seeing The Queen. (Love Helen Mirren!) DH saw it on a plane so we haven't gotten it. He's going to be away next week so I'll put it on my list for then. K, lovelies, I guess I'll get to woik. Ick. Ah, let's take this day and do the best we can with it. :yes: anagram 06-11-2007, 09:43 AM Mild Monday Morning, Queenlies! Let's be good to us - and that means another fresh start. I tried posting twice recently - also tried saving - neither worked. Not sure what was up = it was something quite different. At any rate, I'm keeping this short until I'm sue all's well - Just hate losing a long post. flower 06-11-2007, 10:02 AM Thank you for welcoming me back, even though I have been a bad friend. I got up, got on the scale (195.5), starting journalling points and took measurements. We plan on getting to the beach today and I will definately get walking and swimming in. Well walking for sure, no swimming if the jellyfish are out. I can get to the pool too. Or get the key to the weight room. No walking outside, I woke up too late and it is entirely too warm out. This girl is not used to the humidity. katrinabgood 06-12-2007, 03:47 AM Quick fly-by...I should be back posting in full force tomorrow. My daughter is gearing up to leave for a cross-country trip with her girl friend. Unpacking dorm stuff, packing for the journey, laundry in between, etc, all weekend. I'm a little verklempt about the whole thing...two girls on their own, driving from NJ to CA. But I'm a little jealous too! Back soon.... Kaylets 06-12-2007, 06:48 AM Hello all..... Yes, the humidity has arrived....or I am having the oddest hot flashes! We overslept this morning so I am here just to wish us all a good day..... **************** Thought of the day :" Two Ways To Look at Everything...you betcha! (smile) My wife and I were sitting at a table at my high school reunion, and I kept staring at a drunken lady swigging her drink as she sat alone at a nearby table. My wife asks, "Do you know her?" "Yes," I sighed, "She's my old girlfriend. I understand she took to drinking right after we split up those many years ago, and I hear she hasn't been sober since" "My God!" says my wife, "Who would think a person could go on celebrating that long?" So you see, there really are 2 ways to look at everything ****************** flower 06-12-2007, 11:03 AM I went on a cross country voyage too, I was 20. She will be fine Kat. {{hugs}} Humidity has hit here too. I am trying to get the courage to chop off my hair. It is to my underwear when wet. I am going to chop it all the way off. It never fully dries here. It makes my head itch. Besides the tangles are insane! Looking over the photo albulms, I do this around all the kids first birthdays. lol I can't wear it down in this heat, so what is the point. More work than it is worth. Found a cute cut that will work with my curls. Now just gotta be brave. Arabella 06-12-2007, 01:03 PM Just back from my little trot on the trail :cp: :cp: 'Twas nip and tuck as to whether or not I'd do it. Up late (for us) last night, so a little later getting up, off-sched. And somehow it got to be late in the morning and I still hadn't gone. But ... I did it. Came back and did a little stretching. It does mean that I'm missing sound yoga today though. :cry: And now I'm tired. Woe! Going to pick up DS & DGS -- cya! Kaylets 06-13-2007, 06:42 AM Hello all........ Yes, not getting enough rest can make me a very unpleasant person.... Lets campaign for naps! Flower-- Remember, no matte how short, it will always grow back! Hugs to all.... Must hit the road.... ********* Thought of the day: The Pea Story Babs Miller was bagging some early potatoes for me. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller and the ragged boy next to me. "Hello Barry, how are you today?" "H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. Sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas." "Would you like to take some home?" "No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?" "All I got's my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it." "Here 'tis. She's a dandy." "I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" "Not zackley, but almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble." "Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller." Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps." I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts ... all very professional-looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. "Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim "traded" them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt." "We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world," she confided, "but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho." With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles....A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself. An unexpected phone call from an old friend. Green stoplights on your way to work. The fastest line at the grocery store. A good sing-along song on the radio. Your keys right where you left them. Send this to the people you'll never forget. If you don't send it to anyone, it means you are in too much of a hurry ******** Arabella 06-13-2007, 10:09 AM Flying by again -- crazy day, crazy week. I've got a dental appointment this morning (just the usual cleaning -- ICK!) and then a doctor's appointment this aft to get referrals for accupuncture and massage. Trying to fit work and doing my taxes in around all of it and people are calling me for this that and the other thing. Beam me up! I'll be glad to get through this week. My taxes alone are enough to put me in a foul mood until I get through. And then Kaylets made me cry! :cry: K, back to work again. :p Have a good one, Queenies! flower 06-13-2007, 10:20 AM I did it, I choppe doff all my hair. Can't hide behind it any more. Not sure it is a good thing or a bad thing but I do know washing it is a heck of a lot easier. flower 06-13-2007, 01:31 PM If you want to see what I look like, check my current entry in my 3fc diet blog. Link is to the left. :) I hate pictures of me. ceara 06-14-2007, 08:59 AM Yup me too! Good story! And the perspective one made me laugh! OK...am off to the chiropractor this am...something is up with my knee...likely overcompensated whilst running on fresh gravel...geesh! Am off tomorrow for Halifax...so I must do laundry and get myself ready! I am so going to eat seafood! With butter...maybe :lol: Have a great week-end :queen:s It is so refreshing to drop in and catch up! Glad to see you flower...I will check that link when I am on dsl...and it is faster. Anagram...the humidity is socked in here too...dratted stuff! wsw 06-14-2007, 11:43 AM hi all! have missed everyone. the usual ms technical difficulties seem to have been keeping me away, but i have been thinking about you, though. definitely have not been doing well on the 'ole wagon, so need to step up my efforts big time. fresh start thursday for me. well, i know i've missed out on a lot, but hopefully won't be gone for so long next time. take care, royals. good to be back "home." Arabella 06-14-2007, 11:55 AM Crazy days continue, but I'm OP (that's "On," not that other "O" word) and doing okay. Off for a haircut this aft. (Hey, Flower -- I like yours!) and have to go get the car, run errands, etc. And darn taxes. But ... waddya gonna do? Ceara, have a wonderful visit to Halifax! Mmmm... seafood! wsw, welcome home! :queen:lies all, let's make this a good one! anagram 06-15-2007, 09:35 AM Welcome back, wsw, flower, kat. Hooray on the haircut, flower. I'd never be able to stand long hair in humidity though I think it looks lovely. How's your haircut, Arabella? Wish I had the get up and go to do that trip, kat, but understand the trepidation too. Trying to think of anyone I mght have made into a celebrating alcoholic ;) Cool here yesterday which made it a great day for me. Same today but will get a bit warmer. Then another swath of heat and humidity coming. Made it back to pool yesterday. Was in Princessville a couple of days for elementary school graduation. First "all the way by myself" trip. Foot improving, now a problem with shoulder. Oh these achy old joints - hope the chiro helped, ceara. Well, off I go. Must decide whether to cancel a/c maintenance guy or go to tai chi. Balancing, balancing. Must get to hospital this afternoon as BIL is in again and DS absolutely has to go to work. I need to get to see him anyway. Things have been really rough for them. But amazing how much they're appreciating each other right now. Not always apparent in the day to day and everyday struggles but right up there when we're down to the bare knuckle battles. Smile - it's :queen: ly time. flower 06-15-2007, 10:27 AM The house was scheduled to close today. It is hard to concentrate on anything else. I am starting to doubt if it will close today. He didn't have the paperwork ready yesterday although they didn't need the $ til today. Big sigh.... I just gotta find a distraction for today. Arabella 06-15-2007, 02:31 PM Yo Queenies! I think I've got a little hairdresser problem. My hair is pretty much the same as it was, just a bit tidier. Problem being that he likes my hair this way and I don't. Shoulder length, side-parted and layered a bit just at the bottom so that it's relatively flat on the top and then poofy and curly from about the top of the ear to the ends. I don't think it does much for me. I need to find a picture of a style that I like. I just don't know what to do with my mop. :shrug: Oh, Friday -- but I fear I'm going to be working on my taxes until bedtime. Ugh. I'll be glad to get it over with, anyway. Hope all Queenlies have a good Friday and a lovely weekend! anagram 06-16-2007, 09:02 AM Closing time - ugh! Hope it all went well. I think buying/selling real estate is a horror. Yet need at some point to consider it in detail. And taxes - another horror. Hope it all comes together for you both. And I relate to the hairdresser story! It sounds lovely but, if you don't think it shouts YOU, it's not you. I did have a good Friday, thanks. I spent it w/BIL in hospital. Was able to be eyes/ears for DS who had to work. Amazing how much detail men omit and/or don't hear. Of course, he's not well, on drugs, etc. But he heard when someone said "go home" (they meant eventually) and started figuring how soon they could get necessary stuff together to do it. Makes me feel lucky though to be able to enjoy this Saturday which is starting out in lovely fashion. So it's out to the patio of peace and tranquillity to enjoy before gardening noises begin. wsw 06-16-2007, 10:00 AM welcome back flower and katrina! anagram-hope things will go as well as possible for your bil in the hospital. it's good you could be with him yesterday. flower-hope your closing went without a hitch. arabella-taxes are just the pitts, aren't they?! ugh. hope everything turned out ok and is all over and done with now. ceara-hope you have a good time in halifax. hi kaylets! and greetings to all our lovely royals. the past 2 days have been nice and cool, which is a rare luxury for here, and i have enjoyed this little weather reprieve. today and tomorrow are back to the typical summer heat, so i will try and get my errands done this morning. i have done better op now the past couple of days, which is feeling much better. well, hope everyone has a good weekend. take care, all. flower 06-16-2007, 10:28 AM Nope closing didn't happen. They have not come up with their money, nor have they returned calls. I sure hope they aren't backing away. I am crushed. I have 65$ to my name. I have 2 weeks til I will be absolutly up the proverbial creek without a darn thing. I am trying to not get so down but it is real hard. Gotta clean today for the fathers day lunch I am hosting tomorrow. And Jack turns 1 Monday! katrinabgood 06-17-2007, 02:19 AM Life interrupts my journey once again, but at least I'm back much sooner this time around. My daughter and her friend are now in California, they took the past week to drive and I was a worried mom, living from phone call to phone call, waiting for news. :rolleyes: I spoke with her today, as she was lounging poolside in the rose garden...we should all have it so good! Between my worry and my class two nights a week and the extra day of work, and the ever growing mountain of laundry and dust, I managed to de-rail for a bit. No matter, she's there, no more extra days of work and I'm off now til Tuesday...back to the business of ME! I'm not sure where everyone else is, age-wise, but I'll ask anyway...just as I approacheth, the big 5 0, I think my body has decided that it's time for menopause too. Like I can handle all these "milestones" at once! I haven't had my period since Feb, but no other symptoms, ie hot flashes, night sweats, etc. Which is fine with me. I do believe, however, that I still get PMS, right on schedule! (just ask dh!) Along with the increased appetite. The more I think about it, there has definitely been that week from **** these jpast months, without the actual...um...flow. Anyone else in this same boat? Now, a week off track usually sends me into a tailspin of despair and misery, which usually leads to a few more weeks downhill, but I think I'm just gonna not do that this time around. I feel good again. I think all that exercise prior to this week really made a difference in attitude and definitely metabolism...no weight gain despite my best efforts to the contrary! I'm thinking that I'm actually making progress~ I need to go wrap Father's Day gifties. I'm heading down to see my Dad bright and early while hubby is still asleep. When I get back, we'll just lay low around here and have a peaceful, easy day of lounging about. :yes: flower...fingers are crossed for you and the closing! wsw...don't you love those little oases of coolness amid the heat? anagram..."the patio of peace and tranquility" sounds like a wonderful place. I need to tidy my patio up and make it one too! Thanks for reminding me! ceara...ooh, halifax! I love Nova Scotia! Yes, do have some butter with that seafood...in moderation, of course! arabella...I've got the same hair dilemma...but my sister is my stylist. She's cut my hair for years, and pretty much does the same thing each time, despite my pleas for change! In her defense, I think she'll never forget how much I cried years back, when she first started cutting my hair...so she plays it safe! kaylets...you made me cry too! But I love the story and have vowed to strive to be that kind of person. Do you ever wonder what they'll say about you over your coffin? I do... I hope it's all good. Okay, I'm really out of here now. Enjoy the rest of your weekends, royal friends! :queen: Arabella 06-17-2007, 12:31 PM And we move to the Summer Palace this week :eek: I'm still stalled at 5 pounds off for the challenge but I really do think I'm about ready to start losing again. I had a consultation with a naturopath the other day who said that she thought I was suffering from adrenal syndrome. Which makes sense to me. I so often don't have the energy that other people seem to have. Going looking for a book on the subject. I know that mitigating stress is one of the major treatments, though, so I am going to start meditating daily :yes: Doing well on all fronts but just not making the kind of progress I feel like I should be. It's so nice to see so many :queen:ly folk about the Palace! Flower :hug: So sorry that the closing didn't happen! It's so much harder to deal with all that stuff when the house is far away too. Sending good vibes :goodvibes: WSW, it always does feel so much better to be OP, doesn't it. How many times have I gotten going and felt like I had a new lease on life? And then I wonder why I ever give that "in control" feeling up :shrug: Seat belts for the wagon, please! Anagram, bless you! How sweet you are to spend the day with your BIL -- proper attitude, too, enjoying your Patio of P & T all the more. DH and I were just talking yesterday about how very fortunate we have been (knocking wood!) Kat, good for you, picking self up, dusting self off and starting all over again. I was thinking a 21-day challenge might be a good way for me to really get going again. Game? :s: I'm going to be 52 next month and went through menopause when I was 45. I swear I still get PMS, though (but it does get milder.) I'm sure that things that help PMS should also help ... whatever this is. Darn hormones! I'm also still having hot flashes, which seems pretty brutally unfair. Yeah, I think my hormones are messed up. :dz: K, I'm going to go slump on the couch for a bit. Happy Sunday, All! anagram 06-17-2007, 02:33 PM So a Happy Fathers Day to all Royal Consorts be they in a land where that's celebrated or not and even be they Fathers or not. Re the age question, katrina. I will be.............70 (yes, I pale at the word) come September. I had a hysterectomy at 44 but they left the ovaries and I had a long, long siege of cyclical symptoms that (perhaps) ended only a few years ago. Seems sometime like I can still track emotionally which part of cycle I'd be in. Thou be not crazy. But at least menopause is half an improvement. Ah, my twin lost at birth Arabella - I too have never had the energy others seem to have. Always feel in need of some kind of stimulation though I trudge on in my half motivated way. Always think I could have ruled the world with a little more energy. I've still got my fingers crossed on that closing thing, flower. And Happy Birthday to Jack. Just had me a little cat nap on the patio. Said patio of p&t has had hoses and hose reels and tools scattered on it the past week (or two?) while I try to get them attached and unattached properly. I'm suspecting all may go to trash soon - I'm running out of patience. DH would never have let them laying all about so. But it's still lovely and peaceful there. Now I think I'm off for a little mini shop therapy. As to challenge, I think I've actually gained. Maybe prior calories catching up with me. I thought surely I'd be down one pound at least and for a bit I was. Don't get this weight loss thing, obviously. flower 06-17-2007, 08:59 PM I am 38, now that I am not TTC, I am finally clockwork again, figures. I don't want to deal with mood swings, I feel for you. House won't be closing. I just knew it. They were suppose to get the $ from a relative and for some reason it didn't go thru and they couldn't find another way. Supposably I have another offer going to be faxed to me tomorrow from someone else. We will see. I am trying not to be upset, mad, depressed. I am staying on program. WW I do gotta work on excersice though. Not going to meetings, but I know the program, I can do this without spending money I do not have. Arabella 06-18-2007, 10:33 AM K, I'm starting my challenge TODAY! Enough lingering at this weight. :yes: If other Royals would like to do a challenge, I'll post a new thread. Kind of a nice grey, drizzly, windy day here. Good for working. Flower, hope the new offer is a good one and solid to boot! :crossed: Anagram, a nap on the patio of P&t sounds blissful. All those little nature spirits out there :) K, must dash, so... Here's my commitment: Eat only at the table when alone (I always struggle with this but it makes it so much easier to stay OP and so much less likely to stray off-plan) No wheat or junk, minimal sugar (occasional glass of wine, occasional low-sugar dark chocolate) At least 2L water Aerobic exercise every day Meditate every day Either tai chi or yoga every day Something just for fun, every day Have already completed exercise component and am almost there on my water (I actually find it helpful to drink more than 2L). Meditation + fun to come. K, I need to be off and running. Who's up for committing to at least one healthy habit for the next 21 days? katrinabgood 06-18-2007, 04:10 PM Hmmm...what to do...I would like to commit to 21 days, but I do have my trip coming up on the 30th. I'm not planning on going crazy there, but may need a little wiggle room for birthday indulgences and the like. THEREFORE...oh ****, I'll just give it my best shot for the next 21 days, knowing that 4 of them may be less than stellar. I'll just make sure the remaining 17 days are as near perfect as I can make them! That said, I commit to the following: Exercise. Daily walk/swim/something of aerobic nature for at least 30 minutes. Clean eating. Fresh fruit/vegs. Lean meat. Fish. Oatmeal. Soy milk. Nothing processed, no white stuff. Vitamins. Take them daily. Daily yoga or pilates. Water. At least 64 oz. daily Rest. At least 6 hours of sleep per day--in one session, not broken up. (this is a LOT for me!) That's it. Manageable. I know I won't be doing yoga in Vegas, and I can't say for sure I'll be getting sufficient rest...but I'm pretty sure the rest is doable. (Does booze count as "processed?") Thanks for sharing your "womanly business" with me...it's greatly appreciated! I am in good company here! I have to get back to homework. Class tonight. No work though, not til tomorrow night. Three nights off have done a world of good...I'm afraid I did a lot of sleeping at odd times and spent a good portion of my nights wide awake. Oh well...at least I was home! Gotta run, have a good night, :queen:s ! flower 06-18-2007, 05:06 PM Commitment, excersice. I got the key to the weight room today. If I don't walk, swim, excercise dvd...I need to go to the weight room. anagram 06-18-2007, 09:37 PM Good day foodwise for a change though I didn't think I was doing badly.Not until I got on scale today - highest of recent times. In fact, up 2.2 lbs in last two months. Must be the lack of exercise - I'm exercising but it's not aerobic. Went to a funeral this a.m., got haircut this afternoon. then just basically hid from heat - 92 today but not overly humid. THAT'S coming tomorrow. I want to commit to it all but if I just get in more water it would help. And try to increase exercise. I must say I'm disappointed - my recently operated on toe is heading off its course again. All this and now it's not as nice as I thought it would be. This actually was starting before I finished PT but I tried to tell me it wasn't happening. Can't deny it anymore. I've only been off the appliances between the toes for four days (and in fact have gone back to wearing them at night and only skipped one night). I guess the screw in there isn't holding too well. I pick up new orthotic tomorrow - maybe it will help a bit. Not much I can do at this point but keep trying. Stay cool, chicas!! Arabella 06-19-2007, 07:07 AM :cp: :cp: And this will absolutely work for me :yes: These simple things work. Of course I expected to see a loss today and had one of those unaccountable no-account bounces up. Just 1 fluffy, though, which is neither here nor there in my books. Prolly gone tomorrow. I'm really trying to work on the stress, too, which seems difficult sometimes: Yesterday, my sister ranted to me over the phone for over an hour about this and that. I don't think she understands how forcefully she speaks but it's like an assault. I felt like I'd been beaten up after I hung up, even though it wasn't directed at me. I took her out of town on an errand the other day and she railed about various people the whole way. She's just spewing negativity. She's having a very difficult time, financially. Which is all her own doing but still, one hates to see her going through it. Also, I've got to protect myself from that. I was still so anxious, hours later, that I had trouble getting to sleep. And, as a result, ended up only getting about 5 hours sleep. Not good. If I feel like I'm ready to drop off at any point today I'm hopping back into bed. Kat, I think that's the approach to take -- the plan is our plan, and we can plan to deviate slightly as suits us :queen: Because, after all, life is made up of both the usual rules and the exceptions, right? Anagram, so sorry about the toe woes! That's just unfair! :mad: Does it just mean you'll have to use the appliances for longer? Sending healing vibes :goodvibes: Alas and alack, staying cool is NP :dz: The high today is supposed to be 15 (59 F). Ah well, better for work. :p Ceara, beist thou back? Hope Halifax was fabulous! Kaylets, WSW, Flower :wave: :queen:lies, let us take this day and make it serve us well! anagram 06-19-2007, 08:19 AM Still cool and lovely on the patio so I've had my outdoor time already (as I usually do because my "first thing" is to read/scan the daily paper out there when weather permits). Judging by the amount of bathroom time overnight, I just may have lost some of that overall gain. That's the hope anyway. It is amazing how much some people can drain us with their problems, isn't it? DD sometimes does this to me but at least I love her. There are others (one particularly from my childhood) who do the same. I feel badly for her so once in a while I allot an hour or so to let her go on - I know she needs it but it is repetitious and any suggestion she handle things differently is immediately brushed off. Sometimes I think she "likes" the way things are as it's the only way she knows or is "comfortable" with. But then I must go and refresh my spirits. I find it esp. hard to listen to her complain about her husband since DH is gone but if I say something about that, she'll say well she'd miss a GOOD husband too if she'd had one. But I've heard this same story over 40 odd years. Yikes, even thinking about such negative people is bringing me down so I understand your lack of sleep. Going back to bed is always a wise (and royal) idea. Good for you, flower,on the weight room key. It must be really hard to keep to some of the exercises with Jack. How was the birthday? Give him a cuddle for me. Yes, kat, your program will not be adversely damaged by your vacation but your vacation could be adversely damaged by your program. Life is to be lived and vacations to be enjoyed. In as healthy a way as possible, of course, but enjoyment is good for our health too. REMINDER TO SELF: Get in some fun today. That said, I think I'll go replant a houseplant - something I've been wanting to do for ages but just kept putting off. That's fun. Arabella 06-19-2007, 08:38 AM Likewise, I'm finding the mere suggestion of refreshing one's spirits to be uplifting! I did just go for a run through my woods and came back for a set of tai chi in the back yard. So far, I'm not feeling the worse for lack of sleep but it may hit me later. We're simulthinking this a.m., too: While I was running, I thought that what I've got to do is get rid of that negative energy as soon as I can after contact. It's like coming in contact with a toxic substance (well, I think it IS coming in contact with a toxic substance). We need to limit the contact and go for the antitoxin ASAP. I'm going to go hop in the shower. And then I just might pot up a couple of lovely kalanchoe slips that a neighbour gave me. She also gave me a very long hoya slip that I'm rooting. I love those leaves, so sturdy and dark green and glossy and speckled. So, believe it or not, I do have to work today. Just enjoying having a nice chat, though. :) Have a lovely day, Queenies! ceara 06-19-2007, 09:19 AM It was great! Foggy and chilly, but great! We had a good time...visiting with my brother and his wife, and some of her family. We went to Peggy's Cove on Sunday am...what a beautiful place. I did walk/climb on the rocks...not too much though because of that knee. We ate seafood....and seafood and seafood. Gained 3 pounds. So back to the wagon I trudge. As Anagram said though, you can't let the programme spoil your vacation. I didn't go hog-wild on deserts (could have), I saved myself for the good stuff.... Have a busy day here....chiro at 10 and apparently the grocery fairy was on strike while I was gone. Then rehearsal this afternoon. So I must be off! Think I'll go for a gentle walk! Too bad on the closing Flower...you are handling it well though. Another offer will come through. Wsw..great to see you here...the humidity is something isn't it? Makes my hair curl. Geesh, that is tough with the toe Anagram. What does the dr. say, or has he seen it yet? Arabella, we are the same age! I think we discovered that a couple years ago. Kat...I had a hysto 2 years ago, left the ovaries. I think I'm having flashes occasionally...(wine and alcohol seem to make them worse), and am definitely cyclic. Ya-ha...as Anagram said at least they are half better. 'K...gotta go...oatmeal for brekkie! :wave: katrinabgood 06-19-2007, 01:10 PM Hey hey, busy morning 'round here, I'm happy to see! I've had my morning walk already. I had myself a revelation of sorts. I'm back to the track, just cuz it's closer and I had some stuff to do around town afterwards. So I'm going 'round and 'round...all kinds of thoughts floating through my head. Too many, actually. Things that are bothering me, things that have bothered me, things I feel the need to find solutions for. All at once, I thought, "STOP." Everyone OUT! I had to force myself to empty my thoughts and just focus on the right here and now, (well, there and then) nothing else. The sky is blue. The sun is shining. I smell the pine trees. I hear the birds. Why does that woman always walk in the opposite direction? :?: It took some doing, more than a few trys to keep my head clear, but in the long run, it made for a very refreshing walk. I hit the farm market when I was done, picked up some veggies for lunch and a 1/2 pint of raspberries, all for me. Can't wait for that! I find negative people completely draining. I love, anagram, how you gently try to point out a different perspective to your complaining friend. Of course she doesn't get it, people like that rarely do...they really are comfortable in their misery. How sad for them. I love the idea of "refreshing your spirit" after an encounter...I will keep that in mind tonight at work. This is day 2. So far, food has been good, with plans for the next two meals. Exercise-done. Pilates as soon as I'm done here. Water-working on it. Vitamins-with next water break. Rest-I slept all through the night, ahh! Welcome back, ceara...sounds like a loverly trip! Arabella...so what is your antitoxin? I find that sometimes just a few deep cleansing breaths and happy thoughts can purge the negativity that people sometimes leave behind. flower, did you get to the weight room? Thank you for reminding me, I have been neglecting the weights that are sitting on the floor right next to me here as I type! I think I will put them to use today. Like right now...before I forget. Okay, gotta go be productive~ Have a great day, all! :wave: Arabella 06-20-2007, 06:10 AM Giving the alarm a little rest starting tomorrow, because DH is going to be away for a week. I'm going to try to take work a little easy. I'll at least tell them not to expect me to be in the office all the time. Ceara, so glad you had a good weekend. Too bad the weather wasn't better. We're having an unusually cool spring and late summer this year -- they say the strawberries will be a couple of weeks late. But... it's supposed to be 22 and sunny today, not bad. Yeah, alcohol and the flashes, huh. I find sugar does the same thing. I haven't tried alcohol without sugar to see if it's just the sugar, as one of my sisters claims. Katrina, people do get locked into their misery, don't they. I don't think they realize it's in their own control. Always some one else's fault, everything. As for the antitoxin -- it depends on the dosage. A few deep breaths for a brief unpleasantness, but if someone pitches a hissy fit for an hour or so... it takes a lot of fixin' for me to feel okay. Meditation, tai chi, yoga, a walk. I've got a real tendency to fret and that's one of my worst problems. Good thing it's in my control (oh, that was a kick in the butt :dz: ) Gotta run... Have a good one! anagram 06-20-2007, 09:53 AM What a nasty storm we had last night! Patio of P/T was very damp and debris strewn this a.m. but I had my sit and my "commune" anyway. It does so base me for the day. Ah, yes, the antitoxin does depend on the dosage. Deep breaths help (sometimes even as I listen on the phone w/a few little exercises thrown in as well) but for the biggies, it takes a l o n g time. Easier though - things don't throw me as much now that I'm sort of "in control" ;) Was many a time an excuse for a cookie or ice cream binge. I'm carrying around a lot of other people's problems on my body. Trip sounds wonderful, ceara - relaxing. Keep some of that good medicine throughout your hectic day. Good job on the "focusing", kat. Yes, this is YOUR time - those other things will wait. I find jotting them down early in the day works to assure me I'll not really forget (like I could!) and clear out my mind a little. Some things have been jotted down for a long time ;) but they're not forgotten; just not messing w/my head as much. I review the lists periodically and cross off/update. I too hit a farm market over the weekend. Cherries, strawberries, cantelope, and a huge salad that I'll be eating until I leave for DD's on Friday. Yes, another trip to Princessville. Guess I must be "healed". Eleven is a WHO in Seussical the Musical over the weekend and I get to see it twice. I'll also be tending Six and Three Quarters while parentals do back stage work, etc. Trying to hoard energy so I'll have enough................. TODAY IS SHOE SHOPPING DAY. And shoe trying on day - afraid I'll have very few left but, hey, that's ok. No? I've decided to wait until this afternoon so I can get to pool first. I haven't talked to dr. yet. He had said he was overcorrecting as it would likely revert. I just didn't expect so much. Both chilluns say call - I said lets wait a bit. We'll see next week maybe after I'm running around w/orthotic, etc. Arabella 06-21-2007, 06:07 AM Let's see if I can wake me up. Insanely early today and I've been awake for over 2 hours already. We woke up at 3:15 and were unable to get back to sleep. I've got to pick up my friend at the airport at 3 this aft. and take DH out there around 5. Then friend and two of my sisters are coming for dinner. I don't really feel too badly, considering. I did have coffee close to noon and had 3 cups of caffeinated, which is unusual, so maybe that affected my sleep. I'm feeling very slightly sick to my tummy so am not going to run. I'll do yoga, though. And have to go out and do shopping and some running around, so that'll be enough for today, methinks. Planning to do my old faithful lemon-garlic chicken with a rice pilaf and Greek salad. Guacamole and organic blue corn chips to start, fruit and dark chocolate for dessert. Anagram, there we go again: An hour of peace and quiet on the deck or by the window sets me up for the day. Even if I wake up cranky or glum, that P + T does wonders. My Dad used to get up at 5 every morning (which was unthinkable to me back then, although it's my regular wake-up now). He'd sit at the end of the kitchen table or, in the summer, park a kitchen chair out in the back yard overlooking his garden. He'd have a coffee, smoke his smokes and think his thoughts. Oh, to see Eleven in Seussical the Musical! I'm envious. DGS has his kindergarten graduation on Friday, though and I'm sure that'll be great. I remember his dad's: He wore a faded blue denim vest that he really loved and a construction paper mortarboard of the same shade. Ah, I believe the rain has started out there. Think I'll do my yoga, get showered up and get some work done. Maybe try getting a bit more sleep later in the morning... Let's make this a good one, Goils! anagram 06-21-2007, 08:15 AM Ah such a sweet memory, Arabella, and another one to be added tomorrow. And a week of sleeping in should help you catch up on some much needed sleep. Sleeping in is probably to 6:00............Your Dad memory conjured up similar of my Dad (before he stopped smoking). He was ever the early riser and drove to local store to pick up daily paper when it was dropped off outside before store opened as he couldn't wait for it to be delivered - His day was well under way by that time. I've been up early a lot lately too but I've been sleeping much better than I had been so I'm not feeling drained from it. Sort of luck on the shoes - found three pair (amazing) that almost worked. The only three I tried on. The third pair is still under consideration (with some alteration to the orthotic). However they are considerably expensive and I want to look another place or two and go back another day and try them on again (less swelling, maybe, or getting more used to orthotic. Then did buy a pair at KMart to wear in DDs house (long boring story). So - more of same today - not going to pool as worked out too well there yesterday which felt good but has given me some slightly sore spots today. Will do something else instead. Lovely day here today which is great as local Jubilee Day is today and though people come rain or shine, it's nice to have good weather for it. Hopped on scale today and it looked better but not "official" until AFTER breakfast. MAYBE I'll be lucky and weigh in where I started when this thread started. Salads, fruit have helped me shed water weight which I think had somehow been even more than usual. But, of course, that means I haven't really lost any............................Again, I blame lack of exercise not any "treats" I might have accidentally ingested.......... On to new adventures and lots of fun - hopefully. ceara 06-21-2007, 08:44 AM Hi ladies! I am off to be trained this morning...on something...for 2 hours so I need to make this short. Have the sprinklers going until 8am and will be getting the guys out in a minute...just popping by. Yes Kat, I find it hard to let things go when I walk...I tend to fret also. But part of my journey this last 7 months has been dealing with that and getting those things and people outta my mind when I walk/woggle. That time is for ME...no one else. I've become a little proprietory about that! :lol: Yes trip was good and it is still basking over me. A good time. 'k...gotta go! anagram 06-21-2007, 11:24 AM Huzzah! "Official First Day of Summer Weigh-In" shows me down all of one (1) pound in the last two months. But still not as bad as I had been expecting. Down 3.2 pounds in last three days so we know it's all water. However, all that said.............It's still down. So off I go for more shoe shopping in a good frame of mind and into a lovely day. Thinking good thoughts of all the Royals who keep me going on my non-progressing journey. flower 06-21-2007, 12:17 PM I have walked 3 times and swam once in the last 48 hours. Yippy! katrinabgood 06-21-2007, 05:20 PM Fly by...I'm here...just busy...be back soon! anagram 06-22-2007, 08:27 AM Patio was cool, tranquil, lovely this a.m. and I got to spend at least a little time there. But must be up and off and getting ready for my trip to Princessville. So I'll see y'all Monday and will do my best to eat in a decent manner. DDs place is really one of my biggest challenges. I have some food packed up and ready to go but it's more the hectic pace/stress, etc. as compared to my tranquil haven. Offset, of course, by lots of hugs and demands for attention ;) So, let's all be Regal this weekend - in the best sense of the word. Arabella 06-22-2007, 11:24 AM Why did I think a second, pre-bed, piece of pie with ice cream was a good idea? Or the first, for that matter? In fact, why, oh why, did I buy pie? (I feel a Seuss-y book coming on...) Contributing factors: >5 hours sleep Frantically trying to get work done betwixt and between picking up friend at the airport, buying groceries, cooking dinner and getting DH off to the airport. Having one sister monopolize the conversation and go on and on and on about herself in a self-aggrandizing kind of way (This is the same sister that's in so much trouble.) I'm sure it's all tied in, but ... still hard to take. Prolly too much wine :chin: When my other sister suggested that it would be nice to do the dinner with all four of us on his night of arrival, I thought it seemed like too much for one day. But of course didn't say so. Would have been much preferable to just have dinner with my friend and try to get together with the others another time. I ended up being up until almost midnight and then unable to sleep (for which I blame that second piece of pie.) Ah well, that's why it's a challenge and that's why it's 21 days. Back OP, I am. This morning I got a panicky call from a non-computer literate sister trying to print out a spreadsheet for a business plan that she has to submit today. So I've spent most of the morning screwing around with that instead of getting my own stuff done. Will have to treat myself very, very well today once I get that out of my hair. :yes: Anagram, congrats on the pound down! And have fun in Princessville. :) I intend to salvage the rest of my day. Going for a run, just about now. katrinabgood 06-22-2007, 07:52 PM Good Friday evening to all an' sundry! What a beautiful day twas 'round these parts. Didn't walk tho'. Too tired. Work kicked my butt last night. I'm finding that when I get sufficient rest, I'm much more in control of things...when I don't....well, let's just say tomorrow will be a new Day 1! I plopped around here most of the day, dozed a bit, did some laundry, watched the tube as I folded clothes. Saw a glorious movie called Monsoon Wedding. I had never heard of it before, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Takes place in India, events swirling around a family's preparations for an arranged marriage. I love to watch how cultures different from my own celebrate life. So many differences, but the similarites are always there: love, laughter, tears, joy... Anyway, a very good movie, I highly recommend it! Well, I'm treating myself well this evening. I'm off for a massage. Been wanting to do this for a L O N G time now. Today, I decided is the day. My neck and shoulders couldn't be any tighter if I tried. It's time. So, with that in mind, I'm outta here...have a peaceful/tranquil evening, all! Amarantha2 06-23-2007, 12:55 AM Hello, Royals! :carrot: Some of ye may or may not know me but I just dropped into your palace to say hello. I'm sort of reviving my 3FC account as I seem to need a lot o' diet related conversation for this last leg of my journey and 3FC seems to be workin' for me more smoothly now. Will see ye all 'round the boards occasionally, gentle queens. Good luck with your summer challenges! Kaylets 06-23-2007, 06:46 AM Hello all.... System issues, time issues.... just wanted to say hello, and I will try again if this post takes.... :o flower 06-23-2007, 10:26 AM I walked yesterday too. Haven't done today's walk but I will when hubby wakes up. I would rather skip the stroller today. I am on program with my food and excersice! House is still stressful but my step mom actually knows the lender where the new offer is applying to. At least I know things look good so far this time around. Kaylets 06-25-2007, 06:35 AM Hello all....hope everyone is doing well.... I too have been trying the antitoxin treatments.... Then saw the Menopause Lady on PBS and something she said made it into the ol grey matter .......... She says, studies show if you think of the picture, baby birds, baby puppies, baby kittens or just babies that makes you feel the warmest, softest, -----in other words---most moved---- that the same energy, that moved you clicks an a "happy" hormone in your brain. The same one that is in full force during pregancy. It has very calming properties and you can self induce no matter what the age or physical condition. Shall we run an experiment? I'm off to the job.... ******************** Thought of the day: Take care all... Blessed is he who speaks a kindness; thrice blessed is he who repeats it. - Arabian proverb **************** :dizzy: Arabella 06-25-2007, 11:01 AM Sheesh. Not going to detail reasons & excuses, but I was off the wagon all weekend. I had DGS, which was nice but tiring. And I really needed some rest and recovery time. Ah well, will have to try to fit same into daily life. I have a really bad habit of overextending myself of my own volition. :chin: Will have to talk to me about that. I've got myself way overbooked for this week so it's going to take some work to make sure I can stay OP throughout. But I will :yes: Hey, Amarantha! Nice to see thee (with whom I believe all Royals are acquainted!) Please carry my regards back to yonder Realm where other beloved :queen:s dwell! Kat, Monsoon Wedding is one of my all-time favorites! Wish there were more like it... Anagram, aiming for regal behavior today, I am. :yes: K, :queen:lies, let's take this fresh new week and make it work for us! anagram 06-25-2007, 11:54 AM What an interesting concept, Kaylets! I'm good to try it. In a way, somewhat similar to the peaceful concepts brought on by meditation when one things of a favorite place, etc. So why would it not work on hormones, sez I! Ah, faithful Arabella. The occasional fall leads to further vigilance. How fared they week of sleeping in? I didn't fall as far as usual this weekend. Don't know what there is about DD's (well, yes, I do, it's stressful). And I too am so tired. I love the Princesses no doubt but esp. Six and Three Quarters can wear me out. The show (I saw it twice) was delightful. Cannot believe the talent in some of these youngsters (3-8 grade presentation). House sounds more optimistic this time, flower. anagram 06-25-2007, 12:00 PM Howdey, Royal Empress - nice to hear you'll be popping in hither and yon. Arabella, I guess you really haven't had a chance to get in a week's worth of sleeping in yet - hope the rest of the time dh is away is less hectic. A massage - ooom - it's been a long time here too and having neck, shoulder problems. Hmmmm - maybe after lunch w/friend today I'll look into the possibility. Clouds holding down expected heat, storms probable later. Just doing laundering, getting organized, etc. Stiff, sore, tired, semi blah but wishing all Royals well. Kaylets 06-25-2007, 09:55 PM Hello all.... On my way to the shower as its horribly humid in this kingdom tonight.... well... I got another really good look at myself in the mirror.... And I wasnt happy. The double chin is coming back. I am not impressed. The same doctor on the PBS show I told you about last post says the whole point is NOT how fast, how much or how regimented but that its SOMETHING, rather than nothing. That 80/20 is much easier to live with and less apt to wind up with bingeing.... To aim for 80% good choices leaving 20% "cushion". Its good mentally. I should look her name up online when I have a moment. She makes so much sense and has a very easy going speaking voice. Talks about lots of pre, peri, post menopause issues and makes good, good sense. To all of us, you too Empress!! We did what we could today. No regrets. Either the timing was right or it wasn't. We may be thrilled with the outcome or not. But, if we could have done more, we would have. We did our best. And I think we're more the royal for it! anagram 06-26-2007, 08:06 AM What an appropriate summing up of the Royal Approach, Kaylets. Yes, humidity is reigning here as well and to be even hotter today and tomorrow. I "liked me" well enough yesterday, hope to manage that again today. Speaking of "seeing oneself" - watched some old videos while at DDs. Was appalled when I saw me at my highest. I don't think I was really "seeing" me that way then. And I'm afraid that's the case now too. I'm "seeing" the "improved' me without seeing that I still have so far to go. And health issues still there....................Why, despite all, do I still have so much trouble w/motivation? Off to the patio and my morning paper. Two appts. today, bedding in washer and then one more load to do today. Thinking I could sneak a trip to the pool in between the appointments.....................yes, more effort but isn't that just what I need? Amarantha2 06-26-2007, 11:00 AM Thanks for the hellos, various queenlies! Re carryin' regards to the palace yonder, I'm kind of temporarily wanderin' 'round the web as a depressive disembodied diet spirit 'n re-evaluatin' my postin' participations 'n blogging habits, so haven't been to any palaces fer a few days, needin' to simplify or somethin', diet more privately, train for a marathon (someday, in the meantime, a 5k in August), lose the Regain Demon ... playin' with the blogs here since I seem to be able to get into them. Arabella 06-26-2007, 03:59 PM Day 2 fly-by. Salvaging an evening for myself tonight to relax and rejuvenate. But until then ... must work. Love to all! Arabella 06-27-2007, 02:08 PM Gotta say, I feel awfully close to the end of my rope, life-wise. Just overbooked and overcommitted -- I need some time to sit and watch the grass grow or the tide roll in or some such. I think I could burst into tears at a moment's notice. There's a Reiki share tonight that I said I intended to attend but I'm thinking maybe not :chin: The Reiki part is good but there's too much sitting around and chatting before and after and the facilitator is the one who does all the chatting. I find it very frustrating when people monopolize the conversation. And I don't need any more frustration at this point. :no: Oh, my apologies for the me-me-me -- be assured I'm thinking good thoughts at all beloved :queen:lies! katrinabgood 06-27-2007, 04:05 PM Dearest Arabella...no better place to come than here for me me me time. We all take turns, don't we? This is really the only place I come to freely unload my thoughts, decompress, readjust, reevaluate. Don't apologize! Just do what needs to be done. Great thoughts on "80/20" approach, Kaylets...I often think, when I'm bemoaning my lack of progress, at least I'm doing something. At the very least, it's better than nothing. I'm all for the happy hormone therapy! Will try visualizing babies, all snuggly and sweet, when I go to my 'happy place' to meditate! :bb: Amarantha! Welcome! So good to see you amongst us again! I'm trying to pack...got the boys off to the airport this morning, they are off on their adventure. Mine begins Saturday, two more night to work, two more nights of school...the days/hours/minutes til we leave are ticking by v e r y s l o w l y. The actual trip will be over in a snap, I'm sure! Must do some homework now... Hi to everyone, mentioned and un- Have a great day, one and all! :wave: Kaylets 06-27-2007, 11:15 PM Hello all.... We are in the middle of a fierce t storm.... it was very, very hot and humid all day and now we are seeing it break up.... I hope.... I am off to earlier than usual start in the am so I am posting before bed rather than trying to be witty and quick at the same time.... Here's Thursday's Good Morning Thought.... **** Thought of the day : "Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see the beauty in them and try to follow where they may lead." Louise May Alcott Question of the day : "Do you buy fireworks ?" ***** Yes, and yes and yes about how sometimes we just have to miss a meeting, event, gathering what-have-you because we just can't handle anymore ...... And we really arent lying when we say "Sorry, I am just not up to it....I think what I really need is to rest and take care of myself"....... anyway, thunder continues to rumble.... I can hear the rain getting louder too.... I better turn the whole machine off.... Here we go Thursday, here we go!;) anagram 06-28-2007, 06:59 AM Truly, wise Arabella, I hope you followed your instinct for self preservation and missed the meeting. I too believe (though not always a practitioner) that our first duty is to self (in a totally Queenly un-self involved way - if that makes any sense). Obviously you need that break to continue with the other things on your agenda. It's a NonGuilter so hope you took the break and feel more serene today. Happy, happy vacation, katrina. Wish I were going too. Hope things are looking better, flower. Give Jack a hug from the Old Hag - my hormones need that snuggly thought.:dizzy: And wise Kaylets, taking time to post when less hectic. We've been having the storms too. And today's to be worse. Nasty. Hard to function on these humid days (kudos again to wsw for managing more of them). Did get to pool though. No, on the fireworks though there are still some old ones here (dh had a thing for them). And what a Regal quote. So apt for my journey, for sure. Up too early. Considering early class at pool. Would make my day go easier. Am I as wise as I counsel others to be? Stay tuned...............:cool: anagram 06-28-2007, 06:24 PM Went to early pool today and the sky didn't fall in. May try it again. Also learned they ARE having late afternoon groups as they did last summer. That worked well for me sometime so may do that again. Then walked Lowe's (phew!). Waiting for big storms again. Trying to make me do things and succeeding at a slow rate. Anyway, today was my official weigh in and I was down a pound from last Thursday. Was up in between of course and will be again but it was nice that it showed down a pound again. My victories are small and long and coming but it did help me be in a good mood. Wildfire 06-28-2007, 08:31 PM Hello Royals! :queen: I find myself unsettled, restless, unfocused, and in need of change. My retreat in the land far away is less welcoming these last few months...not that the people there are unwelcoming, but it draws me less and less. So I thought to myself, "Self, summer at the Palace might be just what a weary soul needs." Bags packed, cats in tow, here I am. This year, with a knee injury and months of physio, and having just escaped needing gallbladder surgery I am tired, indulgent, and well, fat. I did continue going to the gym but somewhat half-heartedly. Now that surgery is not immediate I am attempting to refocus. Back to the weights and required (if hated) cardio, and seeing improvements in strength already. Just need to get my head around an eating program. I am really struggling with that part. Not so much the food, but planning ahead of time. So, here I am. The Irishman could possibly be coming for a visit mid-August, so I'd like to get myself together in the next six weeks. Oh, and there is The Jamaican....what dear, gentle, upbeat soul he is, too. A recent addition to my life, and I am blessed in such. I hear DH doing dishes, so the sky must be about to fall on our heads. I suppose I should investigate. I am looking foward to catching up with everyone! anagram 06-29-2007, 11:59 AM What a pleasant surpise on a drear, rainy morn to come to the Palace and find our Wildfire has come for a visit. Welcome, we'll help (in our own little way) to help you settle, rest and focus. Sorry to hear of the health problems. And we can help to count down to another visit from the Irishman. And now a Jamaican blessing as well. Do tell. As I said, rainy here at the moment, but a soft gentle rain that would have kept me on the patio of P&T longer but for a planned lunch w/friend. Also just have some things that need a little attention before I move on to the Holiday Week. DD & crew will be coming up for Fourth and when they leave on fifth, Eleven will stay on for a few, much anticipated days. DD returns o'er the weekend and will take Eleven home after DD and I meet with atty on Monday. (Yes, the lawsuit coninueth.) So I'm puttering along here. Some of yesterday's pound loss disappeared overnight (expected it would) but I concentrate on the fact I have not gained essentially over the past two years of turmoil. Really feel like I could nap (or read on patio) all day. Unfortunately, no Magic Hag to come in and take care of all the nitty-gritties. :( AND, ANYWAY, 'TIS FRIDAY - A FAVORITE DAY IN THE PALACE - SO A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO MY ROYAL COHORTS. Amarantha2 06-29-2007, 01:22 PM Hail to thee from o'er the sea, Q. Wildfire!!! :wave: I am in much the same boat (is there a boat smilie?) as thee as to havin' set sail to wander the palace lands here 'n there so t'is doubly good to see thee (it's always good to see thee, though)! I am much in a different boat than thee, though, in lovin' cardio 'n well, not hatin' weights, but findin' they come in a definite second when push comes to shove at the gym as my gym had an indoor track that calls to my runnin' spirit. Katrinabgood, thanks for the welcome. T'is "good" to see thee again, lass! Question o' the day (from a few days back), "Nay, I do not buy fireworks, there be too much danger o' fire where I live. I also don't like fireworks and they frighten me. I do go and take pics of them for work, though." Wildfire 06-29-2007, 09:23 PM What an absolutely beautiful day here today! No humidity, around 25C with a refreshing breeze....too bad I was in the Office of Malcontent all day. Just came in from watering my gardens and noticing all the bits here and there that need tending this weekend. My orange lilies are in full bloom and such a vibrant orange they are! (Will post pics over the weekend.) Spot, my affectionately named lungwort, is doing marvelously after his first flowering season, and the hostas are flowering already. The black-eyed susans are well on their way, too. I suspect they will be in bloom in another couple of weeks. Happy Long Weekend to my fellow Canucks! I'll reserve the flag waving for the official day. Not much planned here, other than getting together with The Jamaican on Sunday evening to hang out for a few hours. He has become a dear friend to me over this last year. Again, I am lucky to have a DH that is secure enough in our relationship not to have a problem with me having male friends. Not that he would have much choice if I set my mind to it, but it is better this way. Anagram, sounds like a lovely rain this morning. We are in need of some this way if you could send it when you are finished. City has issued a watering ban today, so the grass will be crunchy until further notice. We are allowed to hand water plants so the garden will survive, but no sprinklers allowed until further notice. You have a busy week ahead with visitors! Hail Amarantha! :wave: Always good to see thee, too! I don't have a running spirit, wish I did. You do the cardio for me, and I'll lift for you? Deal? Now where is everyone else? :mag: Amarantha2 06-29-2007, 09:46 PM Deal, Wildfire! :wave: katrinabgood 06-30-2007, 12:48 PM Okay, I'm off...I wanted to get a good, self motivating post in before I left, but, alas, the procrastinator that dwelleth within me had other plans...namely, being up, packing, til 3am! That's just me, last minute Lulu, I don't know any other way to be. :shrug: BUT! I am packed, stopped the mail (5 minutes ago), kenneled the dog, locked the windows, called my folks...I guess I'd best get my ample rear into the shower before my nephew gets here to pick me up. I just have this vague feeling that I've forgotten something.... I love the quote from Louisa May, Kaylets! I wrote it down to remember, what a lovely thought. Re: fireworks. Deathly afraid. Love to watch them, don't want to be anywhere near them. Having a July 3rd birthday always made it kind of hard to avoid them...but they scared the daylights out of me. Not sure why. :chin: Hi, Wildfire! This is a fine, cool palace for a summer retreat...welcome to you and the cats! Okay, royals...I need to get moving here, Vegas calls. Happiest of holidays to all, I will give Elvis your regards.... :wave: anagram 06-30-2007, 04:19 PM Have a great trip. AND a GREAT BIRTHDAY. Wildfire 07-01-2007, 11:46 AM Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canucks!http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/MsSherlock/canada.gif http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/MsSherlock/canadaa.gif Amarantha2 07-01-2007, 01:59 PM Yes, Happy Canada Day to the folks up north! :wave: I lost 1.6 pounds this week (signature didn't really reflect my weight, which was 144.6 last week). I am movin' on into July towards my goal and tryin' to reconnect with self. Plus work, which I must do now![/b] flower 07-01-2007, 09:17 PM I have been blogging daily but I am just so overwhelmed to come to the boards. I don't mean to be so self centered, I am just trying to survive. You all are so dear to me. I walked over 100 minutes over my June goal. {it was just 10 days of June) Onto my July one. Hi Wildfire! xoxox everyone, hopefully my life will improve soon. Or at least my house get sold. Amarantha2 07-02-2007, 09:35 AM Happy July, Queens! This is goin' to be the greatest July in royal fitness 'n happiness history, in my opinion. Hope everyone is havin' a good Monday so far! Arabella 07-02-2007, 12:45 PM Oh, it's so thrilling to see so many beloved Queenlies in the Palace :D Canada Day yesterday and I'm off today and tomorrow (despite having popped in to fix a couple of issues on the site.) Rainy day here today, so a good day for R&R with DH, who is also home -- tootling away on his saxophone as we speak. I've done my run through the woods, a set of tai chi and meditated. Am close to water requirements for the day already. I haven't been going badly off track but enough to keep me from losing. And I know if I meet my challenge requirements I WILL lose. So ... pushing on, I am. :yes: Anagram, you've done extremely well maintaining over the past couple of years. You are very regal and a true inspiration to me. Hope you have a lot of fun with the family and a lovely visit with Eleven -- such a lovely age for princesses. :) Amarantha, thou beist so right -- July is gonna rock the Palace! Kudos to you for the fluffy release! You are definitely going to meet your goals. Huzzah, huzzah :encore: Flower, not to worry! :hug: Sometimes it's all we can do to pop in and report briefly and that is totally okay :yes: Royals are ever grateful for the news and TOTALLY understand the overwhelmed situation. Take care of yourself! Welcome home, Wildfire! "Office of Malcontent" LOL + shudder of recognition. Oh, your boy friends sound lovely, lovely. I've been enjoying reconnecting with one of those my own self recently. He's visiting and thinking of moving back here, which would be fun. Kaylets, I love fireworks but don't buy them. I didn't make it to our local ones last night. The old venue was fields in the park overlooking the harbour and the new one is a noisy, carnival-like setting in a parking lot. Add in that it's past my bedtime and... well, there goes another year. Kat, hope you're having a fabulous time in Vegas. Can't wait to hear about your Elvis encounters ;) Wow, it's pouring out there again. I was going to go pull some weeds but I may just have to make a cup of tea and go sit in the porch to watch the rain. Love to all, mentioned or un- Let's make this a good one! Wildfire 07-02-2007, 10:58 PM Glorious day in my corner of the world. Another beautiful 23C day...I much prefer these so-called "cool" summer days to the oppressive heat of 30C or more. Hey...I have one good eating day accomplished AND started a new med that :crossed: might help my ever-present gut problems. I tried this med a couple of years ago and it made me rather ill, but so far (after one day and three doses) I haven't the slightest twinge of symptoms. DH leaves for PA sometime in the wee hours tonight. He prefers to avoid border line-ups and cross in the middle of the night. He goes to spend the 4th of July with his friends and family there, so I've spent much of today getting things ready for him to go, sewing for his aunt, and making a Victorian tassle bride doll for his cousin who got married. I snapped some pictures of the doll prior to packing her in bubble wrap for the trip, so when I get them transferred I will share. Spoke with The Irishman yesterday and he confirmed that he will try to make it for a visit during the week I am on vacation (week of Aug 18-26), and when he says he will try it is all but done. It has been a year since I saw him last, and I cannot wait! So, I've got 47 days, give or take a day, to get back in the swing of things and get the scale moving downwards! Hi Arabella and thanks for the welcome home! Anagram's rain must have made it right to you and skipped us completely. Yes, my guys are fabulous, each one of them. Do tell about this reunion with your old friend! Happy July, Amarantha! I think this is going to be a great summer here in the palace....I see us all looking sleek and strong by the next solstice. Hi Flower! Are you still trying to sell your place in Nevada (?)...I see you've moved to Florida already. Hello to everyone else! :wave: Amarantha2 07-03-2007, 11:13 AM Huzzah to all queens who herein reside during the first few days o' this JUSTIFIABLY JUBULICIOUS JACKRABBITIN' TO GOALS JULY ... t'is fantastic to be alive 'n have goals in such a month when all indicators (to me anyway) proclaim that success and good fortune must be visited on all royal heads!!! Yea, Wildfire, sleek 'n strong by the Solstice that loometh next and with the advent o' cooler weather (or warmer weather if one happens to reside in, say, Australia or somewhere on that side o' the world), the spirit o' fitness 'n fineness renewal felt in this July (at least I'm feelin' it) can only intensify!!! Huzzah, Arabella! Enjoy thy day off!!! I'm off also today, workin' the holiday tomorrow night! Huzzah to all! I'm off to my new 3FC blog, which be motivatin' me right now 'n then to gym, even though I be not in the mood for that but tempus fugit!!! flower 07-03-2007, 12:24 PM Yep, still attempting to sell my NV place. It has been a low journey. Dieting/excersice is easy compared to selling property! I can at least control what goes in my mouth and how much I move. lol Hi everyone! Hope the rain, humidity, heat isn't too much in your neck of the woods. anagram 07-03-2007, 06:07 PM PA, you say? Well, next year you'll have to ride along and come to the south central area or I'll meet up with you somewhere ;) A belated Canada Day to all our northern :queen:s - and Glorious 4th tomorrow to we southerners (so to speak). Lovely to see such enthuriasm. The palace seems nicely populated once again. Another beautiful day here today as well. Temps creeping up but more to glorious summer than to hot, miserable summer (that will come back next week, I'm told). Been being busy. just cooking to do now (if one counts cutting watermelon, cantalope, etc. as cooking plus as little real cooking). And then a few days with some of my fave peoples. Exercise was tough so far this week. Went to tai chi yesterday only to find it cancelled for some reason. Went to pool this a.m. only to find it summarily closed, again for reasons unknown. Walking grocery store for more than an hour today will have to cover it. Onward to July Jubilation..................................... Arabella 07-03-2007, 07:32 PM Kind of nice having a day off while DH is off to work. My friend came over to print out his boarding pass and we walked over to visit my sister, who's opening an organic cafe. She mentioned that she was going to need a staff person and I suggested my other sister, who's desperate for work. Sooo... one problem solved, another situation alleviated. I walked out high on caffeine and smiling, feeling: "My work here is done." K -- I got interrupted here and now it's the evening. Evening of Day 2, that is, and all's well :) Think I'll close out, though, and come back in the morning. Maybe go yank a few weeds and forget-me-nots out of the flower beds... :chin: Happy 4th to all beloved American :queen:lies! (Hey -- why no fireworks smileys?) Have a great evening, all. Kaylets 07-03-2007, 10:35 PM Hello all..... Wildfire, how nice to see you ! Sorry to hear about medical issues... I hope these new meds help soon/ And with the Empress visiting too, it makes things even nicer! The Empress is right! Jubliation July it is! Kat, I too have a July birthday.... in fact, this week too, but on the other side of the 4th....They had a smallish cake at work.... triple chocolate... It was sublime... and there were no leftovers which was perfect. SO, this is really official now.... Cake is gone, birthday getting closer, I AM BACK ON PLAN.... I read a report that said people who work lots of overtime are more likely to gain weight.... I am going to combat that theory.... I am thinking that reminders every 45 minutes telling me to get up and move will help... My stairclimbing is very limited nowadays ..... wrenched the one knee more tha once and I am making sure I don't do further damage..... So, yes, Happy Canada Day to the Northern Kingdom Royals.... Anagram, I know the princesses will be thrilled to see you. WoodNymph, isnt it a wonderful feeling when things go your way? Good for you for recommending your sister..... Flower.... just remember, you only need one person to buy the house..... just one...... I am sending house buying vibes your way.... keep walking, you're lifting your spirits more than your realize.... Here's what today's Thought of the day is: "If you don't ask, the answer will always be, "No". Question of the day : "How many pairs of jeans do you own?" ******** My answer to the question of the day is.... Do you mean that fit? I own at least 4 or 5 pairs.... If you mean fit....right now.... none.... BUT ...that will change. To all of us ! Amarantha2 07-04-2007, 04:11 AM Thank you for the nice comment about my bein' back in the palace, Kaylets! Re QOD, I have only two nice pairs of jeans right now, some others that are cut off into shorts. :) I am up early as I want to drink a protein shake and read for awhile. Am looking forward to a long run tomorrow. To all U.S. queens: have a great 4th! I know I will! Kaylets 07-04-2007, 09:17 AM Good Morning all..... The 4th dawns here with remmants of overnight showers..... Means I will have to wait a bit to do yard work or will be very wet ! Empress, it's true, I am sure I speak for all of us, we have missed your royal prescence. Its just not the same when you're not here! And that's true for all of our Royals.... Wildfire, WSW, Eydie, Q of Friday, and all of the many royals we don't see enough...... As for me, I can feel a real difference in my outlook about food choices when I can't be here as often as I should. SO.... Here we go Wednesday, here we go...... Flower, I am noticing on your blog that you enjoy quotes too.... I noticed a few of my favorites... OK.... LETS DO THIS!!!! Ty from Great House Makeover..... Kaylets 07-04-2007, 09:22 AM Hello again, I just found the following in my email from a friend..... I hope you all enjoy as much as I did: READ THIS VERY SLOWLY... IT 'S PRETTY PROFOUND. Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine. I got to thinking one day about all those people on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible. How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you? How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television? I cannot count the times I called my sister and said , "How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain" And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together. Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect! We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college. Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things are settled do wn a bit." When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord. My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy. Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to...not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting? Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you. Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply? When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi"? When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over. To those I have sent this to... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do. "Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!" :o:o Arabella 07-04-2007, 10:14 AM Good morning, :queen:lies! May all have a festive day. I intend to, holiday or not. I've been to the gym, done yoga, meditated, drunk half my water. Plus have a load of laundry on the line (incl. sheets, which will smell so lovely tonight) and another in the wash. I felt something click in this morning, some new level of self-acceptance. Want to keep that going :) Not that I'm happy with my weight, or anything like that, but that I understand that to be my current physical manifestation and not my true self. Maybe easier to get rid of avoirdupois if I don't think of it as being part of the real me? Hmm... :chin: I had another very nice moment this morning, too. DH, out of the blue, told me I looked "delectable." WELL! :o There I was, in my sweats -- and a little sweaty, truth be told -- unshowered, no make-up, hair a mess. :shrug: :) And when I looked a little surprised, he said, well, you're a gorgeous woman. Ahhhhhhhh... Set me up nicely, I must say. :cloud9: Kaylets, I've got two decent pairs of jeans that fit now, plus a couple of pairs of denim capris. I've got another pair that'll fit when I get 10 pounds off. Which it would be nice to manage by the end of the month... Yea, verily we do miss our wandering Royalty. And, speaking of which, where's our Ceara? She's usually so faithful. Hope all is well... Maybe I'll shoot her a PM. Anagram, how frustrating to have tai chi and pool both let you down! Grocery walk was probably enough, though, anyway. And I suspect you're kept busy when the fam's around, too. Oh, it is lovely to have the Palace populated again, isn't it :) Amarantha, Kaylets speaks the truth for all of us -- you're sadly missed when we don't see you! K, lovelies, I must do some woik. Have a fabulous day! ceara 07-05-2007, 08:25 AM I'm here! Just busy. Haven't even popped in to lurk since the 26th of June...lots of pages to catch up on! And lots of wandering royals coming through...'tis great to see them! I am finished with the birthday indiscretions...lasted a week. It is almost as if I gave myself permission to just "be". Which isn't a bad thing. The temp gain is now off and I am reinvigorated for another run at the process. It is a process, and the 80/20 thing makes perfect sense to me. You can't deprive yourself of everything...our human nature just won't tolerate that forever..... Have 2 shows this week-ends....and the knee is not 100%. I purchased a knee support for running on uneven ground. Am still walking, but no running yet...managed 3 one minute bits last night...so I know I can at least show the dog! :lol: Kat is in Las Vegas? Nice! 'K, gotta fly....many things to do and miles to go before I sleep tonight! :wave: Arabella 07-05-2007, 09:22 AM I was inspired to go to the beach yesterday. Site director declared it a holiday and away I went, with DS and DGS. What a little water baby he is -- so much fun swimming around with him and seeing that sheer joy on his face. Oh, he enjoyed himself! DS found the water too cold so mostly waded and played with DGS in the tidal pools but a good time was had by all. And the water was pretty chilly, truly, but not beyond the capacity of the diligent to get used to. So... whoo-hooo! Ran for longer this morning, about 45 minutes, came back for tai chi and meditated already. Glugged and glugged and now it's all checkity-checked already but for that eating properly and fun. Which shall be accomplished. :queen: Ceara, yay! I was a little afraid you were having computer (or, heaven forfend, other) woes. Busy we know about :yes: With all the progress you've made, a week of not worrying about it is probably salubrious. You've done so amazingly well! :encore: K, Dollings, I must work. The workweek's almost over. Huzzah! Let's make this a good one! Amarantha2 07-05-2007, 10:06 AM Arabella, thanks again for the nice words of welcome. T'is good to see thee again. Sword Bearer!!! Huzzah! :wave: I am thinkin' o' walkin', too, today, rather than stayin' in bed and not goin' to gym. Walkin' is good for the bod when in recovery and even when not. Four hours in the heat last night sort of did me in but am up and think I will do the gym anyhow and then go shopping for food. Did really well on the challenge I am doin' this week (will blog it and report it on the appropriate place). Did NOT eat any festival food in the heat, even though it all looked good. Drank a protein shake before going and when returning, then had some fat free milk and lots of water in the middle of the night. Kaylets, I enjoyed reading the essay you posted. Yea, we cram too many things in a day and the result for many of us is the Stress Demon. Not good. I have lots to do today but rest will be number one, then work tonight. Arabella 07-05-2007, 12:11 PM :wave: Amarantha! I was thinking about Ye Olde Stress :devil: this a.m. The Ultraprevention/Ultrametabolism guy says that if you could just address one health issue in your life, that issue should be stress relief/management. I believe it! Stress just impacts every aspect of our lives. There are those whom it maketh thin, I've heard. Ah, but pas moi. vBulletin® v3.6.7, Copyright ©2000-2015, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
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