And they’re each going a different direction! Too cute.
allein ?January 27, 2018 / 10:40 am
That puts the cuteometer into the red:
Muppet2171January 27, 2018 / 9:14 am
Not that I’m interested, but…um…what does this ‘cat stuff’ entail? *shifty eyes*
Meanwhile, I have put my babies on Instagram! PennyTellerCats – I’m up to 42 whole followers! Let the ad dollars start rolling in! Um…eventually? Please? They refuse to get a job!
AJJanuary 27, 2018 / 10:01 am
Oooh, not a big fan of Instagram but get to see your kitties?? Might make me sign up. If I found the right account, love them!! They’re so cute and so Siamese!
N. FritzJanuary 27, 2018 / 9:36 am
Just got back from an Open House at school. Before I left this morning I baked 5-6 dozen cookies and 24 mini scones. And I had to send my students out for Oreos because we had so much traffic through the English room! But I am absolutely exhausted and ticked that I had to give up my Saturday(we get a day off school in the spring to compensate). Gonna take a little nap now… zzzz…
BirdcageJanuary 27, 2018 / 9:38 am
Hey everyone. I’m delivering the “immortal memory” toast at a Burns Supper tonight so I’m practicing my speech and hydrating my body (in case there’s scotch) and ironing my plaid sash. (Anyone have any biographical questions about Robbie Burns for me? Because I’m now an expert after prepping for this event.)
allein ?January 27, 2018 / 10:33 am
So that explains the link to vegan haggis I saw last night…
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 12:32 pm
We used to have a restaurant where I sang from time to time and we did a Robbie Burns Night, haggis and all. Break a leg, Birdcage!
belphebeJanuary 27, 2018 / 1:02 pm
Here in Vancouver, we regularly have “Gung Haggis Fat Choy”, a combination Robbie Burns/Chinese New Year celebration. I always forget about it, so miss my chance to attend. I’ve probably missed it again this year.
I attended a Robbie Burns event once when I was in Ottawa; that was fun.
Have fun, Birdcage!
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 8:39 pm
Jung Haggis Fat Choy – a fusion holiday, I see.?
AJJanuary 27, 2018 / 9:42 am
I’d love to follow those kitties around all day but alas, meeting up with friends a little later. Then off to the boat show and somehow prevent hubby from coming home with one. I like the idea of a boat and being out on the water but the nitty gritty details of ownership, ennnnhh not so much.
The tomorrow is chores day – cleaning, laundry, groceries – then maybe go to the zoo in the afternoon.
Have a happy weekend everyone!
Gigi The cat ladyJanuary 27, 2018 / 9:51 am
Today we take another step toward the trip to Europe this Spring. We are going to get maps to see how much of it we can by car see in 21 days! We’ll use the internet too but my husband is old school and like to spread paper maps plan routes the old fashion way.
DubravkamcvmdJanuary 27, 2018 / 9:58 am
21 days is a lot of time for Europe. I’m guessing by what you’re saying that you haven’t been? It’s surprisingly small by American standards
Gigi The cat ladyJanuary 27, 2018 / 1:36 pm
We did England, Scotland and Ireland in 21 days about 35 years ago. I haven’t been to the continent but my husband backpacked across Europe in his early 20’s.
Alice ShortcakeJanuary 27, 2018 / 3:28 pm
Come to York! PLEASE come to York because I live there and tourism is the only industry we’ve got left!
debgJanuary 27, 2018 / 5:53 pm
Plus they’ll love York. It’s one of my favorite places in England. So much *accurate* Richard III stuff there!
Duckie ?January 27, 2018 / 6:26 pm
Can we stay a few days with you if/when we visit England, Ireland and Scotland?
Alice ShortcakeJanuary 28, 2018 / 5:27 am
Unfortunately I don’t have a spare bedroom, but I’m sure I could squeeze you into the utility room*.
*Just be aware that what I refer to as the utility room is in fact a small extension containing the tumble dryer (which I have to plug in, via an extension lead, in the kitchen), assorted brooms and mops, and spiders of various species. You’ll also need candles if you want to read in bed, but what the heck – it’ll just add to the the olde worlde atmosphere!
Duckie ?January 28, 2018 / 12:40 pm
?
N. FritzJanuary 27, 2018 / 2:28 pm
Danube River Cruise is always a good bet!
YadreJanuary 27, 2018 / 4:44 pm
I would try to stuff in France, Spain and Italy in 21 days! I live in Hungary, but I am far from discovering all the beauties in West Europe :). I love Spain, so I have been five times there: Andalucia is jawdropping :). Budapest is a gem too, but should you like to see something extraordinary, go to Dubrovnik, Croatia!
Long week even though I had Monday off due to the shutdown. Had to do some standing extractions at work and now my knees are killing me. The new knee less than the other amazingly. It’s been doing much better the last few weeks; I even got my flex up to 129 degrees at PT! (And took a short hike in the mountains!) Next week is my final session I think and hopefully last meeting with the surgeon, then I’ll be on my own. Fingers crossed! ????????
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 12:34 pm
I think the “good” knee always suffers, having had to take on extra burden while the fixed knee recuperates. Glad you’ve had some hiking time!
I’m amazed at how well the other knee has held up actually, this is the first it’s really started to bother me. I’ll probably get at least one more cortisone shot in it soon. I’m hoping that it will hold on for quite a bit longer before I need to have it replaced to give the new one time to completely heal. As much better as it’s doing, it really isn’t ready to take over for the other.
LauraJanuary 27, 2018 / 5:35 pm
It sounds like your knee is doing great! It’s been years since I had my knee replaced — eight or ten, I think; I’ve lost track — and to this day it’s still my “good” knee. My other knee has never been quite the same — although I will admit that it wasn’t in great shape to begin with, just not to the point where it needs surgery. You’ll find, if you keep exercising your new knee, that it will become totally dependable.
There’s only one time when my bionic knee still hurts — when I’m putting my weight on it kneeling. I was told by more than one doctor that that isn’t likely to change, unfortunately. All it takes is a bit of cushioning, though; it’s just one pot on the bottom of the knee that hurts. My knee also developed a very annoying “click” or “pop” every time I bent it a couple months after surgery, but just as the doc predicted, it went away within a few months. I think it’s just everything settling into place that makes that happen; it’s apparently quite common, but it also fortunately doesn’t last.
Yep, kneeling is painful all right! The gal that takes care of my yard for me doesn’t have any trouble with her artificial knee as long as she uses a cushion. I practice a little bit every day, to get used to the sensation. Mine also does the clicking thing, but hopefully that will pass in time!
allein ?January 27, 2018 / 10:36 am
Happy weekend! I might be going to the movies with my mom, but I hurt my back so maybe tomorrow. Not sure yet.
This weekend is soup making time. Today I am making old fashioned mushroom, beef and barley. I remember my Mother making it but never have made it on my own. Read a few recipes and mooshed them together. Tomorrow is chunky tomato soup day. I will freeze all the tomato and some of the beef soup.
Also trying a vegetarian bolognaise sauce for pasta or ground turkey.
I have begun to lose weight again due to the huge change in diet I made. Total lost 20.5 lbs from my highest weight ever and 5 lbs. below my second highest.
Trying to exercise starting next week gearing up to get Millie out in a doggie stroller when Spring comes! That will be good for both of us!
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 12:36 pm
Wow, Faye, that is fabulous – and you’re going about it the right way. I’ll bet you’ll have so much fun taking Millie out – you’ll meet all sorts of folks. Great times ahead!
Hi N. Fritz. Best and most satisfying soup I ever made. I used pan browned short ribs as the meat. And one quart each of low sodium beef, chicken and vegetable broth.
I just ate a big portion for lunch.
Enjoy.
Duckie ?January 27, 2018 / 12:22 pm
Greetings all.
I have vowed that this coming week will see a change in me.
I have made an appointment at the university to discuss how I can finish my English Major without causing me undue stress. I have only two courses to go, one Lowe, and one upper, and I absolutely REFUSE to let my physical, mental and emotional health stop me. I may not be able to do much with it, but at least I will feel that I have accomplished something. I might even be able to challenge the upper level course! And I qualify for a disability study grant.
I have finally accepted that I will never be a classroom teacher, which is starting to reduce some of my stress.
I am going through all my things and getting rid of quite a lot. I no longer want to keep so much just for the sake of keeping it. Hubby and I had a talk about what we would want to save most if we had a fire, or if we had to evacuate. After making a list of those things, we realized everything else IS just stuff. So I am sorting. Hubby probably won’t take his own advice, but maybe I can provide an example. And maybe one day I’ll pile all his boxes in front of his computer so he will HAVE to acknowledge them.
Besides, if we get to move this year like we’ve been praying to, I’ll be stuck with most of the packing while he’s at work, so I may as well start now.
I’m also making a solid effort to pay off our line of credit debt. The mortgage I can cope with, but that loc is driving me nuts. I know I won’t be 100% successful this year, but I can sure as heck put a dent in it.
I know it’s WA-A-AY too early, but yesterday I bought a Christmas gift for hubby. I could not resist the price, as everywhere else I’ve looked, this item has been five times as expensive. Sshhh, don’t tell him. And I got the money for it from a scratch ticket, so it’s technically free. ?
Hubby is halfway through a three weeks with no days off work cycle. We discussed it, and the overtime they offered was irresistible. Regular pay in the checking account, and overtime split between savings and loc. His first day off will be our anniversary, and we plan to spend the day sleeping.
I am deliberately trying to be optimistic, along with everyone else. I hope the sun shines on everyone this week, except for Friday. That’s Groundhog Day, and I do NOT want that groundhog to see his shadow. Six more weeks of sleep would be nice, but I think this year I need an early spring.
I have a rather odd and personal question to ask. Those of us who are trying to lose weight, are we willing to form a support group here and encourage each other in our efforts? Even if not, I would like the support for me. I am 195lbs, and I want to start by losing twenty pounds by summer. I will be accountable to you each week and let you know how it goes. I won’t stop after the twenty, but it’s a starting goal.
Have a great week, all.
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 12:39 pm
Wow, Duckie, that’s quite a list and I applaud your efforts. I hope all of it goes well for you and you know you have cheer leaders here!
belphebeJanuary 27, 2018 / 1:24 pm
Duckie,
I’m very proud of you for taking steps to get your stuff and your finances under control. I have too much stuff as well and am slowly getting rid of things.
Paying off debt is hard, but it sounds like you are taking the right approach to do that. I’m not sure if you ever watched “Til Debt Do Us Part”, but the host on that show was telling people that in order to pay down debt, you sometimes need to find another way to bring in income, which it sounds like you are doing with the overtime. She also had great suggestions for figuring out budgets and so forth. If only I had found her when I was deep in debt! I might have paid it off sooner.
I had a lot of debt years ago and it was tough to pay it off, but I did. It took me five years to get it under control, but it is under control and I think before I buy stuff now.
I wish you lots of success in your goals!
AmylizJanuary 27, 2018 / 7:04 pm
Duckie, best of luck to you in your endeavors! Sounds like you have broken things down into manageable steps. As far as weight loss, my sister lost weight several years ago, and has kept it off, by eliminating any foods containing high fructose corn syrup from her diet. Don’t know if that’s relevant to you. Of course, she also exercises in moderation. Setting goal of exercising 5-6 days a week is a tall order, but 2-3 times a week is more realistic! Anyway, you know we are rooting for you; keep us posted!
As for these two kittens…what adorable partners in crime
N. FritzJanuary 28, 2018 / 4:02 am
Duckie, you go, girl! If I have any wisdom to impart to others it is this: there is the life we live and the life we WANT to live. The life we live is comfortable, we know the routine but somehow leaves us flat and wanting more. Living the life we want to live requires effort, stepping out of our comfort zone and making serious changes. It isn’t easy, it requires planning and perseverence. You are on your way and I applaud you for it!!!
Duckie we are twins, I swear! I lost 20 pounds very slowly over two years. I’ll tell: my highest was 207 and I was so sick. My previous high in my life was 195. I am now 186. I changed how I eat completely and lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I do not make big goals. My next goal is 180 one pound a month. I’m very sensitive to salt. My weight can fluctuate three pound in one week.
Also I am paying off a huge debt in three months. I will not be debt free for another 5 years but I am following my plan.
As far as things… I learned to say goodbye to things in Hurricane Sandy. I had my dogs, clothes, family photos and a few books. Nothing else was important to me. I walked away from all my furniture, pot and pans, etc. I just bought a reading chair after four years.
And! As far as your degree. Finish for yourself. Do it for you. I could never teach. Tooooo stressful. Many many teachers become librarians. Not school librarians, public librarians. Much less pressure. But just do the two courses.
I’m so proud of you.
LauraJanuary 27, 2018 / 5:54 pm
It sounds like weight loss is a common theme — maybe it’s because all the Qte makes us so happy! (Hey, whatever works.) In the last few months I’ve lost nearly 15 pounds from my highest weight, too, which is terrific — especially since my weigh-ins were at the doctor’s office, where they *never* tip the scales your way!
We’ve had a tough week with Melody. The stupid doggie onesie hasn’t arrived yet — just as I ordered, they got a huge shipment in, so were buried working double shifts trying to get out back orders from as long ago as November. So it finally went out yesterday, and should arrive Monday. And they got the black ones in in Melody’s size, too, so she won’t get the light blue one after all. She’ll still look ridiculous, of course!
But things have just been CRAZY frustrating! In the end, even the vet’s best efforts at bandaging failed, and her wound got so messy that yesterday they ended up having to operate again to try stitching it up again. The vet bill is now $1200 and climbing rapidly. Ack! This time we’re trying doggie diapers — although they don’t work all that well, either, since they rub on the incision so that there’s a lot of seepage (that at first glance looks like she’s pooped in the diaper, but thankfully not!), but they do at least cover her up. But the diaper gets so messy from the seepage that even though it’s got a light velcro-type closure so that we could in theory use it over again, we don’t want to put something with all that messiness on it back on her after she does her business.
Plus she’s very unhappy about not getting to do her therapy visits, not to mention still being in the Cone of Shame. She does NOT like that — mostly because it prevents her from cuddling properly with her daddy! She’s a real daddy’s girl. Sebastian has filled in a bit on her therapy visits; he went to the VA hospital today for the first time since my husband, who’s the site manager there for the therapy group, was giving a tour to a new person. They have to go through an involved process to get accepted as *any* kind of volunteer at the VA hospital, and before my husband came along, who’s former military and knows the system, they had trouble with people not understanding just how many steps they had to go through to get approved, and where to go when for what. So now he’s got them a whole new batch of volunteers with their dogs, which is great since the dogs are SO popular! Several of the nurses even keep dog treats at their desks for the canine visitors. 😀 Sebastian had a wonderful time there, all those new people to meet! And tomorrow is the 25th anniversary get-together for the therapy group, so we’re going to take both dogs there — they’ll understand about Melody, and it’s at a VERY dog-friendly house. I’m just sorry she doesn’t have her Shed Defender yet to look completely silly! 😀
So anyway, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll heal properly from here on out. With the onesie on, she shouldn’t be able to mess with the incision even if she does get her Cone of Shame off — which happens regularly, unfortunately; she just shakes her head and it flies off! That’s something nobody’s succeeded at keeping on her, either, along with a bandage. She’s been a challenging patient, to put it mildly! Please send good thoughts her way — she needs all the “power of the paw” she can get!
Duckie ?January 27, 2018 / 6:30 pm
Laura, did you get my suggestion about trying the cone on her belly, open end face backwards, like a skirt?
Murray CJanuary 27, 2018 / 8:58 pm
Poor doggo – and poor you! That’s such a worry – I will, indeed keep sending good thoughts your way.
I’m so impressed by those of you trying to make positive changes in your bodies and minds! You give me courage that I can achieve my goals too!
Forgot to check in this morning because I had a rush freelance job. This freelance thing is pulling me in two directions: Hurray–money coming in vs. RATS–have to give up weekend time to do it. Sadly, my attitude this morning was more negative than positive (until I actually got into the task and found it fascinating).
Between my work schedule and freelance, I’ve all but given up naptime. But I’m spending more time cooking fantastic vegetarian or even vegan food, then freezing or storing to eat throughout the week. Cooking is not going to happen on weeknights! I’m even making my own protein bars and finding them delicious.
I too have been trying to lose weight and found the MyFitnessPal website/app most helpful. It helps me track calories and chosen nutrients–as a veg, I need to keep up my protein and fiber intake. If people here are interested in supporting each other through dietary changes, you can add friends via Facebook or email and then get their feed updates on the site/app.
N. FritzJanuary 28, 2018 / 4:50 am
Okay, DebG, I’m in! My handle on MyFitnessPal is NFritz65 Anyone who wants to add me, please do!
N. FritzJanuary 28, 2018 / 4:59 am
Or do you have to have my email address?
N. FritzJanuary 28, 2018 / 5:26 am
Looks like y’all should be able to find me under NFritz65! 🙂
debgJanuary 28, 2018 / 11:08 am
Looking for friends on this site:
Go to Community menu.
Select Find Members.
In the rightmost column, add the username or email.
Click Search button, and that person should appear.
I’d like to go with them but I’m going to Palm Beach to visit a friend. Back in NY on Wednesday
Have fun! I’ll just spend my day with these two – tho’ my cat would be SO unhappy.
Yes. Yes, I wanna do cat stuff with these two little charmers.
*Falls on hands and knees, indulges in baby talk and mewing noises*
The curled tails!
And they’re each going a different direction! Too cute.
That puts the cuteometer into the red:
Not that I’m interested, but…um…what does this ‘cat stuff’ entail? *shifty eyes*
Meanwhile, I have put my babies on Instagram! PennyTellerCats – I’m up to 42 whole followers! Let the ad dollars start rolling in! Um…eventually? Please? They refuse to get a job!
Oooh, not a big fan of Instagram but get to see your kitties?? Might make me sign up. If I found the right account, love them!! They’re so cute and so Siamese!
Just got back from an Open House at school. Before I left this morning I baked 5-6 dozen cookies and 24 mini scones. And I had to send my students out for Oreos because we had so much traffic through the English room! But I am absolutely exhausted and ticked that I had to give up my Saturday(we get a day off school in the spring to compensate). Gonna take a little nap now… zzzz…
Hey everyone. I’m delivering the “immortal memory” toast at a Burns Supper tonight so I’m practicing my speech and hydrating my body (in case there’s scotch) and ironing my plaid sash. (Anyone have any biographical questions about Robbie Burns for me? Because I’m now an expert after prepping for this event.)
So that explains the link to vegan haggis I saw last night…
We used to have a restaurant where I sang from time to time and we did a Robbie Burns Night, haggis and all. Break a leg, Birdcage!
Here in Vancouver, we regularly have “Gung Haggis Fat Choy”, a combination Robbie Burns/Chinese New Year celebration. I always forget about it, so miss my chance to attend. I’ve probably missed it again this year.
I attended a Robbie Burns event once when I was in Ottawa; that was fun.
Have fun, Birdcage!
Jung Haggis Fat Choy – a fusion holiday, I see.?
I’d love to follow those kitties around all day but alas, meeting up with friends a little later. Then off to the boat show and somehow prevent hubby from coming home with one. I like the idea of a boat and being out on the water but the nitty gritty details of ownership, ennnnhh not so much.
The tomorrow is chores day – cleaning, laundry, groceries – then maybe go to the zoo in the afternoon.
Have a happy weekend everyone!
Today we take another step toward the trip to Europe this Spring. We are going to get maps to see how much of it we can by car see in 21 days! We’ll use the internet too but my husband is old school and like to spread paper maps plan routes the old fashion way.
21 days is a lot of time for Europe. I’m guessing by what you’re saying that you haven’t been? It’s surprisingly small by American standards
We did England, Scotland and Ireland in 21 days about 35 years ago. I haven’t been to the continent but my husband backpacked across Europe in his early 20’s.
Come to York! PLEASE come to York because I live there and tourism is the only industry we’ve got left!
Plus they’ll love York. It’s one of my favorite places in England. So much *accurate* Richard III stuff there!
Can we stay a few days with you if/when we visit England, Ireland and Scotland?
Unfortunately I don’t have a spare bedroom, but I’m sure I could squeeze you into the utility room*.
*Just be aware that what I refer to as the utility room is in fact a small extension containing the tumble dryer (which I have to plug in, via an extension lead, in the kitchen), assorted brooms and mops, and spiders of various species. You’ll also need candles if you want to read in bed, but what the heck – it’ll just add to the the olde worlde atmosphere!
?
Danube River Cruise is always a good bet!
I would try to stuff in France, Spain and Italy in 21 days! I live in Hungary, but I am far from discovering all the beauties in West Europe :). I love Spain, so I have been five times there: Andalucia is jawdropping :). Budapest is a gem too, but should you like to see something extraordinary, go to Dubrovnik, Croatia!
I’d LOVE to do kitty stuff with those two!
Long week even though I had Monday off due to the shutdown. Had to do some standing extractions at work and now my knees are killing me. The new knee less than the other amazingly. It’s been doing much better the last few weeks; I even got my flex up to 129 degrees at PT! (And took a short hike in the mountains!) Next week is my final session I think and hopefully last meeting with the surgeon, then I’ll be on my own. Fingers crossed! ????????
I think the “good” knee always suffers, having had to take on extra burden while the fixed knee recuperates. Glad you’ve had some hiking time!
I’m amazed at how well the other knee has held up actually, this is the first it’s really started to bother me. I’ll probably get at least one more cortisone shot in it soon. I’m hoping that it will hold on for quite a bit longer before I need to have it replaced to give the new one time to completely heal. As much better as it’s doing, it really isn’t ready to take over for the other.
It sounds like your knee is doing great! It’s been years since I had my knee replaced — eight or ten, I think; I’ve lost track — and to this day it’s still my “good” knee. My other knee has never been quite the same — although I will admit that it wasn’t in great shape to begin with, just not to the point where it needs surgery. You’ll find, if you keep exercising your new knee, that it will become totally dependable.
There’s only one time when my bionic knee still hurts — when I’m putting my weight on it kneeling. I was told by more than one doctor that that isn’t likely to change, unfortunately. All it takes is a bit of cushioning, though; it’s just one pot on the bottom of the knee that hurts. My knee also developed a very annoying “click” or “pop” every time I bent it a couple months after surgery, but just as the doc predicted, it went away within a few months. I think it’s just everything settling into place that makes that happen; it’s apparently quite common, but it also fortunately doesn’t last.
Yep, kneeling is painful all right! The gal that takes care of my yard for me doesn’t have any trouble with her artificial knee as long as she uses a cushion. I practice a little bit every day, to get used to the sensation. Mine also does the clicking thing, but hopefully that will pass in time!
Happy weekend! I might be going to the movies with my mom, but I hurt my back so maybe tomorrow. Not sure yet.
I know it’s Caturday, but I saw this last night…
Why We Can’t Resist Puppy Dog Eyes
Well that explains a lot, lol.
I will NEVER unsee that image!
No wonder Australia is so extreme down their. Totally lethal or totally cute. No in betweens.
GENIUS! Wherever do you find these???!?
My friend posted that one on my Facebook page.
This weekend is soup making time. Today I am making old fashioned mushroom, beef and barley. I remember my Mother making it but never have made it on my own. Read a few recipes and mooshed them together. Tomorrow is chunky tomato soup day. I will freeze all the tomato and some of the beef soup.
Also trying a vegetarian bolognaise sauce for pasta or ground turkey.
I have begun to lose weight again due to the huge change in diet I made. Total lost 20.5 lbs from my highest weight ever and 5 lbs. below my second highest.
Trying to exercise starting next week gearing up to get Millie out in a doggie stroller when Spring comes! That will be good for both of us!
Wow, Faye, that is fabulous – and you’re going about it the right way. I’ll bet you’ll have so much fun taking Millie out – you’ll meet all sorts of folks. Great times ahead!
Thanks Murray. I’m much stronger. I was in and out of the kitchen from 9 am to 4 pm. Didn’t get tired until the end. And 99% pain free!
Nailed the soup. Just like Grandma’s!
Good going, Faye!!! And the mushroom beef barley soup sounds divine. I may have to follow your lead!
Hi N. Fritz. Best and most satisfying soup I ever made. I used pan browned short ribs as the meat. And one quart each of low sodium beef, chicken and vegetable broth.
I just ate a big portion for lunch.
Enjoy.
Greetings all.
I have vowed that this coming week will see a change in me.
I have made an appointment at the university to discuss how I can finish my English Major without causing me undue stress. I have only two courses to go, one Lowe, and one upper, and I absolutely REFUSE to let my physical, mental and emotional health stop me. I may not be able to do much with it, but at least I will feel that I have accomplished something. I might even be able to challenge the upper level course! And I qualify for a disability study grant.
I have finally accepted that I will never be a classroom teacher, which is starting to reduce some of my stress.
I am going through all my things and getting rid of quite a lot. I no longer want to keep so much just for the sake of keeping it. Hubby and I had a talk about what we would want to save most if we had a fire, or if we had to evacuate. After making a list of those things, we realized everything else IS just stuff. So I am sorting. Hubby probably won’t take his own advice, but maybe I can provide an example. And maybe one day I’ll pile all his boxes in front of his computer so he will HAVE to acknowledge them.
Besides, if we get to move this year like we’ve been praying to, I’ll be stuck with most of the packing while he’s at work, so I may as well start now.
I’m also making a solid effort to pay off our line of credit debt. The mortgage I can cope with, but that loc is driving me nuts. I know I won’t be 100% successful this year, but I can sure as heck put a dent in it.
I know it’s WA-A-AY too early, but yesterday I bought a Christmas gift for hubby. I could not resist the price, as everywhere else I’ve looked, this item has been five times as expensive. Sshhh, don’t tell him. And I got the money for it from a scratch ticket, so it’s technically free. ?
Hubby is halfway through a three weeks with no days off work cycle. We discussed it, and the overtime they offered was irresistible. Regular pay in the checking account, and overtime split between savings and loc. His first day off will be our anniversary, and we plan to spend the day sleeping.
I am deliberately trying to be optimistic, along with everyone else. I hope the sun shines on everyone this week, except for Friday. That’s Groundhog Day, and I do NOT want that groundhog to see his shadow. Six more weeks of sleep would be nice, but I think this year I need an early spring.
I have a rather odd and personal question to ask. Those of us who are trying to lose weight, are we willing to form a support group here and encourage each other in our efforts? Even if not, I would like the support for me. I am 195lbs, and I want to start by losing twenty pounds by summer. I will be accountable to you each week and let you know how it goes. I won’t stop after the twenty, but it’s a starting goal.
Have a great week, all.
Wow, Duckie, that’s quite a list and I applaud your efforts. I hope all of it goes well for you and you know you have cheer leaders here!
Duckie,
I’m very proud of you for taking steps to get your stuff and your finances under control. I have too much stuff as well and am slowly getting rid of things.
Paying off debt is hard, but it sounds like you are taking the right approach to do that. I’m not sure if you ever watched “Til Debt Do Us Part”, but the host on that show was telling people that in order to pay down debt, you sometimes need to find another way to bring in income, which it sounds like you are doing with the overtime. She also had great suggestions for figuring out budgets and so forth. If only I had found her when I was deep in debt! I might have paid it off sooner.
I had a lot of debt years ago and it was tough to pay it off, but I did. It took me five years to get it under control, but it is under control and I think before I buy stuff now.
I wish you lots of success in your goals!
Duckie, best of luck to you in your endeavors! Sounds like you have broken things down into manageable steps. As far as weight loss, my sister lost weight several years ago, and has kept it off, by eliminating any foods containing high fructose corn syrup from her diet. Don’t know if that’s relevant to you. Of course, she also exercises in moderation. Setting goal of exercising 5-6 days a week is a tall order, but 2-3 times a week is more realistic! Anyway, you know we are rooting for you; keep us posted!
As for these two kittens…what adorable partners in crime
Duckie, you go, girl! If I have any wisdom to impart to others it is this: there is the life we live and the life we WANT to live. The life we live is comfortable, we know the routine but somehow leaves us flat and wanting more. Living the life we want to live requires effort, stepping out of our comfort zone and making serious changes. It isn’t easy, it requires planning and perseverence. You are on your way and I applaud you for it!!!
Well said.
What a pair of cuties!
Duckie we are twins, I swear! I lost 20 pounds very slowly over two years. I’ll tell: my highest was 207 and I was so sick. My previous high in my life was 195. I am now 186. I changed how I eat completely and lost 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I do not make big goals. My next goal is 180 one pound a month. I’m very sensitive to salt. My weight can fluctuate three pound in one week.
Also I am paying off a huge debt in three months. I will not be debt free for another 5 years but I am following my plan.
As far as things… I learned to say goodbye to things in Hurricane Sandy. I had my dogs, clothes, family photos and a few books. Nothing else was important to me. I walked away from all my furniture, pot and pans, etc. I just bought a reading chair after four years.
And! As far as your degree. Finish for yourself. Do it for you. I could never teach. Tooooo stressful. Many many teachers become librarians. Not school librarians, public librarians. Much less pressure. But just do the two courses.
I’m so proud of you.
It sounds like weight loss is a common theme — maybe it’s because all the Qte makes us so happy! (Hey, whatever works.) In the last few months I’ve lost nearly 15 pounds from my highest weight, too, which is terrific — especially since my weigh-ins were at the doctor’s office, where they *never* tip the scales your way!
We’ve had a tough week with Melody. The stupid doggie onesie hasn’t arrived yet — just as I ordered, they got a huge shipment in, so were buried working double shifts trying to get out back orders from as long ago as November. So it finally went out yesterday, and should arrive Monday. And they got the black ones in in Melody’s size, too, so she won’t get the light blue one after all. She’ll still look ridiculous, of course!
But things have just been CRAZY frustrating! In the end, even the vet’s best efforts at bandaging failed, and her wound got so messy that yesterday they ended up having to operate again to try stitching it up again. The vet bill is now $1200 and climbing rapidly. Ack! This time we’re trying doggie diapers — although they don’t work all that well, either, since they rub on the incision so that there’s a lot of seepage (that at first glance looks like she’s pooped in the diaper, but thankfully not!), but they do at least cover her up. But the diaper gets so messy from the seepage that even though it’s got a light velcro-type closure so that we could in theory use it over again, we don’t want to put something with all that messiness on it back on her after she does her business.
Plus she’s very unhappy about not getting to do her therapy visits, not to mention still being in the Cone of Shame. She does NOT like that — mostly because it prevents her from cuddling properly with her daddy! She’s a real daddy’s girl. Sebastian has filled in a bit on her therapy visits; he went to the VA hospital today for the first time since my husband, who’s the site manager there for the therapy group, was giving a tour to a new person. They have to go through an involved process to get accepted as *any* kind of volunteer at the VA hospital, and before my husband came along, who’s former military and knows the system, they had trouble with people not understanding just how many steps they had to go through to get approved, and where to go when for what. So now he’s got them a whole new batch of volunteers with their dogs, which is great since the dogs are SO popular! Several of the nurses even keep dog treats at their desks for the canine visitors. 😀 Sebastian had a wonderful time there, all those new people to meet! And tomorrow is the 25th anniversary get-together for the therapy group, so we’re going to take both dogs there — they’ll understand about Melody, and it’s at a VERY dog-friendly house. I’m just sorry she doesn’t have her Shed Defender yet to look completely silly! 😀
So anyway, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that she’ll heal properly from here on out. With the onesie on, she shouldn’t be able to mess with the incision even if she does get her Cone of Shame off — which happens regularly, unfortunately; she just shakes her head and it flies off! That’s something nobody’s succeeded at keeping on her, either, along with a bandage. She’s been a challenging patient, to put it mildly! Please send good thoughts her way — she needs all the “power of the paw” she can get!
Laura, did you get my suggestion about trying the cone on her belly, open end face backwards, like a skirt?
Poor doggo – and poor you! That’s such a worry – I will, indeed keep sending good thoughts your way.
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I’m so impressed by those of you trying to make positive changes in your bodies and minds! You give me courage that I can achieve my goals too!
Forgot to check in this morning because I had a rush freelance job. This freelance thing is pulling me in two directions: Hurray–money coming in vs. RATS–have to give up weekend time to do it. Sadly, my attitude this morning was more negative than positive (until I actually got into the task and found it fascinating).
Between my work schedule and freelance, I’ve all but given up naptime. But I’m spending more time cooking fantastic vegetarian or even vegan food, then freezing or storing to eat throughout the week. Cooking is not going to happen on weeknights! I’m even making my own protein bars and finding them delicious.
I too have been trying to lose weight and found the MyFitnessPal website/app most helpful. It helps me track calories and chosen nutrients–as a veg, I need to keep up my protein and fiber intake. If people here are interested in supporting each other through dietary changes, you can add friends via Facebook or email and then get their feed updates on the site/app.
Okay, DebG, I’m in! My handle on MyFitnessPal is NFritz65 Anyone who wants to add me, please do!
Or do you have to have my email address?
Looks like y’all should be able to find me under NFritz65! 🙂
Looking for friends on this site:
Go to Community menu.
Select Find Members.
In the rightmost column, add the username or email.
Click Search button, and that person should appear.
I’m debgerish.
For those that need a hint of SPRING these are in my yard…
(larger version)
Also these…
(larger version)
They and your photos are gorgeous! Sadly, no where near to that in my neck of the woods.
Nice! I’d better get outside to see if there’s any activity here – I kinda doubt it just yet. So pretty – thanks for posting, Jan.