Good Morning- WOW I know ya all are busy, crickets in here!!!!

I could have used more sleep for sure I was wired up yesterday. could have used some of that RUM TRIG was sipping (WINK)!!!!

That seafood salad I had last night was VERY good. I will get it again. HOWEVER, I am thinking that I will put it in a Marinara sauce and put it over zucchini "noodles". I might try that next week!

Tonight I am having Shrimp stir fry. They too came from TJ. they are the big red ones from Argentina- deveined and already shelled= no work! I have my coconut aminos ready to go!!!!! no rice-

Working on coffee this morning. Not feeling "it" cube life. I really can't believe I applied for M job. But I did. What the heck- I really don't care one way or the other. see above as I am not going back into all that again.

Ya'll need to post!!!!- Missing the flurry of our thread. however I know the tread goes through ebb and flow- like life!

The WOE can become monotonous- without results. However don't give up ladies! DON'T! We all know the Fat vs FIT life. We do! To fail is to just give up!

Ok- have a great day all. I have Death by meetings today. M is not going to be there- I am actually running it. It's every Wed. through the the end of the year. It's unfortunate that we were told last week that 1/2 of the managers are going to be laid off. Realignments are HARD. So this other lady- flat out ask M for my position right in front of me. To which I said- ummmm I am sitting right here and not going anywhere. Then she pulls the I have seniority crap - it's just crap. Dam it gets ugly.

It's flat out HOT HOT HOT HOT here. 90's everyday. Wow. I haven't had my yard cut in 2 weeks due to the hot dry weather. I am thinking one- two cut tops before I call it a day for this year. I have not pulled out any fall decorations yet. It still feels summer. Thats what it does, it will be hot and drop to cool- then back to hot. Like TRIG posted a bit back. I do miss the 4 solid seasons. Not the bone cold- but a distinct season.

I have been waking up with leg cramps the last several days. I know that is a deficiency of something. I am going to have to do a bit of research about that!

Hang in there gal pals!!!!!!!! and POST .... or put down a dot!

Well Jaz, fingers crossed for you! Like you said, you are well versed in what would need to be done bc you are already doing it. Are any of the new folks in charge going to be at the meeting you are leading today? It would be good for them to see how well you can do it.

We've been quite warm here- highs are about 80 degrees daily. This is about ten degrees above normal for us. I am starting to think we will skip the 70s entirely and go from 80 to 60. That would bum me out.. the 70s are my weather sweet spot.

It was nice to celebrate DS's birthday yesterday. Turning 20 is a pretty big deal. DH and I were talking about it and really, the 20s were the years of the biggest life changes for us- marriage, starting our family etc. If the same holds true for my kids, we are in for a very exciting time in the next ten years plus!

Bless his heart, he didn't ask for anything at all, so he got two books (from DH) about law stuff, I got him a goodie bag of stuff he likes to eat/drink, and then we gave him some cash to save or spend.

So, I accepted a new CASA case yesterday. When the CASA office called and left me a message last Thursday my initial thought was NO, but after considering it for the weekend I was much more open to the idea. Hearing about the case on Tuesday, I could see that it would be a good match for me and my skills. Plus, with DS16's increasing independence and getting ready to go to college, the timing is good to keep me from over focusing on him. Most CASA cases require a good year and a half commitment.

Blergh, I have a cold. Got it from DS16 and I'm not surprised- I just finished up the prednisone and it says that it weakens the immune system. I even took an Advil during the night and that is super rare for me.

Not much going on today. A catch up lunch with a friend, and then trying to get a few sponsors for this Turkey Trot that our school is doing and was "voluntold" about, which I will refuse for next year. I would reschedule the lunch but I'm not quite feeling THAT bad, just not that good. You know?

NIC- I am so happy you are putting yourself out there for another CASA babe! You are such an angel! Yes you have boundaries- but for those that need that voice you are there loud and clear! God BLESS YOU!
You are right- the 20's are usually a time of transitions. Even if is just in a career- and adjusting to being an adult - it's priceless!

You are wise to put and think about life after kids- it's coming fast my friend. I don't mean WITHOUT kids- but they are spreading their wings with the skills you gave Tham and now you see if they can fly. I have no doubt they will!

Sorry you got a cold. Do bone broth with a shot of turmeric!!!!! Serious! Are yo done yet with that crappy med?

Heal up and feel better!
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TRIG/ BLUE- hope you are well! MISSED

Nic are you feeling better? I hate those fall colds! Did you end up going to lunch with your friend?
So you signed up for a new CASA Baby? How soon until you get to meet your new prospect? Do you need a degree to do that? I would imagine not anybody could volunteer.

How is the WOE going?

TRIG- where are you and BLUE?????????
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Not much shaking today. We are having record breaking heat here. Hot and dry. After giving more thought to the bosses position I don't know if I really want to go that way. I will go through the process- and would then be relieved if they pick someone else. It is a high stress job- that will get you sacked if you don't produce results. I am liking exactly where I am.

I am concentrating on school- which starts a new quarter this weekend! I am back at it! It is a research class. Meaning how to conduct a true research study. There is a process to it. Also how to pick apart studies.
You know those studies that say this or that? who funds them? Where is the money trail, and how benefits from the study. Now enough people ask those questions- they just accept a study as fact. Interesting!

I am over the heat.
Wondering where the BLUE and TRIG are?????

Have a great day all!

Hello!

I finally got a WiFi signal so I can post.

We are having a great time here in the English countryside with my friend. Yesterday was sunny and lovely so we went to the seaside. Fabulous!

Today we're going to an estate with lovely gardens and a house you can tour.

Tomorrow we go to the cruise port and will stay in a hotel for the night. Saturday morning we board the ship!

I'll try to send you some photos of the guest cottage we're staying in and also the main house where my friend and her family live. It's just across the drive from the cottage.

Miss you all!

Lori your photos are amazing. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Enjoy the heck out of this vacay safe travels always!! Thanks for pics, they were so pretty!

Nicco hope you are feeling better.
Another CASA baby case and the commitment is like a year and a half. Wow that is a true commitment to volunteer work but happy you are in the zone to do it again and help someone~!

Jaz, yea, that job would be great and wouldn't be great. I so hear ya on that. Just chill and see where it all goes.
Just concentrate on school and get thru that and your work will fall into place as it has been doing


hey all
I feel icky.
Blah.
Sicky feeling. Something I ate? not sure in that I got some bathroom runs happening but not bad, kinda got that weird feeling inside of being off and that is about it, not up to par at all but not down for the count either ugh. whatever


not much planned today
just gonna see if I go down more or if I bounce back up into healthy

hubby said he has spotted some small deer. No deer yet from his hunting, good thing is he doesn't pull the trigger on just anything. Not a trophy hunter, but won't be taking out the smaller ones that need to grow etc....so he is biding his time and I am enjoying him not being around.


Ahhhhhh…..duh, duh, duh, just figured it out. Had crab legs and LOTS of butter yesterday. DUH. That is why I am icky. Butter. Too much fat in my gut and haven't had that much butter with my crab in a long time.....OK OK OK I got it Just thought about it to write I had crab legs and butter and DUH the light bulb went on.....cause lately I am cutting back some 'extra fat' I do eat from my meats and here I go using a lot of butter with my crab and I am paying for it......well at least typing here gave me my sick diagnosis and I will be over this pretty fast I am sure


HUH solved my own dilemma actually just typing out junk to you guys LOL


meatloaf today, with a SMALL bit of gravy. Gravy can nail me to the bathroom wall also so will definitely watch that.

bacon/egg/omelet for brunch time


everyone have a fab day

Good morning, friends!

A little bit of a rough night last night with this cold. It isn't severe but still had me up and congested and sort of achey. You know how it is. Several times I just looked at the clock and was like 'are you kidding me?'

Jaz- I totally get what you are saying about the potential new position. On the other hand, you are already sort of doing it and 43K is a nice jump in pay. Wait and see what develops and go from there.

Good luck with the new quarter!

Lori- sounds so fun already! I would love to tour an estate.

Trig- Isn't it funny how writing things out can help you figure things out? I have had that happen also. Glad you know what was up now!

DH is traveling this weekend and I am sort of looking forward to a little down time here so I know what you mean!

•••••

So let's see- I made five chicken thighs the other day (skin on, bone in) and seasoned each one differently, so it has been fun to eat those because I never know what flavor profile I am going to get. I tell you, b/I, s/on chicken thighs are such a bang for the buck. Really tender, juicy treat for almost no effort and for little cost.

CASA case- this one I will actually have TWO CASA babies (3 months, 1.5 years) who are with godparents from what I understand thus far. Then there are two siblings who are teens, who are placed with grandparents. Hopefully I can work in tandem with the teens' CASA for them to see each other bc those poor teens must be worried about their baby siblings. I cannot imagine how it would feel to be dealing with the teen years, having your home life disrupted, being separated from your siblings plus having to think/do well in school etc. It just breaks my heart. Children really pay for the mistakes of their parents sometimes.

So looks like my friends' cruise is happening in late January and Ladies, it is SO CHEAP. Like crazy cheap. FOUR night cruise including Key West and Cozumel, Mexico. The three of us are sharing a balcony room (not my favorite but we'll be off doing stuff etc- we have known each other for 22 years!) adds up to 391$ EACH for the WHOLE CRUISE. I mean, really! And that includes food etc bc it is a cruise. I feel like it is practically free!

Taking a quieter day today. I do need to suck it up and get my butt out there and deal with this stupid Turkey Trot thing. I am so irritated about doing it!

Good Friday morning!

We are up and packed ready to go to Southampton where we'll get our ship tomorrow. It's about a 2 hour drive. My friend is driving us... Bless her! We all may go to a museum today where they have a Titanic exhibition as Southampton is where the Titanic left from on it's fateful voyage.

We toured Montacute house yesterday. It was built in the 1600's. Nice gardens too.

Almost time to go. Hope you are all well.

Nicco great price on that cruise, you hit a deal. Can't go wrong with a fun cruise with friends!!
Glad your aren't sick sick, you will get over that quickly I hope.
Like you I couldn't imagine childhoods that are so rough on kids. Really is tough to see what happens to kids in systems, fighting to stay as a family and more...ugh.

Lori, your trip is sounding fab. Packed full of good stuff before you even hit your cruise. You have a really great friend helping you out

Jaz, Blue...HI

and Jazz, take magnesium. a few pills get rid of cramps. or pickle juice. a lot of water also. works very well for me all of the above



all good here.
hubby hunting until like Sunday
bro Rich is down, think he will drive over here today for a few hrs to chat up....mom and him are hitting casino tomorrow, I am not in the mood to go and with hubby gone, kiddo can't stay alone so....eh, whatever LOL

Chicken thigh fan also. It is so juicy. I am making 6 big thighs Cajun style for Rich when he pops over. He loves them...4 for him and 2 for me....that will be lunch time meal.

dinner, no clue, probably throw a steak on the grill for me and kiddo


I had to mow front and back yard. Omg I was not in the mood to do it, hubby has been handling it on the giant zero turn fast monster mower. I never learned to drive it so I have my regular old riding mower....seemed it took forever to get it done. leaving all other mowing for him later, as long as front and back yard are good I don't care if everything else around me grows to head height LOL I loved mowing in the old days, now, I can't stand it. I am SO OVER home maintenance work. I can't wait to sell out and hit the road full time with no ties....omg I can't wish life and time away but I really want it to get here

off to get things moving.

great day all

Lori, that Titanic exhibit sounds like fun, especially given that it left from Southampton, which I didn't know! I would like to see that one day. I have seen other Titanic exhibits. Glad you have enjoyed your time thus far!

Trig- It is a deal indeed. I talked with my friends and the prices were cheap enough that I switched into my own room- three in a tiny room was freaking me out a little bit. Still super cheap. Given that it is Carnival and the reviews I've read, I've lowered my expectations. lol

I have never been on a riding mower. Seems like it might be at least sort of pleasant. Do you listen to music or anything while you are doing it? I always rock out while I mow.

I go back and forth on leaving this house. For a while I was ALL OVER IT and now, having looked at the floor plans for apartments and such, I'm somewhat less sure. Housing is so expensive in this area that we would still be paying quite a lot.

So, this cold is a BEAR, but especially at night. I guess it is going to get worse before it gets better but hopefully the downward trend into worse is almost over. Last night was another exercise in misery and that was with taking a whole Benadryl. I was up every hour. Throat swollen, glands swollen etc. Meh!

Meeting this morning at 8:30 at DS's school but then I will come home and put my feet up for the rest of the day and just rest/recover. DH is traveling this weekend so it is just me and my big strapping boy-child and the pups. No plans on tap and that suits me just fine.

My foray out into getting sponsorship/gift cards for this Turkey Trot went pretty well, I think. I went to about ten places. At least now I feel like I have done something to help, plus I got some steps in. We are meeting on Monday to go over what needs to be done. I am also guessing I will be legally assigned into the CASA case next week and then I can get started on reading the file next week or the following and make my first contacts with the family.

I also got the sign up sheets done online for the Teacher Feasts and people are signing up into their teams. My team will go first in mid-October and then after that I just make sure that each month people that signed up know who their teammates are, what they are preparing, etc.

Ok, enough from me. Half on track, feeling icky from the cold, getting stuff done anyway...!

rum and diet pepsi in hand when mowing, that is why I loved mowing in the old days HAHA---come on, any mower with a drink cup is begging for it
my bro Greg has a postage sized yard in Asheville neighborhood. He is electric and does back and front in like 13 mins....whatttt?...for me it would be 3 days of mowing with a push mower, one day off, then mow again for 3 days....life would be bad with a push mower for all I have to do LOL

I would do the same as you...for that kind of cheaper vacay I would get a private room also. No doubt about that! You did good on changing, you will have a blast but privacy is key at my age so I see ya being smart on just that, worth a few extra bucks definitely forget the reviews, take ALL the great from it and enjoy the heck out of it!!

sorry your cold stinks, it too shall pass, but hopefully sooner than later!!

Hi all,

Lori---LOVE the pix. Oh my your friend's place! Looks like something straight out of a cozy English novel. What a lovely prelude to your cruise. And a trip to the sea thrown in too. I'm loving hearing about and imagining all this.

Trigger---Yep. Butter/fat can get to me too when I overdo. Particularly fatty meats which is why I don't love briskets, fatty pot roasts and some kinds of ribs---I like the baby backs w/chewy meat, less of it, so you just eat more ribs.

Nic---Lucky CASA kids to have you! I'm so glad you're doing this, for them and for you. You have a gift with this and I know it will be challenging, but in a way that gives you the sustenance that only giving can.

Sorry to hear you're sick and it reminded me that when had that bronchial infection last winter they had me on some kind of steroid inhalant. Got rid of bronchial thing, but then I immediately got that terrible sinus infection---and still suffer w/sinus issues like I never had before. Steroids and lack of immunity is no small deal. Know they're necessary and hope they knocked out the vertigo, but geez, like robbing Peter to pay Paul on the old bod.

YAY on your cruise!!! SO CHEAP, and YES on the private room. Worth every penny. Carnival Cruise---yeah not my kind of deal, but for 4 days so chap w/a bunch of besties I'd do it in a heart beat.

Jaz---I hear you about the boss position. There's a reason they call it "golden hand cuffs." But I agree w/everyone else here, just let it play out. You show your ambition and commitment to the company by applying. They like that, can't hurt. I'm still busy being happy that Cruella is soon to be gonesville. Karma finally gets up from her nap and does some exercise.

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Been a heck of a week and no energy to detail it. Realtor says selling a house is like a marathon, and even when you've come most of the way, the last two miles can be the hardest. Buyers came back with amendments to the offer which of course involved more money. We negotiated and came to an agreement but still lost a glop more of green. Now appraiser is raising some issues. Think it will be OK but won't know till next week, so a whole weekend to worry about it.

Good news is my son has worked his way out of his crisis pretty brilliantly. It was a nasty week for him and for us, but he learned a lot and is moving on. School and his job are providing stability for him. He is living in a new place, as the crisis was roommate oriented and a real doozy. But hopefully it's past and those issues will be out of his life now.

I have more I want to get to, about new place and the fun stuff, but I'm out of energy. Every day is a marathon of details and things to do. Hopefully this weekend will find me with some time to talk about the positive. Would be about time!

Hey Ladies- let a gal not post ONE morning and the THREAD JUMPS to life!

Lori- I think your Vacay is going swell based on your writing and pic! SO lovely! I am loving you are taking us along for the ride. You have done cruises before right?

NIC- Speaking of cruises- you got a STEAL on yours. However, I just don't know if I would be able to share a Room with 2 other people. Ummmmmmmmm NO. No matter even if they were family....ummmmmm NO. I have a HUGE personal space with it comes to sleeping and mornings. I like my space, coffee and piece and quiet to wake up. Not to mention a bathroom situation. But hey- I know it does not bother some people at all.
My daughter for instance has ZERO personal space. NONE. so she has no problem sharing space and all that. She is a very extroverted person and nothing is embarrasses her. You might be that way too.
All that being said- the cruise it's self though sounds so fun! Have you ever been on a cruise? I have heard you either love them or you don't. I would not- but that is me. I don't like flying either. I have learned though with flying to allow an extra hour before boarding the plane to hit up the bar! HAHAHAHAHAHAH
Sorry you are still feeling crappy. Hate when you are just miserable enough to be bothered, but not sick enough to justify hanging out on the couch / bed all day with Netflix and a tissue box!
Get better soon- nice you have a weekend basically to yourself. The boy/child will amuse himself in video games and that will leave you with the fur baby.

Trig- If I had to mow my DIME stamp I would move back to apt. living. I just HATE doing anything related to yard work. So when I bought this house it came with a electric mower which promptly died. then I borrowed my mothers for a couple weeks. I hate mowing. Then I found the LAWN MAN- OH YA! 15 bucks and he even edges and blows off the grass.
There is not enough RUM to make me want to cut a lawn your size. you have what 6-7 lots? HAHAHAHAHA
Glad you found out what was bothering your tummy. I don't know if I could do butter straight up like that right now either. I have been leaning more towards the leaner meats and fish. Way more fish! It just FEELS better!

BLUE- SO wonderful to see you on here. So the buyers want to adjust the contract? Can they do that?????? Was it related to the inspection? If so you knew that they would want something- hopefully it isn't $$$$$$. that is crappy. And WTF on the appraiser? How does THAT happen? Dang- that would give me an ulcer.
Glad your son has worked his way out of whatever he was going through. Sounds like he needed to move and he did. Well glad it was not more serious and he could walk away. School and work does provide stability that is for DAM sure! - What is he taking in school. I don't think I knew he was in school. That is great!
I know girlfriend you are exhausted - this will pass. You are on the HOME stretch! Hang in there. Soon you will be posting all about your new adventures in your new place.
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ALL- school started for me and it is a bit overwhelming. I started to read the assigned book. OMG- I have to look up every other word. I hate books that are written by academic snobs that put such big over the top language in it you can't tell what they are even talking about.
It's a research and stats combo class. Chapters one and two are talking about different types of studies and where they originated. See how easy that was to understand. Took me an hour to boil that down.
The good news- rather than 2 discussion posting per week it will be one. More reading, less writing. I THINK I can handle that- with GOOGLE! HAHAHAHAHAH - Alexa- please tell me the difference between qualitative and quantitative studies! I need a research cliff notes book- remember those! I have passed many a class thanks to those!!!! Whoever came up with cliff notes back in the day is sitting on a lounge chair in the southern Pacific somewhere sipping drinks with umbrella's. SIGHHHHHHHHHH-

Yes my heart leaps for PURE joy that Karma indeed has said enough is enough. Time to pay the piper and M will be gone in a matter of 5 weeks. Can't wait. I really don't care one way or the other about the position. I actually called another manager I work so well with and told her she would be a perfect fit and I would support her like crazy! She said well didn't you apply- yup sure did. But I don't think I am the right fit- well lets put it this way, it's not what I am after. But like Blue said, it is good to show interest and all.
I am hoping she will apply. She would be awesome as my boss.

The WOE- dear oh dear. I really screwed up. So I bought this bag of "noodles"- that I thought I read had 6 carbs per serving, as they were made from veggies. Well I didn't have my glasses on and a friend was telling me about them and I bought them and cooked them up and dang they were really good. I added some shrimp and RAO sauce at 4 carbs- and thinking OK all good. Had 2 yes 2 servings. I got SO sleepy after eating it about 4pm. One meal. (I worked from home today- so I ate early). Anyway, I started feeling really funky- so now I have my glasses on and pulled the package from the trash to look at it. Not 6 carbs- 60 carbs TIMES 2. How I let that slip past is disturbing and frustrating. It will take a day or so to get the carb bloat off. It felt funny eating it too- like wow this is WAY good to be a vegetable. Ok- had my pasta fix for a minute. And a carb NAP!!!

Back on track, tomorrow!!!!!!!

I am really enjoying this Netflix Cable girls. It really shows how women really suffered back in the 1920's. So interesting. Plus they bring up social issues that we are still discussing today, believe it or not.

Ok- off to read, a bit of blah blah blah - and check out an episode.
Awesome to see everyone on today!!!!!!

Good morning!

Up and waiting till time to head to the ship. Won't be long now!

DH had a rough night with tummy issues, so I'm in the hotel lobby letting him get a bit more sleep. Sure hope he'll be OK this morning. I guess something he ate did not agree. He decided to skip breakfast as a precaution.

Yes, Jaz, we've cruised many times. Our favorite type of vacation.

Well, I have to go wake the boy up and see how he's feeling. Fingers crossed.

More later!

Lori, ugh the tummy issues know them well LOL hope everyone is good and your next travel plans go well! Send some fancy pics when ya get a chance, I am happy seeing them!

Blue, yea you and me on meat night would never fight. I would take all the fatty meats and you can have the lean LOL I can suck down fatty ribs easily, heck I never buy baby backs cause they have like no fat but that meat fat my body is fine with and wants. That 'pure butter' goes thru me when I suck down a good bit of it ugh
Glad your son is in good shape and things have settled. Drama etc suks in life, quiet/easy life is better
Hold strong, home will be sold and over and your future is coming at ya fast! New digs, new routines, new fun....right around the corner for ya!!

Jaz, oh boy that is bad. 120 carbs from how good you have been...ugh, your guts and body must be in mega shock at this point! I've done it, read labels wrong til ya check back and think, hmm, something ain't right and you check and see you read it wrong and you got carb screwed LOL I know....but noodles! ANY and all noodles are bad for ya. Only little thing maybe you can do is 'what is it' called? Zucc. noodles or spaghetti squash or whatever the veg is people make noodles out of?? LOL fresh ones so you know what you are eating. OUT OF A BAG is not a good way to do zero carb. Any 'side dishes' packaged for you is almost never a zero carb option, none I found maybe packaged deli meats like salami etc but they are far from the other inside aisle shopping options

don't worry on that job you applied for, if they give it to you, then you got years of banking tons of your increase in pay....a few good yrs at that job and your retirement bank acct will soar! if ya bank it right...like 80% of it all. Would be a good thing........if ya don't get it you still can roll along, graduate, find new opportunities.....eh, all will work out as the universe has intended for ya



So Mom feels wonky this morning. Cloudy and rainy stormy coming and it is sinus for her I think. She sneezed all day yesterday and funny thing was I was sneezing like a maniac yesterday. So sinus and some allergy crap is floating around getting us.....so she said no to gambling. 2.5 hr drive she said ain't for her today so they cancelled.


kid and me heading to moms to visit Rich. Just chillax and goof off. hope rain holds off so we can take a walk thru the neighborhood around the lake.


other than that, nothing much

eating bacon before I go

will eat on way home with nake burgers or wait to get home and eat up some pork chops. whatever, it is all good



great day all