Post Chemo Spa & Shape Up

MaryGLA

Hi Folks,

Love the pictures!  What a beautiful cat and house.  And Raye, you make a pretty bride!

MizS- from what I've read the risk of uterine cancer with Tamoxifen is in women over 50 and primarily non Caucasian women, so I feel pretty safe since I'll be off it by the time I'm 46.  I hope your artist group had fun in your new, lean, mean basement.

I made it 1.75 miles on the treadmill last night.  It took me 25 minutes, so I guess I'm doing about a 15 minute mile.   I weighed in this morning at 130, so I'm down 5 pounds.  I think those 100 calorie snack bags are pure marketing genius!  I bet the kids who grow up on these will have a much better understanding of portion size. (Unlike us who grew up with BIG bags of everything!)

Nice to hear from you guys.

Mary

Mizsissy

Oh heck, the model cancelled...she really is very sick!!! 

Raye, did anyone tell you, you look like Jackie Kennedy?  Well, you do! And Allyson, you and your husband look so happy and so right for each other.  Aren't you the ones with the nametags? 

Miz 

paige-allyson

Okay- with all the enthusiasm re: the pics here's another (slightly blurry) one of Jim and I with John Edward's parents at his rally in Keene, NH. Let's see if I can make this one a little smaller.

 

Yay. I did it! Thanks Raye and Jasmine for the photo coaching. Good job with the running Mary. Also notice that a lot of us are around the same weight- 130ish. Raye- when did you get married? Jim and I got married last year- one month before the bc diagnosis. Not a very nice wedding present but good timing for picking up the second health insurance. Have a good rest of the day everyone. I am going to get a little exercise and lunch before I head to the office. Allyson

Raye99

Mary - 5 lbs- whoo hoo. That is awesome. Don't worry about the running - it will get easier believe me. Next time you go, your time will be much better. I was only able to run about 2.35 miles (very slowly as well) and then next time was able to run 3 miles. Glad to hear you'll be off the Tamox by the time you're 46. Still young. Glad I don't have to take it; even though it would better my chances.

MisThangSis:you'e had quite an eventful 24 hours. You probably last 5 lbs with all of the activity and happenings. I hope you friend's shoulder is ok and your model is feeling better.

Allyson: I love your photo - you are gorgeous. And congratulations you newlywed, You. You guys hanging out with the Edwards - that is tremendous! First Obama now the Edwards! Did you see Hilary while you were in NH?

I got married in 2003 - it will be our 5th year anniversary next summer! I cannot believe it; the time has gone by so quickly. My husband is an absolute doll.

paige-allyson

Raye- Thank you. Nope- no Hillary- we saw Edwards and Obama on the same day. 5 years- wow- I had this idea that it was really recent. Breast cancer is certainly a good test of the "doll factor." We didn't expect to be testing out the "sickness and in health" clause quite so soon or so thoroughly but Jim definitely rose to the occasion and has been awesome. At one point this summer I forgot that we had gotten married (just briefly) we'd been in this cancer treatment whirlwind and it temporarily obliterated my memory of recent, earlier events (like out wedding).

Mizsissy- yes we're the political groupies with the name tags. We had a lot of fun that day. Edward's parents were very nice- reminded me of my grandparents. My you've been busy these last 24 hours. I am about to run to bed- so tired I can't even think straight.

Allyson

acgw

Oh my gosh!

I've missed a lot of posting this week.....

Allyson,

Your house is idyllic and your cat just beautiful.  I am normally not a cat fan but I know I would like yours!

Seeing your cat reminded me of a very special cat I had the pleasure to know last year.  After chemo lowered my hormone levels from normal to non-existent in six weeks I ended up being severely depressed.  To make matters even worse, I had to put  my dog Idaho to sleep between my second and third chemo sessions and was mourning for her. One might a young male cat (Primarily black with a little white on his nose and front paws) came to our back door.  My husband who is highly allergic to cats said he could come in.  He came in, sniffed around and then jumped on my belly where he made himself quite cozy, preening and allowing me to pet him for a while. He then jumped off and headed to the door.  For about three weeks he would come back everyday or two and do the same thing.  By then I was on medication and feeling quite a bit better and then he just stopped coming.

Guardian angel, God's work.... I don't know.  I am not religious but I have no other explanation for this cat magically coming into my life.

PS: Congrats on the marriage.  You definitely have a keeper! 

Mizzy,

I've enjoyed reading about the decluttering and losing yourself in your home.  At home I am very strict about avoiding clutter but what I realized when we moved office spaces at work last week that I am a pack rat at work!  I have PT journals that are ten years old, sticky notes for long ago returned phone calls and physician lists that include doctors no longer practicing.  I am now trying to throw out as much as I can!

Raye,

I loved the wedding photo.  If you can't enjoy yourself at your own wedding, when will you?

Congratulations on the weight loss and running. I think all the posts show that weight management is not a one size fit's all world.

Oh, and regarding moving to a bigger house....

I think Mizzy has demonstrated that the more room you have, the more stuff you have! That's one thing I like about our beach place.  It has no more than we need or use.

  

I can't remember who had the sore anterior calves from walking.  Mizzy has some great recommendations and I would like to add one to the list.   In standing place the top of your foot on the floor (kind of like a ballet dancer who fell off pointe) and lean forward a little bit.  This should give you a good stretch in the front of your leg.

Mary and Cathy,

I know that before long you will be back on the wagon and in shape!

I know this has been a long post but I have just a couple of cool things to share.

On Monday as I was walking through the gym, one of our members (and a big help to me as I began to navigate this bc thing) grabs my arm and says, "Sunday was my eigth anniversary."  Eight years NED..... prett exciting.

Last night I met a friend I hadn't seen for a while.  She hadn't been to the gym in a while and we'd been too busy to catch up....

anyway,  she said "I'm here to get in shape because I've begun to put a team together for you for the Komen run and I don't want to be beaten by the fat lady again this year." "Do you want to be the captain?"

I just about cried.

Have a super weekend ladies!

I am off to the beach to freeze my butt off.                

acgw

PS:  I agree Raye-The Departed was a great movie.

I would like to add the movie Waitress to the must see list.  It is not what it appears to be when reading the back of the case and Keri Russell is a wonderful actress. 

acgw

PPS:  I too am a voyer into other people's homes.  I have found that real-estate websites are a wonderful way to visit the insides of peoples homes!

paige-allyson

Casey- Thanks for sharing your cat story. I am not traditionally religious nor do I typically attribute things to supernatural causes but Isabella's appearance did have a magical quality and like you I am not normally a cat person- usually more a dog person. There is really something special about THIS particular cat. She has brought me (and Jim too) so much joy, fun, and comfort, and definitely helped me through my own experience of depression. I had not fed any kind of baby since nursing my own 2 children- now 25 and 29 so this was a long time ago. Never in a million years would I have expected to be bottle feeding a cat within 2 weeks or so of having one of my breasts cut off- and being really into it with some of the same feelings and attunement I got into when I was feeding my real human babies. That was one weird thing. The other even weirder thing is that just before she and her siblings appeared my mother sent me this card with $$$$$$ in it- saying she didn't want me to worry about $ and the diagnosis. It was this beautiful Japanese card of a cat with the same markings/white face as Isabella, dressed in traditional kimono. I find this incredibly weird and also very satisfying somehow. Raises questions for me re: how this universe works- there's so much mystery. Regardless of why they appear I am grateful for these animal guardian angels or bodhisattvas that enter our lives at sometimes just the right moment.

Have a great weekend yourself. The Departed is a great movie but I had to bail- freaked me out with the violence scariness. I am famed among family and friends for my inability to handle this stuff, my brother LOVES to tell how I fled the theater during the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. Allyson

Mizsissy

Good Morning Girls...and Casey...so nice to see you!!!

Casey...I think we all have guardian angels here, among ourselves and that wonderful cool guy Upstairs...

Well, I have a *present* for all of you this morning, and this time I hope it ain't no Trojan horse .  I have just set up an easy-to-use  Google spreadsheet for keeping track of our weight.  Just data, no pix, to keep it simple.  Let's post our pictures on the thread..

I have accomplished a lot with my simplifying and decluttering resolutions and now I need to work on weight.  I am at a six month high and 5 pounds more than I was at the beginning of the December!!!! And now it's on to my first and major goal...losing those pounds!!!

You should have all received your invitations by email.  If you didn't get an invitation, send me your email, because I may have mispelled your email address or maybe I never had it.

Or maybe you are one of the few who don't need to lose any!!! 

Mizsissy 

Mizsissy

I would add The Departed to my Netflix list but I just cannot deal with violent movies...at all...any other ideas?

Here are my suggestions:  The Color of Paradise, Dangerous Liasons, Unbearable Lightness of Being,  God Grew Tired of Us, Before the Revolution (Bertolucci's first feature film).

Mizsissy

PS....I believe, I believe!!!

PuppyFive

WOW, I must say, the wonderful Cat stories just prove It!!

"ANGELS AMONG US" How Special!!! {{Casey}} {{Alyson}}

Hi everyone, Puppy here just checking in on You!

Mizsis, I Love , Love , Love ,Scarry movies How are You today?

How is Gina??

Jazzz, where are You??

I am doing very well on the smoking thing! Must say Proud of Me!

I will work on the soda next, How are You doing on Your soda Problem???

{{Raye}} You are SOOOO pretty, You could be one of Mizsis's Models!

Be back later, xoxoxoxo

Puppy

Raye99

Allyson - Yes, the bc diagnosis is certainly a test of strength of a marriage and one's partner. My husband and I had been married not quite 3 years when I was diagnosed. He was so tremendous, I can't even describe it. Went to all of my appts., helped me change my bandages after surgery when I was still uncomfortable looking down at  myself and he said I was beautiful anyway. Helped me into the bathtub when I had drains and was weak armed. Cooked my meals - well, he does that anyway . I feel so very fortunate.

MizSis - thanks for the doc. Received it and it works very well! Jackie O, well thank you! She was one lovely woman. I went on a bus trip once to see the Cleveland Indians play, followed by a night at the bars - this was after having my long hair cut into a bob. On the way home, some of the older boys, who were a bit tipsy, keep asking me "Jackie OOOO, you got any Tylenol, Jackie OOOO, any Tums"?? I pretended I was asleep. Good for you on your decluttering efforts.

I will try and think of some non violent movies - have you ever seen Sabrina with Harrison Ford and Julia Ormond? Or Meet Joe Black? Oldies, but I don't see too many movies. Oh, Waiting to Exhale and how Stella Got Her Groove Back - great ones!

Casey - You will be a great captain for the team! That is awesome - you are so strong, both in mind and spirit. An honor, but a well deserved one! The cat was a miracle of sorts, I do believe. I am deathly allergic to all cats and MOST dogs. I thought all dogs, until I met my future husband who mentioned he had a Lab. I though uh-oh, but I had no symptoms whatsoever from him. My little (well big) miracle dog. Then we got our 2nd choc lab and no symptoms with him either (my 2nd miracle dog).

Puppy - great news on the smoking kid! You are doing awesome. Today is day 25 for me! How are you feeling?

Ok, this was my lunchbreak post - back to work I go, hi ho hi ho.

Yours cheesily - raye

MaryGLA

Casey and Allyson- what beautiful cat stories!  I love cats, but my mom is highy allergic and is always at my house, so I had to "settle" for my two sweet dogs.

Puppy- keep it up!  You are doing great!

MizS- I logged on to the google page and updated my stats.  It is very easy to work with. 

Casey- good luck with your team.  That's exciting news!

We celebrated our daughter's 11th birthday yesterday, and I had a very nice piece of birthday cake.  I was afraid to weigh in this morning!  And I skipped the gym last night and couldn't make it to yoga today because I am so busy at work.  Oh well.  I am just glad to see my daughter get another year older!  Casey, thanks for sharing the survivor story.  Someday all of us will be inspiring others!

Movies:  Waitress, Once, My Life as a Dog, Amelie, and what's the one about the woman who goes to Greece for vacation?

Time for my next meeting.

Mary

paige-allyson

Mary- Shirley Valentine!!!!! What a great movie. My Life as a Dog and the Unbearable Lightness of Being are other favorites of mine.  Wings of Desire is one of my favorites. Raye- Exactly the same with Jim- he missed his calling as a nurse- even did the Nulasta injections for me- did everything for me- and thinks I look hot even minus the breast. A direct Jim quote- "I would be upset and sad if you had to get your ass cut off."Luckily no sign of glute cancer so far, so we're in good shape. Puppy- awesome you with the quit! Mizzy- updated my stats- just couldn't make it work with my weight and date in the same cell but that's okay this was much easier. I am having a crazy busy day. Suddenly it seems that I am teaching a course starting Tuesday - have complex emotions re: this development. Allyson (aka Paige -Allyson is a nickname)

Mizsissy

Wow, thanx for the movie suggestions...I'm gonna check them out.

Since we're sharing cat stories, and I've got a little time here, I'm going to share my favorite kitty with you, The Original Mizsissy, here she is

We got her when she was a very small kitten; she trembled the first time I held her and it took her a while to stop being afraid of us, but once she got over her fear, she was very affectionate.  She actually seemed to prefer the company of people to her brother, and would follow me around the house, talking and listening and responding whenever I had something to say. She understood quite a few English words and seemed to have a large vocabulary of her own.  She would sometimes even give us whole speeches...very heartfelt and expressive. She even loved Erik's guitar music; we had a little song that we wrote for her, and she would toss her head back and thank us and gloat whenever he played it.

She seemed to read our moods and understand us better than we understood ourselves.  When I was sad or angry about something, she would come to me and ask to be held, as though to say, "let's have a little visit and sit together for a while...you need to calm down!!"

And of course she always did calm me down. 

She was very ill when I took this picture.  She had CRF, a very common feline disease; her kidneys were not functioning properly. We made her a special bed, pampered her, and she seemed to enjoy the attention.  We were giving her daily fluids, via tube, feeding her a special diet, and she had a remarkable recovery for a few months.

But then, things started to go down hill.  One day, after I had badly sprained my back, she complained a lot, and I knew she needed to go to the vet, but I couldn't move.  The next day was a Saturday, so I decided to take her to the vet on Monday.  But that afternoon she ran away (something that had never happened before) and for hours I was frantic, wondering if I would ever see her again.  I knew her time was close.  Towards the end of the day, she came wobbling up the stairs of our deck and I scooped her up and hugged and kissed her.  Then, after she was settled I talked to her and told her it was OK if she wanted to leave, if she was tired of being sick, that everything would be fine.

On Sunday we had a wonderful family day.  Sissy could not jump high any more, so I lifted her on the bed and she lay there with all her family around here...Bunky (her brother) and Miranda.  We petted her and she seemed very happy.  I tried to talk my husband into letting me put her down, but he was reluctant. She had been our "baby" since before we were married, over seventeen years.

The next morning, while it was still dark, Erik checked in on her.  She was lying on the floor and could no longer walk.  Erik put her in her bed and Bunky jumped up to be with her and cuddled her.  When I woke up, we rushed her to emergency.  I held her on my lap in the car because she could only lie flat, and I could sense her fear, but when I told her everything would be OK, she looked up at me a little incredulous...and just then the light came in the window from the sun that had started to rise and she looked in the direction of the light...and then back at me with a the same look of trust and love that I had grown so accustomed to over the years.  She died very peacefully.

We buried her in a white satin lined casket, and about a month later I was dx'd.  I still miss her so!! 

Miz

acgw

Mizzy and Allyson,

Thanks so much for your cat tales.

Mizzy,

Your story brought tears to my eyes!

It is readily apparent that in addition to sharing our bc diagnosis, we have all been fortunate in our choice of mates. I can truly say that I like and love my husband more today then the day I married him.

Speaking of husbands, I should be around Winston-Salem right now but the weather was pretty crappy and I just didn't want to drive in the snow.

I'm going to try and leave super early tomorrow am.

Puppy and Raye,

Glad to read that the smoking cessation is going well.  My husband actually mentioned quitting on Monday.  I'm going to pester him when I see him tomorrow.

My movie choices: Blacksnake Moan (I know, crappy title but great movie with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Richie),Pan's Labyrinthe (Well worth the subtitles), Cinema Paradiso, Bread and Tulips (More subtitles) and Stardust. I love Amalie and My Life as a Dog.   

I just noticed that I've only mentioned two english language films. I don't think I am too much of a film snob but foreign directors seem more willing to make character driven stories than most american directors.

Have a good night ladies!

Casey

Raye99

MizSissy - I'm with Casey - what a touching story. she is lovely with her pearl necklace and ribbon around her neck.

I've become more of a dog person lately, but when I was younger, I LOVED cats and guess I still do. when we go down to Ocracoke Island (Casey, you probably know this), there are cats everywhere! Where we stay, there are about 8 - 10 that come around. Apparently, the settlers brought cats over on the ships to control rats, so the Carolina coasts are full of cats. I love them all I want to make them better, as they all have icky eyes and ears which have been torn up in fights. Last year, my favorite was a white Siamese, who actually let me pet her.

Allyson and Casey, you both mention My Life as a Dog. I will have to look this up and rent it. I recently read a book called "the year of the dog", about a young woman who moves from SC to VT for a summer and trains a puppy destined to be a service dog. both the scenery (I love VT) and the story of the dog are wonderful. A very good read.

Mary, Waitress! I want to see this movie too. I think Casey mentioned it as well. Having been a waitress for many years, I can relate.

Just got back from a run at the gym - 3.70 miles in 45 minutes! I am excited, as I seem to be getting better. I am celebrating with a Mic Ultra - contrary to photo at wedding, I don't drink too often any more.

Ok girls, have a great evening. Pardon my typing, on the laptop.

Raye

paige-allyson

I'm running to bed but had to stop in and say goodnight. What a sweet cat and cat story Mizzy. I am going to take notes tomorrow on all the movie recommendations. It seems like somehow this thread has drawn together a bunch of us who have similar taste in movies. Casey- loved Pan's Labyrinth despite having to flee a couple of times.

Sweet dreams. Allyson

paige-allyson

I'm running to bed but had to stop in and say goodnight. What a sweet cat and cat story Mizzy. I am going to take notes tomorrow on all the movie recommendations. It seems like somehow this thread has drawn together a bunch of us who have similar taste in movies. Casey- loved Pan's Labyrinth despite having to flee a couple of times.

Sweet dreams. Allyson

paige-allyson

I'm running to bed but had to stop in and say goodnight. What a sweet cat and cat story Mizzy. I am going to take notes tomorrow on all the movie recommendations. It seems like somehow this thread has drawn together a bunch of us who have similar taste in movies. Casey- loved Pan's Labyrinth despite having to flee a couple of times.

Sweet dreams. Allyson

Mizsissy

Good Morning Girls...don't have time to post much this AM...I just got some devastating news.  Gina, my beautiful model, is in the hospital with two large bloodclots in her brain, one in her brain stem.  This is a very dangerous situation...please send her your prayers and positive thoughts...

Last spring I had the good fortune to "discover" her in one of the local stores and a nice friendship has blossomed...she's a very beautiful woman, inside and out, and we are all hoping for a quick recovery.  She has a congenital blood disorder... She is only 29 years old.

For those of you who are interested, here is a link to a web page that I created for her last August.   

Miz 

abbadoodles

Oh, dear, sorry to hear about Gina.  I will keep her in my prayers.

All the cat stories are wonderful; I love cats and think they are just as intuitive as dogs.

I have my own cat story from just yesterday.  The story starts with my tooth whitening at the dentist on Wednesday.  After the procedure, I was given a list of food/drink to avoid for 48 hours.  Of course, anything colored, including tea and coffee, was on the list.  Oh, I thought, how am I going to survive without my morning coffee tomorrow?  I always get a caffeine headache if I don't have my coffee in the AM.

Fast forward to yesterday, Thursday.  By 9:30 AM I was starting to feel a bit headache-y.  Things got progressively worse until about noon when I just couldn't work anymore and shut down my studio.  I plopped onto the sofa and tried to get over it but it was just too light, so I went into the bedroom, pulled the blinds and crawled under the covers.  The CAT, who normally stays close to the woodstove during the day, came up to be with me.

I got feeling sicker and sicker and feeling like I was going to vomit.  All through chemo with no nausea and here I was running to the bowl and hugging it.  Yep, you guessed it.    My cat was at my side. 

Went back to bed, the cat with me.

After a couple of hours, I started feeling better.  The cat left me flat.   I knew I was over the hump.

My good kitty was there to nurse me and comfort me. 

BTW, I'm fine today.  Had a cup of tea for breakfast as I'm thinking if I am that hooked on caffeine that withdrawal was that bad, I'm going to leave it alone.  Yes, tea has caffeine, but much less.

Now, here is where I need you girls to help.  I was sick all day yesterday, ate practically nothing, and I have not lost one ounce as of this morning's weigh in.  What gives?

Tina

paige-allyson

Tina glad you're feeling better. I'm sure the cat helped. I am loving these cat stories. Re: the weight- it's mysterious- I used to find I had apparently lost weight after these 4,000 calorie lunches they'd put on at work. I knew for a fact I hadn't really lost after all that penne w/ vodka cream sauce. Maybe you'll step on the scale tomorrow and receive better news.

Mizzy- so sorry for what your friend is going through- I'm thinking of her- she's the same age as my daughter- I can't imagine...

On a lighter note- you'd suggested I post a prechemo photo and I found a couple- not the best but REAL hair- about 3 years ago...

 with gus and jim- daughter's wedding           Acadia

 

Isabella at a week or two old

 Now I will run off to bed. It's past my bed time. Allyson/Paige

acgw

Mizzy,

Gina will be in my prayers.  What a beautiful young woman.

Allyson,

My Gus (and husband Barry) want to know if your Gus is mired in quicksand? What happen to his legs?

Actually, he is a beautiful corgi. My Gus is just too big for his britches.  He thinks mastiffs rule. He is also a chicken and Isabella could probably kick his butt!

Tina,

I may have to convert to being a cat lover.

I am glad you are feeling better.

I have no idea how this weight thing works.  All I know is I have put a hurting on the tequila this rainy, cold afternoon and that will not be good for my waist....

Tequila and coffeebreak spanish.

I am studying lesson 15.

Tomorrow it is supposed to snow here at the beach.  

paige-allyson

Casey- tequila and Coffee Break Spanish sound really festive. So does snow at the beach. Have a shot for me, okay, while I sit here sipping my green tea like some old auntie. My Gus does look like quite the sawed off Border Collie, doesn't he? He has "little man" complex so he's a tough guy- terrible with other male dogs-luckily perfectly nice with females and cats. Your Gus would be appalled by his horrible behavior.

Mizzy- thinking about you and your friend.Allyson

Mizsissy

Hi Gals,

I was pretty much in a state of shock yesterday.  I just couldn't wrap my head around the idea that Gina, 29 years old, the image of health, was close to death.  I even felt guilty as though some of my bad karma from BC had leaked over to her and I was afraid to visit her because I couldn't keep the tears from my eyes.

Took an ativan last night...helped me sleep and felt much calmer today.  We visited her in the hospital.  She is very ill, the room is very dark and her eyes are closed, but she knows we are there, and she talks and gestures, using as little energy as possible because she hasan't eaten for about a week.  She looks like a madonna.  It felt good to  be there and talk to her and touch her and I know she was glad that I was there.  I am very much looking forward to seeing her on Monday.  Her headache is now not so bad, but she's very nauseous, probably all the drugs they've been pumping into her.  They will probably send her home next week, maybe even to my house because it's quiet and she's not ready for her 2-yr old son.  I do feel a lot better today...

Tomorrow I have a model and a sculpturer coming to my house, that should be fun...but I'm  gonna tell you.  I DID NOT EXERICISE TODAY and I had a drink and I didn't feel guilty!!

So there!!! Take care all!!!

Mizsissy 

Raye99

MizSissy - I am so sorry to hear about Gina and hope she gets better soon. What a gorgeous young lady she is. She will be in my thoughts.

Allyson - your pics are beautiful! Thanks for sharing them!

Tina, I  am glad to hear you are feeling better today.

This is going to be a short post, I think I have the flu or something. Driving around w/ my husband earlier and started feeling sick to my stomach. Got home and took an old antinausea pill from chemo days. going to go lie down.

Have a good evening and weekend all.

raye

Mizsissy

It's a quiet morning here, overcast, a little new snow on the ground.  Normally I'm off to church, but I'm sending Erik on his own this AM.  I have a small group coming over to draw later today and I could sure use a quiet day.

After seeing Gina yesterday, I am sure she's going to be fine.  Her pain had gone from a 10 to nothing, and she is just very nauseous from all the meds they have given her...It will probably take a few months for the medication to dissolve all the clots, but according to the MRIs her brain is fine, and she will just have a few quiet months ahead of her.  I very much appreciate your kind thoughts and words on her behalf..

Really am enjoying your pix Allyson; you are so lucky to raise a cat from birth.  I think that's when the bond between cat and human is the strongest. 

Raye, how you holding up?  Hope you staved off that stomach bug!!

Casey, so you're at the beach?  What beach?  I've spent a lot of time at Nags Head and Hatteras....part of my heart is still in the Outer Banks.  Now, young lady, exactly at what time did you have your Tequila Coffee Break (wagging my finger!!)...I'll tell you a secret.  The other morning when Gina's mom called me and I had to call six artists to tell them not to come I had a little drinky before Noon!! (a first for me...!!  but no regrets!!). What do you do at the beach when it is dark & cold out?  But I remember, it hardly ever gets really cold in the Carolinas.

Tina, I am a dedicated tea drinker and it's so good for you..  I make myself a nice pot of loose tea and put in on a tray with milk and sugar and I think it's the best time of my day each morning.  Once you drink loose tea, you'll never go back to bags.  I feel sorry for all those coffee drinkers!! Enjoyed you kitty story.

Mary, keep up the good work.  You're an inspiration to the rest of us...

Now RobbinJaye, where are you?  You keep PMing me and threatening to post here but it doesn't happen!!!   This is actually a positive and happening thread most of the time.  You and Cathy need to post your resolutions....if you want some ideas, take at look at ours on page 17.  I'm working on mine backwards.  I've got No. 8 under control am really enjoying my new living environment!

Dottie, Jazz, Puppy...where are you?  Not smoking I hope.  Got any more kitty stories?  Robbin does...I know.

Miz 

acgw

Ola!

Mizzy,

As you know, it's always five o'clock somewhere.....

I am glad to read Gina will make a full recovery.

We have a place in Atlantic Beach, midway between Wilmington and the OBX.  My husband and I spent our honeymoon in Avon.  We loved it there but this area was more practical for a weekend get away.  Now that my husband is professionally fishing I think he would have preferred the OBX or Southport as (at least this year) the fishing has, for the most part been better.

No snow today. It is sunny and very, very cold; a good day for reading and maybe a well bundled walk on the beach before the drive back to WV.

I have not exercised all weekend but did walk with Gus for about an hour on Friday.

Raye,

I hope you don't have the flu or any other long lasting bug.

Ladies,

Have a very restful day.