Jan 2008--Ain't it Great?

I'm Back .... So there is nothing on the boob tube that has tickled my fancy, so figured I'd poke my head back in here for a quickee !

Paula, fingers and toes crossed for some good news on both Ed and your test results.

Boy and I thought WA was the only place getting nailed with flood waters. You know its bad when they have breaking news and they interrupt the Ophra show tell us of 22 rivers over flood stage. Thankfully our county has not been effected much.  So have you actually had damage to your home from water? What the heck do you do when the holler is flooded, can you reach your home by car?

Norma, so I don't know if you chat with your cousin in WA state, but I think that the Snohomish area which I believe you said she lived is an area that has been all over the news tonight with evacuations due to flood waters.

D1, I think your due to have some relief from your Tamo blues. Hoping that your latest potion might do the trick. If you end up having/decide to switch to an AI make sure that you get a bone density scan so that you have a baseline. I understand the reasoning of the Tamo for trying to build up the bones, but at what expense? Also, being that you regularly exercise and are thin, does that not help with the whole bone thing??? I know that you are not as apt to store excess estrogen if your on the thin side. I just hate to read about you feeling so down in the dumps. Hey just think you could toss in your depression for bone and joint aches (I know ... not funny at all) !!!

So refresh my memory, but we're you chemically induced into menopause or had you been in the change prior to chemoville? Have the hot flashes gotten worse since the start of Tamo ? Personally my hot flashes we're much worse right after the chemically induced menopause started last March and since then they have mellowed out quite a bit, actually once I started on the Femara last Sep they've improved dramatically, this whole thing is just too weird.

Hey our Gonzaga B-ball team just beat Tennessee in OT ... yeah for a WA state win of some sort!!! The dh called from Long Beach to tell me the game was on.

Kathy, yeah another de-port-tation on Friday. Good timing for not missing work, you should be doing pretty darn good by Monday.

Patty, I understand that Vegas would be bloody hot in July, but it's not been easy to come up with a timeframe that works for most. At this point, mid-July has been the best fit, and Vegas has shown interest for the better part.

CHJ, now even I cannot get excited about a pink vacuum cleaner !!!

Tina, it does only make sense that even though the estrogen producing ovaries would be removed that an AI would still be recommended for the other lingering estrogen we seem to make. Good luck with Arimedix, seems to be working pretty good for CHJ. Did they want you to get a bone density scan?

Its nice that you we're able to share the news that Jean has completed her txts and doing well. While chatting with my friend here in Poulsbo, it appears that rads to the left side is much more complicated due to the heart being near the rad field.

Julie, ahh ... an extra day to re-group ... are we back in the groove ???

Time to talk the wiener dogs into going outside before bed ... they hate it when its pouring down rain !!!

Night All, Carol

Happy Thursday Jewels!!

Today here we are freezing my TA-TA's off. It got really cold here. Crappy snow. mix of rain/sleet...whatever. Can we get closer to spring please!!!

I planted all of these pink bc tulips i can't wait for them to co me up with my spring flowers!!

gotta go @ work

Patty 

Patty, thanks for sharing !!! A good mid day work pick me up.



So ol' BC.org is probably not the best for work productivity, looks like a few of us pop in from work ... Oh that's right it break time, right????



Carol

Ahhh, life is good! 

Sitting here sipping a cup of choc. hazelnut java, compliments of my new SP. Thanks, girlfriend! I love my new mug "Embrace the Day" and the magnet "Live well, Laugh often, Love much." I'm inspired!

Speaking of inspiring... Great poem, Patty. Doubt that I can measure up to those good intentions for even one whole day, but it's a good thing to aspire to!

Maz- oh, my! Another Jewel having to deal with the possibility of a recurrence. I'm sending up lots of prayers for your good health and a NED report. I'm sorry you're having to go through this... FUBC indeed! 

D1- How exciting that you'll get to view the inauguration! I wish I could be there...

CHJ- sounds like the onc. change was meant to be, eh?

Carol- yep, I've been blocked by the water--usually on MY side of the holler (aka hollow). The "main" hollow winds between mountains beside a creek. Then you turn off onto a smaller holler with meanders beside another creek. The main hollow creek empties into the river about 2.5 miles from my house. That's where the flooding occurs, so it only affects my access. The puny little creek in front of my house is about 15-20 feet below the level of my house and has never overflowed its banks in the 13 years that we've lived here (or in the memory of any of the old-timers who have lived here for decades. So, I guess we're safe. 

We had a 2 hour delay this morning as the temps fell from mid-50s to the 20s (hate this fickle weather!) and the rain changed to snow and ice.

Dh has his MRI tomorrow afternoon. I'll ask for a copy of the CD so that I can check it out while I'm waiting for the report. I've gotten pretty good at noting the changes (of course, I've had 2.5 years of practice). So, I'll be back tomorrow to report on what's up.

Stay safe, Jewels.

Paula 

Hi Jewels! Thinking of you all. I know we have some "de-porting" and dr's appts/tests going on tomorrow -- you're all in my thoughts. Hoping for easy procedures and good test results.

Finally got the tree down tonight and most things are put away. It's been a crazy week at school being the first week of a new semester. I'm also having some issues with my supt regarding decisions being made for our new campus -- haven't been very happy that they're not asking input from the department chairs when I have lots of input I'd like someone to hear! Uuuugghh -- never a dull moment!

Hope to check in again this weekend! HUGS to all!!

Julie

D1 - when you are watching the inaugural parade, watch for the University of Tennesee band - my nephew is in it (playing the tuba)!!  Frankly I don't think I'd want to go near D.C. that day, for all the crowds.  It should be an amazing day, though. Sounds like you have a pretty good plan of action!

Maz - prayers to you.  We all want it to be "over", and yet it's not because of additional fears and tests, etc.  We'll hope for the best possible outcome for you.

My neighbor had chemo for lung cancer that ended in mid-November and now she's losing her hair, having weight-gain problems, and getting tingling and numbness in her hands and feet.  The docs didn't tell her that could happen and she's pretty freaked out about it.  I can't even imagine.

TGIF - have a great day and weekend, everyone!!

 CHJ

D1, you may want to ask you onc about this: "Also, some medications -- in particular, antidepressants -- may interfere with the activation of tamoxifen. Many patients taking tamoxifen are also on these medications, and these include Paxil (chemical name: paroxetine), Zoloft (chemical name: sertraline), Wellbutrin (chemical name: bupropion HCI), all the common anti-depressants."

From the summary of the San Antonio BC conference in December: http://www.breastcancer.org/news_research/archives/ask_expert/12_2008/#q5

Paula, I've sat here trying to come up with words to help ease your pain from the disappointing news today. I've ended up writing and deleting too many times. If there is anything I can do, please know that I would want to. This is a tough one when somebody you truly care about is living clear across the nation from you, I'm feel rather helpless when I would atleast want to be able to give a hug.  Honestly, don't hesitate to ask if there is absolutely anything that I can do from a distance away.

Hugs, Carol

Hello Ladies!

Paula - Thank you for the card. I don't know how you find the time, girl!  I'm glad your check up was good.  So sorry to hear about dh. CANCER SUCKS!!!  I really hope you get some encouraging news on Monday. Sending you and dh all my prayers and healing vibes.

Kimberly - Thank you for the card and letter - great pics in your newsletter! Your view for the fireworks was beautiful! I know you aren't doing tamox, but are you doing any natural supplements to try and cut the estrogen?

Sheshe - Hope you are feeling better.

Carol - I loved your New Year's Eve post - thank you for that! Thanks for the calendar comment. Unfortunately, "miss" January was just diagnosed again and started up treatments. FUBC

One of the ladies in our group suggested doing the 3 day this year (I think in Cleveland). That $2300 scares me too! I know we are doing the local relay and at least one of the Race for the Cures in Cleveland and/or Pittsburgh.

One of the girls in our group who was diagnosed at 24 said it took over 5 years for all the feeling to come back in her arm. Doesn't sound great.

I haven't heard from my cousin in a bit by email. I'll have to check on her.  I did check out the Seattle area on the map last night and got an idea of where you and she are in relation, though.

Donna - Hope all went well with your dr visit.

Kathy - Hope you are getting back to normal, now. Sucks you had to feel crappy over the holidays. SO glad you had good results from your MRI!  You should be done with your port, too?!

Patty - Nice to see you here!  Sorry you have had a rough time of it. I too think I am heading down the hysterectomy path. Are you having your hysterectomy done at Magees? If so, let me know who your dr is. I think I am heading down there for a second opinion and haven't gotten any names yet.

I didn't see anywhere on that link where you can find out what the ingredients are - do you know?

Tina - Snowy Joey is so cute! Very cool about your skis! I got the same "photo album not available" when I tried your link, too. Good luck with the Arimidex - think positive on no se's. Lol on you dh laundry comment!

Julie - What a wild story about your vehicle! So interesting on how they did your nips. It is amazing what they can do.

D1 - How is the wellbutrin faring for you? Ummm, full body shudder here, too.  No way lips for nips!!!! I'm with you, both! That sounds awful.  Very cool about the inauguration.  Good luck on all your transportation issues.

Maz - Sending up a prayer for you.

If we do Vegas, I might have to bring the whole family. My bil and sil just moved there in August and they would be unforgiving if we didn't all come. They got married in July out there a few years ago and I think it was 110 - "but it's a dry heat"!

Went to see the onc on Monday. He was really not happy that they had not sent me for a doppler to make sure there were no deep vein clots. He had me go right over to the hospital and have it done. That all came back fine. I really wish they would have done it before too cause it has made for a much less stressful week. Today is 4 weeks since the first one appeared and it is still pretty prominent - pain is pretty much gone, though.  He did say the tamox is definitely out. I have to go back in Monday morning and see what he wants to do now.   Then Tuesday morning I have an appointment with my gyn to just talk so she can give me pros and cons of the different types of surgery. She doesn't even know about the clot issue yet.

Ds finally got finished with his senior project at about 2am Friday morning. It ended up being 193 pages. They had to do a lot of writings on their view of life, themselves and God. I didn't get to read all of it, but what I did, was interesting. They had to include a lot of pictures and memorabilia from their childhood, so we spent a lot of time going through bins of photos and keepsakes. It was fun to look back on a lot of that stuff - but soooo time consuming.

I got all the Christmas stuff down last week except the tree in our basement family room. Dh and ds went to Cleveland for a soccer tournament and I promised I would get it down (so I didn't have to go!). We've gotten about 12 inches of snow in the last 48 hours and warning for about 12 more in the next 24 hours. They were driving into it and ever since my run-in with the ditch I've been much more hesitant to drive in it.

Wow- I've been sitting here about 2 hours!  Have a good weekend, my friends!

Good afternoon Jewels,

I apologise upfront for the novel.

It was tough getting back into the school groove after being gone for two weeks, for teachers and kids alike.
Came home yesterday with a fever, achy, stuffy head, and sore throat…geez didn’t I just do this at Christmas?  Guess this is the cousin virus…got a good recommendation about partying at Kimberly’s being oh so fun.  So, while Greg is in Lassen taking care of reading weather monitors for renewable energy research, I’m home in my jammies, doing domestic chores, and grading Story Analysis projects.

Saw a great musical review last Saturday night called Forever Plaid about a Doo-Wop group (male) who were killed in a car crash before their big break, and we are their chance to perform their big show before ‘crossing over’.
Great fun, and the venue is wonderful.  The Cosmopolitan Club. They have a bar and restaurant, plus a little performance venue that seats about 100. There are small round cocktail tables that seat four in the front section about three rows of tables, and raised seating behind.

Carol, your dinner sound delish…a massage before hand, too. Nice!  At least the dh was in his own home having his  libations.

Doesn’t it feel good to have all the Christmas stuff put away, and a fresh start for the new year?

Way to go Santa!!!!  “Pardon me, while I head to the laundry room for a bottle of wine.”  HeeHee  I totally understand the loud fan as our previous coolers were louder than the cellar we have now, which is so quiet.  As long as the laundry doesn’t get heated  with the dryer making the cooler have to work harder to keep the wine chilled, you’re good to go.

Glad you enjoyed the New Years letter, didn’t do one last year, the Devine 2009 poem, and the New Years link.  It was such a blast being in the city.

Carol, 2am?, and you thought you’d be in bed after the New York New Year at 9pm. You must have been having a great time. And fireworks in the snow…that must have beautiful.

Achy joints don’t sound like fun. Wonder what is up with that?  At least the hips and knees aren’t involved. Of course, I feel the same way when I get up these days…your feet comment. I seem to recall you and I hobbling up from our seats this summer after along sit down and discussion to get more wine. It’s almost like you have to warm them up.

I exercised three days last week with some teachers in my room. We just move the desks, and choose a video and do a workout together. We did yoga on Tuesday, Dance it Off on Wednesday (imagine me trying to do Hip Hop and Latin…to think I used to be a dancer. My body so did not remember that part of my life. I used to dance 4 hours a day in college…sigh…) We liked the ballet part of that workout and the cool down part. Thursday we did Cardio Pilates. We all really liked that one. so, I’m off to a good start on my resolution to work out at least three times a week. My walking partner during my prep period is training a new teacher, so we’re taking a break for a few weeks.

I’m thinking we need to say mid-July in Vegas…even though it will be really hot, there are more indoor walking areas from place to place, and we can walk the strip in the evenings when it’s cooler. Lots to their…spa, gamble, see a show, shop, eat good food, etc…and it’s their low season, so not as expensive.

Man, you guys are getting pounded with the snow. We’re not having so much this year. We’re hoping for more, but it just doesn’t look good right now. Another drought year for us it seems.

Glad to hear you’re emailing Steph, and that he’s in good spirits. Let him know that I’m sending him my best and a hug.

Jules – Your remodeling sounds like it’s in full swing. Can’t wait for the before and after pics.

Interesting that the dealer just accepted that the car he inherited was in good condition…with only 45 miles on it, who would blame him. Did it fall off the travel trailer when it was being delivered or did someone at the old dealership drive it during that 45 miles and get into an accident? You’ld think that would haved been disclosed. Well, the good news is that your dealer took good care of you.

Glad the nips are doing well and that you are pleased with the results.  I’m not sure I want to do that. The skin is so thin on the left, I’d be afraid of an accidental puncture to the implant.  I thought about doing a 3-D tattoo so it just looks like I have nipples and areolas, but that whole needle thing makes me nervous.

Vettagal/Vettaguy – Wish I could see your picture better, it’s so small, but you look happy, and your post sounded much more upbeat.  Glad to hear your Whole Foods is full of gluten free items. Sometimes I wonder if my poor gut just hasn’t fully healed or something.  I notice that after eating, I get this ‘rock in the gut feeling’. It doesn’t happen all the time, but enough to notice it, and I haven’t really charted what is making me feel that way. I know when I eat too much – a whole sandwich instead of a half, for example – does it to me, and foods that have too much fat – cheese or deep fried things. Hmmm, I’ll have to pay more attention.

Anyway, enjoy your games…Pittsburg plays this weekend, right?

Nice…a free trip and being pampered to boot? You deserved it!!!!

So, what’s the funny plane story?  To heck with the plane story the basement story was awesome!!! LOL

Hey, Vettaguy, got a side business going that we didn’t know about?

Sorry to hear about vettesis. You know, sometimes the petty family shit just becomes the excuse for not dealing with the real issues, and it doesn’t sound like the family is ready yet, and that’s OK. It is just the way it is right now. Your family has been through a lot in the past year or so. You are right to just take a time out from all of that and take care of yourself.

The poem originally came from Leo Sayer’s novel, I Am Third.  I have that in my classroom without the reference to God, as that would be challenged. I use it to remind my students of the time they are wasting on things that will not make their tomorrow better for them. Yeah, like they listen. Anything beyond lunch is so not on their radar, but one can hope that it will sink in eventually, and some kid in his/her adult years will say, “ I had this teacher once you said…”

Tina – Nice bargain hunting by the dh!!!!  I lived in Tahoe, and I don’t ski. I tried, but it was pretty funny and scary. I tried cross-country, too. I’m just such a dork. I’m more of a sit in the lodge with a good book and a hot adult beverage by the fire girl.

Wow, your house sounds like it is in the perfect location. Who wouldn’t want to live there? I tried the link, but it said Photo album not available.

I love having fun concerts and events to look forward to…how fun to anticipate seeing your favorite band and your all-time favorite band.  Loved Forever Plaid!!!!

I started typing this morning, and will have to change it to afternoon as well. It takes a while to catch up when you’re only on once a week.

Hey, a showing already. WhooHoo!!! And, I am impressed you used a Q-tip on your stove top!!! D1 would be proud.

WhooHoo, welcome to the menopause side of town!!! Yep, I heard that even with an Ooph that AI’s are recommended.

Glad to hear your friend is doing so well.

Joan – So, did you survive the first week back after ‘cation?  Our Special Ed dept. is busy doing mid-year IEPs and testing as well. Soooo much paper work.  

You’re welcome for the card.

Kathy – I haven’t used my Wii Fit in awhile. I liked it at first, but the constant stopping to change exercises bugged me. The Jillian’s fitness for Wii is supposed to eliminate that issue. My son’s gf got it and loves it. I’ll be going out to get that myself, so I can do that on the weekends.

Sherry – I know that it may not seem like it now, but I truly do believe that everything happens for a reason. You will find the perfect job for you…right now, you need to take care of yourself and get healthy.  Are you able to collect unemployment?  Look into getting retrained at the local Community College? You could get financial aid via grants ,I’ll bet. You might also quality under the Person’s with Disabilities act being a breast cancer survivor if you’re having in lingering effects that prevent you from working certain types of jobs.  The medical field and education are the only areas where layoffs rarely occur. Getting your medical assistant certificate or dental assistant, or medical billing/transcription, or becoming a Teacher’s Aid might be an option.

Sometimes the things that seem to be the worst, actually end up being the greatest gifts. 2009 isn’t staring off badly, it’s starting off offering you opportunities.

Love your Kitty avatar.

Hey, you need to tell your doc about the depression and all. That’s a must. There is no reason to be suffering with depression, and no one is going to send you to the looney bin.

CHJ- The Baltimore Ravens?  Football?  Sorry to say, I’ve not heard of that team.

Hope your had a fabulous New Year.

I’m with you on the pink Dyson. I saw a bunch of kitchen equipment in pink…blender, mixer, toaster, etc…no thank you. I’m a stainless steel girl.

Paula – So, did you make it through the first week back after ‘cation? I’m exhausted. The good news about wearing a uniform or scrubs…no wardrobe decisions! I love Fridays, as I can wear Buljan wear. Sweat pants and a Buljan shirt. So, comfy.

Hope Ed is doing better now that he’s had some time to recoup after round #2.

Glad you enjoyed my letter and shared my poem with your work friends. That makes me smile to think my words are being passed around.

Cracked me up when you described you poor ‘puter giving up its last pixel. LOL. You’ll love the Mac laptop. I love my G4. I’ve had it for at least four or five years now.

OMG, I am rolling reading your dream… Hmmm, let’s see. Taxi…you’re always driving everyone around to appointments, conferences, colleges, etc…

dh splitting firewood, your desire for him to get back to feeling healthy and strong again.  

Size 4 prom dress had me doubled over…glad you chose the jeans and sleeveless top…as this shows you know you don’t need to impress us, just be yourself. Lifting those trees like they were twigs…HELLO…you are our SHERO, of course you have super human strength!!!

The car thing is Julie’s car story and Carol’s car story…as both mentioned car crashes and Carol mentioned sand and four wheeling, I believe.  As far as the car rolling as she jumped out to say, hi, I can see Carol being so excited to meet you that she’d forget to put the car in Park…LOL.

The filling up and not knowing where to go ect…sounds like a little anxiety about what’s ahead, and how the constant of school…student being in the car…is an equalizer for you.

Hey, that sounds pretty darn good. Maybe I missed my calling. LOL.

Oh Paula, I can understand your being hesitant to bring in hospice, as who wants to admit that everything that can be done has been done, and it may not be working.  I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s deterioration. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate. I hope the Decadron helps the swelling if that’s what is going on.

The Twin Heart wheat weaving you gave me has been super glued to the frame of the picture of Kath and I as newborns. It looks great.

CRAP…just read of the MRI report. I am so sorry this new regime isn’t doing the trick. FUBC doesn’t even express it.
((((HUGS))))

D1- FUSE…Hope the Wellbutrin works for you. I took that for a short stint after my mom died. Night sweats and dry mouth were no fun, and my sex drive went into the toilet. I was in my 30’s, so not a desirable effect. Switched to something else, can’t recall. Doesn’t mean you’ll have a bad time of it, though. Good luck with that.

How exciting to be in a place you can see the swearing in festivities from. Not sure I would want to venture out into the throngs myself. So I assume the office has a bathroom with a shower and all? I recall there’s a gym there. You’ve got a little over a week to decide on what to wear. Maybe Paula’s dd will loan you her prom dress. LOL

Maz- Fingers and toes are crossed that it is only a thickening of the tissue…not the news you wanted to hear, I’m sure.  Keep us posted.  And how nice that your primary care doc took the time to say hello.

LJ13- Good advice for D1 and all the ladies on Tamox regarding antidepressants. I do recall reading that when I was doing all of my research about the drug.

Therese – Good to hear from you as always. Another Jewel taking the 3 Day plunge. Bravo. I wish I lived closer to someone who was doing it, as I might consider it, but the whole tent thing still has me thinking not.

Norma – You’re welcome for the card and letter. Natural supplements to cut the estrogen? I’ve not heard of any, but haven’t done any major research either. Are you aware of anything? Once I get my next blood test showing I’m in true Post Menopause –that is two weeks – maybe I’ll look into that as I don’t want to take an AI either.

Ummm, 193 page Senior project? What teacher is going to read and grade that?

Is there an interview/presentation portion, too?  A few friends have HS kids and have talked about the Senior Project. Man, he must have been relieved to get that done.

Keep us posted on what the onc and obgyn have to say. Glad there are no blood clots.

Speaking of blood clots, we had our SDC teacher collapse in class. Mini stroke. Thank goodness her aide was there and that her kids – all with severe physical, emotional, and/or learning issues of some kind – followed the aides instructions to run to the office for help. She’s fine, but will take a Baby aspirin daily from now on. She’s had blood pressure issues, which usually means cholesterol issues, I’m guessing. She eats really well and is thin, so no one would have ever expected this, most of all, her.

OK, this is a novel. Sorry, but with all the chatting going on during the week, I’ve got to catch up.

I started at 10am and it is now 2pm….Geez…I’ve got to find a way to check in during the week,too.  –SIS Kimberly

Can someone remind me how to post photos on the boards again..is it snapfish?

Chemo fart brain....LOL

Hey Ladies,

Still sitting here ... my rear has been glued to the upstairs puter all day. Took our CD's and loaded my favs from them onto my Ipod. Now I'm waiting on my download of Grey's Anatomy (2^nd Season), nothing like watching a current episode then going to the gym and watching an episode from 3 years ago on my Pod. Sure makes the time fly by on the treadmill.

Paula, you've been on my mind throughout the day ... hope your doing okay. I know Monday will probably not come soon enough for you, know that my positive energy is being sent your way.

So it was my lucky day, I now have another voice to go with the words and pic of SiS Patty (Vettegal), and yep I spoke with Vetteguy as well. A true pleasure to chat with them both. In fact gal, I will now be cheering on the black and gold tomorrow ... usually I'd have to go with the west coast team. Sounds like the ol' photo bucket is kicking your ass !!!

Kathy, sounds as if your doing pretty good since the port removal ... no excuses for you not to give the dh that b-day present now! Hope you both enjoy the day, and I hope the ds can hit #10. I swear I thought my ds would never get out of his pullup at night, but one day the switch was turned, whew !!!

D1, your due for a break gal ... hang in there ... things are bound to get better for you.

I'll be chatting soon.

Carla, our tatoo woman ... and we ain't talking nips. Remind me, what we're your having inscribed?

Ahh, computer elbow, I think I have computer neck from sitting too long today. Glad that you have gotten some relief from a shot in the arm. I hear needles to ease pain and freak !!!

Your new pic is great ... hopefully your able to post a larger one as well.

Kimberly, holy smokes gal ... you definitely hit all your bases today, and that was with a nose full.

I kinda laughed to myself as I spoke of my lil wine cooler, let me tell ya sis friends ... you literally walk into Kimberly‘s wine cellar !!!  Mine is still in the living room, I actually think the laundry room will be better for temp as the living/dining room has the woodstove which has been pumping out big time the last month or so. Who knows maybe I can start a load of laundry as I'm picking out a bottle !

So those of us hobbling around after being seated for a time ... my gyn said that has a lot to do with the lack of estrogen in our bodies I'll buy that. Went in for my 2^nd of 10 massages covered by my health insurance yesterday. As she was finishing up, I raised my arms above my head to see if my ROM was any better ... we've decided that next week she will work on my mast site, she mentioned feeling some "cording" throughout the upper area of my chest ... initially I was not too comfortable with the thought of her working my chest area, but as we chatted this past week I feel that if I'm going to be seeing her and want progress in that regards, I'll see what she can do. It's not like I have a boob there, heck I don't even have much feeling throughout the whole area, so massage away. Now that I babbled on about myself ... are you still getting in for a massage every now and again?

Kudos on hitting the exercise gig ... I've likewise did well this week, was pissed off this morning as I gain 2lbs this week (gotta be muscle !!!)

Enjoyed your take on Paula's dream ... now why the heck would have Cher been showing up with D1 ???

Norma, you know I just read the story about your January calendar gal this morning ... I'm so sorry to hear of her setback. She has definitely seen a tough go of it.

So you know my feelings of the 3-day ... an unbelievable experience. If you have the opportunity to participate, I truly believe you will not be disappointed. You know it did not take CathyCA any time at all to register again, and I've also committed. As well you've all read that Therese has jumped on board. If you get the chance to check out the following website, it answers a lot of your questions that might be of concern. Check out the3day.org I don't know your family/friends/school kids parents/clubs/dh work associates, yada yada, but I have the hunch with a few e-mailings and personal letters you'd be amazed at the generosity of others to raise the funds.

Oh, I'm happy just to hear that there is a possibility of the feeling in my arm coming back. I was pretty tickled with myself yesterday at work, I was able to throw 6 inch straps over the top of a conex box on a trailer ... I was hitting them about half way up the load a few month's ago. Nothing I like worse than having to ask "a guy" to help me out that doesn't know what I've been through and I certainly don't want to explain my excuse for not being able to do my job (this is with guy's that I don't work with, my fellow co-workers are most helpful and great)!!!

I still need to get a hold of you in regards to my other idea.

Therese, hopefully you got my PM ... I'm hyped that your walking ... I just received my 3-Day stuff in the mail today ... did you get yours. Oh, I think I figured out your last name ... there was only one Therese registered in Dallas thus far. You Go Gal !!!

LJ, was wondering where the heck you've been ... leave it to you to have some good info to share... glad your still checking in.

Lastly if anybody is still reading ...

I'm with Kimberly, there is plenty to do ... what a better reason to have a "rita on the rocks" sitting next to a pool ... okay, under a big sun umbrella !!! Patty mentioned a hotel, is that something that would work ... looks like some are interested in bringing family members, others not ... so I'm no travel agent, but seems to me that we should get something moving in that direction.

All for now ... Carol