This is a poem for my friend, Kill.
I think she thinks my poetry is swill.
She doesn't like my rhymes or reason.
She thinks my poems might be treason.
This is a poem for my friend, Kill.
Who thinks my poetry comes from a pill.

Codeine is for coughs, baby.

You are a silly, funny, poet, Chum. And if you care about me enough to write poems about me, then I'm touched. Really.

Silly rabbit, Tricks are for kids.

You sound like you're having a good ol' time with the codeine.

I was in bed by about 10. Perfectly acceptable for a school night, I think. And I didn't exactly have a blast. Listening to a friend rant on and on is mildly amusing, at best.

Ah but I did drink and smoke and swear. ****zu. And I am coughing today. The wages of sin.

Must go build a dog run.

Just stoppin by to say Hi :D

Chum is so clever. She deserves applause.. Bravo :rose: :rose:

Have a great day.

Darlene :hop:

Hello...

Hope you feel better tomorrow...

Did you get the dog run finished?

I hope Misty enjoys it!

So how has your eating been lately?...Have you stepped on the scale recently?...Just wondering...you haven't really mentioned it!

I gave up on the BF's name.......I am sure its a good one!

I went out to a movie tonight...The Emperor's Club...it was ok...I didn't fall asleep...

Hope you have a good Thursday...I have a field trip tomorrow...FUN!

mcmarto

Hi,

Yes, I'm feeling better. Thanks, Mcmarto.

Eating has been good. Every time I step on the scale it says almost exactly the same thing, so I'm maintaining.

Oh the bf's name is extraordinarily good, I assure you (ha!). It's just a name. But what fun would it be if I just told you?

Field trip - fun. Where are you going? Today is potluck day for me. They are supplying carnitas, so I guess I will have to attend. I love carnitas. I am weak. I think we've established that already this week.

I think I'm going to skip the big happy hour whoop-te-doo after work today, though. Maybe I've caught Nanny's grumpiness. Maybe it's just that I didn't sleep very well last night. I was cold! Actually got up around 3am and turned on the heat for the first time. And then, ahhhh, it heated up quickly. That insulation really makes a difference. Before, you'd turn the heat on and hear it blow but it never really caused the room temperature to rise. But we had to get up at 5 so I could get the bf to the airport by 6:15. Waaaa, I am alone now. Utterly alone. Well, Misty and I are alone.

Dog run is built. It's not a terribly attractive addition to the back yard, but I'm hoping this is a temporary solution. When I am blissfully unemployed I will be able to work with her during the day and maybe even lick this barking problem for good. Misty is somewhat less than thrilled with being blocked off from half of the yard. Last night she'd run out her dog door, go to the new fence, trot up and down it a few times, then come back in and pout. She didn't hang out outside like she usually does. Ah well. It will be interesting to see if this temporary fence is still standing when I get home tonight.

Ok, back to work work work. 42 more days to go.

Hi Kilogo

I hope the temporary fence IS still standing when you get home tonight, for your sake!

So you are all alone at the moment. I suppose now you know how bf has been feeling whilst you've been away? Has he left you any frozen meals or anything to live on whilst he's out of town???

I just looked at your photographs on Diaryland. They are fantastic. Lake Tahoe looks absolutely beautiful and I now want to go. Perhaps I could get married there???

I hope potluck turns out all right this afternoon - and go steady on the carnitas!

With comments such as the ones you relate, it's no wonder the engineer guy is short on friends! I guess if he can get another job there is hope for everyone.

Now that you mention your BF's Dutch origins, it starts to come back to me a bit. Likewise, I probably already told you that my cousin married a guy of Dutch origin. As far as name spellings go, foreign spellings drive my DH nuts. There's this one guy we know whose name is Joerg. My DH keeps referring to this guy as George (out of his hearing). Since Joerg is American born and raised, my DH think it is an affectation to retain the German pronunciation and spelling. This in turn embarrasses me. I mean, the guy has the name his parents wanted to give him...why should he change it?

I can't feel too sorry for your 5 o'clock wake-up time, since I get up at 4 every day. But I can sympathize with your significant other being gone. I'm glad you acknowledged Misty's presence as a bulwark against total solitude. She might read this and be hurt that you didn't count her!

I don't think you are weak to eat some carnitas. Mickey's comment amused me though...go steady on the carnitas? I'm sure it's just a usage I'm not familiar with, but I can picture myself steadily eating carnitas until my stomach hurts. The tortillas would be the draw for me, though. Carbs are still my primary love.

42...is that all you have left?

The field trip was fine...towards the end my asst and I were running with the two kids we had cause we were late to get onto the bus (only 5 minutes)...well.....it ended up that our bus was in an accident before it reached the museum so we had to wait for them to send another bus......we waited for 35 minutes...we were about 10 minutes late getting back to school....this of course causes CHAOS since a lot of the kids on our buses are supposed to be on other buses and the bus we were riding on has its own route...etc...etc...

But it was a good time!...I had my favorite student with me (ooops...did I say that?)...he is too cute and so much fun!...He is bi-lingual and his Spanish is actually better then his English...he has a little accent and he is tiny...needs me to assist him with everything.......He is like my "rent" a kid!...hahahahaha

So...where did the BF go?...When will he be back?

How were those carnitas?...

Have a nice night!

mcmarto

I'm taking a break, I could use a laugh
I'm working overtime making time and a half
I have been so busy, no time for computer
I think Ben is hot but Matt is way cuter
This day is endless I'm covered with food
I made fudge for my Dad and now I am screwed
I can't resist sugar, for me it's like crack
If I reversed that I could look like Whitney the quack.
The crack really helped with the skin and bones look
and it was easy to score from her husband the crook
My break is over I need to stop writing
I'll be back with a poem far more exciting

Wow Nanny, who'd of thought you had that in you? :laugh: Very witty, and so true!

Kilogo, what will you do after your 42 days? Any plans? Or just going to enjoy yourself for a while?

Hope you feel better soon. Colds suck!

OMG. That poem is too much! See what I mean, Kill? Nanner's poems just can't be beaten!!!

So, I am curious if Misty tore down the dog run in your absence. Let her pout. She'll get over it. And in a month and a half, she will get so much barking training that she will have her freedom back in no time!

How was the massage?

Congratulations on maintaining your weight. The real trick will be to maintain throughout the busy partying season. Carnitas are not your only downfall, missy. But lucky for you, you eat very healthfully most of the time and run on the beach or around the yard or whatever most of the time, too. Wahoo.

So, how did you fend for yourself last night? Did you eat TV dinners, since your personal chef was on the slopes?

By the way, I think you are one of the most interesting people around. Cool to know ya.

Good morning.

Mickey -- the fence was still standing when I got home last night, hooray! I suppose the bf does miss me when I'm away. He says he does, at least. And that's funny about the food. How did you know? He usually does cook something like a crockpot full of stew to tide me over until he can return and cook again for me. But this time he did not! But fortunately, there was tons of food left over from the potluck and they sent heaping plates of carnitas home with everyone. So Misty and I had carnitas with rice and beans for dinner. I guess I did go steady on the carnitas, but more in the sense that Lutha mentioned :D Misty did have most of it, though.

You could most definitely get married at Lake Tahoe. That would be cool! Lots of people do it. Tom Selleck was married there. No doubt many other celebrities, too.

Lutha -- 4am! AAAaaaah! I would hate that. Very much. Not a morning person here. I wonder if that's what Misty does during the day. Does she get on my computer and read my journal and then browse the internet? If so: Misty! Wake up, dog. If you would just stop that infernal barking you could have full run of the house and the yard. Knock it off and everyone will be happier, including you!

Funny about the foreign pronunciations and spellings, too. I have a sailor buddy who was commenting on how the local latino newcasters are now saying their names with the full Spanish pronunciation. He said he was thinking of doing that too: "Hi, I'm George McKernan" (first part in normal American English, the last name only said with a heavy Scottish brogue). It was pretty funny. But the spelling -- I say spell it how you were assigned it when you were born.

Oh McMarto -- Chaos with the kids! Sounds like fun, though. The bf returns late Monday night. I am struggling along without him.

Nanny, thanks for the poem! Fudge for your dad, how sweet. I think Ben is kind of icky for some reason. Not sure why.

Stacey - how nice to see you in here. Hello! Yep, not much time left. 41 days now. My list of what I am going to do is long and ever-growing. I will expound on that later.

Chum. Pfft. Nice backpedal. But we all know that I am the one who appreciates Nanny's poem, not YOU. Nice try, though.

I don't really see carnitas as a downfall. So long as I don't gorge on them daily. Pfft again. If I had dietary and exercise perfection I would soon have a perfect body, 'tis true. So would you. Nyah nyah.

Oh and I think you are wonderful and witty and most interesting, too.

Hee.

Ok -- today is a big day. Layoff day for a large group of people. I feel strangely detached from this. I've known these people for two years. Worked with them nearly daily. Like almost all of them. Will probably never see them again. I think I should care more about that. But I really don't. It's not like we have anything to do with each other outside of work. Am I heartless and cold?

I can't imagine anyone weeping buckets on my last day, either.

~~~~~

Well slap me silly. I just got off the phone with the owner of a company that I have used for consulting work several times in the past. His people had told him that my company is going kaput and was wondering if I'd like to come in to speak with them about moving over to them. Does sound like a perfect fit over the phone.

So I am going in to talk to them on Monday. (And taking the day off as a work search day!) Who needs to send out stinking resumes and deal with headhunters? Not me!

Ok ok ok -- I'm kidding! Geez.

~~~~~~

I could certainly write a short novel today. I shall try to refrain. But last night was the big bye-bye party that I didn't attend, right? Well, as I walk through the door today the receptionist says I missed quite the party. Tequila shots abounded. My boss ended up wearing the HR chick's shoes (she told him to walk in her shoes for a day, so he did). Engineer buddy Rick got ****faced drunk, the bastard. He got ****faced drunk at the last bye-bye thing, too, and Friend Jeanne and I ended up taking him home. That night I watched him stand at the bar and order 3 shots of whiskey, down them in quick succession, then walk over to the table with a glass of wine in his hand as if that were the only thing he had to drink. This denotes a problem to me. Which we have talked to him about at length to no avail. Sigh.

This time I was not there nor was friend Jeanne, so he no doubt drove home ****faced drunk. Bad, bad, bad. He has not yet come to work, either, so everyone is wondering if he made it home at all last night.

I guess that's all I have to say for now.

Wow. What an exciting post.

I do too love Nanny's poems. You are a bad girl.

I guess you have no downfalls. Or bad habits. No wonder I come here so much. It is because I have never met a perfect person in my life until I met you. Yeah, yeah, DLIP SAYS he is perfect, but we all know he isn't. But YOU. That's another matter altogether.

Nyeh, nyeh. And Pfffwwtt.

This guys definitely has a drinking problem. I hope he did make it home last night without killing anyone.

I don't think you are cold at all about your coworkers. Hell, you've see so many layoffs that your attitude is totally understandable. It is nice that you've liked your coworkers over the years, but no reason to be weeping, if they are not great friends. And actually, there is no reason to be weeping, even if they ARE great friends, b/c you will continue to see your closest friends, even if you no longer work together. Hmmm. Just a few thoughts.

And hey! Congrats on the job front! Wow! It must be so nice to be wanted. It will be a big self-esteem boost, I'm sure (not that you need it, phwttt). Wahoo.

I too think Ben is a little creepy. I lie for my poems. It is all gibberish. Though I am way more Matt then Ben. I heard that Ben once left a Las Vegas casino with Pamela Anderson and I was pretty grossed out. It was just after the break up with Gwyneth. He also dated Courtney Love and she is on my list of Skanky women I dislike. Funny how Mariah seems way less skanky now that we have Christina Aguilera. Christina just won the skankiest woman in the world trophy. How proud her mum must be.

Whoever else thinks that we should convince Nanny to post her list of skankiest women here in DT say 'I'....

'I'.

I am completely Matt and not at all Ben; If I see one more photo of Ben and J.Lo I will absolutely scream. I used to massage Matt's now-fiance before she was going out with him and I knew that they would end up together. She's a lovely woman.

****************************************************

Kilogo - I am right there with you when you talk about not being more attached to watching the co-workers go... When you're in the moment with them, they're lovely poeple, but when they're gone, you will not actually MISS them. I don't think that's cold-hearted, just realistic.

Whenever I miss a few days on DT and then come to catch up on your journal I have to be sure to have a big chunk of time...there's always tons of reponses...

Did you get a massage? Feeling better now?

Hey Kil........

So are you interested at all in that potential new job?...Just wondering!...I know you don't want anyone messing with your time off (which is now 41 days away?).......So after you do lose your job...do you get to collect unemployment too?

Well...today was a good day at school...the kids made these stand up Santa's and wrote a letter to him to stick in the stockings they made last week!...Fun!

I went out to dinner with the DH last night and we got into a conversation where I mentioned that I was still mad (and annoyed at hime) from our Thanksgiving incident...so then he is like...oh...your mad because...(and mentions something that was not even on my mind)...I had to hold up my hand and tell him to stop...I am now even more annoyed.......ahhhh...but that's life!

mcmarto

Hi.

It must be fun doing all those Christmas things with the kiddies, Mcmarto. Doesn't sound so good with the ol' DH. Do you two manage to communicate with each other sometimes? It's hard, but it's gotta be done. Otherwise you just stay mad all the time.

Do I want this job (if they offer it)? Well, I was hoping they would accept a June 1 start date! I really want some time off. And I do want to do something else. I have done about everything there is to do in this line of work. I've peaked. I haven't seen a new problem or challenge that I haven't seen many time before in years. So I don't really know. There's always that money issue. I cannot just flit through the rest of my life with no income. I will talk to them and see how compelling this job is. And what the money is. And, of course, make up my mind when and if they make me an offer. If I win the lotto in the meantime, the answer will definitely be no.

The resort sent an email yesterday saying they regret to inform me that I didn't get the position. No call, no interview, just an online application and then an email several weeks later saying I didn't get the job. Odd way to go about hiring.

I would get unemployment, yes. But that's a small drop in the bucket. It's better than nothing, but it hardly pays the bills.

And did I get a massage? Such a simple question, such a complex answer. No wait! The answer is "no, I didn't get a massage." Har! That wasn't so hard.

See, a while ago a friend told me that she went to her chiropracter who did his adjustment thing and then turned her over to the massage therapist, who gave her a massage, and the whole thing was covered by insurance. Great idea! I thought, since I can't afford to pay $100+ for a massage as often as I need it.

And my company recently added Chiro coverage. $10/visit. While I don't have back pain, I do have a chronic problem with carpal tunnel syndrome that gets worse when I'm stressed (like now). I'd never been to a Chiropracter before. I know people who rave about them. I know medical studies that show it's a load of bull. I find it truly ridiculous to call them "Doctors" given the minimal amount of training they need to get a degree in this field. But I also figured he wouldn't hurt me, he'd do his thing, say that I was stressed as hell, and add massage as part of the therapy. Massage for $10 I can do.

Sigh, but it didn't work out that way. I went to the office, filled out a bunch of papers drawing circles on where my pain is (the wrists) and what kind of pain (numbness). Then I was sent into a room to speak with the most incompetent assistant I have ever experienced. I'm not sure what her purpose was. She sat me down in a closed room and reviewed what I'd written. "So, the pain is in your wrists?" Yes. "It feels numb?" Yes. "Any other pain?" No. "Just in your wrists." Yep, still the wrists. Why am I talking to this woman? She's not the "Dr." Shouldn't I be talking to him?

She'd turn my papers over, rifle through them, snuffle and cough a bit (she was sick), rub her nose, then say, "So it's your wrists that have the pain, right?" The fourth time she asked that I stopped answering. Good god what was the point of this? She paused to listen to my answer but I did not give it. I just looked at her. Was she stalling? Was she trying to dredge up other pain and just doing a really lousy job of it? Was she doubting the possibility that my wrists hurt? I still don't get that. Finally I gave her the slightness nod and raised an eyebrow, indicating that yes, by golly, my wrists do indeed hurt and double-daring her to ask that same question again. She got the hint. She got up and found the "Dr."

Geez. I was ready to walk out. This was just a bad idea.

But then the "Dr" arrived. Let's call him Michael because I'm tired of typing quotes, ok? He very quickly turned my opinion around. He was very friendly. Knowledgable. Didn't bs me. Didn't try to claim that chiropractic can cure whatever ails me. And he smelled nice, too. Michael examined my back, told me I was tight as a drum (Duh. That's why I'm here). Said he could help. The exam was really quite extensive but I shant' bore you with how screwed up my back is. I doubt that anyone as a perfect back.

Then he rolled me around on his table, bouncing me here and there. It didn't hurt. It actually felt good. My back feels distincly different. Wrists are still numb, but no one said this would get cured overnight. It ended with me lying a table with rollers going up and down my back, which felt quite good too. But no massage. I asked about that, and he said he can recommend people who do massage but that it's not covered under the insurance. Waaa.

But if Michael can straighten out my back, improve my posture, elminate the Dowager's Hump that my mother, aunts, and grandmother all have for $10 a visit, more power to him. I plan to continue going back. Oh, and cure the numb wrists. Although I know as soon as this stupid job of mine is done that will go away anyway.

In fact, I'm going again this morning. Then off to work :( .

Hmmm. Nice try for the free massage. But at least you got something out of it.

You can always refuse to stretch after exercise, get a tight ITB band and go to physical therapy for extremely painful massage, if you just want to be touched. Or you can teach your bf to massage you. Then it's free (sort of). Or why not go to your friend's chiropractor, where you know you can get a massage??

Sorry you have to work today. You are so conscientious.

As for the resort job, I am surprised, frankly, that they got back to you at all. I would say probably 75% of jobs I apply for never get back to me at all. Ever. By any means...phone, email, letter, gorilla-gram, singing telegram, nothing.

"Happy Job Hunt to You"
"You should work in a Zoo."
"We didn't like your Resume"
"But it was better than the Flu."

Hi Kil

I hope you are feeling less tense today. Particularly if you are in work on your own. I've never suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome (or indeed numb wrists. yes numb wrists. both of them), but I've known people who have and I know that it is incredibly uncomfortable. I hope you get this sorted out, and don't have to wait until you are stress free for it to go.

I wonder if there would be any chance of you working part time, if you got the opportunity?

Hey Kilogo...sorry the free massage did not work for you...but at least you got to try out those rollers!

In regards to the DH and I we talk all the time...communication is not one of our problems...he just told me this a.m. that now he is mad at me...its the good old switcheroo......it always gets turned back onto me!!!...I think its a trait found in some guys!

Oh well........mcmarto

Poor me. Here at work.

The bf sucks at massage, unfortunately. I've tried that. He doesn't like to give it, doesn't like to receive it. He's weird.

I'm sure I could find many people willing to touch me if that were my desire. But, um, ew. I prefer someone who does actually know what they are doing. And is clean.

And I think the friend is lying. She's a complex soul. Takes cheapskatedness to a whole new level. Is constantly bragging about the deals she finds and how little she pays for stuff. She told me she got this entire designer ski outfit on sale for $10 one year. Possible, I suppose, but not bloody likely. "Friend" is quite the stretch of the word, actually. She's a friend of the bf's. I know her through him. I honestly didn't think I'd get an insurance-covered massage, but I've been wrong before (though not often, Chum (ppffft)) and it was worth a try. And it got me out of work for an afternoon. :) .

I've never received a gorilla-gram for anything. Is it fun?

What's an ITB band?

Mickey -- funny. Yes, both the darned wrists already :laugh: ! Part-time wouldn't pay the bills either, I'm afraid. Well, unless I were to become a top exec for United Airlines, work 11 days out of the months and make $300,000, that is. That'd work until the company went bankrupt again.

I say "I" for Nanny's skanky list to see how many names on it I recognize. I don't get out much, remember? Though I do know who Christina and Courtney Love are. Who might some others be, Nanny?

McMarto those rollers were pretty neat. Nice to hear the you and DH communicate.

Misty is having fun here at work again. I took her for a walk beforehand and made sure she shat then. So far no accidents inside.

Toodles, all. Enjoy your weekends.

Oh, engineer Rick did make it home without killing himself or anyone else. I asked him why he drove drunk after everything he knows about how wrong that is (we've had this conversation before, keep in mind). He said he wasn't that drunk and was fine to drive, then said he didn't want to hear it and walked out of my office.

Well I wasn't there, but if all the water-cooler talk all day long is about how drunk Engineer Rick got last night, I'm guessing he was not fine to drive. B@stard.

I do hope it is a mere DUI that wakes him up and changes his behavior, not a murder charge.

The DH is trying to be nice to me now...I think he wants me to cook something up for him!...MEN!

Oh well...hope you had a fun day at work.....and a nice Saturday night!

Oh...I forgot to mention to you my recent nightmare...I get direct deposit every 2 weeks.......and yesterday...it was missing!...The bank tells me it was never deposited but I have a stub that says it was!!!.......So I am fundless........I hope I can get a check cut soon...but knowing CPS I will probably get my next scheduled check sooner!...ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...

mc

got your card today...well, truthfully, prob yesterday but emptied mailbox today


Me thinks texas scenery out does florida


might have to put this one under my pillow


hahhahaha



you are a doll to think of me like that


but i knew you were a doll long ago



luv ya lots


Peng


:hug:


xoxo

Wow, a chiropractor can help with carpal tunnel? I guess everything is connected. I visited a chiropractor for a short while, but quit when he decided to remove himself from my insurance company's list. (And I thought it was very interesting that the frequency of treatment they recommended initially exactly matched the number of covered visits). I was kind of leery in the first place, though, because I remembered my mother saying how she had been visiting a chiropractor for years and it took a regular MD to figure out that her back problems were due to having a short leg.

Problems with carpal tunnel sort of add to the reasons you might want to consider doing something different. Still, if the other company is indeed interested, it might be a way to bridge the gap.

I'm trying to remember...I think your BF gets home tomorrow. Well, I hope you're having a great weekend!

I had a friend who visited a Chiropractor due to some back pain...well...she started going weekly...and yet the pain never disappeared...in fact...it started getting worse...she began sitting and walking funny..........up until...she stopped going!...Now she is back to normal...well as normal as any of my friends can be!

Thanks for the e-mail......I saved it to my files...Its the kind I like to read over and over again!

mcmarto

So, little puppet, how was your interview this morning? I hope you are taking the whole rest of the day for yourself. Not for yourself with Pringles, but for yourself as in walking on the beach with Misty, noshing on delightfully healthy veggies, reading a good book, that sort of thing.

And bf will be home tonight, so I suppose there is cleaning and picking up to do. Sigh. That part sucks.

To quote the ******ypoo, "into each life some Pringles must fall."

The bf returns tonight, yes indeed, and I am trying to tidy the dump up a bit for him. I do try to maintain the illusion to him that I am not a slob.

But yet I am. Sigh.

The interview was interesting. Definitely not normal. It's a small company, founded by a young guy who seems to be quite the go-getter. He's increased his business 30% this year at a time when similar businesses are either just scratching by or going bankrupt.

We spoke for an hour and a half, which is always a good sign. It would be a challenging position for me. I told him what I make now and he said it would be no problem matching that with a guaranteed raise in 6 months. He asked me about my availability. I vascillated a bit, then said end of Feb. He would prefer sooner but can live with that, too.

He quite openly said he was very excited about meeting me, that I looked like a very good fit. He wants me to speak over the phone with his three top technical guys and then get back to me on Weds to present me with an offer letter. That's in 2 days. No sense messing around, eh? I like that. He actually said that: "If the conversations with the other three go like I expect them to, I will have an offer letter ready for you on Weds."

I'm still finding this whole thing rather unreal. I will wait and see how the techical conversations go before I get too worked up about this. These guys are all three Unix people, whereas I am a Microsoft person. Traditionally we don't speak the same language or appreciate each other, so this could definitely tank yet.

I will, of course, keep you posted.

Mcmarto -- All work for no pay! That is so frustrating. Hope that has been straightened out by now.

The jury is still out on the chiro, whether he'll help at all or whether he can do anything for the carpal tunnel.

Hi Peng -- glad you liked the card :) .

Wow. I am impressed. I will be keeping my ******y fingerpoo's crossed for you little puppet.

Pfffft.

Maybe I should have YOU look for me a job. Heee heee

How long have you been with bf? Doesn't he have a little inkling you are a slob yet?

Wow; great news on the possible job! %%- If he's such a direct fella, then you'll eventually learn to speak each others computer languages. But if it starts in February then you won't get ANY sort of a break (not even a mini-one) will you? :frown:

You know that I'd have to weigh in on the chiropractic issue...I didn't do it sooner because I haven't been on-line in days:

Just like in any profession, there exists the gamet of people from skilled, responsible folks to ding-bats. It's not fair to judge all chiropractors for the actions of the idiots. In my decade and a half in the bodywork field, I've had extensive experience with all sorts. I have definately seen (and experienced) many amazing results born of chiropractic though.

Carpel tunnel disorder involves all of the muscles up your arm (because everything is connected), and numbness in the hand often comes from the brachial plexis nerves which are located in the area under your collarbone. Deep muscle work would be a MAJOR factor in helping this. Chicropractic can help in many ways too - but it sounds to me like you need some serious physical therapy. I've helped so many people reverse the carpel tunnel process (but you have to catch it early enough).

I'm not suggesting that you do this, but in my situation I pay $85.00 week cash (since I am self-emplyed and cannot afford insurance) for deep bodywork (my chiropractor does it) and I am certain that I make a significant amount of money less than you. If I didn't do that every week, I would be too injured to work the following week because I work so physically hard every day. I used to do 'trades' with folks in all of the other locals that I lived in - but I've had difficulty finding good folks to trade with here in LA.

Anyway, on the bright side - at least you weigh 3 lbs. less!!! (Not to confuse anyone, that is in response to an amusing post that Anne left in my journal).

Oh, silly me. Basic math. If you have 40ish days left, then you WOULD get a serious break! Yeah. :)

Hey girl...glad to hear the interview went well!

So do you want it or not?...I guess its just good to know that someone wants you!

I spoke with someone today about my direct deposit...and she said they will not find out until tomorrow if my funds were returned back to CPS...if so I can pick up a check on my way home...I cancelled future direct deposits but I fear that the same thing will happen to next week's pay (then I will be in major trouble...seeing how CPS will be closed down until Jan. 6th)...so that would be another two checks I would have to wait for!...:( But of course I am getting ahead of myself!...Keep your fingers crossed for me...

So what else did you do on your day off?...Did you get some good loving tonight?...hahahahaha!

mcmarto

Oh...and another thing...the DH picked up after himself today (while I was at work)...and he threw the garbage out!...hahahaha...

Let's hope he keeps up the good work!...mc:)

Kil

Great news about the interview - lets hope you hear something good on Wednesday. Fingers crossed and all that! Lets hope they give you a late February start, if all things go to plan.

Hows the diet and exercise going?

Aaaaggghhhhh.

Busy as all get-out today. Incredible.

But -- how is the diet going? I put my food into fitday today. I don't do that very often because it irritates me too much, but here's the verdict:

Calories Eaten Today
Total: 1325
Fat: 48 430 33%
Carbs: 173 665 51%
Protein: 54 217 17%
Alcohol: 0 0 0%

Too many carbs, not enough protein, as usual. But 1325 calories is good.

But my left leg is killing me. It doesn't feel like a normal muscle exercise pain. I think Chiro Michael has tweaked me awry. The whole leg is numb from the hip joint down.

Oh my. I go back to see him tomorrow and will complain loudly then. He does seem quite competent to me, in spite of this. I like him. He smells nice, too.

I don't know, Anastasia. No one plies me with hundred dollar bills after I see them professionally. The best I get is a muttered "frickin' computers" as I walk away. No tips.

I've had carpal tunnel off and on for years. I know what causes it, I know how to make it go away. This stint with the chiro is just sort of a lark. Something to do while waiting for my job to go away, you see.

But if he's hurt my leg I'm going to be pissed.

When I picked up the bf at the airport last night I stepped out of the car and turned while standing on one leg to look over the top of the car. I felt a twinge in my leg at the time. That might be what I did to myself.

Also did a heavy-duty series of squats yesterday morning. More than usual.

Maybe a combination of all of the above. In any event, my foot is cold and my hip hurts and I'm not very happy. I've tried a hot bath and stretching, but neither helped much.

I suspect the bf inkles that I am a slob. But maybe he doesn't know the extent of my slobbiness. I could be but a minor slob in his eyes. He wouldn't really know because as soon as an item leaves my hands he whisks it away, cleans it, and then puts it away in its proper place. How would he know I don't do that on my own when he's not around?

No comment on the hot monkey sex. But glad you got your money, Mcmarto.

Thanks for all the good wishes and crossed body parts, everyone. Tomorrow, we know (we hope).

Hi Kil.

Well I hope your leg is feeling better today. It sounds to me like you've got a combination of things going on there all adding to the mix!

If you think your carbs are high you should see mine! I tend to consume around 60 to 65% carbs per day, I know I don't eat enough protein and just lately I've been getting far too many calories from fat, but my weight is remaining stable, so I don't suppose it can be too detrimental.

I'm glad bf is back. I'm sure he doesn't know the full extent of your slobiness, and in fact I'm sure it's not as bad as you make out. If the house was tidy bf wouldn't have anything to do would he???? And then he would distract you whilst you are on DT. Actually, I don't know whether you use DT at home, I know you usually go on at work, but by the time I'm home from work you are just getting into the swing of things and I tend not to come on whilst I'm at home.

Anyway, I hope you have a good day today, and you get some feeling back in your leg!

Good job on keeping the calories low! Although I don't track the components of my food, I know I am definitely a carboholic. It still seems to work for me though. As long as I don't find myself getting too hungry, that is...and it doesn't happen often. My slips are rarely due to hunger!

I'll be thinking positive thoughts on a job offer for you. Even if you end up declining it, it has got to be a good thing to get an offer. Did you do the phone calls with the techno folks? I may have skimmed over that.

I highly suspect that it was the turning movement at the airport that tweaked your leg. I did something similar a couple of years ago. I visited the doctor and got a Motrin prescription (always handy to have around) and a knee brace which seemed to be made out of wetsuit material. My DH made me put the knee brace away because he claimed it was giving off nauseating fumes (I didn't like the way it felt anyway).

At first I thought I would like my DH to catch a little of your BF's tidiness bug, but then I would probably build up this incredible guilt complex and start cleaning everything too. Heck, I'm already 3/4 of the way to agreeing to have a second child just because I feel guilty that my DH is now doing all of the dishes.

Hope your leg is better........and he doesn't hurt the other leg when you go visit him again!...hahahahahaha!

Oh...guess what...the DH mopped today...hahahahahahaha...

I am off...mcmarto

Ah, me.

Well I talked to the three technical guys. Two went well, one not so well.

And today is Wednesday, offer day. I haven't heard from them. Since it was vague as to whether I was supposed to call or if he was going to call me, I waited until 3 o'clock. No word. So I called him, got voicemail (of course), left a pleasant message. It's now 4:30ish and I haven't heard back.

Which is all not a good sign. But it could mean anything. They haven't actually said anything yet.

This is all very interesting, considering I wasn't looking for a job and don't really want to go back to work that early, anyway. But if they offered, well, it would be nice to have that decision to make, you know?

The leg feels better, but not completely. I go to see him after work tonight.

Sounds like you really got through to the DH, McMarto. Yahoo!

I seemed to have missed out on that guilt gene, Lutha. Except perhaps as regards interval training. I can watch him clean and tidy all day long. But he's a freak about it, keep in mind.

Hey Mick -- I've always eaten this many carbs, percentage-wise and I *used* to be skinny, too. I think it's just the overall quantity that got to me.

Ok, off the see the chiro-quack.

Hello.

The Chiro-quackter?...How did it go?...mc

Hi kilogo,
Hey how is the leg?? Darn kil that doesn't sound good from the way you described the pain. Yikes!! Hope the pain goes away and all is well but I kinda doubt that will happen. Maybe you should see a regular doc as opposed to an irregluar doc.

Hope you hear about the job today so you aren't waiting around and going buggie. Hey if you get it WONDERFUL but f you don't then there are better things ahead.

Feel better!!
Love and hugs,
Lizzie

Hi Lizzie Baby!

If I went to a real doctor he'd prescribe pain killers and muscle relaxants. Which I wouldn't take, so it would be a wasted trip. Oh wait -- it'd get me out of the office, too! Which is mainly why I am going to the chiro. But the Dr. wouldn't put me on a roller machine, so too bad for him. He doesn't get to see me.

My leg is much better. In fact, I did a full workout this morning with nothing but a faint twinge at times. My chiro said the pain I had is usually caused by sitting incorrectly for an extended period of time. He stuck his finger EXACTLY where it hurt (OW!) then followed a line of pain right up my butt and into my lower back (Ow! ow! ow!). He said he was following the nerve that was involved, and that is almost always caused by just sitting too much or sitting incorrectly.

Chum. Hello. You chatty girl.

McMarto -- hola!

Hey, did you guys watch Food Network last night by chance? They had a segment on lefse! Yes they did. They covered a lefse competition at a fair in Minnesota. Mmm mmm.

Still no news on the job front. This bodes not well at all.

Is the roller machine fun? I never did that.

No news on the job isn't necessarily really bad news. They might be having a tough time deciding between you and one other person, or whether they can wait that long for someone to start, but it could still come out in your favor!

Missed the Food Network, I'm afraid.

Helogo.

Don't worry about not hearing. I think Lutha was right.

Personally, seeing the lefse competition on TV just wouldn't do it for me. I think I would really have to see it live in Minnesota.

I'm glad you are twinging and back in crazy rollering knuckle-love with chiro man. Again.

And you worked out. Wahoo.

You are my hero. You are the wind beneath my wings.

But perhaps you think I say that too much.

Phwwwwttt.

Hey Kilogo!

Glad you are feeling better......oh...and that you got that workout in!

Sorry but I missed the lefse competition...what is that?

I got a haircut today...yowza!...Its a bit too short ... she layered it up bad...I really won't know the damage until I re-wash it and fix it up tomorrow for my hot date (yeah I wish)...my asst.'s younger brother was going to buy the extra ticket I have for our Christmas party...he told her I had to pick him up cause he was my date and he wanted to find out what color I was wearing (hahahahaha...he is just 21)...but unfortunately he has to work...so I its wasted $$$...

Oh well...have a great weekend...I will check back in on Monday...have the Christmas party tomorrow...then a facial on Saturday morning...then we are hitting the library to get some work done......then I have a holiday cocktail party in the evening...and on Sunday I have to wake up early to make a pineapple upside down cake for the MIL's birthday party!...YIKES!

mcmarto

I am so far behind with everyone's journal. If I took the time to read I wouldn't have time to post. I do hope you are well. I will try and catch up more tonight.

Cheers,

Andrea

Hello there. Buenos Dias.

After your chiropractor nonsense...Are you loose as a goose? Limber as Timber? Relaxed as an Axe?

Do you have to work today? Are you still asleep? What are you doing tonight? What are you doing over the weekend?

What are you doing with the rest of your life?

Well.

Good morning all.

The roller table is fun, Lutha. It feels good. And my delightfully scented Chiro man is good, too. Far more interesting to see than my elderly pale and pastey MD. And I don't have to sit in a waiting room for 45 minutes with a bunch of sickly, diseased and highly contagious people.

I'd agree with you both about not hearing about the other job if it weren't for his "I'll have an offer letter on Weds" and "Let's talk on Weds" comments. That's a very specific time and action that he just didn't do. I think they have decided against me and now he just doesn't have the decency to call me back.

The jerk.

So, back to plan A: take huge amounts of time off, travel, complete a million projects around the house, teach the dog to not bark, and write an extrordinarily compelling short novel that takes seemingly permanent residence on the NYTimes Bestseller list and supports me for the rest of my existence here on earth in a manner to which I would like to become accustomed.

I like Plan A a lot better than Plan B, anyway.

You all sadly missed out on the lefse episode. Perhaps they will rerun it. Maybe I'll add "attending Minnesotan lefse competition" to my Things I Absolutely Must Do While Unemployed list. Perhaps I will run into you there, chum.

Busy busy busy Mcmarto. The good thing about hair is that it grows. It probably looks lovely, anyway. Have fun at all of your parties, wow! Remember, you don't really need to have a brownie in both hands. One is fine.

Nanny, are you back? You've been missed.

Must work. bye bye.

:c( I have to go to Dallas next week :c(

So is the leg pain gone then? Nicely scented chiropractor doing his job?

You may very well be right about the jerkish, once-prospective employer. He was very specific. I was just basing my hopes on my own recent experience, where they said at the interview panel that I should be hearing "really soon." I interpreted that as end of the week, and I didn't hear for 2 1/2 weeks. Evidently there were some factions who wanted to hire this other gal out of an aerospace firm, but my now-boss held firm for me.

I like your Plan A anyway, although I don't know if I could bring myself to actually choose the less secure path!

What bad news about your travel requirements! This is the time of year when most people really need to be doing things in their home, neighborhood and region...not out of state. I haven't heard any special things about Dallas at Christmastime. Baja California or New York would be better. But no, your heartless employer just has to be located in Dallas.

I am sort of back.....come January you will be asking me to go on hiatus.

Do news anchorwomen get hiatus?

Why can't my company be based in New York, indeed. I could travel there on their dime, stay in nice business class hotels, and take Chum out to eat and charge it to the expense account. THAT would be just fine. But no, we have Dallas. Moo.

And now the prospect of Plan B has reared its ugly head again. I got an email from the guy this afternoon. Basically he said that he's been really busy and will call me on Monday.

So. The game is still alive after all. And since "I'll have an offer letter for you on Weds" was a meaningless statement, I'll operate under the assumption that "Monday" is likely a figurative word for any day in the future and not get too worked up about it.

I need a nap. I really ought to come in here and work a bit tomorrow. So I think I'll go home now.

Leg pain is not entirely gone, no. But it's much better. Wrists are improving, too.

I-)

kilo,
So nice to run into you in the chats lately. YOu are doing really well.

Hope you are feeling alot better soon.

So, I am thinking...can you get a job with a NYC expense account?

I had no idea I could get free meals outta that...

Hi all.

I've been doing my social butterfly imitation this weekend. We invited the people who took us to all those Angel's baseball games down to the Yacht Club to have dinner and watch the boat parade.

Dana Point is a small harbor and its boat parade is very home-grown. People just string lights up on their boats and maybe put a christmas tree or a plastic snowman on board and cruise around the harbor. This is in stark contrast to the Newport Beach boat parade, for instance, where everything is completely pretentious, the boats are professionally decorated and stunningly beautiful affairs for which people pay top dollar to ride upon while they parade. The professional boats are beautiful, for sure, and we'll probably see them too. But watching the home-done boats was fun.

And several of my old crewmates were there. Squeals were involved when we saw each other, on both sides. Gosh but I miss those guys. I miss sailing. I miss the whole harbor culture :c( . I am nothing if not a sailor. It defines who I am. It's what I do better than anything else. It's what I think about and dream about. It's what I can write about. Joseph Campbell says to follow your bliss, and sailing is my bliss. There is no doubt about that.

My bliss has been sadly neglected of late.

The Puerto Vallarta race is in Feb, when I will unemployed. Maybe I can find myself a ride for that race.

But today we are entertaining yet again. Friend Jeanne and General Contractor Shaun (a new character) will be coming over at 3. I am going to look at whatever is wrong with his laptop in exchange for his fixing my kitchen lights that don't always want to come on when you flick the switch. But bathing my dog and doing some christmas shopping beforehand is on the schedule, too. I suppose I should get after it.

Dallas ... again?

This is just awful...sorry!

Well.......I had a great time Friday night...lets just say some of us were a little ... how would you say......DRUNK!...hahahaha...then facial (my first one...kind of hurt...well the massage and all)...library...shopping...another cocktail party...today I had more shopping to do...then bake a cake for the MIL...then off to dinner at her house!

I have slept ... a little less then 5 hours a night since Thursday...I am so tired...but I must go and wrap some gifts!...ahhhhhhh!

I am off...have a great week!...mcmarto

Hey Kilogo :wave:

Don't blink, ya just might miss me.........haha

I thought since I've been to say hello to Chum and Pengii, I better stick my ugly head in here, or find it chopped off the next time you caught me in some chat room somwhere......haha.

Getting ready for Dallas? So when do you go, to be exact? It better be quick. Xmas is looming over us and will be here darn soon now. The countdown has begun.

Hey, I have some pics for ya to see. I posted the links in my journal today. Let me know what ya think, ok?

Take care friend. Hope your weekend was a happy one.

Keep smiling........:)
Sandie

Thanks for everything, Kill. You rock my world.

Hey, guess what? I finally fixed my computer. I have no idea how I did it, but the Anti-Virus software finally installed, and I am now Virus Free! Wahoo.

Are you done with the Chiro now?

Yahoo! Virus free. Always a good thing. Now if your body could just become the same way, you'd be set.

Chiros believe in the Chiro For Life thing, you know. 3-4 times a week until you get straightened out, then 2 times a week for the rest of your life to stay straightened out.

So I'm doing it until my insurance stops paying for it, which will be soon. In 31 days, in fact.

We are doing more fun stuff at the chiro every time. Like using the inversion machine to make blood flow to my head and make me dizzy. And hanging in this S&M-esque device that you wear around your head. Very entertaining stuff.

And I must confess, my back has never felt straighter. We'll see if mom (the ever watchful and critical one) notices a difference when she is here over Christmas. I've had a mild scoliosis for most of my life. Not bad enough to actually do anything about, but if you were to inspect me for flaws (like mom does) you'd notice that my right shoulder is a bit higher than my left. Chiro Michael also says that one hip is a bit higher than the other because of the scoliosis, resulting in one leg appearing to be shorter than the other. Which he says is already improving.

So, screw the carpal tunnel. It comes and goes, anyway. I'm now going to Chiro Michael on the chance that he can straighten out my back. We start on PT exercises for it tonight. I do know that I feel straighter and taller every time I leave his office.

Beautiful pics, Sandie! I go to Dallas tomorrow morning (Tuesday) and return Thursday night. I will try to do some shopping while I'm there, I guess. Might as well.

McMarto -- you seem to be the only one who is actually enjoying this holiday. Everyone else seems to having Holiday Blues. Sad, really. We should all be enjoying the festive times now.

How 'bout the rest of you? Lurking and not posting? Or have you gotten bored with my complete lack of progress on the weight loss front and are tired of my general ramblings? Or maybe the holiday blahs have you all? No, wait -- maybe you're just busy with all the holiday fun: shopping and wrapping and baking cookies and such. No time for DT.

Whatever it is, I hope you all are well.

Hi Ho. Hi Ho. It's off to Dallas I go. Bright and early tomorrow morning.

It's raining to beat the band today. My back yard is threatening to flood. Deep pools abound. When you are at an elevation of 7 feet you are very close to the water table, you see. Flooding is easily done.

My pickem-up truck, which spends most of its life parked out on the street, is sitting up to its axles in water right now. Poor little trucklette. It's heavy, though. It isn't likely to float.

I should probably go pack.

HeeHaw!

Hope you have a good time in Dallas!

I got out of class a little early today...thank goodness their are only 3 of those writing classes left...its soooooo boring!

The only thing that is making me nervous now is that my literature review is due in mid February (for my action research project)

Well I am feeling extra fat...I have been eating way too much!

So many treats...everywhere...and lunches ... and dinners ... and everything else!...

Oh well...mcmarto

Poor little trucklette.

Happy Pending Birthday, McMarto.

Your birthday falls on an important day, you know. It's a day that I look forward to starting in about November. It's the Winter Solstice, of course.

The shortest day of the year. That's right folks, on McMarto's birthday we are the farthest away from the sun as we ever get. We have the most darkness and the least daylight. After this day, gravity kicks in and we start returning towards the sun. The days start getting longer again. This is most definitely cause for celebration in my book.

So I celebrate with a toast of champagne. I'll toast your birthday then, too, McMarto! This is December 21, folks. Next Saturday. Mark your calendars now.

I hope you didn't have to paddle all the way to Dallas in a canoe.

Are you having fun there yet?

Have you eaten cow?

Have you saved the day for your company?

Just wanted to check in...

Helloooooo!

Man, the echo in here is frightening.

Hey Chum, how nice that you took the bag off! Doh!

I am here, safe and sound, in Dallas. We are debating the best choice for dead cow consumption tonight. There are some sales guys here, so I will be having dinner with them.

I am in the process of saving them from themselves, yes. They are wearying that way.

But the best news is that they've entered into an arrangement with the Marriot Residence Inn, so that's where I'm staying! A nice room, even. It's clean. Smells nice. Has a little living room with a tv and a separate bedroom with a tv. That's right, two TVs! I am styling now.

Must go . . .

Two Tv's!...What will you do?...Maybe watch two different show at the same time...running back and forth from room to room...this is exercise...of course!

Hope you have a good dinner!

mcmarto

I hope this is your last trip to Dallas for your employer, although it sounds as though the accommodations are improving! That separate bedroom thing was what we had to seek out for our vacation...not that it availed me much!

Mcmarto and my Dad share a birthday! Now I will always remember hers. I'm afraid that my Dad's birthday present will be late getting to Florida, though.

I'm glad to hear that the chiropractor is doing such great things...at least interesting things at any rate.

Sorry I haven't been by more often. I can't say I'm enjoying the holiday season so much as stressing about it, and now I'm stressing about work...argh!

You must have gone out line dancing tonight...hope you had a good time!
mc

Hi Kil!

I hope you are enjoying the Dallas sunshine!

I just wanted to let you know I am still here and reading your journal - my time is a bit short at the moment as I am not supposed to go on the internet at work - I'm only supposed to use it for incidental use - whatever that is!

Anyway, I hope you get back safe and sound and are looking forward to Christmas.

I'll try and come back at the weekend.

Did you go line dancing? Or perhaps to the mall? Did yo go to the Mall with big permed hair? Did you pick up a funny accent yet? Do you have a hankering to buy a pick up truck?

I hope you are having some fun. Are the sales guys single?

Andrea

Hidee-Ho, Neighbors!

Well, I am having a much better time in Dallas this time. My accomodations are quiet and comfy, there are some people here that I know and actually like, but most of all . . . I think this is my last time I have to come here!!!

Time will tell, of course, but I am really excited about the idea of washing my hands of this place in particular and this company in general. 29 days to go, I think. Wahoo!

So, I am been both exceedingly busy here and occupied in the evenings. But I am done with everything I intend to do here now, so now I'm just waiting for the time to come to head over to the airport.

The dinner with the sales guys was not so fun because they invited a VP to go with us. So no one drank and all conversation was about work. Yawn. But we did go to a Texas BBQ place. Heaps and heaps of dead animal flesh. It was tender, Chum, I'll grant you that. But I just don't eat like that. Far too much meat on the plate and just a few over-boiled veggies. Bleah. It was a very unhealthy meal and I felt bloated the rest of the night. None of the sales guys are single, sorry Nanny. One of them is Canadian, though. From Montreal.

Last night I did go shopping at the mall. I did not see a big-haired Texan anywhere, and I was looking for one! Alas. Where could all these big-haired women be hanging out? They do talk funny, though. I could easily pick up this accent. It's kind of cute.

And I am already the proud owner of a pickup truck, so I'm good to go there.

No line-dancing, though. Just shopping. I didn't actually buy anything. I am a bad shopper.

I have been eating like there is no tomorrow and I am indeed a bloated sow again. Too much bbq, too many holiday sweets, no working out. Although I did walk endlessly at the mall last night. I'm looking forward to being home and getting healthy again. Tired of feeling uncomfortable like eating bad food makes me feel.

Soooo . . . if anything of interest happens I'll write more while at the airport. Otherwise, I'll see you when I get home!

Will get by to all of your journals then, too.

Bummer about the scrutiny of the internet usage, Mickey. Hope that's a short-lived thing.

I'm tired of stress, Lutha. Very tired. Aaaargh indeed.

Hi Kil

Glad to see you are having a better time in Dallas - although I think you will be on your way home soon - hurray!

They have always monitored our internet usage at work - and always will do, I live in fear all the time, at a meeting I was at they were saying that a woman had been disciplined for using the internet to look at her bank statement and pay bills every day. I used to have the forums running all day, so I'm just waiting for a knock on my door... However, I would just like to say (in my defence, if they are reading this!) that if I had more work to do I wouldn't have time to surf all day.

So are you just going to try and maintain over the holidays? I think it would be entirely too difficult to lose weight over the festive season. Mr Stubby came home tonight with a hamper from his workplace. It was filled with goodies. My eyes nearly popped out, and then I got my old feelings back that I wanted to scoff the whole lot, right now. But as Mr Stubby has pointed out to me, I can have it, I can have it a bit at a time, and that's good enough for me, for now.

I hope you get home safely.

Take care.

Your pick-up truck isn't big enough to be Texan, is it?

I hope you make (made?) it home safely. Does your BF pick you up at the airport? I seem to recall you mentioning picking him up at any rate. I used to have the occasional yearning for someone to greet me when I get to the airport, but in practice it was just too much hassle for my DH to drop me off and pick me up when I could just go to the Park & Fly! Well, I think my out-of-area travelling is now going to be pretty infrequent if at all, so it's a moot point.

Try not to be too hard on yourself about the bloated sow-ness. You will be back home and back to your healthy habits soon, I know!

It's too bad that the sales guys had to go and invite that VP to your dinner. Are these guys still going to be with the company (and thus hoping to curry favor)?

Hi Anne,

I, for one, am not tired at all of your ramblings - I just purposefully haven't been using the site much lately so that I'd have more time to actually exercise, etc.

I hate that bloated sow feeling - hang in there, you'll be home soon!

Have a wonderful holiday!!!!

I'll be back on-line close to New Years.

Back in Californy!

And hooray for that. I managed to catch an earlier flight and made it home by 7:30pm. The boyfriend does pick me up, Lutha, and it's very nice. In my former job where I travelled quite a bit I usually did the shuttle thing, too. But arriving at the home airport knowing that no one was there to greet me always made me stick out my lower lip with a little woe-is-me pout. No one to kiss and cry with, no one who cares that I'm home. Waaaa. It's much nicer to be greeted, definitely.

And you are so right about the sales guys sucking up to the VP, too. They are all staying. I was the only future victim at the table, and I think my presence was limiting conversation a bit. Too bad for them. They shouldn't have invited either him or me.

Ah, but I think maybe my pickup could hold its own in Texas. I call it my little trucklette as an affectionate diminutive, not because it's small. And also because when I think of a "truck" I think a big semi tractor-trailer, not a pickup.

Mickey -- maintaining would be great! I think I am, actually. Or will be back down to my "normal" weight in a few days, anyway. I will join the hordes of people saying, "This year, I'm going to lose this weight once and for all!!" come January.

I feel less bloated already, in fact. It's good to be home.

My dog was far more interested in sniffing my bag when I returned than she was in greeting me. Selfish dog.

Hi Anastasia -- is it working? Are you exercising more now that you're DT'ing less? I DT at work, usually, so that wouldn't help me. If anyone were to monitor internet usage here it would be me, and I'm not doing it, so I'm assuming I'm pretty safe on that front.

27 more days to go.

They are feeding us lunch and sending us home early as a Christmas present this afternoon.

Next week the business is shut down (no, not paid. Everyone must use their vacation time) but I am coming in to finish up my work on this server while people are gone and not using it. So I'll be in here an hour or so every day except Christmas Day. I'll be the only one here (any maybe Misty) so that'll be ok.

I have one more work-search day this month, so will probably use that on Dec. 31.

Then I have 2 work search days in January to use before my last day on the 17th. So this job is winding down nicely. Once I finish up this last bloody server I don't have much else to do except pack up stuff and ship it to various other locations. I don't think I'll have to go back to Dallas. There have been no indications whatsoever that I'll be asked to stay longer or come back at the end to finish the last bits up.

So I'm feeling pretty good right now. Looking forward to the coming week.

Take care, all. I should go get something accomplished before the party starts today.

I drove my B in Law's truck last Christmas. It was a big giant Ford pick up and I loved it. It would need to be more.....dusty...if I wanted to be Texan. Perhaps some sort of hood adornment. Cattle horns??? Is there such a thing? I could attach them to the front plate.

I leave tomorrow morning so I wanted to stop by and wish you the merriest of holidays!!!!!!!!

Andrea

Hey Kilogo...glad your stay in Dallas was brief!

Hope your eating is back to normal!

I am off to lounge...:D

mcmarto

And Lutha's father, too! Happy happy birthday all.

And a fine Winter Solstice it is. It rained a bit last night, and now today is bright blue and clear.

Not that the bf will appreciate it. He went to the Christmas Party of his biggest client yesterday. These are a hard drinking bunch of guys. Every time he takes them to lunch it turns into an all-afternoon affair wherein he drinks way too much and comes home late. So I was expecting alcohol to be involved in this party, too.

We had our own small Christmas Party at work and they let us go home afterwards. So I left around 2. I went shopping, got the bf a PDA. I went to the chiro. I got home around 6, the bf was not home. I called him and left a msg on his cell phone.

I puttered around the house, no call from the bf. I ate the stew that he had started crocking in the morning. I got into bed and went online for Lizzie's chat. Still no call. I told my fellow chattees about him being AWOL. They agreed that I should probably tear him a new one when and if he did show up.

By now it's 9 o'clock. Not a peep out of him. I called him cell phone one last time and left him a rather nasty msg. Was he still out drinking and partying? Did he try to drive home drunk and got arrested? Did he get in an accident? The b@stard. This just isn't like him. He normally calls and calls whenever we are apart.

I finally managed to go to sleep about 11.

At 2am the phone rang. Finally!! The b@stard. He had indeed drunk (drank?) himself senseless. But at least he realized he shouldn't be driving so went to his vehicle when the party was over and passed out in the back to sleep it off. That, at least, is good. But no good excuse for why he didn't call me. No excuse at all. He said he was still in no condition to drive, so he stayed there for another few hours and finally made it home about 7am.

B@stard. Drunken sot. I don't suspect that he couldn't call because his head was trapped between some paid dancer's breasts or anything. He just not that type. I do believe he got drunk and slept in his car. But I see no excuse for not calling me and telling me where he was.

He is being very contrite this morning, of course. I'm pondering what kind of I'm Sorry gift will cause me to forgive him for this.

And while he's moaning and groaning in bed Misty and I will go to the beach and admire the huge crashing waves.

Hope you all have good days. Tomorrow will be a longer day.

Gee...sounds like something I have experienced quite a few times!

and today...my birthday...leaves me to have a late breakfast with a friend of his (whom invited me)...but I do not like...so the DH promises to bring me home some lunch...this was 2 1/2 hours ago!...I just called him to find out what was taking so long...oh...gee...they stopped to visit a friend...Do I really still want lunch he asks me?...I was like f' me as usual...and...I hung up!

Oh well...I am off to make my own lunch!

Hope the waves were beautiful!...mcmarto

Oh, and Nanny -- they most definitely make cattle horn hood ornaments! Do you remember the Dukes of Hazzard? They are ridiculous, true, but also funny.

My pick-em up qualifies in the dusty department but has no Texan hood ornament. It does have a bumper sticker on the back that says "Life's a beach."

It's a California truck.

Hey McMarto --

You're online!

Sorry about the loser DH. You're going to remember this on his birthday, right?

Is anyone else going to take care of you on your birthday? Your family? Your friends?

Whatever the case, do whatever it takes to enjoy your day! Go somewhere, do something fun. If I were you, I wouldn't be home when he returned. And I probably wouldn't come home for many, many hours.

Go see Two Towers!! That's what I want to do this weekend.

I'm sorry he's being a jerk, McMo. Happy Birthday to you!! You deserve better. Demand better!

Hi Kilogo
If I read your journal I would of known, Never mind after you recieved another message you will know I have read (most ) of Your journal. I am trying to keep my eyes open from being awake so early this morning
Ellie

I'm sorry to hear your BF was so inconsiderate by not letting you know he was okay. That's just plain thoughtless! I like to think my DH would do better, but he almost never does anything fun without me so he hasn't been tested!

We're going to see the Two Towers on Monday. I'm afraid it may be crowded, with all of the kids out of school, but it's the best chance we've got. I hope you get to see it this weekend!

I misinterpreted "trucklette" as a size reference rather than endearment. I don't have that much affection for either my little Honda or our SUV--I like each well enough for its purpose but that's all. I have a not-very-well-concealed ambivalence towards my DH's Lincoln Mark VIII. He absolutely adores that car, but the passenger footwell is too cramped and I can't get comfortable.

At least your evil employers sent you home early yesterday--I hope you didn't have to use vacation for that too! Our management sent out this ridiculous E-mail that employees could begin to leave at 4:00 pm on the 24th and 31st, provided that you get your supervisor's approval and you use leave time. All of the employees are asking each other: how does this differ from any other day?

Sorry to run on so much in your journal...talk to you soon!

Kil, you have my sympathies with regard to your naughty bf. Mr Stubby was naughty on Friday too - he went out drinking with his work mates and ended up coming in at 2.00 am on Saturday morning absolutely blotto. Hmmph. I couldn't sleep because firstly I was anxious about what state he was going to get home in, and secondly, when he did get home, that he was going to choke on his vomit or wee in the wardrobe (where he's hidden MY presents). At least I knew where he was and I didn't expect him until the early hours, but your bf should have rung to let you know what was happening - although he probably just got carried away with the crowd.

I hope you enjoyed the Winter Solstice. It was pretty miserable and rainy here in the UK, so we didn't really enjoy the shorter day! It's been really dark on my way to work for the last week or so, so I'm looking forward to the brighter mornings and brighter nights. By the time it gets to my birthday at the end of January it should just about be light enough for me to get home at 5.30 pm.

Well, I hope bf has recovered from his hangover (Mr Stubby still couldn't each much until Sunday night - ha!), and that you enjoyed your weekend.

Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas, all that.

The only good thing about an errant bf is that he is trying to ply me with gifts to make up. He promises to never do it again, of course, and claims that the need to contact me entered his mind several times during the eve but he never managed to actually do it.

He took me out to our favorite breakfast joint and then to see the Two Towers on Sunday. Which I highly enjoyed. It strayed a bit from the book, but in a tolerable way. Still don't like Elijah's Frodo, but Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas rock. Oh yes.

We set a budget for each other for gifts but now he wants to exceed it and get me makeup gifts. Knock yourself out, honey.

I think I am done shopping. We gave cards and small monetary gift to the trash man and the mail man. The gardeners get a card and a six-pack of beer, because they are fun guys and we have a good time talking to them. One is a sixty year old Mexican man who doesn't speak much English who is highly amused at my attempts at Spanish. Whenever he is here and I come out he makes it a point to try to hold a conversation with me. They both like beer.

LIke the time when they showed up to mow the lawn on the bf's birthday. I went out to chat with them and told them it was his birthday. The older guy asked me (in spanish) why they weren't invited to the cumpleanos party, and I replied, "no fiesta para viejos." , implying that the bf was far too old to need a birthday party. He laughed and laughed and laughed at that one. I'm not entirely sure why.

Anyway, the parentals are due to arrive tomorrow sometime. I went into work today for a bit and learned that my patched-together temporary replacement server bit the dirt. Darn it. Not exactly sure what I'm going to do about that. Maybe inspiration will come to me in the night. It often does.

So I will go in again tomorrow morning and fight the good fight some more. Like I really want to build a new frickin' server on Christmas Eve Day. Why didn't this happen on January 30? Hmm? Why now while I am still employed?

Hey Mick, your birthday is near mine! Mine's the 14th of Jan. When is yours, exactly? Barfing or weeing on the presents is definitely bad, bad, bad.

Lutha -- run on all you want! Although that was hardly a run-on. Indeed, what is the difference between that and any other day? HR depts seem not to get this whole morale = productivity thing.

Hi Ellie -- fellow chatter -- yes the bad bf did show up. Congrats on reading chunks of this journal! It is long. I know.

Ok, take care all. Merry Christmas, one and all.

Kil
The server drama sucks. I didn't look back but sounds like either hardware or something crashed that no back up could help.

We are just settling down too and I thought I would drop in and see how you were doing. Sounds like you have a humble bF that always good. Ask for something extra nice can we say chanel number 5???

I actually loved the two towers but while I like elija wood and I adore the Legolas character I was mad that they made faramir out to be a bit dense and boromorish. but I understand why they did it... DH is sad that they aren't going to scour the shire but really we are just thrilled with what they have done and Awen was outstanding. I also about bawled with the lead elf scene in helms deep. Won't ruin it for anyone else who hasn't seen it but I really love the way they are doing it. We have also enjoyed the extended DVD and bought a player just so we could watch it....lol

Hi Kil.

I hope you manage to get your server problem sorted out without too much stress. You're right, it could have happened on the 30th of January! By the way, my birthday is exactly two weeks after yours - it's the 28th!

Bf definitely sounds as though he is trying to make amends! I too hope you get some good presents out of this!!!

Anyway, I just popped in to wish you a Happy Christmas. I hope you have a great and relaxing time and I look forward to hearing about all your exploits - and whether you have forgiven BF!

Take care.

Too bad about the server, especially since it sounds as though you wouldn't have needed to go in to work today otherwise. I personally don't plan to do too much actual work today--serves them right for making us come in!

We saw Two Towers yesterday, and I was a bit miffed about some of the changes. I particularly agree with CJ about what they did to Faramir, since he has always been one of my favorite characters. I felt they did Treebeard some disservice also. I surmise that these changes were intended to strengthen the roles of the main characters. But...setting aside concerns about alterations, I think it was a really good movie. I like the way they are handling the Eowyn character.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Hi all,

My server drama is indeed hardware. I think I've got a workaround going. We'll see if it suffices. This only has to survive until mid-February, so I'm not after a permanent solution. Just something that will hold on for a couple more months.

Two Towers analysis -- I love it! I can't wait for the third and final. I can't wait for this one to come out on DVD with extended footage!

Does anyone know if they are making a third Harry Potter movie?

I am here at work :( . Did not hear from mom and dad last night or this morning so not sure when they are arriving. My guess is early afternoon. I would be here at work anyway, Lutha, even if the server hadn't given up. I just have a lot more to do now. Sigh. Will this job never end?

Ooh, Mickey, we must celebrate our birthdays well this year! Not getting any younger, after all. And my birthday comes three short days before my layoff day, so it's liable to be a week-long celebration for me.

Must go. Merry/Happy Christmas!

Kilo,
We enjoyed the Harry Potter movie too.

I just wanted to stop by and wish you a very Merry Christmas!!!

Hope you have a good holiday, thanks for your friendship here. :snow:

Hi kilogo
glad something good came out of the bf messing up . Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, Oh and my birthday is just a few days before yours, so if theres any celebrating going on with you and Mickey count me in for the January festivities.
Have a good Christmas
Ellie

Love and Faith


my friend


I feel both with you



:hug:


Hope you do too



:hug:


Love you



Peng


xoxoox

Dear Kilo ~

I just kept plugging at it till I found you...............

MERRY XMAS Friend!! Hope 2003 brings you more joy and happiness than ever expected. Thank you for all your encouragement and support, but mostly for your friendship. You are delightful, to say the least.

Love and BIG HUGZ,
Sandie

[b]MerryChristmasHO HO HO
MAy a christmas server miracle apear

Hi Kilogo, have a great Christmas!

Hey Kil!

Long time no chat!...I am currently chatting with Chummers...she types fast!

Oh well...hope you have a great time with the parents!...Fun!

and a very Merry Christmas...in nice...warm...sunny CA!

We have snow...snow I say!...

The DH is doing well...hmpft!

mcmarto

Merry Christmas Kilogo!!!!!!

Have a super wonderful Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love and Holiday Hugs,
Lizzie

I hope you had a wonderful holiday! And I hope you've got that server problem beaten into submission.

Man alive. Did I miss READING THIS.

So, you have jerry-rigged a server that will last you JUST until January 18th?

What did you wiggle out of bf to make up for his foolishness?

What did you get for Christmas???

I love reading your movie analyses. Now I just need to see the movies so I can participate. I loved the books, but as you know I've been a bit reluctant with the movies. But I know Lutha loved the books even more than me and she still likes the films.

Thank you for putting the little note in my journal that I wasn't dead. You are such a thoughtful and wonderful friend.

OK, enough gushing.

I can't believe you didn't dig the BBQ. Girl, I suppose you don't like macaroni and cheese and collard greens either do you? You are a much healthier eater by nature, I realize, than I have ever been or ever will be. You are my hero. Again. Sweetie, you just never disappoint me. LOL

Where are you?

Long time no chat!

I am missing you!...mc

Hi Kilogo!

Hopefully your being AWOL means tht you're having too good a time to be bothered with the internet right now!!! How WAS your
Christmas?

You asked (yea, a few pages back) if I was getting in more exercise time, etc. by cutting down my DT time. The answer is a resounding Y*E*S! If I could go on-line at work like many of you do, it would be different, but for me it cuts into the things I have to do for the day. I still love (and need) the site and the connections here so I will continue to be regular, but I might post in journals only a few times a week or so...

I can't wait to hear about your holdiay goings-on. Did you see any more movies? I saw ABOUT SCHMIDT and TALK TO HER - both excellent films according to this novice critic. I didn't see THE TWO TOWERS, because I didn't feel that my huge crush on Viggo Mortenson was enough of a reason to go see it...:o

Ok...parents gone!...

Come back...I can't wait to hear the stories!

mcmarto

Hello All!

Ha! Ok, Mcmarto, I'm back!

And thank you for all of the Christmas wishes. They worked -- I had a lovely Christmas. My mother was on good behavior and we had a nice time. Also learned that my brother's wife is pregnant for the first time. So mom and dad will be grandparents at last. They are very excited and now at last mom will have The Grandbaby to occupy her time!

About Schmidt is on my to-see list, definitely. Can't beat ol' Jack. I saw Two Towers because of my love of the books and because I wanted to. And I'm glad I did. We actually very rarely go to movies -- we prefer to rent. But Harry Potter and LOTR seemed to require immediate viewing on the big screen.

Glad to hear you had a nice trip to the Bay Area, Anastasia.

I am now the hesistant owner of The Sims. Sigh. I suppose there will go all of my plans for travel and projects as well as my writing career as I spend endless mindless hours at the computer playing that addictive game. The bf loaded it on his computer last night and was playing it to the wee hours of the morning. He's already hooked. I haven't loaded it on my computer yet. Probably tonight. Can't resist! It was a gift, after all.

And I also got a GPS and have been diving into the wonderful world of Geocaching. If you haven't heard of it, go to www.geocaching.com. Basically, a person takes a tupperware container, puts little trinkets and log book into it, then hides it somewhere, usually in a park or on a hiking trail. Then they put its exact latitude and longitude on this website. You can then use your GPS to find this cache of trinkets, adding your own if you so desire. It's a fun way to use the GPS. There are hundreds and hundreds of them in this area. I've put three in my new GPS and will go geocache hunting today after work. I looked for one yesterday but didn't find it. I think maybe it got washed away in the torrential rains of last week.

Also got some good books, some gift certificates, a few bottles of wine. New ski goggles. The bf did a fine job in the make-up gift dept as well as the regular gift dept.

He also cooked a nice Christmas dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mushroom ragout, and red cabbage with apples. We had his mother over along with my parents. They like each other.

Misty got far too many stuffed animals and she worked herself into a frenzy getting them all properly eviscerated.

So a good time was had by all. The bf liked his pda.

Oh, I got several workout videos, too. Two Pilates DVDs and a yoga tape. Looking forward to using them. Next Year!

Chum -- I'm so happy to amuse! Glad you're back, my dear. I will eat my fair share of macaroni and cheese when necessary, but I don't think I've ever tried collard greens. Not for not wanting to, but because we just don't have them around here.

So . . . I am going to all of your journals to find out what YOU got for Christmas. Hope you all had a nice day.

My server dramas are coming to a conclusion. May this hokey arrangement last for another month!

Aha, you are soon to be a fellow Sims slave! Probably not, though...especially since you've got Geocaching to try too. That really sounds cool and at least it is active. Both the Sims and my "other" computer game, Ultima Online, are owned by Electronic Arts, and Ultima Online will soon be adding a house design feature which looks suspiciously similar to the Sims.

I'm glad you had such a great Christmas!

Our dogs only got bones. I'd better not tell them about Misty's presents or they will be jealous.

Hello Kilogo :wave:

So happy to have you back with us again. I'm really glad you enjoyed a nice Xmas celebration with your family, and the BF's Mother as well.

I don't know how you find out about all these interesting places on the internet. I've had my GPS for 2 years now, and this is the first time I ever heard of Geocaching.........but it does sound like a lot of fun, and it could be a really fun type of exercise too because it would be something like hiking I would think. At least to some extent. I'm going to have to check out that website and see if there are any places like that around these parts and maybe I will give it a try myself. You didn't mention what kind of GPS you have. Another thing, that "game" will also be great in helping you to learn how to use the GPS quicker too, no doubt.

About this "simms" game. Would you send me a note and maybe explain it to me some. I have seen it in the stores and heard many people mention playing it, but I haven't a clue. I have a coupld of pc games, but I don't really play them at all. I have the 7th Guest and another mystery type, and some fun types puzzle games as well.

Back when I had my little Tandy pc, that I just used at home because there was no internet connection at all back then, I had a game called Humans. I just loved that game and played it by the hour. I actually worked my way through the entire first levels and then they came out with a Humans II, and I bought that too. But I have never found the game to play on the new computers after I bought this one and went on line. I have been really dissappointed about it too, but I gather the game was never adapted to be played on the new computers.

Oh well, I'm glad you are back with us and I can't wait to chat with you again soon. Take care sweetie.

Hugz,
Sandie

Hi Sandie!

You are posting in mine while I am posting in yours. Fun!

I must defer the games question to our games expert: Lutha. I have not yet played the Sims and haven't heard of the other games you mention. But I bet Lutha has.

How do I find these sites on the internet? Ahem. It's called far too much time on my hands at work along with a very fast internet connection. And a love of online journals, wherein I learn of many of these things. My internet life is going to change so radically when I lose this job. For the better, I think. So many hours online every day can't be good.

Hi Lutha! The Sims! I'm going to load it soon. If you guys don't hear from me for a while, you'll know I'm lost in Sim-land.

Hey Kilogo ~

Guess what? I checked out that Geocache site, and put in my zip code, and found 6-7 caches within a 30 mile radius of my home. On of them is only about 10 miles off, along the Deleware River.....neato!

If I try it out, I'll let you know. My luck, I'll get myself lost, but I just might surprised myself instead. Right? I don't really think this is exactly the best time to go looking for things. The snow might make it far more dificult than they project.......haha.

Thanks again kiddo.
Sandie

That's great, Sandie! I'd wait for spring if I were you. I'd think it would be next to impossible to find the cache in the snow. As well as being cold and wet while searching. :(

I found my first cache yesterday. It was fun! Today we are going to either hike or bike to look for another one in a regional park nearby.

The bf is heavily into The Sims. He was up until 2:30am last night playing it, and only quit because his bachelor was killed in a fire. I've not spent much time with it yet. I'm busy loading maps into my GPS instead.

So, looks like it will be a playful weekend for us.

Despite great intentions to accomplish something today I instead started playing The Sims around 9am this morning after getting my GPS software loaded and working properly. When I next looked up it was 1pm. :doh:

So I got up, had some lunch, then played some more.

Finally at 4 I forced myself to move my body a little bit and went out to find a nearby Geocache. It was in a cool park very near my house that I didn't even know existed before now. It is alongside a river, has plenty of trails, and they even allow dogs! This may be Misty's and my new walking/jogging area for a while. The bf did not come with me as he was busy playing The Sims.

I did find the cache, which was fun. I really recommend this sport to anyone who has a GPS.

And now, wahoo! Back home and back to the computer. The bf is far more into this game than I. We may be giving him IV foods soon.

Yes, I realize this is pathetic. It's a passing thing, I'm sure.

Hey Kilogo!

Glad you are having fun with all your games!

My friend and her bf at the time bought the Sims game about 2 or 3 years ago?...They were addicted...night and day...trying to beat each other home from work to play...I went over and tried it a few times but I found it to be to complicated...well...my friends also had no energy to show me how to play since they were up late every night!...hahahaha!

So now with your other search game...do you get to keep what you find?...

Sounds interesting!

Have a great Sunday!

mcmarto

Hi Kilogo,

I had to drop in and see what's up with you. I've seen you around in a lot of my haunts here on DT and wanted to say hi back after you posted in my journal. So HI :wave:

You said you graduated from UNR. I've taken some classes there but havn't gotten my degree yet. Did you grow up in Carson?

That Geo-cache game looks like a lot of fun. Makes me wish I had a GPS to play with too. I never have gotten one because I really couldn't see a reason or need to. Now though, you have me intrigued.

Hi Kilogo, I see that you're really into SIM ... I have that game too but haven't played it yet. It's the pirated version and I was afraid loading it might corrupt my PC. Don't forget to eat and sleep ... :D

I got Sims and Sim City for DLIP three years ago and he hasn't touched them. I haven't either, though I am sorely tempted. We both have heard how addictive they are and frankly, we spend too much time in front of the damn computer as it is...

Cabbage and apples sounds delicious. How did he make it? I'd like to try it.

I am so out of the loop with all these games. Truly bloody clueless. I am wondering what you are doing New Year's Eve?
I am staying in of course. I never go out on New Year's. It is my least favourite holiday.

I hope you are well.

I think I will be involved in a game playing bonanza myself in a few days. My step daughter will be here on the 1st and has warned me that we will be game playing fools. Before she moved to London we would get quite noisy at our house over the holidays and she is looking for more of the same...

Have a fabulous and Happy 2003!!!

Cheers!
Linda

Hi all!

I see we are all surfacing from our long winter's holiday festivities!

The bf must have felt guilty about playing The Sims all day yesterday so this morning at 7am he rousted me out of bed and said he wanted to find a geocache and then go to breakfast. So I got the coordinates for a cache in the nearby wetlands and off we went.

This turned out to be another lovely little hiking area that I didn't know was there. This geocaching is turning out to be wonderful for introducing me to all of these areas. I guess I have been content with my beach and my bike trail so I haven't ventured out nearly enough for finding other walking and hiking options.

Anyway, the cache was less than half a mile down the trail from where we parked the car. We searched under bushes and in the grass for a while and then the bf found it stuck up in the branches of a big bush. Hooray! He was very excited. His first cache, my third.

Now he wants to create our own cache and hide it somewhere. Next weekend we are planning to hunt for the one in Huntington Harbour. It is accessible by boat and we will rent kayaks and paddle to it. Fun!

I love my new GPS.

Then we went to breakfast. And then to a home deco place where we finally found some drapes for the bedroom. I wanted to go to another store but the bf got impatient and said he wanted to get home and back to The Sims. Sigh.

So here we are, back parked in front of our respective computers.

Mcmarto -- your friends just needed to get another computer! Problem solved, no need to rush home. With the geocache thing, you bring along a trinket and leave it in the cache and take something away from the cache. This morning I took a caribiner that was in there and left a miniature flashlight. Or you can just sign the log book and not take or leave anything.

Dude - hi :wave: . Good old UNR. I actually quite liked that school. Very pretty campus. Completely unlike the desert and casinos that are near it. Ivy covered brick buildings and all. My parents moved to Carson to retire. I've never lived there, though I visit them a few times a year. They lived in Winnemucca for a while, too. I lived in Reno while attending school there. Also lived in Cedarville and Susanville as a kid. They are in California, but Reno was the nearest big town where decent shopping could be done -- a mere 130 miles away or thereabouts. So once a month we'd pile into the truck and drive to Reno to spend the day shopping for supplies. Then mom and dad would plunk my brother and I in a movie and run off to do dinner and gamble for two hours. Then we'd drive home. Ah, memories.

Hi China. I have heard horror stories about pirated Sims. At best it just won't work. I wouldn't install it either if I were you.

Chum -- I really didn't want this game, either. But I got it anyway. I have no intentions of becoming a Sims slave. Oh no. But then you never know. The bf says he got the cabbage recipe from www.Foodtv.com. Search on "Braised Red Cabbage with Apples." If you can't find he says he'll email the recipe to you. He downloaded it. But he's playing The Sims now, so don't hold your breath.

Nanny, you sound like you are still down. What can we do to cheer you up? Make the holidays go away? I think we are going to stay home on New Year's, too. Share a lovely bottle of champagne and toast the New Year with each other (and play The Sims?). They have their usual party at the yacht club, but it's a formal event and I don't feel like getting formal. Plus New Year's is also amateur drunk night, so we figure that's a good reason to stay off the roads.

Hi Tmayder! Wahoo, games! They are fun once in a while!

Ellie -- our birthdays! We must come up with some way to celebrate at a distance. Whatever shall we do? Something that all of us January babies can do. Brits typically ignore their birthdays after about age 12, don't they? We in the US usually make at least a minor fuss over them. Pengii and I were going to go to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate ours (hers is in Feb), but now we don't have either the time or the money. Someday, perhaps.

Happy New Year to all of you! Though I imagine I'll be writing again before the actual event. Ta ta. I go to hang some drapes.

Hi Kilogo
The more stiff upper lip Brits might not celebrate their birthdays, but I am getting older and there is nothing I can do about it , except celebrate it. Me opening a bottle of drink and toasting to you in front of the computer seems a bit lame so I might have a piece of cake to go with that drink.
Happy New year
Ellie

Hey....

Not to worry. I don't usually enjoy New Year's Eve but I do like the New Year. Beginnings....hope..etc. I simply don't like the Eve because I am usually single and it is a couple's night. If only that Viggo guy from your movie would date me. Then I would be flying high.

Truly I am not down. Just busy and have been spending way too much time hanging with people under the age of 5. I may try and plan a vacation to Hawaii. That will be my focus for the frigid month's of Jan and Feb.

Hi Kilogo, tks for the tip. I will prob throw it out. It only costs me a few bucks anyway. Have a good week!

Hi kilogo,

The world just seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I had family that lived in Susanville. My grandfather owned a jewelry store there, Lesli's Jewelers. He sold the store and retired to their house up at Eagle Lake in '80 or '81. My dad graduated from Lasen High. So I am a bit familiar with that area too.

The game sounds deliriously fun! I don't have time for computer games now however - I have my list of movies to wade through first. Oh, and dear Nanny; you've already claimed George Clooney as your future husband; leave Viggo to me - I don't ask for much after all...

So Anne, how's your 'tude about the New Year and diet and all that? (Oh yeah, THAT. Why does Anastasia always ask me about things like diet and exercise?). Do you think it'll feel any different after the first? Like Nanny, do you get into that 'new beginning' frame of mind?

I imagine that you will have a fun New Years Eve; you seem to know how to have a good time (except maybe when in Dallas)...

I wasn't going to marry him. Just go on a New Year's date and have sex. Then he is all yours. I always tell my kiddies they should share with their friends......

New Year is most definitely a new beginning time for me. Right now I am just sort of being lax and lazy while anticipating the start of a new BFL challenge in earnest come the new year.

Plus, I'll be unemployed soon and am planning to make full use of my free time. Including getting into awesome shape!

Ok, Ellie, you toast me and I'll toast you. And then I'll toast Mickey. Then I'll toast myself, and ta-da! I'll be toasted. Har. And maybe have a bit of cake, too. It is the birthday, after all. We'll call that my free day as I will be a two weeks into my challenge, after all.

Nanny wants to marry George but date and have sex with Viggo. Why not? I just wish Aragorn would have spent more time bathing and getting his shirt torn in battle and such in this movie. So what if it wasn't in the book? Surely the man removes his clothes to bathe once in a while. And all those swords flying could easily rip his shirt seductively like they did what's-her-face's in Star Wars.

Dude -- that is freaky. Susanville is a very small town, as you well know. I was a child when I lived there, though, and never went to a jewelry store that I remember. I did spend plenty of time at Eagle Lake.

Night, night, all. Work hard, ChinaDoll!

Pretty please let me know when Aragorn (my Viggo baby) is in a film wherein the script calls for him to be necked most of the time. Now THERE is a film I'd pay good money to see.

I am most definitely not the computer games expert. If I am the best we've got, that's pretty sad, since I only know two games! I do have access to many more games (and associated knowledge) via my DH. Now his computer is sitting idle as he uses his Playstation. (You and your BF do know now to buy the smoke detector for your Sims, right? I also typically don't have them try to cook until they have at least 2 in cooking skill).

Your geocaching sounds really fun. I went downstairs and told my DH about it, but either I failed to broadcast my enthusiasm or it just wasn't received on his end!

We could use bedroom drapes too--or at least valences. Did you go to a large chain store?

Oh...the GPS thing is very interesting...I think it would be fun!

Well........hope you had a great day...I am lounged out (yeah right)...actually the DH and I went to see a movie today (Catch Me if You Can)...it was ok...then we went to this local bar called "Goldys" for a beer and burgers ... it was good!

I am off to sleep...it is late!...mc

I don't want to get married at all. But I do think George is to die for. And so is the Boss. If no one else wants Bruce, can I have him?

Geocaching looks fun, Kill.

So you are doing the 12 week BFL in January? When is your last day at the evil employer? Before or after your birthday?

I tried the Sims for a little bit last night. We laughed and laughed at Bob's poor hygiene. And I made Betty unemployed and looking for work. Phwttt. But it didn't seem to grab me. But I will try again soon and let you know what I think...

Are you still brushing your teeth? Or did you stop that til the 1st too???

We saw Adaptation yesterday and really liked it.

Good morning!

Yes, Lutha, you are our games expert. You'll just have to play more or be a conduit for your DH's expertise. After catching on fire twice we did figure out the need for a smoke detector. I went online and read the Tips and Tricks area for the game, learned a lot about how cooking skills and expensive furniture and such make a difference.

I'm to the point where I can keep my guy borderline content, but he's bored silly. Eat pee shower work eat watch tv sleep. Yawn. Can't afford to get anything more interesting going. I'm thinking of starting over or moving on to another family.

But honestly, I'm Simmed-out. The bf has ordered Sim City, but I'm not sure how much more Simming I'm going to do. Are the other families more fun?

The bf was skeptical about the geocaching, too, until I told him of the nice hike I had without him and then got him to go on his first hunt. Then he was hooked.

I'm going to look for another one during lunch today. It's in a little nature preserve near work.

I have stopped brushing the teeth religiously for now but am getting some activity done through the hiking and dog walking. I am going to do the 12-week challenge. This time I even signed up with the BFL people and am an official contestant. I didn't do the contest last time, I just did the 12 weeks. Not that I expect to win or care to win, but it's a motivational thing just to send the packet back in with the "after" pictures and measurements after the 12 weeks are up. And since it's likely that I will become the BFL moderator come January, I thought I might as well do the thing properly.

Last Day with Evil Employer is Jan. 17. Birthday is Jan. 14. I was debating whether to start the 12-weeks after I become unemployed, but I'm ready to start now. So start I will.

What should we do for my birthday? I'm thinking a trip to Mexico for lobster is in order. We still haven't gotten that done. Mexican lobster and margaritas to celebrate my old age and unemployment.

McMarto -- beer and burgers. Sounds like my diet of late. Are you starting anew come the new year, too?

What else? I got the drapes at Expo, which is a design center run by the Home Depot people. They are an eco-friendly linen that fit in nicely with the tropical theme we have going in the bedroom.

You guys see a lot of movies. Movies just aren't a very big part of my life. I saw two - yes two - movies in a theatre this year.

Mmm. Lobster sounds like a wonderful birthday celebration.

Your two movies were, "Two Towers" and "Harry Potter." Right?

Good for you for signing up with BFL properly! That is really cool. Maybe you will win the car.

As for your Sims man, what else do you think some men do? Not all, but those activities sound pretty much like some of my old boyfriends. Sigh.

Yes ma'am. Two Towers and Harry Potter. They being the only two movies that I just couldn't wait for video. You can call me a hype victim if you like, but I feel is had to do with my great love of both of those books and wanting to see what they did to them on film.

I don't want to win the car. That's not an appealing car to me and I don't want the tax consequences. Even donating it straight to charity would cost me too much in taxes. But I do want the hot body that will result from this program!

Must go. Work. Buggers.

I am taking tomorrow off!

I found another cache during lunch. In the bird sanctuary where I've been walking during lunch several times per week over the past year. Who knew a cache was there? Well, I do now. And judging by the log in the cache, lots and lots of other people do, too.

Hooray for geocaching.

~~~~~~~~

Oooh. And I just looked at the Body For Life web page and checked out the prizes for this contest. They aren't giving out a Camaro any more -- they are giving cash!! Cash I can use. $50,000 for the grand Champion, down to $2,500 for other categories. 37 cash prizes awarded in total.

Get buffed and win $50,000 for doing it. Heck of a deal. And there is still no requirement to buy any of their products. Very unlike most other programs where you have to buy their food or their supplements or pay to go to the support meetings or otherwise dig into your pocket.

And did you know that all proceeds from the purchase of the book "Body For Life" go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation? Or they did for the first year of publication, anyway. I'm not sure if they still are.

Hi Kilogo ~

I made a promise, so it must be kept. I couldn't go to bed without visiting you first.

I see you are still have a lot of good fun with your GPS. That's great. I really think I'll try it myself when the weather gets better in the spring. Right now, I wouldn't find anything smaller than a pony in all this snow.

So, you are doing Body For Life and having your own Forum. That's great kiddo. I'm sure you will do really well for your Forum and the other BFL dieters and exercisers.

If I don't get to talk to you tomorrow, I want to wish you the very best in the New Year. I know you will find the right job for you when the time comes that you really must. Take care, best of everything, I wish for you. Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year............:)

Hugz,
Sandie

Hey Kil!

Did you say $50,000?...Win it girl...then you can treat us all to a spa vacation!...hahahahahaha!

Have fun on your day off!

mcmarto

Bouncy bouncy bouncy bouncy fun fun fun fun!

Happy New Year's Eve Day to everyone!

The last day of the year! I am so excited. This coming year is going to hold some big changes for me, no doubt. What with being unemployed and all.

And ooh, lookeee, I'm a Moderator now. John asked me to be the Moderator for the Body For Life Forum, and I said ok. I hope that doesn't mean I have to be moderate in my posts here, though. I hope it doesn't change anything at all here. I just have to try to keep the BFL Forum active, which will be a challenge.

I am off today -- work searching (yeah right). I have a million errands to run and a cache to find. Tonight we are just going to hole up and celebrate with ourselves. Friend Jeanne said she wants to come over and say hi in the afternoon or early evening but not stay 'til midnight. That'll be nice.

It's early, but I'm up, so I guess I should get after it.

Hi Sandie -- you are good to your word! Thanks for coming by and the good wishes.

Hi McMarto -- yes, $50,000! If I won that, I wouldn't have to work for another year!! There might be some left over for a spa service or two.

I would love to win 50 000. Or even 28.5 million.
Have a great day finding your cache.
Have a great evening and don't drink too much...........

Cheers for 2003!!

Andrea

Well I guess it wasn't really a million things to do as I have finished them all already.

So I'm going to do my New Year's Resolutions. Here are the things I want to do this coming year (in no particular order, just as they come to mind):

Work on my body and get it to the state that I want and then maintain it for the rest of the year and beyond. Bikini-ready by spring.

TAKE ADVANTAGE of my time off. It's too easy to waste away the days when you're unemployed. I know, I've done it in the past.

Read more. Watch less TV.

Volunteer more. Well, let's be honest here. Volunteer. I don't do it now.

Become fluent in Spanish. I made progress this year, but not enough.

Submit something for publication.

That ought to keep me busy enough.

Happy New Year to you all!

(no promises on the drinking, Nanny. We have a lovely bottle of champagne sitting in the fridge :D )

Good Afternoon Kilo,

Sounds like you have thought things out, and have plans made for the New Year already. I guess I should sit down and think about some things to accomplish in 2003 myself.

I popped in the small market and picked up some triskets and cheeses and some sparkling diet ginger ale, Rasberry flavor, for DH and I to "celebrate" the year's passing and the New Year's beginning tonight. So much cheaper and safer staying home.

I hope you and the BF enjoy your evening.

HAPPY NEW YEAR
Love, good health, happiness and success to you always
Sandie

Happy New Year......almost!

I am off soon ..... have a nice night!

Your goals are great and I know you will reach them this year!

mcmarto

Your goals are great! (I figure that eventually, hanging around motivated people such as yourself will rub off to the point where I feel like setting some new goals). I also see that you took the plunge and became a moderator--good for you! I'll have to check out the forum.

The geocaching sounds better all the time. Maybe I will pick up a GPS, or ask for one for Valentine's Day.

Since you are already Simmed out, I won't go into too much detail. I've already loaded three expansion packs so some of my game mechanics are slightly different from the original version. But basically you have to go through many days of the routine stuff and build up enough Simoleans to buy some more interesting things. Also, your employed characters can miss a day of work with no ill effects, beyond missing out on that day's salary of course (just don't miss two days in a row or you will get fired). This is often the only way to get enough free time to work on skills or build up friendships. (Wouldn't you hate to see how much I would write if I did go into detail?)

We will be staying in, too.

Happy New Year!

Wow I have missed loads in your journal Kilogo! That serves me right for being a slack tart and not checking the journals over Christmas!

Your GPS thingy sounds really really good. I've just mentioned it to Mr Stubby and got the usual reaction - why would you want to do that then??? Anyway, I think it sounds great!

Years ago, when I lived at home, my dad got a computer that had SIM city with it. I loved playing that game - I think we might have it here somewhere, a newer version, and I think I have played it here also, but I have got quite a few games and tend to dip in and out of them. I've not actually played anything for ages. Mr Stubby got a PS2 though, so he's going crazy on it at the moment - like your bf he's up until the early hours playing some game or another! Oh well, it's back to work for both of us tomorrow anyway.

I hope you enjoyed your New Year in!

Happy New Year, Kilogo.

Happy New Year, everyone!

I was Simmed-out for the time being just from playing it too much, Lutha. Not completely Simmed-out! So I can miss work pretty regularly, just not two days in a row. That's good to know. I thought it was any two times and I was fired.

Is it important to get a computer? Like to get a decent job? Those ones in the paper are pathetic.

And great! A fellow geocacher to-be! If you're really interested in a GPS Sam's Club and Costco are both running a deal on a Magellan SportTrak Map GPS with a carrying case, Map CD, and PC Interface cable tossed in for $249. If you buy before Jan. 5 (I think) you can send it for a $100 rebate. Heck of a deal. That's what I got. ("Here, honey, look -- this is the GPS that I want. Now I'll go look through the DVDs while you go buy it for me for xmas").

Mcmarto, did you go out to a party? Was it fun?

Sandielynne, I haven't had Triskets in years. Triskets and cheese sound great. Was it good?

Cheers, Nanny! May 2003 be great for you, too.

We enjoyed staying in. Built a fire, had some bubbly, got and received phone calls from all over. It was nice.

Now, on to great things this year.

Hey Mickey, you slipped in here while I was posting.

Become another fellow geocacher! Yes!

This place becomes work at times -- keeping up with everyone. I don't know what I'm going to do when I am unemployed. We'll see.

I hope I can plan a visit to California when you are unemployed. Sounds terrible as I hope you find a wonderful job but in the meantime..... it would be fun to do some "geocache" or hang out for a day.

Cheers for 2003!!!!

Good lord this is a gorgeous day here. They always say the weather shows off for the Rose Parade because it knows the whole US is watching. Well, it did it again. I am wearing shorts today. The sky is bright blue, not a cloud to be seen.

So y'all can keep moving out here and keep driving my property value through the roof, ok?

I took Misty to the new regional park that I'd found last week and we had a good walk. I am definitely going to go there to run. Nice level dirt path, perfect for running. Jogging. Jog/walking. Whatever I can manage.

Ooh, Nanny, that would be fun. Are you a hiking Nanny? Most of these caches require at least a stroll on a dirt path for a while. How long do you plan to stay here in CA? Sounds like you have a lot planned.

I am very much looking forward to my unemployment. Ignoring that money issue, of course. But I'm ok there for a while. I'll be fine. Thanks all of you for worrying about me. I do get a bonus check at the end, remember, which is equivalent to about 3 months salary. Plus two-weeks severance pay, my unused vacation time, etc. That'll tide me over for a while.

I'm looking at it like a 3-month paid vacation.

I'm not worried about you. You are smart and talented and savvy and you will find a great job when you want one. I'm glad you are going to take some time and enjoy life a little bit.

Happy New year, girlfriend. Here's to us!

I am worried!...I am worried that you will have to much dam# fun while you are off!...heeheehee!

Well...we went to a friends...small get together...invite stated loungewear only!...We had apps...dinner...cocktails...and we played games!...Fun!...

Your night sounded just wonderful!

So..........is the BFL going on?

Watch for my new journal tomorrow......mc

I want a GPS. Perhaps I could get one for my birthday. Mr Stubby was going to get me a synthesiser for Christmas! I have NEVER EVER expressed a desire to play music in any shape or form. I'm glad he got me a pda and some other stuff instead. A GPS I could definitely use though, perhaps a few hints in his direction...

Hi all,

I'm hoping to have lots of d@mn fun while I'm off!

I want you to have a GPS, Mickey. How did you find out about the synthesizer and how did you convince him not to do it?

Cheers, Chum. You're so kind. But we both know that talent and smarts don't necessarily translate into a job! My goal is to not stress about it for at least 3 months, then start thinking of looking if something hasn't dropped in my lap by itself by then.

So, I started BFL again today. Not exactly a glorious start, but I started. I'm writing about it over in the BFL forum.

And just when I thought I was on the home stretch here at work my boss scheduled meetings for every Tues and Thurs to discuss status of the shutdown. Who knows what will come of these meetings. The first one starts in a hour.

But in any event, 15 more days to go!

I am hugely dehydrated from my two-week holiday of excess. Am drinking water and green tea like crazy and I still can't get my tongue pried off the roof of my mouth. A couple more days of water should make me feel tons better.

Lots of people starting new journals. I'm trying to track you all down. I don't have a big urge to dump this one yet. Maybe around my birthday/layoff day.

Hey...hope the meeting went well!

mcmarto

:D

Hi Kilo just wanted to drop by and say CONGRATS on starting back on bfl. Way to go. You'll do great just hang in there and keep up the hard work.

Hugs,
Sunny

Hey Kilogo!

Keep up the good work with the BFL!

I am off to visit a friend this weekend...back on Sunday!

mcmarto

If you weren't so conscientious (i.e. if you were like me) you would probably find it tremendously difficult to care, or even appear as though you care, about the status of the shutdown. Is that workdays or calendar days left?

My DH says we can get a GPS as a joint Valentine's Day gift. I'm not sure how enthused he is about geocaching--yet--but I guess there isn't anything else he wants (besides an HDTV).

Like you, I'm not in a hurry for a new journal. I figure I will wait until there are at least 400 posts in mine.

Good luck on the BFL...I'm sure you will do well!

Hey Kill. I presume you are well-hydrated and have pried your tongue off the top of your mouth by now??? How are things going? How did the meeting go? I can't believe how time has flown since I've met you and you only have a couple of weeks left. So, why did you think your BFL start was slow? Are you sure you aren't being too hard on yourself? I think it is cool that you signed up for that challenge. I really admire you for doing it. Now, don't get a big head...I can and will still make fun of you from time to time though, if that's all right? Even though you are a MODERATOR?

No, no more making fun of me. We must be staid and stuffy now that I am a Moderater.

Not! You'd better not stop making fun of me or this journal will become boring as all get out. We can't have that.

It seems to take me three days to get properly rehydrated after I let myself get all dry like this. I am still thirsty. Two more days, I'll be fine. I've had 24oz so far this morning.

My day 1 start was mediocre because I didn't feel good. I think I have a cold coming on, TOM is starting, and too much holiday excess made for one miserable moderator yesterday. I did do the food properly and got something of a workout in, so it was better than nothing. Today was much better. I have already worked out this morning. :D

Lutha, I am finding it tremendously difficult to care or even appear as though I care about this shutdown. Tremendously. Hence my distress at this silly meeting. Sigh.

Cool, GPS's everywhere! I had no idea I would inspire this. I think Magellan ought to give me a commission, don't you?

I want an HDTV, too. I want I want. But they are flipping expensive. Not for soon-to-be-unemployed flunkies.

McMarto, you have such a busy social life. When do you have to go back to work?

Sunny! Thanks! I will do my best to live up to all of your expectations. Are you still thinking of joining us over in BFL?

I stepped on the scale this morning and am up 3 pounds after my great day yesterday. I'm blaming this on TOM. Or the delayed reaction to my holiday excess using Lutha's theory. If that's the case and this doesn't go down in a few days, I'm using this as my starting weight for BFL.

The meeting was interesting. A small group of mostly upper mgmt and a couple low-level but important flunkies like me. They all work together so pretty well know what is going on with each other's depts. But no one pays any attention to me or what I do, so they really don't know what my plan for this network is. So the meeting focused on me for the most part. Great. How was it going, what was left to be done, what was my plan for this and that? Don't we think this is a bit late, people? My answer to a lot of that was, "do whatever you want to with it." Which I suppose isn't a very good way to pretend that I care. We are all supposed to provide a list of items that need to be taken care of before the building closes for good and have that list ready by the next meeting on Tues. Lovely.

I also got my two-week notice of termination today. Yahoo!! It's 14 calendar days, 10 work days.

Ew. It is so hard to start things when TOM is looming. Ew.

I am more impressed than ever.

Now that you are a moderator can I still curse in my journal? Will you have to report me?

I think it is great. I have been lurking a little around the BFL stuff. Now that you are a moderator I may show my face.

Kudos on going for the Body for Life regime. I've read the book and it seems to incorporate several factors that add up to it being a really great, reasonable plan.

I love the BEFORE and AFTER shots: in the (overexposed) BEFORE shots everyone is pasty white with stringy hair and long frowns on their faces. Oh, and let's not forget - really dorky clothes. The (softlit) AFTER shots show everyone with bronzed, glowing skin, highlighted hair, big grins and hip, groovy threads. Not only will you lose weight, your skin will magically darken, hair will lighten, and life will be softer to you. The ironic thing is that I actually believe that to be the truth!

My new year hasn't begun quite yet. I'm on a little different schedule due to being sick, but I am holding steady at about 129 at least.

I'll have to check out the site that you're a moderator of. Scary, Kilogo a moderator. What's the world coming to!

For your official BFL photos, you wear a swimsuit. No clothes, dorky or otherwise. And believe me, taking the "before" picture does not make you a happy person. Basically you stand there with all your fat and flaws exposed wishing you could be anywhere else. Hence the long faces. The picture is usually taken by a spouse or, in my case, myself using the timer-delay feature on the camera.

Then consider the "after" pictures. These people have made tremendous changes to their appearance and are very proud of it. Some have the after picture professionally done, and of course they make sure to look their best no matter who takes it.

Hence the difference in appearance. And believe me, if I have such stunning results, for my after picture I'll be sporting a big smile, will do my hair nicely, and may even slap on some self-bronzing skin lotion (makes the muscles more obvious) to make myself look extra nice.

The BFL judges have reported throwing entries out because they could see that the contestant was blowing out their belly with air. They are very wary of un-real photos.

Nanny, we must be staid and stuffy and can't curse any more. No, I'm kidding. Moderator just means that I have to attend to the BFL forum. No other policing involved. Which I wouldn't do, anyway. I like to curse in my journal.

Chum, I am not impressive. But thanks for continuing to say that.

Nanny, come on by the BFL forum and post! Perk the place up a bit. Are you thinking of doing BFL? Or just lurking for fun?

I'm back down 2 lbs so this must be TOM weight.

It is going to be very warm today like it has been the last few days. Pushing 80, maybe. We are going to do the kayak geocache today if the bf isn't sick (he went to sleep feeling sickly). I think this cache is a long paddle away from the kayak rental place, though. Not sure we'll make it. But it'll be fun to try.

This geocache was fun. It is a progressive cache, where you go to the first location to find the coordinates of the second spot which leads to the third and ultimately to the treasure cache itself.

We rented kayaks from our favorite surfer dude in the harbor and set course for the first location. My GPS said it was .78 miles away, and we had to paddle down a long channel before we even got to the main channel where we could turn towards the cache. My shoulders were sore before we got there.

But we found the hint, which led us the to second one, which was just across the channel. 500 feet. It contained the coordinates of the third spot, which was halfway back towards the car, thankfully. This spot led us to a little park not far away. The treasure cache was carefully hidden in the hedge and we found it eventually. Hooray! The bf's second cache, my fifth. And inside was a tiny little pair of wooden dutch shoes that he had to have, so we traded that for the mermaid that we had brought along.

Then we paddled back to the car and turned in our kayaks. We were out for just shy of 2 hours, but surfer dude only charged us for one hour. Surfer dude never keeps track of when anyone leaves or comes back, so he just charges everyone for an hour.

It was fun. My shoulders are sore. It was gorgeous warm and sunny out there.

The bf just ordered pizza, and this is my first free day so I can have some if I want. I have been very good all day but may have one slice when it arrives. Just one slice. No sense going nuts when I'm not starving.

Hey Kilogo!

I go back to school on Monday...unless we have a major snowstorm on Sunday night...which leads into Monday a.m....then I can get another day or two off!...I can only dream!

Sounds like you are doing well on the BFL!

The kayaking sounds like a lot of fun!...Good exercise!

So how was the pizza?...I am off tomorrow to a friends babyshower...I must make the right food choices...I must...I must!

Have a great Sunday!

mc

Hi Kil

It's cold here too - it snowed yesterday a bit but not enough to keep me from work tomorrow, unless, like McMarto says, it snows all night and into the morning! I'm jealous that it has been in the 80's for you, but it only ever gets that here for a few days in summer!

You are having a great time with your GPS aren't you? It's really giving you some outdoor activities! I'm still insanely jealous.

Well I'm insanely jealous of you weighing 112, Mickey. Someday soon I'll be around there, too, and you'll have a GPS if you really want one. Then no more jealous between us :D .

McMarto -- I'm hoping for snow for you. The pizza was good. I did only have one piece. Could have easily had two more but one was enough.

It is 50 degrees now but climbing. As soon as it hits 70 we are going for a bike ride. I got the bf a new seat for his bike for christmas so he's going to try it out for the first time. It's supposed to get up to 81 again today and be in the 80's all week. Pity I'm going to be at work still!!

Wow...80!

I wish...its cold here...in the 20's...snowing off an on...but nothing is really sticking!

Hope you had fun on that bike ride...oh...and good restraint with the pizza...even on your free day!

mcmarto

Yay! One slice. Girlfriend, you are so disciplined! Yay!

The kayak cache sounds so fun. I can't wait to learn kayaking. I am going to take lessons hopefully this summer. And the little Dutch clogs! How hilarious!

I am psyched that you are kickin' butt with brushing your teeth. Your teeth should be sparling in no time!

Yay, Chum's back!

Though I understand the need to be doing other things than coming here every day.

I have 11 more work days to go. 11! My but this is exciting. I'm busing throwing things away or into boxes to ship to other locations. Not a whole lot else to do here, though there is a huge pile of stuff I am responsible for to be shipped. It may take me all of the two weeks left to deal with it all.

Nah, probably not. Toss cr@p in box, seal box, take box to shipping. Over and over again 'til pile is gone. No big deal.

Not much else to report. Teeth are getting bright and shiny. I already feel skinnier. Bf did not get full-on sick and I feel good. Hoping I don't catch this crud that so many people have.

Take care, all.

Glad you are not sick!

Well you are sick in the head!

hahahahaha...Kilogo......what will be the first thing you do when you lose your job?...and don't say you are going to Disneyworld!...or in your case...Disneyland!...hahahahaha...

mc

So, Kil, it's just 7 days to your birthday - do you have any plans or will you be in for a surprise???

Just think of all the extra exercise you are getting lugging those boxes to shipping!

Yes, the two big days are coming quickly...I think ONE of them deserves a Mexican lobster dinner, don't you?

Yeppers!

To all of the above: "yes"

Yes I am sick in the head (sort of)

Yes 7 days to the birthday.

Yes Mexican lobster is in order!!

I really don't know what I'm going to do the moment I get laid off. We are talking about having another big drunken bye-bye affair for all of us who are axed that evening, but I don't know if it will come to pass. Most everyone of interest is already gone and those of us who are left are a dour lot (myself excluded, of course). Maybe I'll invite the old cuban joint crowd to have one last hoorah just for me. We'll see.

Then, Saturday morning we are going down to Mexico for a birthday/layoff Lobster feast. May or may not stay down there. Their hotels are all practically empty but their prices are strangely high and no one will come down for me, so I haven't made a reservation anywhere. We may just come home. I am newly poor, after all.

For the actual birthday, who knows? It's mid-week. I may take the day off work (work search day!). I don't want anything for presents. I suppose we should do something on the actual day, but nothing comes to mind. The bf keeps asking me what I want. I told him to buy me a lovely lobster dinner and a margarita in Mexico and I'd be happy. I don't want to screw up my new BFL routine with a food extravaganza except for the one free day in Mexico.

As for work, I can't imagine anyone doing the stuff that needs to be done around here after I'm gone. I am very much expecting to be called in here and there to accomplish things on an hourly basis. But no actual offer along those lines yet, so maybe not. Maybe they'll just implode. We'll see.

Teeth brushed this morning :up:

Did you say previously that you go to Puerto Nuevo for your Mexican lobster? Some of my fellow-vanpoolers were talking about it, among other South-of-the-Border destinations. I sure hope you have a blast!

Only one slice of pizza on your free day!? Boy, you are feeling really dedicated (my eating on my free days is scary). It sounds like you are doing just fantastic on the BFL program.

Do you have any contacts who will remain at that employer beyond your departure, who would tell you if they do implode? That would indeed be interesting.

I thought it was too hot Saturday afternoon to go walking, and I think that was the day you did your kayak geocache. Of course it must have been much cooler on the coast and particularly out on the water. Judging by the state of my latest VISA bill I may not get a GPS soon after all, but now I'm reconsidering...again, after reading about your outing.

So happy to hear that you are happy!

Now you know if I ever come to visit...you will have to take me for the lobster too!...Is it messy to eat?...Just wondering!

How is the BFL coming along?

mcmarto

So, if your ex employers call you back to work when you've 'left', will you be a consultant - will you be able to charge treble per hour what you are on at the moment? Ha ha!

I have never eaten lobster (I've probably told you that before) but Mr Stubby has a bit of a hankering for seafood at the moment, so you never know - and with my birthday coming up soon too it might be a suggestion, although I fancy Chinese food at the moment.

Oh my. I remember when I had my first lobster. I was around 25 and visiting New England for law school interviews. I was horrified b/c the restauranteur told me to listen for their screams (since they are dropped in boiling water alive). I almost passed out. Turned out the guy had the chef make a screaming noise just to freak me out, since I was from the midwest and was having my first lobster.

Then they brought it to me and it was looking me straight in the eye. Again, I felt faint. So, they whisked it away and took off the face, really cleaned it for me, laughing the whole time.

I barely got through that night.

But I do love lobster to this day.

I have two cardinal rules, though, both of which are nonnegotiable:

1. Do not think of the lobster being boiled alive. Do not think of this either before, during, or after dining on it.

2. Ask server to bring lobster after it's face is REMOVED. This helps more with number one.

OMG. I can't believe I ever eat the stuff.

eeek!

So, Kill, how are you today, my fine friend???

Good morning, boys and girls! Well, girls anyway.

Yes indeed, Puerto Nuevo is the place. We have our favorite "spot" like everyone does. For those of you who haven't been there, this is a tiny little Mexican town dedicated to lobster. It's probably two blocks wide and 6 deep and has about 30 lobster restaurants packed into this space. Each restaurant has a man out front and another one roaming the streets with flyers advertising their lobster special -- usually 1lb lobster for $8 or $9. They are on you as soon as you leave your car, telling you how good their restaurant and their lobster and their specials are. On the weekends, it can be a madhouse.

Most gringos have their "spot". They've tried a few different restaurants and found one they liked and stick with it. I don't remember the name of ours (the bf knows), but it's a three-story bldg on the edge of town on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The service is fantastic, the food is great, and the prices are good, and the view is wonderful. The $8 special is not the best deal, by the way. It's a small lobster and you get just the lobster, nothing else. Better to do the "medium", which is usually nearly 2lbs with salad, soup, rice, beans, and tortillas for $14. That's a great deal.

They split the lobster in half and grill it basted with garlic and butter in Mexico. No boiling alive is done. Pacific lobsters don't have claws, so you don't get that 'whole lobster on a plate glaring at you' thing like you do with a Maine Lobster. We get three lobster halves on a plate, laid shell-down, meat-up. No heads. Muy saboroso!!

Lobster . . . . mmmmmm. Can't wait. McMarto, I will most definitely take you to Baja for lobster if you come to see me! It's not messy, no. No cracking of shell needs to be done with it prepared this way.

Mickey - lobster is so tasty. Try it! Some people don't like it, I guess, but very few.

Unfortunately, from what I've been able to figure out the rate they are offering returnees is set and they are refusing to negotiate. They'd rather pay an outside full consulting fees than to give an ex-employee any room to set their own rate. Here's our offer, take it or leave it. So I'm still debating that one. Take it, work a few days a week, keep some money coming in? Or play the game and refuse to work for less than market (consultant's) rate, knowing that they will probably not accept that and so I will just be out of work. It's a tough decision.

BFL is going great. 2.4 lbs gone with week! I did well on this past free day and plan to do well again this coming free day because I know next week is going to be challenging, what with my birthday and layoff and people wanting to take me out for drinks and all. I must take great care with that while still enjoying the moment.

Man, THAT's the way to get a lobster!

Well horse feathers.

El Presidente is here this week. As she was walking out the door to catch her plane she stops into my office and asks me to participate in a conference call with her, my boss, and the VP that is remaining here to discuss my coming back on a contract basis through mid-February.

They are offering my current salary with no benefits plus 25% to cover lack of said benefits. So basically what I'm making now.

I am to think about if I want to do this and if so, under what conditions (3 days/week? Take a week off and then come back? Take two weeks off and then come back? Tell them I'm coming back but don't bother to show up?) and discuss it tomorrow.

So. What DO I want to do?

(and yes, I know is should be LA Presidente, but I like the sound of EL better. So pfft).

I think you are absolutely wonderful. A great friend.

And I think you are going to stay for the additional couple of weeks b/c money is money and I think you agree that you should take it all now to help finance your future writing career. :x :x :x

Oh man, was I being a mush last night or what???

My turkey avocado sandwich dreams were shattered b/c the deli was shut down (the guy had to go home early, I guess). Sigh.

I do still think you are a terrific friend, though.

I almost forgot to tell you. That woman from the interview yesterday? She didn't like Laura Bush b/c apparently she wore an ugly suit when she visited Europe. No mention of the repressive policies of her husband and her complicity in them. Just one more little anecdote from a very strange afternoon. But one I thought you might appreciate.

Have a good day!

You were not a mush last night. Bummer about the turkey/avocado. So what did you eat?

And did you bound out of bed and work out this morning?

Looks and appearances are everything to some people, I guess. Just look at the industry to the near north of me. Shallow, superficial, unhappy people they are.

Speaking of looks and appearances . . . I looked at my "before" pictures for the first time last night. Oh dear god. I have regressed so far it could make me weep. I am the fattest I have ever been in my life. :c( :c(

Why oh why did I get so apathetic the last half of last year and figure I was maintaining? Maybe the scale stayed about the same but I was gaining fat and losing muscle. Aaargh.

Sigh. Well, lesson learned. I'm BFL'ing now and feeling great. Losing weight and inches already, too. I know that I can't slack off and expect to stay the same.

You've so been looking forward to your end date, I'd suggest you take at least a week off before you go back to work.

I think all of us have been in that position where we look at ourselves in the mirror, or a picture, and wonder why we ever allowed it to go so far. I guess that we have some comfort level with whatever our largest size to date has been (not saying that we love it, but we've been there before), and it doesn't really set off alarm bells until we noticably exceed that size.

I for one can attest that you cannot slack off! Of course, I don't have a lot of muscle to retain...just enough to keep me from falling into a heap of bones and skin on the floor.

But...you are doing extremely well with BFL. Keep it up!

Hey Kil...think you should stay...a little extra money won't hurt!

More money to take vacations with!...heeheehee!

Hope you have a great night!

mcmarto

That's what I want to do, Lutha.

Also thought about just working 3 days/week.

But then I figure: This is only for 1 more month. 4 weeks. If I take a week off then I just get paid for 3 weeks. Better to take the money while I can. Same thing with 3 days/week instead of 5.

So I've decided to just come back on Monday. Still going to Mexico, for birthday and layoff celebration. I am still getting terminated on Jan. 17, after all. I just come back as a contractor on Jan. 20.

Sigh.

And the ultra-fun thing about this is that they don't want to commit to the full 4 weeks. They'll let me know week to week if they still need me. Yet we all know that I will be here to the bitter end.

Gosh but I hate this place. But it's going to do my bitter heart good to get more money out of them. I'll be hourly, so can you say, "overtime"?

This will also mean another trip to Dallas in early Feb.

Yes, folks, the exciting work drudgery talk never ends in this journal. Stay tuned for another full month of it :( .

Hiya!

Well, darnit, I knew you were looking forward to getting out of there. I guess you can't refuse work and get some rest on unemployment benefits when they offer you work, can you? You po' thang!

I just got back in town after doing the job training thing. They don't guarantee me work after March 15th, and I think I am going to be very happy about that. This is going to be a tough job and I will be the type of government employee that everybody will hate to see coming their way. I know I would hate to see me show up too.

Thanks for visiting my journal when I was away, it really meant a lot to me that you cared enough to let me know you dropped by.

Linda

Can't you get them to send you to NYC for one last hurrah? Isn't there some computer down here?

I would never turn down work. What is four more weeks?

At the moment I feel like quitting and going home for a couple of months. I just have the January blahs. It is so damn snowy here. Very pretty to look at.

Have a great weekend!

Hi Kilogo!

Wow - 2.4lb!!! I'm impressed with the BFL thing! Well done.

I think you are right to get as much money in as you can - you will still have a break, but it will be in a month's time. I suppose that means that if you take any of your job seeking days you will not get paid for it though? Are you doing anything else about looking for another job at the moment, or are you just going to see how the land lies when you have finished? I suppose there is no rush at the moment. Also do you still get the same three month salary at the end of next week? So in effect you will do an extra month and then have the three months' salary on top of that?

Have you thought of anything else you want for your birthday yet, apart from a pet lobster?

Hi all,

Yes, I agree. Work work work. Must do it.

I'll suggest that they pull up stakes again and move to New York this time, Chum. You never know with this mgmt team.

Whenever you're feeling blah, Nanny, just remember that January is Mickey's and my birthday month! And Ellie's (Happy Birthday, Ellie! It's today! If you had your own journal I'd come over and wish you Happy Bday there, but if you have one I haven't found it). You could pause to toast our birthdays anytime you like and maybe that would cheer you up. Well, it'd cheer us up, anyway.

I get all the money on Jan. 17 -- my termination day. Bonus check, severance pay, vacation accrued, all that. I'll just stick it in the bank and let it fester until I need it. Then I imagine they'll cut me a check every Friday for my contract labor.

BFL rocks. I'm liking it more this time than I did last time. Probably because I know what to expect.

I am off today. Work search day! I won't get any more paid work search days as a contractor. Contractors get nothing :( . That's why they are so appealing to employers. No benefits, no considerations, and you can terminate them any day.

So my big plans for today are:
Get up
Work out
Steam-clean carpet
Find geocache in park a few miles north of here
Take dog for walk

Oh no, I'm making lists like Chum now. Except mine aren't funny.

We are also invited to meet a bunch of the bf's friends for happy hour tonight. I don't want to go. I don't want to eat bar food, I don't want to drink, and I don't want to be there. I can eat beforehand so I'm not hungry and drink mineral water, but I still don't want to go. These people start early and usually close the place. They are nice people, I guess, but I find I don't have much to say to them. But the bf wants to go, and wants me to go with so he doesn't have to make excuses for me, so maybe I will. He promises we won't stay long, but he always says that and we always do anyway.

But first, I will enjoy my day. Work search day! Anyone want to hire me? (there, I looked for a job).

Oh bar food!...AHHHHHHHHH...buffalo wings with bleu cheese!...Yum..........I recommend you stay away too!

Hope you had a great day...and a great weekend!

mcmarto

Hi Kilogo
Just wanted to say thanks for the birthday message,
I do have my own walking journal. Don't laugh at my efforts so far ( I've not been well) what excuse am I going to come up with next......lol
Thanks
Ellie

Happy Birthday, Ellie! (again) I would never laugh at your efforts. I'll look for your journal.

I did go to the bar because the bf wanted to. He promised me "one hour only". I drank tonic water and had 3 calamari rings. Just 3. I did very well, I think. And I did manage to drag him out of there after about an hour and a half. We came home and watched Minority Report.

Clear, chilly day today. No plans to do anything. We are out of Misty Chow so will make a run to Sam's Club today. The excitement just never ends around here, I know.

I did do all of my list yesterday, though. Carpets are clean, workout was great, and I found that cache. It was on a trail that horses use near a stable in a very expensive neighborhood. Big houses. Just a short stroll down this trail so not much of a walk, but the horses were pretty. Worth doing.

Have a great weekend!

Hey Kil!

Good for you for sticking with tonic water...oh...and only having 3 calamari rings...that was tough to resist!

I don't know what you are doing tonight...but the $50,000 Pastry Challenge is on tonight on the FN!hahahahaha!...I can't eat it...but I sure love to watch them make it...and create with it!

Hope your Saturday is going well!

mcmarto

Hi Kil

Well done with the barfood and drink.

I had to come and tell you I had my first LOBSTER yesterday! We got it from the local supermarket, it had already been cooked, and was frozen when we bought them (we got 2). Mr Stubby grilled them with lemon juice, olive oil and paprika and they were delicious. I am hooked!

I hope you had a great weekend.

Hi there Kilogo :wave:

Bet you thought I totally forgot all about little ole you these past many days. Well, I didn't, and I'm here now to prove it!

I can't tell you how many times I've "intended" to visit you here, and then either fell asleep or got sidetracked by one thing or another. But this time I finally made it.

I have to tell you something because I am so proud of myself today. I gazelled myself up to a record 3.5 mph and accrued 1.6 miles worth of gazelling today, and did it in the same 30 minutes I had trouble reaching a mile in the beginning. I had that thing really rocking this morning...........hahahaha. Now, let's see if I can repeat it. I sure would like to.

Now, I am probably wrong, but isn't calamari something to do with either octupus or squid? I have never had the pleasure of octupus yet, but I have tried squid, and more than once. Maybe I tried it at the wrong place, I don't know. But to me it seemed like I was chewing a rubber band more than any kind of meat as I know it. So you will have to explain this calamari to me a bit. Because if it's squid, I doubt it could have any calories. Rubber is calorie free in my opinion.

Have a great day, and happy geocaching!!

Keep smiling........... :)
Sandie

Hi. Good day today. Took Misty for a run this morning. Eating today has been very good. Weighed myself this morning and I'm up 2 lbs. Makes no bloody sense. Nothing to do but keep at it. Drinking extra water today in case water retention. Hope so!

McMarto -- hey thanks for the tip on the pastry challenge! That was fascinating. Amazing what one can do with sugar. That's art.

Mickey -- Lobster!! And you liked it! Whoo hoo! I've decided I'm having lobster on the day of my birthday, cooked by the bf, in addition to lobster in Mexico the following weekend.

Sandielynne -- you go girl on the Gazelle. I'm sure you can match that mark and even exceed it. Getting into shape is such a wonderful thing. Glad you could make it by. Sure wish you could get that sleepiness thing figured out.

Calamari is squid. Can be rings of squid alone or rings plus tentacles. I prefer the tentacles. But these were rings. They are rather rubber-band-esque, it's true. Though tasty rubber bands. It's not the rubber bands but the breading that gets you :( . And the dipping into sauces.

Oh I forgot I also had an oyster on the half-shell that night. Yes indeed, raw oyster with nothing but horseradish and seafood sauce. Yum yum. Pure protein, few calories, nothing wrong with that.

I don't eat raw oysters but they are a big thing in my family. That is our Christmas Eve treat. Prince Edward Island exports Oysters all around the world. Was it a Malpeque Oyster? They are the best. And the ones from Colville bay..... or so I hear. I think they are a bit gross but coming from PEI I could shuck one for you an a few seconds and would know if it was fresh or not. I can also teach anyone how to eat a lobster properly, though I don't eat them myself. I know a few lobster fishermen in PEI. I used to waitress at a lobster restaurant. My family can be gross with lobster, mum eats the tamalley. Yuk!!! Nothing goes to waste in my house. My BIL works for the Dept. of Fisheries. He is in charge of shellfish PEI. He has an interesting job. He runs an Oyster Festival in PEI every year. They have a shucking contest. If you ever come to Toronto I can take you to Rodney's Oyster House and Bar. Rodney is a character from PEI and his restaurant is very casual but consistently on the top 10 list for Toronto restaurants. It is filled with Toronto yuppies and East Coast characters. I think I am rambling in your journal. Sorry!!

Cheers,

Andrea

Hey Kil!

Congrats on the run!

The pastry challenge was excellent!...I didn't even get hungry while watching!...hahahaha!

Hope you have a good week!

mcmarto

Yo Nanny,

I don't know about Kilo, but I was totally engrossed in your "rambling"...................LOL

Sandie

OK, the only thing I can think of about raw oysters, since you asked, is the sliminess. It is like swallowing phlegm.

Yay! Running! Yay!! Self-control at happy hour!! Yay!!!

Mmmm. Will bf invite me over for lobster tomorrow night? I am so happy that Mickey loved lobster!!! Nann, do you not like it b/c you saw it so much when you were a kid?

Me too, Nanny. Ramble on. God knows I do. I don't know what kind of oysters they were. I didn't buy them, they just arrived at the table. I'm not such a connoisseur that I can identify them by taste, either. But I do like 'em. Despite the phlegm aspect (or maybe because of it?)

I've seen shucking contests on good ol' FoodTV and they look like fun. How does one eat a lobster properly? There is more to it than cut, spear with fork, place in mouth, chew?

You are all cordially invited to celebrate my birthday with me and have a lobster dinner cooked by the bf. RSVP by today, please, so I can have enough lobster on hand.

My week is going to be tough, McMarto, but I'm going to do the best that I can while knowing that I am being less than perfect at times. Is that possible?

You see, I've decided that it is my birthday and I'm going to celebrate it, darn it. We're having champagne and lobster for dinner Tues night (the actual birthday) because I'm a champagne and lobster kind of woman.

Then on Weds my girlfriends want to take me out for a glass of wine and I am going to let them. Because it's my birthday and they are my friends and it will be fun. Day two of dietary imperfection.

Friday is the big layoff party. Even though I'm being extended I'm still getting laid off, and so are a bunch of other people. I am going to attend that party, especially since I missed the last one. Lots of people from previous layoffs are going to come, too.

Then, of course, the weekend in Mexico. I could balloon up a good 4lbs because of this week. I am going to take pains for that to not happen, though. A planned big dinner means rigorous exercise and eating prior to that and afterwards. A fun evening with friends doesn't mean I have to eat and drink bad things to excess, oh no.

Wish me luck on this, ok? I'll need it.

It's not liable to derail me for good, though. This BFL program feels wonderful. It's amazing the difference.

PEI is so filled with seafood that it becomes less special for some of us. Especially those that scraped lobster goo from plates for years. People in PEI tend to eat their lobster with butter and that is it. Melted butter and enthusiasm are the two necessities. And knowing where to cut so no crackers are needed. When I said properly I meant in a dive in and eat everything sort of way. Lobster was always enjoyed at our picnic table and it was very messy. People sucking the juice from the shell. You would think they hadn't been fed in years. Oysters were eaten over the kitchen sink without any sauce or horseradish. Just a bunch of animals slurping away. I take after my dad. Give me a jellybean and that is a good Christmas Eve for me. Oysters are normally served just the way you describe them. It is just my family that have no time for such things.

I think lobster is an excellent food choice. You can eat tons of it on WW. Not many calories at all.

Damn, Kill. You are all set with a really doable plan. I can't wait to see how it goes!!!

That sounds rather disgusting, Nanny. Although I can easily picture it. Melted butter is the only way to go, definitely. I can't imagine oysters without the horseradish and sauce, though. That's like sushi without wasabi and soy. It's just not the same without it.

If I weren't such a lazy puke I would be able to run a 5K by now and could have and even might have entered this event. It is very near my home. This website has a nice picture of the pier and the beach by which Misty and I walk, if anyone's interested. http://www.marathonrun.com/maps.htm

I'll keep you posted, chum. You think this is duly doable?

Oh wow, I just did my name on the link that Sandielynne posted in her journal. This is me, folks, except for a few things.

Your first name of Anne has given you a rather quiet, reserved, serious, studious nature. You have sensitivity and appreciation for the finer and deeper things of life, the beauties of nature, music, art, and literature. The people who mean the most to you are those who can offer you intellectual companionship. It is only when you are among those who understand your deeper nature that you can really be yourself. The experience of having your remarks taken lightly or belittled, particularly during the early years of your life, has caused you to keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. You do not express yourself spontaneously when conversing with others; hence other people may often regard you as being aloof, and even unfriendly. Your difficulty in putting your deeper thoughts and feelings into words can lead to problems in more intimate associations. This name has caused you to live much within yourself. You are rather easily hurt or offended. At such times you can withdraw into a mood, and may not even speak to others. You are a thoughtful, analytical person, and you know your own mind, even though you may not speak it. You are very conscientious and competent in all that you do. You take seriously any responsibilities that you have--in the home, in the community, or at the job. Worry and mental depression could be problems in your life. Physically, any weaknesses in your health would centre in the heart, lungs, or bronchial organs.

I suck at music and I'm not easily offended and don't have moods. Otherwise, spot on. Oh, I don't worry much, either. Interesting reading.

Though as I try the names of various people that I know (like you guys) I see a lot of similarities in these paragraphs. Still interesting.

Too funny. This is the bf. It fits him to a "T", too.

Your first name of *The BF* makes you extremely generous. You have a bubbling, spontaneous nature and a happy-go-lucky outlook which helps smooth the pathway of life. Also you are sympathetic to the needs of others. Interested in art, music, singing, dancing, and anything of an artistic nature, you could become a very fine performer. Your spontaneous expression stands you in good stead during arguments or debates, though you are perhaps too outspoken and inclined to sarcasm. A very real weakness of this name is lack of system and order. The use of this name makes it extremely difficult to carry through and finish the things you start. It is easy to make promises in an effort to make others happy, although not so easy to keep them. You spend your money recklessly, seldom reckoning whether you can afford to be so generous. The use of this name can cause weak ankles, a strong desire for such foods as sweets or pickles, which causes skin or liver troubles, and a desire to eat too quickly.

Despite his OCD, his life lacks order. Funny thing, that. Good thing he found me.

Oh...the birth-day...has turned into a birthday-week!

Cool with me...I wouldn't have it any other way!

Hope you have!...Just keep up the exercise and it will all balance out!

I pressed your link...but didn't see a pier!...What is it under?

mcmarto

Happy Birthday Kilogo!!!!:bd :tongue:arty: :tongue:arty: :bd Have a super day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

:balloons: :cake: :gift: :balloons:

Happy Birthday Kilogo

I hope you have a wonderful day!

I tried the name link and it was fairly accurate for me too! Weird?

Unfortunately I am unable to join you for your lobster and champagne invitiation, I think I replied too late anyway as you wanted the acceptances by yesterday. Sorry!

Best wishes!

Happy Birthday, Kill!!!!! Hope you enjoy your day!!!!

Good Morning!

And a fine birthday morning it is. Thank you all for the birthday wishes! You guys are great.

I am taking today off, as I said. Misty and I are going for a run soon. Then I'm going to go get myself a birthday present. I've decided I want another set of Sportblock dumbbells. I have the girlie set now -- the 3lb increments up to 21lbs dumbbells. It's not enough weight any more for too many of the sets I'm doing. So I'm going to buy the man's (boyish?) set: 5lbs increments up to 40lbs, I think. That should work nicely for the legs and I'll keep using the lighter weights for arms and such.

Hey, I'm looking forward to it. I want 'em and I need 'em.

McMarto -- Sorry, you have to click on the "Maps" link on that page that I posted. But here's the same picture: http://www.marathonrun.com/travel_tourism.htm

Take care, all.

Happy Birthday! :cheers:

I think it is only proper to have a little celebration on your birthday. And have fun shopping, too!

I believe I have already seen that pier (I think we went there last summer) but I suppose I ought to check the picture to be sure. Good for you on the running!

Don't try to deduce too much from the name Lutha...I picked it out of a Sheri Tepper book. Ann is my real middle name, by the way. I dropped it during my first marriage but picked it up again when I re-married since it seemed to fit better. You can tell I'm not all that attached to my names.

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Well, I can't check out the picture...at least from work. That site is not in an authorized category for me to visit!

...Feliz Cumpleanos!...

Now that is a nice pic...can't wait to see it whenever I visit!...hahahahahaha!

A gift for yourself is a great idea......let me know how all your fun days go........

Where do you buy the weights at?...

Hope you have a great day!

mcmarto

Hi Kilo,

Just popped in to wish you a Happy Birthday.

:bd :balloons:

Darlene :hippy:

Thanks Lutha, McMarto, Fleurange!

So you're not Lutha. That's good, now I can tell you that every time I read that nickname I start singing, "I live on the second floor, I live upstairs from you . . ." :D

My "alone" portion of my birthday is over and the bf is now futzing in the kitchen, getting the birthday feast prepared. Soon we will pop the cork on the champagne and open presents. So I am taking a little break and checking in here.

My day has been good so far. Got a couple of phone calls and a couple of cards in the mail. Took Misty to the park and had a light jog this morning. My legs hurt, so I took it easy. It was nice, though.

Got back to the truck and found a parking ticket on the windshield. Stupid me. But didn't that fool cop know it was my birthday!! You don't give a person a ticket on their birthday!! X-(

Oh well, not that big a deal.

Later I went shopping for my own birthday present. These Sportblocks aren't sold that many places, McMarto, but there's a place near here called LA Fitness or LA Sports or something like that. They have them. The boyish version of these weights cost $220. Yikes. I paid $120 for the girlie ones.

I bought them anyway. Shh. Yes I know this would pay for a membership at a gym full of weights for nearly a year. And yes I know I am soon to be unemployed. Just shaddup about it. It's my birthday and I want them. I put my cheapskate ways on hold and I bought them.

So I'd better use them to get buffed now, eh?

Must go . . .

Back now. Misty just barfed up her dinner. Less-than-favorable episode number two for today.

Anyway, food has been good so far today. That's soon to change, but I was having cravings for a Starbuck's mocha and then some birthday ice cream which I didn't give in to, so this day is going to end as planned, foodwise.

Sounds like a wonderful day and more to come !!! (except for the stupid ticket)

so for one month we are both 38 hahahah ....

Hope your entire day is awesome


:bd


Peng


:hug:

Hi Pengii! It's nice to be the same age as you. If only briefly!

My neck hurts.

I don't know if any of you are reading my BFL journal and I hate repeating myself, so I won't whine further about how my neck hurts.

But it really does hurt. :c(

Yes, I'm a wimp and a whiner and I know it. Sniff.

Back at work, back to reality? I should have only 2 days to go. I should be giddy with excitement this week. Others who did not get extended are certainly giddy. But no, I have to come back.

The lobster dinner was fantastic. Lobster was PERFECTLY done. That boy really impresses me sometimes. Well, most of the time. He also surprised me with a birthday pumpkin pie in lieu of a cake. He knows I love pumpkin pie. Mmm mmm.

Tonight is the drink with the girlfriends night. I don't feel good, my neck hurts, I want to go to bed with a heating pad. Oops, there I go whining again. I'm hoping to leave here in a couple of hours and have a few hours at home to tend to my achiness. I'm also tempted to put aside my aversion to all things medicinal and take an Advil for this.

Take an advil...then have a couple of drinks......you won't feel anything after that!...hahahahaha!!!

mcmarto

Good advice, mcmarto. It worked for a while.

Better today. Not great.

Catered lunch at work. Mexican food. I will practice prudence. Maybe.

Tomorrow I lose my job and become a contractor.

Happy day-before-your-last-day-as-a-real-employed-person!

Poor little necklette. I have not behaved well today. No fruit. No vegetables. (Oh wait! There was a tomato, sort of, on my grilled cheese sandwich.)

It is 4:39. There is still time to be healthy.

How does your hair look? Are you gorgeous?

Forget about the hair!

How was the Mexican?

mcmarto

So, I'm sitting here watching the Body for Life guy on the Today Show. He has a silly voice and a little boy's smile. Interesting. Did you see it?

No, of course not. You are LIVING the BFL, baby! You are exercising and eating cottage cheese and tomatoes, not laying around watching the Today Show! Duh.

So, the day has arrived. I have known you for quite a long time now. It will be official today. Congratulations. Even though you are staying for an additional month and a half as a contractor.

Enjoy yourself tonight, but not too much. No sense in jeopardizing your "after" photo, right?

Hi Kilogo

I'm pleased you enjoyed the lobster! Has your hankering gone now???

So, today's your last proper employed day - yippee. I hope you enjoy it.

I'm sorry to hear that your neck is hurting you. I hope you are feeling better today.

Thanks. Yes, today is the day I've been counting down to all this time. It has arrived at last. At 5, I will no longer be an employee. No health coverage, no vacation benefits, no life insurance, no retirement, no stock purchase plan. All gone. Poof. Also a significantly lessened ability to obtain credit cards, refinance my house, buy a car.

Unemployment has many down sides.

BUT -- independent contractor for another 5 months will actually be nice. I'll work through the winter and start my retirement closer to spring.

It's not like this is a surprise, eh? I'm still looking forward to the time off.

I have to go attend the first of many meetings this morning. This first one is with the whole group of us and will cover details of our severance payments.

Hankering for lobster gone? Oh no! Lobster will be mine again tomorrow night.

Will be back and talk about Bill Phillips soon . . .

Five MONTHS? When did that happen? Sheesh.

And why aren't you doing COBRA for your health insurance?

Oops. Five weeks. :o

COBRA is very expensive. I have no medical issues and need coverage for emergencies only. Dental, for instance, would cost me $42/month. I get my teeth cleaned twice a year. Cost is $80/visit. So pay $160/year with nothing or $504/year with COBRA? I haven't had a cavity in 10 years. Have never had major dental work done. No COBRA dental for me.

Same story with medical. COBRA wants $233/month. I see a real doctor about once every 2 years. So that one visit would cost me about $5500 under COBRA. About $150 with nothing.

All I really need is catastrophic coverage. The "what if I get hit by a car" coverage. I'm looking into that. For me, COBRA is no deal.

So, I have signed many many forms already today. Many more to come. This company is hugely paranoid about a lawsuit.

Chum, what did Bill Phillips have to say? I wonder what he's up to lately. I'm pretty sure he sold his company, EAS, a while ago. Is he roaming the countryside congratulating people who have succeeded with BFL? Yes, he has a dippy smile. I suspect he was born with it and didn't choose it himself. His voice never struck me one way or the other. You think it's silly? I do think he's gay. And that he's a great guy. Inspirational, even. I didn't see it because I'm at work, silly. I would have liked to.

I am BFLing along. This hasn't been a perfect week, but as I said I expected that. I've done less well than I had hoped but far bettr than I would have, normally.

Tonight I plan to enjoy myself but not severely damage my potential "after" picture. Or my trip to Mexico tomorrow. No tequila shots for me tonight. Bleah.

Oh, the neck is much better, thanks. Nothing but a tiny little twinge there now.

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

Oh...its 45 minutes until you are outta of there!

Oh............"Memories...."...ok...thats all I really know of that song!

hahahaha...have fun tonight...have a drink for me!...A Martini maybe?

mcmarto

I hope that 5 months reference wasn't wishful thinking...you have been so looking forward to your free time! But I can see the allure of continuing to bring in some $, oh yes.

I imagine that you are in Mexico now, enjoying your lobster dinner, or maybe on your way back. I hope it is/was just grand.

I admit I haven't been reading your BFL journal. Still, I am sorry to hear that your neck has been hurting. I hope it is getting better!

I hadn't even thought of that Lutha song you mentioned. It's Suzanne Vega, isn't it?

We ordered a GPS from Amazon.com today (I really must say we, because my DH was standing behind me giving me click-by-click directions--I asked why didn't he just order it, but I digress). One of the accessories won't be available for a week or two, and since I wanted the super saver shipping everything must come in one shipment, so I won't have any of it until February. That includes the exercise videos I ordered! Well at least I ordered them. And my DH is getting rather enthused about the geocaching now.

Hi. Back. Safe. Sound. All is well.

We came back tonight instead of tomorrow because our hotel was booked and we hadn't made reservations because they said they had tons of rooms available.

Which is actually ok. We got all we wanted to do done, ate the lobster (which was wonderful), and then came home. Saved ourselves the cost of the room.

It was a fun trip. I took a pile of pictures which I plan to put up on my diaryland site. I'll put the link here when I do.

I hope the 5 months wasn't wishful thinking, either. Maybe it's just going to FEEL like 5 months and that's why I wrote that. It's going to be ugly, no doubt about that.

My BFL journal is not very fascinating and isn't worth reading. It's a lot of "got up, did cardio" kind of entries. But a few people have dropped by to send me good wishes so I didn't want to be repeating myself if any of them had come by again recently.

And Lutha -- You ordered a GPS! How exciting. I hope you and DH have tons of fun with it. Congrats on swinging his opinion of geocaching towards the positive. What exercise videos did you get? So far Taebo is the only one I've found that I like enough to do repeatedly.

McMarto, baby. I had wine. I am a wino, no doubt about it. But HR chick was there and she saved me $1000 on my bonus check by pointing out a tax issue so I bought her a sour green apple 'tini. I think that's what she called it. She said it was tasty. Shall we say she drank it for you? The catered Mexican lunch was good, but all they had was chicken. I am allergic to chicken :( . So I had sides -- rice, beans, salad, salsa. They were tasty. And free. I also drank a root beer on Chum's behalf, just because it was there and it made me think of her. Wherever she may be. Lost in the empty, echoing chasm that is her own journal, no doubt.

So my extended birthday/layoff celebration week comes to an end. Tomorrow I'll probably watch some football (first games I will have watched this year. I'm going to a Super Bowl party and figure I ought to at least know who is playing, you see) but I plan to get back on the BFL eating program in a big way. I haven't stopped the weights/cardio, but this week was not a BFL eating week. As anticipated. It's ok.

Oh -- Yes, Suzanne Vega. And I know it's "Luka," not "Lutha." But close enough that your nickname brings that song to mind.
My name is Luka. I live on the second floor. I live upstairs from you. Yes I think you've seen me before . . .

hey,

I am glad to hear all is well with you. Congrats on your "unemployment". I hope you can find some catastrophic sort of coverage. That makes me nervous. You may be healthy now but what if something happened.... something serious but not catastrophic... The voice of gloom and doom. I have health coverage, it is dental and health and costs about $70 per month (that is about 50 US). My coverage is for dental and prescription end extended benefits (ie Naturopath, Massage Therapist, etc.). In Canada seeing a Dr. and surgery/hospital is free but drugs aren't so I think when I factor in the cost of even just the pill I don't pay that much.... I think 5500 sounds like way too much money. I don't know if I could do it.

Enjoy your football!!!

Sounds like a good week Kilo ! The five months shocked me when I saw it too lol I hope it doesnt feel like five months for you

Hope you have a great Sunday



:hug:


Peng

Ok! My baja trip in words and pictures is up:
http://kilogo.diaryland.com/030119_6.html

Hi Pengii! How nice to see you. We are going to have a kicking good time when we do Mexico together, oh yes. These 5 WEEKS may be fun, you never know. I know I have the freedom of quitting whenever I want now. I have my bonus check in hand and will lose nothing except the hourly wage if I do. That's a big relief right there.

Nanny, how nice of you to be concerned about my health insurance status. I found out there's a chance I can get onto the bf's health insurance even though we're not married, thanks to the gay lover ("life partner") laws that have gone into effect here. I hope so. He's going to ask about it at work tomorrow. He has a gay lover membership card at the Yacht Club because of his relationship with me.

Can I point out here that Canadian health insurance is not free? It's just that you pay for it through a significant tax burden (GST). So you all share the load of health cost versus paying specifically for your own needs. It seems to me that this would encourage people to see their doctor more often so that you get your tax money's worth. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some people in the US will avoid the doctor because of the cost. Are Canadians healthier than Americans because of this? I don't know.

I have been reading your journal, Nanny, but haven't posted because I have absolutely nothing to add to the current conversation. I've never seen ER or Joe Millionaire and have no input whatsoever on current fashions. I'm still waiting for jeans and a sweatshirt to become a fashion statement. Will you let me know when they do? I know it may be a while.

Hey -- Tampa Bay is in the Superbowl! This would be the one team that I have any affection for since I saw them play in Tampa a few months ago. So Go Bucs! Ha ha! Who would have guessed?

Hey,

I will try to write something in my journal that you can relate to. Sorry!!!! Tonight it won't be any better. I am watching the Golden Globes....

Thanks for pointing out my mistake re: Canadian Health Care. Also I will let you know that that I have not been living under some strange delusion regarding Canadian tax... I think Health Care is helped by the recent GST but it takes more than that. It is a big tax burden. But...... the tax system in Canada isn't so bad once you get used to it. It is also nice knowing that everyone has access to health care. I have never abused it. I see the Dr. a few times a year. I am going to a walk in clinic tomorrow as I have a strange rash all over my body. If I had to pay I wouldn't bother.....

Now I must go to my journal and talk Golden Globes.....

Hey Kil!

Loved the pic's!...The lobster looks so tastey!...It is on my list of places I must visit...lucky you!...You get to take me!...hahahaha!

Have a great week girl!

Instead of "rock on"...."BFL on!"

mc

Hi Kil

I checked out your pics this morning before I came to work and I must say they looked fantastic. No wonder you always want to go down there for lobster - I would too if I lived in your neck of the woods.

I hope your first day as a consultant is going well - I'm sure it is. Does it feel any different - I suppose it will be quite a lot quieter with a few people having gone on Friday. So, when you go in 5 weeks, will that be it - will there be nobody working there at all?

Hi kids,

Glad you liked the pictures! Sure, I'll take you there McMarto. Any time.

It is really quiet here, Mickey. You are so right. It feels a bit different but not much. I maybe as time goes on and I get my first 1099 check instead of a paycheck it will. I really didn't want to come in today, but did it anyway. Must forge on, I guess.

Nanny, you're funny. I don't think it's required that you discuss things in your journal that I can relate to. I did watch a few minutes of the Golden Globes, but my problem with that show is the same with all awards shows for me -- they read off 5 names or 5 shows and I have never even heard of 3 of them and haven't seen any of them. Doesn't make for meaningful awards for me.

I did see Jennifer Aniston win something. Brad Pitt looks awful with long hair.

What's up with the rash, Nanny?

Hey girl!

Are you bored?

What do they have you doing now?

I think B. Pitt looked like he had a mullet!

eyyyyyyyyyy!!!...Well.......I am currently fighting off a binge...I have been online for over 2 hours!...

I should go balance my checkbook out and get ready to head out...but I have a feeling I will stay in all day!

I am still having problems with my internet explorer (it will not let me view certain pages on sites...like my bank info...or order anything)...I was going to invite you to come onto my computer to see if you can figure out the problem...but I couldn't figure out how to do it...and...I didn't even know if it would work?...Have you ever done anything like this before?...

mcmarto

OK. I just realized I've not been to your journal in a couple of days. Shame on me. Forget everything I said in my journal. Sigh. I am evil. I must be destroyed.

I was thinking about what you said about being able to leave at any time now? That MUST be a huge relief for you. You are more the master of your destiny that way. I think everyone wants to be the master of their destinies in some way.

You had a root beer and thought of me. You brought tears to my eyes. I never knew we had such a...connection...sniff sniff.
:c(

I would support basic health care for everyone if taxes would be paid by everyone with an income. Taxing products is a good way to do that. If you buy anything, you help to support health care for all. With our income tax system, those who manage to get paid "under the table" and don't report cash earnings are shirking their responsibilities and placing an undue burden on people like me who do pay their taxes.

That annoys me a great deal, btw. My political screech of the day. Pay your damn taxes. Or else don't use the roads, don't ever need the police or fire dept, don't vote, and don't participate as a member of this society.

Slackers. Leeches. Can you tell this annoys me a great deal?

Hope you feel better McMarto. AOL still sucks. I've heard Time Warner is thinking of selling it off. Hee.

Sniff, Chum. Root beer connected we are. It's still not water, though.

Rumours of a second rate health care system here in Canada are highly exaggerated. I think it is mostly propaganda fueled. I went to a clinic yesterday (My Dr. doesn't work Mondays) and it took just 45 minutes in and out. I think that is OK. I have never really had to wait for any services. I don't know anyone who has. Of course we have our faults, can any system be perfect? Brain drain is a big issue here. We have a Dr. shortage. Why work for 250 Grand CND when you can make 400 Grand US and have more tax shelters. They are the Doctors I hate. We have a shortage here so we accept more students at our wonderful and low priced med schools. Well guess who pays for the inexpensive tuition.... tax payers of course. How are we repaid.... by a large percentage of our grads fleeing the country. They are trying to fix this. My home province will pay for med school if the grad signs a contract to practice in the province for X # of years (5-7???). The thing I like about our system is that it is not ruled by drug companies. Drugs are less expensive here. Significantly less expensive. I don't understand how you guys can afford drugs. I had pneumonia in Chicago and by the time I got my antibiotics, puffer and cough medicine it was $200 US dollars. I priced the same drugs in Canada and the total was about $80 CND. No wonder Seniors take road trips across the border to fill their scrips. I could go on and on.

Just a quick note. I do pay taxes. And another quick note. The Goods and Service tax is paid by all but there are rebates for some. Because my income is in a lower tax bracket (17% or so) I get a quarterly $70. reimbursement. Income tax is high in Canada when you are a high wage earner. I am never bothered by Income tax, I am just bothered by my low income.

I will end this healthcare talk as it is a pointless topic. I think it is a frustrating issue in all countries. I am sure even Sweden has healthcare issue.

I hope you have a lovely rest of the day. Sorry to use your journal as a soapbox...

Andrea

Soapbox away, Nanny. And look, not one mention of how George Clooney may feel about health issues! Ha!

It is pointless to argue it here and I don't think any country does it perfectly, either. Ours is certainly wrong. I pay taxes too. Lots of them. They took 29% of my bonus check in taxes, in fact. B@stards. If everyone who had income paid income tax I wouldn't be bothered by it either.

BUT, there is hope on the gay lover insurance possibility with the bf. He looked at his employee benefits handbook and it specifically said "immediate family only: Spouse and juvenile children." But he contacted the company directly and they said that yes, there is a new law that provides "life partners" coverage.

BUT -- they only have one enrollment period per year and it ended Jan. 1. So I may be SOL yet. They are going to try to submit me and make it retroactive to the 1st. We'll see. They also haven't given us a quote on the cost. It may end up being more than COBRA, thus making the whole issue moot.

Sigh. Being unemployed sucks in this regard. I paid $28/mo for full coverage as an employee.

Tried to view your pictures but the Big Brother software here at work won't let me...I'll have to do it at home. I opened your journal at home, read the entries but then was too tired to respond (such an exhausting journal!).

I definitely pay my taxes. Moreover, although I'm no expert I wish they wouldn't give universal tax rebates or lower the rates only to have to raise them again soon afterwards! They cut the vehicle license fees in California, and now they will have to bring them up again. Couldn't they have just kept the rates constant and saved some money for the crisis which was sure to come?

I'll have to pull for Tampa Bay, since I was brought up to hate the Raiders. Hate is a pretty strong word to use considering I don't ever follow football any more...like since I was in high school! Actually I suggested to my DH that we tape the game (he likes to watch the commercials) and go out and enjoy the afternoon.

It just goes to show how faulty my memory is...I would never have questioned if you said that Suzanne Vega song was about Lutha rather than Luka!

My information may be a bit outdated, but I think that each employer gets to decide whether to offer health insurance to the domestic partners of employees. When I was on the Board of my employees' association a few years ago, we were getting lots of pressure from interested employees to make the domestic partner health insurance an issue with the County of San Bernardino. I can't remember now whether the Association agreed to take it forward. Oops...just saw that I hadn't read your post carefully enough. A new law!

It also depends on the health insurance company, and what they offer to companies of that size. Learned this the hard way.

Insurance?...Hey...how is the BFL coming along!?

mcmarto

BFL is great. And I bought a Nordic Track on Ebay today! Wahoo! It appears to be a very nice one and I got a great price on it. The bf is going to pick it up tomorrow morning on his way to work, so I should be Nordic Tracking for cardio on Thurs. I can't wait!

I love the Nordic Track. I used to use it at the gym all the time. For some reason people seemed to hate it and so it was always available at the gym when everything else was in use. And so many of the used ones for sale say, "like new, used maybe twice." It's a great workout. Whole body involvement, great cardio, burns lots o' calories. I have high hopes for this device.

He said "new law" on the domestic partner insurance but I'm not at all sure if that's the case or if his company just made a new policy. I guess I'll find out.

Oh - Lutha - You probably already know this but the Big Brother software is probably logging the name of the site you were trying to access and your userid as doing it. Scary stuff. Chances are nobody is reviewing those logs, but you never know.

I think going out during the Superbowl is a great idea. It should be quiet everywhere. Al Davis precludes any potential affection for the Raiders for me. Bad Al.

And I never knew I was exhausting. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that one. I do think politicians give tax rebates to try to make themselves popular. It does seem stupid to keep taxing, rebating, and then taxing again.

Cute piggy picture :) Just wanted to tell you that!:wave:

Hi, I was just checking in to see how the BFL is coming along. But I can answer an important question above: Canadians definitely must be healthier. It come from all the exercise we get from shivering!
Pat

Hey! New faces! Nice to see you.

Thanks, Bettyboop. I was very excited when I found this piggy. Took me hours to get it small enough to fit as an avatar, too. But I think it was worth it. It's so me.

Patricians, hi! The BFL saga is over in the BFL forum. I'm doing well. So shivering makes you healthy, eh? Brrrr.

The bf picked up the Nordic Track this morning. I haven't seen it yet, but he says it's in great shape. I can't wait!