My HCG Journal. Looks like I need to start one!

[privatediva]

Write him lots of letters. I wrote Amy every day and mailed her lots of pictures. She said it really helped to get letters from us everyday. She got more mail than anybody and that made her feel good. She leaves tomorrow, but I've mailed two letters while she was here, so she won't have much of a lag in mail when she gets back. I don't always have a lot to say...sometimes I send her puzzles or jokes...just stuff. Anything. She doesn't care, she is just happy to get an envelope and a "love, mom"...I have sent lots of cartoons, lolcats pictures, silly stuff off the internet etc...along with the most mundane of everyday goings on in the family, work etc.

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by privatediva

Write him lots of letters. I wrote Amy every day and mailed her lots of pictures. She said it really helped to get letters from us everyday. She got more mail than anybody and that made her feel good. She leaves tomorrow, but I've mailed two letters while she was here, so she won't have much of a lag in mail when she gets back. I don't always have a lot to say...sometimes I send her puzzles or jokes...just stuff. Anything. She doesn't care, she is just happy to get an envelope and a "love, mom"...I have sent lots of cartoons, lolcats pictures, silly stuff off the internet etc...along with the most mundane of everyday goings on in the family, work etc.

That's so true! I remember how much it meant to get daily letters. Some people rarely got any so it really annoys those who don't. My significant other at the time was the one sending me letters with pictures every day. Sometimes he stamped the envelope or letter with the dog's muddy paw print.

Tammy, start sending stuff now! And keep them coming! Very good advice, Deb. That's so great that you had them in the out-going mail before she even left again.

[privatediva]

Tammy probably won't be able to send anything until he's through reception and writes her first. They get shipped and then there is a week or so where they're just in limbo...getting their uniforms, glasses, business taken care of...then they get sent to be with their company and get set up in their barracks. That's when they are able to send a card with their address. She may get a couple of phone calls before that, but there isn't a place to write to until you here from them after they're out of reception. What I did was write anyway...every day. Kind of like a blog. I just kept adding to it (dating with each new day) and when I finally heard from her, I printed it off and mailed it. Consequently, her first letter from me was about 12 pages long. She was excited. I also emailed her address to every girl she ever played basketball with (Amy was an NCAA small forward in college) from elementary school through college, all her friends, relatives and coaches. She had a nice steady stream of mail from people besides me also. It kept her spirits high, and it also kept her busy writing them back in her "personal time".

[CherylB]

First "w"itch of the season, girls. I've been calling for oil to be delivered since 12/28 (I qualify for energy assistance.) You call and leave your information on a line and then they call the oil deliverer and eventually you get oil. Well, today is day six and I still hadn't gotten any. I woke to an emptry tank and the temps today are in the 20's with a wind chill in the single digits. Winter has finally arrived.

I called them again and said "don't send me to a voice mail! I need to speak to someone." Turns out they still hadn't ordered my oil and she couldn't tell me why. So, they still have 72 hours to get the oil to me, and since the pilot light needs to be lit (second time this season, but first time because of them), I need to be home when he comes.

I have barn duty today, a session in the office at the farm tomorrow and barn duty again on Friday. When I'm with the horses I have to put the phone ringer on vibrate and I can only hope that I feel it go off through all those clothes I'll be wearing.

Top it all off, when I went in the basement to see if there was any sign of oil having been delivered, I noticed something wet near the door of my upright freezer. The freezer has died and so has a nice spiral ham I purchased in December. I had a full freezer and don't even want to think about what else was in there. I'll be tossing it all later today.

What else... oh yeah! My dog is barfing again. She barfed that one day after being at my sister's house on 12/26 but she's been fine ever since. That is up until last night. Four separate silent barfs all told this time. However, this time she's acting normal and is still interested in food and playing.

Happy New Year!!!!

[paulabob]

Oooh, not a fun time. Hope things turn around quickly and you stay warm!

[Cruzcrzy]

Cheryl,

thinking of you! How are you doing?

[verbqueen]

Cheryl, I've had you on my mind. If you're reading while you're not posting, I hope you know that your friends are thinking of you and praying for you.

[CherylB]

Thanks so much, ladies. I haven't been reading but I just came in to see if anyone noticed my signature! LOL. I need to find my center. I don't know if y'all know what I mean, but I need to get back to what got me on the losing path and then I can rejoin you. I just can't find where I left it.

God bless you much and I'll see you again soon. (((HUGS)))

[CherylB]

Just so you know I'm alive, the oil was delivered this morning and the furnace restarted but when I awoke the house was cold. I turned up the thermostats and saw that nothing was happening. Long story short, the oil guy called his mechanic who came and spent several intense hours here with me (continually checking him and such) and finally he left.

He cleaned the furnace (twice, half-@$$'d) and finally I got him to depart. The smoke coming from the chimney was so intense that a neighbor came and rang the doorbell. I went out and saw the thick blackish-grey smoke spreading around the neighborhood and assured him all was "well."

The smoke in the basement was also intense. I have two fans blowing the air around and the basement hatch doors open. It's freaking cold outside but I'd rather live than be comfortable. It smells like a cheesy auto mechanic's shop in here and there is nothing I can do about it.

I learned that my great-nephew's mother had a break-in yesterday and all their high-end electronics were stolen. No insurance. In comparison, I'm doing well. However, with the basement hatch doors wide open, I've taken certain precautions. I bought a locked doorknob (but was too lazy to install it tonight) and I locked the side patio gate. I propped a cheap painting against the basement door so if someone tries to enter I have time to grab the firearm. I'm not paranoid, just prepared.

Other than that, all is well! Car is still running, still have food and drink to eat, clothes to wear and I just got paid! (Thanks social security.) And on top of all that, we got a raise for the first time in about 2 years! Woohoo!

So, I'll be around, I just won't be pretending to diet. Not until I get things under control. Things are nowhere near under control right now. Thank you for your prayers and concern. Don't worry, but do pray. I need them! I'll be back, stronger than ever. I know it.

[C'Marie]

Hi Cheryl and all.... I just stopped by to say hi. I started P2 again, going to get to ultimate goal this year-weightloss and health. Sure takes long enough! LOL.

Sorry you're having a time of it, Cheryl. Prayers to you my friend.

[minimonkey]

Hugs, Cheryl! I've been sending prayers your way -- I know you are going through rough times right now.

Stay safe and warm!!

[dazygyrl]

cheryl....you'll get there...i'm so sorry things are tough right now...know i'm thinking about you.

[paulabob]

Thinking of you Cheryl...glad pay day came & good luck with those horses (and the weather!)

[Cruzcrzy]

Hi Cheryl,

thanks for checking in. I was getting worried. Having heat, and payday is certainily going in the RIGHT direction. I know things will continue to improve. You are in my thoughts and prayers, sweet friend.

[verbqueen]

Love you, Cheryl. Hang in there.

[CherylB]

Thank you, lovely ladies. I'm just checking in on the journal to report that the furnace is leaking water on the basement floor, it won't turn on when I turn the thermostats but will turn on when I push the reset button on the furnace itself, but then only runs a few moments (about as long as it takes for me to get back upstairs.) This furnace may be on its way out.

I called the mechanic and left him a voicemail. If he can come back today, maybe he can see where the water is leaking from and maybe it has something to do with why it keeps shutting off. (Pressure problems or something.) It's not bitter cold right now so I am not feeling it too much.

I'll post updates here until this situation has a real and lasting outcome. Thanks so much for all of your prayers. I love you.

[tay65]

Sorry about the furnace issue. geeze!
Hang in there, you'll find your way back.
That raise was a joke! Why do they call it a cost of living raise? I laughed at my check!
Good luck on the farm too.

[CherylB]

FIXED!!! He only charged me for the part and nothing for the labor. Pray for Phil Wygant that he be richly rewarded for his kindess and patience toward me. He spent hours here over the past 2 days and he deserves some blessings.

Tammy, don't know if you got my PM but I sent you one the evening I bailed on LCF. I am thinking of you and know how hard the times are that you are going through, too.

[Cruzcrzy]

Hi Cheryl,

thinking of you! I hope things are looking up for you and you are staying warm.

[tay65]

I know its hard to find a repairman who isn't hurrying to get things done. Glad you're nice and warm now.
I'm doing ok. My son will probably call Sunday. I think about him alll the time and hubby spends alot of time in his room watching tv. We miss him.
Oh, I got your pm. Its hard to use it on my phone.

[CherylB]

Ok, Tammy. Glad you got it. Also glad you are feeling better.

Marie (and all you others who may still be hanging around,) the furnace is working like a charm again. I have one window in the room beside my bedroom that has a loose panel of glass. I keep it covered in plastic year round. Since the furnace has been worked on, the window rattles the entire time it's running. Small price to pay to have heat and hot water.

I cancelled on the barn today. It's warm and I don't think they'll have trouble getting someone to take my place today. Actually, it's the best day for weather of the four days I've been on schedule so far. Naturally, I decide to take today off. I just feel "spent" and I needed to take a personal day. I just told them the furnace was acting up and someone was coming. Truth, but askew a bit.

I really feel terrible physically. My hands ache like they used to. My left hip and knee also ache and are stiff. I know it's the way I'm treating my body right now, and I know that if I can even just slide into Atkins for a few weeks, I'll be feeling much better. Each passing day I try to see how ready I am, and each day goes by just like the one before it.

I wish I could live on rice and beans. I could save a TON of money but I know I'd be feeling achey and stiff all the time. The thought has crossed my mind, though. Lots of thoughts have been crossing my mind. My mind is the most active part about me.

God bless you, ladies. I'm not going anywhere but here (my journal.) Not until I get my act together again. I'm actually shocked that I'm posting here as much as I have been. Seems selfish to not post when people are worried about you and taking the time to pray. It's the least I can do to let you know how things are going.

[paulabob]

Keep talking Cheryl, isolating yourself won't help! We are still here.

I'm the queen of budget shopping...I can feed a family of 4 for $65 a week...and still get plenty of meat. It requires hitting several grocery stores though. And I can't send my DH to pick up a couple items...he always impulse buys (not that I'm perfect!).

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by paulabob

Keep talking Cheryl, isolating yourself won't help! We are still here.

I'm the queen of budget shopping...I can feed a family of 4 for $65 a week...and still get plenty of meat. It requires hitting several grocery stores though. And I can't send my DH to pick up a couple items...he always impulse buys (not that I'm perfect!).

That's me: Impulse Girl. I am so impulsive that last night, while Under the Influence, I signed up for two adult ed classes online. Beginning guitar (signed up for that one about 3 times, only to have them cancel the class for lack of participants) and beginning Line Dancing (also cancelled once for low participants.) We shall see.

I do pretty well with buying meat that has been marked down due to the sale date, and freezing it for the future. But my upright freezer in my basement died recently and all the food spoiled. I now have little freezer space to store stuff. I loved that freezer.

[catjrow3]

Just checking in with you too Cheryl, miss you hun. Hope you find your "mojo" again soon, whatever it is... and know that we are all thinking about you and care that you are okay!! Feel better soon!!

[CherylB]

That's weird. I was just thinking about you, Cathy. I really hope you are finding your groove. Maybe you can inspire me!

[catjrow3]

Originally Posted by CherylB

That's weird. I was just thinking about you, Cathy. I really hope you are finding your groove. Maybe you can inspire me!

No... I wish I was... but since I am jumping all over, I thought one more good try for HCG. I just finished (literally) mixing up a batch of injections and gave myself one (have not eaten all that great today anyway) and will be going out tomorrow to the melting pot for my 12th anniversary, so Sunday will try again for HCG strict as I can and see where I land. I do completely understand your feelings though!!! hoping you find the groove (any groove) soon!!

[paulabob]

All I can say is this day was awful...glad I'm home and fed now (and all good P3 foods). Hope everyone's day was better! I'm already in my PJs...I could live in PJs!

Going to make some lotion, read a book, and drink some wine...

Hope everyone finds their groove soon...or enjoys some maintenance with me! SO not ready for hcg yet!

[paulabob]

Originally Posted by paulabob

All I can say is this day was awful...glad I'm home and fed now (and all good P3 foods). Hope everyone's day was better! I'm already in my PJs...I could live in PJs!

Woops, somehow thought I was on the rogue thread Cheryl!

Feeling better, lotion made, comedy show on tv. Teenager away right now, DD playing kindle quietly...

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by catjrow3

No... I wish I was... but since I am jumping all over, I thought one more good try for HCG. I just finished (literally) mixing up a batch of injections and gave myself one (have not eaten all that great today anyway) and will be going out tomorrow to the melting pot for my 12th anniversary, so Sunday will try again for HCG strict as I can and see where I land. I do completely understand your feelings though!!! hoping you find the groove (any groove) soon!!

I hope it goes well for you, Cathy! I think we need a paradigm shift. A different way of looking at dieting and living a healthy life, so that we never go off the deep end and binge and regain. This cycle of insanity is just killing my spirit and taxing my body. (BTW, 182.2 today.)

Happy Anniversary!!!

Originally Posted by paulabob

All I can say is this day was awful...glad I'm home and fed now (and all good P3 foods). Hope everyone's day was better! I'm already in my PJs...I could live in PJs!

Going to make some lotion, read a book, and drink some wine...

Hope everyone finds their groove soon...or enjoys some maintenance with me! SO not ready for hcg yet!

Originally Posted by paulabob

Woops, somehow thought I was on the rogue thread Cheryl!

Feeling better, lotion made, comedy show on tv. Teenager away right now, DD playing kindle quietly...

That's okay! I wouldn't have read it if you hadn't goofed. I love PJ's too. They are by far my favorite articles of clothing. Enjoy maintenance!

[catjrow3]

Originally Posted by CherylB

I hope it goes well for you, Cathy! I think we need a paradigm shift. A different way of looking at dieting and living a healthy life, so that we never go off the deep end and binge and regain. This cycle of insanity is just killing my spirit and taxing my body. (BTW, 182.2 today.)

Happy Anniversary!!!

Mines not much better either, so I totally hear you, and thanks for the anniversary wishes... Chocolate melting pot... (fondue..) YUMMO... Last hoo rah!! I just need to paste my fat photos all over again and remind me why I dont want to eat anymore...