Old Timers and Newbies!

[*Pear*]

Wow, woke up to 5" of snow on the ground. Lauren had to leave her car at the movie theater and get a ride home last night with a dad of one of her friends who had 4 wheel drive. I guess the roads were awful. Today we get to go and pick her car up. I'm waiting for the thaw to happen.

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by *Pear*

Click, so glad you checked in, we were worried about you young lady!

One was the magic jack and the other was your old prepaid phone that you were going to let go, but maybe I had the number wrong.

I'm sorry you are working so very hard. Are you signed up for the CNA exam next week?

I see you posted another loss, congrats!

Politics, Politics, Politics, and more Politics!!!!! I went to sign up for the CNA test...drove all the way to the cities in between cleaning 5 places that day...only to find out now...that you can't just "test-out"! You have to pay the $500 something...plus buy their books...take their stupid class...first...then, take the test. You used to be able to just go take the test. Now, they want proof on a transcript of taking the class. This must have changed within the last three years, as my friend's daughter tested out 3 years ago...without taking the dumb class. This really stinks, as this would have opened the door for two things. I have a friend that is a Nurse at an area hospital, and she said that she would be able to get me in there as a CNA. (Which would be much better than at a Nursing Home.) Plus, the hospital has tuition reimbursement of $1,000/year. Not to mention, if I'm not accepted into the RN Nursing Program for next year...I WAS going to register into the LPN Program. They require you to be a CNA first. Then, I could've applied to the RN Program next year, and taken their LPN/RN mobility Program, and been done (It's much easier to get in that way). Everything is always difficult for me, and I always have to fight for what ever successes I ever achieve. Not that I am complaining, but I just wish that things could go smoothly for once.

[Lost and Found]

Well, I still have two essays to write before midnight, and laundry to do (I'm still not used to paying to do my wash, or not being able to throw a load in the washer or dryer, and then, doing something else.). Then, I have to go and clean the vet's...and be at the bar and grill to clean by 5am. Then have the son to school in between 7 and 7:30 am. I'm thinking that I probably won't go to bed tonight...until I'm done cleaning at the bar and grill, and taking the son to school.

Just wanted to let you all know that I tried the spaghetti squash, and really liked it. I made it with butter, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. I could eat it every day, and would not mind using it as "noodles". I could imagine it with spaghetti sauce, alfredo sauce, etc...!!! I really liked it.

[Lost and Found]

Originally Posted by Tooter

It seems like you have problems with the processed meats. It could be sugar and/or Salt.

Lot's of people have problems with Ham.

Hey, that's a good thing to know, about the processed meats. That way if you choose to eat them, you'll know there will be a little water weight gain with them.

My fingers always swell if I eat too much ham. I think that the salt content is high.

[*Pear*]

Oooh dear, Click, that really stinks about having to take that class before your CNA exam. I wish I knew what to tell you. Can you save up for it? Can you put it on a card so you can start making the money to pay it back?

[*Pear*]

My daughter just baked up a batch of cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting. Oh my, they smell soooo good. I decided to whip up a batch of cream cheese frosting because everyone knows thats the best part.

Pear's Cinnamon Rolls

8oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup splenda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon extract (optional)

I whipped these together. Then I added in some cinnamon (for the cinnamon roll taste) and some brown sugar twin (not sure if it helped).

Wow, that really took care of the craving. I had a little bit and then I put this in a small container and put it in the fridge for the next craving.

Ran it through Sparkpeople and it came out 35 carbs for the whole batch, but I eat it with a tiny spoon and I'll get alot of servings out of it.

[Lost and Found]

Good morning everyone. I overslept. I guess that I was expecting too much of myself. I will need to go and clean the bar/grill after dropping off the son...instead of before. This will be my last day cleaning there, as my co-worker will be back tonight. I will, also, be filling in for her...one last time...at the clinic tonight as well.

There must be something wrong with the scale. So, I'm not changing my stats until I see the same thing tomorrow. I weighed myself three times this morning...because I didn't believe what I saw...187.5? How could that be? The last time that I weighed, the scale said 192.

Through all of this, I have only gone down 2 pant sizes...no big changes like Pear has experienced. The pair of jeans that I started out in, were the kind that have give to them. Levi's made them...it's like the denim has some kind of stretch to them. The pair of Levi's that fit now, are old ones that I've hung on to for years, and are plain old Levi's...no stretch. I don't really like them, as I've grown used to the non-straight leg cut. I don't like straight legs anymore. I guess that they will have to do. I could be wearing the ones that are 2 sizes too big, and then some...with the stretch. So, I won't complain.

[Tooter]

Good Morning!! Ailuros, where is my coffee?









It's so good to see that Lostandfound checked in. She also PM'd me her phone number (the new one) so I feel good that we can contact her and check on her.

Click, You are going to get through this. Things tend to come in "Seasons" and Cycles. It's like all Good and All bad/stressful come at once. Hang in there, you are SOooooooooooooooo over due for the "All Good". It will happen.


I won't be on much today. My MIL broke her leg (hairline fracture) and she says that she doesn't "Need" me, but I am going to her house today, anyways. Even if there is nothing that I can "Do" for her, a little visit might just lift her spirits.

You all have a fantastic day!!!

I'll catch up with you later.

[Ailuros]

Tooter, sorry I didn't get your coffee ready this morning - my attention was fully occupied by my two five year old guests . They've gone home now, so we're gradually getting back to normal around here. The girls are very sweet, but they just never seem to pause for breath!

I hope your MIL is OK.

Click, it's good to hear from you again. Sorry everything's so hard for you at the moment .

Pear, I hope the snow's thawing a bit. I'll try to send you a bit of our spring sunshine.

[Tooter]

Oh Dear GOD!! I can't stop crying.

I was getting ready to go to my MIL's and the Phone rang. It was my Sister. One of our Dear Friends' Son Died last night. I used to baby sit him.

OMG!

He was in the Army Reserves, had gotten out and became a border patrol for California. He died at 2:00 am in a one car crash after his patrol was over.

Dear God. He was only 28 years old. My poor friend. I can't imagine. My heart is just breaking for her and her other children.

[Ailuros]

Tooter, how terrible!

[Tooter]

Cathy was one of those friends that you didn't have to see all the time, nor hang out with...But we were always "there" for each other.

All I can do is "go" to her. Oh, Dear God. This woman has been through so much. She has had such a full plate and one thing after the other. I don't know how she is going to cope.

She is single Mom who works full time and is a full time pastor.


I tried to call. They are not answering.

I'll go to my MIL's and then I will just go to Cathy's house. I know there is nothing I can say or do to help. All I can do is let her know I love her and "Be There".


I'm sorry guys, I just need to get this out. I have to get my "act" together before I go to MIL's.

I called hubby at work and told him. My "Boys" are starting to call me. They always had called Cathy..."Aunt Cathy". Their hearts are breaking for her as well.

[Tooter]

I keep thinking of a conversation we had when My Son was in Iraq. A Helicopter "went down" and I didn't know if my son was on it (He had called me before it went down and he was taking a Helicopter trip...)

I was beside myself. It was like 24 hours before we knew anything. People were calling the house because they had seen the news.

Cathy wanted me to know that she was "praying" and said I shouldn't be fearful because God didn't heal him (Long story, My son had a documented complete Healing of his heart) Anyways, she said "God didn't heal him for him to die in Iraq, that God had bigger plans for him". I told her "God never promised me he would live forever and he doesn't have supernatural protection. Anyone can die at any time".

I'm sure my words are hitting home to her now, but I was honest. It's just horribly ironic.

[Tooter]

If any of you could send Prayers For Cathy, Please do.

While you are at it, send some for me, asking God to give me "Wisdom" to be a Good friend on how to help her through this.


Thank you.

[Ailuros]

Originally Posted by Tooter

If any of you could send Prayers For Cathy, Please do.

While you are at it, send some for me, asking God to give me "Wisdom" to be a Good friend on how to help her through this.


Thank you.

Of course. And I'm sure that while nothing can make it better for your friend at the moment, it will mean a lot to her that you're there for her.

[*Pear*]

Wow, Tooter, so sorry to hear about your MIL and your friend's son. I guess we never know when our time is going to be up. Sending love and hugs your way and will keep Cathy in my prayers.

Click, 2 sizes is nothing to sneeze at. I've only gone from 20 to 16. I had some 22's but they were kinda big on me already. You should feel good about that. Now that some of those cleaning jobs are ending you can take a breath and catch up with yourself a little. PM me your phone number so I can make sure I have it correct in my phone.

Ailuros, glad things are getting back to normal at your house also.

Hubby's parents had a big open house yesterday for their 40th anniversary, but mostly because Hubby is there. They expected about 10 - 20 people, but they must have had about 50. Hubby said there were people from all the phases of his life there, even from elementary school showing up. He said it was sooo cool and amazing, he never would have thought.

[Ailuros]

Tooter, I hope you are getting some looking after from your family while you spend time with your friend and MIL.

Pear, it sounds as if your husband is having fun. What a shame you couldn't be there too .

[*Pear*]

Guess what? Its snowing/raining/hailing/thundering/lightning and sunny! I hope its just a crazy April Fools joke.

[Tooter]

MIL is doing good. Thank goodness, it's not a bad break, but at her age we must be very careful. She had gone to the emergency room, they did ex-rays and had put her in one of those "walking boot" type things. The only problem is my MIL is very short, so it doesn't fit her very well at all. She sees her normal Doctor today and we will know more after her visit.

My Friend had already left for California. No one was at her house. Her front porch was full of cases of soda and cases of Snacks. It was from her churches. She actually keeps 4 rural churches going. Without her, they would have had to close down.

When I got home, late yesterday afternoon, I just went to bed and took a nap. I must have really needed it.

Still know word on the "viewing" or when they will be back, but people at her church are keeping me informed.

When she gets back, I plan on cooking up a bunch of food and taking it over. I realize that her churches will be doing that too, but...It's what I do. I cook.

I'll go there to the viewing and funeral. I also plan on showing up at her church when she starts preaching again. That's a way I can "support" her.

Then I'll just try to be there, when she is ready to get her "going" again. Try to get her to do things with me and some other friends.

All I can do is "be There".

[Ailuros]

I'm sure it will be important for somebody who's not one of her "flock" to be around for support, Tooter. It sounds as if your friend's the sort of person who is more used to supporting others than being supported.

I'm glad your MIL is doing OK, too.

We had a nice quiet day yesterday after a fun, but exhausting weekend. I've just heard that the new bed we ordered in the January sales is going to be delivered tomorrow, so I'm finishing clearing up the clutter in the bedroom so it will look nice - and also to make a bit more room, because the new bed is a bit bigger than the old one.

[Tooter]

Ailuros, how exciting on the New bed. With moving everything around, it will seem like a brand new room!!! We need before and after pics!

Cathy was exhausted before all this happened. She has a full time job (because the church can't afford the salary nor health care plan that she needs). Then she is full time in charge of 4 churches and would rotate each month the days she would Preach at each church. There were some family problems with the Other 2 kids that she had gone through, plus a divorce from her husband and constant problems there. The woman has been running on empty for awhile.

She and I are the type of friends that don't have to "be there" all the time in each others lives, but we both always show up (seemingly out of the blue) when we need each other. It's what I describe as a "True" friend. Time, means nothing. There is a true and deep connection there. It's hard to put into words. Over the last 15 years, it has always been like that.

[*Pear*]

[Ailuros]

Good morning .

How are you all doing? I've picked up a cold . It's not especially bad, but I'm being a wimp about it .

The new bed is supposed to be arriving this afternoon. Tooter, the room won't really look much different - we haven't changed the layout, because there's only one wall in the room where the bed can go (bay window on one side, fitted wardrobes on one, doors to landing and bathroom on one). All we've done is tinker a bit so the bedside tables can be moved over to accommodate the change from a 4' 6" bed to a 5' 6" one.

Have you heard from Cathy, Tooter? Your relationship with her sounds like mine with the friend who came last weekend. We met when we were nine and my family moved house, so I started going to her school. We haven't lived near each other since we left school at 18, and sometimes we've had more contact, sometimes not so much, but we can always just pick up where we left off. Luckily our husbands get on very well, so they're both happy to visit.

L&F are you still keeping your head above the water?

Pear, Jean, what are you up to?

[*Pear*]

Stopping by to say Hi.

I hit a new goal today. I weighed in at 199.8 I am now over halfway to goal.

Tooter and Click, how are you holding up?

Ailuros, are you moving up from a queen size to a king size bed? The extra room in the king size is really nice. I hope you get plenty of rest in your new bed and that you feel better in the morning.

Here I am this morning officially in Onederland, wearing the new sweater I finished last night.

[Ailuros]

Congratulations on the weight loss, Pear . You're looking good .

Our old bed was a standard double, and the new one is half way between a queen and a king, but a bit longer. I'll report back in the morning .

[Tooter]

PEAR!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!