lindaa

Carla, I was just about to write about how positive you sounded, and how glad I was to hear about your fun evening out. I was going to say that it's OK to have men just as friends--some of the best relationships start out that way. Then I read the next post. Darn her! Hope you didn't pay it! Blow it off, Carla--it's her problem. Don't interfere. Hey--what's up with Karri? Janet--you must hear from her. How was Vegas and how is she doing? Candice--hon--here I thought if I posted more often I'd be able to keep up with you. You must be so buzy exercising that you don't have time to post? I took Janet's advice and fried up some ground beef and got all the stuff for the kids to make tacos whenever they show up--which I think will be tomorrow night. I also went to Costco today and bought a big pork shoulder roast which is roasting now and I will make a crock pot of barbeque for Monday when some of their HS friends will be comming over to say "Hi" before they all go back. Not the kind of food I should be eating--I know, I know. . .

Hey all. Cora still wasn't feeling better so yestarday I had her all day and both kids in the afternoon. A coworker came over too for me to help her with curriculum. Tim was working on some paper he's hoping to get published, so there was quite a bit going on. Went to work today to get some things done--classes start in 1 1/2 weeks, and after the kids leave next week I've got to go to Minneapolis for 3 days and by the time I get home from that it will be time to get serious about going back to work. :redface: :eek: did I mention that I will be at 125-130%? The only thing that makes it bearable is knowing that this is the last year. Leg really aches after running after a 2-year-old for 3 days. I found a Zumba class and my neighbor is excited about taking it with me--we'll see how that goes. It starts after Labor day. Gotta start supper for Mel and Tim. I can't plan anything b/c I never know what anyone's plans are. Mel does his own thing--Tim doesn't know where he is and neither do I. I'll pick Mindy and new bf up at the airport tomorrow, but I think they're going right up to Green Bay--heard a rumor that they have tickets to a Packer scrimmage tomorrow night. I'm the last to know these things. Maybe I'll see her at the triathalon on Sunday? Packer game? It must be the end of summer. . .

Aww, Phyl. You sound miserable, and when you give up going to events you enjoy, it's gotta be bad. I've never been to a chiro either, but some people swear by them. What I have been told is to make sure that they do a complete workup including x-rays before they touch you. If you go to a guy who just takes you into a back room and starts messing with you, run away. (ACTUALLY, I think it was Candice who told me that.) And be sure that the DC trained at Palmer. It's the official school of chiropractic in the US. Chiropractic is usually reimbursed by third party payers and like I said, there is a lot of ancedotal evidence about their effectiveness, but not a lot of scientific studies to support it. So Cora's here again today. She had a fever of 101 yestarday and con't go to child care until she's fever-free for 24 hours. We pushed it yesterday--I took her to the airport and we watched planes landing and taking off until we saw Tim's plane land. Then we went out for lunch. She fell asleep in the car for the last 1/2 hour of the ride home and woke up as soon as we got home. Not enough nap for her. She had a rough night and I went over there at 6:30 this am so they wouldn't have to wake her up. She seems fine today, but i got her down for an early nap anyway. She's still sleeping so I just set up her little pool outside for when she wakes up. I sure am going to miss my summer days with her. This is my last week--actually, now that I think about it, this is my last day with her !!!

Nudist camp--that's hysterical!:thumbup: Thanks for making me laugh. Steph--don't work your life away. . . You've got little kids, take some time and just enjoy them--take it form me, they'll be gone all too soon! Good job on the exercising, Candice!. You're turning into a regular Janet!--soon you'll be looking like her too! Phyl: ". . .and the doctor said ___________?" Hope you're feeling a little better. Carla--come for Christmas and I'll put you to work with ideas for my yard. I've got lots of space but not a lot of ideas! Today is Andy and Penny's anniversary. We're taking them to a pizza buffet (their choice) for supper. Thankfully, I won't be able to eat much (about the only thing I still appreciate about the band) I do like reading about you guys more than I do posting my own stuff.

Shoot, Phyl! That creates a vacuum (sucks) about the back pain. Guess you will have to go to walk-in--like you said--to document the pain. What a hassle. I'm sorry.

Hi--Enjoying some quiet alone time after an evening/night/morinig of two kids <2. Andy and Penny decided it was time to go out as a couple with their friends, so they dropped the kids off around 3:30 yesterday and took off. I insisted that Mel stay home last night, but I shouldn't have bothered. At one point when both were screaming, Melsky was outside raking the lawn (an acre more or less). Another time, the kids and I were in the basement and I was trying to get a video on the big screen down there for Cora, and Levi was screaming in my arms--where was good-ole-Melsky? Upstaris on Craig's list!!. By the time I got both of them fed, bathed, (oooh thoes poopy diapers :rolleyes2:) and sleeping (9:00) Mel was sleeping on the couch. Andy and Penny had a good evening out and decided to sleep over here when they got back, so I got up early this morning and got Cora out of her big-girl bed and fed her breakfast before Levi and mommy got up. Mel, of course, was gone by 8:00 never to return. But the good thing is that Andy did some things for me around the house when he finally did get up. They all left shortly after lunch, but Andy called later and wanted me and Mel to go to the stock car races tonight with him and Cora. I'm just too tired and my leg hurts, but guess who was raring to go? Enjoy yourselves! Phyl--the good news is that the week is over. Three bad things happened--it's over and you survived! Hope you're feeling better--no more aches and pains? Are we allowed to take Aleve? I thought only acetaminophen??? Janet--You never can change the things that happened during Andrew's early years. (From what I hear the first three years are the most important three years of anyone's life.) But what you have done is made a lot of deposits into Andrew's emotional bank account. Deep in his soul--no matter what he says to you out loud--he KNOWS that you love him. You have every right to set limits--that's reality. Everyone has to live with limits and you are doing Andrew a favor by sticking to yours. Relationships cannot be just one way. Andrew is learning that there is give and take. He chooses to live with you and recieve your love and support. You are teachng him and important lesson and while it doesn't feel good, (I"m sorry you feel so bad) you are doing the RIGHT THING. Hang in there gf. I'm behind you. As you would say ***HUGS******HUGS******HUGS****** Speaking of limits: Atta girl Candice! You set limits with Peter today! You handled that perfectly!! YOU ROCK!! OK, Carla, Karrie, and Stephanie: Your turn. Carla--I'm so sorry to hear about your father. I didn't get the details, but I gather it's been another difficult time for you--another loss. How are you doing? If it doesn't work to go to Ontario for Christmas, how about Wisconsin? Check out fares to Milwaukee. We've got lots of room--just ask Candice!

Ooooh, Steph, Candice, and Carla, Phyl, and Janet: What is the bond that we share? Peter/Earl/Mel/?Jeff?--different versions of the same man? We fight the same battles, share the same feelings, know the same deamons. Yup, Sistas indeed. When one person posts, she's talking for all of us. I'm so thankfull that God led me to all of you.

Aww Candice--Let it out hon! All the pent up anger, bitterness, even hate--just let it out. Rant and rave all you need to. It's not fair. You feel like that little girl who can not make her own decisions--big daddy is constantly telling her what to do. I see it in Cora. She has her own mind, and lately when we try to tell her to do something (or not to) she's starting to throw herself on the floor and cry. You and I have learned not to do that. We just stuff our bitter feelings, and then try to sweeten them with food and more food. Yup, control. When "daddy-Peter" tells you what to do, you stuff the anger because you're such a "nice," or "good," or "big (in the sense of grown up)," girl now, but later we eat because we can, and it's our way of feeling autonomous. I do it with shopping too! Man, all the things I've snuck into the house after Mel's rants about the charge bill being too high! (he has no idea what it takes to feed and clothe 4 kids) So let the feelings out. You don't have to be so nice all the time. If you can't say it to Peter, then say it to us. We love you--warts and all. You guys put up with my neglect, I will put up with what ever you want to dish out (just like I love Cora even when she acts like a 2-year-old.) No guilt, Candice. I don't want to see you apologize here or anywhere else. You did a very healthy thing. There's probably more to come--it's OK! Tell Peter to get out his flack jacket--he still has one right?

Hi all! Skimmed through the last couple of weeks (only took an hour or so). So much to comment on. Phly's getting ready to move again--must mean summer's winding down?, Janet--I've been wanting to try Zumba too--Mindy does it and she loves it. But I can't even run after Cora for a day without needing a Percocet and ice pack as soon as she leaves. At least Levi's content to be rocked in the rocking chair (what a grandma I am!) I hope I can make it till next summer. Steph--keep working on the counseling--focus on the changes in yourself; you have no control over what Jeff does. It's a process. Carla--I admire your independence--and how you keep all your plates spinning! I'm glad that you can take some time and sit on your deck and just appreciate who you are and what you've done! Candice--sure wish I could do someting about the miles between us. We would have such a blast laughing at each other trying to do latin dancing! OMG. Keep trying to learn the moves so you can teach them to me next time! Put it on the agenda for next reunion: Zumba and Latin dancing led by Janet and Candice!!! (I'll need some Sangria for that!) Me? On a little hiatus. Students are all in their clinicals now, so all I need to do is be available in case they get into trouble. One of them had a needle stick last week, so there's lots of paper work and follow up after that happens. Luke and Nicole stopped over Saturday n ight on their way home from Sarnia (Canada) where Nicole's grandma finally had knee surgery. All the kids will be around on the 8th for the triathalon, then I have to go to Minneapolis for a site visit on the 10th. Inservice is the 17th and classes start the 19th :cursing: Before then I need to finish up the new curriculum and make sure everyone else has done their part. I also need to order more books and packets b/c we are adding another section again this year which means more overload for me. Not happy about that, but since this IS my last year, I'll suck it up and get through it. Hip is definitely getting worse. I'm icing more and take Tylenol on a regular basis, with the occasional Percocet. I have the application for a temporary disability sticker which my dr said he'd sign for. I just hate the idea of needing it, so I haven't brought it in yet. As long as I stay off it, I'm fine. I know, I know--I should just have the surgery and get moving. Such a dilema. I want to get my ducks lined up at work and quit; not have to give it away only to take it back again for a semester and then retire. So that's my update. I should be able to keep up with you guys for a few weeks. I feel like such an outsider sometimes, but I miss you!

Seriously?! I'm the first to post since the first? Well, I'm all packed up just waiting for Candice to shower and get beautiful so we can go to Breakfast and then I'll be off to the airport. Plane leaves at noon. Candice has a late check out so she can come back and hang out here till 6. Then she'll onlyhave 5 more hours to kill. Had a great time shopping at a huge mall (believe it or not, I even found palm trees planted outside the mall--did you know that, Phyl--there ARE REAL PALM TREES in Seattle?--go look) We watched It's Complicated, fire trucks responding to a big fire a few doors down, and the airplanes landing at the airport, All in all a great ending to awonderful weekend! OK--she's dressed. Gotta roll! Love you all so much!!!! Linda

Oh Hi, I was trying to find the last post and got so excited reading bits and pieces here and there. I"ve missed so much it's going to take 2 days just to catch up with all of you. So I'll see you all Friday night. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to this, and yet, I haven't had time to even think about it yet. I'm hoping that this weekend will be an imputus to getting my life under control. Phyl, whatever food/beverages you have will be just fine, and I can sleep wherever. I was hoping to room with Candice as I know that she can tolerate my snoring, but if not, I can crash anywhere--as long as I don't bother anyone else! OK. see you soon!

Aww, Phyl. Sorry to hear that you're feeling down. It's such a struggle--isn't it? Hang in there, gf. We're here for you no matter what--even if I only show up once in a while--i'm still keeping tabs on you guys. Which brings me to the reason for my checking in today. Has anyone heard from Candice? Carla--I can relate to your feelings about dd#4's life style and choices. My kids are between 23 and 31, and I wish I could help them avoid some of the heartaches I experienced. Hopefully we can chat more about it in a couple of weeks. Janet--dear friend--what's going on? Still having issues with the estate? I didn't have time to read it all, but I did catch a few postings about it from a couple of weeks ago. I never know if you're on face book or not--kinda like me--always have it running, but seldom "on." How (where) are the Kar®i's?

It's so hard for me to keep up with all of you. Levi was born early Monday morning and by 9 am Cora had a temp of 103. I was "grandma-nurse on call" and since we didn't know what Cora had, she was not able to go to the hospital to visit mommy and Levi, and so after a couple of days, she was missing mommy too. I forgot how hard it is to take care of a sick toddler (but then again, when I did it I was 20-something with good hips, not 50-someting needing a replacement). None the less, Andy, Penny, Cora and Levi have consumed my week. In the process I lost my focus on eating correctly, so next week I'll have to get back on track, at least until Thursday when we leave for a road trip to visit Mindy in Bentonville. . . Then Tim and Mindy and possibly Luke and Nicole are comming home for the baptism. . . Oh yes, and I have to teach a class, monitor the externships, and ged started on that ####! curriculum project. so it goes. Mel is working on the fireplace downstairs, so I need to go back down and tell him how good it looks (which it does), and also try to plant the tomato plants that I bought in Minneapolis last weekend when we were there visiting Luke and Nicole.

I see that Sue Magoo is lurking. Gosh it's been forever since I've heard from you. How are you?

So good old Mel goes shopping and comes home with 6 pounds of sharp cheddar cheese which I love, "oh, it was such a good deal." plus another bag of fresh cheese curds--the kind that squeak when you chew them, and a quart of ice cream "for Cora." Right--like she'll eat the whole quart? Phyl--sounds like some pretty major issues with the relatives. Hope they're ok now. What's that about your hip hurting--and your back? You go right ahead and enjoy your wine! Earl and Mel are two of a kind, so I totally understand each and every one of your frustrations! BTW where does Steven live? Anywhere near Bentonville Ar? Candice--great job on the job! At least you'll have some mad money and a lot more satisfaction than before. Don't forget to post pics of the quilt. We saw it in progress last summer--looking forward to the final result. Janet--give up the coctails? I don't know. . . Maybe I'd do better giving up cheese? Yeah, I need to live with you awhile. When did you say that fat camp should be? Carla-- I need a cheat sheet on thoes daughters of yours--names, jobs, family, where they live--all of that. I get so confused. So yesterday I finally got my dental implant finished. I can smile again! YEA!!! But he had to drill down an adjacent filling to get the thing to fit, so now I gotta go back and have that filling replaced. Darn. Thinking about asking for a white filling. Anyone know how much more that'll cost? We're on "Baby-watch" Levi's due in 2 weeks. I as so looking forward to having Cora for awhile, but the parents haven't asked yet which makes me think that HER mom will move in for awhile. It sucks to be the husband's mom. . . On the other hand, I have to work and she doesn't so that could be a factor too. Oh well, I had a great day with Cora yesterday. She went with me to the dentist and almost fell asleep with her head on my chest while they were working on me. She had her pacifier, and just laid there as still and quiet as could be. SHE WAS SO GOOD. And as much as I hate the dentist--and he was having problems with the implant--it was actually a comfort to have her there. I just love that little girl! Posted grades today. I had one course where a good 1/2 of the students FAILED. I should have looked to see how many of them were getting paid by the state to go to school. I bet 90%. But I'm still going to get looked at to see why so many did so poorly. Makes me look bad. But I how can I send them to work in doctors offices when they don't know the basics of anatomy, physiology, and diseases, and didn't care enough to do the basic homework to learn? Oh, I need another drink. . .

Just a quick note on blood clots from Nurse Linda: They actually are the result of inactivity. Often people get them after childbirth, surgery, and long plane flights when they've been sitting or laying in one position for a length of time. The clot develops because the blood in the veins isn't moving enough. Then when the person does start moving again the clot disloges and travels usually ending up in the thiny blood vessles of the lungs which is how people die from them. It happened to a patient of mine once after a baby--very, very sad. By keeping active and doing leg exercises during long flights, or after surgery you keep the blood moving and clots can't develop. But any time a person complains of pain, redness, swelling in the legs and there's a history of inactivity we need to consider the possibility and have the person checked out. Sometimes "clot-busting" drugs can be used. Hope everything's OK. Well, the spring semester is over today but the summer one started. They'll be a little let down, but not much! Hope to be able to keep up with you all a little better now.

OK so i didn't tell you about my crapy week: One of our administrative assistant's husband filed for divorce after 20+ years and 2 kids A co-worker's husband died--I knew them 20 years ago when his wife and I worked nights in OB and she is now a nursing instructor Another co-worker's (who was a supervisor when I worked in OB and later came on as an instructor) mother died Yet another administrative assistant's live-in bf for 7 years died Not to mention all the students who I had to fail this week. Yup, I'm drinking tonight. Calories be dammed!

Hey--Check out Candice's pics on facebook! Some great compositions--she really has an eye for photography among her other many talents. Carla. Sorry that I'm so bad, but tell me again about your kids. I think that the one that you refer to as DD#4 was in a nursing program but is not doing so well. It sounds like she needs some "tough love." I think that we both have kids about the same ages (30-23). I never stop worring about them. I hope you're going to Seattle in July so we can chat a bit. Janet--gf, Why does it seem that we always miss each other? Hopefully as things ease a bit next week I can catch you online. Phyl--Saw the pics of you and Candice and I'm so proud of you--You've come so far!! We'll have to see who is more "financailly-challenged"--Earl or Mel? I kinda think that Mel woudl win, but Earl sounds like a close runner up! Technically classes are over on Tuesday, but not for me. I have to go all summer ableit on a a somewhat reduced workload. Hopefully I can stay connected. I need to lose 20 lbs before Seattle! Anyone want to challenge me?

Hi everyone. I'm online tracking Mindy's last flight to Bentonville. She's officially an Arkansawonian now. This is really hard. We're going down over Memorial Day to help with little things like hanging pictures, installing another rod in her closet and stuff like that, but for real, we are empty nesters now. I wish I could have gone with her, just to help her get settled, but I have to work--damn. The Long Islands' are numbing the pain for now. . . Candice--looking for updates. . . Phyl--the x-rays do not look good to me. How rediculous (sp) that you have to jump through yet more hoops! Carla--how do you do it? Do you ever sleep? I am humbled--as usual. Ok, so I've had too many Long Islands. . . what else is there?

Yeah, I remembered why I can't keep up with you guys. I logged in to see how Candice and Phyl were doing on their trips and spent the last 2 hours (and 2 glasses of wine--white) catching up. I sure am missing out and I sure miss you all. The sad thing is that I don't think things will get any better any time soon. I have to work all summer--don't even have one whole week off before the fall semester begins! The only reason I was able to fit the Seattle trip in is because the 4th of July falls on a Sunday so I could make a long weekend of it. Oh--how I'm looking forward to my weekend with my sisters! OH--HOW I NEED IT! I didn't see anything about Kerri except a mention from Janet. She must be in the same situation as me. Tell her "hi"--will you? And what about the other Keri? Didn't see anything from her either. As for me, well, I don't know if I told you, but, as Candice knows, I was told that I need to have a total hip replacement. I'm not able to walk much with out a lot of pain, and I even have a prescription for a cane--of all things--and the doctor offered to sign for disability thingy for my car. I'm pretty upset about it, but it make me feel better too in a way--I'm not just being lazy about not exercising--there's a reason why it hurts. Anyway, I'm gonna put it off b/c hopefully I'll be able to retire this time next year and not have to deal with being off of work for 8 weeks and then going back. We'll see. . . So Janet--I take it that Andrew is still with you? How's that workiing out? Man, I wish I were as disciplined as you. I know I've told you before, but you are amazing! Carla--about your daughter and nursing: A&P is hard--lots of kids need to retake it--can she? As for the driving citation--I deal with that all the time--all my students have to do is write a letter expalining why it happened, and that they learned their lessons and are making changes in their lifestyles. A good letter makes a big difference in how thoes things are viewed--at least that's been my experience Phyl--How's the knee? Do you still need the scooter, or are you free from that now? OK, well, time for another glass of wine. I wish I could promice that I'll check in soon, but who knows? Tomorrow I'm watching Angie's little girls (5 and 7) from 8-2, then bringing them to chruch for some kind of rehearsal, and picking up Cora (who is 19 mos now) for the evening. Oh yeah, and did I tell you that Cora's little brother, Levi, will be here in about a month? Yeah, that's my life! Linda

HI Sisters! Having Candice here made me realize how much I'm missing! It was so wonderful to have her and Peter here! They came a bit earlier than expected, but it was great! We got an extra day with them and it was all just really comfortable--it felt like the having a sister and brother here except that I dont' even have that kind of relationship with my own famly. I love them so much and you all too! I am so bummed now that they're gone, and I just can't keep in touch with all of you as much as I'd like/need to. Hopefully in a couple of weeks (well the middle of May really) things might be a little better--maybe. I am so looking forward to our Seattle weekend. Thanks, Candice and Peter for an absolutely great weekend!

Hi--Finally had a few days to catch my breath. I did a little bit of reading here today and I'm so sorry that I can't keep up with you. Steph--Therapy is hard work. I know a little about attachment disorders. Hugs to you, kiddo--it's not an easy thing to deal with. I am proud of how you're handling all of this--don't waste time wishing the past was different. It is what it is. Use your energy to deal with the present and know that hope springs eternal. I'm familiar with Beth Moore--did her study on Esther last summer. Never underestimate the power of prayer: The Creator of the Universe can deal with Michael in His own way and in His time. Keep your focus on Him and it will work out according to His perfect plan. Candice--How are you and Peter and Twig and Megyn (I'm sorry, I think it's spelled differently, but no matter how I type it, it looks wrong) doing? Time for a road trip--maybe to enjoy an American Thanksgiving in Wisconsin? Kari--one thing that helps me when I'm struggling with depression is to try to focus on other people. Volunteer at a local food pantry, offer to clean at a homeless shelter, label clothing at a resale shop. . . the list could be endless. There is a man in our church who could not go outside his home, but he learned to bake bread. Every week he'd bake a loaf or two and another retired man would deliver it along with a message to someone who was dealing with some kind of issue. The more you focus on other people, the less time you have to think about yourself and your problems, plus they don't seem so big compared to the things other people are dealing with. I know this time of year is rough--it is for me too. Find a place that has full sprectrum light therapy. You might even make a new friend or two. Janet, Phyl--I miss your "can do" attitudes. I really do. I think Palm Springs just might happen. I'm thinking it might be the week of March 8-12-ish. I don't know what I need more: Sunshine and palm trees, or time with you guys? Karla, Karri--I know I should pracitce what I preach, and to be honest, I do enjoy some down time. I hope I get to meet you guys sometime. I feel like I know Janet and Phyl and Steph and Candice so much better b/c we've actually met in the flesh. I don't mean to discount you guys in any way--I enjoy reading your posts and finding motivation in the way you deal with life's issues. It's just that in my small brain I have visual images and memories of the others. I HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT TO the next lucky 7 reunion! Well, fall break is officially over. I'm going shopping with my daughter in Chicago tomorrow and Sunday, and back to work on Monday. It'll be a mad rush with a few days off in November to deal with Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Please email me if you can from time to time. It helps to know that you haven't forgotten me. I hope I can stay connected, but I haven't been doing a good job at that :sad: Oh, yes, and thankyou all for the birthday wishes. It was a good day--made even better by the blessings of great friends like you.

Did anyone else see Monday Night Football? Sensational overtime touchdown pass!! Go Pack!!:clap2::clap2:

This is a quick note to let you know that I'm still with you, but simply have not been able to read and post. I'm so sorry. I haven't even been ckecking face book if that makes you feel any better. They finally figured out that I have a 150% workload at work, which I think is still low since they don't account for the extra administrative issues due to having so many students--and needy ones at that. Lots of "displaced" workers who haven't been in school for 20+ years. . .have never used a computer except to play games. . .you get the picture. But that's not all. Mindy's BF broke up with her. Basically, he had applied for jobs in her area, and was offered one, but when she refused to let him move in with her, he started piling on all kinds of other stuff that made him unhappy, picked up his things and walked out. Now, realize that he had taken her ring shopping over a year ago, but never quit got around to putting it on her finger. None the less, she called in the middle of the night just sobbing, and has been holding on by a thread since then. I had to cancel one class because I wasn't able to get back from her town in time. It's been a mess. Only good thing is that my psychologist son was home, so she did get opportunities to vent to him. In fact, last weekend for a few hours I had all my kliddos together. Mindy went to Chicago today to hang out with her old college roommate who also just broke up with her college boyfriend. I have not been feeling well either. Was to the doctor's twice this week with blood pressure and related issues. (220/110 in the office) He added a second BP med, changed my diuretic, and gave me some meclizine for the dizziness. I'm doing a 24-hr urine today to rule out adrenal gland issues. Who knows? I didn't go to chruch today--trying to relax. I didn't go back and read everything I missed, but I did catch that something about Janet--her aunt? I'm so sorry. I will try to go back later today and get caught up.

Only have time for a quick note to Steph--I had a hiatial hernia repair just before Christmas last year. About the same as getting the band and I felt ALOT better after. I'll be watching FB today. Hoping for the best