mousecrazy

Yea, what Becky said. Really, Eileen! It happened to me, too, and I think 4-6 months after surgery...but it's over now, and it's all just fine. Well, I'm still gray, and I still have to color it, so I guess that's fine....my hair isn't very long, about chin length, so I imagine with your long hair, it does look like a lot! Any time your body undergoes a big shock, or lots of stress, which I suppose surgery would qualify, you'll lose hair. It's gonna be okay, okay?

Patty, so sorry you all had food poisoning! I've had it a couple of times, and I swear, it is about as sick as you can get! Fortunately, it doesn't last long, but it's bad while it lasts! Sorry you lost your long post, Eileen...I hate that! Donna, congrats on all your binge buying at Chico's! One time a bought a way too expensive stereo, all because I was high on chocolate! LOL! It's storming today, but I like that kind of weather! Today is GS day... It's May, and around here at school, that's the official beginning of PANIC TIME! Where did the time go? Who knew 9 months could flash by like that! Sometimes it makes me laugh, well, most of the time...silly kids. Sometimes it's just weird! Everyone, have a good day! Hugs, Cindy

Hello, everyone! Pat, I'm so glad you reminded us to move over here to the May chat...I swear I have lost most of my brain somewhere...anyone seen it? Love the picture of your gbaby. Both of you are adorable! Darcy, the hyacinths are gorgeous. Great photgraphy, too! Eileen, how's it shakin? I don't think we say that about May, even in East Texas! But it's funny....I don't even like to EAT outside.... Okay, ya'll know about my speeding ticket in Oklahoma...well, I paid it, but apparently I was supposed to pay it in March, not April...so Friday I got a letter saying thank you for the check for your fine, but you didn't appear in court in March, so we have a warrant for you and that'll be $530, bend over and say thank you. I've made calls, and that's the way it is. No leeway for honest mistakes in N. Enid, OK. I have kids that break into houses and pay less than that. This rant could continue for many more sentences, but I think you get the idea. Oh, the original fine was $150, so all in all, it cost me $680 dollars to go 15 miles over the 35 mph speed limit for that one block. OH, HI, Becky! Wanna make sure to welcome you here! (there is no connection between the above paragraph and this greeting!) Got to buy a few new clothes yesterday...that was pretty fun. Otherwise, busy with DD and not even home most of this weekend, so that's why I didn't stop by. Hope everyone is doing well, and getting along. Hugs to everyone, Cindy

Good for you, Donna! Just coast right along behind! I think you're onto something about the mothering thing. As a teacher, I am blessed with many (way too many?!) opportunities for that, so maybe you can find a little volunteer opportunity for mentoring? But, I'd pick a doggie anyday! I have three! I'll be with you on the beach, even if just in spirit! Eileen, so happy you are free, at least today...it's slow around here because one of the high schools has prom tomorrow, so they are all getting their nails done, and tanning, and God only knows what else to get ready! My nephew's 21st birthday is later in May...I am making him a present of stuff from 1985...I got him a t-shirt of Transformers, and then I'm going to get him some movies from that time, and maybe a couple of other things from 85. I'm also putting together a folder of info from that year. I think he'll like it. I'm going to wallieworld tonight to look for the cheap movies! Tomorrow is theatre class for DH, then Sunday is church and a birthday part at Chuckie Cheese....where are those ear plugs? LOL! It's a simple life. So far FIL is tolerating the meds for his cancer treatments, and goes back to the dr. on Monday. I haven't received any word from the estate attorney from an email I sent on Monday, so no news there. I am going to consider all of this a blessing, and enjoy the weekend! Love to all, a special hug to Donna for hanging in there, and I'll be back later, Cindy

Actually, I kinda feel about food the same way I felt about cigarettes when I quit them. After you are free, you realize how limited you were...I always had to make sure I had enough cigarettes, I always made sure I had them with me. I had to find places to smoke. When I quit, I had more time and more money. I decided to live. I think food is like that, too. Remember you are in a transition period, and don't expect it to be cut and dried and perfect. Find something new to enjoy at the mall...maybe smells or people-watching?

Okay, let's see...lots of headaches around here. Lots of crazy family also. Food addiction? Check! Okay, guess I'm in the right place! Thank you for being here, all of you! Do you know the story of the flying geese? They take turns leading, so they can fly further....one leads, then drops back, while another leads...it reminds me of us. It's okay if we're the leader for a while, then need to follow for a while. Donna, this story is especially for you, but it fits for all of us. Pat, is your son basically "you know what" with that crazy girl? She must have "some" skill! Sorry...you raised a good son, he chose the idiot part. LOL! Forgive me if I am over-stepping. Hey, I gotta go, but I wanted to share the story of the geese...whoever is stronger, leads. Then we'll switch. Hugs, Cindy

Darcy, I think it took pretty much of a full year to really not think about having a cigarette once in a while...and there are STILL times that it crosses my mind, but briefly. As I become more and more sane (quit lauaghing!), I realize that inhaling smoke into my lungs or having alcohol for that matter, is not going to change whatever situation is causing me stress. So, I have been learning other ways to deal. I'm not going to blow *smoke* and tell you it's easy. It's not. I just know I am not going to smoke or drink. Maybe I'll just cuss more...LOL! Donna, stop it right now! All of us get busy, come and go, and we know who is missing, but we know they will come back, so no sweat. You are fine. Eating some bad stuff is not really a secret around here, sweetie! Just start your new day, every minute if you have to! Hugs, and remember we are SUPPORTING each other, not showing off how perfect we are. How can we help? HUGS! Betty, dang it, girl! All these sweet aunts having all these problems...I will pray for your family and hope they all regain their health and quality of life. I can so relate to the feeling that you are afraid you are losing all of the family at the same time...I have that feeling too at times. You are a strong lady, and we are here to help you if you need anything. Pat, I can picture you spinning around in your office chair, answering phones, typing, and signing papers, with about six hands going in all directions, foot tapping, waiting for your seafood alfredo! Hope you have a good day anyway! Eileen, have fun with the PRe-K and kindie kids! It can be fun, but oh is it ever loud, right? I'm just better with the incorrigible teens myself! That's about all the time I have now...I'll check in later... Hugs to all, Cindy

First, thank you everyone for your prayers and good wishes for my FIL...he goes back to the oncologist a week from today and has some labs done to see if the meds are having the effect they are supposed to have. Any and all prayers and positive thoughts are more than welcome! Darcy, I quit smoking 6 years ago in 2000. I understand. Don't give in to the cravings...you should probably talk to your dr.? Pat, what kind of fish did you catch? Hope they were delicious! Betty, what lake? Those slips are expensive aren't they? How's it going at work? Eileen, so you had your 3 day weekend, now it's really busy at work, huh? Beanie, congrats on losing the rest of the trip weight! Forgive if I have overlooked a personal...I'll catch ya next time! Hugs, Cindy

Eileen, sorry it's cold and rainy and it makes you hurt. That's a bummer, and as usual, you have the sunny attitude which causes all of us to love you! My FIL came for dinner last night...had some bad news. He has had "smoldering" multiple myeloma for 10 years. Multiple myeloma is a rare cancer of the bone marrow; smoldering means it is not "active." Well, it's active now. He has chosen to use the thalidomide + other stuff treatment plan...is not strong enough for chemo. So, he'll take thalidomide, a steroid, and a blood thinner, and then injections to increase red blood cells. He does have at least two lesions on his skull. Sooooo...we'll be finding out more as we go along; I spent quite a while researching it and learning about it. He's about to turn 74, I think. Betty, sorry about the busy, busy day...you've really had to make some big adjustments! Pat, I haven't forgotten about the picture. PM me your email, and I'll email the picture to you, and if you think it is postable on this thread, maybe you would be kind enough to photoshop it or whatever you do? So sorry about your son's injury...that just adds insult to injury, doesn't it? Beanie, well a Chilada platter just sounds so tasty! And Jordan almonds? I'm there! We're not on summer break yet...that starts May 25, I believe. Nothing much else going on...I actually laid out in the sun on the trampoline for 40 minutes this afternoon...I'm the whitest white woman out there, I promise! So, 20 minutes on the front, 20 min. on the back, and maybe that's a start to a little bit of color...not so foolish as I was back in my 20s when nothing but a hawaiian tropic tan would do! Love you guys, Cindy

Hey, everyone! Pat, so glad your DS was able to see his little boy! Tell him to keep his guard up, though. I haven't earned any new badges lately, though... Kelly, good luck to you and your family. It is certainly your right to do what you think is best. Well, gotta go...FIL is here for dinner! Hugs, Cindy

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Here it is: Come See the Softer Side of Cindy That's just sooooooo funny! And better than being "Job #1", NJChick!!!!

It's definitely ice cream for me...but I was successful in giving it up for Lent, which is a big deal for me! Next, chocolate.

Great question. Right in the middle of my life, I see the same young woman I was, AND I see a mature woman in the making. What I always wonder is what other people see? Young or old? Wise or just a smarty pants? (I do hope it is one of those two and not just stupid!) I guess I'll go stare at myself some more!

I'm not lost...just emerging from state testing h-e-double hockey sticks. In case you can't figure that out, down here in Texas we call that "hell." So, we're done for this school year, yippee! Then parent conference with DH's teacher this afternoon...she made all A's on her report card, and the teacher had nice compliments on her behavior and manners, so we are quite the proud parents right now! I've been reading (although some of you call it lurking), I just seriously haven't had anything to write about! Haven't really lost any weight, just going up and down the same 2 pounds. Plans for this weekend: run away and join Patty at the Disney nerd meeting...okay, just kidding. Run away and join Pat on the jet skis...kidding again! Really, driving Miss Haven to theatre lessons, then to DH's dad to go to the movies with him. In between, taking my car for alignment and other tire stuff and sis is picking me up and we're going to breakfast. So, relative calm prevails this week it looks like, except for our friends with PIs and lawyers and psych evals, and crazy in laws! Our ears and shoulders are still available for vents and tears! Luv ya, Cindy

I'm always worried about who will be voted off; it's always someone I like, so that would indicate it will be Paris or Elliott, NOT Kellie or Ace! LOL! We'll see...

I love Zone Perfect bars, especially the Fudge Graham flavor. Other flavors I like are Chocolate Almond Raisin, Chocolate Mint, and Chocolate Peanut Butter...they have lots of other flavors, but as you can see, I like chocolate!

A quick Yello from me, too! We're doing the state tests (yes, again...can't have enuf tests!). Betty, we didn't lose electricity up in Sanger...maybe not enough people actually HAVE electricity, I don't know...LOL! (just kidding). I believe we're going to 101 again today, so is it warm enough for ya, Betty? Got Girl Scouts tonight, then rush home to my addiction: American Idol! Hope everyone's doing well, hugs, Cindy

Sherry, I love your description of your mom in her leathers! You know, forgive me if this is off base, but when you mentioned the alcoholism of your father, it made me wonder if perhaps that is in play with your sister? If so, then you must for your own sanity and serenity distance yourself from it...and you can tell your mom the bottom line, whether it is jealousy, greed, envy or whatever it was, without telling her the ugly names. I don't really know enough of the subject matter to know if any of my little advice is on target, but if it is, great. If it isn't, forget I mentioned it. I know there's a lot of stuff that just doesn't have to be repeated in order for your mom to get the idea of the problem. She probably has an idea already anyway. I'm going to bed already...just wanted to write back to you Sherry. Hugs, Cindy

Yes, I relate. Lost my mom and grandma during this last year, and know how difficult this is. You are actually doing better than you think you are. I agree with the advice you have been given to maintain your weight. Don't stress yourself out over it, and then give yourself a reason to feel even worse. You don't need a food list. I don't eat anything different from my family; I just eat less, or maybe I skip part of the meal, like biscuits. Scrambled eggs are great for keeping me full for a long time...but tastes are so personal, so find something you like, and eat moderately. The next thing I suggest is to focus on finding something else to do with your feelings besides eat. Do you read, write, craft? Find a book to donate to a library in your mother-in-laws memory? Create a memory book about her for your children? I'm just throwing out ideas, maybe one of them will spark something for you. I understand how powerful loss is and how much it affects your life. I'm sure I might have lost more weight, but I kept tripping over the emotional eating part of the journey. But blaming and shaming myself would probably only have made it worse, don't you think? So don't do that. Focus on something else, and coast on the eating a little. (((((hugs)))) Cindy

Cool, Susan! Thanks for posting Mandy's photo series all together like that! Mandy, my band-sis! You are looking fantastic, and I'm not just saying that. I mean it! Your trim and fit, and your hair color is great! Thanks for posting that picture, and being such an inspiration...it seems like yesterday we were wondering if we would ever be in the position to inspire others! Well, you certainly are!

A blessed Easter to all! I couldn't get LBT up yesterday, either... We just got home from the Easter festivities...up at 4:50 like Eileen, sunrise service at church (we got through that okay), then over to Dad's for brunch, Easter egg hunt, gifts and all that. Then my niece and nephew-n-law brought the beautiful new baby girl over. Can we all say, aaaaaaaaaaah. Beautiful. DD held her for at least an hour, then got a lesson in breastfeeding, LOL! I figure, might as well know the whole story, not just the cute part. Also, a lesson in diaper changing. LMAO! Many hugs to all of you who are missing family members this Easter. So, now I'm gonna veg out for the rest of the afternoon. Eileen, don't you love Pat's wonderful voice? Hope your Easter went well! Ira, congrats to your DW! Of course, she can come her for cheers and hugs! Donna, I'm still laughing about your poor puppies worms! Just laughing WITH you, Eileen, sweetie! Patty, have a blast with the adults at the Easter gathering. So glad to see you finding your way in your new life. It's kinda exciting in a way, isn't it? Pat, I had many compliments on my beautiful dress, thank you very much! Apparently, I'm not as, well, blessed, as you...so the neckline was very appropriate for church on me! LOL! Betty, wow! I bet your parties are the best for food! Everything sounded great! Rest up today! Is that even possible? Okay, two NSV's to report...first, I successfully gave up ice cream for Lent! That is officially over today, but I think I'm gonna keep going for a while. It's such a food addiction for me. Secondly, I had to buy new bras..smaller in the band size. So, I started in 46C, and bought 40C. I really AM shrinking! I saw my banded niece today, who is about 11 months out, and 70 lbs lighter...she looks great! So, onward we go! Hugs to all...where'd I put those marshmallow chicks? Cindy

Sherry, OMG, I am so sorry for the family troubles you are having. I know I must have some words of wisdom for you, but they are not popping into my head (or fingers!). Focus on your faith, and remember what is a distraction. Maybe they just needed to vent? You know them, and you know you. You'll sort it out, and be fine. I laughed when you wrote about your husband thinking it funny when you talk about us like people who are right there with you - I do the same exact thing. I think he can even tell everyone apart! We are both blessed to have very understanding husbands, it sounds like. Darcy, I got that same chocolate bunny picture! So funny! Glad you posted it, because I thought about it, but I have trouble doing that. Donna, I love your avatar! Enjoy Easter on the beach! Pat, DD would always love Barbie stuff, art stuff, Polly Pockets, computer games, lip gloss...oh yeah, and don't forget the chocolate bunny! Eileen, sorry you're cleaning today, but glad you are not under the thumb of your buggy boss. Sometimes a 3 day weekend really helps. Beanie, hope you have a great Easter, and wonder if you're gonna haunt IKEA again! Love the pic of your cutie-pie boyfriend! Betty - yes, there's always someone to complicate things, and I sure hope that person isn't ME! LOL! Either DH or I is going to pick up DD at my dad's, then we're gonna make little bird nests out of chow mein noodles and butterscotch chips, and put speckled m&m's in them to look like bird eggs. Not very original, but DD will love helping make them, and can probably do most of it! Then DH is making the famous chocolate covered coconut Easter eggs for his dad...yucky coconut. There's a treat I can safely avoid. Ha! Other than that, we are assigned a fruit salad, and deviled eggs. I guess we'll get those made tomorrow evening, after the birthday party DD's going to in the afternoon. I told my kids at school yesterday that I used to have a social life, now it's my DD's! Ch-ch-ch-ch-chaaange...(David Bowie). LOL! Well, sister-girls, like Pat, I feel all sentimental about all of ya...you're super pals, and bandmates, and you bless my life each and every day. Everyone have a blessed Easter. Hugs, Cindy

I figured Bucky would go home pretty soon, so I'm not shocked; just personally wish it would have been Ace or Katharine. Glad I caused you a little humor, Paula....sometimes I'm capable of that! LOL! Stepford wives, anyone? Mikey, great ideas about the current music producers...you oughta pitch that to them! I agree, Janet, that Bucky will do just fine. He's adorable and likable and has really long legs. He sings great in his genre. I'd watch him. Thank goodness for all of us AI freaks!

Bucky - really liked the song choice, and his performance Ace - song was too much for the man Kelly - she was good, I have to reluctantly say that Chris - the song choice confused me, but he could sing the Oscar Mayer weiner commercial and I'd be happy Katharine - I just don't connect with her...she's like a trained seal. Now sing, honey. Elliott - Great choice of son, good job of performance. Taylor - I like his energy, and he made a good decision to change his song. He is entertaining, and full of life; authentic. Paris - She's 16. She's great. Bottom 3 guess: Ace, Katherine and Paris

Hey, Kelly...I'm sorry for the chitty chitty bang bang going on in your life, but I am sooooo excited that the pants fit!!!! Let's get our priorities straight, sister! Okay, just kidding on that part... I appreciate, as ALWAYS, the care and compassion around here. I will update you on the estate mess when I get the attorney's letter about the land...waiting impatiently. Eileen, love the story about the skanky guy at the restaurant...Beanie! You little minx! Pat, I think of you every day, and want you to know you absolutely, without a doubt did the right thing to tell the teacher what was going on. Back when it was easier to know right/wrong, we wouldn't have thought twice about doing that...good for you! Someone has to have Haley's interest at heart, and it is you. You are a bonafide angel to her. Today I'm on duty for "Driving DD". DH and I switched because I needed to vote yesterday. I have been incredibly sleepy lately...don't know if it's adjusting to a high dose of Topamax, the time change, or just your plain ol' stress that's doing it. Anyway, Friday is a holiday for us, so that's a plus! DD is spending the night with my dad Thursday night and dying Easter eggs on Friday, so there's a small break coming my way. Hope everyone's doing well, having a good day, and getting ready for Easter! Hugs, Cindy