Being the audacious and forward kind of gal that I am, I (a Californian, Oregonian, Texan [Calgoniexan?]) am starting this month's chat thread in the Jersey forum. Ballsy? Maybe so. Get over it. :]

Good Morning Happy Bandsters!! How the heck is everybody? I hope there weren't any tragic chocolate overdoses last night.

Betty - Gracious!! Candy for 300 wasn't enough? That's one heck of a party!

Eileenie - how is the MIL? It's really hard for me right now - because it seems like only yesterday my Parents were - well, my Parents.... authority figures, larger than life. Now, in the last few years I have started to notice that they are old people. It's a hard mental transition, I tell you. Suddenly, the people who could always be counted on in times of need have needs of their own. I guess it's only fair - but it sucks, all the same.

Anyway, I hope that your doc can help you out with the coughing. What, did it never go away?? Or is this a new cold? Oh, and if you WERE feeling restriction with Water, I would be scared for you! You aren't supposed to have any restriction with water... :]

Lisa - you are a better woman than I if you can RELAX in the middle of a 500 acre girl scout camp surrounded by 13 little girls... Yikes!! That just doesn't sound like as much fun as it probably was - at least, not to me.

Ira - Was Zach all pumped up about the Fire Dept demo? Did he have a good time at the parade? What's up with you? How were the Halloween festivities?

JaLynn - Howdy!! Hope you are feeling better. There is not much worse than being sick in a house full of sick people that need you. ((hugs))

Pat - Fun with furniture... Is it comfy? I loved buying new furniture when we moved into our new house in Texas. It was the coolest thing ever. We avoided the Leather, though. It get's so hot here for so much of the year that we decided nice cloth upholstery was the way for us. I hope you enjoy it! Hope your mouth is all healed up and you are feeling energetic.

Cindy - Those little girls grow up sooooo fast. My Granddaughter just turned 11 and it seems like only a minute ago she was a todler.

Well - I have to get back to that thing we lovingly call "work". A little slow today, now that the month-end blitz is over, so I will have time to call and harass the insurance company. Yes, they have 30 days from October 12th to respond to my appeal. I have scheduled my first appt. with the doc for the 8th - ahead of the curve. I just need to get it all together so that I can have my surgery before T-Day. That is my goal... Of course, if the *&^(& don't approve me, I will be back to square one - but I am thinking good thoughts.

Everybody have a great day!!

Beanie!!!! Your new avatar is GREAT! That was your Christmas gift from Vines, right? I am mailing my Secret Santa gift tomorrow, so can't wait until my person gets it!

Ira, talk about irony...really! Keep after them!

Betty, (((hugs))). Thank you so much. I have 2 weeks and 2 days until I get a couple of weeks off. Hopefully, I can make it until then. My teacher friends have all volunteered to do part of my work, take some of my students, and even my kids have hugged me, told me how sorry they are, and have been extra cooperative! I don't expect that to last forever. I'll try to vent less, but I do appreciate the willingness you have to listen and absorb it.

Lisa, I told my 8 year old daughter the truth about it all, also. She is able to take that stuff in pretty well. I understand why you did it, and she gave you such a gift with her honesty. Remember how much you are going to want that in the teen years!

Beanie, before I close, I want to say thanks for the solid advice. I have not allowed myself to turn to food for comfort (for DD). I have spent more close time with her, more snuggling, those kinds of things. She is more interested in comforting me! She is a sweet little spirit, feels things so deeply. Thankfully, we have a very close family, and everyone rallies for the other.

To all, a restful goodnight, Cindy

Eileen, Thank you!! Thank you, Thank you !!

I got a letter today that states that my Insurance approved a dietary consult. Did I just jump through another hoop? This is moving alot faster than I anticipated, I just need to stay grounded and focused. Can ya all help me with that?

The picture that Eileen posted was taken last summer at Disneyland. Lewis decided to hide so, you don't get to see my little monkey. Tomorrow, is Lew's 6th birthday, I'm just about finished with party preparations and last minute details. I promise not to forget my digital on Sunday and you all will get to meet Mr. Lew.

I gotta run... it's been a long day:)

Welcome back Beanie & Cindy we missed you!

Eileen - I loved your DD's room - the perfect princess room!

Sorry I have not been around much this week. It's ironic... sometimes I have nothing to do all week and then a week hits and BAM! I have soo much going on I can't remember my name! Today was fun and a perfect New York holiday moment...I had a business luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria....nothing says Christmas like the Waldorf! Fun part was that it is Nascar week in NY and all the cars are out in front, Jimmie Johnson and Brian France were at my luncheon - pretty cool. Tomorrow I have to travel to Wisconsin and come back Friday night so I won't be around much this week...

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and I will check back with you all on Saturday when I get home...

Hello Everyone! I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving!!! I am trying to relax this evening before I return to work tomorrow as my first day back at work after being banded! I am feeling pretty good, but am just nervous as to how an entire day of teaching will go! Wish me luck! Have a great night!

THIS IS NOVEMBER 2005

heheheheheheheheheeee

Hmmm. Perhaps we should start putting the year in our Chat name..... I was thinking our current November Chat had magically re-appeared.... :]