OMG ~ Discussions Starting 1-11-16 and Beyond
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one more thing..
I ordered the Amazon Stick with the Alexa voice remote. It is to die for. Of course Izzy is crazy about it. She presses the button and says "Alexa,,play "Can't Stop The Feeling" and dances all over the living room to the Justin Timberlake song. It is awesome. You can search movies, play music, ask about your local weather. It search all services too. Whether you have neteflix or Amazon, etc. I love it!
It was an early present to Glenn and I.
Karla0 -
Karla, train travel is cool - a friend and I took the train across Canada. That candy would be great with dark chocolate (not a fan of milk chocolate here). Only Christmas bonus I have to give yet is cat sitter. Bert AND Karla, best of luck with your husbands' surgery - men really ARE terrible patients (nurse Patti, you must have tales ...)
Wrapped all that needs to get sent off and am about to get dressed and send them Priority Mail so I know they will arrive before Christmas. Vast majority of wrapping yet to come - ah, the glorious mess! Gotta run - check in later. Sending love, hugs and the wish that we each say NO to one not-great-for-us thing today, whatever that may be.0 -
Hi Ladies-
All is well here but bitterly cold- I just read the epilogue of Fall with me to a co-worker and she said I gave her chills- in a good way. So I'm going back to rewrite- chapter 28 and then send it off for the next phase- should be this week.
MaryLynn- you're posts were thought provoking and an excellent reminder we are truly blessed to live in the USA- have enough to eat and a roof over our heads.
Karla- Izzy dancing around must be wonderful to watch
Patti- did you find a coat?
Janet- I too love dark chocolate- so yummy- I choose not to make Karla's Crack- for no other reason that I would eat with abandon- I've had it once and it was heavenly. So I must abstain. I have enough cookies to stay away from - lol
Bert- Mike is in my prayers, as is Glenn and yes men are terrible patients.
Need to run- but in case the week gets away from me-
I wanted to thank each of you for what you have brought to my life. Your support, guidance, example and friendship means to the world to me. I pray we can meet at some point, maybe in 2017 if it is the right time for us all.
Until later
Cindy0 -
Late checkin, it has been a looooooong day. I got laundry started then headed to kohls. Found a very nice winter coat, with the sale, coupon and 30% off it was $42! It is their Apartment 9 brand and was originally $180, but you never pay full price for anything at kohls, lol. Got the last of the gifts and while I was standing in line to pay I got called in to work. Ended up working from 4-11:30pm and logged 19k steps for the day. I worked with 2 ladies that really know their stuff so I learned a lot despite being super busy. So tomorrow I HAVE to get these gifts wrapped and finish the laundry. I work Thursday and Friday. Told the boss I would be home if she needs me tomorrow, not sure that was my best move.
Cindy, it is getting closer to the next book. It feels like forever since the last one. You know that book really spoke to me.
Janet, i love dark chocolate, not a big milk chocolate fan. I made the cracker toffee with semisweet morsels. Did you get pics of Caleb on your whirlwind trip?
Bert, sorry to hear that Mike needs surgery. Men can try your patience, that is for sure. I am truly blessed that Edd is an unusually good patient. He follows directions well and did his exercises religiously after his knee surgeries and replacements. He just can't stand being Immobile and understood the fastest way to full recovery was following the rules.
Karla, I know Glenn will sail through his surgery with flying colors. That Amazon stick thing sounds like fun, glad Izzy found her song!
I am beat, so until tomorrow
Patti0 -
Hi Girls-
Last day of work for me until 2017-
I will rework chapter 28 today and then revisit 1-6 one last time. This edit has taken a long time in my world but I think in reality I did pretty good. Then it goes to my GF in Florida for a read and input- so we'll see. Em really likes this book and the photo shoot is after the first of the year.
Patti- I'm so happy that you still feel good about the last book- you're story inspired me in part and the rest just flowed.
Rick worked late last night so no counseling session- it was postponed until after the new year. I think its best since he is really in a December/Holiday funk- not as early as last year tho- so maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
I'll check back in later-
Cindy0 -
Oh my those extra hours yesterday took a toll on my feet. Woke me up during the night they were aching so bad. But I did not let it deter me for the day. I did, however, turn down some extra hours of work today. Just had to stay home and get things done. I finished the laundry and got all the presents wrapped. Now taking a short break before I tackle some cooking and prep for my part in the holiday meals. I Edd and I don't usually exchange gifts but I found him a couple of hats I couldn't resist. Being bald he needs to keep his noggin covered and happens to look good in hats.
Cindy, it is good to see you finding some silver linings in your life. Enjoy your time off and enjoy your LR time as a gift to yourself.
Hope you are all finding som joy this season.
Patti0 -
Patti - I saw the0
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Geez, lost my long post!!
Patti- I saw your0 -
Good Morning, Ladies. We celebrated Christmas at our house with Greg, Carrie, Jillian, and Cole. We had fun even though it was just us. Jillian and Cole are coming this morning so Greg and Carrie can put toys together. Geez, whatever happened to Christmas Eve 2:00 am? That's when we did it.
We will Skype with Dan, Annie, Dylan, and Penny on Christmas Day while we are at Greg and Carrie's. Have a great day, everyone! I'm going to try to make healthy choices in my eating today. Breakfast is tracked.
Bert
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HI Girls-
I'm sipping coffee and slow to get my butt in gear- at least washer is working- lol
I have to make peanut butter balls for Em's Jim and then a coffee cake for breakfast on Christmas. I toyed with the idea of ordering a dozen gourmet donuts but this will be better overall and save me some $$- they live up to their name in price and taste but I can make a mean coffee cake.
Patti- glad you took time for you and got some things done. I wish I could get Rick agree to no gifts but he goes into overdrive at this time and thinks we should for everyone. I'm slowly trimming him back, reminding him he wants to retire in 4 years and we need to have the house paid off or darn near close. I have another 10-12 years to work but don't want to be over burdened with my paycheck as the primary income.
Bert- saw the pics on FB- so darn cute. You are blessed...
Janet- if you're out there I hope time with the kids was amazing
Karla- sorry your having posting issues.
Need to have b-fast and get my butt in gear.
Hugs to all
Cindy0 -
Quick good morning as JJ and I head out for breakfast and then dropping him off for my last day of work this year. Haven't been by the office since Monday. The Sing movie was great. A lot of action going on and great performances.
Cindy- Yes I tried twice two long post for only a part of each line..lol.
Patti - I was trying to say I saw your roses on Facebook and ask where they really from Edd to you. I always hope he buys you something even though you have that rule, because you always buy him something. lol.
Janet - I know you have been on a run to get ready for your trip tomorrow. Please be kind to yourself and you pain level. I pray so that you get some relief from that.
I am off..
Happy days ahead..
Karla0 -
A happy, busy good morning to you all. I got everything done on my list yesterday with a little time to relax too. My son has to be out of his house by January 4th which is 2 weeks earlier than they originally planned so Edd is busy helping him with repairs on the house. I work today and tomorrow 12-5. If they need me to stay later I will be prepared for that.
Bert, Christmas spent with the grands, no matter the day or the method, is priceless. Enjoy every minute you get.
Cindy, we scaled back years ago on the gift giving. It had gotten out of control with all the extended family. So we concentrate on the grands, great grands, young nieces and nephews. There are small gifts for the 2 cousins, that are more like our brother and sister. The adults agreed that the true gift was the gift of family time spent together. The KY part of the family no longer comes up for our Christmas Eve celebration but we all get together at the cabin for a weekend celebration in January.
Karla, I want to go see that movie but may wait for it to come out on DVD. Even though we have a no gift exchange agreement we always seem to end up buying each other something. He has always been the most thoughtful gift giver and spends way more than I do. And yes, the flowers were from him to me. Total surprise as that is one thing he rarely buys, so it truly made my day.
Janet, you are in my thoughts as you prepare for your next whirlwind trip and then your surgery. I am here for you, don't forget that. I am only 2 1/2 hours away if you need me.
Mary Lynn, still keeping your words and those images in the forefront of my minds lest I forget just how blessed I truly.
Patti0 -
Hi, all - Have been VERY busy - finally got all gifts wrapped and will get family stockings stuffed in a bit, but I wanted to say hello to all of you first.
Am praying I can convince some friends to back off next year. I love getting stuff for everyone's kids but with the exception of my three very best friends and nieces, I would VERY much like to stop the adult gifts. There is honestly nothing I really need or want but time with people I treasure and hugs. I end up getting stuff I neither want nor need and one person buying for four groups of 6-8 is a growing stressor. (continued below - am on "limited" computer)0 -
Eating has not been great - struggling badly but know I must - and will - get my mojo back very soon. Can't wait to see Caleb again - having been up there last weekend means he will recognie me on Christmas. I drive to OH tomorrow, staying with best friend. Seeing dear friends and best friend's family Christmas Eve, brother's for Christmas, cousins the day after, then the drive home.
I can use time with my best friend right now - she's the sister I never had. You all feel like family to me too. May not get a chance to check in again for a few days, so MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! Love you all, sending hugs.0 -
Janet, just remember to be kind to yourself. I know time with your best friend will be renewing and fortify you for family Christmas at your brother's. My GFs and I all agreed years ago to stop the gifting and make our time together our gift. It has worked well and taken the pressure off us all. I hope your friends can do the same. We started out by choosing a charity to donate money to in honor or our friendship. Do be safe and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.
Put in my 5 hours, hit the grocery for last minute veggies, milk and eggs And have finished with dinner. Next I think I will make my spaghetti sauce for Sunday's lasagne. That way I just need to layer it all in the pan and bake that day. I have to make ham, deviled eggs and chorizo/cornbread stuffing for Christmas Eve dinner. I have to work 5 hours tomorrow so I think I can get it all done.
Patti0 -
Good afternoon all. Fun, mild day at the office. Wonderful way to start the day with my JJ. I took Izzy's decorated cookies for the office and they all loved them. It was a quiet day. We finished early and the doctor took us to the Mellow Mushroom for a late lunch. Afterwards, I picked up Izzy and JJ and we will have another fun day tomorrow. I think I will take them over to the Pro Bass Shop to the upstairs shooting gallery, arts and craft center, and of course, Santa Clause for Izzy. Just depends on how the day goes.
Janet - I know what you mean about purchases. I used to buy all my girlfriends gifts, but we have gotten to where we just meet for lunch or go to the movies now. Like you expressed, time together, even if on the phone, is better spent.
I have to finish my wrapping for Glenn in the morning and a few others. Otherwise, I am pretty much finished. Saturday we are planning a fun luncheon with Glenn's oldest son's family and his daughter and her finace'. The best part is, they invited us and they are coming over to Mobile first for gift exchange and eating here at Mugshots!!
Monday we will go over to Panama City to see my father and brothers, and that will end our 2016 year.
As Cindy and Janet have expressed, all of you mean so much to me. Somehow I have managed to lose 5 pounds this month. I am at 188!! I just haven't had time to eat as much as I usually do.
Remember to be kind to yourself, slow down and smell the roses, and remember you are worth every pleasure you enjoy in life.
Karla
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Gifts wrapped and in car, stockings filled and in car. Going to make packing list tonight and pack in the morning. I have tried for two years to stop adult gifts with one friend and her two adult daughters - will take her aside this year and beg. I have lots of kids to spoil and love that. Will say something to cousins too. Aside from them, gift exchanges with all but three closest friends ceased years ago. (I don't have a group of friends who all know each other - my nearest & dearest have come to me one at a time, each at a different time & for a different reason, and each a serious blessing.
If you can spare a moment, please pray for my friends' daughter Claire. She is a teen with the mind of an infant and is the deeply loved daughter of my friends Stephanie & Tom. She also has serious physical challenges and has been pretty much bedridden her entire life but has a sweet disposition and easy laugh. She is having pretty big problems and her parents would appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers they can get. Thanks.
OK, signing off from here for the night - may not be back for a few days. Have yourselves the merriest of Christmases!0 -
Good Morning Dear Friends-
I'm enjoying coffee and catching up on your lives- such a busy time of year for us all.
Janet- I do agree pulling your GF aside is the right idea. Maybe if she really wants to do something suggest the charity idea Patti suggested. I think sometimes the real meaning of the holiday spirit is overlooked and you are on a fixed income- as a wonderful retired person... and a single woman who's going to live to be a very sweet old lady
Patti- glad the week has come together beautifully for you-
Karla- enjoy time and ^5 on the 5 pounds shed. I'm eating much better so feeling better too. I'll be back on track for sure.
I was thinking for 2017- Maybe we can track down some new soup recipes to share in the new year. Soup is good for WL, as long as we skip cream soups.
Well as much as I'd love to sit here and keep typing to you all I need to get the butt in gear. Em just sent me a text the Buche de Noel - failed so we are dessert less for Christmas- time to pull something out of my back pocket-
If I don't get back until after Christmas-
Merry, Merry Christmas- safe travels and know that you are treasured.
Cindy0 -
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! Can't believe It is almost upon us. This month has flown but I don't feel stressed and am mostly ready except for last minute cooking. Looking forward to spending time with my family the next 2 days. I am so blessed to have so much love in my life. I pray I never take that for granted. I count all of you in my family of blessings. It is amazing the bond we have formed. Love you all and wish you the best of everything this Christmas and into the new year.
Patti0 -
Good morning all. I agree that coming here and reading all your posts and catching up with such wonderful ladies is a true blessing. I just put on my skinny jeans with no mushroom cap and that is a Christmas gift I didn't expect this year. I won't hold my breath. Chris' girlfriend is coming over tomorrow and we are baking for Christmas day. I do not know if she knows much about baking, so I am teaching her. Izzy just adores Brittany and we have all bought her things for the new baby coming.
I pray that 2017 will be a better year for my family. I have truly had some horrific family issues that I have not shared here. I know many of you have had also. Let's all pray for a great 2017 with peace in all our family. Good health for everyone, both mentally and physically.
January will be a very trying month for us. I go back up to UAB on the 3rd for some pellets being inserted into my eyes for moisture. The 6h is Glenn's surgery and the 20th we have an important event also. As always, your support and prayers have kept me going and have meant so very much.
I'm wrapping my last few presents this morning while the kiddo's are still asleep. I am also putting together a framed collection of Bear Bryant newspaper articles for my father.
Patti- Did you receive my card? I am serving a ham, home made mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, spinach cornbread dressing, fresh green beans and corn casserole. I have ordered a Christmas cake and a dozen Santa Claus cupcakes. I am making that white chocolate toffee, a shrimp dip, a garlic cheese ball and some more cut-out cookies. But these will be halved for Brittany to take home for her and Chris.
Janet - Sounds like you are all ready to go, except for you personal packing. I know you will be enriched with love with your friends and family. Enjoy this time and be safe on the road.
Cindy - What will you make for dessert? Whatever I is, I know I will be fanastic. Have you ever made the Chess Squares? They are so easy and sooooo good. Look them up sometime. I treasure you lady and I will meet you this year, even if just you and I!!
Have a Merry Christmas, hugs to everyone, you hug everyone you see, and enjoy every minue.
Karla0 -
Heading out in a few minutes but wanted to send one more hug to all before I travel. Had a 1 AM call from a friend who was having a rough night - so glad she reached out and by the end of the conversation she was much calmer. This is a former colleague and thorough oddball who is kind if like a slightly distant kid sister. We're very different in many ways but we have a bind over our many similarities.
Still praying for sweet young Claire too.
OK - off to collect and give zillions of hugs! Love, peace & Merry Christmas to you and yours!0 -
Janet, by now you are in the loving, hugging arms of your dear friend. I feel the love. Praying you enjoy the rest of the festivities and sending the prayers for sweet Claire.
Karla, your meal,sounds delish. My DIL fixes mashed potatoes, corn casserole, green bean casserole and lots of apps. I bring the ham, deviled eggs and stuffing. Thank you for the beautiful card. I did not know Chris and Brittany were expecting. Have fun helping her learn to bake, it is a good skill and she will be learning from the master.
Was amazed at how busy we were at work today. The shop is just a block from the mall, the traffic was atrocious! Luckily I was heading away from the madness on my way home and so glad I have no shopping to do.
Blessing to you all
Patti0 -
Friends,
May your Christmas be filled with the joy of small moments shared! I am grateful for you all!
Hugs,
MaryLynn0 -
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Merry Christmas Eve! Sitting in front of my friends' house (long story - 11:00 became noon and now 1:15). Gaving a lovely time. Thinking of you all. Big hugs.0
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Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Mike and I went out for breakfast and then to the store to pick up the prime rib we ordered. We will have friends for dinner. We will head to Greg and Carrie's in the morning to watch the kids open their gifts from Santa. I'm taking Monkey Bread.
Bert0 -
Merry Christmas to all my dear friends here. We had a wonderful time at my son's last night. So much love and merriment. Getting ready to head to Mom's shortly for another, smaller celebration.
Peace, love and joy to you all and all those you hold dear.
Patti0 -
Good Morning, Ladies. We had a wonderful Christmas....hoping everyone had at Merry Christmas.
Bert0 -
Good morning great friends. I have enjoyed all the pictures on Facebook!
Bert- Your dinner table was awesome! Your grandchildren are beautiful.
Janet- Caleb was just too adorable!!
Patti- Your Christmas Eve celebration sounded so fun and filled with love.
I saw great pictures of Paula and her family on Facebook too.
Izzy squealed with delight at all her toys and was bust playing with it all. We are almost to Panama City now, seeing my father and brother. Plus my friends.
I hope you all enjoyed your day yesterday.
Blessings and Ghod Will to all.
Karla0
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