Quick stop. I have new OMGs for Judy and Janet and me, will update later today. Anyone that stops by, please update your OMG. With all this positive energy, let's get some momentum going.

Patti

Good morning ladies! It is a beautiful sunshiny day here! This is my last week at Corban until August. I will still teach at the studio
until the first week of June. It doesn't look like I will be able to do a practicum this summer. Nothing has come up that I can find; I didn't expect
it to be this hard to find a place.
Hubby is still looking for a job. He has had a couple of interviews and still some possibilities there, but no firm offers yet. He is working
hard at looking for a job so I'm sure something will come up soon.

Karla, love the pics, thanks for sharing. The flowers are beautiful as are you I agree that when things don't turn out the way we
want them to, sometimes it is because there is a better option for us. A former friend once told me an analogy that I use quite a bit. She
used to babysit and would let the kids play in the front yard. She would tell them come up in the yard and they sometimes would
complain and she would say "I can see around the corner and a car is coming" God can see around the corner and knows what is best
for us.

Cindy, loved the pics of teaching Emily to sew! What fun in so many ways. Hope the business trip goes well and that you have time to
take care of yourself while away.

Janet, I need some of your organization skills here! Over the years of the illness this place has gotten out of control. I guess if I don't do
the practicum this summer I will focus on getting this place back in order. I may be going back and forth to my parents' house too, though
because my dad will be getting a hip replacement. They told him it would be several months out but if a cancellation comes up he can
get in sooner.

Patti, glad to hear your day with your daughter went so well; and that you got to spend time with your mom as well...so special. Thanks for
sharing the Etsy shop, I am a huge garlic lover! I'll check it out once Brian has a job again

Beth, good to hear from you; I have been enjoying your pics on FB!

Well, I have a houseful here; it is a visitation day/time for Will and Avery which means Andrea and Alanna are here as well. So I'm off to hang
with them for a bit before heading to work. Have a wonderful day, ladies!

Grace and peace to you
Jeanette

Oops , Myra, didn't mean to ignore you. I got your OMG. Always nice to see you. How is the smiling going?
Patti

Good evening ladies; just wanted to mention that hubby (Brian) has an interview tomorrow morning at 10 (or today if you are looking at this on Tuesday morning). This is a sales position that would provide a work vehicle and has opportunities for him to move up in the company. We would appreciate your prayers if you are a praying person

Thanks
Grace and peace to you
Jeanette

Jeanette, definitely praying for this to be a good fit for Brian -- the car sure would be a plus, but the growth opportunity would be even better.

Patti, it got to mid-80s here today -- too hot for me but I'm too stubborn and cheap to put AC on mid-April. I got my exercise getting the boxes of CDs and DVDs to be sold labeled and stacked right at the garage door. FedEx will pick them up tomorrow, so I don't have to wrestle them into and out of the car -- my back is grateful. And was grateful for the percocet this evening.

OMGs updated, and I removed a few names. They can always be added back if they return.

Now here is a quote a friend of mine shared on FB today and I thought it was appropriate to share.
"What's my goal weight? I don't have one. I will not define myself by a number. My journey is about feeling stong, confident and healthy"

And from the incomparable Lucille Ball
One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.

And just to make you laugh:
Every notice how irons have a setting for permanent press? I don't get it. Steven Wright.

So have faith in yourself, find what works for you and be kind to yourself no matter what.

Hope this starts your day off with a smile
Patti

I had a great day yesterday. For the first time in a long time, I feel really focused on losing weight. I also felt so good because I got to do three exercises at PT. they hurt but I was glad to finally do something myself. Of course when I went to bed last night, I was in agony. I finally took a Percocet d slept good. I think it may be back to the recliner for a few night.

David is doing really good in PT and OT. In fact he has already met half the goals in OT. It is the PT that will take the most time. He said the hospital is fantastic, both of them have been.

Good morning ladies,
It certainly sounds like the happenings in your lives is turning towards the positive, which always is encouraging. We spent most of yesterday outside in the sunshine, gardening again. Getting loads of Vitamin D these past few days, that is for sure! Looking forward to another sunny day outside and will need to get out there before it gets too hot to hike around here.

Jeanette I'll be praying for you and Brian this morning as he attends his interview. Doors seem to open when and where we least expect them and hopefully this is one of those for you both. When I did some online searching in public health and nutrition in Oregon it looks like there are plenty of openings for experienced professionals, so it would be great to get your practicum done and behind you! Perhaps there is a summer camp, healthcare, homecare or senior center that would fit the criteria for you? Does the school provide any leads for you to pursue, or is it totally up to you? My thoughts are with you as you go about your busy day.

Patti, your dinner menu sounds delicious and I love roasted garlic anytime! The upcoming painting job sounds like fun and of course it is great exercise for anybody. Along with the painting, TRX and Zumba, you'll be running laps around us all in no time! Lunching with friends who are going through trauma can sure be tough and sometimes we just need to remember that we are there to listen and hug. There is always a safe place in the arms of our best friends and I'm sure your friend values the commitment you continue to make in her life. We need to remember that we only have today - this moment - in which to make a difference. As we learn to value the moment and cherish one another (as well as ourselves) smiles appear. Thanks so much for the smiles you caused in my life with the quotes you shared today too!

Judy, such good news for David as he makes huge strides towards recovery already! Great to find your focus once again. It can prove elusive at times, especially when we get a setback like you have experienced so recently. As you continue to manage more movements and exercise, you are wise to take something to keep on top of the pain that results. Finding the balance of nutrition that works best for you is equally important as your attitude and it sounds like you're discovering some strong desires to work through it all. Well done. Rest when you need it!

Cindy, life continues to shine around you as you look forward to your travel and connection with your proof-reading friend. Sounds like your activities are keeping you hopping as you step into the day ahead. Your positive outlook is always noticed and hopefully appreciated by those you encounter regularly. I sure appreciate it! Travel safe and come back refreshed, even if it is mostly a business trip. I hope you find ways to "unplug" from the routines of life and appreciate how far you've come already!

Janet, it's good to get things organized without having to move. Moving has been such a regular part of our lives and that always prompts the sorting and prioritizing you've been addressing lately. It is amazing how quickly we can accumulate things and how little we truly need to keep, or that has been unused for far too long. When someone else can make use of goods that we have valued in the past, it makes so much sense for them to be passed on in some way. Nice to hear that you can be back on a regular foods and hope you're enjoying them all! Finding out that your vision changes will allow for a surgical procedure soon for correction is a mixed blessing. They have certainly come a LONG way with what they are able to do and hopefully you can find a reputable professional to handle this delicate procedure. Enjoy the warmer weather and hopefully find some time to sit back and soak it all in as well!

Karla, glad to hear that Glenn's procedure was minimal and that he can hopefully look forward to a speedy and full recovery really soon. How are you feeling after all this? Juggling so many balls in the air makes for some pretty tired muscles both physically and emotionally. Just find the balance that works best for you as you continue to step forward with your normal high enthusiasm for life. Pleased to share in the beauty of the blossoms with you and that you were able to find those stylish new glasses! So many changes in your life, I bet you are never bored!

Myra, I liked your new goal of "stop and really think" and it's important to me too. Such mindfulness slows us down to allow us to evaluate, enjoy and embrace healthy attitudes to the happenings around us. While I am a devotee to spontaneity, I admit it can bring unexpected consequences. Giving ourselves an extra moment or two can make all the difference between positive and negative outcomes. This forum provides an opportunity to listen and learn from others and I continue to enjoy this with you. Thanks for being you!

Beth, I hope you are finding some balance in your busyness this week. Take care of yourself as you engage in life and carve out some personal space to just breathe in and out slowly. Raising a family while juggling professional responsibilities is almost always stressful and it tends to catch us up unexpectedly at times. So glad you have found us here and that you continue to improve every day as you step confidently towards your personal goals and dreams.

Catch you all again soon. Sorry if I missed anyone this morning. Hugs to you all, friends!

MaryLynn

Jeanette - Any news on how the interview went for Brian? You guys have been in my thoughts all day...take care of yourselves, okay?
MaryLynn

Pain is better as long as I don't do anything. I did cook a delicious dinner tonight. Sautéed tala pie with Cajun seasoning served with a salsa made of Champaign mangoes, cucumbers, chives avacado and lime juice. For sides I roasted butternut squash cubed and asapagus with balsamic vinegar infused with garlic. Very yummy and nutrious!

Good very early morning ladies! I have been awake since about 3:30 my time for no particular reason I can think of. I'm hoping to get a few snoozes in before I head to work for my last day of the semester at Corban.

Brian felt his interview went well. They said they'd contact him Thursday if they would like to see him for an interview with the next level manager. He also checked in with a former employer to see if there was a possibility of a job there. It is a lumber yard he worked for for about 10 years and quit when they had new ownership and changed things so his pay depended on commission, but they made it really hard to earn that commission (I'm not fond of the idea of him going back to work there). No word back from the several dozen other places he has applied.

Just stopped in while my chamomile tea is steeping; hoping to head back to bed for a couple hours. Have a wonderful day!

Grace and peace to you
Jeanette

Hello, dear friends.

Judy, guessing "Tala Pie" is autocorrect for "tilapia." Have I guessed correctly? Made me laugh.

Patti, enjoy the painting -- I know you're really good at it. And I am very happy to know that your nephew is reconnecting -- what a gift.

Karla, eager to hear what your UAB doc says about the eye situation. You and Jason will have a quality visit in the car. You must be staying tonight and coming home tomorrow.

Jeanette, keeping fingers crossed for Brian to find something he will enjoy -- he's clearly doing everything right.

MaryLynn, you are a ray of sunshine in our lives!

Cindy, hope the trip is going well.

Judy, how is PT going this week?

My lawn/planting guy was here and has redone my back flower bed -- the dreaded red rose bushes are GONE!!! (Yeah, I know I'm weird but really don't care for them -- probably the many years of deliveries I saw at work on Valentine's Day when I got nothing. Until my dear friend Ken found out that it upset me, after which he sent flowers to my work at least twice a year, always something far more interesting than others were getting. Yeah, my friends are the BEST.) He filled in a couple of spots left by deceased peonies in the front and swapped out the plant at my mailbox but put the wrong one in and will fix next week. He's also going to look for a screen door for my deck -- it'd be nice to have the extra fresh air on days when it's possible. The permanent door is mostly glass but has a custom shade, so I want to keep it as is. The kid's just starting out on his own so am happy to give him my business because he is smart, knows plants and design and has a terrific work ethic.

Must do a LOT of straightening up before my cleaner comes tomorrow. There are CDs all over the place! But I'm down to the final 200-300 I can't bring myself to part with and need to put most of them into CD notebooks and ditch the jewel boxes. Bought the notebooks years ago in a fit of (premature) planning.

Had some tough news last night -- my only living aunt is very ill. Aunt Pat is a tiny ray of sunshine and she was the one family member who never me treated differently because of my size and made me some really cute things -- I still remember them in great detail. I will be able to see her on Saturday when I drive up for Sunday's shower, and if needed I will drive up again to help. Her name is Pat - prayers would be appreciated. She had a cancer recurrence and yesterday they called off future chemo and she is home, with hospice care (her son's wife works for hospice in another part of the state so we know she'll be in excellent hands). I am glad my cousin told me and I will do all I can to make her feel loved and to take her treats -- she's down to 85 pounds on an already tiny frame.

OK -- can't stay at the computer all afternoon -- onward, with a hug for each of you.

Karla be safe on the road and enjoy your Jason time. It will be good for you both, especially with all that's been going on, including the early end to your vacation.

I moved here with over a thousand CDs so this is a HUGE purge for me! Having iTunes and being able to rip CDs to the computer helps. Still, I'm not ready to give up hard copies of my closest-to-the-heart discs.

Just checked on the eagles and saw one of the eaglets stretch a wing out -- WOW.

Planning on a quiet night -- have to straighten up for cleaner tomorrow but don't feel like doing much and figure I deserve it. Now to fix some dinner and chill ...