Now I really did it :((

[missy]

Good morning girls!

Marcy, so glad you slept well!!! Let us know how it went with those chicken nuggets LOL.

Callie, The Point is located in the Adirondacks. It's a gorgeous place. One day I would like to return there with Greg as it was the most wonderful resort we have ever visited. I hope your headache is completely gone now.

Kristie, I hope your exercise and eating plan is continuing to go well and that you continue well on target! And I hope you have another beautiful weather day to enjoy walking outdoors.

Junebug, I hope you are having a good week.

LLJsmom, (((Hugs))).

Ovi, (((Hugs))) to you too. Wish we could do more but you know we are here for you.

I sent Ovi's email to a couple of you and if anyone else wants it who doesn't have it please let me know as per Ovi's request.

 

[junebug17]

Hi everyone!

Callie, I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know a whole lot about other SC beaches Our place is in Kiawah Island, about a half hour from Charleston. We found out about it through my sister - she got a place there first. We visited her and my husband fell in love with the place. She checked out several beaches and she liked Kiawah the best. Close by is Seabrook Island, another gated community. I guess it really depends on what you're looking for. Kiawah is not commercialized. It has a tropical feel to it. It is well known for golf. There are a few restaurants It is quiet, low-key, and peaceful. There is an owner's pool with a clubhouse, gym, and cafe. But it is off the beaten path and shopping is about 30-40 minutes away (i.e. target, malls movies, etc.) There is a grocery store, some shops and a nice restaurant about 5 minutes away. The stores are boutiques and a bit pricey but you can catch some sales lol. My kids have commented that it is boring, but my husband and I like boring these days! Hilton head is more built up and touristy and from what I understand the traffic can be bad. Some prefer a place with a bit more action though. There are some beaches closer to Charleston - Folly Beach, Isle of Palm, and Sullivan Island. Here's a link
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g54171-c99416/Charleston:South-Carolina:Which.Beach.Is.Best.html

There's also Myrtle Beach, which is also commercialized but I would think there would be beaches a bit less touristy. I'm sure there are other beaches but I'm just not familiar with them.

Of course, being 30 minutes away from Charleston means that a hospital is 30 minutes away too! Kiawah might be too isolated for senior citizens, but I figure we can at least start out there. And who knows, once we live there full-time we might decide it's too isolated and quiet. We only spend a week there during the summer and an occasional long weekend here and there, it's more of a vacation place right now. Oh, about the religion thing - we've never really noticed it, at least where we're located. I don't know, I don't think it will be an issue for us.

Oh, one thing I should mention is that the wildlife includes alligators - which you will see sunning themselves on the golf course and floating around in the lagoons. We're used to them, but you do have to be careful if you have a small dog, in terms of the dog running loose. My sister has a small dog and has never had a problem.

Callie and missy, I get what you're saying about maintaining two homes - that's basically what we're doing now. It's a pain in the neck - The plan is to eventually sell our house in NJ. my husband and I talk about this and if we were to get another place somewhere, it would be a small condo, low maintenance. In fact, we are thinking about selling our place in Kiawah and getting a condo there, houses are a lot of work and the upkeep is a pain. We've also talked about getting a small place close to where my daughter lives if and when she has kids so we can see them often . I really don't picture us traveling a lot, I'm a homebody and am just not into staying in hotels and all the rigamarole involved with traveling. So having two small, low maintenance homes would take the place of vacations. So, as you can see, all over the map right now and who knows what we'll end up doing!

Missy, good news about the antibiotics - Sorry for doubting you, infectious disease specialist!

I hear you ladies on getting older! There are a lot of things I don't like about my appearance, and wish I could change. I feel I've aged a lot these past few years. Just too afraid I guess! And these days I'm having trouble keeping up with my regular health care, I'm behind on some tests and doctor's appointments as it is

Kristie, congrats on the weight loss, that's really great!

Ovi, sounds like you're going through a rough time right now, thinking of you - hugs.

 

[azstonie]

Hi Guys---I've come down with a COLD. Urgh. But I'm thankful its not flu, yanno.

Junebug, since you'd be 30 minutes from the hospital (is that in the worst traffic or the best traffic?) may I suggest you buy a Phillips defibrillator at Costco? They are extremely easy to use, they even tell you if you SHOULD shock the person or not, you cannot make a mistake.

Reason being, when you have a heart attack the early minutes are the key ones to not having brain damage and not damaging the heart. If you or your DH had a heart attack in Kiawah, you could at least save the other from anoxic brain injury or destruction of the heart.

I'm planning on getting one in my house. Bob is 51, I'm 56, and when I worked at Mayo there were plenty heart attacks in our groups.

If cost is not an issue, I would recommend all of us to have them; you never know the expertise or quality of the EMTs who would come and how long it would take them to get there.

 

[azstonie]

LLJs, feel better soon. Thinking about ya.

Ovi, you too, check in with us, okay?

Finn and Maggie had bath day today, my DH is home for 4 days (flex day today and MLK Day off) which is a t.a.d. long if ykwim. (We've both agreed to find good hobbies and volunteering to make sure we don't sit at home when we retire.)

 

[LLJsmom]

LLJs, feel better soon. Thinking about ya.

Ovi, you too, check in with us, okay?

Finn and Maggie had bath day today, my DH is home for 4 days (flex day today and MLK Day off) which is a t.a.d. long if ykwim. (We've both agreed to find good hobbies and volunteering to make sure we don't sit at home when we retire.)

azstonie, I'm out of hibernation. I'm ok. I'm through the tunnel for now. I am limiting how much time I'm posting, except that thread about Victor has my attention. I have the book, but I'm putting off reading it for now. I might be better prepared to read it when I am not so emotionally involved.

Bath for Finn and Maggie? Sounds good! I just keep myself busy and moving around. I'm doing my best.

Hugs to you!

 

[LLJsmom]

Hey girls,

Just wanted to add perfect eyesight, which I could do if I got lasik, and forever stain-proof teeth.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Ovi, I'm thinking about you too.

xoxo-LLJ

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,
I will try joining later. Niello is gone, I wish I had let him go sooner now such agony, sorry to say. Sapphie is ill and I want to spend time with her as her companions are both gone. Thanks for all your support I am about to pass out and will try to get some sleep, then hopefully soon I get to enjoy your company here. Love and hugs to all of You.

 

[missy]

Ovi, I am so sorry about Niello. He knew how much you loved him and you gave him the best possible life. Please do not blame yourself. You did everything you possibly could and now he is at peace. Sending you hugs and love. I am so sorry.

 

[missy]

Kristie, I hope you are feeling better. Sometimes a cold can really suck. Especially those winter colds though I know you know how to take care of it I am hoping you wake up much better this morning. Interesting about the defibrillator recommendation. I will check that out at Costco next Friday when we go. Not sure I am going to be able to convince Greg we need this as he already thinks I overthink things at times LOL.

Junebug from one homebody to another I completely agree. Traveling doesn't excite me anymore like it did in the past. The most traveling I want to do is one home to another LOL. At least for now before we downsize to just one home and then perhaps we will travel more. We'll see. I am quite content to be at (either) home right now.

LLJsmom, thanks for checking in and glad things are improving albeit slowly. One day at a time. (((Hugs))).

Good morning to the rest of you as well. Marcy, hope you had a good night's sleep and are completely recovered from that bug. Callie, hey there hope you had a good night.

 

[azstonie]

LLJs, feel better soon. Thinking about ya.

Ovi, you too, check in with us, okay?

Finn and Maggie had bath day today, my DH is home for 4 days (flex day today and MLK Day off) which is a t.a.d. long if ykwim. (We've both agreed to find good hobbies and volunteering to make sure we don't sit at home when we retire.)

azstonie, I'm out of hibernation. I'm ok. I'm through the tunnel for now. I am limiting how much time I'm posting, except that thread about Victor has my attention. I have the book, but I'm putting off reading it for now. I might be better prepared to read it when I am not so emotionally involved.

Bath for Finn and Maggie? Sounds good! I just keep myself busy and moving around. I'm doing my best.

Hugs to you!

LLJs, roger that! No need to post back re any of this. You have the book, that is the important thing. *If* a physician suggests medication to you, or if you wonder about it yourself, please read the chapter on medications before you start one/combo. Its the best write up of medications I've ever seen and was noted as such by the best shrink IMHO at Mayo. He recommends that book to any of his patients having therapy with him or whom he saw at the hospital on rounds. (Most physicians, including the specialty, don't keep up on the latest science and clinical info on meds, don't understand them to start with really.)

So carry on, you have the top notch info at your fingertips, you're ready should you need it.

Winston Churchill: When you're going through hell, KEEP GOING.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls,

I wrote a post late last night and when I went to hit the submit button the post completely disappeared.

Ov, I'm so sorry to hear about Niello. I'm sending lots of hugs your way. Please know we are all here for you.

Missy, Do you and Greg have anything planned for the weekend? I was looking at Diamonds yesterday afternoon. That was fun! Before anyone asks, they weren't for me. Just looking as a favor for my niece. I also spent time with my other niece who has the baby later in the day. Her baby is adorable. We all got together before my nephew goes back to school. My husband and I are going shopping and out for dinner today. Nothing too exciting. He wants to watch Gone Girl tonight. I want to watch Downton Abby. I'm sure he will win this one!

Kristie, I hope your cold is beginning to feel better. Your heart attack comment was a little scary. True but scary! It's bad enough I look old, now I need a defibulator too! Do you plan to stay in the Scottsdale area when you retire?

Junebug, I will look into the areas you mentioned for retirement. South Carolina is definately on our list of places to check out. I have always been a homebody, even when I was younger. i definately don't need to retire some place with lots of night life. As long as we can go out for a nice dinner, we are fine. My husbands big priority is golf. Mine is being within an hour of great shopping.

Marcy, I hope you are out having fun with your girlfriends. How is Marty? I'm sure he is ready to come home.

LLJsmom, I hear you on the stain proof teeth. I had my teeth bleached at the dentist a few years. I needed a new cap on a front tooth and my dentist recommended having them whitened before having the cap. It only took about an hour. Wow did that make a difference. If you ever have it done I would recommend they put the gel they use before hand for sensitive teeth. My teeth hurt so bad the first few hours afterward. When I got back to work after the procedure it felt like I was having electric shocks in all my teeth. I fainted at work. My husband said they were so white they glowed in the dark the first couple days.

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Thanks so much all of you for thinking about me. I have decided that come spring I will go on a small trip, not sure where yet, maybe only Antwerp and meet friends there, I have other friends in Belgium that I like very much and we used to have a great time when we were both breeding Abys and showed there, so a bit of both worlds. I think this is what I need. First, I will give myself time and spring is a better time to travel but I want to enjoy some freedom if I can. Now of course my now ex husband is not leaving me at all and thinks that if he goes to therapy and calls me a million times a day he will get me back, I do not think so.

While I am alone at home right now, I have you Girls and you writing to me so many very warm hearted messages really keep me going. Some distract me really well talking about fun stuff but really all are very soothing to my soul. I have other friends, my parents are somewhat there too especially my mom, actually she wanted to contribute to paying for Niello's care and kept calling me many times a day. I think I will put a picture of him on Puma's tribute thread, they were inseparable. I now have Niello's hair in my locket too.

Sapphie is ok but her worst fear came true, I did not bring Niello back , I got feline antidepressant Zylkene, a natural mother's milk supplement and will try that as well as immune stimulants and her meds of course. They really were inseparable, all three by the end. I hope she makes it.

Next week I will try to work a bit more and distract myself, I need to now as life has been a bit much for me recently as some of you know. Maybe I will even buy a dress, just something that cheers me up. Though things are obviously hard, I enjoy what I do, love my gems and jewelry, working with them and talking about them. I should think of new projects but I need a day or two before I can really get into it.

Please let me know your news. This year I hope to meet you Girls at our GTG, not sure a location has been decided yet. Hugs to all of you, I missed those of you who I have not been in contact with the last week.

 

[marcy]

Hi Ladies!

Kristie, that is good the dental work paid off for your husband. That is too bad about his brother though. I know Marty is very anxious to get his braces off. I hope the cold you can down with isn’t a cousin to the one I had; it doesn’t want to let you go. That’s great your DH has a nice long weekend.

Callie, be careful with the fit bit. Marty had one and it kept falling off his wrist; he actually lost it on a plane one time. He really liked it though. I watched “In To the Storm” and “Gone Girl” today. Both were pretty good. Marty will have a permanent retainer on his bottom teeth. How was shopping and dinner?

Missy, the chicken nuggets didn’t get even with me. I had a slight stomach ache when I went to bed that night but woke up fine.

LLJsmom, sending you hugs and wishes for a better week.

Junebug, my in-laws went to Myrtle Beach for years when they lived in Maryland. It was their favorite place.

Ovi, I am so sorry. Thinking of you.

I stayed up until about midnight reading and watching TV. I was going to go to the mall today but the wind sounded awful so I stayed home. I finished a book, watched a few movies and chatted with Marty. Tomorrow my sister and BIL are coming to town for a visit.

One of my missions at the mall was to trade in a ring I don’t wear for a ring I will wear. I might look at some colored diamond bands. Not great PS quality just something fun to wear.

Have a great Sunday!
Marcy

 

[Sunstorm]

Kristie, I love what you quoted, it does feel really hard sometimes but that was a great quote!

Marcy, how are you? Have you found anything nice at the mall? Hope you are hanging in there and actually enjoying some time for yourself while Marty is gone. I know I would use it to pamper up too, it is exciting, almost like dating in a way.

Tomorrow is work so that is good but also hard to leave Sapphie home. Today is tough as the house seems too quiet and lonely and it is very difficult for me to rid myself of anxiety at the moment. I know all of that will take time. I do know it gets better and what does not kill us only makes us stronger, I just wish I was around you Girls and we could go out and have a bit of fun and be distracted.

Thanks to all of you for being there, Missy, Kristie, Callie especially. Thank you. I cannot say that enough. Hugs and will try to join in and read back what has happened over the last week.

 

[missy]

Kristie, I love that quote by Winston Churchill. In fact perhaps it will be my new mantra.
How are you this morning? I hope your cold is almost gone and that you are enjoying the long weekend with your dh. I LOL'd when I read what you wrote about making sure each of you were occupied when your dh retired. I remember my mom saying that my dad was underfoot all the time when he first retired and it drove her crazy lol. But then they adjusted and they are enjoying their retirement and their grandchildren.

How is your healthy eating and exercising going? Thinking of you and hoping the pounds are coming off -but not too much! Remember we need some fat to look good but I hope all is going well and that you soon will be enjoying some new gems!


Callie, a nice dinner out with your dh tonight sounds perfect. We were actually planning that ourselves but then of course something happened. Last night my parents were out to dinner with my aunt and uncle and my dad passed out at the restaurant. An ambulance came and his blood pressure was way too low and they took him the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and they kept him overnight to monitor him. His blood tests were normal last night re cardiac enzymes etc but they need to check it this morning because that can change and there is something called a silent heart attack. I am waiting to call my mom to see how he is doing just in case she got some sleep last night. It's always something. Anyway going to see my dad today so those are our plans. We *think* his cardiologist gave him too high of a dose of his heart meds. But not sure yet so will see what the doctors at the hospital have to say this morning.

Ovi, I am glad you are feeling a bit better and getting back to work today. I am keeping you close in my thoughts and hoping each day gets a little bit easier and that Sapphie will be OK.

As for your ex he can go you know what and I am not telling you what to do but if I was in your situation I agree 100% with what you wrote. No way no how no therapy. Goodbye and good riddance to the garbage that he is!

I am happy you are planning some time with friends. My heart aches for you and Sapphie. When I read what you wrote about Sapphie's worst fear coming true when you did not bring Niello home I lost it. (((Hugs))) to both of you. You are going through such a rough and challenging time but I know you will make it through and come out strong and well. Sending hugs and love your way.

Marcy, sorry the chicken nuggets did not agree with you. Goodness knows what they put in those nuggets besides chicken. I feel like one has to be a super sleuth to figure out what is in anything these days. Food, skin care, home products, clothing, you name it!

Glad Marty will be home soon. I am sure that at times it seems the days are dragging but then when you look back on it everything it all seems to fly by if you kwim. Have fun with your brother and SIL today.

Oh and looking forward to hearing what you might end up getting with your trade. I love fun jewelry too. It doesn't all need to be super high end. A colored diamond band sounds pretty!


(((Hugs))) to all you girls. I hope you have a lovely Sunday!

 

[azstonie]

Missy, oh no, your dad! Yes, cardiac enzymes are not a good indicator of heart attack because they can take many hours to appear in the bloodstream, if at all. An echo/ekg and exam are more indicative, usually the ER will get all three--enzymes, ekg/echo and clinical exam by physician. If the doc feels like being conservative is warranted, overnight stay.

If you dad take antihypertensives, its possible he was overcorrected and the BP went too low. My dad gets lightheaded when he stands up because he and his physician choose to keep him very low in BP. (I don't agree with that, your organs need blood to operate correctly.) Did your dad pass out when he stood up?

Ovi, glad you liked that quote!

Marcy, shoot I've got that cold! I think t. he coughing dude behind me in line at Safeway is responsible, he coughed his head off. I felt like I wanted to run to the shower when I got home rather than put the groceries away, LOL. Its a fab weight loss opportunity, I have some Hagen Daz left over from New Year's in the freezer and it hasn't been so much as removed from the freezer and gazed at longingly.

Junebug, Kiawah sounds idyllic. You guys must really really enjoy it there. Is that where you'll be going this summer when you say "beach?"

Callie, how's your sweet dog today? I went to the urgent care because I am a big baby when it comes to that terrible cough that comes with the bad colds. I haven't slept in 3 nights due to the cough and I just hit my limit with it. They gave me what I asked for at the Urgent Care, cough syrup with Phenergan and codeine. Kristie will be sleepin' tonight! I would love to retire to the Scottsdale area, it has everything retirees need and and want and then some. The only thing is, for our "first" retirement I really had my heart set on ocean view. Now I've said well, okay, WATER view, maybe a river or lake for example if we wind up in first retirement in Idaho like our friends and former coworkers have. BUT water view, it could also be a smashing pool. Summers here are bearable if you swim everyday or just blow town and go to San Diego area for a few months.Bob wants a more rural place for the first retirement, I'm more i interested in city life, being able to walk places instead of always having to hop in the car would be great, you get your exercise and get out of the house too.

 

[Calliecake]

Re: Now I really did it t

Hi Girls,

Missy, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how scary it is when you get those phone calls. My thoughts are with you and just pray it is nothing serious. Please update us on his condition. Hopefully his test results will come back fine and he will be able to go home later today. My stepfather has passed out many times in the past 5 years. He has some weird condition that causes him to pass out. The problem is when they are 80 years old you are never sure what the cause is as there is always the possibility it could be something more serious. My mom doesn't seem to realize this which can be frustrating. He has many weird symptoms and she will call me at 8:00 am in a panic and then tell me she not taking him to hospital because he has a 4:00 pm doctors appointment that day. It nevers occurs to her that if it turns out to be something serious he could be dead long before 4:00 pm. We have been beside ourselves many times because she is so stubborn.

Kristie, I hope the medicine they gave you at Urgent Care helped you get some much needed sleep. It seems whenever you get thise nasty colds at this time of the year they seem impossible to shake off. We need to get you healthy before the gem show!!! I know what you mean about colds being good for dropping a couple pounds but what a miserable way to accomplish listing a few pounds. I give you so much credit. You are doing so well with your diet. Please explain to me how you can have Hagen Daaz in the freezer and NOT eat it. You deserve a medal for that or at the very least a new gemstone!

I have no idea what was wrong with our furbaby and was just so grateful that she woke the next morning acting like her crazy little self again. She is a pistol when she is feeling well so it's really noticeable when she is feeling bad. I can only imagine how many times I would take a child to the doctor if we had one. I bring the dog to the vet pretty often. I'm trying to get better but If I think she isn't feeling well I always take her to the vet right away. The last time we were there her vet told me dogs get little viruses just like we do and try not to worry to much and give it a day especially if she is eating and drinking like normal.

I would love a waterview when we retire. I was looking last night at the places Junebug mentioned. I'm sure we will make some trips in the near future to check different areas out.

OV, I hope work went well for you today and you didn't have any issues. How are you feeling today? I so hope you had a good day. How is Sapphie doing today? If you lived near me I would take you out dress shopping and out to dinner. I wish we all lived close to each other.

Marcy, Speaking of colds, I hope yours is finally starting to go away. Is your cough still hanging on? Did you do anything fun today? How is your weather?

Junebug, Did you do anything exciting this weekend? I looked up houses in the areas you listed yesterday. I could easily see us living there. Of course my favorite houses are all close to a million dollars or more!

We ended up running errands yesterday and did some shopping. We were going to go out to dinner and my husband decided he wanted pizza instead. We had pizza and watched Downton Abbey episodes last night. He still hasn't watched Gone Girl. Football is back on again today!

 

[missy]

Good evening ladies. I hope everyone enjoyed their Sunday.

My dad is home from the hospital and is doing well! They are not sure what caused his vasovagal syncope but they kept him overnight and monitored him and did a CAT scan etc. My mom slept at the hospital with my dad in the same bed LOL. I know for sure HSS would never have allowed that but good for NYP Cornell Weill for allowing it. Anyway I am happy and relieved he is OK. I have 3 favorite people in this world and my dad and Greg are 2 of them. The other person was my grandma so I am down to 2 and would like to keep them both around for a long while!

Kristie, sorry your cough is lingering but glad you have the goods for a sweet night's sleep tonight! And I hope you are feeling much better tomorrow morning after a good night's sleep. And as for water view you and Callie know where you can come for one and well I think it is a good "first" retirement place. Plus there's a couple who lives there that are pretty nice too.

Callie, pizza and Downton Abbey sounds like a perfect Sat night IMO. Hope your dh's team won today and that your sweet dog is keeping you company while the sports are on as I am sure she is doing.

Ovi, I hope Sapphie is eating and feeling better. And I hope you are too.

Marcy, Junebug, LLJsmom, hope you had a good weekend.

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Missy, Thank you for taking the time to update everyone on your dad. I'm so glad everything turned out well and he seems to be doing well now. I can't believe your parents slept in the hospital bed. Too cute!

I also could not agree with you more about your beach house being the perfect first retirement home. And the people that live there are definitely very special!

 

[missy]

Hi Missy, Thank you for taking the time to update everyone on your dad. I'm so glad everything turned out well and he seems to be doing well now. I can't believe your parents slept in the hospital bed. Too cute!

I also could not agree with you more about your beach house being the perfect first retirement home. And the people that live there are definitely very special!

Aww thank you Callie and you know I feel the same way about you guys too!

 

[azstonie]

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasovagal-syncope/basics/causes/con-20026900

Mayo has a good writeup on vasovagal syncope, if you haven't read up on it (LOL, I know you have).

I'm so glad he's okay. Its terrible when one of our loved ones goes down for the count!

 

[marcy]

Happy Sunday!

Ovi, I did find a fun ring at the mall. It has colored diamonds (orange, green, blue, red and yellow) with little white diamonds. The diamonds look bright and lively in good lighting. I am doing okay today. Thank you. How are you doing? I hope you have a nice day at work tomorrow.

Kristie, I like the quote from Winston Churchill! That is awesome. I am anxious for you to go to the gem show. Crap that you got that cold. I hope you get over it quicker than I did; it does make you feel pretty bad for a while. I avoided ice cream for a few weeks too. I know that isn’t good for your throat. I am glad you got some medicine. I am with you, an ocean view sounds great to me.

Missy, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I am relieved he is okay and home already! Marty will be home in less than 2 weeks now so yes that sounds doable. I did get a fun color diamond band today. I’ll post a few pictures. They look better in real life than the photos I took but you will get the idea. Does Greg have tomorrow off? It is hard to know what triggers a reaction sometimes; food or skin, huh?

Callie, I would be taking my fur baby to the vet too. They can’t really tell you what’s wrong. That is scary your dad passes out sometimes. My cough is pretty much gone. I almost feel like I normally do again. I watched Gone Girl; there were some surprising twists in that movie! How was you pizza? I am sure you have fabulous places there for pizza.

I read until after midnight last night and actually slept in until 8 am. That super dark room is really helping me sleep past sunrise. Sweet.

My sister and BIL got here about 10:30. My sister and I went to the mall and my BIL went off to wander the hardware stores. We met for lunch about 1:30. They went home about 3:30. I got some cards ready to mail and stopped at Kmart for 4 things. $144 and 7 bags later I came home and started on laundry. Yes, I did remember to get the 4 things I went to get. Woo hoo!

My jewelry shopping today was really quick. I looked at all the colored diamond bands they had in the store and narrowed it down quickly to 2. I went for the less expensive one because I liked the colors. The other one way a bypass ring with mocha and white diamonds. The ring I got has irradiated diamonds – yellow, red, blue, green and orange. It’s a fun ring and colorful so I’m sure I’ll wear it. Here are a few pictures of it.

I chatted with Marty earlier today. He walked to some restaurant in what he called a dodgy neighborhood and said he probably shouldn’t have done that. There were a lot of abandoned buildings around there. My response to that was oh a good place for bad people? Aak!!!

We don’t have a holiday tomorrow so I guess I’ll go to work and enjoy it!

BTW, I have decided I am making myself a 10 am appointment every day that says “NMPP”. That means “no more pitty party”. My life doesn’t suck so I need to reflect on the positive and not be sad about things I can’t change.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[LLJsmom]

Missy, I'm glad your dad is ok. Such a scare. Hope he continues to recover, and improve and feel better. I know you will when he does.

Ovi, so sorry about Niello. I'm hoping that Sapphie stays ok, and feels better. Poor thing. I think you should try to get away if you can. You will feel much better.

Callie, how are you? Hope you are ok, and have a good long weekend.

Marcy, I'm glad Marty is safe, and that you got new bling! It's super pretty. I think you should wear it right away, if you aren't already. I hear you. NMPP. Yes, I agree. There is so much each of us have, so many blessings. I have trouble remembering it throughout the day. But I have been trying to do my devotions each day, and it reminds me and helps me focus on the things that are really important.

Kristie, I have thought about that Winston Churchill quote many times since you shared it. I will keep on going...

Junebug, I hope you are ok and your mom is ok. And you are ok. Did I say that already?

So I'm sorry I went dark. I talked to a lifelong friend of mine, who I cherish deeply, and she asked me why I was depressed. I did not want to think about it or answer her. B/C thinking about it to provide an answer just depressed me more. So that is why I haven't been posting. It feels like a downward spiral when I think about and talk or communicate about it. So I just move (a la Winston Churchill) forward, do laundry, clean the house, drive the kids, commit myself to working out, and don't let myself dwell on it, until I'm past the darkest most hopeless moments. I feel badly that I'm not strong enough to deal with whatever it is, but I'm trying to read my Bible daily and spend some time doing devotions, and God helps me refocus. And in the process I may or may not deal with whatever it was, or is, and move forward. Sorry if I seem inconstant. I do see it is due to my personality of extremes. Either I'm in all the way or completely checked out. Thus the marathons, (cause if you're gonna run, why not do 26.2 miles, right?) and the jewelry...

Speaking of jewelry, just wanted to give you guys an update. I'm ordered a completely plain, no engraving band that would exactly match the height and width of my ring, from Victor. I went around and tried on some engraved bands with my ring, and it did not look good at all. The engraving next to the shank of my ering just looked like dirty, unsparkly diamonds. A plain shiny flat band (no dome) looked the best. When I asked Victor about it, he said, "So you want a spacer?" And I realized that was what it was. So in the future, I could wear another eternity band as well. When I sent him the ring to match, he rotated my diamond 10 degrees and found the GIA inscription. I'm so glad. He was kinda annoyed I think. He said any jeweler could have matched the plot map to the stone. I would agree, but I would rather be able to see the inscription myself, and not have it covered by a prong. He was actually more stressed about it than I was. Poor guy. I think I stressed him out about it. But I totally trusted him. For the band, I just sent him full payment before he started. I didn't want to wait for some check to clear. Anyway, that is the latest. I will say that in the thread about working with him, I am said that some people posted such negative, potentially damaging comments. I think that not everyone clicks with everyone, so some people may not have clicked with him. I think he's actually a quiet person, kinda shy even, now that I've met him in person. So when people say something to him, maybe a statement, he doesn't always respond because he may not see the need to. I am sad that some people can't see that, aren't really aware of differing personalities. Anyway, hope that OP can understand, even if he may not agree.

Ok girls, thanks for letting me dump. Hugs to you all. xoxo

 

[marcy]

LLJsmom, I am sorry you've had some dark days lately. I hope you find an inner peace and strength to help you through these difficult times. We all have those days and sometimes we need them and we have to work through them at our own pace. The reason I'm putting the NMPP on myself is I feel it's just time for me to toughen up. My parents would never want me to be sad or reclusive because of them. Neither one of them ever let moss grow under their feet and it didn't matter what was going on they continued to live their everyday life like there were a million tomorrows for them. I know I will always have sad moments but I no longer want to let it get me down for days or weeks. That isn't typical for me. I have been wearing my new ring all day and will definitely wear it to work tomorrow. I think you'll like the plain band with your ring. I can't wait to see it. I am sure Victor understands why you want to be able to see the laser inscription. Have a great week!

Marcy

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Missy, so glad your dad is fine! What a relief that must be. Are you ok, how is your skin? I hope your leg continues to improve and you had a wonderful Sunday.

Kristie, hope we can continue talking fun about jewelry, you have helped me a lot with that to stay positive. I am very worried about you though, how are you feeling today?

Callie, you are such a warm hearted person. Thanks for caring. I want to say the same about you Marcy. Congrats on your fun find! I wanted to go buy a dress today but I think for now I will hold off on that. At the moment I feel that I have a million dresses and spent so much money on vet care, transportation, etc., and will still take Sapphie back. We shall see how I feel.

Today is work but only with my colleague, I really like her. It should be a good day I hope, at least at work.

I slept with Sapphie, I woke up to her curled up next to me. I have not been able to sleep with them in a long time, upped my allergy meds a bit, I am glad I got to sleep with Niello one last time too. Now Sapphie reminds me of her daughter I used to love so much. Hmm, she ate last night and this morning but was harder for her yesterday. Her fur does not look right, this is what concerns me. We are going back tomorrow. I am so mad at the vets though, it is a good thing that I have experience in vet care and my parents are doctors because they really overdosed her with the antibiotics and that could have also contributed to her stomach being sick. That and putting Niello on a bloody towel from another animal was awful. And these are the best vets in town, ok I know it was the vet tech that put Niello on that awful towel but a dying cat should not be allowed to contract anything and no cat for that matter. The lady that dosed Sapphies meds is newer and is not my regular vet but still. Ok nuf said for now. We will see what else she may have tomorrow, if we do, sometimes so hard to find out.

LLJsmom we are here for you whenever we can and you want to talk to us. Depression is so tough, sometimes there simply is no reason. Have you considered talking to a therapist, perhaps there is a hidden reason buried deep within you.

Junebug I have missed talking to you. It was so hard that I lost contact with some of you because of the things in my life but hope I can be back. Bare with me too if I cannot come here all the time. I am happy that we are still here and sharing with each other.

I gotta run to get ready, will try writing later.

Hugs and love sent your way.

 

[missy]

Good morning ladies and thank you for all the well wishes for my dad.

LLJsmom, I am so glad you are feeling better and good for you in knowing how to deal with it and the steps to take. I understand when you write about extremes. I have an aspect of that in my personality as well. Hugs to you.

I am glad Victor turned the stone for you and now you can see the inscription. And very excited for you to get your band. I agree that Victor is a sweet man who is highly skilled and principled and even though I have never done a project with him (yet) I want to. I spoke with him on the phone about a potential project 2 years ago and I was so impressed with him and would commission him in a heartbeat to work on any jewelry project. I agree with your impression of him and would not hesitate to work with him. I hope that day will come.

Marcy , I am glad Marty is safe but he needs a talking to. No more wandering around iffy parts of town please. I am glad you had a nice day with your sister and BIL and I like your new colored diamond band. What a fun pretty band. Hope you enjoy it!

Greg is off today but we have no real plans. Too cold outside. I have PT this morning and then staying in probably for the rest of the day. It's nice just to have him home.

Ovi, I am glad you got to cuddle with Sapphie last night! Ugh about the vet and what happened there. It's unfortunate but we really cannot trust even the best of medical professionals it seems and one must be continuously advocating for themselves and their furbabies. I hope today is a good day for you (and Sapphie) at work and at home and sending more hugs and healing vibes your and Sapphie's way.

Kristie, Callie, Junebug, hope you had a good night and enjoy today!

 

[azstonie]

LLJs, you didn't go dark, you didn't even go gray. thanks for the update on the inscription, I was going to ask you today what came of that. Bob and i bought a diamond 2 years ago that is inscribed and I was surprised by it, I didn't know it was there until the sale was completed and I was looking at the stone for ID points with my OptiVisor and I saw the inscription.

Marcy, I love that ring, it has a really pretty flow to it. It looks beautiful on your hand, that was a good buy. by all means, wear that lil sucker even if you're just taking out the garbage in Marty's absence. i hope he stays out of the gnarly parts of town from here on out. When bob and i went to vancouver for his 50th b-day, we accidentally wound up walking through the crackhead district which was the fastest I'd walked since i broke my leg, bwahahahaha. its a powerful motivator, that part of town, crackheads evaluating you, and the knowledge that I had plenty of $ in my purse!!!!!!

 

[azstonie]

Hey Ovi, I am better today, I got the humidifier going in my bedroom and ran it all night. I was finally able to sleep because I didn't have that strangling choking cough to keep me awake. Yeesh.

glad to hear Sapphie was showing some appetite. That is a good indicator of how they are feeling, or maybe its just an indicator of getting tuna or salmon for dinner!

I hope you have a lovely time at work and if you don't buy the dress then buy yourself a hot chocolate or latte in a nice coffeehouse and do some people watching, buy a gossipy magazine, a trashy book, something with no redeeming value of any sort!

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls, Happy Monday. I hope everyone is having a good day.

Missy, i hope your dad is continuing to improve and that you are enjoying your day with Greg. How is your mom? I'm sure all the excitement the past few days left her rattled as well. How was therapy today.

Marcy, I love your new ring! How fun. I consider the ring I bought a month ago a fun ring. It was the perfect little pick me up for you to enjoy while Marty is away. What is it with men going to dangerous areas? I swear they aren't nearly as observant as woman or concerned about safety. I'm glad enjoyed the time with your sister. Does she also love jewelry ? I'm glad your cough is so much better. Now we just have to get Kristie feeling well.

Kristie, I hope you are on your way to getting rid of this cold. You have to be feeling great before you go to the show.

LLJSmom, it sure sounds like you made the right decision regarding your band. Isn't it funny how we think something will look fantastic and then when we actually see it, it's a whole different story. The new band sounds like the perfect compliment to your beautiful engagement ring I still cannot believe you didn't take me up on my offer to trade diamonds with you. There is something so conforting about knowing exactly where a flaw is in your diamond and being able to see it right away. Okay, now you know I'm teasing you! And just so you know my offer still stands. I will trade diamonds you any day of the week! It's a lifetime offer too.

I agree with you on how people can ge too quick to post negative reviews. Anytime I have been upset in a situation like you described I also try to remind myself that something could be going on in that person's personal life that I know nothing about. If someone is repeatedly rude or nasty that's another story. I would work with Victor in a heartbeat. I've heard way too many wonderful things about him not to. I doubt anyone reading PriceScope would have reservations about using him.

OV, I hope you are enjoying your day at work. Great news that Sapphie is eating better. Hopefully she will continue to improve. I know how much better you would feel if you knew she was getting stronger. Please remember to take good care of yourself too!

Hi Junebug, Did you have a day of watching football yesterday? I have no idea why my husband was watching yesterday. Heaven knows his team has been out of it for quite sometime. How have you been? Did you enjoy the weekend?

 

[missy]

Hi girls!

Callie, my dad is doing well thanks for asking and so is my mom. She has a follow up tomorrow for her knee cap eval and then a surgeon's initial appointment in February so she can finally have that knee replacement as long as the knee cap is fully healed.

PT went well today. Working on toe mainly right now.

How was your day?

Kristie, I am happy you had a good night's sleep YAY! Hoping for another good night tonight for you and that your cold is coming to its conclusion.

I'm very tired so heading to bed early tonight. See you guys tomorrow. Sweet dreams to all.