Now I really did it :((

[azstonie]

Jimmianne, I love the companion ring to Joy, that looks fantastic. Tres chic, mon cher!

Buy a cheap phone in France. Best advice I've seen on phones. Get a plan so you can text/call to the US. (I'm assuming you want to be available to your petsitter.)

Make sure your credit card is chipped or you're in for some problems using it.

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, it's going to be okay, breathe!!!

 

[junebug17]

Will respond more later, but Ovi, I just wanted to pop in to say try not to worry too much, my daughter had some really nasty looking throat infections when she was younger - I'm sorry for this added stress, I hope you get an answer as to what's going on very soon so that the appropriate steps can be taken to resolve it, it sounds really uncomfortable. keeping you in my thoughts and I hope you are feeling better soon.

 

[Sunstorm]

Hi Girls,

Thanks so much you are SO sweet, I was scared shitless. Of course I had blistery throat before, also the disease with all kinds of lymph node lumps all over my neck and armpits but this looked different. I was fortunate that my friends called then and took me to the hospital and pharmacy and then back home. No wonder I felt like shit yesterday and took a very long nap.

Well, it looks like when I was a child they left a small part of one of my tonsils in which got infected, grew huge and of course it has the infamous pimple looking think on top of it. It looks like a mountain sideways covering half of my throat in the back so obviously that hurts like hell. Now my mom says wait until it pops, ooh sounds gross. She also said that it can be very dangerous because you can get a heart infection, etc. so it is a good thing I went to be seen and taking antibiotics. I hope it goes away soon, before I go crazy from this pain but the bad news is that now this means I have a tonsil and nothing as horrid as a tonsillectomy and not so safe to do on adults. One of my worst memories as a kid due to only local anaesthetic. I felt like I was in a horror movie. But if I do not eventually get it done I could obviously end up with recurring infections very often and needing antibiotics often and I hate the idea.

So wait four days and then see, I can move on from there. Obviously I am not in the most uplifted mood. I came home, took my meds and went outside to sunbathe, that felt so great and I am not even so much into it but it was the first day with enough sunshine and warmth. Then of course my mom said well this was a very bad idea when you have this. Ok, I lived and felt good.

Hope that you have a great Birthday Marcy! Yeepee. It is also my sis's Bday today.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone else. Thanks so much for caring.

 

[azstonie]

Along with all that a tonsillar remnant can also grow stones, tonsaliths.

When your infection is gone, you could have a specialist remove it. It's a good plan, those remnants can develop cancers.

Glad you're on the road to recovery now, though!

 

[junebug17]

Ovi, thank you for checking back in - very glad you are being treated, hopefully the antibiotics start working soon and you're feeling better. No wonder you have been feeling so horrible!! Take care of yourself and try to get as much rest as possible. Hugs my friend, hang in there!

 

[Sunstorm]

Thanks Girls, Kristie can I still have it done? My mom said it was not safe on adults but I would rather have it taken out than end up with a heart valve infection and potentially die and also many recurring infections or cancer, I like none of these options, I would rather take a small risk and have the remnant removed. Yikes, stones? So glad they did a good job on me as a kid, it was the same head doctor thanks to whom my sister almost died and ended up disabled, mostly deaf with facial muscles cut and a meningitis. Must have been a great doctor for sure. At times it seems there is a tadbit less pain but then it comes back with a vengeance and the pussy pimple is still there, I have no clue how long it takes for it to go away and I am really just scared shitless of getting a heart infection. Not sure what I can do to prevent it and my mom scared me so much saying the bacteria may already be there. I would rather not tell you how she behaved through the whole ordeal, you would think if you have docs in your family you can call them with a problem, well, think twice. Anyhow thanks for all the support.

 

[junebug17]

Ovi, I'm really sorry your mother scared you like that, I really don't see what good it does to say things like that to you. You are on antibiotics now so that's good, for now just try to push her comments out of your mind and focus on resting and recuperating. I'm so sorry you'e going through this and that it is so painful, I'm crossing my fingers you feel better in a day or two. It might take a while for that infection to start getting smaller, but I'm hoping you're feeling better really soon.

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, I had my tonsils out as an adult, an ENT surgeon did it and all was well. Avoiding heart issues was a prime indication as well as the yearly Strep throat, and those were taken care of nicely. I'm glad I had it done. You want a top notch surgeon and clinic, do the investigating

 

[Sunstorm]

That sounds good and really encouraging Kristie. I will investigate and have it done in Austria where medical care is really good. My colleague already recommended a good doctor friend. Thinking back I have had these recurring throat problems and sometimes really severe with blisters and yes strep throat issues. I think this is not good for my immune system, I am sure you felt the same way and yes the heart issues are a definite concern. I would rather risk a low risk surgery because today's techniques are far more advanced and I can also do it under only local anaesthetic than be sick all the time. Obviously stress alleviates the problem but still it is there and should be dealt with.

Thank you Junebug. I tell you girls that I really do not feel like going anywhere tomorrow, let alone work and this was supposed to be one of my busiest weeks and now I am not even sure my friend is coming this week or not but I would rather postpone. On top of that I am having hormonal issues too. Really in top notch condition here. I am sure I will impress everyone tomorrow.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[LLJsmom]

Argh!! My post got eaten again!

Ovi, I'm so glad you're doing better. My dad also got this huge, red swollen pain lump at the back of his throat. Turns out it was some sort of sore that got irritated. I'm so sorry your mom is saying less than helpful things. As usual, try your best to tune out what does not work for you... Sun is great. I got some today watching my son's swim lesson. I felt better already.

Missy, you poet you... So fabulous to be a poet and a doctor. You're awesome! I love it. Seriously. Hope you are having a wonderful day.

Marcy, happy birthday girl. Hope you have a terrific day!

Kristie, I have on RockTape. It's self-adhesive athletic tape.

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, no local anesthesia. General is whst is needed. This is serious surgery and you absolutely positively cannot move, that surgeon is doing everything possible to avoid bleeding or damage to structures in that location. It's a very small location. Also, frankly, its painful, you'll want the real thing. You will need a friend to pick you up, buy the popsicles and pain meds!!!

 

[Sunstorm]

Oh, goodie. Just what I have dreamt of like now in the midst of everything else, a nice surgery along with pain and all that. I doubt that Vienna would be an option then or I just go back to the store dizzy and zonk out there. That would be an option. Ok, well, I would prefer general too though not clear to me how I can have that done when on benzos but will talk to the surgeon about this issue. I still have this nightmare memory of my tonsillectomy done under local when I was 6, never again! Glad that is not an option anymore. I would have imagined that they do not do it under local.

I read on a forum that some people pick these things with toothpicks, let me tell you I feel soooo awfull tempted just about now to burst this awful hurting thing open. I am afraid though that I may do more damage than anything good so I will leave it alone, well, for now.

Thank again Kristie, you are the best! You were brave to do this but hey it is better than remaining miserable.

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, you don't know for sure what that is so no attempts to "burst" it. You're kidding about that, I hope.

Have it done in Vienna, explain to the surgeon you'll need 2 nights in the hospital. The third night, have a friend put you up OR stay over in a nice hotel.

 

[Sunstorm]

ROFL, well, actually, no I know it is not funny but I am desperate to ease this pain but yes I was shocked to read that many actually attempt to burst it with toothpicks. Ok. Well, no, I do not think it is a good idea. If it does not get better in a few days I am going in, maybe I should soon just in case, if they can fit me in. I have also taken so many throat painkiller lozenges by now that I have either no taste or a foul taste in my mouth and a lot of bleeding as I think my mucous membranes are a bit damaged by now. Hoping for a better day tomorrow, please tell me that this gets better. Enjoy your day girls and again many thanks to you all and for all the advice Kristie, I am entirely grateful. I will have to figure out a way to find a sitter for my pets when I do this surgery.

 

[LLJsmom]

continuing...

Kristie, sorry I had to post before I lost another one. I use it when I have strains, pains and injuries. It's better than KT Tape, another very popular brand. It sticks better and does not come off so easily. I buy it on Amazon. I have posterior tibialis tendonitis, and it relieves the symptoms and makes me feel sooooo much better.

http://www.rocktape.com/

I use the KT Tape videos on Youtube to learn how to put it on. There is a video for practically every kind of strain or injury. I'll even just put it on before I go on my long runs to give my knees support. It helps relieve a ton of pain on my swollen sesamoids. Since I'm not gonna stop running, I do what I have to in order to reduce the pain.

Girls, I have something else to share. I've been trying to cut out sugar. I'm getting close to completing week 3, this Monday. This means I have stopped anything with added sugar, like sweets, cookies, candy, dessert, ice cream. This was very hard the first 1-2 weeks, cause I do have a sweet tooth, and really crave it in the middle of the day 2-5 pm. I still eat fruit. When I buy food, I try not to buy anything that has added sugar, which means I buy yogurt, bread, meats, etc. without sugar. I have been tracking all my food intake with MyFitnessPal, which shows me how much sugar I am consuming. I get plenty of sugar just from the milk and fruit I eat. I have done this once before, for weight loss purposes, and I did drop a lot in a month, almost 5 pounds. But this time, I started just b/c I was horrified how much sugar we get, even when we are eating "healthy". My daughter had a homework assignment where she was supposed to calculate how much sugar she eats in a regular day. We calculated 33 grams of sugar, just from a cup of milk, and three servings of fruit. No added sugar in anything else, no candy, cookies, dessert, ice cream, nothing. 33 grams of sugar just from a healthy diet. That is 8 teaspoons of sugar. I know sugar from eating whole fruits is fine. I would never cut that out of my diet. That is how the body is supposed to get it's sugar, with all the fiber that comes along with whole fruit. And I am fine drinking milk too. But, 33 grams of sugar is enough. (I am sticking to a whole grain diet too, whole wheat, brown rice, etc. Nothing "white" (bread, pasta, rice).)

So this is what I did not expect would happen. My severe mood swings have almost completely disappeared. I have not lost my sh*t with my kids once since I cut out sugar. My body temperature has evened out. I don't get the extreme cold if I don't eat immediately when I am hungry. In fact, my body temperature has kinda settled to a level where I don't feel as cold as usual. I am not getting the after lunch shutdown, extreme fatigue, chills, nausea, and inability to concentrate in the afternoon. I get hungry less often. I can go almost 2.5 hours without eating, when I usually had to eat by 1.5-2 hours. I also don't feel so out of control when I am hungry. I can still think and function, and feel the hunger rather than feel hangry (hunger plus angry, my kids made it up). I have not lost any weight yet, but all these other changes have made it worth it. I had dessert last night when my husband and I went out for dinner, but I had a couple of bites, and stopped and didn't want any more. Normally, I would have finished mine, his and maybe went to another restaurant just for dessert. I am so amazed, and really happy about all these other unintended effects. I guess my body and brain chemistry is extremely sensitive to sugar.

Thanks for letting me share girls.

 

[Sunstorm]

Congrats LLJsmom! That is really good for you. Carbs are actually healthy but you know the good carbs. Sugar is well, very unhealthy in the high amounts we consume them and it causes aging in all parts of our bodies. I have no idea about mood swings, I would have to try it. I have a feeling that my body does not react too well to sugar anyhow because I have never had a sweet tooth. Thankfully for me, it would not be as hard. I do consumer sugar in my countless daily coffees but try to replace that with honey or at leat brown sugar though brown is not so good either. Otherwise, I eat no sweets period. Well, ok, maybe once or twice a month but that is it and only a small amount but you are encouraging me to consume even less. Unfortunately, I do not like fruit. This may have to do with sugar too. I love veggies and meat, well, not even meat but fish mainly and sometimes some chicken or occasionally beef, that is what I love, occasionally I eat rice, pasta or very rarely some bread. I love dairies though. They do have some sugar too you are right. I should completely replace the sugar in my coffees with honey, especially now, tomorrow I will get some. Thanks for sharing with us, we always want to hear what is going on with you. So glad your life is going in the right direction and that you are enjoying bling again as well. Also happy that your kids are well and even your relationship with them has improved. Hugs to you and we hope to see you back with us more.

 

[azstonie]

LLJs, thank you for the info re Youtube/taping.

But even MORE thanks for sharing your experience with sugar. I'm wrestling with sugar. I'm losing, currently. I have a powerful addiction to it. After reading your comment about mood I note that my mood spectrum worsened right along with the increase of sugar in my diet.

I spent my childhood and 20s extremely low sugar, low bad fats, no white flour.

I have no idea how to get back to that. I feel like I need a month at Sugar Rehab. It'd be healthier if I had a moderate heroin habit...

How did you handle the first week????

 

[LLJsmom]

Hi Girls,

Kristie, I just read you poem too. Wow. So many gifted with language skills!! I can barely find two words that rhyme.

So here is the thing with the bracelet. The LOVE is decently comfortable. I can get used to it, and I can take it off easily when I work out every day. Yes, a con is that it's almost everywhere, though I seldom see one myself. The JUC is GORGEOUS. Looks great and very much me. But, I think I would be too nervous to wear it on a daily basis, and if I didn't, I would be really annoyed if it was sitting in a drawer. I'm afraid the extension on the nail head would hook on stuff.

I admit I am very tempted by the price of the WG so I contacted the ebay seller. The ebay seller said that returns are allowed, but when I asked him, he said he did not want to allow me to return it. I told him honestly that I wasn't sure, and he said I should try it on in the store before committing to it. Of course, I already did, but how do I know I will like the bracelet after wearing it for 15 minutes, an hour, 5 hours? 5 seconds in the store is different from all day. I'm a little turned off by his response b/c to me, and not sticking by his ebay sale conditions.

What do you guys think? In my pics, I think a WG cuff would definitely look different from the yellow gold cuff in my pic. I kinda predict that I would not ever regret a love cuff, right? ***sigh***

 

[LLJsmom]

LLJs, thank you for the info re Youtube/taping.

But even MORE thanks for sharing your experience with sugar. I'm wrestling with sugar. I'm losing, currently. I have a powerful addiction to it. After reading your comment about mood I note that my mood spectrum worsened right along with the increase of sugar in my diet.

I spent my childhood and 20s extremely low sugar, low bad fats, no white flour.

I have no idea how to get back to that. I feel like I need a month at Sugar Rehab. It'd be healthier if I had a moderate heroin habit...

How did you handle the first week????

Not well. To combat the cold I was wearing two down jackets (thin ones) in the office. I allowed fruit to satiate some of the sugar cravings. Apples work really well for me. Some are too high in sugar, like bananas. I had half a small bag of Annie's whole wheat chocolate chip, chocolate or honey bunnies. I tried to go to sleep early!! When I get the cravings at night, I know it's time to sleep, or else I would eat. If you eat anything with added sugar, make sure it's 4 grams or less. But tried going the salty route, and sometimes a little salty snack would help. I exercised and moved around when I felt the craving hit. I drank coffee, black, b/c it kills my taste buds. I tried everything. I just had to keep it up for 7-10 days, and the cravings lessened. And when I felt less out of control of my emotions and ruled by my appetite, I had more incentive to keep it up.

Yes, I too have read that sugar is more addictive than heroine. And that first week, I was going through WITHDRAWAL big time.

But now, I am amazed that I feel this sense of being AWAKE all day. My eyes are open. My senses are more alert. And I forgot to mention how much clearer and less wrinkled and dry and less droopy my skin is!!!! Where did THAT come from? It's softer, smoother, like I have some kind of magic cream on. I don't get it.

If sugar is soooo bad for you, why has it been around for soooo long, and so socially accepted?!?! Anyway, it's an uphill battle b/c it's everywhere and in everything. And I'm the loser who doesn't eat wedding cake. My cousin had her wedding reception at the Auberge de Soleil in Napa last weekend, and I ate the dessert they served. It's a Michelin starred restaurant, and the dessert was sooooo worth the cheat. But, the next day, my appetite came back full force, and on the dot, at 9 pm, when I ate dessert the day before, I felt the craving in a HUGE way. Only ONE cheat meal, and the addiction came back. I fought bravely and won, and haven't had dessert again until last night. But this time it was easy to resist, probably b/c the dessert was just...meh... But no cravings for sugar today. Ate an apple and a banana and totally OK.

Go for it Kristie. We'll keep each other accountable. Call me or text me when a craving hits you.

 

[azstonie]

Good comment, LLJs.

Its humbling to me how out of control my sugar addiction is. Too bad there's no AA for sugaraholics. I've been toying with trying Overeaters Anonymous. Can't hurt, I guess they are my peeps now

June 1, tomorrow, is the start of my I'm Doing Better For Myself campaign. You may be hearing from me by Tuesday, lol.

I still like the JUC on you the best I also am over the Returns Allowed/No Returns BS...if he waffles on that, you can't trust his characterizations of the quality of the piece either.

 

[junebug17]

Hi there everyone! I'm really behind but I'll do my best to catch up -

Missy, sounds like your vacation is off to a great start! I'm glad you're getting lots of cycling in, although sorry to hear the routes are inconvenient. I hope the weather cooperates, although as you said you and Greg will have a blast just being together. I love the poem you wrote for Marcy, it's very good!

Kristie, thanks for the recommendation of the show Justified, I will definitely check it out - I don't mean to sound superior or anything but I'm sort of particular about tv shows, I can't watch just anything - like a few others in my family, who call me a tv snob lol!

And yes, I love the sparklies and I'm not very worried about perfection! But I have to say, if I had been more familiar with diamond cut prior to purchasing the 1 carat stone, I probably would have looked around for one with better numbers. But this diamond is very pretty, was a reasonable price, and it was very exciting to get it because up until then I had worn much smaller stones. I received compliments on it and I do love it.

And your ode to marcy is adorable!

Glad the weather is good for swimming, that sounds great! I hope you can get Finn to act his age!

Calliecake, I see you're car shopping! Find anything you like yet?

Marcy, Happy Birthday!!!!

So glad you had a nice dinner with your family - and that you ate too much, that's what birthdays are forI I love those bunny saucers (now there's a sentence you don't hear everyday haha) Marty did good!

Jimmianne, I love your new Tiffany ring!!! I think it looks beautiful paired with Joy, it's refreshing to change things up once in a while. Glad you had a good visit with your friend, sounds like it was really fun. Yes, I do think I will reset my diamond, I like the
idea of having a simple solitaire.

And the charger sounds so convenient and useful - we are thinking of keeping a car at the beach but we are there so little right now it will always need to be charged when we do go…I think your gadget might be just what we need.

Ovi, I was just reading about how things are going for you, and I'm so happy that things are falling into place for you, and that you are feeling good about your life in general. I guess no life is perfect, we all have things we wish were different, or could be better, but you sound like you are doing well - except for this throat infection that is, which I hope clears up soon for you. Please take care and try to rest when you can.

LLJsmom, tough call on the bracelets, they both look so good on you! I'm a big help, huh? I think I lean a little towards the love bracelet, it looks fabulous on you. You can't make a wrong decision though, they are both beautiful, really.

Congrats on doing so well with not having sugar! I'm glad it has improved your life so much. I also look and feel better when I don't eat sugar - and yes, it curbs hunger and helps my mood in general. I have read in various places that there is no evidence diet influences the complexion, but I just don't see how that could be true. My skin is much smoother and has better color when I eat a healthy diet. Back in the 80's hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) was kind of a "thing" and was thought to contribute to a lot of problems - I was tested and found to have it, and it's true that I do much better on a low carb, high protein diet. It's funny, you don't really hear anything about it anymore. Anyway, I too struggle with sweet cravings, particularly ice cream, and had been doing pretty well until recently - I fell off the wagon, but am trying to get back on lol. I'm very impressed with your will power, it is really, really hard at first and you've done so well.

Ok, I know I've missed some stuff but I am thinking of you all, and hoping everyone had a lovely weekend!

 

[azstonie]

Junie, "Justified" is both widely acclaimed and by the snootiest of entertainment critics. The New York Times archives have their write ups, NPR, etc. You won't be disappointed.

 

[marcy]

Happy Sunday!

I want to thank all of you for the birthday wishes. I did have a great day.

LLJsmom, I wasn’t hungry until about noon today. Is your husband feeling better? I would go with the pre-loved WG cuff. That is a great deal. I think all of those bracelets look great together. That is wonderful cutting out sugar is having beneficial results for you. What a change it makes.

Missy, the rabbits did behave themselves yesterday. We took a rabbit and a bear on our trip to Denver. Marty found the bear too distracting while he was driving though so when we stopped Starbucks he put him in the back in a seatbelt. I had him on my lap at first and kept having him dance to the music, give the rabbit some raspberries and setting on the console. I have no idea why all of that activity would be a distraction. You are certainly getting in a look of miles cycling. I bet you are both tired when you get home but loving every minute of it. That’s great your internist approved a cologuard. I love your poem and birthday art. Thank you! I told Marty my EC studs could count as my birthday present. I have to admit I am toying with thoughts of my next project.

Jimmianne, my sister is in Brighton and the other one is in Albin, Wyoming. Evergreen is a beautiful area. You will appreciate the noise cancelling head phones on the plane. Marty has some and I tried them briefly on our last flight and they were amazing. If I traveled more I’d get some for me. Roaming charges overseas are awful and data is even worse. Verizon charges $25 for 100 MB of data. Marty’s phone bill is usually $300-$500 dollars when he travels abroad. That battery charger does sound very easy and convenient to use. Nice! Have fun cat and bunny setting.

Kristie, I loved your poem. That is great. You and Missy are great poets. I have a sweet tooth too. Marty likes salty food and I like sweet food.

Ovi, I am glad they diagnosed what is wrong with your throat but it sounds painful and scary. I hope the antibiotics continue to help you feel better. I am sure being out in the sun did you some good. Rest up and sending you a speedy recovery! You deserve some new bling to help your throat. I hate to hear what happened to your sister as a kid. How awful. Like Kristie said definitely find a good surgeon but I’d get it removed. Hugs to you. Sorry you have such a busy week but taking care of yourself first is #1 on your list. Get well PS Dust coming your way.

Junebug, you sure don’t hear about bunny saucers everyday. They are so cute I can’t decide what I’ll do with them. I sure like having a solitaire for my diamond; you will have fun looking for a new setting. It’s amazing how sugar can impact so many things. I know once you break yourself of the sugar habit you no longer crave it; its just that initial hurtle.

I slept in until 8:30 today. Why did I live so long without complete blackout window coverings? I met Marty for a drink on the 19th hole then we had lunch. We actually sat on the deck for about an hour this afternoon. It’s finally warmed up to about 70 here.

Have a great evening.
Marcy

 

[junebug17]

Thanks kristie! I hope I didn't come across as high-brow or something, because I'm not lol! One of my favorite movies is Dumb and Dumber, for goodness sake! I just have a tough time finding tv shows that are well done and that I like.

 

[azstonie]

Thanks kristie! I hope I didn't come across as high-brow or something, because I'm not lol! One of my favorite movies is Dumb and Dumber, for goodness sake! I just have a tough time finding tv shows that are well done and that I like.

Not at all,Junie, you never gjve that impression. I just wanted to reassure you that it's setting (Kentucky) doesn't meant it's unsophisticated or appealing to rednecks/hillbillies.

 

[junebug17]

Marcy, I agree, it's amazing how much room darkening shades help with sleep. We don't have them at our house so I wear an eye mask, and it's ok but can be annoying. We definitely need to get some for our bedroom.

Glad you're finally having some nice weather, it's about time!!!

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls, I'm sorry. I am so far behind.

Marcy, Happy Birthday!!! I hope you are having a wonderful birthday. I lost out on the Audi. We went to see it together the past couple days and there was a sold sign. Of course the salesman we used wasn't there and the others told us they were not sure if it was actually sold. It was sold and they can't find another one like I want at a decent price. We went back and looked at the Infiniti and I think that's what I will end up getting. I'm a little disappointed but wasn't totally convinced the Audi was what I should get either. I'm getting way too picky. I figure for what cars cost I want it to be exactly how I want it but am finding that to be close to impossible. If I like the exterior, I'm not in love with the interior.

Missy, I'm glad you and Greg are enjoying your vacation and am sorry about the construction. I did just about have a heart attack when you said you were riding in traffic. Please, please be careful. Did the furbabies enjoy the ride to the beach house and are they happy to be there?

LLJsmom, I prefer the Love cuff. They have been around forever and don't go out of style. I'm probably not the person to ask though. I have been also thinking of purchasing one. I know everyone says how popular they are but I have seen very few people in my area wearing one. I'm so glad you are back here! Put me in the sugar addict camp. I have been one since my twenties and I dont think I would ever make it past the first day of not having sugar. It had never been an issue but this past year I really feel my weight has shifted to my waste. Cutting sugar would probably help that a lot.

Kristie, I will gladly go to sugar rehab with you. We can suffer together and maybe they will give us a discount if we go together. I just know that a week without it would either kill me or those around me would want me dead and just kill me themselves. How are Finn and Maggie doing. Did Finn do well in the pool? Did Bob's solution prevent Finn from clipping the corner?

Junebug, Did you have a good week after coming back from your vacation? Did your mom do well?

Jimmianne, I love your new ring and think it looks great with Joy. Are you getting excited about your trip?

OV, I hope your throat is feeling better. I used to get strep throat often when I was younger and know how painful sore throats can be.
Please do what the doctor tells you to do. I'm sure the reason you have been so sick lately is because of all the stress you have been under. It sounds as rest is probably what your body really needs although I can completely understand you wanting to stay busy for your minds sake. It really is a catch 22.

 

[Calliecake]

Junebug, I just now saw your Mrs Box ring box. You did an incredible job. Your box looks exactly like the Mrs Box!
I'm so proud of you. You could start your own little business. Just remember your friends here when you are making millions!

 

[missy]

Good morning NIRDIs and happy June 1st!

It's a cold stormy rainy Monday here but that's OK as it is nice to be safe and cozy inside this stormy morning. Looks like we are going to have rain for a couple of (2?) more days but we have things to do and enjoy so not feeling down about it like I would have in the past.

The kitties are loving being here at the beach house. There is so much for them to look at and do here. So many birds and bunnies outside and they get very excited when watching them. Tommy especially gets squeaky when he sees the birds and seeing the 4 of them staring at them is hysterical. They love it here and I know they will be sad when vacation is over but the good part of being a kitty is you really don't worry in advance lol.

Junie, I LOVE your Mrs Box. Very talented! We had a charger for our Miata when we kept it at our Sea Girt beach house and it worked very well so hopefully that will be a good solution for you. Speaking of which any beach house updates? How is your mom doing? Can you believe the temperature shift? It went from high 80's here yesterday to 50's now LOL. I don't know what city this saying pertains to but remember the "if you're bored with the weather wait a minute and it will change" quote? Haha that applies to us these days for sure.

Ovi, Oh my, I am so glad it turned out to be nothing terribly serious and that you are well on your way to being better. I agree with Kristie and the other girls. Please find a great surgeon and get it removed to be safe. Please check in with us and let us know how you are doing. And keeping good thoughts for continued positive happenings in your life.

Callie, sorry you missed out on the Audi and hopefully a better car and deal wait for you. How is your baby feeling today? Did I miss any updates re your vet and the plan for how to deal with future vaccinations? Is the town going to accept blood testing in lieu of the completion of the rabies vaccination? Greg had to get another measles vaccination a few months ago because his blood didn't contain the antibodies showing he was immune but unfortunately the latest round of vaccinations didn't help and he is not a responder to the shot so he is not immune and nothing can be done to make him immune. So he has to avoid anyone with a fever and a rash. LOL on the NYC subways good luck with that. Anyway these vaccinations don't always work is my point and because you keep your sweet baby away from risk she will be fine I am sure and it's just what your town requires. Hoping she doesn't need any more shots.

LLJsmom, have you decided which one to keep? I am secretly (well not so secret anymore haha) hoping you keep them all. I am sorry I am no help with the decision but for me I would choose the WG cuff. The question is what you would love and wear most. No way could I wear a bracelet that I could not easily remove. I take off all my jewelry as soon as I get home as I like feeling unencumbered. Am I a bad PSer? I just never wear jewelry in the house and certainly not to bed. Good luck with the decision and I don't think you can go wrong since you love them both. I vote for the most comfortable option.

I hear you on the sugar cravings! I beat my sugar habit about a decade (?) ago and felt much better when I did. I went cold turkey in as much that I just stopped my candy habit like that. I literally ate a roll of strawberry Mentos every single day and I just stopped one day and never looked back. It was hard! And then of course there is the added sugar in everything as you wrote. That is challenging because sometimes you don't realize how much sugar is in something. I am not perfect and could do better. For example I have a banana a day with my medication to get it down and prevent any esophagus issues. It is the easiest thing to take my med with but I know I should take it with something else. Good news is my Hemoglobin A1C which is usually in the mid 5.5 range was down to 5.2 in my latest blood results. For me that is amazing as I have always run higher. My biggest change this past year was eating nuts whenever I had a sugar craving and it seems to have helped. So despite the fact that I am eating lots of cashews and almonds and walnuts my blood results are improved over when I wasn't eating this way.

I also feel you on the loser that doesn't eat the desserts when out etc. It makes me feel like a pariah sometimes LOL. Also I don't really drink alcohol (maybe one or 2 drinks per year if that) and that used to make me feel weird you know, the odd one out. But now I am cool with not drinking and no one blinks an eye when I don't drink and don't even notice it LOL. When our friend was over last weekend he said aren't you having a drink and I said I never drink haven't you noticed? We go to his pub crawl every year and I do not even drink there LOL and he never really noticed. Just goes to show we are so much more aware of our own issues than anyone else and no one really cares.

I like your tips for controlling/avoiding cravings. I cannot go to bed when hungry though so good for you for being able to do that. I find exercise is good and also calling a friend and chatting is helpful. Or sometimes just going to PS and becoming involved there helps too. Brushing your teeth might also help, not sure if you mentioned that but that is a technique that works for me occasionally. And sometimes you are just thirsty when you think you are hungry so having a cool tall drink (non alcoholic that is hehe) is a good method for decreasing food cravings. And my favorite snack is a big bowl of air popped popcorn when I just have to have something crunchy that won't break the bank. Hopefully that is a safe food.

I have a question for you. What do you and the other NIRDIs drink? I hate the taste of water unfortunately and have problems finding what I like to drink that isn't unhealthy. Right now I am drinking Sobe life water but I have a feeling I can do better. Any suggestions?

Kristie, are you around this morning? I am not sure what we are doing today as it is raining and freezing but most likely we will go out and do something this afternoon. If you have any time in the morning (I know you are 3 hours behind) email me and I will call you if I am home.

Good luck on your June 1st "I'm doing better for myself" campaign! I fully support you and I am here for you in any way I can be! It might not be easy and you may have setbacks but as long as you pick yourself up and dust yourself off and keep going I know you will do it!

And remember this is easy compared to what you have already been through and the most important thing already is you are a great person and that is not something you can learn or teach so you are way ahead of the game. Hugs and love for as smooth a ride as possible in this new chapter of your life. Go Kristie!

Marcy, glad you liked the poem and glad the bunnies behaved themselves. As soon as we left on our bike ride yesterday I thought of a great line that I have promptly forgot LOL. It had to do with Marty and Party and I see Kristie already got that so we are good haha. So glad you had a good birthday and I agree those EC earrings are certainly blingy ice and suitable for a birthday gift. You are not lacking in the bling.

I am happy the day warmed up for you guys yesterday and that you enjoyed a relaxing day and got to sleep late too. Woohoo way to go birthday girl. Have a great day today and big birthday hugs continued being sent your way. I believe in not just birthday days but in the birthday week. Greg and I celebrate our birthdays all week long haha. Anyone else subscribe to that school of thought lol?

Jimmianne, hey there, how is your trip planning going? Is everything in place? Is it in June or July I cannot remember. You must be getting excited. I am happy you have a pet sitter you can rely on as that is something I am going to have a hard time finding where I live. With 4 temperamental kitties it will not be easy. I am worried they would starve to death before coming out for a stranger to eat. Not kidding. And one or 2 that might eventually come out -Francesca and maybe Bobby but not sure- would end up eating everyone's food because that's what they do. They eat and eat and eat and push Tommy and Fred out of the way and they let them. So I always have to police them at mealtimes. Sigh. So I am glad you don't have that problem and know your sweet babies are in good hands when you travel.

What are your plans for the week? Are you enjoying your beautiful new bling?

I hope I didn't leave anyone out. I was just away for the afternoon and evening yesterday but I sure missed a lot. Enjoy the day girls and big hugs and I will see you later.