Paging Angel7 - Saturday''s Game Plan

[Angel7]

Sorry I am all for anti-cruelty to animals for for mice, I just don''t feel as much symphathy. I know, I know... the lady at Target already lectured me about how they are just cold and want somewhere to be and my boss said, oh but they are so cute! Sorry...I just do not agree!!!!!They just disgust me. PLUS, caught ANOTHER one last night! Who knows how many are just hanging out in my garage. YUCK, so nasty! No, I don''t look at them, that''s the bfs job!

Dinner was very yummy. I had some white wine, TONS OF BREAD (with the olive oil and cheese of course) and baked ziti with chicken. Soo good. Then for dessert, a boston creame cake..YUM!

Bf had Beef Canneloni. Bad day for the diet. Oh well, you are entitled to cheat here and there!

BF spending money on a car for me? Ha, yeah right..dont see that happening!

Yes! I remember Jael! She was ''interesting'', let''s say. I prefer her over Jade though ... I''ll be watching too!

Yes, RN''s have the complete degree (associate or bachelors) and can dispense medication, give shots, etc. They can do a lot more than a nursing assistant.

I''ll let you know once i decide to take the bling bounty in!

I really don''t know why I have that name. 7 is my favorite/lucky number and I was into collecting angel figurines and paintings growing up..so I think that''s where I got it. Silly I know! I read about yours in that thread but forgot to post! Any fun things this weekend?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hello, hello!

I''m with you about the mice. When they are clean and "pets" they may have cute little faces but ... if they are in or anywhere near my house ... not having it! Totally nasty. Sorry you found another one ... hopefully it was just 2 friends out for a jaunt who got lost ... That should be the end of them. You did put more traps out though, right?

Dinner sounds DEElicious!! I''m so glad for you that you actually made it worth the cheat! Nice job. I hope you enjoyed every single last scrumptious bite!

I''ll be waiting from my bling bounty update ... You know I live for this stuff.

Cute. I get your name now. I like that. 7 is MY favorite number!. My friend collects angels as well. They can be fun to collect. Lots of neat things.

No fun things for the weekend for me I don''t think ... There is a gem show in Seattle this weekend that I would like to go to but I can''t find any victims to take with me. Boo hoo. Both Will and Mary will be out of town!

No enabling for me this weekend. What will I ever do?!

I wanted to let you know that I was a really good girl last night! For the first time since my dog bite and all the healing and therapy and meds etc ... a bit over a year or so ... I went to the gym and worked out! I felt fantastic. I''m really hoping to keep it up and take some of the weight I have gained off and just feel healthier! I was so excited. I knew I was addicted to PS too b/c I couldn''t wait to share that with you. ... and I''m going back again tonight!

Hope you''re having a good day.

 

[Angel7]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

That''s awesome that you went to the gym! So proud!! The first time back is always the hardest! It''s like..oh god..do I really want to go. I''ll start tomorrow, then tom leads to next week, the next month, then 15 lbs...hee hee. Oh that''s just me!

Whoa, whoa..can you back it up. What is this dog bite incident all about? Sounds like it was pretty bad. Were you laid out for a while? Sounds like you were....I''m sorry. Glad you are starting to feel better and get back into the swing of things.

No one will go with you to the show? Come on people! Sorry, I would go if I were there. No twisting my arm to go to a gem show.

I have a 50th bday party for my friends mom (I will be cheating big time with some Chicago style pizza)

Then going over to bf''s parents house for his mom''s bday and will again be cheating cuz we''re going out for some yummy chinese. I am working overtime at the gym this week!!

I will keep you posted on the gold trade in for sure!

Again, awesome job for going back to the gym! That''s great that you feel better already!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Thanks pardner! Thanks for the encouragement!

15lbs ... sister - you''re lucky! I''ve gained a small child! 15 lbs ... I wish. You''re totally right. Tomorrow or next month has turned into over a year!

I went to Zimbabwe for my friend''s wedding back in August 2006. My trip was for about 10 days or so if I recall correctly and on the second day I was there I was bitten by this wretched dog. I''ll set up the scenario for you ...

My friend, her mom and sister and me were going to the lady who was making the cake''s house. Before we drove up their drive we had to be let in at the gate. While we were waiting to be let in, there was this evil looking guard dog. He scared all of us. I usually love animals and even talk to them (don''t ask - I always embarrass my bf) but I knew I didn''t want to "talk" to this dog. We were all commenting on how mean he looked so when we drove in, we specifically asked the owner to have him put away. She said ... no, no he doesn''t bite. Really?! For perspective, the dog was a huge Rotweiler ... aptly named "Spike".

Anyways, as they say ... famous last words, right? We all got out of the car and were walking up the path to the house. All still leery of this Kujo looking beast. I happened to be the last person on the path and when I had last looked the dog was still standing by the driveway entrance gate. We were walking and minding our business until .... I stopped dead in my tracks as I felt sharp doggie teeth digging into my lower calf. When I say I stopped dead, I mean I stopped dead - in mid stride. His jaw was locked on my calf and my instincts were screaming to be calm and not get excited b/c I didn''t want him to start fully attacking me or shaking his head back and forth or trying to take me down etc. I don''t even think I said anything, I just stopped and when everyone turned around looking for me, they saw me just standing there, I''m assuming with a dog attached to my leg. They were talking to me but I think I was in shock so I couldn''t answer or tell them what was wrong. I think the blood gushing from my leg was a good indication though. Funny enough, after the immediate concern of the dog attacking had passed ... I distinctly remember thinking ... "Sh*t, I hope this blood, doesn''t ruin my shoes!" ???!

Anyways, they took me inside the house to assess the wound and it was pretty bad so I had to go to the clinic. Yes, on my vacation to Africa, a 24 hr plane ride away ... to a clinic/hospital!!!!

When I got there, they cleaned and packed, yes, packed the big hole in my leg and gave me antibiotics and I was on my way. This was at the beginning of the week and the wedding was to be on the weekend so I naively thought that I would be fine ... Nope not at all!

By the 2nd night after the bite, I was getting worse and spiking a fever and the wound had turned green around the edges, despite having gone to the clinic daily to have it cleaned and packed and sticking to my meds. I told the doctor and upon closer examination she realized that I had a severe infection that warranted immediate action. I was given 3 different antibiotics, including an intravenous antibiotic, which, conveniently my friend''s brother was able to shoot me up with since we were going away for a day or so and I wasn''t going to be able to make it into the clinic etc.

By the day of the wedding, I was in full antibiotic hell. Every symptom of antibiotics imaginable was happening to me. I was a bridesmaid as well so I had NO idea how I was going to make it through the ceremony without having to dash off to the bathroom ... I thought it was pretty funny but I was so high on pain meds and I was popping Immodium''s like crazy. My body must have been so overwhelmed! That morning, the serious swelling had only gotten worse and my leg was red and swollen all the way up to my knee and showed no signs of getting better. I remember taking a bath that morning and sobbing thinking that I was going to lose my leg and just so helpless since I was in a different country with no family to help and had to be a "burden" to my friend''s family b/c I needed so much help. I actually talked to God and asked him for a sign that day and to tell me if I was going to be okay. The morning was kind of overcast and sullen so I asked him to make it a beautiful sunny day for my friend and if it was ... I would know that I was going to be okay. If it wasn''t, I would know that I should head for a hospital and try to spare as much of my leg as possible.

Needless to say, the day ended up gloriously beautiful and my friend was married and looked gorgeous and had a fabulous time. I made it through the ceremony without any dashes off to the bathroom and even managed to enjoy myself at the reception!

Fast forward to my eventual return home. The bf picked me up from the airport in Seattle and took me to relax b/c I was just busted after the epic flight home and my super swollen, hard to jam in an airplane seat leg. He picked up some stuff to change my bandages and decided to dress my wound. Keep in mind that I had told him that it "wasn''t that bad" so that he wouldn''t worry ... HA! He was horrified when he unwrapped the bandages and had to pull out a length of packing form the big hole in my leg.

I was so proud of him and grateful to him for being so brave. I don''t think that I could have done the same. It was pretty gnarly looking. He then cleaned up, repacked and rebandaged the wound etc.

I eventually made it home to Vancouver and went to the doctor who refused to touch my leg!

and referred me to a plastic surgeon. Anyways ... long story kinda short ... I had to have wound therapy with them treating my leg & the infection, at the hospital from September through to November. It was horrible. The wound finally closed in November of 2006, however, due to the extensive use of antibiotics for such an extended period of time, my overall health had deteriorated markedly.

I had to see various specialists, especially relating to the C-Deficil bacteria that had invaded my digestive tract as an opportunistic organism. It made me SO sick. Craziest thing is that no one ever told me that I could die from this bacteria so I didn''t realize just how sick I was. I knew I didn''t feel good but didn''t realize I was in danger.

As you can imagine this was quite an ordeal that had just as much an impact on my mental health as it did on my physical health. Thus, it has taken me a really, really long time to get back into the swing of things and start feeling "good" again and motivated to get back to regular activities.

Sorry it''s long but ... you asked.

I''ll post a pic of the gory, infected hole if you want to see it. Just let me know. I love looking back at it and realizing how far I have come and being so grateful for still having my leg.

It''s amazing how much perspective something traumatizing like this can have on your life.

You''re weekend sounds like it will be actioned packed and tons of fun! Hey ... eat some of that pizza for me!

Again, you''ll have to tell me all about it!

Thanks a lot for your encouragement. I think I might need a daily dose at least to keep me going for the first little while.

 

[Angel7]

 

[Sparkalicious]

Oh geez ... You''re so sweet ... Thanks for letting me share my story. I''m not strong at all .. While it was an ordeal and arduous since it played out over 10 mos etc etc ... It''s just survival, right? You do what you need to do.

I didn''t mean to upset you. I''m doing much better now and it''s kind of like just an interesting life experience story. Doesn''t happen to everyone but it happened to me and you have to laugh or else you will cry, right?

I really hated that woman too! It was such an awkward position. Right after I was bitten, I was taken to the clinic and treated etc. When the wound had been dressed and we were heading out to the wedding dinner tasting

... No joke! I was a bada$$ .. I was like no way is this going to stop me! I swear I must have been high! I wonder what I was thinking ... Anyways, I digress. As we were heading out, we ran into the lady coming into the clinic. I was like "Oh, thanks for coming .. it looks as though it will be okay etc" ... She says, "Good. I''m having a terrible sinus headache and need to get something"

Can you imagine??!! The cheek of her. To be coming to check on her frickin sinuses when he dog ate my leg for lunch and didn''t even brush his dirty little infected teeth before doing so!

When I got back home here, she sent me an email or two to check on me but it was more just like doing it b/c she had to b/c my friend''s family had paid for all of my medical care over there and she had to pay them back and to "act" interested. My friend''s family was SO outraged and embarrassed that this would happen to a visitor and they wanted the dog put down but I didn''t want him to be put down b/c he was just being the angry guard dog that he is. I only wanted to see that he was recognized as such so that no other innocent visitors to their place of residence AND business would be attacked.

C-Def is NO joke. It was horrible. I didn''t think I would necessarily die from the dog bite after the infection cleared up but that C-Def sure tried to kill me. It was so awful. I would go into gory details but they actually gross me out so I will spare you.

My bf is is really phenomenal! Such a great guy and took such special care of me. Of this, I am truly grateful. I know that given the same situation, another person may not have been so blessed so there was definitely a silver lining to be seen on this big, black cloud. I still have an ugly scar on my calf after months of pressure treatment etc but quite honestly it doesn''t bother me seeing as I was walking around with an actual HOLE in my leg for at least 3 mos, right. .. It''s all about perspective.

I still love dogs and animals, in general, but must admit that I''m a little leery of intimidating looking dogs and will be fearful and more cautious b/c I''m thinking about whether or not they will bite me. I hate this but figure it is better than having a full fledged fear of dogs, right?

I AM starting to feel more of myself of late. It''s been a really long time but am happy to say that things are starting to feel "normal" in so many ways. I feel FANTASTIC having worked out for these past 2 days and I''m going again tonight.

I just hope to be back in shape and feeling healthy again. It''s going to be a bit of a haul, however, there is now a light at the end of the tunnel ... or I guess I''ve started on my journey, so to speak.

" You deserve the biggest bling in the world after going through all that!" ... Really?

I''ll let the bf know and see what he thinks about that?

Jeans shopping SUCKS! Wishing you luck ... I''m sure that with all your dieting and working out that you will find a fab pair that makes you look "hot"!

By the way ... I rec''d info on the "low" yesterday ... It''s confirmed. Me ... Jobless ... should be by May 31.

No "official" confirmation as of yet, however, it should be coming within the next week or so. Such a scary time. I really, really, really have to control myself b/c I''m getting

super furious at all these jacka$$es who do know and aren''t saying anything to anyone. I''m not worried about myself so much ... scared/vulnerable yes but not that worried. I''m worried for my team. Some of them will be devastated and they need time to be able to make arrangements to ensure that they are not left hanging high and dry. This is especially true for those who have no tenure. They will not get a nice package like me. They should be offered alternate employment, if available, but other than that ... they are just turfed. Bad scene. It''s going to get ugly here in the next couple of weeks and I have to be strong for these guys ... once someone actually tells me/us about it anyways.

Just wanted to update you and please let me know if you want to see a grody bite pic. I''m just dying to share it with you .. war wound syndrome and all, you know.

Happy Friday, Ms Paula! Have a great time jeans shopping and a wonderful weekend. Enjoy your parties and the wonderful food! I''ll be around if you get a chance to check into PS.

 

[Angel7]

Happy Monday! This time change thing is not agreeing with me this morning. I am tired!

I''m glad you are healing and getting back to normal! Seriously, that lady is horrible and should be ashamed of herself and of her human eating dog. Stupid lady!

Please feel free to post the pic, I dont get grossed out by that stuff. Not sure if the PS Admin will think it obscene or gross though!

I think it''s great that you aren''t scared of dogs..great attitude to have!
How''s the working out going? Glad you are loving it and still motivated. I had some big time cheating this weekend. Pizza, bday cake..sweets...fried appetizers..YUM!

Worked my ass off at the gym though and will be doing so again this week!

I think you are well on your way of getting to that light at the end of the tunnel! Be proud!!!

Jean shopping was successful! Gap has a great new style called the Essential. I really like it and now I will not go jean shopping for another year!

Please, no jeans make me look hot. Whatever fits and doesn''t give me the dreaded muffin top!

Oh I''m so sorry about the job. That stinks and I hate how they are being so secretive. Trust me, I KNOW HOW IT FEELS! I''m sorry you are worried about your coworkers. Yes, I agree..try to be strong for them and help them out in any way you can. References, letter of reccomendations..whatever. It''s always nice to feel like someone has your back.
It is a very scary time. You will be ok though. Do you have any idea what your plan of action is?

I still haven''t turned in my gold. Hopefully this week! How was your weekend?

 

[Angel7]

Sacha -

Ok, look at this ring..I LOVE IT! It''s perfect. It''s Pave, it has some detail and it''s thin. No it''s not 3sided but still...so pretty!
Don''t ask me why I was searching online for rings. I was bored and felt like it!

Ohh I love it.
Wonder how it looks in person.

If only putting $1700 on a credit card and then returning it was easier said than done!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Happy Monday, my foot! This time change is awful. It IS amazing what losing an hour can do. A big boo to that. Oh well, I can''t complain too bitterly b/c I did have a relaxing weekend. Didn''t sleep well last night so I am tired as well ... Was it just me or did yesterday fly by??!

Now, I''m shy to post the pic ... Oh well ... maybe some other time or maybe I''ll ask ... not sure yet. I don''t feel like it today though ... Besides, you''re not missing much.

A big cheating weekend sounds like fun! Fried appetizers sound particularly yummy!! What type of bday cake? Good for you working out like crazy. What do you do when you work out? What''s your favorite?

The Essential, huh? What is that style about? Skinny jean?

Muffin top sucks! I never used to have it ... Where did it come from? Why won''t it go away?! I hate it as well. Glad you found a good pair. I doubt they''ll last you a a year though. If you keep working out like that, you will need a smaller pair.

I have no idea what my plan of action is ... Since there has been no "formal" communication about it ... I have no details as to what they intend to do with me. I don''t want to make any plans until I know for certain what is happening one way or another. I''m just sitting at my desk and watching all the "executives" scrambling, having secret meetings etc and planning mine/our fate without actually bringing us in on it. It''s entirely infuriating and its taking everything I have in me not to whack them on the head and tell them that the jig is up and to just get on with it already. Seriously! Agh! I''ll keep you updated when they actually feel that they should inform us about our lives and their intentions for it. I''m so disgusted.

I have an appt w/Mary this weekend to bring in my gold and start some projects with it maybe ... I''m thinking Tsavorite?

It''s so nice! My friend had a convo with her hubbub this weekend about the "upgrade" and he was not so enthused about it since he spent a long time finding the perfect diamond for her ... Oh well, looks like her plans are on hold indefinitely. Poor thing.

I''m waiting to see what she has up her sleeve to get this to go her way.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Woohoo! I love this ring!!!!!! It is fabulous. It looks nice in the pictures but I bet it is STUNNING in real life. Is there anyway you can go adn check it out and take real pics ... not for me, of course

but for you ....I really, really, really like it A LOT! Love the detailed basket .. .that gets me every time!
How exciting ... Paula''s being a naughty girl ... thought you said you weren''t looking anymore.

Do you know something I don''t???

By the way ... I thought you might like to know this ...
I''m starting to get really excited about the concert and the 29th ...

 

[Angel7]

No! No news to report. I just felt like looking at rings. It''s online, I can''t take hand shots!

Already sent it to the bf, just love annoying him!
Ohh great news, we booked a cruise last night! I''m so excited! It''s in May and we are going to the Bahamas for 4 nights!! Can''t wait. I haven''t been on vacation FOREVER and I''ve never been on a cruise! Really need to step up those workouts. This body is not bathing suit ready!

Bday cake was blah but I still ate it!

I don''t like any of the workouts I do! I''m lazy and I want to lose weight by doing nothing all day!

I do the treadmill for a 1/2 hour and then it depends what I''ve done the previous day but I''ll do legs or arms and abs for another half hour. Sometimes I mix it up with a class. It''s going slow. I only lose 1-2lbs per week. I want to lose like 20 in a month!

How''s it going for you? What do you like doing at the gym?

The Essential is just boot cut and a bit of a higher rise which is perfect for me since I''m so short and have no torso!
Skinny jean? No, I don''t do the skinny jean! Let''s hope I need a smaller pair in a year!

I''m sorry work is such a headache right now. I agree though, the sneaking around and not letting people in on their own lives is horrible! I say you smack them around on your last day!

Ohh going to see Mary this weekend, FUN! Yum to the Tsavorite! Can''t wait to hear about the projects you will be starting! Ohh no on the upgrade talk huh? Sorry for your friend. That stinks!

Yea you are excited for the concert I knew it!!

What''s the 29th? Concert night or something else? You said concert and the 29th are you holding out on me? See, it may be a possiblity!!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Thanks for sharing the ring pic! I really do love it. I''m sure you''re not annoying the bf ... he probably appreciates being pointed in the right direction! Goodness knows that I would, if our roles were reversed, right?

A cruise!

No way!! How exciting! Yay for you guys!!

I''m so, so jealous

I''m sure you will have a fantastic time ... bathing suit ready body or not! Tell me all about the cruise ... the ship, the stuff to do etc. I''ve only ever been on day cruises to the Bahamas from Miami and never a "real" cruise. You''ll have to fill me in ... c''mon!! I''ve been dying to visit the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas and stay there for a few nights but the bf hasn''t signed on ... I''m still working on him.

Do you think you''ll get a chance to check it out and take pics for me??

When are you going bathing suit shopping??

Certainly not as fun as shopping for diamonds, is it?

Workouts suck and I just don''t get it either ... Why can''t you sit around, EAT, do nothing and lose weight?!!

That would work for me! I''ve been doing the treadmill or bike or combo of both for 30 mins and then doing some weights etc. I''ve been mostly focusing the weights on my arms since I seem to have grown some unsightly bat wings of sorts and would like to get rid of them post haste! Yesterday I did abs for the first time. I really want to focus on those as well. It''s ridiculous how quickly you want to see the results, isn''t it? I am always amazed that after all that energy and effort that you don''t lose as many calories as you could potentially eat within that time period. Life is so unfair!

mmm milkshake!

Well, maybe not since I would have to spend 5 blasted hours on the treadmill to work it off, right?

The Essential sounds as though it might work for me as well. Once I lose a little bit of this weight and my jeans start to be loose, I will check out this style and see if it works any magic for me. By the way ... who does the skinny jean ever work for? I''ve seen some very unfortunate people think that it works for them, when, in actuality, it doesn''t. Don''t they have friends? Cheers to a smaller pair next year!

Work! Ugh! I just found out yesterday before they impose their diabolical plan, they will be letting go 2 FTE from each dept. The people in each dept don''t know yet so this should be a lovely surprise on top of the closing of my dept. What fun, huh?! A smack around for sure on my last day ... whenever that will be.

Yes, Mary this weekend but no idea what to do with the Tsavorite. I really want one but then again, I really want a lot of things! I think it might be fun to get a loose one and then "find'' the perfect setting for me. I love the color and can''t wait to find the perfect one. People in the Colored Gems forum are so helpful. I''m learning tons! Do you like colored gems ... if so, what is your fave??
By the way ... I''m going to try and take some more pics this weekend when I see Mary. Hope they come out nicely.
My friend will be okay. I think she has something up her sleeve but I''m just not sure what it is yet.

The 29th IS the concert! I''m not holding out on you. Come on ... you''re actually the only person I''m talking to about it. Crazy, I know. Do you like how I''m writing it in small font so that I don''t get TOO excited?

Hope you''re having a great day!! Thanks for checking in. You always make my day.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hi Miss Paula ... just checking in

Missed you today. Hope you''re doing okay!

 

[Angel7]

HELLO!!! I am alive!

Sorry, the day got away from me yesterday and by the time I got home, I was too tired to log onto computer!
How are you doing? Did I miss anything exciting?

Cruise details:
-We leave on May 19th and out to the Bahamas and Cococay and Miami. So excited. I bought an excursion which is a tour of the Atantis so I''m so excited! Like you, I''ve always wanted to visit there so I can''t wait!!! I will take TONS of pics!! So excited!! I''m NOT going bathing suit shopping. I got so depressed yesterday cuz I so do not belong in summer apparel. Really grossed out with myself. Even if I work my but off for the next two months, I still should be covered from head to toe!

I''m just Blah about my body lately!
Ohh I hear you on the bat wings. Mine are not so pretty! I''m trying to do those tricep workouts, just don''t see them going away! I see no results and you are right, I want to see them right away! Why can''t I lose 10lbs a week like they do on the biggest loser? Man that show really kills me. They do so good! Working out 6 hours a day though? I think I would die! God, treadmill for 5 hours? I cannot think of anything worse! I cannot wait for those 30 minutes to go by!

The skinny jean is truly scary and I think it only works on people like Nicole Richie or Paris Hilton. Sorry, far from my body type!

Can''t wait to hear how your Tsavorite search goes! I would have to say I love Ruby (birthstone).
Please take as many pictures as you can!!!! I take it you are excited to see the bf as well this weekend?

Woo hoo concert!!!!!!!!!!!!! That may be THE NIGHT! Don''t forget to get that manicure!

I LOVE the small writing. You are so funny!
My brother is putting up my backsplash today so I am a bit nervous. Hopefully he will not destroy my kitchen!
Any updates on the job front? Those dirty bastards!

Ohh my boss told me that they have tons of fine jewelery and diamond on the cruise ships. That''s where she first learned about the Eighternity! Poor bf has no idea what he''s in for!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hiya! Glad to know all is well in your world.

Yesterday was a crazy busy day, wasn't it?? I was super busy as well!! What's up with that??
Nothing exciting ... sorry. Is there anyone in the world more boring than me, geez.

Woohoo! Thanks for the cruise details!
Can I tell you how jealous I am??!! You are going to have so much fun in the sun!! What a great itinerary. You need to start the countdown ... with every new thread each day ... this way we can get excited!
By the way, I don't believe you about not being summer ready. Don't be blah about your body. I remember a couple of years ago I felt like that about myself and now I look back and I am like ..what the heck was my problem? I was HOT! now, not so much.

I'm sure you are gorgeous and will look lovely in your cruise gear. When are you going to go shopping for new cruise clothes?

It's ridiculous how fast we want results, isn't it? I was just talking about that over in the WWT thread. I just started, in earnest, last week and I can't help but feel a twinge when I don't yet see results. So lame. I really should have felt the twinge when I was laying back watching tv and downing goodies! Biggest Loser kills me too. I love it! They do such a good job. I always wonder if they keep it off after the lights and cameras are gone though ... It's not really hard to lose weight if you throw yourself into it and make it a priority, i.e., working out 6 hrs a day, however, the challenge is to keep it off when you don't have 6 hrs a day to workout and have to schedule the rest of your life as well.
I've been doing 30 mins on the treadmill as well and even tried the rowing machine yesterday and it was GREAT. 50 cals in 5 mins. If I could do 20 I would! Are you kidding me? That would be great ... burn so many more calories!!

Tsavorite search?! I'm so confused. I want one and I want a new peridot and every thing else that I ever wanted! Signed Pieces has MY Tiffany Etoile bangle on sale for $2,350!! Such a terrific savings to the retail price but I can't get it b/c I can't justify the purchase to myself!!

I was so sad when I saw it b/c I really, really wanted it. Boo hoo. I hope it goes to a good home. I AM taking in my gold this weekend and saw a news article about how in some places its going for about $1,000 an ounce! YES! Bonanza! Maybe I will be able to get those 3 ctw studs ... I have a LOT of gold to turn in.

I'll keep you updated. If I don't get the earrings, I hope I am able to make something good with the gold. I'm pretty excited about that. Mary is bringing in some tsavorite soooo ... we'll see how naughty I will be.

Rubies for you, huh? Nice. They are SO pricey nowadays. My friend who was looking for the upgrade was previously interested in getting a top notch ruby and they were gorgeous looking ... Too bad she didn't go through with it. I think she's probably just as confused as me!

Your brother and the backsplash sounds like an adventure. I hope, for his sake, that he doesn't destroy your kitchen either. Is he good with this type of thing?

No updates on the job front ... Good thing. I'm in a decent mood today and sick of the drama!

Fine jewelry on the cruise ship!

All I have to say is uh-oh. Enclosed space and bling ... bf is in BIG trouble!

tee hee.

**eta**

I gave those guys over in WWT this mac & cheese recipe and figured you might enjoy it as well. It is a Weight Watcher's recipe so not super caloric or bad for you but really, really, really yummy. If you cook make it ... if not, have someone else make it ... It IS delicious!

Macaroni & Cheese
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 cup)
8 points per serving (356 calories)
4 cups hot cooked elbow macaroni (about 8 oz uncooked), cooked without salt or fat
2 cups (8 oz) shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup 1% low-fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup skim milk
2 tablespoons grated fresh onion
1 1/2 teaspoons reduced calorie stick magarine, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1/4 cup fresh or dry breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon reduced calorie stick magarine, melted
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Combine first 10 ingredients; stir well. Spoon into shallow 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray.
3. Combine breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon margarine, and paprika; stir well. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over casserole. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Uncover casserole; bake an additional 5 minutes or until breadcrumbs are lightly browned.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Paula -- Just checking in to wish you a Happy Friday!

Have a great weekend!

I hope, for your sake, that it is less action packed than last weekend so that you can enjoy some more "you" time and relax with the bf.

I''m off for the weekend and will report back on Monday with any and all news and pics, if I manage to get any.

I''m trying to get out of here a little earlier than usual so ... Talk to you later!

 

[Angel7]

Hello Sacha! How did it go? Pictures please!!! Can''t wait to hear all about it!!!
My weekend was fine, nothing special. Oh wait, I cheated big time and ate like a pound of Peanut M&M''s.

Man were they good! That is my FAVORITE candy!
I plan on going to my jeweler today and seeing what I can get for my gold. Hopefully something!

Ok, enough about me, how did it all go? How was Mary? How was the Tsavorite search?

 

[Sparkalicious]

Well, Happy Monday, Miss Paula!

Glad your weekend was good.

It went well! I took a few pics for you too ... including ear shots!

I don''t have them loaded up yet but I will and I will post. I took them especially for you!

We were downtown just snooping around different shops and stuff and there was this huge St. Paddy''s day parade. So fun! We had no idea.

A pound of Peanut M&M''s, huh?! Nice! Naughty girl. Don''t worry about it ... I''m sure you''ll work it off this week and it was well worth it!

I love them as well!

Today to the jeweler ... Woohoo! I took my gold in and Mary says that I should be able to get around $2,000 for it!! Woohoo! Not bad for trading in a bunch of stuff that I don''t use, right? So exciting. Still not enough for my fab studs though ... maybe just enough for a fantastic diamond for a pendant?

I hope you get a ton of money back!

The tsavorite search was kind of disappointing as I only got to see a necklace with small tsavs in it. No big stones. Boo. Maybe next time?

Did you catch the recipe above? Do you think that you might use it?

I''m getting butterflies in my stomach for the concert weekend. I wish it would stop. I don''t want to be disappointed.

Oh! Not sure if I told you ... My cousin is getting married in August. She asked me to be Maid of Honor ... I definitely need to keep my butt in the gym now.

Tee hee.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Here''s some pics of two wedding dresses my cousin sent me ... She wanted to know which one I prefer. Which one do you prefer?

Dress 1

 

[Sparkalicious]

Dress 2 front

 

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Dress 2 back

 

[Angel7]

Ohh $2000?! That''s great! I thought I made good money with my $650 this afternoon but you kicked butt! Great job! I agree, not bad for stuff that''s just been sitting around. I feel the same way about my old jewelry.
No Tsavorite? Too bad!

There''s always next time!

Glad you had fun!

My weekend was nothing jazzy. Just trying to get ready for Easter since I''m hosting it this year. Gosh, my family and bfs family together..so stressful!

They''ve met before but my family is so unpredictable...you just never know! Do you have any big easter plans?

So excited that you are getting nervous for the 29th. I would like to say I called it when you first mentioned it but you said there is NO WAY he would do it then...so when you come back engaged I can say..I TOLD YOU SO!

I understand not wanting to feel disappointed...ok let''s stop talking about it but I still think it will happen!!

Congrats on the MOH duties. That''s great! I LOVE dress number 2. Thanks for sharing with me!!

You getting in shape for the wedding, me trying to look halfway normal for the cruise!

I did see the Mac N Cheese, looks yummy! I''ll have to try it after Easter.

Can''t wait to see all the pics from Mary! Did she let you play with your ring?

 

[Sparkalicious]

I know! I''m super excited. You got a pretty nice haul as well ... I didn''t realize you had so much stuff.
I actually took a pic of my pirate''s booty for your viewing enjoyment.

Anything happen with that Movado? Did they buy it or you trying ebay again?

You''re doing Easter! Oh no! So much work! I signed up to do Christmas one year. My head is still spinning. Oy! Family is SO unpredictable. Is your family crazy? It''s so good to know if they are because mine is a little unhinged at times as well. Any particularly crazy family members?

Fine ... you told me so ... possibly. I''ll let you have that if it happens but until then ... no talking about it.

No problem. I liked dress # 1 better for some reason. I don''t know why. I would really prefer to see her in both of them to be able to really tell her which one I prefer. They are both nice.

Hmmm ... I''m wondering if we can help each other with our respective goals. Any ideas?

Please do try the Mac n Cheese for Easter. I''m sure it will be a big hit. Yum, yum, yummers!

I was NOT allowed to play with my ring .. not even allowed to mention it.

A big fat HMMPF! to that.

I''m going to try and get pics up for you tonight. Not sure though ... don''t hold me to it.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Oh! I forgot to tell you ... I got my GIA Diamond Essentials course materials this weekend so I''ve got to get cracking and start in on my first assignments. I''m super excited. Lots of stuff to learn .. .I''ll be sure to share any interesting tidbits with you.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Okay ... As promised, plenty of pics coming. How's that for keeping my word ... not bad, huh?

I forgot to mention earlier about my mom's ring.
Remember I was going to get the diamond that I bought for her to replace the initial diamond that was lost so long ago appraised and set in her original setting from 1970 ... still with the engraving that my dad put in there for her. It's so special. I feel so much emotion when I hold it thinking about how he must have felt when he picked it up and when he was going to propose etc. ... Well, it's done and I picked it up this weekend as well. I initially had it set in a WF simple 4 prong setting but I love, love, love it in my mom's original setting. Just looks like it was made for it.

OH! I almost forgot ... I got the diamond for under $2k and the appraisal in the setting came back at just over $4k. I think I got a great deal with WF as I could have easily paid more for that diamond elsewhere!! The diamond was also found to be exactly as promised. Woo hoo! Go Whiteflash.

By the way ... thanks for being interested in this stuff. It's nice to be able to share.

Here they come.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Hand shot and my pudgy paw.

 

[Sparkalicious]

This one is kind of neat but it has a piece of red fuzz ... It''s not an inclusion.
Profile shot.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Pirate booty! Arrgh

Aye aye matey - Don''t hold any of the gold pictured against me. My BF threw in some doozies he must have had from the early 90s or something ... really bad. Of special note is the gold nugget ring.

Bleck!

This is the approx $2k worth ... Mary said we might get more b/c some of the jewelry has diamonds in it. Not sure if I am going to keep those or just get rid of it all.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Tsavorite and white sapphire (I think) necklace ...

Very pretty.

 

[Sparkalicious]

3+ ct round.
Gorgeous.

I think it was some crazy low color like L or something too. It was insanely gorgeous and for the color king that I am ... I had no idea. I thought it was a G or H. It was cut so incredibly well. Just nuts to see that beauty in person. I was drooling a little. I''ll admit it.