Rainy Thursday: What's new with you?
My little part time job subbing as an aide in the schools gets very busy this time of year if I let it. It doesn't pay much but keeps me busy on these dark winter days. The variety, all ages from pre school through high school, keeps it interesting. Most days are fun and I feel needed. On a few, I think "Why on earth am I putting myself through this?" But those are few thank goodness.
I could work every day, the need is there, but most weeks I take at least one day a week off for "mental health." This week I am working each day they need me until tomorrow when I'll go to Erin's until Tuesday.
Yesterday I decorated the mantel for the holidays and put my snowflake twinklers in the front windows. I bought them at Big Lots last year and love them. We don't put up outside lights on the house so instead I decorate the front windows and the porch.
Nothing else much. Made Reuben sandwiches and leftover beef stew last night. Soup tastes so good this time of year. Susan, I put away the beer bread recipe for a week or so. It is just too good and so easy!
PMd Laureen as I hadn't seen her postly lately. She's just busy catching up from her trip to Florida.
Be safe and warm wherever you are!
Karen C
I go to the gym to relieve stress, get my mind off problems and oh yeah - strengthen bones.
The other day was especially stressful so the work out was extra vigorous. The result is that since then all I can think of is " OMG, my butt cheeks ACHE!!!"
Sitting hurts. Walking hurts. Turning over in bed hurts. Bending hurts. Those cheeks are so darned sore.
Well ... apparently exercise really helps to get your mind off problems in more ways than one.
Kisses
Annette
Annette 
Butt muscles eh?? Speaking of which I really need to get my butt back to the gym consistently. I worked 4 days this week and didn't make it to the gym one day. The roads were so bad that I just high tailed it home each day.
Heading to my daughter's tomorrow to help my son in law with the 3 wee ones while their momma goes shopping. Can't wait to give and get those hugs. Hannah and Clara are now 2 and 1/2 and their language skills are absolutely adorable. Lots of sentences and trying just about every work they hear.
Karen C
Just want to start off by saying, this board and the people who populate it are awesome. . .
So yes, I've been MIA, Florida for the holiday, it was fabulous, time spent with my daughters, Marlene & Angela, grandchildren, Sammie and Dylan, we had great weather and good times and as you can see by my absence, I did not get to a computer much while being there, in part because my daughter Angela has a laptop and I find them a *****allenging to work with, but the most part was I wanted to enjoy each moment with my girls.
Since getting home Monday morning, I was up at 2:30 in the morning and flew home and went to work from the airport, it's been busy at work and I get home and am just wiped out, plus some things at home were wearing me down, but I think I've addressed them and can move forward in that area of life. At work, I got word yesterday that I will be the new "Client Services Rep" which essentially means receptionist/legal secretary, so I will have more duties to take care of, but my hours are changing and I like that part of it for sure, I will now be working 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which means I will have more daylight hours to myself after December 21 rolls around (lol). . . I have not stopped looking for a new position, mainly because the benefits where I am are not in line with what I feel are necessary for me at this stage of my life, but as I am apt to say, I am only responsible for the efforts, the outcome is up to the Universe/God. . .
Roxie girl is very happy to have Momma home, what a greeting I got when I came home, my roommate told me that every night at the time I ordinarily come home, she went and sat by the window watching for me to come home. . . what devoted love are furbabies give . . . Monday marked the anniversary of Dillinger's passing and I still well up when I think of him and the love he gave me for so many years, but I also know that Roxie came into my life to heal my broken heart and bring joy back into this home. . . We rescued each other and hard to believe she has been a member of this home for almost a year and let me tell you, she rules (lol). . .
I have lots of reading to find out what has been happening in my absence and hoping to do some of it over the next day or so. Ok, time for me to get off here and get ready for work, I love you all and wish you the best of everything always and Happy Hanukkuah to those of you who celebrate the Festival of Lights!
Wishing peace and strength to those of you who are facing challenges,
Love, Laureen
My Mantra is that I do not determine my success by the number hanging in my closet, nor will I let the scale determine that success either. . . It is through trial and error I will continue to grow and succeed. . . Laureen
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
It is cold, cold, cold here, and will be for the next for the next 7 or 8 days. But it's warm inside.
The sore in my nose is no better. My PCP now says it is NOT staff infection, since the meds he gave me did nothing. So he is calling it an ulcer and is sending me to an ENT for possible biopsy. Now I am a little worried since he wanted me to be seen today! Also, the ENT's close by won't take TriCare. So I have to drive 2 hours to Greenville. Grr!!
But first, this AM I see my orthopedic surgeon and expect to be released from PT, and I'll try to pin him down on a date for me to get a new left hip. Then I go straight to PT, probably my last. I'll get more strengthening exercises to do at home.
Oh, and after Christmas, my doc will be scheduling a colonascopy. And to think, before Sept of 2009, I only saw a doctor once a year for my mammo and such!
Everyone have a fantabulous day!
Grammylew in Jax
