November 1st...D_Day..Want to join me?

[Cruise Miriam]

Belle, I hope things turn out okay. Please let us know.

 

As far as being home, any time you feel an urge to eat something, why don't you post to the board instead? It should keep your hands and mind occupied.

[Cruise Miriam]

Carolyn, I've been folloiwng what's going on with Libby. Please know my thoughts are with you. I'll be waiting like everyone else to hear.

[cmjaffe]

Miriam,

Thanks so much for your concern about Libby.

I'm waiting it out.. with what she's been through the last couple of months..

she's 8 1/2... when I was down at Mom's (Dec.) she came down with pneumonia.. Mike was taking care of her and taking her to pediatricians until they finally diagnosed it.. took a while 'cause it wasn't "typical" pneumonia, and as usual w/peds. the first 3 days they say it's "probably viral" (the high fever). At that time I was dealing w/elder lawyer and getting a new aide for Mom so I was away and couldn't get back ASAP (luckily Mike's a terrific Dad). Up till the day w/left for Miami we didn't know if we were going to go on Xmas/New Years cruise. I was ready to cancel (of course we had canc. ins). But we all needed to just get away and we had all the meds w/us and the Drs "blessings". Thought the sun and being away would do the whole family good. Then Alex got sick the night before Panama Canal. Then Libby and I got it.. and unf. I couldn't get her to see the MD when I really needed them (nurse refused to page Dr). Also from what I found out from other passengers, the dr. wasn't "very good" regarding treating kids so I was a bit concerned if she was going to possibly be "quarantined" and get an IV. So we handled it on own and spoke w/our MD when we got to Cayman. Got back home and had her checked out. We were supposed to go on another cruise in Feb. but her stomach hadn't been the same since we got home and a month later started to act up again. Did various blood and "samples" to find out if it might be parasite or E-coli (and also had to rule out appendicitis). Finally got the "all clear" sign from MD about all the tests.. now need to get her to GI pediatric specialist. Just cancelled Feb. since I couldn't risk A) her not being treated by Dr. if g-d forbid she got norwalk or worse on the ship, B) the MD on board was probably not trained in pediatrics and C) the ship was Mex. Riviera and dr. definitely doesn't want her to travel to Mexico since who knows what she may contract, since I really wonder how her immunity is these days. He'll fill out ins. forms for cancellation. I'm praying that the ins. co won't be looking at prior "illness" since we bought the policy after she was diagnosed w/pneumonia, which "may have" compromised her immunity and might be then considered "pre-existing".. it's a real stretch but I'm not sure how the ins. company's going to be. I also really need to go down to LI to get Mom's house ready to go on market.. which is a real challenge.. it's been somewhat neglected since Dad was 88 and the sole caregiver to Mom (76) so we've been going through aides about once a month if not sooner, so I'm running down the 100+mile drive several times a month. Add to that Mike's traveling to CA twice this month (he's on his way to SF as I type) and he may need to go to LasVegas on Wednesday for 2 days (he told boss that the kids are off that week and I "MUST" go to Mom's so the only way he can go (since he was taking off) was to send the kids along w/him and get someone from concierge to make arrangements for kids. Libby's still in pain though not as bad as last week. It's amazing I'm holding up as much as I am considering everything (I'm popping Cortislim which helps a bit).

Thanks for your concern. BTW,, How's the adjustment to life in the Chicago area?

Carolyn

[Belle]

Thank you Donna and Miriam. Just have to wait

for the results. Deal with it then. Do what you have to.

That's what I tell people so have to follow my own advice.

 

Donna did you get thru the night? How was the soup?

Didn't you tell your boss..cookies are dangerous to your health?

That you work better without them "calling" your name! LOL

 

Miriam thank you for dropping by..Gee Miriam you want me to be in

here all day! Posting everytime I want to eat! LOL

 

Carolyn hope Libby is better tonight. Hope you get the house ready soon

for the market and it sells fast so that you have one less thing to worry about. Take care.

 

So everyone..have a great Thursday!

[cmjaffe]

Belle,

Good luck with the biopsy and the recovery process.

If you want to post when anything starts "calling out to you" please do... I pop in ALOT and will answer back so you won't feel "alone" or that your "talking to yourself" lol.

Donna,

How come certain "items" learn our names all to well and know when to communicate... DH just doesn't understand this "phenomenon".

Carolyn

[cmjaffe]

How are you doing today, Belle?

I never got out of the house today (to weigh in at gym)... got stuck on phone w/sister (major hassle w/her "sublet" moving out.. may lose our rent-controled appt), trying to get appt for Libby w/GI, e-mailing all lawyers and trying to get them on the same page.. major stuff (unf. hitting the fan). I didn't get to eat anything until after 8PM tonight.. so far, I've been good w/eating... only 2 cups decaf and then I ate HUGE pot of veggies and nuked a piece of salmon. Let's see if that's all I'll eat... (need to get focused).

Everyone, please pray that the lawyers don't mess up any more stuff... I truly can't take it any more.

Carolyn

[donnaw]

Carolyn, And the thing you need least is to get run down and sick so take time to eat! Is Libby feeling any better? Is the appointment set up? Any word from the insurance company? This kitchen renovation will make us nuts. We found a deal on the range that we couldn't pass up. Found last years model of the Kitchen Aid (which I like better than this years) with all the features that I was looking for and the goof balls at Sears hung up a clearance sign but didn't hang up the new price. I looked at it at $1,406 but I bought it at $719. However, as is our normal experience with Sears, we are waiting for a part to come in before we schedule the gas guy in. It is a gas oven instead of electric but for the amount of cooking I do, it will work just fine. Joe is ready to kill me since now I am thinking of leaving the double ovens in place for a bit. Don't think that will fly and I really do want the pantry cabinet to replace them.

 

Belle, Any results yet? Been there with 3 breast biopsies and the waiting is nightmare. Boss is gone and no goodies at work today. Actually forgot to post yesterday but managed to pull a stay the samer! Now I have big time motivation! He booked today as a combined V'day/anniversary present! Segulls will be on the Century and we will see her in Rome and Nassau so we will have a blast! Our rollcall is already outrageous and a friend from the Horizon will be with us so this one will go down in the record books. Have to start losing fast since I have to come up with a spectacular Halloween costume! Cook - If I bought a Viking, I would feel guilty if I didn't! Bought the Kitchen Aid so sticking to salads is just fine!

 

Miriam, May have to rope you and Pam into helping me shop! Last time I shopped downtown was with Sissyg, LlindaC, Seagulls, Gayla59 and Seagulls so you can imagine what kind of trouble I got into. Will definitely need a trip to Woodfield and one downtown before this one since I will be in 10's before we go! Might even have to hit Steinmart. Good thing you picked a mild winter to move back!

 

Ok, better get my water and get some sleep!

[cmjaffe]

Donna,

WoW... Europe of the Century (our fave X ship)... that's something to look forward to. Glad you got a deal on the KitchenAide...

we really should get new appliances here... moved in 8 years ago (right before-- actually one month exactly-- Libby was born). At the time we knew we wanted to put in new counters (still flipping between a corian type or granite). The cabinets are good-- solid wood but a dark oak (would have loved cherry but don't think they're worth replacing.. I'm very practical) and the appliances seemed to have been original. So now we really could use a new range (have a Thermador right now w/downdraft -- electric-- would LOVE gas but would have to figure out where to put tank outside.. not on gas line in town) and oven is on it's last leg (have a space for double over which original owners probably ripped out when they moved in middle of night (forclosure-- we were the 3rd owners, bought it from flippers). I like the tile that's here... so I guess we'll have a somewhat easy remodel (one of these days), though w/dealing w/Mom's house not sure when I'd be motivated. I really like the layout of our kitchen. Might extend the counter a bit wider in one place to make it sort of a breakfast bar (our kitchen is really big... like the whole house.... it was definitely more house than we needed but for the price we got it for, we A) couldn't pass it up and B) the other choice though a bit less (only $40K) had a pool and needed updated. Our's is a custom built home (very solid and unique, w/post and beam construction in family room) that has appreciated higher than the other one and was in total move in condition, didn't do anything until this year (exterior painting).

Belle, How's it going.

We me, I'm really in a funk.. everything is taking its toll. This usually happens the day before I go down to Mom's. Things are on hold for the week w/lawyers since the elder lawyer is on cruise and I told estate lawyer not to do ANYTHING until Steve gets back (can't afford them redoing anything anymore).

Gotta go get Libby from a pool birthday party.. Think she's doing better. I really wished that we went on the cruise.. I really need to get away. Not sure exactly what was/is going on w/Libby's stomach. Have an appt for her in April (actually 2 of them). Not sure if it's something she's had for a while that got aggrevated when she was on antibiotics for 4 weeks and also bit emotional (w/Mike traveling and when he's not, me going down to Mom's or being stressed out w/lawyers).. Wish everything will end... can't wait to get house on market and see what happens.

Carolyn

[donnaw]

Carolyn, We are actually on the sister (Galaxy). Seagulls is on the Century but we will be with her in Rome, Malaga and Nassau and will do a lot of tours together. Joe couldn't pass up Key West during Fantasy Fest. Actually, he thought about jumping ship there but hotels are way too outrageous!

 

Any problems with our kitchen are ours alone since we built this house. This will be pretty major since we our getting rid of the quarry tile floor and going with wood and refacing the dark walnut cabinets. Oven is 30 years old and still works perfectly but can't replace it with convection so Kitchenaid to the rescue.

 

Glad Libby is feeling better and hope that you get a final answer when you take her in. I know you are heart broken about cancelling so you'll need to come up with something before August and after all this legal is finished.

 

Belle, are you out there? Are you ok? Are you behaving?

 

Ok, have to get cleaned up to head out for dinner. This is one time I will really enjoy that salad.

[cmjaffe]

I'm a nervous wreck...

not sure what I've got ahead of me for the weekend.

Going to contact the real estate partner to hopefully "hold my hand" for the week.. I really think I need it.

Unf. the elderlawyer is out of town on cruise, so I can't start working with him (though his asst. is in.. I may stop by to give her a gift... to assist with getting him to do some work when he returns to make things go quicker).

I'm praying that the insurance will go through w/cancellation.

I got to gather up all the bills showing payments and credits

what I'm concerned about is where I have the final payment for the cruise and the insurance payment I also have a few charges for Dr. appt., don't want to flag anything down w/pre-existing problems. I think I'm going to have Mike do some scanning to replace the vendor's name w/another vendor where there's a charge for the doctor's office. I really can't take any risk here with questions of pre-existing (though it would be a stretch since she was treated for pneumonia then... not stomach ailments.

All this on my head. I hope the estate lawyer has everything "on hold" until the other one returns and then I can get all the paperwork executed asap.

Carolyn

[Belle]

Semi busy and in a "funk"..will write tomorrow..

quess it will really be today!

 

Donna congrats on booking a cruise

 

Carolyn hope everything is working out

[donnaw]

Happy Monday all,

 

Carolyn, Settled back down yet? Talk to Mike! You need a sounding board close at hand and plenty of hugs for support.

 

Belle, Any news on the test results? How is the funk coming along?

 

Last thing I needed was to sit at this computer all weekend long and that is exactly what I ended up doing. The magnitude and all the possibilities of this trip hit me. Joe finally came up and shut it off on me with a stern warning that I had enough! A whole world of possibilites while still attempting to stay within a budget! I won't settle down until we have air and pre-cruise booked but I am going to gave to force myself not to obsess about it. Doesn't help that our roll call is very active and all these new ideas keep coming up. Oh well, time to get moving and behave!

 

Where is your water?

 

Have a great day!

[Cruise Miriam]

Belle, how are you? Any results or did I miss it?

 

Carolyn, how about you? Was your weekend somewhat quiet? I hope, I hope.

 

Donna, when are you coming down? I could use a shopping spree downtown myself -- just went three weeks ago with my mom -- we won't talk about what size I'm down to but I need summer/cruise clothes and new swimsuits. Otherwise, I'll meet you out at Woodfield. Funny, another friend had suggested Woodfield, too -- but she's in Peoria. She'll be up here end of March, but we're doing downtown instead.

 

I spent the weekend mostly on the sofa watching movies -- I sprained my ankle and twisted my knee on Friday night -- and I didn't have hot water -- long story. It's always something. At least I wasn't eating -- I had nothing in the house really but I wasn't hungry, either.

[donnaw]

Mir, As soon as I get down 1 more size since I will run out of clothes. Of course, that means I have to behave better than I have of late and now I have the motivation. I actually make it down there quite a lot since we are just over the WI border. Love both Woodfield and Downtown though I do most of my shopping at Lakeside Mall on this side of the border (5 minutes from work). I'll let you know. Probably everyone else too when I finally get out of 12 and into 10!

 

Hope the ankle feels better and time for you to stop losing!

[Cruise Miriam]

Okay, Donna. You let me know!!! I'm really trying to maintain now. Really. I found out two things recently -- Chico's has a size 0 and American bra makers don't make size 32 anymore :( .

[Cruise Miriam]

Hey Donna, are you near Delavan?

[donnaw]

Mir,

 

I am halfway between I94 and Lake Geneva on HWY 50 so not very far from Delavan at all!

[Cruise Miriam]

Oh, Donna, I think I"m going to be in Delavan the first weekend of March -- a girl's weekend away. From what I understand they take one weekend a year, maybe two, and get away from their husbands and kids and eat, drink, read, shop...... I've been invited to join them. I'm waiting to hear if it's on. Email me at ldrscruisemir7@aol.com!!!! Let's talk!!!

[donnaw]

Ok, where is everybody? Hit the GS cookies but behaved the rest of the time so managed a stay the same.

 

Where is your water?

[cmjaffe]

Just got back to "MY" home.. been at Mom's all week.. UGH

nearly had a nervous breakdown twice already.

Of course, had a "wonderful" (not) surprise when I got home from lawyer, can't wait to call it quits with him.

Will post more tomorrow.

Carolyn

[donnaw]

Carolyn, are you getting close on selling the house? That will be a major break for you if it happens quickly. As to the lawyers, I'm sure you'll celebrate when that is over with! How is Libby feeling.

 

Belle, Where are you? Are you ok? You haven't been on the boards since the 21st so definitely worried here!

 

I need to get focused and start counting points again. This is going nowhere without it! Should be starting the major mess of tearing out the quarry tile floor in the kitchen today so will get lots of exercise which will help.

 

Where is your water?

[cmjaffe]

thought I posted yesterday...

guess it didn't get through.

Donna, house is starting to "shape up"

painting is almost done... just has to do finish up stuff and 2 bathrooms. They only have one bedroom and 1/2 stairs of carpeting to pull up (that's a b*tch of job to do). Can't wait for this to end. Libby's doing OK.. tummy hurts every now and then, but it's not excruciating.

Belle, hope you not posting 'cause you're up to fun.

Mir, hope all is well w/you.

Donna, good luck with the kitchen reno... would love to get new appliances in mine.

Carolyn

[donnaw]

Carolyn, Sounds like you really accomplished a lot. I know all about those b*tch jobs - only made it halfway through pulling up the quarry tile and 1/3 of pulling up the subfloor. Tonight will be more and we'll keep at it until we are done then will pick up a couple new cabinets at Ikea so we can have them refaced along with the rest. Glad Libby is in less pain and hope the next appointment comes up with the solution.

 

 

Belle, are you out there? Are you ok?

 

Mir, How you doing?

[Belle]

Sorry I haven't been around a lot.

Been busy and a little depressed too.

 

It is cancer on my nose, just don't know how deep.

That depends on how they do the surgery. and repair.

It's the waiting, my doctor can't do it, so

waiting for a consult app. then after that app. to have

it done. Want it done now ..get it over with even if the

harder way.

 

Was holding my own on weight but last few days..not to good!

Up some, don't know if the scale will be kind on Thursday.

 

Starting tomorrow..March 1st..strict again..Joining me you two?

 

Carolyn and Donna you two have been busy! With you getting houses fixed up. Can you believe we haven't even made app. to get the living and dining room painted yet. We're both been been busy and lazy lately.. at the same time..make sense?...winter blues, I guess!

Carolyn glad Libby is better. What happen to the insurance?

 

Have to get my act in gear in everything..don't let my "nose" get in

the way!

 

I promise to try to talk everyday. You take care..thinking of you.

[donnaw]

Belle, thought that might be it. Do not let them put you off! Stay on top of them until it is done and taken care of. They do know what they are doing and I'm sure you'll be fine but they don't have a clue what damage all the waiting does. You can celebrate having it over with by bringing the painters in.

 

I'm signing on with getting strict on March 1 only because I haven't exactly been that today. Boss back tomorrow and I am closing 2004 and trying to get ready for January and February at the same time. Just might look forward to chipping more tile off just to get rid of the extra calories!

 

Where is your water?