Normally I would answer like gardenerme but we've been having thunderstorms lately in the late afternoon. It's clouding up as I type this. So I'll be moving a few more roses that got bigger than expected. Like that doesn't happen on a regular basis in So.Cal. sigh . . . Most of our rain in So.Cal comes during the winter and early spring months so I'm inside anyway. We also get snow where I live. I've got a few hobbies, like quilting, painting, home decor, and upholstering so I'm never without a project. We have occasional summer thunderstorms, which I usually enjoy from the front porch swing. That's until the lightening gets too close. Then I and the kitties head indoors and hope there's an Angel or Cub game on the tube. : ) Diana

That IS interesting! I haven't heard that before. We have an elliptical and a regular exercise bike. We use them both a lot without problems. DH has lower back problems, but never complains about having problems due to the elliptical. His chiro has never mentioned it as a possible source, either. I'll get him to ask her next time he goes to her. I don't notice any back problems when I use it. Maybe some of it has to do with the posture maintained while on the elliptical. I do get onto DH about his frame while exercising. ??? I'll pay more attention to how he uses it versus how I use it to see if I can offer any "hints." I tend not to put any body weight on the machine...ie, holding on with my hands. I maintain a VERY light grip/touch. He tends to have a death grip on it and I think that causes him to hunch over a bit. Glad you mentioned it. I wonder if DH IS bothered by it, but doesn't realize it's aggravated by the elliptical because he already tends to have back problems. Hmmmm. For me, I think maintaining a strong core is key. DH definitely doesn't do that! I LOVE the idea of the recumbent bike! I couldn't talk anyone in the family into that one! They all thought it looked too weird! I really wanted a good ergometer (I rowed crew on an adult team), but geez...too cha-ching for me! If you don't belong to a gym, why don't you go get a day pass (or go as a guest of a member) and try a good workout on an elliptical? After hearing about people having back problems, I'd try it out a few times for myself before investing the money.

I have walked in your shoes, and here is what I did. First, I joined a mommy and me (child) class and met other moms with a child the same age. Even though the class only met one morning a week, a few of the moms and I would get together with the kids and do things together. It felt so good to talk to other women who were going through the same things I was and we talked about all sorts of things. We would go to the park and talk, or meet at each others houses. We would go for walks together just to get out of the house, or get together at a McDonalds to let them play in the balls. We met each others husbands and would get together and barbecue. Some of those friendships have now lasted years as we have each gone on to have more children who attended preschool together (get on waiting lists now) and now the kids are in gradeschools, and several of us are still friends. Even those that went on to other schools and built new friendships...we still keep in touch and are there for each other if needed. As for alone time, we all need some! What we were advised was to get someone to watch the child one evening a week for a short time...like 1 1/2- 2 hours while my husband and I went out and got a bite to eat...just the two of us. Wednesday is great for this since it is mid week. Then perhaps on Saturday mornings, your husband could spend time with his daughter, while you go out to breakfast with your friends, or go get a haircut or work out at a gym. Also, if you have family who can watch your daughter on a Saturday night, it will do you both good to maintain "date night" with your husband. Even a quick movie or dinner can refresh us and give us energy to be better parents. Also, many churches have something called "mothers morning out" and they will watch your child for free. In exchange for the free childcare, like once every 6 weeks, you have to volunteer at the church to help watch the little ones on one of the mornings. The moms who take advantage of this program all take turns. Some towns also have Gymboree made expecially for moms of toddlers...it is an indoor place that has many climbing things for toddlers....it may be set up in a church somewhere in your town, or it may be a permanent business in a shopping plaza, but they also can be a great place to be with a toddler to "get out of the house" and meet other moms with toddlers looking for friends with children the same age, just like you. You will find how important these new friendships are because you are going through many of the same things at the same time with children the same age. They become very important for sharing all sorts of information. Through these friendships, you will build a life that is much more enjoyable. You need these friendships, especially if you do not have family in the area. Also, have a toddler seat put on the back of your bike and take your little one our for bike rides. you both will enjoy the change in scenery and the fresh air. You could also consider a jogging stroller and roller blades for more excercise. Watch the papers (classified) and garage sales as these often show up for sale when someones child outgrows them...we sold ours this way. And last, with a toddler who is having a tantrum...sometimes, by just putting the child in a stroller and going for a walk can help enormously. The fresh air and change of scenery can do wonders. Another thing that helps a cranky little one is letting them splash in cool water. It captures their attention and is very entertaining for them. Just watch them very closely. you can give them some measuring cups, plastic cups etc. Water can be an enormous help to distract them. Another huge help can be to play music and dance with them, or march and give her something to play like the musical triangle, or clickers or something, and march and dance around the house to gether to the music. And last...remember that naps are really important for her. They get tired and cranky, and it helps mom too. The days can be long but the years are sooo short. I wish you the best!

I guess I wasn't clear about which son-in-law. I heard from my other daughter's husband who was assigned to push the record button not the brides husband. He found out when the equipment would not turn on. My husband and I have the contract with the hotel so I talked to the wedding coordinator and she said the hotel rented the equipment from another vendor and they are not responsible except for the $150 fee which they will return to me. Doesn't seem enough to me. I'm thinking I need to see an attourney. I'm sure there are lovely photo's but haven't seen them yet from the photographer, but no video is such a disappointment. Even I had a tape recording of my wedding made back in the 70's so we could rehear the songs, minister's message, and vows. We will see about having a slide show made for an extra fee. That's about all we can do now. Thanks for your input.