Wodka - I lost my sister when she was 42 and I was 40, she also had a hard life, but had totally gotten her act together when she was hit with pancreatic cancer. I do understand what you are saying and want you to know that I keep you and your sister in my thoughts and prayers. Make the most of the time you spend with her and leave the regrets behind. Marci - yes work is still extremely busy still. You must be so excited to be seeing DD soon. I have my fingers crossed for the right assistant to come your way. I know how hard that process is. I went through 4 before finding the perfect one. Besh - glad you had a good birthday, still waiting for details LOL. QOD - tonight our friends picked us up at our dock and took us to an island for a fantastic picnic and lots of laughs. The evening was perfect, warm and no humidity and the lake was as flat as it gets. Tomorrow I have yet another darn art show LOL, as well as Sunday morning. I don't have any firm plans but they will definitely involve more lake time. Suzanne - did you ever read "Soul of the Horse - Life's lessons" or something close to that. I just ordered for my DD's birthday. I should've asked you first LOL. I hope SP, Casey and all the critters are doing well. Milkdud - I had eggplant parmesan last night and had it again for breakfasts and lunch today - I love love love eggplant. Dee - your director got it right! I am so happy that they appreciate you and recognize your importance. Doing a happy happy dance for you and all the money you will be rolling in come this fall LOL. Milkdud - I never heard of Slap Yo Mama seasoning but I know it has to be good if it's anything like the steak rub you sent me LOL. I know your DDIL is a gem, but she is mighty lucky to have you as a MIL. McPeg - I feel for you and your sleepless nights - it is so hard to function like that. I hope that pattern ends soon. It is hard being a woman - I don't know too many men with that problem. Jen - it doesn't seem possible that our little nieces are that old. WOW Patti - I will check out the eggplant pizza recipe. I have been busy at work and play. Our friends from FL just left yesterday and my DD from San Diego will be coming home next weekend. We just can't seem to get any down time lately. It is sad when I actually enjoy being normal and cooking and cleaning LOL. Love to all, I do miss you when I am not here.

OK, another step question. I bought a larger step bench. It's longer & is 8 inches tall. I found that I had to go back to my beginner step DVDs because I couldn't handle the intensity of the taller, longer step. I've cut back from 50-60 min. of intermediate/advanced stepping on a 6 inch bench to 20 to 30 minutes of beginner stepping with the larger bench. Is this normal? Did anybody else find bumping up 2 inches to be a LOT more work? Thanks in advance!

I think it would look fine to have cork just in the exercise bedroom. If it were me, I'd probably continue the new carpeting from the hallway into the other bedroom or else get the same carpeting in a contrasting color.

Red, I am a 'newbie' on this thread. But not to reclaiming my mojo! I hope you feel welcomed and reclaim RED! ((((((GO! GO! RED MOJO!!!!!!))))) How do YOU feel about the weight you have gained? IS it compromising your health? Attempting to reclaim that healthy gal inside is only something you can do for YOU, and only when you are really ready. If this is a path you want to explore, then #1 is see your GP first, they will be a great guide as to how and what changes will reignite your RED MOJO! With pain problems walking can seem like a real chore- have you ever tried water based workouts- aerobics/ swimming? They may help as there is not the pressure and impact. Oh... and on the arm flab thing... don't talk to me about that!! Whaaaaaaaa! : ( Mine are like empty PJ bags, or wings or some such. NO amount of muscle will fix them (well maybe Arnold Swarz size arms... but not sure if that's a good look on a short lady! hee hee hee) As an ex nail biter and picker, I think it is definately a habit. Each time you catch yourself at your nails choose to stop, do something else to occupy your hands- I made a habit of painting nail strengthener each day. While I can grow may nails long (eg if I have an upcoming event) I choose to keep them a practical length-just past the tip of my finger. They annoy me less that length too. I think a great MOJO activation method is a new hairstyle and a set of clothes- you can get off that plane and see your mum feeling good about yourself. There is more to being a great person than what you weigh and how long your nails are. Oh and to your mum- if she comments on your weight, say 'It's amazing how genetics play such a part in your chance for weight gain' and smile sweetly :) Em