Good evening, everyone! BJ, I have to ask: does your boss chase you around the desk? LOL Raeanne, welcome back to reality! I overheard a woman at Curves this morning talk about how she's dropped a clothes size since using the Wii Fitness stuff. Keep up the good work! QOD: I just roll out of the bed in the mornings and dress for working out. I don't let myself think otherwise! (There are some exceptions to going straight to Curves though.) I know that it's the best way for me to lose weight and sizes. I had a dr.'s appt. this morning (first thing) to go over my lab results. My numbers weren't too terribly bad after all, but I have a ways to go yet. My dr. was very pleased that I'm doing Curves and TOPS though, so he didn't fuss about my weight today. He's really supportive which is so nice. BJ, I always wear some kind of red hat to the get-togethers. I have a red straw hat and purse, a red felt cowgirl hat, a dressy felt hat, a baseball cap with a Red Hat woman sewn on it, and a sun visor with whatever I think of to put on it. We have to wear some kind of hat to the events, but I can't wait to take them off because I just don't like wearing them! But, I do enjoy mixing and mingling with the members, so it's worth it. My 2 DGDs are coming over Saturday morning for the weekend. They haven't been here since Christmas, and they want to see their Papa and Lucky (doggy). We'll drive them home Sunday afternoon and do some "big-city" shopping while over there. One quick brag: I weighed in 8.7 pounds less at my TOPS meeting on Wednesday. That's two weeks worth of weight loss, but I was so shocked and happy. I'm also back to cooking and eating healthy, so I guess it's working. I'm working on Patti's birthday card this evening. It's so much fun doing it! Wishing everyone a good Friday!

Hi all! Another MIA checking inÂand hoping that everyone is doing great! I havenÂt been here since my FIL died in late June, as I came down with a "C Diff" infection the night after his funeral. Rog found me unconscious on the bathroom floor and took me to the ER, and I really donÂt remember anything about that night or July 4th. I was in for 3 days, and was deathly sick for the next 2 weeks. (I did lose 23 pounds during this time, thoughÂnasty way to do it!) IÂm OK at this point, but everyoneÂseriouslyÂthe CDC in Atlanta has issued warnings that this could be an epidemic, and the mortality rate has doubled. Since I donÂt want to squick anyone out, please do a google on "C Diff", and remember to wash your hands, and this is very contagious. The next thing that has went on with me is that not only was I praying for Demerol or death while I was in the hospital, I have found that I am a diabetic. Great. Just screaming great. My sugar level was 453 when I went to the ER. (OKÂwellÂI was on prednisone during this time b/c I ended up in the ER the night FIL died with a horrible rash all over my behind and legs, and come to find out it was a reaction that I had to a spider bite a week prior. I was diagnosed with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) which normally occurs in young boys (yes, I laugh at f@rt jokes, maybe this is payback!) and steroids are the usual treatment for it. It can be serious, and lead to kidney problems, but the chances are small.) So, between the stress (GAD!), the steroids, the ridiculously bad eating habits IÂve developed, IÂm not surprised that my sugar was that high. I didnÂt have any of the usual signs, i.e. excessive thrist, excessive urination, etc but here I am. I am following drÂs orders, but man! I want some sweet iced tea!! AndÂI had to drop out of school for the time being. Which just frustrates me to no end, but whaddya do? When it rains, it pours! So, that it why I havenÂt been here, or anywhere else for that matter. Things are slowly getting back to normal, and things will be good once again. RaeanneÂwhat auction? I wish I was there, IÂd love to call it for you! SuzanneÂI love that pic! WeÂre going to try to grow garlic this fall, so any advice is appreciated! BJÂhugs, my sister! Still busy as ever, I see! DeeÂnew car? What kind? Has anyone heard from Amy or John? Has Patti posted lately? Hope all is well with everyone! Love and hugs, Maddie

Cascade, "Self proclaimed experts". I will listen to anybody that puts forward their point of view on the subject asked. I will then do my own research on all options, products and procedures until I am confident that 'I' have made the most informed decision (including speaking to the product manufacturers tech people). I will not accept a self proclaimed 'proffesionals' word for it. "Checking references" This only determines that the appearance is acceptable to the individual, but not the longevity of the installation where underlaying problems may appear years later. "Yet if I had said "yes, great product" that would have apparently given you some peace of mind" No, just another avenue to explore. "I really have been doing this for 20 years and when I stop learning every day I will quit coming to work" Hey, I'm learning too and when I stop I will consider that I know everything. "One thing I've learned that I can share - every customer who has ever started a sentence with "I read on the internet..." has turned out to be a PITA" To a degree, I agree :) "I believe that there are certain jobs that a professional should handle and that you should let the professionals do their jobs as they see fit" Surely you have got to be kidding? See the example within this thread for starters and the multiple others that continue to post immediate dissapointments and time delayed failures. Been there done that. "If I hire you as a professional to do work for me I will show you respect and trust that you are doing the best job and using the best materials you can for me - your client. If I did not feel that trust at the beginning I would not offer you the job." I do not operate on the 'feel trust' go for it way of making decisions based on the word of a self exclaimed proffesional. That method has back fired more often than not. This is why I am here asking the simple original question, and that is... My tile installer wants to use this one part brush on flexible membrane on the vertical bond beam before he puts the tile on. I am sceptical of a rubber membrane and its ability to bond with the thinset while supporting tile on the vertical. Manufacturer says for interior/exterior walls and floors. Installer says they switched from Thoroseal over to this product 4 years ago and use it behind all their pool tile and stone work and have had no call backs. Anybody have experience with this product? Peace, Damien. Cascade, I don't know you

Saturday I am going to see my brother & SIL for a BBQ. Haven't seen them in 13 years so I am excited. They live 2 hours from me so I am spending the night there. Sunday I am driving to Elgin (hour and a half) and getting a hotel room. Hoping to see my love too...lol Monday morning I am driving to Elmhurst (30 minutes) for my first interview at 8:30. Then I will drive back to Elgin for my second interview at 11:15. Then I am driving home and stopping by to see DH to update him. THEN go home and collapse!!! . SamKaren your resident DJ