Well, guys, it's Sunday night and I didn't make it to the house one time this weekend. I slept late both days and walked 3 miles in a walk a thon for diabetes research today. Moving a little felt good. I used to walk 5 miles a day, back in the good old days. I really need to make time to do that more often. I am a little more rested and actually feeling almost normal, but unfortunately it is back to work tomorrow and the insulation is nowhere close to finished. That's ok because I can't get the srocker there anyway. Jodie, each little thing that gets finished helps me envision actually living there. DH and I are killing ourselves together at the house, so if I am at the house he usually is too. We had a heart to heart and he is actually being much more supportive during my breakdown. Nancy in Mich, I think I am going to do exactly as you suggested. I ordered appliances about 2 hours away and some couldn't be delivered, so I have to pick them up. I think I am going to take a friend with me and hide in a hotel for the weekend when they come in. That should be any day now. Thanks, everyone. I was really cracking last week. I don't know why everything was getting to me. I always have a lot on my plate. I'm the girl that did her student teaching pregnant and went back to finish when dd was 11 days old. I knew she was sleeping the whole time I was gone and it was then or never. I'm a glutton for punishment. Anyway, I know I'm doing way too much, but it's not like I've never been busier. I'm usually a lot stronger than this. I just don't know why I am losing it mentally now of all times. Amyway thanks for all the support during my nervous breakdown. I hope it is over, although this has happened 20 times in the last month. I cry at the drop of a hat. I'm going to bed now, hopefully to avoid breakdown #368.

You mean a lot to us BJ, so spill away. That is so sad about the 20 year old. My former neighbor, 22 years old, killed herself a few years ago after a breakup with her boyfriend. If only she would have realized that life does go and that one day that ex-boyfriend would have been a mere memory. Now her family is left with painful memories. Her sister is getting married today and I know it is going to be hard without Jamie there. They were a close group of (3) sisters growing up. Raeanne - I hope the service goes well. I have been thinking about you. And I wanted to ask, what part of Pittsburgh did DD get to see? Where does her friend live? Is she downtown or in the suburbs? Besh - I did have yesterday off and I spent it shopping and relaxing. DD's birthday was yesterday (she couldn't come home) and DS's birhtday is 12/5, so we will celebrate them both at Thanksgiving and I wanted to get their shopping done. It was a beautiful day and I was just happy to be out and about. NHSuzanne - How is DH doing? Is he behaving himself? DeeMarie - Did I welcome you back? If not, welcome home. I too immediately checked out the story about the "pirates" to see if it could have been your ship. Aren't we all mother hens! LOL Gretchen - I miss you too and wish you would post and let us know how you are doing. Magic Kitty - Are you there? How's the weather in Florida? DS has been in Iowa the last 3 weeks, so he hasn't been able to enjoy the nice weather. Joanne - Good to see 2 posts from you! It is so nice to have some of our MIA's back on the boards. That was a nice poem, thanks for sharing. Oprah's show on Thursday closed with her asking, "What have you done lately to make yourself proud." She challenged her audience to make every moment count and make themselves proud. Made me stop and think about the little things that can mean a lot. Patti - So glad you are posting again too! What are you reading lately? I went to the half price book store yesterday and added 6 more books to my TBR pile. Like I needed 6 more books, but those bargain prices drew me like a magnet! LOL Give Dave a hug for me. Tikanas - Sounds like you have such a busy schedule lately. Are you taking time for yourself? Jen - I need to shop for a 2 year old for Christmas. What is Tara into these days. My Little Pony? Hello Kitty? What size does she wear? Maddie - Sounds like your long wait for a great job has paid off. Congratulations! Having nice people to work with is a great perk. Our new teaching assistant is working out great and I am so glad we waited for that "one last interview" and hired her. And thanks for organizing the Christmas exchange again. Thursday's menu: B - 2 pieces 100% whole wheat toast with 1 T natural peanut butter and 1/2 banana L - Wrap made with whole grain tortilla, 2 oz. lean turkey, 1/2 oz. Swiss cheese, spinach and cranberry mustard. Mott's SF applesauce S - Last 2 pieces of Halloween candy (DH wouldn't take it into work! Grrr...........) D - Chili with grated cheddar cheese and 1 slice fresh Italian bread Friday's menu: B - 4 oz. yogurt with 1/3 C Kashi Go Lean Crunch, 2 T sliced almonds and 1/2 a banana L - Wrape made with whole grain tortilla, 2 oz. turkey, 1/2 oz. Swiss cheese, spinach and cranberry mustard S - Skinny Cow peanut butter ice cream sandwich D - Barilla whole grain spaghetti with my home made sauce S - Amaretto Sour (It was Friday, what more can I say! lol) Make today count! Marci

Good morning. Y'all hold onto your hats - my sister who has cancer has an unexpected visitor this weekend. Her ex-husband! To refresh everyone's memory, he is the cad who left her when their three sons were 9, 10 and 11 years old - for the young babysitter. He's been through several more since then, and all have left him. When their middle son was paralyzed in a diving accident in high school, he showed up enough to get sympathy, then left town again. I despise him for what he did and didn't do for her and their boys and should really let it go, but just the mention of his name makes me crazy. So this should be very interesting. He is in for a terrible shock when he sees her, but he deserves at least a shock or two. I'm sorry, I should not be bitter, but he's the kind of man (and I use that term loosely) that loved to put my sister down in front of others, even her own sisters. Like why don't you wear clothes like so and so, and you could stand to wear a little makeup, etc. But, the good thing he is going to see her, maybe he'll offer to help out with the situation. Maybe he's turning over a new leaf. The sad thing is his own sons don't respect him, because he's never been a father figure, so this will be quite the visit for them, too. Stay tuned. On a much lighter subject, I love House, Dancing with the Stars, Ugly Betty. The last episode with Cuddy about to adopt the baby preparing to adopt the baby broke my heart. Was not prepared for the ending! Wow. Such good characters in that show - I've always loved Wilson! Re: Ugly Betty - I know it would change the whole show's meaning, but I wish they would allow her to be pretty at least one episode. BJ, thanks for sharing the history of Baby V. I can almost picture him by your description, what a beautiful baby. When are the new parents coming? Peggy, I'm so excited for you - it's like you are re-born. What a beautiful Christmas you are going to have - lights and all! It's going to rain here today. I like a cloudy, rainy day every once in a while - kind of peaceful. At least, it will keep me out of the dirt! QOD: No company, no travel, just hanging out and watching football games - college and NFL with my husband. I've got a couple of Blockbuster movies that I'm ashamed to say I've had since August (it's like Netflix, so no late fees, thank goodness) - The Kite Runner, The Bucket List, and I don't even remember the other - I think it's Smart People with Dennis Quaid. Might be a good movie marathon weekend. I definitely want to do Christmas cards. Just tell me what to do. I've always enjoyed sending them out, but it seems like each year, less people send them. So, this will be fun to share with my new friends! Hope everyone's weekend is a great one! Jan

OH....belated Happy B'day Suzanne! I've been 'off board' and will be more or less over the next couple of weeks with my job. Thanks Patti for the addresses. I will be working on my cards soon - yippeeeee! I know not everyone reads on Sunday so I will write all my news on notepad and post it all tomorrow! Keeping myself more than busy these days and starting a few new ventures. Today is rec room clear out/Peggy's craft/sewing center setup. I can't work anymore with my stuff everywhere and this house looks like a football team ran through it with piles of stuff here and there - AGAIN! AAAAauuuuggghhhhh! So getting it all in a designated zone - off the kitchen table area, away from my couch area where I sit and out of the bedroom where I throw stuff I have bought for projects...it should make a huge difference and much easier to clean up around here. Also mentally make me feel a world better. Clutter is depressing. We moved the 2 large dressers waiting for pick up from my Mom's estate to the workshop and I've emailed everyone to let them know since they have not picked them up they are moved outside into the workshop until someone comes and gets them. I also clearly noted that I am not responsible for any water/humidity damage that may occur if they are not picked up. I would not put it past a 'dear' sibling to pull this one over nothing at all given the opportunity. So that is that and the other huge couch-chair was hauled to the charity shop yesterday with another 2 huge bags of stuff. Now I just have to dismantle a dilapidated old pull out couch for the garbage but that will be another weekend. I'm happy with the space at present. So that's me. I'm off to go play in my new space - er - fold up, box up, put away the stuff in there PROPERLY and set up for my projects. Stay tuned, more news tomorrow! Lots of love to all of my pals here - I miss ya when I am not here everyday...not enough hours right now. Peggy