Julie

Kiwi--lol! I can't stand cabbage either! Also, sounds like you fix liver 'n onions the same way my mom does. The bacon is supposed to get rid of the icky smell. Lol!

I detest mushrooms and brussel sprouts the most. I have never even tried a brussel sprout--so maybe I'm being unfair--just can't bring myself to do it.

Hey Vera--I'm right there with you. Ever since my husband passed away, I just don't feel like I fit in anywhere. Not just here, but anywhere in the world actually. I imagine being ill is a lot like being in deep grief at times--people avoid you like the plague--fearing what to say, what not to say, etc.... I even have this problem at church. It's just plain ackward. People don't want to upset you, so they ignore the elephant in the room. The fact is though, that it's much more upsetting to percieve that people have forgotten or just don't want to bring it up. Hope I'm not being presumptuous. I haven't faced an illness like you have (although I did go through a really rough patch about 15 years ago when it looked as if I were going to go blind and people kind of reacted weird then too. Thing is though, I would have been the same way before experiencing it first hand myself. As for Eric responding to a post, I don't know what to tell you. I got a response once upon a time in the old days before he was on the board and Bernie did a feature called "Ask Eric". It was a real thrill to have him answer my question. (BTW, it was to ask what the funniest thing that had ever happened to him on tour). I'd like to think that even though he doesn't neccessarily respond to our posts in written form, that he at least reads them and at the very least, wraps his head around them for a moment or two. So anyway, hang in there. I for one enjoy reading anything you have to say and am sure that many many more feel that way as well. You're a charming, warm person. Every post you have always reflects that about you. Consider yourself "cyber hugged". Please stick around.\ Love and Blessings, Julie

I congratulate you who are doing so great! All those steps! Wow! My new job at the hospital doesn't give me much of a chance to do any walking--I work in registration! I've had a terrible week eating. I have been under a LOT of stress and I'm an emotional eater. Close family friend passed away and then the husband of a dear friend of mine coded 4 times and had to be airlifted to a hospital 80 miles away. Then, their daughter gave birth very prematurely yesterday (her due date is in March!!!) Baby is 1 pound 3 oz. and he's 12 inches long! His lungs are really developed better than they could have hoped for and he's actually doing well! Keep them all in prayer, please! Anyway, all that coupled with my new and confusing job has left me in quite a state! I'll try to get back on track tomorrow. Not going to even try today! Julie

Wow--I had forgotten all about this thread---and with bad consequences. Since losing my darling husband, I have turned to food for comfort. I "topped out" at a gain of 46 pounds. Yep, 46 pounds. I feel terrible about it--but, I'm also not going to beat myself up over it. I've been under a tremendous amount of emotional turmoil (plus getting fired from my old job, having that horrendous reaction to Paxil and now to the stress of starting a new job). Anyway, 2 months ago, I started going back to Curves. Two plus weeks ago, I went back to Weight Watchers. I have lost a total of 7 and 1/2 pounds so far. I am starting to feel better. It's not easy though and I just need to remain positive and motivated. I just didn't care before--I just wanted my life to be over. I am better now and have God to thank (along with many others) So, I'm all for resurrecting this thread! I am having trouble with my new laptop though and I'm using my 6 year old desktop with the "about to give out harddrive"--so, if I disappear, that is why! Tim--you are doing great! Kiwi and Muzza--Way to go on the walking! Kathy Lee--so happy that you are well enough to go back to the crosstraining! Sounds like we're well on our way! (Kathy Lee--I'm 48 too! And, other than being chubby, I'm looking good too! Lol!!!) Blessings, Julie

Ah Muzza! I've got trains running in my veins! My grandfather was an engineer for the Chicago and Northwestern. He worked for them starting at age 11 as a "call boy" and he worked for them until he retired. I've got really cool pix of him! Anyway, I would love a few pics to email on to my brother--he's a train freak too! Currently, he is working on a railroad museum in Missouri Valley, Iowa. They have restored a kid scale railroad and are developing a working outdoor layout (that folks will be able to ride on) and an indoor museum. I think you already have my email--if not, PM me. Thanks Muzza! I had a feeling we were kindred spirits! Which gives me a great idea of something I can send to you and Kiwi! (can you watch US DVD's? I'm assuming they are the same there, but am asking just in case!) Blessings, Julie

Chris--when I have to do fast food, I try to do Subway. I can get something satisfying and stay on my diet! I love their low fat sandwiches. I stick to their whole wheat bread and no cheese. Load up on veggies on it. I don't get any sauces, but I know they have some no-fat or lowfat options. Yummy.

I absolutely loved my hubby--he truely was my soul mate, best friend, lover, etc.... Our marriage was the easy part--finding each other was what was tricky. We both went through a lot to get to each other. We just appreciated what we had when we finally met. We asked God everyday to bless our marriage and he certainly did.

ok, Tony. I have a simple solution for you! My cousin sent me this email just today! Below is what it says: Thought you would all find this valuable. If you had purchased $1,000 of AIG stock one year ago, you would have $42 left. With Lehman, you would have $6.60 left. With Fannie or Freddie, you would have less than $5 left. But if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all of the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have had $214. Based on the above, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It's called the 401-K(eg)..... Sorry...It is kinda cute though, eh? Julie

Oh man. Why did I look?! Guess the look on his face kinda sums it up!

Nice pic! I went to Des Moines today. That was exciting! Doubt I'll ever make it to Sweden!

That is cool! I haven't heard it too much on the radio, but have caught it a few times. I've even heard "Let's Pretend" on the radio in the last year. Can't remember if it was on an Omaha station or on the 70's XM station.

awwww..... so cute! Thanks for starting my day off in a "warm and fuzzy" kinda way! Well, actually, my day started with one of my darling kitties growling in the dining room window. When I looked out, there was a deer strolling through my grove! Cool. It's gonna be a great day! Blessings, Julie

Oh Valorie--It is wonderful to have you back! It was such a nice surprise to see you post! Thanks for making my day! You'll stay in my prayers! Do take care and hugs to Vera as well! Blessings & Love, Julie

Continuing to keep you in prayer. Glad that Valorie is doing a bit better. Does Valorie have a Caring Bridge website? I don't know how widespread those are, but in my area, they are pretty popular. You can go to their website here and see if you think it might be something of interest to you both. We have a family friend that is battling breast cancer that has one of their sites--it is a great way to keep family and friends updated. Anyway, hope things continue to improve and you both get some rest and restoration! Love and Blessings, Julie

Me too! Nice work!

Thanks everyone! Things are looking up! The sun is starting to shine over here! Now, let's get some good stuff happening to everyone!!! Blessings! Julie

Dear Father in Heaven--we lift up your daughters Valorie and Vera in prayer today. We ask that your divine will be done and that you would cover them both with a blanket of your love and protection. We pray that you be with those who are taking care of Valorie--that they are able to keep her as comfortable as possible. We ask that you give Vera the strength and courage to deal with whatever is to come. Father God, you know their unique needs--they are your children and you love them dearly. Please let them feel the love and support of their ec.com family as well. We ask this in Christ's Holy Name....Amen Love and Blessings, Julie

My good news!? I got a part-time job--24 hours a week--but it has benefits! I will be an intake receptionist at the local hospital! This is good--it's from 2 to 10 PM--this will fill in my lonely evenings. Benefits! Can you believe it--for a part time job! Actually, there is lots of room to move up to full-time and move into other positions once you get your foot in the door. I think part time will be awesome to get back into the swing of things. Blessings, Julie

I'm going to share one of my husband's memories of childhood that he shared with me often. He grew up in this house and he had 5 sisters (he was the only boy--spoiled rotten!!!) The 4 older sisters would put him in a Radio Flyer wagon and take him 4 miles down a gravel road (yes--4 miles!!!!--I have measured it with the odometer!) They would take him to the little hamlet of DePew, Iowa and go to a little store there and get ice cream. Sometimes they would walk all the way back as well. Julie

In the early 1990's I got hit by a drunk driver who was fleeing from another accident. My car wasn't hurt that bad--he just hit the back bumper from the side. It sure did mess up my back though, and to this day I have a huge numb spot on my leg from nerve damage. Yep, it could have been a lot worse. It was about 5:30 in the afternoon, not really a time of day when you're worried about that sort of thing happening to you. We all do things in life that we regret. We all wish we could rewind some things and do them over again. Sometimes, we just need to say, "Hey, I did a dumb thing. I am so sorry." and then we need to make sure that the dumb thing never happens again, and face the music, so to speak. Then, learn from our mistakes and move on with our lives. God's grace is an amazing tool for that very thing. Accepting the consequences for our actions, asking for forgiveness and making some changes are all it takes. Pretty simple really. Eric, you and your family are in my prayers. Julie

Lol! This is silly! McCain Fortress Palin Weird, huh?! Julie

Hi everyone, I guess I've been AWOL for a few days. I had won my unemployment hearing! Nice to have that behind me! Even if they appeal this again, I still get to keep my money. Whew! I had a job interview today. It went well--will just need to wait and see. I did the best I could. . Raspberrywolf--my, you are so sweet. I am so touched by your message. It is nice to have folks in my life who truly care! Blessings, Julie PS--Muzza & Kiwi!!!! Thanks for the Chocolate Fish!!!! Just what a girl needs when she's down--chocolate! They are awesome!!! Thank you!!!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Cosmik. It is so hard to lose someone we love. You will always hold him in your heart, but, it's not the same. Again, I am truly sorry. Blessings, Julie

I'm just so touched by all of you! Oh and DanMichel, that was just awesome! Wow! That is so beautiful. I'm going to print this thread and put it in my "memories" book. Anne--you know, James is a tremendous inspiration for me! Today is kind of a "sad" day--it's my father-in-law's birthday and James' youngest daughter's birthday. I called Jessica to wish her a happy birthday and she was a little down too. She turned 21. So glad that James left me with this beautiful, ready-made family! On a positive note, yesterday, 2 of my gal pals from church and I took the boat out on the lake! We had a great time! We each had something to contribute to the experience. I had pulled the boat behind the Explorer before and have piloted it around the lake. Friend Karyn knew how to hitch it up and how to get it off the trailer and into the water, and pal Teri was all gung-ho to back the Explorer w/boat down the boatramp. It was pretty funny. Everything went really well until it came time to back it down into the lake and there was a young guy sitting in a car giggling at us. Pal Teri hollared at him--"hey--are you laughing at us?!" and he sheepishly replied that he was. Then, Teri told him he should just help us instead of laughing and he did!! Lol! Anyway, we had a great time and it was really empowering to set our minds to doing something like this and then doing it! YeeHaw! Good luck with the job Chris!!!! Blessings, Julie