February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

[Lavande]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Papmom, we're all developing new allergies at an alarming rate!
I've done so much reading on that lately. Allergies & sometimes just intolerances (is there really a difference?).

The darn thing is - my heater & AC units are working just fine BUT apparently the heater has deteriorated so badly that it's now at the point of being dangerous. The guy doing the work was here this afternoon, will be back in the morning to check some things out. He's just waiting for the new units to arrive then he will install them. I shouldn't be bitching about this stuff but I was kind of hoping to be able to squirrel away a little cash for a short vacation. I haven't been anywhere for nearly 5 years - I'm ready
I was only 20 when we bought our first house. I have been working & fixing houses for 40 years now - just tired of the whole thing I guess, need a break.

Did you see the rainbow picture I put on Facebook this afternoon?
we had a couple rumbles of thunder then a very brief shower while the sun was out. I was in the chicken house collecting eggs & all of a sudden - there it was
No snow today, just rain & rainbows :H

[Stargazerlily]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good morning...

Not much to report. Allergies better. Eating at home. Lav, I am in the same situation as you are, I have to be really careful to eat nonprocessed foods or I will suffer. It is a challenge for sure. Thanks for all your help, you are a great researcher.

Pap, thank goodness for prednisone, so sorry about the health issues. It is kind of weird that another person at work has a rash too. What is up with that? I love the new computer, it is fun learning something new. Had problems with the printer, but I have it hooked up at home. I just have to ask for help if I need it.

Have a great Thursday.

[Rusty]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good Morning Everyone,

I've been lurking here but I've been very busy with long commutes to work every day, very long days on the job, and the extra care of taking care of my neighbor's cats. I too have a rash on both legs. Not sure what's up with that.

Cyn-I am praying your mom is ok, and I will be thinking of you today. It's so scary when someone we love so much is ill....we feel so helpless. I am glad you are there for her.

Star-enjoy your new laptop, and hopefully your allergies are on their way out.

Lav-too bad about having to get a new AC/heating unit.:upset: Bites, doesn't it? I about choked when I had to pay for a new furnace....so expensive!

Pap, you, too....hope the Prednisone works for you. So sorry to hear about your car problem$:upset:

Dill-I can't believe how dense I was in thinking The Blame Game was a book!:H Obviously I read your post too quickly. I admire you for setting emotional and physical boundaries with your DIL. She sounds like a toxic person and if she is still drinking/using, she is a horrible influence on your son.

Big hellos to everyone I may have missed. Have a lovely AF Thursday!

[Lavande]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good morning friends,

Sunny but frosty there this morning
I'm about thru my second cup of coffee so I really should focus on feeding animals & getting to work soon :H

I had a disturbing email from an old high school friend last night. We haven't seen much of each other the past few decades but do stay in touch. She said she had a dream about me & my health was bad & hoped that wasn't an omen
I really don't think she has a clue as to just how bad I was & how fabulous I am now, but that's OK

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Thursday!

Lav

[dill]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Hello again, Freedom Fighters!

Lav, how horrid of your friend to send such and email! Was she always so tactless? Geez, most people would have just said something like, "You've been on my mind lately so I thought I'd check in with you." 'Omen'?!! Really? How absolutely creepy!

Papmom and Rusty, I'm going to have to stop posting here because it sounds like that rash may be contagious!:H Just kidding. I hope you both have your rashes clear up quickly.

Star, the computer sounds awesome! I'm glad you are enjoying it. Also, I'm really glad you have had this interlude between jobs to hit the reset button. It sounds like you are making the most of it.

As far as my DIL being toxic, yes, she is. The last time my son decided to try to make a go of it with her for the sake keeping the family together for the children, I told him I was going to have to do what I could to protect myself from his decision. That was easier said than done! It's hard when you have little ones that need protection. Anyway, the problem is that she has never taken her problem seriously and never took the steps needed to deal with her addiction. She still isn't. Whether she is currently using or not, I don't know, but I do know that she still has the personality of an addict. She is manipulative and almost never tells a true story. Drug addiction is an awful plague in this country. She started out years ago being prescribed pain pills for scoliosis. Her need for them spun out of control. It's all too common today.

So bottom line, let's all be grateful that we are free.:h

[cyntree]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Getting on flights to go to NE. Mom is in ICU because of oxygen; serious, but not dangerous yet. So glad I will see her soon -

Sorry to be brief; writing from my phone. Thinking of you all, and hope to get a nnchance to read back soon. Take care all!

[cyntree]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

(En route). Thanks all for your good wishes. So sorry about furnace costs, car issue, allergies, rashes, crazy people in your lives. Whew, but as someone said, thank goodness we're AF.

Good luck all - must board now -

[papmom3]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Cyn-god speed and hope your flight was smooth. Prayers that your mom is OK. :l

Rusty-Hope your crazy schedule will let up soon! I can't believe you have a rash too! This is too wierd!

Lav-yes, I saw your pic-very nice and such a lovely surprise for this time of year! Again, I'm so sorry about your HVAC problems. And as for your friend, shame on her! Yes, you are fabulous and her loss if she never gets to see that! Honestly, some people!!

Dill-you are one strong lady! Your GK and your son are very lucky to have you!!

Star-glad your allergies are abating. Enjoy the rest of your time off.

So my troubles continue. My treadmill may be on the fritz. The belt is not centering and as a result is fraying badly. I've found a couple of you tube videos that show some repairs and I've tried a few but it's not working. :upset:
And tonite I bit into some pasta and one of my teeth broke! Just the top and not painful at all. And yes, the pasta was cooked!! Its just annoying and rough on the tongue. I guess I have to find a dentist now-I've got a new plan and I hate finding new medical people. I've got some coverage so that is good. I have no cash for a new treadmill tho. Bummer.

Rash is still horrid. When does the pred kick in? Oh, I also talked to my cardiologist and he switched me from Plavix to Brilinta. That starts tomorrow morning. He's pretty sure I'm allergic to Plavix (or something that's in it). Crossing fingers!!

Have a good nite all. I'll be waking up to freezing rain and ice and some snow then the temps rise to 50 but AFTER the commute. Of course.

[Lavande]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Well, the new heater & AC units were delivered today. They did some preliminary work & will be back Monday to do the actual hook ups. All this could have been avoided if YB had done what he was supposed to do to maintain these things. He was too disinterested & too busy being in denial about being depressed.....now he's going to PAY

Dill, you can only hope your DIL comes to her senses. There's always hope, right?

Cyn, I hope you are OK & your Mom is comfortable. I will be thinking of you!

Papmom, goodness!
Today was a day for breaking things, huh? Sounds like the treadmill & your tooth can be fixed though.
Glad to hear you are coming off the Plavix, my brother had problems with it too.
Be careful in the morning, it was icy here then it warmed up. It's heading up to 60 here tomorrow with rain & high winds.

Time to call it a day!

[Stargazerlily]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good morning friends,

Pap, hope that rash goes away. It took a few days before the prednisone kicked in for me. I was on it this time a total of 7 days. Glad to be off. This month is turning out to be a bear, I was thinking Flippin February. Pretty soon you will be able to walk the dogs outside to get your exercise, but it stinks about the treadmill. And the tooth. Hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Dill, I agree with you, that person that emailed Lav was really thoughtless. Lots of better ways to inquire about someone. And, dreams are just that, dreams. Is that woman a prophet? OK, I'll stop. About your daughter-in-law, love the way you insisted on protecting yourself. Expect nothing, plan for the worst. I guess if you get arrested and lose custody of your children and STILL don't think there is a problem, the denial is really huge.

Lav, I was told that dishwashers only last about six years now. What? Appliances and other things are not made to last anymore. That furnace system is expensive, but necessary. I hope our air conditioner is not ruined, it has been under about three feet of snow for over a month. Yikes. Lots of wind and snow today, another tough weather day. I am looking forward to a lovely March. I choose to be optimistic.

Rusty, hello and hope that rash goes away. Any good plans for the weekend?

I have to go into work today for a meeting, getting a little lonely, so it will be good to interact with others professionally. Hey, there is a lot of wind, water, and flooding. The roads have just fallen apart, huge holes. Be careful if you go out, it is an adventure.

[Rusty]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good Morning Everyone,

I am in a rush here this morning but just wanted to jump in here for a quick second.

I don't agree at all that the email from Lav's friend was tactless, thoughtless, etc. I took it as a caring, good friend from the past had a shocking dream and it prompted her to contact Lav to see if she was ok. If you don't see someone on a regular basis, you really don't know how well or unwell they are. I have had really vivid and upsetting nightmares about people I love and I've picked up the phone and said, "I had this really awful dream about you last night, and when I woke up this morning it still seemed so real. Could you please just humor me and let me know you're ok?" The recipients of my phone calls were touched that I cared enough to call, and then kindly reassured me. These recipients have included my mom, friends, and even clients from a long time ago. Email is not always the best form of communication, either. You can't see a person's facial expression, or hear the inflection in their voice, etc. Just my two cents.

Star-I am visiting my mom this weekend. Other than that, no other plans.

Pap-my traveling and work schedule is horrendous in March. Sorry your string of bad luck continues with your malfunctioning treadmill.:upset: I would be upset, too.

Cyn-thanks for thinking of us and checking in.:l I am praying your mom is doing better.

Big hellos to everyone else.

Off to work. Have a lovely AF day everyone.

[Lavande]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Good morning kids!

Up way too early with Matilda this morning, thanks Matilda :H

I think my friend had the best of intentions when she emailed me. I also wonder sometimes how she has managed to be so successful professionally, sometimes her communication skills just suck!!!!:H
Perhaps I'm getting a little touchy, getting tired of the 'harshness' of others. Some blue skies & butterflies would be nice right about now.

I see lots of fog outside, probably some icy roads as well. I need to get myself to Curves then over to my son's house to watch the boys for a few hours. At some point there just may be a granny nap later!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Friday. Be careful out there with crazy weather!

Lav

[dill]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Hello again, Freedom Fighters, last week of February starts tomorrow! Can you beilieve it?!

Rusty, I didn't mean to imply that Lav's friend was uncaring, but perhaps my reaction to her method of communication was a bit strong. I stand by my comment that it was tactless, but tactless doesn't mean uncaring, it just means it lacked finesse! I think it just would have been better stated more gently, or a phone call would have been worlds better. I can definitely imagine myself doing the same thing as you described: calling a friend after an upsetting dream.

Star, you enjoy your professional contact today. I know what you mean about feeling lonely. Sometimes retirement is like that. I have to actively find ways to interact with others now that the natural connections through work are gone. As for denial, yes my DIL is in it big time! And I STILL feel sorry for her! I've tried to help her every way I can but I am accepting now that is is up to her and her alone if she sinks or swims.

Lav, have a good time with the boys! You'll definitely need a granny nap after your full day!

Papmom, you've been thru a rough patch lately but I'm sure you're thru the worst. I just hate it when I break a tooth. I once broke one while eating a sandwich. It was soft bread and everything! I love my dentist.:h

Cyn, prayers are with you and your Mom. Check in when you can.

I'm meeting a friend for lunch today and perhaps a little shopping. Then doing some knitting. Knitting is an activity best enjoyed AF! I've had to take out many rows of knitting done while drinking. I would see the stitches the next morning and they would be loose and sometimes dropped or just plain messed up! What a wast of time!

[Rusty]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Moving On

Dill-Maybe you were right that this thread had served its purpose, and like all things, comes to an end. It has come to an end for me. You all have been wonderful friends in one way or another, and I am extremely grateful for your friendship. My "real" life is very satisfying and I am at a juncture here which leads me a bit conflicted but I feel is necessary. I wish you all well in your AF paths and please know I will think of you often.

[papmom3]

February Freedom Fighters ~ week 3

Rusty, i hope you are lurking and will see this. You as usual have opened my eyes to a totally different way of seeing things. The way you interpreted Lav's friend's phone call to her is awesome. thank you for that. I am trying hard to be way less judgmental but I don't always succeed.

Star-hope going in for that meeting was just the tonic you needed! How was it? How were the roads?

Dill-Hope you had a great day today with knitting and lunch! I seem to pick up knitting/crocheting in bursts. But deep down I wish I could get as passionate about it as I do quilting or agility. I just see myself as a needle/hook person you know? Maybe one day...

Lav-how did your busy day go? did you get to curves?

Weather wasn't too bad today-in the 30's (not the 50's they promised), rainy and foggy but I'll take it!! Way better than snow!

Pred has finally kicked in. I was quite comfy today if not a bit ravenous. I tried to control the urge to put whatever I could find in my mouth and I was fairly successful. Only went over my calorie limit by 20 and stayed under everything else.

Still not sure what to do about the treadmill. I can join Planet Fitness, on my way home and get reimbursed by my insurance company for all 10 months OR I could go to Sears, look at the treadmills and get reimbursed for $200 of the total price by the insurance. That means I could get a treadmill for around $400 instead of $600. I'm kind of leaning towards Planet Fitness although I've totally enjoyed having the treadmill in the house and sharing it with DD!! Decisions, Decisions.

The tooth will have to wait. I think I've found a dentist but the office was closed today so I will have to call on Monday. They are open until 6pm which is totally awesome.

Today was a wacky one at work. My boss called in sick, one admin took a personal day, one was in and the other embroiled us all in drama as usual. I had to deal with a tough situation with her and I don't think my boss was totally comfortable with that but she had no choice. Her boss came by to see if I needed any help after it was over and I had a chance to sit down with her and review what I said and the steps I took. She told my boss I did a great job!! Whew! Maybe i can do this supervisory thing after all! My boss even said she was glad I was on her team.

Another great victory this week is that I FINALLY am not feeling totally wiped out by 3 or even 5 o'clock!! My rehab nurse was right on the money telling me it would take 4-6 weeks to get over that. Can't wait to tell him how right he was!!!

Tomorrow is demo day for me again. I'm all packed up and ready to go. Have my lunch planned and snacks if I need them. I think it will be a much better day than feb 1st and I bet I don't have to sit as much.

Have a good nite everyone. Watching the olympics. Last weekend!!
:l :h