Uplifting and Lively Messages. No holds barred..
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michelle, I am glad your daughter opened up to you about it. My daughters reading tutor who has advanced degrees recently posted this on facebook. Dont know how well it works but both my daughter have some anxiety. I figure it cant hurt to try. There is now a foundation for it. I even do it now when I feel myself afraid the cancer will return. I tell myself it is gone for good. It isnt just for kid that have been traumatized it helps with anxiety also and for aults too.
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It sounds as if everyone could use a bit of brightness, me included. My dental visit was fine, but I do need a periodontal cleaning which is scheduled for next month. Fortunately, my insurance covers it. I bussed/Ubered it to my appointment as didn't feel safe driving with my clutch hanging by half a thread. Left my car with the repair shop.
I could see from the selfies how beat I look, but did perk up enough for one good shot of the Chanel-style necklace. Plus, I did a shot of my whole bling haul. What I mean about having "added sparkle". - Claire
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Thank you for posting the haul, Claire!!! It is really cold here and school is cancelled for tomorrow. I am not going to complain, because we need the winter months in the winter, not in the spring. Working on my yearly calendar of appointments. Last year, while in Vegas, I purchased a Kate Spade zip around agenda. This year, they sold out of the pages for 2018. I ended up finding some at Michaels, and they fit the holes perfectly. Not sure if I am going to use this system, because it seems so small for writing purposes. What does everyone else use? I can't rely upon my phone, as I need a paper binder type planner for all my needs.
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It's very interesting about the Kate Spade. Back in the day, I used a Filofax, which was just great. These days, I have two Outlook calendars which means that I have to be on top of things. For planning out anything remotely complicated, I use a regular calendar as find electronic just doesn't cut it. Which reminds me that I need to add the research report start and due dates plus dentist appointments to my personal Outlook.
I yearn for the day that I am back to one calendar. I like the electonic reminders, but I have found that pen and paper are better for planning. I suspect that others are discovering the same thing.
I just paid my AmEx bill so it's back to hash and soups for the duration. Not so bad because there is a serious wine sale going on. I do have to laugh at myself, because what kind of woman has 4 types of carrots and 2 types of beets in her fridge??? (Roasting the beets for Red Flannel Hash to use up the leftover sauerbraten.)
Making roast chicken thighs and leftover veggies for dinner tonight. Simple and nourishing. I seldom do salads in January. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. - Claire
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I picked up a day planner in Staples with a place to write my schedule, a to-do list, a top 3 list and a "gratitude" list for each day. It was the box for gratitude that got me
Hope everyone is staying warm! I'm working from home today as we have about 6" of snow and Delaware doesn't know how to deal with snow on the roads. My husband is out snow-blowing our driveway and will probably continue up the road as well. Coming from upstate NY, we still get a kick out of the reaction to snow down here. You'd think we were preparing forthe apocalypse - long lines at gas stations and grocery stores picked clean
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This cold snap isn't funny anymore! I love winter and snow but still....
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I agree, the cold is not funny anymore. It is bitter and brutal. My tetanus shot is causing my knee and ankle to pop and feel stiff. Today, I took it easy and went to see my hair stylist. I would love to have temps in the 30s and 40s. It would feel like a heat wave. I am amazed by the range of temps we get in Illinois from the 102 degree days, to the minus 10 degree days. We have a range of 112 degrees.. wow. Weather does play a part in how I feel on a daily basis. Did you ever notice how much happier you feel when it is sunny outside?
I purchased a red 2018 at a glance calendar from Amazon. It is 8.5 x 11 inches. I hope that is better than my 3 x 6 inch filler for my Kate Spade zip around planner. I think I am going to just have some plain paper cut and holes punched for my agenda, and use it as a notebook. I have read the reviews for Franklin planners, and one thing that people point to as an issue, is electronic calendars. Most professionals want a paper back up for grab and go convenience.
I will let you girls know what I think of my el cheapo at a glance agenda when I get it.
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((((((Hello, from the tundra of Illinois.))))) It is frrrreeeeezzzzzinnnnnnggggg here.
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It's extremely mild here. Trying to get up the nerve to go for a run in the rain. No danger of feeling cold, just soggy. I took down the tree a while ago, and have everything boxed up. Tossing some lights that no longer work.
I am stranded for the duration as something went wrong with my new clutch installation, and the car shakes in reverse. I don't want to drive any further than back to the repair shop with this problem. This will be Monday, as it's closed today. I know that they will make good the repair, so at this point, aggravation as opposed to money. Something went wrong when the old clutch was installed, so suspect my car has bad clutch karma.
The house has a lovely scent as refilled my potpourri vase. Lovely sequel to the tree and lights.
Will make Red Flannel Hash tonight with the rest of the pot roast. The beets are roasted and ready to go. Just needs some fresh dill which I will get from the supermarket next door. The rest of the gravy on mashed potatoes was the most delicious lunch. (Dishwasher for both pots.)
Wish me luck with my soggy run!!! - Claire
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Gee, Claire, thanks for the "mild" update..... It is so cold here, that you don't need a fridge.....just toss your stuff outside. It is so cold here, that Eskimos are heading back to Alaska. Just watched the The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, on Amazon, so could not resist.
Still working on my planner situation for the year, along with scheduling needed appointments, etc. Grateful for each day.
Hugs to my girls.
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Just made it outside for the first time since I came home from the gym Wednesday night! It was 6 when I woke up this morning with a negative wind chill...now a wopping "feels like 15" before it returns to 6 again tonight. For southern Virginia, I'm over it!
Went to church for the funeral of a friend who died from BC...very sad, she was 64 and her 90 y.o. mother was in attendance. I've known both of them for 25 years. As a 56 y.o. with an 82 y.o. mother who now lives with us, the scene was a little too much for me to take.
She was diagnosed with stage 4 at about the time I had my MX...saw each other at the BS, but never talked about it.
Despite the cold and 7 inches of snow, a lovely service and over 300 folks came out in the cold, so God speed LB.
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I received a shipment today from overseas, of very useful buttons for my designs. Happy, happy, happy. Also received the red At A Glance Planner that should be fine for this year. I wish I could make a leather cover for it, but there is no room to wrap it to the inside. I guess you can't have everything. I went grocery shopping for the next couple of days, because we are supposed to get ice tomorrow. After walking around the store a while, my knee, the left one, started feeling heavy. It has been that way since my tetanus shot last Saturday. It makes a loud popping sound when I get up. Not sure if I twisted it while doing the salsa on NYE. I have been getting some movement in, but I want to dive back in to my daily walking. Getting excited to kick off the new year!!
My goals for this year remain the same: 1) healthy lifestyle, 2) nutritious foods, 3) cook more, 4) walk more, 5) downsize belongings, 6) new couch and chair for family room, 7) live everyday to its fullest!!
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After months at a frenetic pace, I have been enjoying a day in the "slow lane". Still trying to untangle a necklace. What a time suck!!! It's 6 strands of pearls and I can't take the "Gordian Knot" approach (thought tempted to get out the cleaver). But all I really wanted to do. Did a run in the drizzle and sorted out my thoughts. I am thinking that getting a Filofax again could be cool.
No cooking tonight as had leftover Red Flannel Hash, just perfect for this weather.
All this discussion of cold weather reminds me of when my ex and I visited my parents in Northern New York State about 25 years ago. It was a very chilly winter and the Great Snowy Owls had migrated south from Canada. We went out to see the one that was sitting on a branch just over the road where my parents lived. Such a magnificent bird, and yes, it was something like -12F when we did this. Both my parents were in their early 70s at the time. Dad sweet talked the owl and fortunately was just out of the line of action when the bird "replied".
Funny story. My business partner has started a 3 month gig where she was their top choice. However, the job requires a couple of skills she doesn't possess, and which she can't learn in that timeframe. She has been sweating it for 2 weeks after talking to the lady about to go on work and family leave. Finally, the Director was in (she was recuperating from the flu) and my partner approached her. The response: we won't be asking for this at all. We want you for ............. Two weeks of needlessly sweating it. She is fine, and I will get some of the back end work. (Thinking paying for the clutch here.....)
Off to bed. Need to organize myself tomorrow. Nice to have a post-Christmas clean house. So spacious. And not at all sorry to be missing skiing (and driving) in the "wintry mix". - Claire
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The Saints WON!!! Who Dat!!!
That’s my slice of happiness for the day. Even tho I live in NC and it was against the Panthers. I’ve been a Saints fan longer. (I would have been happy no matter the outcome, but this really makes me happy!)
Carry on...
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Best way to untangle a necklace is to 1) try to fit your fingers into small spaces between pearls/stones/etc 2) on a flat surface start twisting your wrist back and forth so that the strands start shaking away from each other 3) look for loose tails and keep gently shaking strands 4) if the are knotted together it will be harder.
Had a heatwave at 34 today....woo hoo. It iced over tonight and made the roads and sidewalks slippery. My niece is coming to stay with me for the week, while the kids and dh are in Mexico. Plan to get alot of loose ends tied up and stuff put away from Christmas. Tomorrow, I will take down the tree and decor. Took my mega dose of Vitamin "D" yesterday, and it is knocking me out as usual.
Really liking my red At a Glance Planner. Put all of my appointments in it, trip info, etc. Have to make a list of priorities and get a checklist going. I have heard people talk about bullet point journaling. How is that different than a bullet point powerpoint presentation? Are they just doing things in an outline form?
Has anyone seen a news update about a winter thaw?
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I think we've had our thaw. Actually, I want to get in some more major skiing so would enjoy things a bit cooler. I have booked in to my fave place in the Methow Valley for skiing over my birthday weekend.
About the "bullet point journaling", I think the point here is to be brief, as you would in ppt slides. I have done this for years, as find almost anything else too wordy. Bullets focus the mind.
Wish me luck in getting my new clutch sorted out. Was actually wonderful being "grounded" for a bit. Was able to clean up my place post Christmas and sleep. Both sorely needed. I got in a spot of work this afternoon. Plus caught up with a couple of friends. Thank heavens for Facebook, or they would be assuming I had left the planet.
Ready to kick it in the AM. - Claire
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Today it was relatively warm, and the ice melted. Family went to Mexico, and I have time to get things done to kick off my new year!! I am working on some jewelry projects, simple designs that needed to be made smaller. Mostly pearls, 12 to 14mm white natural, making a short necklace. Then onto a bracelet that is too big. I will do some project planning and some medical calls this week. We are supposed to get warmer temps 40 Tuesday, 53 Wednesday, 57 Thursday, back down to the low 20s by Friday. I plan to enjoy this week and get outside.
Claire, how is your new clutch? Getting to post office this week to get some things sent to you.
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Thank you for asking. My new clutch is a bust. So I will be getting it replaced again next week. Meanwhile, my car is OK to drive. What a bummer!! But my car is fine, and the repair shop is footing the bill.
My take is that this was Divine Intervention, as I was way overdue for some down time. I am back at it, and greatly refreshed.
The great news is that my car should last a few more years. You worry a bit when it gets to 15 years. Rexxie is also a blast to drive, so another reason that I am not eager to "upgrade". He has the right "amenities" such as industrial carpeting. No eggshell velour or leather for this lady!
I was worried about shearing off loose engine mounts or something equally unpleasant. As I said, all is just fine. (They checked)
I am hoping to get out to Mount Rainier for a ski if the weather is appropriate. We shall see, but it's been a few years. Just magical in the sunshine. - Claire
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I have to really restrain myself, while wading through negative posts to get to this thread. It is hard for me not to give my opinion, and sometimes I must. If I were a newbie, the titles alone about anti hormonals would scare me. I feel like, we, the members of this thread, are like a lighthouse on the ocean. Any wayward sailor, can get to shore if the light is shone.
Today, was free hugs day at the local Sam's Club. I ran into a very highly regarded 80ish year old man, went in for the handshake but gave a hug instead. No weird handshakes for me. xoxoxoxo much better!!! I ran into our local bead store for some end beads for my restringing, bought some apples at Sams, exchanged some golf pants at Dick's Sporting Goods for the dh, then came home and relaxed.
My restringing project. Also strung a really great set of white natural huge pearls.
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Beads look gorgeous, Michelle!!! I am really enjoying my new jewelry wardrobe. Such fun.
Otherwise, back at it with assignments coming at me from all directions. I got one fun item out of the way yesterday: my Amazon gift cards came, and I was able to order my Le Creuset Dutch oven and frying pan. I got a deal on the Dutch oven, as Amazon had one with damaged packaging for about $100 off. I certainly don't need to spend that kind of extra money on something I will discard as soon as I unwrap the pot!!! Not to mention the $8 in taxes that I save.
They should be here on Friday. Really excited as something I have wanted for some time.
I have booked my Methow Valley ski trip for a month from now, so am super excited. I love it there, not to mention that I have great eats staked out.
Speaking of eats, I realized (again) last night what a foodie I am. I have been jonesing for spaghetti vongole. Now, I suspect that most women would find a little Italian place that whips up the dish. What do I do??? I check the larder to see what I am missing, buy the clams at the supermarket (we have Manila clams that are fabulous for this dish), and then stop by the herb patch for fresh parsley on the way back. All this following a trudge in the pouring rain.
It was fabulous, and I have leftovers for tonight, so no cooking!!!
I think I will try a beef soup for next week. I don't think I have ever made one starting with soup bones, and I certainly won't be needing to buy any root vegetables to add. My fridge is overflowing.
I have a 7a conference call for some potential new business. Plus, I get to learn a data visualization package Tableau this week. Not to mention assorted other projects I have going on.
Still hoping that I can get up skiing at Rainier this coming Sunday. Plus fit in a ride Saturday in the sleeping farmland. Perhaps, I shall see a bald eagle or snow geese. - Claire
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I have been eating my chicken taco soup since Monday. It has black beans, corn, hot peppers, roasted tomatoes, chicken, cummin, etc. It is a "no brainer" for having something quick and nutritious. Making another batch tomorrow for the freezer. My dh likes it when he comes in from the land and he can heat it up.
My daughter has been face timing me from Mexico, with a sunburn. She is miserable and shaky. I told her to take a 500mg Tylenol, order a carafe of orange juice, eat lots of protein and veggies. I thought the orange juice should balance any sugar issues, tylenol will help the pain, and the rest will make her feel better. She is in panic that she will blister. It does not look like a blister-worthy burn, but I can be on face time with her through the night if she needs me.
I was busy stringing more pearls today, for a more casual look. There is one more strand of beefy white natural pearls for a necklace that I hope to get to tonight. Staying busy with organizational things as well. It did warm up today to 54, but we are in for some colder weather this weekend. In a preemptive move, I filled up my gas tank and brought home a few more groceries. The movie, "Me before You," was on Netflix, and was a tear buster. No more like that....too sad.
Took some magnesium for muscle and bone support. Sometimes, I get achy legs from the Tamoxifen, and I use epsom salts for soaking. I ordered a bar of epsom soap, that I can cut up and stick under my leggings on my calf muscles. I will report the effectiveness.
Hugs to all my girls....
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Just popping in for a quick hello.
Lovely bracelet, Michelle. You are so talented! I admire anyone who is the "crafty" sort. On my way to Clearwater, FL on Sat. to meet up with my sister for a special 70th birthday celebration with a dear friend of hers. Should be lots of fun! So nice and warm here in greater Cinci, OH today - but, ice, snow & cold starts up tomorrow, so will be a good escape to FL for a few days. Looking forward to some delish seafood.
Claire - enjoy your skiing. Sounds wonderful! So does your pasta! I liked the movie "Me Before You" also, but knew it would be a tearjerker as had read the book. Bye for now ladies.
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sorry I have been a little AWOL. Man got busy! It is true about the extreme temp changes in the midwest 103 to -17. It is 14 here but the wind is the problem now. Love the beads. Going to a high school girls BB game tonight to hear my daughter play her trumpet in the pep band. Hugs to all the awesome women on here!
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Also if anyone has Netflix and looking for a good movie to watch over this cold long weekend watch The Climb and enjoyed it. It is a french made film so it is captioned in english. It chronicles the tale of a young senegalese man who sets out to climb Mt. Everest with no experience at all to prove his love to the women he loves. It is loosely based on a true story. It is a nice mix of drama and comedy. Then watch The Summit. It is a documentary about a 2008 K2 exibition. Told through interviews, reenactments, and real footage, it really gives perspective to the difficulty of something like that.
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Okay, this is a Claire question, or anyone that can cook question: "How do you make brown gravy from the liquid in the crockpot after cooking chicken?" I had some chicken that was going to expire, so I tossed it in the crock pot and made baked chicken. I added chicken broth to it. I had a couple of pieces, all dark meat, with bbq sauce on it last night and it was wonderful. Today, I picked up some white potatoes and planned to use some of the leftover liquid from the chicken, to make gravy. I put the liquid, and a little skimmed fat from the top of the refrigerated chicken, in a dansk blue pot. I heated that up and added some gluten free/dairy free flour. What I made ended up like tiny dumplings and not a smooth gravy. I stilled used it on top of the chicken. It was good, but not really a gravy. Ideas?
GK, freezing here in Illinois. Dropped 30 degrees yesterday and brought a coating of ice with it. Not sunny today, kind of gray.
Hugs to all my girls.....
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well there is more than one correct answer to this but for me.....I take like 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and add it to about 4 tablespoons water and stir to dissove well.Then slowly wisk that mixture into an almost boiling pot of your liquid and stir constantly until it boils. Then it should thicken well. You add salt and pepper to taste.
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Agree with gkbuser. This is why I don't have a Crock Pot as like to be able to boil off the liquid/thicken appropriately to finish up the dish. Sometimes, I remove the solids so that the liquid can boil down. Then, I thicken as needed.
My new Le Creuset pots arrived about 3 hours ago. I had my steak ready for the skillet. Just delicious, and I made white and sweet potatoes plus roasted Brussels sprouts to go with. Amazing food.
I had to rearrange my cupboards a bit to house everything. Great meals await. I am already Jonesing for Boeuf Bourguignon as my new 5 qt Dutch oven is just the right size.
Regarding the "non-amazing food" annals, my local Trader Joe's was serving some sort of evil grains dish that looked and tasted of what I send down the garbage disposal. I needed some wine and cheese afterwards to "cleanse the palate". Roasted potatoes are equally nutritious, and a lot tastier.....REALLY!!! - Claire
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See, ladies, I don't know how to properly use a stove without burning something. Pancakes have three sides, top, bottom, middle. So, the crockpot is a safer way to cook food. I was raised to be a professor, and was not allowed near the stove, period. My life was about education, education, sports, education. We grew all of our own food, and my mom canned every August. We lived in the middle of the woods, and my parents always worried about fire - the other reason I was not allowed near the stove. In my 20's, I was vegetarian, and followed mostly a raw diet. While raising our kids, we were on the go so much that eating out was the norm or pasta, baked pasta, etc. My dh family dines out frequently. Now, it is just the two of us at home, and I am willing to try new things. DH is also receptive to me trying to cook, although sometimes he makes excuses and dines out. Tomorrow, it is chili in the crockpot and freezing it for later use. The baked chicken that I made last night in the crockpot, was amazing, tasty and moist. I did not burn the house down, and it was edible...... a huge plus for me!!!!
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claire, your comment about the food tasting like something you would put down the disposal cracked me up totally! My daughter has a friend over who is spending the night. We are going to a hockey game in cedar rapids tonight. Should be fun with 14 and 15 year old girls!
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