HL/WWSG - Week of Feb 24

[Leslie Ferguson]

Greetings friends and neighbors, it’s been a whirlwind couple weeks weather-wise and health-wise. Hopefully we’ll break out of the wild cycle of both winter and health in the near term, at least a let up of the extremes would be nice. It has been a little sparse around here in the past couple weeks - I hope there are people out there doing and being just not stopping by to say hi. Before we delve into this week I’ll try to recap the last week.

Life successes include - Karen keeping sanity with kids and schedules being disrupted by weather, maintaining a dry basement with all the rain they’ve been having (which probably means it will last nearly forever), and keeping life balanced with school, taxiing, and many family requirements; Kate - when last we saw her she was making progress medically and seemed to have a new outlook as well as a new living arrangement - we hope that she remains well; and I had a week that saw plenty of good things early in the week with school and new revelations about where I’m headed.
Stressful living - Laura was MIA - hope she’s out there still; Kate was MIA but with everything else going on (potential new job and new living conditions) that’s understandable; Karen besides balancing life in the unpredictable northeast in this winter she’s kept a decent eye on her healthful living; and I wrapped up the week with a middle of the night visit to the ER and a diagnosis of a case of Influenza.

Workouts: all bets are off this week because of the flu. If everything works out then I’ll try to run this coming weekend and maybe try to spin sometime later in the week (like Thursday or Friday).
Healthful living: lay low long enough to get over the flu although I may have just experienced the proverbial “fever breaking” which could signal the start of recovery.

I’m torn again, it seems that there’s not a lot of traffic here and most of the time weeks are punctuated by the Karen and Les show. I’m afraid we’ve somehow kept the discussions going in such a manner that we’ve either forced people away or haven’t kept things different and fresh enough to keep interest. Not that I’m trying to shut the thread down - I get a lot out of coming here and sometimes viewing things through “what would the HL/WWSG comment be about topic X.” I know that I personally get a lot out of the thread and hope that others do to. Just wondering how to stoke up business? Maybe a new name? Maybe a new format? I really don’t know. Anyone have ideas - give us a shout.

It’s time to try to do a couple things since I’m feeling a little better and may try to go to school tomorrow - if my temperature stays down. Until later - be good to yourselves.

Peace to all,
Les

[karen w]

Les-Glad you're feeling a bit better, but don't push things too much this week. As I was reading your opening salvo, I was thinking about how lately it is just you and I again on this thread. When I read your final sentiments in the weekly opening, I practically spit my tea out over the keyboard. I guess great minds think alike!;) I seriously don't think re-vamping the thread would make a difference nor do I think that we have "scared people off." I just think everyone has different busy life schedules and "de-stressors" etc... which work for them. I know for me the main reason that I check in most evenings is because that happens to be how I unwind/"de-stress" in the evening after a full day. I spend anywhere from 30-60 min. on-line. I also think my type "A" personality has a bit to do with why I always check in(at least during the work week);) . I'll leave it up to you. . . if you decide you want to give the thread a "rest" for awhile, I would not take offense.

That being said, we had a good weekend overall digging out from our big snowfall of the season. Saturday I ellipticized and did upper body weights; today I did the treadmill for an hour and did core abs. The TV did finally get picked up yesterday, so it should be back in a week(we hope). The kids kept busy for the most part outside in the snow and today at the town hall sledding. DD also brought home a friend from religious school to play with today. Otherwise it was a pretty mellow weekend here. Tomorrow it should be back to the school routine as usual. DS#1 has religion and student council after school; and DS#2 has his last Robotics class. I will swim and box.

Have a good week,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Karen, thanks for confriming what I was feeling. I'm all for posting and keeping the thread running and agree that most others have to find their detsressors as best fit their days and styles. I like destressing/checking-out here because it's a good place to let things go (as it were).

Is there still snow there? I guess there must be considering how much snow you all had in the last storm(s). I think you can count yourself lucky that your kids like playing outside in/with the snow or else it might be a little untennable in the winters. It sounds like you'll be off to another busy week too, but nothing too out of the ordinary, just busy as usual.

I know I'm going to have to take it easy too. Today was definitely a telling case of that. I felt good this morning and decided to venture out to get something at the drug store that I was running low on (one of those things that doesn't get much usage until you get sick DUH! ) By the time I got home I felt whipped and a bit spent. I hope that I can get in to the doctor tomorrow for a follow up because I'm starting to cough more than yesterday and there's some pholegm involved - two things that the exit sheet from the ER said to return to the doctor if they show up. But I can say that my temp appears to be back to my cold-blooded critter normal of 97.5. Still, the cough is becoming disconcerting.

Checking out - reading to do as I may try to go sit in class tomorrow and I'm a little tired. Better days tomorrow because LW will be home (and I can keep her up with my coughing too ;) ).

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-Yep, still alot of snow on the ground here, but there was some melting today. Tomorrow morning we may get hit with a bit of snow or ice before it all turns over to rain. Then it is supposed to turn colder again after that front goes through. I guess you can call it a typical New England winter weather pattern. The good news is that DH and I just booked our summer trip. We head off to Martha's Vineyard again this summer, but for the first time in a long time, we will be without kids(all 3 will be in camp for the whole summer this time around!).

Did you get in to see the doctor today? How's the cough? And how are you doing?

I had a good swim this morning; then it was off to the grocery store after the kids were off to school, and boxing after that. Class was just OK today, but I guess every one can't be so stellar. After lunch I did a bunch of laundry and finished baking some muffins that I started yesterday before doing the religious school carpool etc...

Tomorrow I will swim and likely box. In the afternoon I have a dermatology appt. Long story, but the bottom line is trying to get rid of a stubborn plantar wart that reappeared this past year after being surgically excised ~6-7 years ago.:mad: Not sure how this may impact my evening plans. DS#1 and DS#2 have guitar(DS#2 has back to back lessons to make up for last week when his instructor was ill); then I was going to go to a womens' function at the synagogue. It is a cardio-boxing class followed by refreshments/socializing for the Sisterhood. But I may be zonked from the afternoon taxi business and who knows what my foot will feel like after the doctor gets his paws on it, so this event I will play be ear.

Other than that, hope all who are out there have a good evening,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Busy day and a little tiring here, as it sounds like it was in other places.

I know it will come up again but I hope you and DH have a wonderful single's summer at the Vineyard. :cool: It'll be like being newlyweds all over again. ;) Ok kick boxing - what I'd give for an ok workout right now. I hope that tomorrow isn't as unsettled as it might be - I've sported a plantar wart for so long I can't remember how long it's been there - comes and goes and sometimes I dig it out. They've tried all kinds of things short of freezing it out this time and nothing seems to work. I'm almost ready to go for duct tape. ;) I'll send good wart curing thoughts for your dermotologist appointment regardless.

I did get to the doctor and after she asked all the right questions and a check out I was told that my flu was running it's course just like a good little flu should. My cough is getting better and really only hits when I put my head down so (a la Henny Youngman) I won't do that. ;) Good news for me - LW got home today but guess what? She sick right now too. Not the flu (thank goodness) but probably an allergy or some other milder bug - she's not carrying the fever or terrible muscle pain just tired.

I'm definitely in need of rest too - I kind of ran out of steam after sitting through 3 hours of classes and driving to and from my doctor's appointment - that shouldn't take anything out of me on normal days. But I can say that's a ton better than yesterday. Regardless, I rested today and will rest tomorrow for certain (and probably on Wednesday too). FWIW I've still not heard anything more on my intersnship but if there's one benefit to my flu I've lost sight of my lack of response on my intership - but soon I'll be clear enough to become concerned again - hopefully by Wednesday or Thursday. :(

Back to studies since they didn't stop when I did this weekend.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-Maybe it is a good thing for your psyche that you are sick this week and distracted from your internship issues??!:confused: Anyway, glad things are running their course as they should be and you are slowly improving. Too bad LW is in no shape herself to pamper you a bit. A little TLC is often nice, but misery does love company, too, as they say!;)

I had a great swim, BUT. . . (why is there always one of these lately:( ), the air in the pool which is normally hot and humid was very chilly this morning. To top it off the weather outside was damp and rainy which made for a perfect set up of me being chilled all day and not able to warm up. I guess more body insulation would help, but I don't think that is the ultimate answer. Anyway, I still managed to accomplish alot between a swim, haircut, very good boxing class, derm. appt., and double guitar lessons for the boys. Just finished my dinner and with the weather wet and rainy out after my full day, I think I am going to pass on an evening of boxing at the temple. Derm. appt. went fine. he thinks it is small yet, so went ahead with freezing it and I go back in a month. I asked if his work had a warranty period since this was the same one that he cut out 5-6 years ago. Both he and the nurse emphatically responded, "NOT ON WARTS!" I guess they MUST be stubborn buggers and repeat offenders. Anyway, at least my foot won't hurt too bad that I can't box with freezing, but I hope it does the trick.

Tomorrow swim and box(or may do cardio-boxing), and religion in the evening for the kids.

Have a good evening and sending anti-influenza vibes down South!;)

Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Drive by... small warts and a little freezing is always a good thing. Yep - a little TLC does wonders and considering that LW is just about peaking on her illness (~100 degree temp before bed) and coughing pretty decently and I'm doing a lot better (althoug I run out of energy at the end of the day still) a little back scratch/rub was very much appreciated this evening.

Sorry about the pool and it doesn't sound like you were all that chilled even if you were for a little while.

Check you later tomorrow - stay warm and have a good evening. Peace,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Back-to-back... on a study break and wanted to share some information on a number of topics...

Good news, I was called and accepted the call at one of the remaining Internship sites - my first choice (or at least the one that I felt "best" about). If anyone wants to see where I'll be interning starting in the Fall, I'll be at St. Anne's Episcopal Church (http://www.stannes-reston.org). So that is over and done with and I can just focus on school now.

I was tempted to try something but also know that it's only been 3 days since my temp was over 101 so that's a bad plan. So I'll be smart and rest and let things break up a little more. Now I just wish LW could feel a little better and luckily her fever broke last night too so she'll be home free soon. Hope folks are on the mend and I can't wait to do some running soon but for now I'll keep things on an even keel and recover first.

Peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-CONGRATULATIONS!! That must be a big weight off your shoulders. I'm glad you are on the mend as well, and you are probably wise to rest a few extra days.

The air in the pool seemed back to normal today so no chilly feeling this morning(or all day long, either). I had a good swim, went for my fresh produce/milk shopping after the kids got on their buses, and then to boxing. Gotta take it easy on my knee strikes tomorrow. I was a bit over zealous today and may have bruised my right one slightly. Oh well, that's not the first time that's happened, nor will it likely be the last!:rolleyes: After lunch I went to Costco. I ended up with a few impulse purchases(not like me), but sometimes you just have to buy it when you see it there or else it disappears and I could not beat the prices. I got another pair of scooters. Even though I don't need them just now, the price was right so I'll tuck them away for a few months. I also picked up a few more swimming suits and some skorts for the summer.

Tomorrow I plan on swimming and boxing again; then Friday I will likely take a break from boxing and do something else.

Have a good night,
Karen

[karen w]

I guess it's a back to back evening for me, but I am going to be brief. Good day here with a really good swim and boxing class, albeit a small class today. In between squeezed in a trip to TJ's to pick up a few things for cooking this weekend. I have been relying on my freezer storage for dinners for the past 2 weeks(just have not felt like cooking), but the pickins' in the big chill are beginning to get slim, if you know what I mean. I think I have found some new motivation with a few new(and old) recipes to try.

Tomorrow the two younger kids have a half day of school to make up for the half day they were supposed to have last Friday which got canceled in the snow storm. They have teacher-parent conferences, but I will not be going to any as neither DD or DS#2's teachers felt one was necessary for them. In their school, the fall conference is mandatory; but spring ones are only if the parent or teacher requests one. So as far as I am concerned no news is good news in my book!;) DD also has the b-day party that got canceled last Friday later tomorrow evening. I think I will swim as usual and perhaps bike tomorrow.

Good evening and hope everyone is doing well,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

Sorry about that Karen. It was a busy night at work then when I got home late. LW was hacking a little and needed some TLC so I obliged.

That's pretty interesting that the spring parent teacher conferences are optional but that makes sense and I'm with you, no news is good news. 2 weeks of dinners - that's a big freezer. ;) I hope you all have a good day with 2 kids home for part of the day and that things hold up for a b'day party tomorrow evening. I'm glad there are still some universal constants and you'll swim tomorrow morning.

Thank you for the congratulations. That's a big deal off my plate to not have to worry about one more internship. Now it's just classes and projects. I'm happy to rest today - still a little iffy with what appears to be one of the side effects of the Tamiflu - nothing terrible just a side effect.

Need to go and do some reading (2 chapters - nothing much) that I need to read and summarize for class tomorrow morning. So until later -- have a good friday and peace,
Les

[karen w]

Les-Understand completely. . . TLC definetely takes precedence over surfing!;) Sending LW some get better-anti hacking vibes over the wires. Hope they work. Yep, we have alot of freezer space here with 2 full size refrigerators that have top freezers upstairs and 2 upright freezers in the basement(~17 cu. ft. and 20 cu. ft) so I can really pack those meals away. Since I only have a few left in the basement, you know inventory is really getting low with all of that space!:eek:

And speaking of which, I did cook a very nice yummy meal tonight. I made homemade pasta(fettucine) with white whole wheat flour and used it for CL's Asparagus, Tomato, and Bacon Pasta dish. The boys really liked it alot, too. They love asparagus!:) Anyway, going backwards from dinner to the beginning of the day, I had a great swim again this morning and did find a few minutes to slip into the jacuzzi(temp. was good today and jets are working again). Rest of the day I stayed home to do some catching up around the house and in the kitchen including tonight's dinner. I also managed to do several loads of laundry, vacuuming, prep. some meals for later this weekend/week, make some over-due phone calls etc... I did also get in a very good bike ride and some upper body weights after breakfast so all in all a good day with alot of things accomplished. DD is at her party now, Although we are supposed to get snow tonight(some are saying over 8 inches!!:eek: ), it is holding off until much later tonight so the party is on this time around. I also just dropped DS#1 at the library for a free teen movie night with popcorn. DH will pick them both up on his way home from work since DD's party and the movie are over around the same time. Finally DS#1 is having a Harry Potter movie fest(on TV) beginning tonight so I popped him some popcorn and he is going to go off to Hogwarts land for the evening. Did not want him to feel left out from having a special treat tonight. ;)

That's all to report today. Have a good weekend,
Karen

[Leslie Ferguson]

I knew you had a bunch of freezer space but never figured 37+ cu. ft. I think that's more than we ever had. That's so nice that the weather is going to hold out for you at least until later this evening - DD didn't need to have her friend's B'Day party cancelled again this week. It sounds like movie night(s) in the Waldman household - just the thing for a cold and snowy weekend. Glad the jacuzzi was nice again today too - great way to end the week. :) LW is coming around and spent the whole day up (no nap today) and isn't coughing too much so I think she'll be better by the end of the weekend. She was so grateful for the TLC too - I think I got my "cool points" for the month (that would be March too).

I rested again today but plan on getting out tomorrow for a run. Probably nothing too terribly long since it's been a while since I've run and a week ago I was really sick but I feel that much better and it's supposed to be a good day tomorrow.

Hope the snow and weather isn't as bad as it might be - we're supposed to have a couple reasonable days with little wind and/or rain, at least until Tuesday then all bets are off.

Have a great weekend all and peace friends,
Les

[Leslie Ferguson]

Back-to-back but I need to claim today. I ran today and it felt weird but my legs are quite happy (which is surprising) and I'm not experiencing any tightness. Maybe a week off isn't such a bad thing. But I bet that I'll be a little tired for a while - but I have to keep my goal in mind, the half marathon in May. I hope you all are well this weekend and keeping warm and dry. I'm off to write a paper (hopefully) that's due on Thursday.

Peace to all and have a great remainder of the weekend.
Les