we had pixie cuts until we went to kindergarten

Kindergarten? I think you still like to rock a pixie cut now and then.

I love the princessy pictures, Aimee!

Thanks She is high-larious! Both her and the doll have the cone princess hats and matching purses. The baby has silver slippers. I should get some for Em from that site you just linked for Lillian.

The first time I cut Ellie's bangs, it was pretty bad. I have no idea how they got so short.

I mainly wanted to say, Cindy, that I'm so sorry you and your have ben stuck in the house for so long and so sick. When Ellie was sick in December it was such a nightmare.

Also, I am leaving tomorrow for West Palm Beach to visit the in-laws ntil Monday. Do we have any buffistae (Laura, maybe?) thereabouts?

re: haircuts for kids

I take it that the old-fashioned bowl cut is out of the running?

The tip to walk 30 minutes, every day, no exceptions, is a good one, that I strive for (some days better than others.)

Is that all in one go, or over the course of the day (I'd expect the former)? I can definitely testify to what having multiple 20-25 min walks during the day will do, as that was my routine my first 5 years in Salem, and I lost weight without changing any food or beverage consumption levels.

Since both my work and my apartment are both now significantly closer to the commuter rail, I've gotten back up towards my heaviest in the last year. I've been trying to work the walking in, but it's not always feasible (and in the current weather distinctly uncomfortable), but I've also started to curtail a lot of food and (especially) beverage habits I've developed over the years for the first time. It's probably too soon to see any significant change yet (just a pound or two at this point), but I do feel better.

Wow, a lot's gone on since I left work last night (Tuesday being my most ridiculously busy night, I never even had time to look longingly at my laptop, let alone actually, y'know, put in my lap & turn it on).

Cindy, you're being very calm in the face of those numbers. They're freaking me a little, and he's not even mine. I'm glad they're coming down a bit. Please don't hesitate to keep talking to us, especially as the frazzle tries to keel you ded. {{Cindy & Fam}}

P-C, again, everyone else gives good advice. I just continue to wish you the best of luck (and peace and calm).

Aimee I loved those new pics. My fave was of the both of you with Em and her baby in matching dresses. Although I almost expected you to have had one made for yourself as well. (But perhaps I'm the only one who's that much of a middle-schooler). And the picture of Em in the boots reminded me so much of this statue I have at home, I wanted to send a link to my Mom (assuming you don't mind a pic of your child going to a [harmless, I swear!] stranger). Because the statue was made for me (painted ceramic, well done for what it is: 70's styling) when I was about Em's age (by my favorite Aunt, my Mom's closest sister, who passed away a few years ago) because my aunt thought the statue looked like toddler-me. (Whoa, way to bring down the moods in the room. Oops. It made me smile! I swear!)

Nora, seems like a very sensible way to go. That's pretty much my plan at the end of the 6-week diet I'm on. I figured I could use the 6-weeks for jump-starting the metabolism (which it's designed to do) and getting a feel for things, but after the 6 weeks is over, I want to not be carrying a book to every meal anymore. I think it'll be okay, I'm much more aware of portion size and paying attention to what I'm eating, etc., because of this. A few pounds a month while going back to regular-ish eating sounds like a great plan.

sj, I hope today is a better day! (And I really hope they get that smoke issue cleared up for you. That would kill me). And much ~ma to your friend.

~ma for Matt (both job~ and stress-dealing~ varieties).

She'll be doing a worse job by herself at some point in the near future. It's what kids do.

When my mom wouldn't let me get bangs (she had her own brand of logic) when I was about 7, I decided to do it myself. Then chickened out, so just gave myself my first layered cut (left some hair in the front about half as long as it had been). Rite of passage. I guarantee Em is not scarred for life.

ION: Driving in to work in the morning, listening to my #2 radio station because that's what happened to be on, I hear one of my co-workers call in. I recognized his (sorta distinctive) voice, and they used his first name, and I know this is his favorite station (matter of fact, he was just pimping it to me yesterday), so definitely my co-worker. I'm not sure what the segment was, but he tells a story of how someone he works with got drunk and revealed info that's supposed to be confidential. He's asking for advice (from a morning show DJ?) about dealing with it, apparently oblivious to the fact that he's ON THE RADIO, (with his distinctive voice, and first name, and fave station) talking about someone who, by the way our co. is structured and the few details he gave I ABSOLUTELY know the identity of. Yes, what to do about someone who revealed information, talk about it ON THE RADIO. Everyone care to embrace the irony with me? (((Irony)))

Health~ma to Ben and {{{Cindy}}}. ~ma to all others in need, too.

I need to get a smaller laptop. My back and neck are killing me and I'm pretty sure it's because I'm lugging my 8 lb. ThinkPad plus books in a backpack. I noticed pain last quarter but didn't put it together with the load on my back until the break, during which my pain ceased. Now it's back with a vengeance (in 5th week of 2nd qtr). GF says I should use a rolling bag but I am vain and already feel like the oldest lady that ever was on campus. So, I need a new small-ass laptop.

Epic, I have a feeling there's going to be two firings at your company, not one. What a dumbass.

(Cindy) (Ben)

Although I almost expected you to have had one made for yourself as well.

Heh. Not a bad idea. Sadly, the dresses came from American Girl. I could make a reasonable facsimilie, I suppose.

I think I'm going to try to make a bunch of summer stuff for her.