Outlook 2003, Windows XP, POP3 e-mail, NO network or exchange server

I have a standalone desktop computer and I only connect to the Internet.

When I download my e-mails from godaddy in the mornings it is a very slow
process on my end. The icon in the system tray says that Outlook is
synchronizing folders. I do not understand why or how.

All of my mail, except for what the junk e-mail filter grabs, and goes into
my inbox. Outlook apparently thinks there is something else that needs to be
checked. I am guessing Outlook tries three or four times for each e-mail to
check this mythical folder and only after getting no response does it put it
in my inbox.

How do I break Outlook of this very annoying habit?

Thank you