Paul's Corner

I don't see the link yet...but I'm anxious to see it. I was actually wondering about the picture. I wasn't really sure about it b/c you looked younger in the family picture than the TFM pic. And take note please that this is not a derogatory statement. You've aged well mate. You don't look older just fuller. In a good way. I think when we guys hit our thirties we just fill out more. And I'm not talking about the referenced beer growth...just we fill out more everywhere...except some places...dang

I was about to get my feelings hurt when you said we couldn't post our addresses...hell I don't care. I just feel very close to everyone here and if someone gets it I don't like ...fuckem. My creditors have it and I hate their sorry asses.

So if you do send me one...The whole thing is going in a frame included envelope and stamp and the whole shebang.

The only thing I can't wait to do is meet you and your family in person at your show. This site has been a source of healing for me so like it or not your stuck with this fan. Pictures? I'd love one of you and your family. They represent at least 80% of you. They are such a part of you that one can't quite capture the real you unless they know or see pics of your family. Which by the way you should at least update on the site here. HEY CAT....MAYBE you can adjust that... : )
And not that we KNOW your family, but they are such an intricate part of your life and you've told us much.
Well looking forward to the new article.

Thanks Paul...

Tim

Diane...what a hoot...did you get to meet Mr Clooney? It's always nice to hear about actors (besides Mr. Paul) that still have an humble side to them. What comes easy can go away just as easily. And btw Paul, I didn't mean to start something with the address thing either. I wasn't even thinking about the postage costs. Forgive me for that one buddy.
The Post office can always help you with the necessary needs of SASE stuff. Even if it is other countries.
Auntie Mill...I want to see the Tuscany film. It looks like a great flick. What a great week guys...$1600 in services. $350 in tips and my salary gets stacked on top...Yee HAA

Take care everyone...

Special hi to Whit..miss ya girlfriend...

love and peace
Tim

I'm looking forward to seeing the article when you get the link up.

Thanks for the advice Diane and Paul. I took a musical jewelry box and a dove that was on it. The dove has a lot of meaning to me, even though it's just a small simple thing. I really wish we could have taken the organ. I guess it's not that easy to haul the huge thing back, but the organ was probably the one thing that my grandmother really cherished.

It's been a long day. It was raining during the auction and didn't stop raining until we got home from our five hour drive. I had an overwhelming feeling of serenity and peace while up there today as I looked over all of the rolling farmland and trees. The sun was shining so perfectly as we left even though it was raining. For a single moment I felt as though all my problems had vanished and that I was in paradise. I will never forget that moment.

It's 4 a.m. here, so I guess I'll go to bed.

Best wishes,
Jenny

Looks like we're the early birds on this new thread: Good morning, Paul, Tim, and Jenny!

Paul, I looked up theaustralian.com.au and found your article listed in the archives from the last 30 days, but one has to pay to get it, and that includes paying for future articles also.

The article's title was partially, "After The Ball..." It sounds absolutely wonderful, with seemingly no holds barred! If Cat has a problem establishing a link, I will go back and get the article, and gladly pay the extra charges, and forward the article to our wonderful PCers myself! (I already have almost everyone in my Address Book.)

We are all so excited about this "exposure" that you are getting, finally, after so many disappointments, and it proves that once again, you're back in the spotlight where you belong! "Everything's coming up roses", for sure!

Tim, you too are on a roll! Keep it up, and you will find yourself in Sydney in the spring, cheering Paul on stage, as our proxy!

Jenny, with your almost poetic description of your drive home, I could visualize the rolling farmland and trees after the rain...I spent part of my childhood in Nebraska, and, you see, I have not forgotten those sights and sounds after all these years..

Love and Peace,

Grandma

Tim, yep fuller!!! Tis true as we get older we kinda fill out and not the beer gut fill but bones and stuff. Anyway thatis life and I am embracing that and loving who I am and who I am becoming!!

Mil, I have bought the article from the web site you mentioned and sent it to Cat. She has said she will do the link and then we can all go to town. Patience.

Jenny, I am really happy that you have something special. It is really something to treasure.

Hi all, Take care! Can't wait for the article!:-)

THANKS, PAUL DARLING, IN ADVANCE..(CAT TOO!)

SENDING GRANDMOTHERLY SMOOCHES TO YOU, ANDREA,
AND THE GIRLS...

LOVE,

MIL

Hello everyone! Sorry, I’ve been kind of absent lately, but right now I’m very busy, but at least I’m feeling happy and fulfilled in it and thus the stress is of a happier kind and not the frustrated stress I often experienced last year. Linda you wanted to know how my job is, the short answer is: LOVING IT!!! Okay, not each and every moment, but I’m REALLY glad I went back to teaching after a two-year absence, it’s what I really want to do. I really love the creativity that teaching brings to me, I love working with my students, collectively and individually and at the same time I’m completely and utterly overwhelmed. I knew that teaching full time would be a hugs switch, but I had no idea what to expect and how huge it would be. When I went back, it was with a lot of excitement and also a lot of trepidation, a) because I hadn’t done it in two years and was wondering if I might have/had lost my edge, b) wondering if I’d romanticized teaching too much during my absence, c) I have changed a lot as a person esp. over the course of the last year and I had no idea how that would impact me professionally. The last 6 weeks of teaching have bee intense, very challenging, but also have given me many opportunities to learn and grow. I’m a lot more comfortable in my own skin and thus am able to respond to situations very differently than I did in the past and observing myself there is pretty interesting. Although I keep finding myself on all sorts of edges or fine lines where I need to have things “both ways” and these both ways I’ve always been told cannot be reconciled. I’m experiencing very interesting balancing acts … There’s one thing that really bothers me though and it is one of my students (I have another one, but that student isn’t as blunt as this one) who has made it her/his mission to convert the world to Christianity. While I firmly believe that I have to respect someone else’s beliefs, not necessarily agreeing with them, it really irks me that no matter what the assignment, s/he always criticizes and judges everything and everyone who does not subscribe to her/his very narrow-minded worldview, yet never once asked me what my beliefs are. That fundamentalist attitude freaks me out!!! And it makes me really sad that someone so young has closed her/himself off in such a way and feels entitled to judge everyone else without asking or engaging in an exchange of ideas first. Oh and then there’s the issue of that student talking the talk but not really walking the walk, at least not in the context of this class, cutting class, not being prepared, and then telling me “I couldn’t do the homework, I had to go to bible study.” I find holding my tongue really difficult and keeping the emotional response out of there difficult, and keeping this professional and only addressing the class content issues a challenge. It would be so easy to judge back in the same way … there’s other things going on like that as well, which often make my job very interesting and sometimes more difficult, but I know that I can’t be and don’t want to be a personally and emotionally distanced in my professional life. I need to be all of me and I want my students to be able to be all of themselves as well if they choose to, but sometimes I let myself be pulled in too much on an emotional level and I’m looking for a balance where I can be emotionally fully involved without being overwhelmed by it and letting others walk all over me because of it. So here you have the long answer as well. J

Otherwise I’m in the middle of applying for jobs again for August 2004 and have until the beginning and middle of November to do all of it and that’s very time intensive, but here as well, I’m much calmer and more hopeful than I was last year. I have a better sense of who I am, who I want to be and what I want and want to do. You all here on PC had a lot to do with helping me get a better sense of myself, by listening, making suggestions, challenging, being supportive and all the other wonderful things that happen here. Thank you and I love you all for it and just for yourselves. Re. The jobs, I’ll do my part and the rest is up to others and the universe and I’ll have to wait and see what is the next step in my life.

Okay, so this brings me back to this thread, definitely very interested in reading Paul’s article, comments and thoughts about your life, your journey and I’m so pleased and very happy for you that you are getting back to where you want to be and that others are paying attention to you as well and helping you get what you deserve. It’s freeing, isn’t it? Wishing you happiness, continued personal growth on your journey, and good fortune to you and your family.

Tim, I’m also very happy for you. It’s amazing how quickly and radically things have changed for you, but you did the work, you hung in there and you took a very deep, long and hard look at yourself and made up your mind what you wanted and went after it. I’m very proud of you and may happiness and good fortune continue for you and your family.

Jenny, I’m glad you found something from your grandparents’ home that you can keep for yourself and that you had this amazingly beautiful experience of deep inner peace yesterday. Those moments are so awesome and empowering when they happen. When my Grandma died, I wanted to have one of her brooches that I always loved and I deeply associate with her. I actually expected my two older sisters’ to claim it before I got a chance, but they didn’t and when I asked my uncle for it, he gave that brooch to me and another one, which is equally beautiful. It really overwhelmed me, as there are very few family heirlooms of that kind in our family, as my Dad and uncle and my grandparents had to leave most of their possessions behind when they escaped from East Germany in 1958. It makes those two pieces even more special for me and I hope to be able to pass them on to my kids some day.

Diane, I wish you all the best for the launch of your business, great success and happiness with it, but also much calm. Take 10 – 15 minutes here and there to just be with you, to focus yourself, to relax. I’ve found that these short breaks often make the difference during very hectic and high pace days and phases, even though more would be better. Sending uplifting thoughts your way to counter your dark thoughts and I’m hoping that the medications will kick in fast to help you through menopause and to allow you to claim your life back.

Linda, I wish you a lot of calm too and strength to endure. You didn’t say what was making you busy and your life stressful, but whatever it is, hang in there, be well and happy.

Hello to all my other friends here, Peter (sorry they gave you so much crap on the last thread, you didn’t deserve that!!!), Grandma Mil (love you and thanks for emailing me the article), Whit (hello dear sis, how are you?), Kat and Inn (love your caramel latte love), Dhiana (Paul, I don’t think you need what she has, she just is, and Dhi, that is meant as a compliment), Kei, Julie (man, I want to meet Grandma in person too, but I’m glad you did), deltalady, Mercedes, bluedog, Cat. Much love, hugs and kisses to each and everyone of you, be happy and well!
Evelyn

Ps. Paul, I'll join the "club" of those who would love to have a photo, but don't want you to have the expenses either ... you are probably regretting this already ...

Hello everyone, I bidded on e-bay for the film Exit to Eden, I only got it for 50p plus the £2 something for postage and packing, well I watched it on thursday night but as I only got in at 3am and then did a 10hr day at work I just had to go to bed so I'll be watching it properly tonight, my boyfriend picked it up and said "you got a porno" hmmmmmmm!!! Take care all, I really must get a computer at home so I can spend more time on here, Bye, love Clare.x.x.x.

Evelyn

Can't resist posting to your thread. As a child raised as a Jehovah's Witness the scenario you presented brought back horrid memories. And I also led a "double life." I preached some and did what I wanted. An incredibly sick way to grow up and unfortunately it has taken a toll on my mental stability that will never go away. It always comes back to haunt you just like abuse from my dad. Do the kid a favor and engage him in a debate. And if he/she says they couldn't do their homework b/c of bible study, then say well I'm sorry but you've essentially disobeyed the requirements presented to you by your instructor. And obedience is one of Christianitys utmost characteristics along with love of others. I could go off on it... Don't cut him/her any slack. Skipping class is not right either. That could be classified as stealing cheating and lying. Stealing your time, cheating him/herself and lying when asked where they actually were and why they missed the class. Oh God...I don't know if you can do it legally but when you ask for an essay or whatever tell them you want it based on something specific within your framework of books, articles etc... If he/she deviates..they didn't do what they were told and voila..."F" Wake him/her up.
Okay off the soap box.

love and peace everyone.

Tim

Here goes - I hope this is a good time to make my entrance as a first-time poster. I have been keeping you all company in the background for a while now, catching up on old posts and comments, getting to know you all - and have finally plucked up the courage to say Hello. I came upon this site after rediscovering Strictly Ballroom. I loved the film when I first saw it but nothing could have prepared me for the impact that it made on me this time. For the last few years, circumstances in my life meant that I had to spend most of my time looking out for and supporting others. It has been worth it and things are getting better now. But along the way, a part of me, I now realise, was slowly buried. I'm not quite sure - but it is something to do with the part of me that is truly me. All I can say is that it started to come alive again as I watched Paul dance. The beauty, joy and truth in his performance made me feel I wanted to experience that feeling too - somehow, in some way.
And then I discovered Paul's corner and all of you in it! The wonderful feelings of excitement and anticipation were reinforced and enhanced. What you have all created here -a warm and welcoming place with a supportive and life-affirming atmosphere - has truly renewed my faith and hope in the common bonds that we all share as people. I want to thank each and everyone of you for all the times you have made me laugh, cry, hope, persevere and especially - THINK. I also want to thank Cat for making it all possible.
And you, Paul are at the very heart of it all. I believe that on this journey we are travelling on, some are given the grace and gift of being able to light the way for others, of having the ability to affirm, encourage and renew hope and self-belief. In my humble opinion, you are one of these people. It doesn't mean that you are exempt from the ups and downs of this life - you still have your journey to make. It just means that the rest of us are lucky to have you as a fellow-traveller and companion.
You carry great beauty both within and without you. Everyone here knows how nicely you are put together on the outside! And your grace and elegance of movement in dance is beautiful to behold. But I think that it is your inner beauty - of spirit, of mind, of heart - that resonates with the inner beauty in everyone who comes here and brings out the best in each of them. You inspire me to be the best that I can be and I feel truly blessed to have found you here. I am so happy that you are back where you belong - performing for people - and I wish you and your wife and girls good health, success and happiness - Always.

Sorry if this has been too long. I promise to try to keep any future comments briefer! It would be truly wonderful to be able to join in from time to time.

Good wishes to you all.
Mary

Join the club.

Paul...What a great article! Tim forwarded it to Millie who forwarded it to me. Those of us in the Corner, know well your journey and send you and your lovely family our best.

Welcome, Mary...Paul, our common thread, has
brought us all here!

Evelyn...Glad the job is for the most part going well.

One of the things I have been committed to was a design expo that wrapped up today. Yeah!! My professional organization did a designers sample sale for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity in conjunction with this event. Overall it has gone very well. As the chairperson of this, I had to give TV and radio I did an interviews. What fun that was!! And the vignette, two of my colleagues and I did won Outstanding Exhibit! Yeah for us!!

I am very tired tonight but am thinking of you all!

Linda

Mary welcome and thankyou for coming along on this journey with us. We all look forward to hearing more from you.

Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Inn's son DALLAS!!! Hope the day was great!

Bravo, Linda! Sounds like an exhilarating experience.

Welcome, Mary! Thanks for your initial post. I'm glad you've joined us. I had the very same experience when I watched SB again a couple of years ago. It was just before Paul opened the dialog here. I remember crying because I, too, wanted to feel the joy that he exuded. What was preventing that, but me and some outdated ideas of what my life should be.

Paul, you are most generous in your offer; but as I told Cat when I emailed my address to her, I don't want you to go broke doing it. I asked her if there might be some easier way for us to pay for the postage. Honestly, I don't mind. It is privilege enough to be able to visit you here.

Evelyn, thank you for your encouragement. I promise to take those breaks. Also, I agree with Tim about not cutting that student any slack. I don't think I'd enter into a verbal debate, though, because fundamentalists lock out or reframe every argument that doesn't fit their world view. She/he should have to meet the same standards as everyone else in class, including attendance, homework, and addressing classmates and instructor with respect. We just saw a preview for a Julia Roberts film coming out this winter and I was reminded of your post. It's titled Mona Lisa Smile. She's a college professor with an antagonistic student. From the trailer, it's a story of her triumph. She wins out in the end and you will, too. I know it is hard to keep your cool with these folks; but look at how he's/she's pushing your buttons and find a way to distance yourself. She'll hit a wall one of these days and her self-righteousness will not be able to save her from what she has created.

Hi, miniclare2. Exit to Eden isn't porn. It's a silly, comic attempt at soft-porn romance. Whatever it is, Paul is the only reason to watch it. Just thinking of the scene where he meets the dominatrix. Quite endearing. Oh, man. Not I'm going to have to get a copy.

Jenny, I'm glad you were able to hold onto the jewelry box. I loved your description of the visit. Hold that moment of peace and serenity inside you and go to it when clouds appear. I think that we are graced with these touches of heaven for just that purpose. And I thank you for sharing the image with me as I prepare for another busy week.

Goodnight!

Hey. Two weeks have passed and this morning I am upset. Two weeks ago I told you about the break-up of my now ex-boyfriend. Kirk called me at midnight and 5:30 am. After I told Kirk that I am through with him, he told me, "Go to hell and die." It really hurt me. But, what Kirk says to me will bounce off of me and stick to Kirk. He also called me a B----. I know that Kirk didn't mean to say those things, but, I believe that the angels have recorded what he said. Even though we can't see angels, they are still at work.

I am grieving right now. Paul, has that ever happenend to you?

Sara

article was great!!! - just had time time to skim it - will comment later but ......

i'm experiencing a monday morning mess!!! slept the extra five, had phone call bearing sad news, dropped egg on floor, used last paper towel last night cleaning up after sick cat who decided she wanted to stay in the house to throw up some more!!! survived all that... and am now at the office and looks like the messiness will continue!!! oh well...hunkering down for a loooooooooong day!!!!

later all

bluedog: sending good vibes to push all that messiness away today...we have a little quote on our wall here at work: "some days the Dragon wins." kinda wry, but true. but eventually even that ole dragon pays his dues...and that sun WILL come out again after the rain so to speak.
ok i'm mixing my metaphors. horror of horrors!
Well...wishing you a much better tomorrow and strength to get through today!
Big (((((hug)))))) coming yer way!

Kat

Hi back to Inn baby. Happy belated Bday to DALLAS! Did you have fun?.....
bigHug my dear.

Hi to all at PC today.
Can't wait to read the article.

*grinn*

Kat

Paul,great article. Here's hoping the exposure will open more doors! Dallas said thanks for the b-day wishes.
Thanks to you too Kat. Hi babay! How's it goin? I think the Dragon won today and I'm wiped out. All the excitement of yesterday. I cleaned for hours on Saturday and my Mother came in the house and said "Well, you think your husband would have mowed the lawn before your guests arrived." That was the FIRST thing she said not happy birthday or hello. Jeeze! I knew she'd find something to bitch about. My best friend said to her "well my garden looks great but my house is a mess." Gotta love her. We all had fun anyway.
Hello Mary and thanks for showing yourself. Hope to see you more.
Hello Grandma Mil, and Whit, Tim, Peter, Bluedog, Sarah...oy! and everyone else.
peace.

Paul:

Great Article!!!! You sounded very positive. :) Keep up the great outlook and great things will happen for you.

As proof of this theory, I offer my own experience. After 10.5 years of abuse by my boss, I went back to college (college at 36 is not easy). Now, during my 2nd semester, My boss has decided to establish a Tuition Reimbursement Policy and back date it to the beginning of the year. So I'm currently carrying a 4.0 average and I'm about to get $840 back.

Kiss your kids, Life is good.

Hello Paul, and all the other lovely people here:

I must confess that I have been a luker here for a very long time, afraid to take that first leap of faith and just come on and say a word or two. Until today...

Paul, I admire your spirit and your wonderful outlook on life, good or bad. Your musings and poetry have picked me up and kept me going on my worst days and nights, and I don't know how you do it. All I know is, I hope you keep on doing it - you're better than "Chicken Soup for the Soul"! I'm hoping you have a long and successful run in THE FULL MONTY. I saw it in New York a while ago and loved it! I'm sure it would be more hilarious and poignant seeing it in Austrailia than in the US. I wish I could be there on opening night yelling and cheering for you, then rushing backstage with an armfull of flowers to congratulate you on a wonderful performance. I will be there in spirit, though, and that's all that matters.

To all the other lovely people here, I enjoy reading your posts, sharing your ups and downs, good fortune and not so good. I have said a prayer for everyone here at one time or another without you knowing it, hoping you would find peace.

Today, I would like everyone to know me. Tomorrow, I would like to know all of you a little better. Take care everyone, and God bless you...

Sally

Welcome Sally and Mary. You've found my home away from home in my family room.
Paul...that article was sensational. You lived up to your candid free expression of self and I truly believe that any directors and producers out there that have an opportunity to read it and know your work and see you in TFM...will have their minds altered. That is...you will begin to be one of there...well Paul could do it...
And you can and you will.

Goodonya mate!

Tim

Hi Sally! welcome and congrats for de-lurking! that takes a bit of leap of faith sometimes, eh? this is a good bunch tho! i think it's the object of our appreciation and inspiration (Paul) who tends to bring out the best in us here...very cool, very talented, very special guy as you no doubt have figured out too! Warm welcome :) Kat

Hey back Inn babay...hee hee..I've been up to no good as usual! hahaha naaaa.. I'm ok. A had a 32nd bday this past Thursday. He was feeling old. I coulda spanked him -- birthday or no! Hmph! In my book, that's still a youngster in many respects.
Let's see...i went fishing, saltwater. I suk. But caught a good sunset, unloaded some cobwebs from workstress.
Tried out a car (used) - Nissan Pathfinder '94. Seems ok. works. lol took it to our new Tulalip Casino. I don't typically gamble, but tried 3 cent slots. Fastest $20 i ever lost. well...to me at least.
loved the beautiful rock and fountain scapes outside and gift shop and artwork/sculpture inside and the gorgeous seablues, elegant dripping crystalline-like white lights and and oceanic scenes and painted ceiling mural up under a big dome. I felt as if i was underwater...it was truly lovely. was a nice bronze sculpture of dolphins encircling and rising to top around some tall seafronds/kelp. wow. breathtaking.

oh and Sunday I did the AIDS walk (~2mi)with A's company who matched donations. was an easy walk but still fun to partipate. was a good cause and got to see downtown and all the new buildings and cafes, etc that I never see cuz I hate dealing with parking, etc...lol. It is bizarre seeing it on foot. lol

Hugz to PC.

Katalina

Oh ye..the Dragon won for me today too. sigh.
better luck tomorrow. I'll be aimed with a grin and a spear! or maybe I'll insult it(dragon) in its general direction....

ok that last bit was a feeble attempt at MontyPython mimicry...
let's see if anyone knows the true word instead of insult.
lolol
phew! *holding nose*

Kat

Sara W, I'm sorry that you're hurting. Not to excuse your boyfriend's behavior, but when people say nasty things, it's a good indication that they're deeply wounded themselves. I had a friend of 20 years who turned on me. Once I got past my anger and hurt, I only felt sorry for her. When you've safely vented, say a prayer for Kirk, let him go, and move on.

Blue dog, I hope your cat is recovering and your day has gotten better. I've had too many of those days lately myself.

Sorry, Inn, for missing Dallas's birthday. Belated good wishes! Sounds like you managed to have a good time despite your mom's peevishness.

Good for you, Tammi! What are you studying?

Welcome, Sally. Looking forward to getting to know you.

I read the article, Paul. Some good quotes from you. I'm iritated, though, by the interviewer's assertion that petulance played a role in your unwilllingness to appear in the DVD bonus material for free. You were right to say no. It's too bad Nicole and Ewan didn't think about the precedent they set for their fellow actors when they waved compensation. If they were on points, as you say, the interviewer should have explained that they stood to gain even without the bonus material payment. Grrrr! I'm going to read the article again tonight and I look forward to reading your comments.

Love to all youse!

Sally, welcome and thank you for letting us know you a bit today!!! Look forward to knowing you a bit more as you choose.

Agh the dragon the dragon!!!!!! Beat him out of the backyard yesterday only to find him hiding in my office today. Ahgahgahg...oops, I mean aghaghagh!!!!

Paul,

You are brave, and you are right. I wish you all the best for you and your family - you are a man who knows what it means to make decisions. Well done on the article, and I hope it has the effect you need it to, and want it to.

Byn.

Hey Paul,

Well, this is quite the experience! To write to a person I just watched in a movie, namely 'Strictly Ballroom' :-) Great dancing by the way! I just wanted to say that I admire your courage in putting yourself out there like that in the article, 'warts' and all so to speak. You didn't try to hide or gloss over your rock bottom experiences, which makes you human, like me, and thus accessible. So by extension your success is more of an inspiration to me because you are a 'real' person. Thank you for sharing, in the article and this website, and being vulnerable; I honor that in you. I can relate with a lot of what has happened to you, your soul searching, and the fact that you like dancing and motorcycles which are interests of mine as well. Lastly, I'd like to say that this web site was quite a surprise; there is a lot of good energy and warmth here. I hope that as you experience more success, as I believe you will, that you will stay 'real'.

Warm regards,

Peter

Hugs to Sally and Diane today.

What you guys were speaking about was food for thought and I thought a hug was in order...
I guess I can also relate to being on the receiving end (as many can) of angry emotional venting from a "deeply wounded" soul. It's hard to get to that place at least in the heat of the moment where you yourself are feeling protected enough to "feel sorry" for that poor person... I think it takes practice, (mind over matter) at least it does for me...cuz I'm (unfortunately) wired to be somewhat sensitive and I usually don't walking around wearing my heart in armour..so the tradeoff is potential for getting hurt in those situations. I guess it's all in the mind tho...maybe. How we see it, how we see that other person - see the bigger picture perhaps. But every once in while...it can get under one's skin and it's natural to initially feel upset when someone is carelessly or hurtfully dumping their angst or emotional garbage all over you...sometimes one can choose to make a painful choice to step back from the dangerous ones - the "emotional black holes" that unconciously?? try to take others with them spiralling down in their agony, drama, pain...or whatever..I think we can still pray for, suggest (skilled/professional) help, love them in heart/spirit, or actively as a good friend if/when we feel safe enough, but take care of them by taking care of ourself first and being strong enough to stand in the storm or distance ourselves from their negative or (self) destructive behaviors.

but maybe this "grasshopper" (i loved Kung Fu..with David Carradine) has more to learn.
i dunno. probably.
*wry grinn*

Hi Paul, Hi Inn, Hi Peter, Hi bluedog, Hi Evelyn, Hi Whit, Hi Tim, Hi Sally, Hi Mary, hi all in PC today.

first round of lattes (or green tea), or for the brave souls, Odwalla superfood, green stinky spirulina/chlorella..yik bleh but oh so good for the body, is on me.

latte luv,
Katalina

BTW: this was just an opinion...i'm don't specialize in this schtuff. it's simply my take on how i deal with this kinda thang...
i'm still growing...i'll probably think differently about it in 5, 10, 15 years with more experience..

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

*wink*

Kat

lawdy...my spelling, grammar sux this am.
more latte, moooooooooore latte!
please excuse!
Kat

Hey Inn: can u PM me? i can't find your email.
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. hug.

and correction from earlier post: i got my sally and sara mixed up..sorry ladies. must be my caffeine withdrawal. i mean to say Sara W and Diane (not Sally and Diane).
BTW: good morning Sally!

Hug,
Katalina

Thank you, Paul for your kind words of welcome.
I really enjoyed the article. I thought you came across as you do here - as a person with integrity and self-respect. I feel it will have to make a positive impact on anyone who reads it. May many good things come of it.

Hello to julie, Linda, Diane, Innussiq, Tim, Katalina..Thanks for welcoming me. I hope to get the chance to know you all better.

Innussiq - you have a beautiful name. Is the first syllable stressed?

Diane - I smiled when I read what you said about having a similar experience to mine, watching Paul dance. Reading over past comments, many times, I have felt a connection/familiarity with what you were saying.I know what you mean about having 'outdated ideas' about what your life should be. About ten years ago, my life took an unexpected twist (my marriage broke up) and for a long time I felt that I had gone off on some strange tangent and was looking across at what my life could/should be. Over time I came to realise, accept and eventually celebrate the fact that the path I was on was my 'real' one and that if I had been able to continue in the direction I had been going in, that I would never have developed and grown into the person I am today. The opportunities for growth often went hand-in-hand with painful experiences, but I can honestly say that the rewards far outweighed the pain.

I hope things are/will be good for all of you this day.

Good wishes
Mary

OK, heres the deal. If the Cubs win tonight they go to the World Series. Hell is freezing over as we speak. I really don't think I could take it if they lose tonight and have to play a decisive 7th game. We light at least 15 candles at game time and Mike has worn the same shirt for every game since they got to the play-offs. Please, I want to wash that shirt! Send lots of good energy please, or maybe do a little creative visualization. I would appreciate it so much!

Paul, I loved the way you came across in the article, very honest and true to Who You Are. Except the part about the bonus material. The journalist did not give you the credit you deserved for standing up for yourself.

Love to the Corner, far and wide. Welcome to all the newbies! Wish you were all here, I'm baking oatmeal pecan cookies. I'll even make coffee.

Michelle/Chicago

I didn't think that through. If we win I still won't be able to wash the shirt until the World Series is over. Good thing his hygiene is exemplary.

Mich/Chi

I'm posting pics of my kids and my skinny self on the yahoo site...so take a look...I'm working on my weight to get back down. Also..the NOSE has been redone...Yippee...Of course that was done last year, now if onlythe weight would be the same.

Kat your PM is on it's way.
Hello to new Peter (unless old Peter is playing tricks on me again).
Mary thank you and my name is in-new- SIC emphasis on the last syllable.
Hey Michelle! Go Cubbies! Wouldn't it be nice to see that bit of history being made?
Tim, I'd like to see your photo. I can never find the add a photo link either. It doesn't seem to come up. Who knows.
Well take care all.
Peace

Paul, Just in case you haven't already worked it out, the Peter above is not me (Peter from Mittagong).
Great to see you in such fantastic spirits.

Hi Kat. Kung Fu was the best. I used to watch the re-runs late at night, after finishing night shift. I admire humble, with hidden wisdom and sting.

Stay well everyone at PC.

Inn, You posted just as I did. What's with the "old" bit???!!!

Hey, just stumbled on this (well more accurately, someone sent me a link) and I think that article is just absolutely great. It must be a weird feeling, but kudos. Certainly, it's one of the best pieces of perspective on the realities of being a performer and why we do it anyway that I've had in a while. Thanks. Very much.

-Racheline

should I have said "first" Peter?

So much to say today..Grandma here, happily out the hospital (a routine colonoscopy this a.m.,)everything's fine, and am encouraging all you young kids to get one...remember Katie Couric's crusade, after her 46 year old huband died of colon cancer? Tthe gastro docs have been so busy after the attention she got, that I had to wait 3 months, and today was the big day!

Welcome to the new PCers, Mary, Sally, Racheline,
and our new Peter..Peter, may we call you something that you approve of, a nickname, whatever, so not to confuse you with our other dear, dear, Peter from Mittagong?

Next topic...our handsome Timmer! Tim sent me the photos of him and his beautiful boys, and everyone watch out, our Timmer looks like the actor, James Garner, at the epitome of his career! What a lovely family, Timmer, and you, look at you!!!

The resemblance to Garner is almost uncanny. Garner is today about 74 years old, doesn't appear too much, but in his leading man days, he appeared with Julie Andrews in "Victor Victoria" Doris Day in "Move Over Darling" and with Sally Field in "Murphy's Romance" which can probably be rented. He's no stud muffin today like my Ellie, but then, I'm a bit prejudiced!

Next: The Cubs and the Marlins, last game tonight..what can I say, Michelle, you from Chicago and we from Florida...however, all I will say is because I cannot in all good conscience be rooting for the Marlins when that would be hurtful to a sweet fellow PCer, I will hereby proclaim that may the best team win!!! (There, does that work??)

Next: The article on Paul is fantastic...however, there is also a treasure trove of sites on Google.com pertaining to his role in TFM...he is mentioned in almost every article FIRST, as "Paul Mercurio, from Strictly Ballroom and the Sydney Dance Troupe..." There are even some pictures of him, one being the one where the guys are dressed in white boxer shorts, advertising the opening New Year's Eve! Paul, I am not prejudiced or anything but you definitely are the best looking guy, shorts and all!

Go to: Google.com and type in the search bar:
"Paul Mercurio and The Full Monty"

Have a good one, love to you all,

Grandma

Thanks for the hugs, Katalina.

Mary, I agree with you. With growth comes pain.

Welcome to Peter and Racheline.

Hello to our ever-charming and ageless Peter.

Michelle, I saw the photo in the L.A. Times today. There's still game 7, right? What kind of incantation can I perform to help you and the Cubs? I have no sports allegiances, so I can readily offer you my support.

Millie, maybe I'll consider the colonoscopy when I can switch to the digital mammogram. I imagine my doctor will recommend it anyway at my next annual exam.

Tim, I want to see those photos. I looked on the Yahoo site last night and didn't find them. James Garner, huh? Whoo Hoo! I always enjoyed his work, Millie.

Anyway, Evelyn told me long ago how I could get my photo up on the site, but I still can't manage it. Can't find the right button.

Good day to you all!

Thanks for your support Inn and Diane, the Cubs need all the help they can get! And Mil, I understand your position. No worries. Just remember this, the Marlins won it all in 1997 and the Cubs haven't won since 1908! Please God let us win tonight!

Mil, Mike and I both have had a colonoscopy. The prep is the only part I didn't like, but even that has gotten much better. I was surprised at how easy it was. I'm happy we did it, but glad to have it...behind me;)

Peter from Mittagong, isn't that where Paul used to live? By the way, instead of "old" or "first" I think we should give you something more fitting. How about Introspective Peter? Wouldn't that be fun to type with every post?

Hey Paul, it's almost the weekend for you! Of course here it is just another Hump Day. As opposed to SHIT Day. That would be So Happy Its Thursday.

Love to you,
Michelle/Chicago

Michelle/Chicago, if that's the case, I will happily cheer for the Cubbies...heck, I was a midwesterner once, and haven't forgotten my roots! Good luck, in 2 hours!

I forgot this was Hump Day...I was so busy in the hospital, I forgot. Thank God, I'm over my own private Hump Day. Yes, the prep is lousy, and I thought I would lose some weight by not eating for 24 hours and just drinking all that fluid, but surprise, I gained a couple of lbs! Back to the drawing board and the gym tomorrow!

Happy night with the games, everyone!

Love,

Grandma

Hello Paul, Kat and all the other wonderful people here. I appreciate all your kind words of welcome very much. I know I'll love it here...

Kat: Thanks for the hug! Even a mixed up one goes a long way. I'll take all I can get!

Michelle: What happened to our Cubbies in the 8th inning last night? Better have your Mike not change his underwear as well as his shirt if we're going to win this last game!

Peter: I, like you, was beside myself when I found Paul's site. Although I was a lurker until just a few days ago, I'm glad I'm here now. Everyone makes you feel welcome right off the bat!

Grandma: Thanks for the info on the Google search. I'm going there right after I leave here! By the way, I'm a Grammy myself. Have twin granddaughters 8 years old. We'll have to swap stories.

Tim and Diane: Thanks for the kind words.

If I missed anyone, please forgive me. I'll catch up with you sooner or later!

Take care.

Sally

Aunt Mil

You are TOO MUCH. It's funny you say James Garner, when I was growing up we'd appear in restaurants in these little towns in south Georgia and people would start staring at my dad and then come up to him and ask him for his autograph, thinking he was .....you guessed it James Garner. Now I think you're really pushing the envelope there, but you're incredibly sweet and I thank you for the compliment...even though I just don't get it. Speaking of the pic's I've tried to post them, but I can't find the add a photo button, so I sent them to Cat and maybe she'll post them. I'm most proud of my little tribe. They are beautfiul wonderful creatures and I love them with all my heart.

So glad everyone is doing well. Congrats on your colonoscopy Auntie Mil. I was scheduled for my second one in August, but I don't have any insurance at the moment. I'm required to have them yearly, but if you can't pay for them, they don't do them. So hopefully everything is ok. I took the little test you can take from the drugstore totest for blood and so far it's ok, so hopefully soon I'll have insurance and will be able to get my second plumbing job...They have got to be one of the most humiliating things you can have done next to a testicle examination and a sperm count after you've been vasectomized (a new word?).... LOL Hey I'm just honest here.
Then again, I prefer the vasectomy to adding more little tribesmen or women.

Feeling the love today...Happy in spirit. Hope you all are too.

peace and love around the world you guys...

take care and chat soon.

Timmer

Paul- I really enjoyed your article and what I found refreshing was your honesty and the way you shared experiences even the humbling ones that most people try to hide.
Hello to everyone Grandma Mil, Katalina (latte chick) Kei(could of used your help did some self hair chemistry and oops ugh, I am now a honey blond instead of a medium golden brown :( )
Mercedes

ps Paul try any good recipes lately?

Hi all,

I’ve been lurking here for a few days and feeding off all the positive thoughts this site gives off.

I needed to because it’s been a bad week in my world. Dragons. Big ones. One was that my mother just had a colonoscopy on Monday. The results weren’t good. The biopsy basically came back saying “Cut it out straight away and you might be okay”. The operation is tomorrow. If all goes well, she’ll be out of hospital in about ten days.

She had the colonoscopy because she was experiencing symptoms. Don’t wait people. Have regular checkups just like Grandma.

On a lighter note…….

So Paul, what’s your take on this newspaper article? Apart from the “Precocious antics” bit, PC seems to give it the thumbs up. For what it’s worth, I think “precocious antics” depends on whether you asked for an insultingly large number (eg $1,000,000) or whether you asked for an amount that you felt you had some chance of actually getting paid (even if it was “significant”). If you thought that it might get paid, then it sounds neither precocious nor principled to me. It just sounds like a guy who is looking to negotiate his share of what everybody agrees is a straightforward commercial venture. Fox can sell SB DVDs partially because you helped make it valuable. Where is the quid pro quo for you?

Whatever you might think of the article, it was the article that brought me here and I’m grateful for that. I’ve found some comfort here and I needed it. Thanks again Cat.

Brian

Michelle, ...come to think of it, I did spot a bloke fitting Paul's description in Mittagong a couple of years back.
Call me "intro" for short. On the other hand, please don't!

Diane, You're just TOOOOO gracious.

Here's something I wrote the other day.
It describes my "first contact" with a life long past.

I stand transfixed
This mind flooded
Dawned emotions,
So inefficient,
Unwanted

Let me see this clearly:
Is this to be a boundless joy,
Or sadness, awakened?

My eyes eagerly cursor the form
so very unknown to me,
Yet somehow familiar.
I am confused to the point of uselessness,
Truly lost

My heart begins to fill
with joy and excitement
Hope springs,
Yet the void is without bounds
and quickly empties

I fall again
My significance depletes

Those held locked away,
hidden so well to keep me safe
Now awaken to overwhelm me
I cannot make sense of it

Is this to be a blessing, or a curse?

On my way once more
I pretend
that nothing I have seen
Is real for me

Yet, deep inside
I can never be the same
Not then, not now

Which is real?

Oh please, self!
Don’t fail me
Make good of this
and keep me safe
another day,
until I may be strong

Hi everyone. It was so funny to read the posts after mine and all of the confusion between us two Peters! I do hope Peter from Mittagong will forgive me for diluting the uniqueness of his name :) Just call me Pete; that's what my family and friends call me. Thanks for the welcome from everyone - that was very kind of y'all.

Since Grandma Mil brought up the subject of colonoscopies I thought I'd put in my 2 cents worth (this is so hilarious to me that we're discussing this on Paul's web site of all places, hehehehe). I agree that it is good to get a check-up every so often. However, it's even better to practice prevention. Eating high fiber foods and/or supplements and cutting down on processed and refined foods can help prevent colon cancer because these types of foods tend to "clog the pipes" so to speak and thus encourage cancerous growths. What I have also found to be helpful is to have a professional colonic irrigation done every few months, supplemented by at home jobs between appointments with my therapist. I feel so much better and I'm very regular, 'ahem'.

Anyway, I won't go into any more detail in order to spare those with weaker stomachs. Suffice it to say that Grandma Mil has made a very good point, seconded by Brian and Tim, that it would be good for everyone to heed. That said, I'm glad to be involved with such a lively and friendly group. I look forward to checking up on you guys.

Pete

Gee Pete,

Colonic Irrigation?

It sounds so....... Californian.

(Not that there is anything wrong with that.)

I might just stick with the "Special K".

Brian

Oh, and I had SO many other options by which to distinguish Peter from Pete. DAMN it. Ah well...they can just go into my book then. (make ya nervous? heeheehee). Welcome, Pete...and a squeeze to my dear friend Peter.

Gawd...where to begin?
Paul - great article...Millie sent it directly to my email and I thank her immensely!

Sara - It can be so hard to not draw in the nasty things people say about us. Try to hold it out, away from you, examine it, see if you agree, THEN let it in, or exclude it. Your choice. Good luck, and yes, the angels are everwhere and ALL they want to do is help. So ask for it. You deserve it.

Inn - Your mother needs a copy of "The Mastery of Love". It's a quick read, and really speaks VOLUMES (if she'll hear it) about what it means to love yourself and others. Speaks bigtime on the judgemental side and what it says about your own self, etc. Have you read "The Four Agreements"? These books are both written by Don Miguel Ruiz, and can be found on Amazon for like $7 each. I am telling you, these are PHENOMENAL. With the four agreements, I read one chapter, and put the book down for a week and just worked on that agreement--saw where it fit, or where I could have fit it if I'd chosen--into my life. WOWza.

Bluedog - Ah, cat puke. Is there ANYTHING better to wake up to in the early morning? Oh yes, STEPPING in it (or on the dragged in field mouse). Bleah! (See Katalina's previous post making the cat barf noises. Stunning performance.)

Michelle the Cubs Fan - Girl...WASH THE SHIRT, IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER! ;-) I live with a hockey freak. It's disgusting.

Mil - Goodonya for the ole scope. I have that to look forward to. AND, Victor/Victoria is one of my favorite movies! GO, Julie, go Julie...

Hi Mary! And welcome to those who just posted recently as well...(hiding her face a bit because she KNOWS she sounds certifiable in a few past--ok, maybe more than a few--posts. Eek!)

Hugs all around. It's 8:33am and I've only had ONE cup of freaking coffee. I may die soon.

Depleted Dhiana

Peter, ohmygod, YES, YES, YES!!! (Um, that's not what it sounds like, honest!)

I'm talking about the poem...ohmygod, yes... you've captured it, exactly..."uselessness", the combined joy and sadness that NOW you can't continue living as you were, that now you have KNOWLEDGE of more, that you are changed by this, no matter how often you try to tell yourself that it wasn't "real", can't be, was the lighting, you were tired...etc. (I've even blamed an on-coming migraine headache on what I was seeing in my peripheral vision...but the headache never came. The image stayed, however. Yikes.)

I hear ya, mate. That is perfect. Thank you for sharing this.

Dhi

Hello and welcome to Brian! Hello Pete!Colonics...never. I'm one of those folks who never goes to the Dr. I've had walking (misnomer)pneumonia twice b/c I wouldn't go to the Dr. when I had a bronchitis attack. I'm sure I will die from not catching something sooner but I've been poked too many times so there you have it. Peter, just a lovely poem. Thanks for that.
Dhiana sadly my mother is a lost cause. I'm sure she has never read a book entirely and at 72 she is convinced that she is right in what she does. The rest of us just grin and bear it.
Hello to all on PC. Hi Kat Babay!
Peace

Dhi: you cracked me up again...yik blech...colonics. She said colonics..he he-heh!
Seriously...it's supposed to be ahhh...helpful...to some..especially those considering going vegan...so I've read/been told. Hmmmmmm. I must admit I was curious and discreetly visited some sites about it and shockingly enough....they post pics on this disgusting ...uhhmmmmm...material inside our miles of intestines. scary thought.
It changed my view of eating meat.
I still do, but certainly not in the same amounts I did before....or portions. I am definitely into fruitas, vegetables and rye and oh ye...Special K...LOLOL now.

They should place warnings on those images!!

Hugs to the PC.
Hi Innbaby. Guess what? .. GOT RAIN!!!
Oh ye. We have it now! The dry spell is overrrrrr.

Katalina

Hi Peterrrrrr. Welcome "just" Pete! *grinn*

Hugz,
latte chiquita,

Katalina

Hi Peterrrrrr. Welcome "just" Pete! *grinn*

Hugz,
latte chiquita,

Katalina

knew i shoulda trusted hitting that POST button once.
system is slo....i got impatient. LOL
"patience grasshopper!!!"

sorry folks for the double post.

Kat-astrophe

Hi Paul, Cat and everyone else!

My goodness, I can't even remember when the last time I had a chance to read some of this site - it truly has expanded since then!!!

I have to say that the article is quite to the point! It sums up a lot of the info available in the posts of this site, which is pretty incredible considering that they didn't "fluff" up things to make them easily digestible so people can just pass them over!

Although it may be very revealing of your life Paul, it is great that you are sharing your ups and downs in life with us - it takes a strong individual to do so.

I am not certain I could reveal so much and I'm not known to people other than my family, friends and coworkers!!! :-)

It also makes us "unknowns" realize that life isn't always better just because you are "famous!"

Hopefully it will give Baz and "the industry" a ding. It is shameful how people are used.

Unfortunately it happens, and it happens in many industries to different extents, but in show business it seems to be the most obvious and most publicized. Good for you Paul to stand up to them (even if they didn't bend!)

I guess that's my two cents! :-)

Take care everyone,

Carol xoxo

Hello to everyone here. Hope all is well.

Paul - I picked up a copy of the Full Monty on DVD today at a bargain price. I had forgotten how funny it was! I'm sure it will be a smash hit in Australia and you along with it. I hope you take them all by storm.

Grandma Mil - Thanks for the welcome. The sites you suggested were really great. It is so good to see Paul's name in such high profile. He deserves the coverage so much. By the way, thanks for recommending the teachwithmovies.org site a while back. I know from catching up on old comments that you were a teacher for a long time. I teach 11/12 year olds (I love it) and hope to show them SB next week as a mid-term treat. I feel they will learn a lot from it.

Tim - again from catching up, I know you've had difficult times in your life. It is so good to see you in such good form. I admire the way you always had something positive to say to others even when things were not going well for you yourself. And I have to tell you that the love and affection that people obviously feel for you here always made me believe that things would get better for you. Long may it continue.

Dhiana - thanks for the 'Hi'and for what it's worth, I have absolutely LOVED reading your comments. They are like bolts of positive energy - an instant tonic! You have made me laugh so many times. Thanks.

Sally, Pete, Racheline and Brian - I am new here like yourselves. Aren't the vibes really good here? And Michelle/Chicago - thanks for your welcome.

Brian - I wish your mother the best with her operation.

Take good care all of you wherever you are.

Mary

Hi guys..
I've got to vent...just when you think you're going well...
Here's the skinny.
I was guaranteed a base which has been raised 3 times now. Today I was working on the accounting work in the studio and I saw my payroll information. My boss just changed my amount. He gave me my commission and just routinely shaved off some of my salary. I worked over 100 hours this past two week pay period. I worked a lot on the floor and deserve every dime of the commission. What the fuck?!? I confronted him and he said, well...I looked at your hours and how much you did on the floor and...blah blah blah. Didn't matter to me. He had an agreement and he just blew it the fuck out of the water.
There was no methodology to it...just a rounded number..Ok this is what we're going to pay Timmer this week. So what am I supposed to make next week? I'm so mad I could spit nails from here to Sydney. Fuck em all.
FUCK THEM ALL...Nasty ass bastards...you cannot trust ANY FUCKING PERSON YOU EVER WORK FOR..
They drop a carrot on the floor and you bend over to get it and then they go at ya like a bunny rabbit on speed.

Jesus christ what is it with this fucking world?

One mad as hell Tim

Hi all
I was just gone a couple of days and being away from you guys just seem like a life time. Look at all that I missed. I really miss you all.

Paul the article was really great! You have been a blessing to me. Thank you for being you and thank you Cat for this site. I had started to write this long long long long long long long long post to explain to everyone here at the corner why you all mean so much to me. I thought I could do it. I guess today is the day.Perhaps another time. I love you guys and I thank each and every one of you that post so freely and honestly here. It encourages me, supports me, and gives me those special hugs and laughter I need so much in my life. Huggz and kisses to you guys

Peter
Keep that pen moving:-) Feeling ya!

Mercedes(laughing :-D)
What is your natural hair color? Do you have any other processes in your hair? if so, what are they? What brand of color did you buy(permanent or semi)? Sorry about your little
foo-pa! I hope I can help! :-)

To The Cub's Fans!
Sorry about the cubs game. Hey, I was watching the news and they were talking about a man that they wouldn't let into a cubs game years ago, with his goat. Well they said this man put a hex on the cubs..........(laughing)..................... sorry! And every since then , they think that's why they have been jinxed. I know so many people are upset, but give the cubs fan guy a break! And I (laughing) And I don't mean his legs!

Goodnight all!
Kei

Ps.
Or his arms either.

Ps again.
How do you put you pictures up? Cat should I send them to you through email? Let me know please! Thanks again, and take care all and hello to all the newcomers,WELCOME! :-D

gee I hate to go right after Tim's tirade without any constructive advice. I guess in my position which is similar to yours, raising two young children, I would just take the boning and try to find a better place to work. Sorry.
Michelle I feel your pain. Watching that game last night made me cry. It was a shame they came so close. Well, there is always next year. Sorry.
Hi Grandma Mil, Whit, Pete, Peter,Brian, and all.
Peace.

Hi it's me again!:-)
I just read my post and I meant to say today Is Not the day to tell my story. After reading my post, I realized that I sound a little like Smegole( I think I spelled it wrong. You guys get the point!:-)) On that note, anyone making plans for LOTR 3( Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of the King) I can't wait!

Ok! Now it's really goodnite!:-)

Brian, here are good wishes I am sending to you and to your Mum. I truly hope she is 100% after the op!!! Welcome also - we are all here to give support, winge, laugh and cry with each other. My thoughts on the article are coming but for the record the fee asked was a fair fee for what they were asking. Of course it was probably considered over the top because they were planning to pay me $0.00 so anything above that would probably have been seen to be unreasonable. I hope they make the profits they were hoping to.

Welcome also to Pete.

Peter, blessings and curses somehow to me seem to be the same thing. What actually makes them different is how we see them and take them and use them.

Curse me if you will for blessed will I be!:)

Tim, a beautiful piece of cussing and venting - well done. What do those shits know anyway??? They dont know you like we know you, they dont love you, like we love you, they might not even respect you like we respect you!!! So is it a blessing or a curse on you to be there? Find the good space, sort out the bad space. I am glad you vented here - for to vommit that stuff at work would not be so good but now it is out go back in there a sort it out and get an agreement, and get it on fucking paper! That way it is black and white, you know what you are getting, you know what to expect - and then the carrots are just for fun!

Tim- I know how you feel to be f@#$ing pissed off, I got layed off my job not because I could not do it but because I am nice and not asshole and dont treat people like shit. so there is my ex boss acting like he gives two shits about me when in reality I am just a number that can replaced like any other number.

Tim- hope things improve for you in the work front and that is all I can say because sounds like your boss really sucks ______( you fill in the blank).

Kei- my hair naturally is a golden brown, I swim 2hrs five times/week so chlorine is not my friend :[ I do take good care of my hair but when i did the dye ( permanent by the way) it just dried out so snip, snip, snip 3inches gone. I feel like sampson now no strength (just kidding). HOw long should I wait before i attempt to do hair again. Oh I used Feria golden brown mixed with iridescent brown ( discovered there was red in the iridescent so I wont use that one again.) sorry to blab trying to make myself feel better.

Mercedes

Hello everyone,

I know I've been very bad at checking in and seeing what my friends here are up to. And amazingly enough - I actually forget what a great bunch of folks are here, and how great it is to be part of this community *BAD ME*

Tim - sorry to hear that you're getting it from "the man" work sucks - and as a writer I could strigh together an impressive string of expletives - but i won't I've been trying to keep it PG-13 lately.

Paul - to you I jsut want to say it's about frelling time that things "finally came around" for you!!! It couldn't have happened to a cooler dude. And yes even at your age you can still be considered a dude. My BF of 8 years is 40 and he is a dude. (But truth be told - me and my girlfriends - we are the true dudes.)

Anyways - I NEED to keep up here. It's really exploded since the begining - insane... Paul you (and Cat) have created a really great community. Too bad we don't have like a chat thing. That would be too much fun. We'd all be talking at the same time - it would be chaos - but fantastic chaos it would be.

Anyhoo - I best get back to work - I'm still writing writing writing... But that is what writers do. Even if my works never go anywhere, at least I put them out there. Disapointment is can live with - but regret... Truth rings in that thought.

Well I've missed you all - even if you have all probably forgotten who the hell I am. ;)
It's ok though, I'm all for fresh starts!

Charlie

It's 4am here. Couldn't sleep well last night. Thanks for letting me vent. Thanks everybody for your attaboy's and confidence in me.
My first reaction is of course to walk in and quit, but like Paul said...which is the curse. Some money is better than no money. I am going to be a big boy about this and just explain in a non irrational manner what my needs are and what I can do for them in in a normal work week. No more 50 and 60 hour weeks especially ifI'm not paid for it. I should keep my thoughts to PG-13 but sometimes I just can't. Hope no one was offended.
Hey...Cat put my pics up...my beautiful children..you gotta see em, and my skinny self that I'm working on becoming once again. Still losing weight. So that's a positive thing.
Brian, I too hope everything goes ok in the operation. I lost my mom 6 years ago to a brain aneurysm, no notice and total shock. Your mom is doing the right thing and perhaps it's early I'm hoping so for you. It's a reminder that anyone over 35 must see their DR. You have to undergo certain tests yearly or so to ensure that your body is still perculating correctly. My thoughts are with you. Give your mom a big PC group hug from all of us and tell her we are thinking positive thoughts. I say that for us all because I know everyone here would agree without exception.

Ok...a much better Timmer here. A little sleep and a better attitude to go in to work with. It's me I'm working for not them.

Good morning everyone even Paul and Peter huh?

love and peace

Tim

Tim - love ya man! Do what it takes, take what ya do - be you, be positive and look after yourself.

To everyone - I found out a friend of mine - Richard - had a very severe heart attack on last Sunday night. He is in hospital in a very bad way. I bumped in to his two sons today who told me about him - very brave and very difficult.

I would ask all my friends here to say a wish for Richards successful and complete recovery. He is still in a coma and I am sure he will hear our thoughts, our prayers and salutations.

Richard I wish you well, I wish you health.
Love Paul

Dearest Timmer,

Auntie Mil, here...you can't go wrong by taking Paul's advice (and listening to your gut feeling) in going on with your job in spite of the financial setback. You are very talented in what you do, and later, you can negotiate again.. think of the old adage, "you can get more bees with honey rather than vinegar..." (you get my drift!)

Brian, our prayers and best wishes for your mother's complete recovery. Like Tim said, it's imperative that you youngsters take charge of your health early.

There are so many new diagnostic tools today, take advantage, especially starting in your 30s and 40s, but be aware, informed, (the Internet is a treasure trove of health information) and ask questions!

Dr. Millie says that in order to keep your "pipes" clean, eat at least 25 grams of fiber each day, from high fiber content fruits, and veggies, high fiber cereals and breads....none of those sugary cereals ( not even for the kids) and no white bread! (There, I've said it and I'm glad!)

Now, it's on to the World Series playoffs on Saturday. We've lived in Florida in retirement 12 years, but lived in New York for 38 years of our married life. Ellie lived in the Bronx as a kid, and went many times to Yankee Stadium for the big games. So again, may the best team win!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Peace and Love,

Grandma

Thanks everyone for the positive thoughts and good wishes for my mom.

We all went in this morning and she saw the surgeon who was going to do the cutting for the first time. (That’s what you get when there’s a rush I guess). He wanted to do his own exam before getting out the knife.

To make a long story short…….

He didn’t operate today because he doesn’t feel she needs the whole big operation. A simple overnight stay procedure with some special toy should do the job better and with fewer complications. (Of course there is only one of these in the state and it’s at a different hospital so she’s been rescheduled.)

Still, he made the whole thing sound very routine and gave us odds of 95% that he could get it all out with no cancer spreading. So instead of spending the day under a big knife with a “2 or 3 percent chance” of dying on the table……..

…..she went shopping with her older sister.

Today was a GOOD day!

All those positive thoughts and good wishes did the trick here and now I don’t want to hog them. I’m going to hang on to a few for this “little” op and hand the rest out to anyone who needs them.

Tim. I’m sending some your way so that your boss appreciates you.
Paul. TFM and the beer place. Each gets a full set of wishes from me.
Evelyn. A set for you and your student with the closed mind.

Now just a minute, I need to check how many I have left in the bag…….

Hummm????
That’s strange….
I gave some to a little girl with a burnt hand today. I gave one, two, three, four away to PCers. I should be running low, but now that I look, I have more left than I started with. Does it always work this way?

Good wishes to everyone!!!

Paul,

I didn't see your post until after I sent mine.

Richard can have the whole bag mate.

Brian

Best healing thoughts to all those in need. I will take on some extra pain today if the powers that be need to redistribute. I'm so stoked. I'm going to see the RCMP Musical Ride tonight. I can't wait. I hope I can get a picture with a Mountie!
Welcome back Charlie!
Grandma Mil, I was raised on the Yankees and spent many afternoons at the games. My fav was Thurman Munson. When he died my sister called me long distance and we cried together. He was a great guy. So, I'm with the Yanks. But I sure would have loved to have seen the Cubbies take it.
Ok, not being sad today. Have lots to do so peace and love to you all.

wishes going out to all of PC today/tonight, and to Tim, and especially to Brian's mom and family, and to Richard (and his family).

Keeping everyone in the highest, most peaceful, loving thoughts today.

(((((((hugs)))))))
Katalina

Inn: hi dear.. i think we posted same time.
*smile*
see? synchronicity!

hugznluvz
Kat

To whomever:

The quote is "I fahhhrt in your general direction!" haHA!

*poof*

Gosh, I've been neglecting the Corner!

Paul, I read the second article and loved it. It was sincere and insightful. I really think it was well done.

Tim, I think of you often and am ever thankful that things are looking way up!!!! And I agree on the filling out thing. It's a different look, but equally, and sometimes even more, attractive. Look at Cuba Gooding Jr in "Boyz in the Hood" and look at him now. He filled out very nicely!

I may not be able to catch up with 81 messages already posted to this thread, but I'll read more as I can.

Jenny, I've never been able to find your post concerning the loss of your grandma and your struggle with letting things go. I'm going through that too. I'm glad you had such an awesome experience coming home. It sounds like that illusive peace that surpasses understanding.

Love to Paul and All and a special "I love you" to Grandma Mil, Tim and Ev.

Inn, please dont take on any extra pain - although I thank you and appreciate the thought. Perhaps you could soak up a bit of extra love and send some of the spare stuff out to those in need? I hate the thought of you in pain or any of our friends but hey we need to endure our own stuff and lets face it we are always looking to fix ourselves and rid ourselves of the unhealthy (painfull) stuff.

But lets not take anyone else's on instead lets help them release it.

Ps. I know I am taking your comment way too literally but off the cuff this is my reaction
xo

Hi Paul,
I would like to say that Strictly Ballroom still remains one of my favourite film's of all time. Though at the time its message was quite simple it delivered us (the public) an inspirational message "to never give -no matter how difficult it can get". Keep on making great movies. Best of luck in the future.

Stevie

To Richard...all my best buddy. If the cyber waves can reach your mind hear this loud and clear. Your boys love you and want you with them. It ain't time to leave. Take your time in your relaxed state and let your body heal and come on back and join your family. That's my wish for you!! We all love Paul here and he asked us to send you a special greeting and if you mean something to him then by george you mean something to us.

I'm very proud of myself you guys. I confronted my boss and told him that randomly selecting my pay was not acceptable and we would have to sit down next week and determine exactly what he wanted to do so I could plan what I needed todo. I said I can't work exorbatant hours and train people and work on the floor and all these other things and expect a large check and not get it. He shorted me $300. My two prescriptions I have yet to pick up are $189 and $179. I told him that too. I told him that I had been keeping track of what I was doing and had scheduled to make that purchase on my payday and whoops it just wasn't there. I wasn't rude nor did my voice ever go up. Fucking amazing for me. It's like I've moved over into a whole new person. The old me would have held it in, built up tons of negative energy and eventually erupted at something. I threw his problem back on him. I'm still not happy with the treatment nor will I ever be, but he's the shit...not me. Unfortunately it removes all trust Ihad in these people. Damn it all. But I'm going to keep forging ahead. Positive things do happen to those who persevere and do good things for others.

Hey Whit did you see my pics???? Well????
Aren't my babies the bomb???? Proud poppa here thinks they are.

Thank you Cat and Paul for the gift of the pics. That's really awesome..One more tiny request. Update your family picture Paul...we want to see your beautiful girls. all four of them.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Love and peace to everybody and a huge group hug. And for those that are ill out there. Our spirits are with you. You are NOT ALONE. We're here for you just TYPE...

Love you guys.

Tim

Welcome back, Charlie. I didn't forget you. In fact, I've been wondering where you were. Anyone heard from Angie or Mysti or some of our other friends from earlier days?

Hi, Carol! Glad to hear from you again, too.

Mercedes, I'm going to wish for you a wonderful new opportunity. When one doors closes another one opens!

Brian, that's good news about your mother. I will send her and you good wishes for the smaller operation and a quick recovery.

Paul, I'm so sorry about your friend Richard's condition. Each week at shabbat services we pray for those who need healing. I will name Richard for those healing prayers next Friday. If you feel comfortable giving it, would you let us know his surname? Of course, I will offer my prayers each day for him and his family.

Welllll... we made it through the expo in which we presented our tutoring business to the public for the first time. Response was good, we gave out lots of brochures and freebees, and we collected about a dozen interest cards. Oh, myyy God. Now we have to deliver.

Out with the dogs I go. Love to all.

Diane -eek! Cool for you guys! How very exciting...

Timmer - I hesitate to say this over a public medium for fear the Federales will come take me away, but your babies are GORGEOUS! Oh, that darling little princess of yours...I could just Eat. Her. Up. And YOU!!!Um, excuse me, but that's not you...it can't be. You're all cheekbones and swarthyness and, awe hell...THIN! You've really done well by yourself, friend. Enjoy your life. And congrad's on the New Employee You (you know, the one with the balls?)...it's amazing to just put out there what your expectations are and put it back onto the other person who is responsible for it. I think.

Wait, I came back to this thread for a reason...hrm...um...ok...pumpkin spice coffee is calling my name.

Hugs to all...
Dhi

When I started looking for your website, I came across a person named Paul Mecurio. (only one "R" in his name, although he can be found on the web with both spellings) He is some obnoxious talk show host in New York. His lastest excapade got him in trouble. It seems that a couple were doing it in St. Peter's Cathedral. This person was on the the air giving a blow by blow description. I was shocked. But I did find out that this wasn't you, and I am glad. Your are above that.

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