Paul's Corner

Paul,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, you beat me to the punch, I wanted to post a happy birthday message before you said anything. (i guess I did a couple weeks ago(, anyway, happy happy happy day!!!

It's wonderful that you are in such a wonderful place in your life siritually and emotionaly and are looking forward to the future no matter what it holds for you. A positive attitude is 75% of the battle, and journey, and I know !! Bless you and your family on this joyous day. You are the same age as my husband so you you are really not TOO old, ya know. Men are sexiest in their 40's. They are pretty much over the "I'm a mocho guy look at me, phase, and somehow have relazed into, "I'm a confidant loving family man and I am happy and proud to be here" All while having noticeable less hair and a larger torso. That's what I find sexiest about my husband. His confidence in his changes and and his embracing of life, at any age. He's such a gourgeous stud! 18 years together and going strong. Oh, wait, this is about you! Sorry. Happy birthday, I am glad you are in a place you can enjoy it and look forward and wlecolme the future no matter what it has to hold.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!! YOU OLD MAN! hehe :)

I think I need to go find my husband, now.

Kelly :)

Dearest Paul,

Tomorrow you will rate as my youngest child. Will that help? You'll be hearing from me...

Kelly, I agree that men are very sexy at 40, but 73 ain't chopped liver either! You'll have lots to look forward to, so live,love and be happy always, everyone!

My husband Ellie has already earned the title on PC as "Stud Muffin" and "Eye Candy for The Masses" and, in honor of Paul's birthday tomorrow, gladly relinquishes those titles to Paul, for the day only!

Love and Peace,

The Mil

o.k., I'm back from "finding" my husband....

Mil you and ellie are an inspiration, and a beautiful couple. I know Tom and I are in it for the long haul, we can't imagine life without the other. I love that I can still feel this way after 18 years of living together. 15 married, this year. Although not all the years were all love and glory. I am happy for the place we are in and the love that we share. I am not the person I am today if it were not for him and the same goes for him. I can't help loving life right now. That may change after I get to work!! There are too many great things that lie ahead in life. I just know they are around the corner. I can't wait to find them!! Sorry I alwasy get this giddy when baseball and football season rolls around. (my son is quite the little jock, like his dad) And it doesn't hurt my beautiful daughter has brought up her grades, and is trying even harder to bring them up more. (we had conferences at school last night)

Gotta get Paige to the bus. peace and love , hugs and kisses..

Kelly

Happy Birthday to the man who is a constantly changing wonder.

I raise my morning protien shake to give a toast, may this be the best year of you life.

I take that back, this WILL be the best year of your life Paul.

Cheers!

Happy birthday! Birthdays are a great time to reflect on the past year. I can't remember the last time I had a birthday and thought, Yeah, this is where I thought I'd be at this point in my life. But usually I'm pretty happy about them.

And make sure to have a big piece of your favorite cake today because you only have birthdays once a year!

To Paul,(Read - he who has the wisdom and experience of a forty-one year old soul and the body of a thirty-two year-old!)

I reckon you have the balance right - youthful, wise, mature, constant, changing - in all the right places. I wish you Birth Day joy, hope, peace, health and wonder! May it just get better and better!!

Love and best wishes to you,
Mary

Hello Paul,

First of all I'd like to wish you a very happy Birthday!!

I discovered this side a few weeks ago and I think it's realy great!!
Every time I visited it, I wanted to post a comment and tell you how you have (in some kind of way) changed my life a little bit, but I did't know how to say the things I wanted to say.
I really didn't know how to begin, so I thought: " Happy Birthday is a very good opening sentence"

I am from the Netherlands and it's been almost ten years ago since I wrote something down in English, so my English is not that very good anymore!! (probably with a lot of spelling-mistakes). But I'll give it a try.

When I was sixteen I saw Stricktly Ballroom for the first time, I was taking dancing lessens and I saw almost every dancing movie there was.
But Stricktly Ballroom certainly was the best.
(There was a realy good actor playing in it :-) )

A few weeks ago I bought the movie on DVD (because of that good actor), and those few words that were comming back a few times in the movie realy woke me up!

" A life lived in fear is a life half lived "

I live(d) in fear every day.
It all started almost a year ago, last summer (In the Netherlands in July) on the first day of my holiday.
I was walking down the drugstore and suddenly I felt very strange.
People were talking to me, but I didn't understand what they were saying, I only heard echo's. I tried to talk back, but I couldn't.
I couldn't move the left side of my body, my leg, arm, and face were paralised.
I went to the hospital and the doctors discovered that something went very wrong inside my head. I had a stroke.!!
Can you believe that, I was only 25 years old!!
The doctors gave me medicines to make my blood thinner. And fortunatly things are getting very well! But I live(d) in fear every day!!
The first few weeks I was so scared that it would happen again, I was so scared that I couldn't go to sleep at night, I was afraid I'd never woke up again.

Since I have seen your movie again, something realy made sence to me!
I live my life in fear for almost a year now, but why????????
It never happend again, and it probably will never happen again, because i'm still using medicines.

I know it's just a movie (a very nice one), but I realy wanted to thank you for giving me (in some sort of way) the inspiration to think a little bit more positive about life.

I hope you like my story and that I am allowed to comment here more often, not because I am feeling pity for my self, (I realy don't, I think it's a gift that I am still alife) but to share information. I hope my Enlish was good enough te express myself.

With love from Monika...

PAUL
A quote for your Birthday!
If we celebrate the years behind us they become stepping stones of strength and joy for the years ahead.

Monika - Welcome to PC.
What a lovely tribute to Paul & SB.

Miracles happen. I have a Sis & Soul Mate named Pat. She has an anurism on her brain that has a 'bandaid' on it. The doctor's told her at the time that she could die in a heartbeat. That was 14 years ago. She thanks the Lord every morning for a day of life.

Gran Mil
I thought every day at Wal-Mart was a sale day.

Hi to all here at PC

Take Care
Marge

Paul
Sturgis South Dakota is a small town of about 20,000 people. Each year for one week that population grows to about 450,000. It's the annual Biker rally
Stugis, at it's core, is a time for people to come together to celebrate the freedom of life. The freedom to truly live life in the moment is a celebration of the human spirit and a privilege we all enjoy as Americans. This is Sturgis Bike Week.

Upon arrival, riders are given an opportunity to trade in a year's worth of responsibilities, deadlines and headaches for one week of pure, unadulterated freedom; the freedom to enjoy the area's majestic rides, world-class party atmosphere and distinctive, Midwest hospitality that makes Sturgis the “Mecca” for motorcyclists around the world.

Thought this might be interesting if you haven't already heard about it.

Love to you,
Maarge

Paul,

Aren't birthday's a great day to reflect?! To see where you've been but also to look forward to the future. Even though sometimes the future looks uncertain--that is just part of the excitement! You never know what the universe has in store for you (okay, here's the mushy part) but you are such a kind and talented person it has to be something great!! And to any casting directors who might be reading through these posts, you'd be CRAZY not to hire this man!!

I hold firm to "you are only as old as you feel"! I, personally, only acknowledge my age on my birthday and only then because it is forced upon me by my loving sisters who take great delight in reminding their baby sister of her age by torturing her with b'day cards that have sayings like "hurry blow out the candles before the glow of the candles blinds us". But I could swear every other day of the year I am still the wild 21 year old girl I was a few b'days ago!! :?)

Enjoy your day knowing that many toasts will be raised in your honor today--Happy Birthday!!

Lori

PS: Welcome to Monika!! You will find that even those of us who speak English aren't always the best at putting our feelings into words!! Your words were wonderful! Thank you for sharing!

Marge, it's time for Sturgis already? I am way out of the loop!! I have never been but have seen some "interesting" pictures of my friends who have!! :?)

Hello to everyone!! :?)

Paul, Yep...as old as the woman you feel.

Happy birthday young man. Celebrate your existence and enjoy the day in every way.

Peter

Lori
Sturgis Biker week is August 9-15 2004.

Marge

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAUL!

Birthdays seem to creep up on you when you're not looking, don't they? But, it's only a number and as you wished me birthday happiness not too long ago, you said we were truly "ageless", and it's a thought I will keep with me forever. So, I am returning all the happiness you gave to me right back atcha!

My son-in-law just turned 40 a week ago. We had the big "Over the Hill" themed birthday party with lots of gag gifts, black baloons, the whole nine yards. We thought he might have his mid-life crisis right then and there, but do you know what he said? He said he was happy with his life and where he is today. He has the family he always wanted. He has work that he likes, and even though he skids by on the seat of his pants at bill time, he is happy.

So, Paul, when you look back at all you have done and all that you are, be happy. You have made this world a better place and I thank you.

Your horoscope for today said "Your inner illumination attracts the most loving people to you this year. Contributions and changes you make have long-lasting lucky results. There is much to like about you, so practice being kinder towards yourself."

So, be kind to yourself tonight and have a very Happy Birthday.

Sally

Paul, Happy 32.5!!

Happy Birthday!

As someone who has enjoyed her 29th birthday (again), 32 sounds like a good year too!

Caught you on the DIVA channel, Welcome to the Woop Woop. You should have been the lead in that one! It was sad to see you run up the mountain.

Take care!

Hi PJM,

Happy B'day young man!! Hum, hum, hum, hum to you, hum, hum, hum, hum, to you, hum, hum, hum, hum dear Paul, hum, hum, hum, hum, to you!! Relax, enjoy, hoist a Coopers.

This day is nicer for us because it is a celebration of you!! Kiss the wife, hug the girls, eat that chocolate b'day cake for me.

Love to you on your very special day.

J.

Welcome Monika and thankyou for your thoughts. We all look forward to hearing from you again. Life is not really living if you do so with fear as you have found out - so GO GIRL! live it with love, joy and gay abandon!!

Thaks for your thoughts every one I am going out now to find a big piece of Cheese cake! Baked of course - that is my favourite. I usually bake one myself for my birth day but as Elise is away on school camp I may wait for return so we can bake it together.

I hope it's chocolate cheesecake. UM-UM GOOD!!!
Forget the b'day candles on the cake, 'cause we just may need to call the fire department to put them out!!! Safety first, I say.

A special welcome to Miss Monika.
J.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,PAUL!

I raise a slice of cheesecake in your honor!

birthday hugs and smiles,
Sally

Happy Birthday!

Have a superfantastical day Birthday Boy.

Paul asks: "Question: do I turn a year older on the day - that sounds like a lot to carry - a whole year in a day?!?!?"

This depends on the School of Thought to which you prescribe with regard to Aging: Fractions or All-or-Nothing.

I the All-or-Nothing School of Thought, yes, unfortunately, you do get 1 whole year older in 1 day.

I myself prefer the Fractions school of thought, which allows each person to age incrementally and becomes 0.00274 (1/365) year older each day. With this method of accrual and age amortization, the weight of Aging is spread out evenly over the entire year thus reducing the burden of the entire accumulation in one day.

This method is used also by money fund managers, who highly recommend that you should contribute to your investment funds incrementally and regularly so that they too will have incremental and regular paychecks. It is also how the government tax services work, taking taxes out of your pay check incrementally and regularly so that the government can continue to spend increment and regularly. Indeed, that is what makes the world go round. Clearly, if it works for the finance industry and for the governmen -- one should not easily dismiss this method at hand.

The only problem I find with the Fractions method as applied to Aging is that it can be troublesome to exact Birthday presents everyday out of the year. Most people do not see the evident significance in celebrating becoming 0.00274 year older. This situation is not helped any by Hallmarks' refusal to issue Happy Birthday cards for 40.00274, 40.005479, 40.008219, etc year olds.

I find also that hitting up friends and office mates daily for Birthday gifts tends to make them somewhat testy. What, again? is their standard reply.

You certainly find out pretty damn quick who your real friends are, is all I can say.

Addendum

A well-established method of hitting up friends for Birthday presents in the Fractions method is to rotate your friends in a round-robin manner. For this to be effective, one is required to have a minimum of 365 friends who are willing to give 1 gift per year. It is also a good incentive to "go out and meet people", as one is normally exhorted to do in order to maintain a well-balanced social agenda.

Monika,

Your English is EXCELLENT, certainly better than my Dutch. The honesty with which you tell your story is deeply touching to me. All my very best to you for a complete and full recovery!

Happy B-day Paul!!
Got any interesting gifts on this fine day? I mean besides great health and beautiful family and those are important but it is still always fun to get a gift. :)

Grandma Mil,

Are you sure Paul is ready to wear Elie's "Stud Muffin" mantle? Perhaps he should be eased into it first with the "Eye Candy for The Masses" mantle for a few days, see how it shakes out, before taking the big jump.

Do you remember the last time you lent Elie's "Stud Muffin" mantle to Richard Gere? He was catatonic for a week! That's why all the L.A. agents make you sign that Legal clause of "No Stud Muffin" for all their clients. Remember that!?

I'm not trying to put a damper on any parade here and I know how much Paul must look forward to wearing that world-renown and internationally-coveted mantle of Elie's, but I'd really hate to see you and Elie on Hard Copy again like after that Richard Gere incident.

Mil,

The 'l' letter on my keyboard must have been stuck. Elliot's name 'Elie' keeps getting mistyped with 1 el instead of 2. I must call IBM to complain.

[That's my story and I'm sticking to it]

For all old and newcomers alike to this site, please note the standard disclaimer regarding my posts, as I do not wish to displease anyone.

I am prone to certain exaggerations in my writings which are highly creative in nature and may be libelous, fibby, or in layman's term, full of crap.

Take for example my previous post to Grandma Mil regarding Richard Gere -- if you believe I really do know Richard Gere, please contact me immediately as I have a very large bridge in Brooklyn I will be able to broker for you at cut-rate prices -- Hurry now and SAVE!).

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

Happy Birthday, Paul!!! Enjoy being 29ish, 32 1/2 and 41 all at the same time. Seems like an intriguing combination, some cheesecake and beer (I assume) thrown into the mix—should make for an interesting day :) May love, joy and peace continue to shower you all year long and guide you on your path wherever it is taking you, wherever you choose to walk and go.
Happy Birthday!

Monika, welcome, very touching story. Thanks for sharing it! Fantastic English!!! Impressed! and wishing you a complete recovery. Reclaim your health!!

Julie, that moment in the car you described is fantastic. Very inspiring!!! Good for you and enjoy going to school and you Mary as well. May you all succeed easily and find it to be more than you expect it to be, journeying to higher heights in your lives than you can foresee.

Hahn, love the fact that you prove yourself “wrong” so easily and please, when are you going to show up for my tea (or breakfast, if you prefer), on a silver plat (nothing less!!!) as a Berliner ??? Yumm, love those :) totally unfair to bring up the Berliner when I can’t have a real one here. You are aware that you claim to be one, that is the jelly doughnut--hehehehe, will English speakers, particularly Americans, ever learn the difference between “ich bin Berliner” and “ich bin ein Berliner”? Nah, probably not :)

Love to each and everyone of you.

Oh, one more thing Hanh, what do you have against German, Academic and/or German-Academic jokes??? :)))) Please bring them on .. drats, I just saw I misspelled your name again above, it will probably be a while before I get that out of my system and ... and I laughed out loud when I saw that you called me "Evelyn Schatz" in the previous post, lets just say I'll try very hard to resist the temptation of telling your husband about it :) Definitely cute though, and am liking it!!! off to bed with me, yeah!

Evelyn, I've finally had time to read and digest your post from the previous thread.
What a time you've had!

Life's damn hard when we are given little option but to base our expectations on apparent promises from other people, "the system" and the like. We play the game with the best of intentions, with trust, and entirely by the rules and hence we expect a fair outcome, but success is seldom guaranteed. There is little that is certain in an uncertain world.

It would seem that the only thing that we can have reasonable control over is ourselves. And I say "reasonable", because we are not expecting the unexpected. Our hopes and dreams are usually built on a scenario that appeals to us, and ones that we have at least some access to and control over, as we strive to improve our lot. When our expectations aren't met, we tend to blame ourselves a little. We react in an emotional way and sometimes we feel hurt. That's our humanity. It's neither good nor bad, but it's just the way we are. It's our way of telling ourselves that something isn't quite as we would like it to be. We should not be down on ourselves for not being able to succeed at a given task, especially when the outcome is beyond our control. Life's like that all over.

Trust yourself Evelyn, you have such a huge amount to give. I admire and praise your dedication, dear doctor.
I personally could never achieve the same formal academic success that you have, simply because I just don't have the required focus or dedication towards that goal. You're an uncommonly special type of individual.

It's a pity that our society measures achievement, value and success in the particular, popular ways that we all seemingly have to endure. It's all a load of crap if you ask me!

Trust in yourself. Trust in yourself.
Only you have the answers and only you can make them real.

I hope you're feeling good today.

Paul, Did you pick up a 6-pack of Coopers on the way home?

Cheers.

Happy Birthday!
I just watched "Strictly Ballroom" for the first time and was very inspired by it. Lovely performance. I think you're rather the ageless sort, so don't get down about your age! Cheers!
Luna

Hi Evelyn! Hope things are good for you. I'm only getting the chance to read CWG in small doses (end of term this Friday) so you have time to catch up! It's well worth the effort.

Re: the second 'H' - I'm with you. Trying to each the logic of such things proves your point! BTW, we're totally out of synch. You've just ended your day, I'm just starting mine!

Congratulations to Kelly's daughter Paige on her grades!

Monika, welcome to you! Your English is excellent!
Living in fear is soul-diminishing (I know). I wish you continued courage to confront and banish it from your life. Your story is touching and inspiring. Thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to hearing more from you.

Peter, re: maintenance of youthfulness, do you reckon that works for us too? I hope not. A guarantee of youth versus the subtle charms of the older man.....??? Too much of a dilemma. I prefer '..as amazing as the man you feel/who feels you.' It covers a multitude!

Hanh, I'm sticking with the 'All or nothing' approach. I couldn't bear having those pesky fractions looking over my shoulder every morning! Better to get the reality check over in one fell swoop and be done with it!

Paul, hope your birthday was wonderful!

Good morning Millie, Marge, Sally C & Sally D, Michelle, my personal cheerleader and everyone!

Love to you all,
Mary

Paul, I have thought about your "moving forward".
Yes, I do understand it.
I think that, given the choice, I might prefer to think of it as "changing for the better".
That would be my hope.

Our opportunities to improve can only be via the passage of time. There is no other way.
It should all remain according to our own values and perceptions, and not a reflection off the facades that our world seems to present.

Mary, Forget about making a choice! Why can't we have it all?
(Your preference shows wisdom!!)

Peter

YIKES!!! It's still March 30th here. Happy Birthday, Paul.

Hi Miss Hahn,

I'm seeking legal counsel at the moment as you are attempting to resell the Brooklyn Bridge which I presently hold the deed to. Therefore, I'm presenting a cease and desist motion before the court today.

In plain speak, back off girl as I've got the goods and possession is still 9/10th's of the law. Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah, nah. Thank goodness for fractions!!

J.

Dear Hanh,

In a few hours Paul will have to give the mantle of "Stud Muffin" and "Eye Candy for the Masses" back to Ellie, quick, before we charge a rental fee!

We bought the Brooklyn Bridge long ago, but managed to resell it for a profit.

As far as "Hard Copy" goes, we will be interviewed again as the "Oldest Couple That Can Love Paul Mercurio and Stalk Richard Gere At The Same Time."

(Gere's role as Billy Flynn in "Chicago" will be recreated in my "Follies". It's the number where he is dancing and singing "All I Need" with that bevy of beauties.. Pack your bags, everyone!)

Paul, hope your day was as special to you and your family as you all are to us!

Peace and Love,

Mil

PJM
!!!YADHTRIB YPPAH (in order to be original, I'm typing it out backwards)
I'm none too happy with my mark (my ranking, rather), for Indonesian, but I'm pretty good with my Maths. I haven't gotten back my English or my Ancient History yet.
I'm back, for now, and have yet to finish catching up on all the posts I missed!

BTW, you have another Conversations with God person. I've only just started reading Book 1, finished reading Bk 2 and just borrowed Bk 3 from the library (Bk 1 was borrowed out). and MAN CwG does change lives, even when read out of order!

Good Morning all!

My goodness so many posts...so much to say...AH!

I'm still trying to wake up after a fabulous 8 hours of sleep. My craving for cupcakes last night turned into the most interesting dreams. Something about a hot baker, a wedding cake that never got picked up, and a food orgy...ahem. I think it has something to do with being on this health kick for the past two months with my husband, no deserts, no pastas, no big carb dishes, working out every night at the gym. No fun! He's trying to loose weight for this wedding he'll be attending in Europe in June and he wants to show all his old high school buddies that's he's, still in shape. When he gets on that airplane I'm going to have a all my friends over the house for a cake and ice cream orgy. Oh my god I'm turning 12 years old again!

Oh and if I do have this get together will Peter be available to do a stiptease for all my girlfriends? Hey, might as well.

I just love making this guy blush!

On a more serious note...

Hahn, thanks for sharing your story about your family. Doing something just for the prestige and big salary does catch up with you eventually. And it's amazing how difficult it is sometimes to find something that you feel passionate about for the long run.

Oh Hahn, forget Paul, send me and Grandma Millie the the motorcyle! Or even better, bring it to the PC convention next year and we'll all take turns riding.

Grandma Millie, will Paul get the mantle on time for his birthday? Well, if not he may still be able to use the title "muffin".

Paul, you definetely have to share with everyone how the big day went. The family, the presents, the gossip, and all the funny suprises and I'm sure there were many.

Peter, I love what you said about opportunities to improve only coming via the passage of time. I think it's so true. You can't have one without the other. Assuming this, puts a totally different perspective on how we view aging. Rather than seeing it as a case of diminishing returns, the expansiveness of what is still possible stretches out before us, like looking through a telescope one way rather than the other. I'm not sure if that makes sense but the gist is - broad as opposed to narrow. Surely improvement/enhancement is what we are here for? And it's not just a case of clocking in a linear allotted time that eventually runs its course. Rather a case of (hopefully) accumulating as much experience and wisdom as possible as we journey along in order to add them to the ingredients of our future and as a result enhance our chances of growing right up to our last physical breath. I think when you view the passage of time like this, old(er) age has an appeal and a beauty that should, by rights, stun us to the core!

On a more serious note....Striptease artist???
Surely not....more hidden talents Peter?? What is (the REAL) Julie privy to that we have been kept in the dark about?? Is this in fact the solution to the mystery that is still perplexing Dhiana and many others here re: your exceptional busyness lately??? Pray tell...I promise I won't tell a soul.

Mary

PS Jen, stay in touch re:CWG. I'm finding it overwhelming in a really good way!

Julie, are you telling Ellie and me that the Julie that we met and adore is not the Real Julie? Do we have to get used to a New One?

We are too old for any drastic change...I refuse to ride a motorcyle (the seat would be too small), I can't eat cupcakes, and I still blush (at my age) when the word "striptease" is mentioned, although Ellie is smiling...

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Hello everyone!!

Wow, what a great response at my comment.
Thank you all very much!!!
I am, as you have probably noticed, a pretty insecure person and I was a little nervous to write down here at the first place, and even more nervous about the respond I might get.
But it was really great!

Paul, Marge, Lori, Hahn, Evelyn, Mary (I hope I didn't forget a name) thank you all for that very warm welcome!!
The words you all said to me really brought sunshine in my life this day!!
I feel very safe (and welcome) talking here at PC now.

Thank you !!!

With love from Monika

Happy Brithday Paul! I couldn't miss this day.
peace

Sorry Hanh, for writing you name incorrect.

I did forget a name: Janice, thanks to you too!

Congrats on your birthday, Paul. If you were here, we'd have a party at our house, complete with lights lining the backyard, songs by Lenny the lounge lizard, and cheesecake. At 80, my parents were both young at heart. It's a good way to be.

My personal stud muffin, David, will be turning 49 on Saturday. I'll be turning 50 in September, and I'm rather looking forward to it. Our family goal is to ride in 2 50 mile bike rides this year. I don't know if the 12 yr. old will do it, but David and I will.

Every year has potential for us.

Hugs from Arkansas

Mary, I can only tell you this in complete secrecy, so don't breathe a word to anyone:

Julie is simply trying to make me blush. The reference to stiptease is simply a cruel ploy to unsettle me and make me turn bright red. What she doesn't know is that my purle suit is actually grafted to my skin (a kind of sub-atomic melding of the dermis with the lycra/rayon. This is not at all common, but quite visually striking. And no, you can't buy it in shops).
This gives me quite a bright purple complexion, so, in any case, you wouldn't be able to tell if I was bushing. HA HA.

Julie, .."cake and ice cream orgy"? Please video the proceedings and I will see that it is distributed over the internet so that everyone can share in your enjoyment. Perhaps Gran Millie can screen it during the next Follies. That should give 'em something to dance about!

One last thing: I glanced at my watch while I was have breakfast this morning. It said E2:5.
Holy cow! (I thought to myself). Perhaps I'm still asleep or in some altered reality.
Then I realised that my watch was on upside down. It was 5:23 and I was running late. Got to fly.

Have a great day one and all.

Peter

Peter, you're some man for one man. I always suspected there was something mysterious about you but I have to admit, a purplish hue never sprang to mind. Fear not, your secret is safe with me! Actually, I'm not sure the Corner (or the world for that matter) is ready to absorb a tale of such intimacy between a man and his suit. (After all, Millie has recently protested that she and Ellie are not able for any drastic changes!) Now that I come to think of it...... shouldn't you have a license for the visually striking image you portrayed?? If your secret ever gets out, I reckon the human eye is not evolved enough to absorb such (understated ) beauty ad lib!

Hi Inn! How are you?

Diane, thinking of you.

Kelly, hope you're continuing to feel better.

Michelle, I miss having you around. Hope this finds you well.

Love to everyone,
Mary

Well Peter, your purple suit does sound a lot more intriguing than just a black Speedo and bow tie. Mary and I are just in awe of the man who could wear such skin tight clothes and be proud to tell it. I'm sure all the women in the front row at Follies will faint at the sight of your choice of wardrobe. I'll make sure not to spill any ice cream or cake thinking about it at my party.

Grandma Millie, what happened to you sense of adventure! You're the one who's the most adventurous of the group. If I ever have access to a motorcycle you and Elliot are going for a ride and that's final! We'll just ride slow. I hope all the rehersals for the Follies are going well. Don't worry, there will be no appearance of ice cream just Peters TIGHT purple suit.

Just sitting here with a small glass of wine and nibbling on some Port Salut cheese. Excuse me so I can indulge...

For some clarification "THE REAL JULIE" is to clear some confusion of someone else using my name to post messages. I'm not suggesting anyone in particular.

But before I log off tonight I would like that everyone here at PC for their moral support and putting up with my giddiness and bad jokes (thanks Peter for being such a terrific sport). And thanks to Paul...I mean Julie...I mean Paul for his encouragement and well wishes. It meant a lot to me.

Marge, The closest I've been to a "biker week" was a long weekend spent in Myrtle Beach, SC which happened to fall on a Harley Davidson weekend. It was absolutely awesome to see that many Harleys in one place!! Needless to say it was EXTREMELY LOUD but a very cool experience!!

My queen mom Mil, I am thinking that a day Paul does not have to be in competition with Ellie for the title of Stud Muffin and/or Eye Candy for the Masses is a great birthday present indeed!! And for Ellie to be willing to relinquish those titles for even 24 hours--he is quite the man!! Love to you--I'll write soon!!

Monika, please don't be nervous or feel insecure when you are writing a post. One of the great things about this site is someone at some time during the day is going to say something that just makes you smile and makes you feel better. Peter's watch story did that for me today! You never know when your post is going to be the one to inspire someone or make someone's day!

So, thanks for the story Peter! I thought things like that only happened to me!

Mary, thank goodness I've got until May...my bones and muscles are kinda like my sisters that I mentioned in the above post--they like to remind me now and then that I'm not 21 years old anymore!! But never fear, I will be ready! It's good to read your excitement about starting the program--it's going to make my job as your personal cheerleader that much easier!! hehehe

Hanh, I was thinking for a while that I kinda liked the fraction school of thought on age--well actually I liked the idea of presents every day. But then I got to thinking that would only give my evil sisters....oops, I meant LOVING sisters 364 more days of the year to abuse me with those torture tools they call birthday cards!! So I think I will stick with the all or nothing approach!! :?)

Hello to Paul and all others here at PC!! :?)

A joyous birthday to Paul! Cheesecake all round.

Linda

Paul...Happy Happy birthday mate! 41??? Hmph..I'll be 44 in July. I think so long as we can see something positive in the future or we are actively planning something...we are still young.

I am very happy with my new accounting position. It's contractual, it pays well and I'll finally make somemoney. I'm still working atthesalon on Saturdays. Extra income.!!!!

In my book you're the age of your waistline...so Mine is shrinking...Yippee. I'm dieting and the place I'm working has an incredible gym. So I can workout at 6am and work the rest of theday. The weightismelting.

So your waist size about 32 Paul??? Hey your 32 then!!!!! and you're not lying...

loveand peace

Tim

Hi PC,
It's still cold here in New York and will rain all week. Welcome Spring!! It's got to warm and sunny up at some time.

Timster: according to your math, I must be 22 then. Did you know that the measurements of the first Miss America in the 1920's was 32-32-32?? I'm thinking the 1920's must have been a great decade to be female! Short skirts/dresses short up to here, and plunging down to there. Sleeveless clothes, minimal/no knickers, smoking, drinking, cavorting, automobiles, suffrage, bobbed hair, make-up, bare legged & dancing. WHOOOHOO!! My kind of decade.

Whenever my son, John Thomas, (AKA "Dolly" because since he was little I told him "you're Mommy's doll") sees a flapper on the History Channel he says "that would be you Mom". The kid has my number. No doubt about it.

Hope the birthday boy has recovered from all the festivities. Love and sunshine to all.

Till next time PC: Elbows up, head high, and feet moving forward.

J.

PETER! Ohmygod I am sitting here positively CRYING trying to stifle my giggles lest my officemate figure out I am NOT working on "her" project, but rather, totally busting a gut at a friend's spasticity. THE funniest part about it is knowing that it could be me! It is SO something I'd do...if I wore a watch that is.

Time is irrelevant...but blessed belated b-day anyway, you!

Monika - thanks for sharing your story, and I have a similar one (regarding a life-long fear that that movie helped me abate) but I didn't have to have a flippin' stroke to learn that lesson! Yikes, woman! Glad you're here. We're a bit loony (Hahn is taking the lead for that right now...but we like to pass it around...Janice's turn was quite recent if I do recall, and watch out for Mr. Purle Suit of course...he's deadly!)

Timmer - YAY on your new job and waistline! Keep on truckin' love...I dropped 13, am taking a break, then doing the grunt work again to take it down another notch. (So THAT's where that phrase comes from!)

Work is screaming...later...
dhi

Janice -
This may be under make-up, but you forgot rouged knees.
Marge

Tim,

I have officially abandoned the Fractions school of thought for the Tim Hord Waist Size school of thought. Gotz! It's brilliant!!!

This must be promoted for the betterment of mankind (and womankind). How do you feel about abandoning your current posts and going on tour? Oprah could be interested!! Dr. Phil, step aside! :) :) The sky's the limit!!

Just a technicality question though: What do we do about pregnant ladies? Hmmm... They might cause embarrasing protests, write their congress persons, march to Washington, etc. Next thing you know your book deal is off.

Grandma Mil and Janice,

What are the odds of running into TWO lease holders of the Brooklyn Bridge in one place? This scheme must be reaching a saturation point. I really must find another scam.

Peter,

What is this I hear about a new show where you strip tease in a purple lycra suit?!

More importantly, where is this showing and how can I get tickets? and will there be any complimentary tickets available for PC frequenters? I have a lot of $1 bills here just burning a hole in my pocket!!

Hanh, If you intend handing me a $1 bill, then I would be obliged to give you quite a bit of change. I wouldn't get too excited at the prospect of such a performance (if I were you)!

Dhi, goodness gracious! The watch thing was a joke! I did put it on upside down, but I know for a fact that there is no hour in the day that is signified by an "E". Or is there? Spooky isn't it?
Thanks for spilling yu guts. I found it most interesting (of course).
Last week I was driving home from a work site near Canberra, which is about 2 hours away from home. I heard an ad on the radio for a stage show by some fellow who is an Elvis impersonator, and probably not terribly well known to the general public. I personally have never seen him, nor do I want to! I know from what my BM (and others) told me that my BM had a "fling" with this fellow about 5 years back. The bizzare part (or one of them) is that he is the same age as me! Blechh. Ichh. Errr.
I realised that under different circumstances, I would have heard that ad and thought nothing of it.
Elvis impersonator, my god. Kinda fits, though.

Cheers all.

Hi Paul (and everyone else, especially Grandma Mil),

I was sitting at table having breakfast, listening to "Standing in the Rain" (yeah! I listen to the music from the movie a lot). . .but I was also reading"Mr LIU-FAN YUANS FOUR LESSONS." Have you read them Paul? Or, anyone?

Well, I came across these lines and wanted to share them because of Paul's up and down mood swings AND because I sincerely feel his genuineness and compassion. So, the lines are:

If one understands the reason for creating destiny, then changing the reason for [not getting what you want], then one [understands how to] accumulate as much merit as one can. {And I think you, Paul, have accumulated much merit, and your good karma surrounds you and radiates from you. So, hang in there).

The lines go on to say: In loving oneself and not wasting oneself, letting the past be the past and starting a new day, one can start a new life. Once one understands the principles in creating one's destiny, then one can create anything that one wishes. This is what is meant by a second life. 9It it so, for I have had many opportunities to change one life for a new and better life).

Anyhow, those are my thoughts for today. I think of all of you even if I am not really a part of your conversations. Until tomorrow.

Again, Happy Birthday, Paul!

Julie, I'm enjoying the good vibes that are coming from your posts these days! I hope things continue to be good for you.

Tim, kudos on the job, the gym and the shrinking waistline! Your news made me smile. Thanks!:)

Dhiana, as always, good to hear from you!

Helen, I haven't heard of the book but what you quoted sounds interesting. Oh and remember, all you have to do to be part of the conversation is jump in. Don't worry, someone will catch you!

Does this sound familiar to anyone? Despite doing my best over the last couple of weeks to avoid the inevitable, I find myself revisiting a place where I thought I had made much progress and finding (as I have on other occasions) that I still have work to do there. It shouldn't come as a surprise to me but it always does. I suppose I'm just being naive. Holidays tomorrow for two weeks, with the time I need to stop, reflect and hopefully make progress. Instead of being glad, I've found myself frantically trying to think of things to do. What I need to do is withdraw and take time to just be with my own thoughts, but it's at times like this that I wish I had a healthy dose of someone like Dhiana or Janice's genes to balance me up! I can get so bogged down! I wonder do some/all of our lessons in this life require ongoing maintenance rather than a moment of truth and inspiration? As Paul would say....Hmmmmmmmmm.

Take care all of you,
Mary

Mary, please, stop and have a glass of white wine, put on some music that you like and start packing for your Holiday and think about the great time your going to have. I don't know where you're going on holiday but I was going on vacation I would be worried about who I'd encounter in a jacuzzi than thinking about if I am going to have time to reflect. Being careless and letting some things go to the wind , especially before a holiday, is a really really healthy thing to do for yourself sometimes.

Got to go the gym.

Good wishes to all!

Julie, won't be heading anywhere - school just closing for Easter holidays - but the wine and the music sounds good. I'm going to take your advice!

Mary

Hi Mary,
Enjoy your time off and do something special for yourself because that is what you deserve. I think you're pretty well balanced up already, but just in case I send to you my strongest genes to give you courage. Focus on the present and the future. Looking or living in the past serves no positive purpose.

NO bogging down allowed!! Be with yourself and appreciate each precious moment, and learn to be your own best company. If you start feeling down, do something for someone else who is in need of someone as special as you are.

Remember, we are only important in relation to what we do for another. I tell my son that when I die God surely will not be asking what I did for me throughout my life. She will ask what I've done for others.

Elbows up, head high, and feet moving FORWARD. Always forward.

Special kisses and rainbows to you.
J.

Well as usual, tax season is here and I can't remember to send Paul birthday greetings on Time.
So a day (or two) late, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!. Hope cake, Ice cream and the Coopers flowed freely at your house. Gifts galore, good wishes from all who adore you, family and friends alike.
Hope it was a great day for you and sorry to read that reflections on past birthdays seem to find you in the same predictament.

We (DH and I) have waited on you as long as we possibly could. We are having someone else come in to do the sewer line. Income tax refund was just the right amount and hopefully it will be a done deal by Monday afternoon. Sorry!

Welcome to all the new members of the PC family,
visiting here is like going to a family reunion.
You just never know who will have posted and what they have to say.

Must go pay bills, it's the 1st of the month and someone always wants money.

Hugs to all in the PC village.
Sherrlyn

Peter and Mary, thank you for your kind words. You have no idea what that meant to me and your kindness touched me so deeply it made me cry, good tears though! Had a really bad day Monday, had to go to a meeting with my boss (the one I’ve had problems with before!!!) and department chair as part of the mandatory annual review and it’s amazing how someone can distort and spin things in a really bad way. It shouldn’t have surprised me, but I still can’t believe people can be that mean and intentionally emotionally beat someone else up to make themselves feel more powerful. The narrow-mindedness, dishonesty, hypocrisy and lies are something I don’t think I will ever get. This experience really hurt and still does and Monday evening I found myself asking “Is this worth staying in the US for??? If that’s the only choice I have???” Not sure if I do, as they didn’t say anything about whether or not they are willing to get me a work visa, that part they conveniently did not read in the materials I had submitted for the review. As I have only 6-7 weeks on this term’s contract left, I really did freak out under the stress of not knowing and was overwhelmed by fear. I think Monday just pushed me down far enough to where I decided that enough is enough and I had choices to make and the first one was not to let this @!?@ of a boss cause me that much pain and make me feel bad about myself and question my own professional skills. It surprises me every damn single time, how deeply her criticism affects me. I wish I knew why it does that. Hmmmmmm …. I did read CwG Monday evening and found p. 11-13 incredibly powerful and helpful. That’s as far as I’ve gotten, Mary, but I spent a lot of time contemplating these pages, esp. the not to pray in supplication, i.e. living in a position of lack, but instead claiming what I’m asking for and praying with gratitude and thus living in a position where what I ask for is already in effect. Not sure if I put that very well, but the quote is actually rather long. Thus I claimed the healing of the wounds inflicted, I claim joy and calm, I claim confidence in myself and in my job. I feel very uncomfortable at work right now and am tense, but overall am doing okay. I also decided that I will have the courage to decide to move back to Germany, to start from scratch, to give up my career (at least the academic part of it), not knowing what job is there for me, if the German Education Department will accept my US teaching experience and give me a teaching license there etc. etc. lots of questions and not a whole lot of answers. The uncertainty is very frightening right now, but I’m choosing not to let this run my life. I have to make that choice a hundred times a day, but it’s getting better, just as much as I’m beginning to be more excited about the unknown possibilities that might lie in this choice instead of being terrified by it, another of the many choices I’m making on a daily basis. Peter, I will trust myself to make a decision that will work for me !!!, whatever that decision will be, I haven’t the faintest idea at the moment.

Now if only Friday were over, “dearest” boss insisted a few weeks ago on forcing another teaching observation on me, even though I already had more than the required one per academic year, just not by he, she won’t even trust her colleagues, and she’s coming tomorrow. On Monday I was absolutely terrified, esp. after her strongly implied threats re. my teaching performance, I’m feeling edgy about it now and very vulnerable and I’m not sure if I can handle another emotional clobbering. I know I’m stronger than I feel right now, but that doesn’t make me look forward to that experience any more. Yeah, I know I’m sounding very pessimistic, but I’ve gotten my hopes shattered too often by my boss, that I think it’s wiser to prepare myself for and protect myself against her unfair criticism and negativity.

Enough of that, Julie, Hahn, Janice, Peter, Dhi and all, thank you for making me laugh at all the wonderful and very funny posts. That too felt absolutely great, I can’t even express how good that felt!

Mary, enjoy your break, I wish I could join you, I might just join you in spirit, hope you don’t mind.
Love to everyone of you and I wish you all the very best!!!

Ps. Paul, the one comment that you made either here on the previous thread, has me thinking a lot as well "to be positive in one's negativity" That threw me and I kind of asked myself "Huh???" but you are on to something, for me right now it pointed me into the direction of making positive and life/self-affirming choices and not to focus on the frustration, fear and anxiety. Thank you a lot for that comment, I know you said it to someone else, but it shifted something in me, in the good way. Hope you are well and have gotten good news from the job you auditioned for not so long ago.

Evelyn, Hang in there and don't despair. It's an absolute bastard (Aussie slang) when your destiny and happiness is (seemingly) in the hands of another person.

I have been taught a number of valuable lessons in my life. Well, they're valuable to me, at least.
One particular thing that I have learnt is that I can fairly expect others to treat me in the most abhorent ways and for no reason that makes any valid sense to me.
I look at my experience with my BM.
She hates me to the core. Absolutely. She looks upon me with terrible bitterness and contempt, and blames me for everything and anything that is wrong in her life.
In her way of thinking, if I never existed then she would have no problems, no guilt, no shame.
Therefore, simply, I am to blame.
I guess it's not too hard to imagine the kind of impact that this could potentially have on someone, especially from someone so close in terms of family and spirit.
Fortunately, I have endure and succeeded. A minor bruise here or there, but nonetheless I have emerged a winner. I have won a little bit of undertanding and perhaps a tiny bit of resilience.

My point is, that if a person in her position can treat me in such a way, then how does it leave opportunities for say, those who have virtually no knowldge of the real me, to choose to interact with me in some way that benefits only them, with no thought for me. See what I'm getting at?

Fortunately, there is much that is beautiful and wonderful in this world, and I am truly blessed to be the recipient of such joys. It far outweighs the other.

Don't allow your happiness to be controlled by others. Diminish the importance of their role, and the perspective may shift.

Have a lovely weeekend.

best regards,

Peter

Dana: Guess what?
alliana701: what?
Dana: I'm now the proud owner . . . of a Lexus SC 430
alliana701: of a
alliana701: what?
Dana: a Lexus
Dana: an SC 430
Dana: it's a car
alliana701: as in..
alliana701: no way
alliana701: I'm sitting here going, she can't mean a Lexus CAR
alliana701: gah! I want to hate you!
Dana: it's red, with ecru interior and maple panelling
Dana: can't drive it at present, though
alliana701: cause you forgot how or cause of insurance/license stuff?
Dana: back seat's a bit small, too
alliana701: how????
alliana701: yeah, their back seats are small but what in the HECK??!!
alliana701: how???
alliana701: I want!!
alliana701: man
Dana: I didn't want red, but the only other options at the time were black and white . . . so I went for flashy
Dana: and it has a spoiler on it, which I didn't want, but hey, I can live with it
alliana701: HOW. DID. YOU. GET. THE. CAR.
Dana: My mother bought it
alliana701: your mother bought it??
alliana701: hot dang
Dana: yeah, when we were out grocery shopping
alliana701: can she buy me one too!!!???
alliana701: are you totally pulling my leg?
Dana: did I mention it's 1/36 scale?
alliana701: I knew it!
alliana701: :P
alliana701: *thwap*

Dearest Peter,

Good for you, with your optimism!!

Your birth mother must be of my generation, and she should be ashamed of herself to continue to wallow in her own misery at this stage of her life!

I raise a mug of Coopers to you (an imaginary one, I don't drink) and sing this to you...

"Who wouldn't love you, who wouldn't care,
You're so enchanting, people must stare (in that suit of yours)
You're the dream that dreamers want to dream about,
You're the breath of spring that lovers gadabout,
They're mad about,

Who wouldn't love you, who wouldn't buy,
The west side of heaven, if you winked your eye,
You're the answer to our every prayer, darling,
Who wouldn't love you, who wouldn't care!"

Your ever lovin'

Mil

Evelyn, how about if I join you in spirit instead and stand beside you and help you confront this woman who is behaving so unfairly towards you?? Please don't let her inability to deal with you in a truthful and honest way bully you into a place of fear. Her negative over-reaction and attempt to undermine you reveals where she is at and issues she has in her life and does not in any way reflect on you or your professional ability. It is wrong that she is in a position to make life difficult for you but stay strong, believe in yourself and remain as you were. You are doing fine. Put your energy into rising above her behaviour and holding on to the fact that she is unjustified in her accusations. The abuse of the teacher observation system is a real 'power trip', but do your best to ignore her (or imagine her in a purle suit or something else appropriate!) and focus on your students and their energy and their belief and confidence in you. For the moment,try to let go of the dilemma re: where you will be in six months and trust that that will work out for you in the best way. Concentrate on facing this challenge and overcoming it. And Evelyn, the reason you find it so hard to understand her emotional bullying, dishonesty, hypocrisy etc is because this is behaviour that would be alien to you. So alien that you actually feel bruised by it. You need to feel encircled by the love and thoughts of those who care for you and acknowledge you as you are. Here is a good place to start for that. My guess is that this woman senses in you an integrity and truth that has up to this point in her life eluded her. That's absolutely no excuse for the way she is treating you, but it does at least point the finger of suspicion at the right person and away from you.

CWG - I remember the passage you mentioned and yes.. if you were to absorb its truth completely, nothing would ever phase you again in this lifetime. Faith in the ultimate outcome being assured.... Even aspiring to believing and living this would transform all our lives to such levels of joy and peace, it might just be overwhelming. Maybe it's no coincidence that you are reading these words now?? Take care Evelyn.

Janice, you are good for me. Thanks for your words. They mean a great deal to me. I'm still trying to get the knack of looking in the right direction after many years of looking the wrong way. Sometimes I slip up but today you have helped me find my feet again. Thanks.

Peter, your BM's behaviour never fails to perplex me. I just don't understand it. Your inner strength in dealing with the situation astounds me at times, but I do nonetheless offer my support in what must be an ongoing challenge.

Love to everyone in PC,
Mary

I know it's a bit late but many happy returns from me here in the uk and your not old until you reach fifty!
Your only as old as you feel and i hope you had a fabulous day with your family and friends and i hope you have many more!

all the best in your future career what ever you may do!

best wishes

Amanda Gummer Aged 16 from the UK

Amanda, you are sweet 16, and I guess from your perspective, anyone that reaches 50 is considered
"old."

My husband and I are in our 70s, and in our perspective anyone under 65 is a mere "youngster".

Besides, "age" is only a 3 letter word. Come to Florida next February for the first Paul Convention and watch senior men and women sing and dance in my show, "Follies 2005"...you won't believe your eyes...our Tim will be the youngest,(44) as he does his tap routine!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Hey 50 isn't old at all! My parents are past that point and you wouldn't even know it if you'd met them. It's all relative, you know?

Jen

Good morning to everyone (or good afternoon, or good night, here in Holland it's 7:30 in the morning).

Evelyn, I hope you find the strength to make the right choise about your work.
I'm only 26 years old, and maybe you think:
" what does she know about life and work"
But my previous boss (a lawyer) did a lot of mean things to me too. I was his secretary for almost two years, and I can tell you those two years were a nightmare. It still hurts to think about it. He ruined my life for two years.

But I don't want to think (or talk) about the things he did to me right now. He took away two years of my life, he made my cry so many times and I hate him for that. But fortunatly I found the strenght to make the right choise. I quit. I left him!!!! It was not a easy choise, but after a while I realised it was the best choise I ever made.

A half year after I quit, he gave me a call and asked me if I please wanted work for him again.
And that's where I thought: You poor, pathetic man (hahahaha).
And I laughed very hard. That's the only thing I did, I did not give him an answer, I just laughed and he hang up the phone. It must have really hurt him. And to me it felt like a victory.

I am working as a secretary at a notary's office for almost two years now, and it's very great!!
I am very glad that I made that good choise back then!!

Good luck to you!!

Monika

Dear Paul,
Just look at how many Birthday wishes you have recieved. These people really are the ones who care for you and your family. We are all your internet family who wishes you the best on your BIRTHDAY Paul. I sure hope it was a good one.
Judy in Ohio

Gran Mil, You are indeed a gracious soul and I thank you for your kind words.

Mary, Thanks to you also. I feel flattered by your support.

Peter

Mary, I forgot to add that inner strength is simply the result of making the choice to survive and prosper, rather than being a total victim.
Thanks again.

Grandma Mil, Mary, Monika, Peter, thank you for your comments and encouragement!!!! Your support means so much … why are words failing me just now?

Peter, I am in total awe of you again how you respond to your BM’s treatment of you. After reading your post, I just thought “How does he do it, stay this positive and isn’t broken by this burden that she is trying to place on you?” It seems to me that you have reached that point where you take that package of burden that she sends you and return it with the comment “No thank you, not interested and it’s your burden and problem to dismantle and deal with.” or something to that effect. You are way too humble, Peter!! I would assume that you didn’t just receive a minor bruise, but were cut to the core and you have indeed emerged as THE winner with a lot of understanding, wisdom and lots of resilience and a strong spirit and no matter what, you manage to be so very gracious in the midst of life’s ugly moments. I will take you as my role model! You are actually right about this lesson, which I have yet to learn better, I don’t want to expect that others treat me or each other in “the most abhorrent ways.” I know it on the rational level, but on the emotional level, it completely knocks me over when it does happen, as I have a tendency to expect the good in people that I know is there as well. Like you, I much rather tap into the beauty and wonder of this world and focus on the blessings and joy it brings me.

Mary, thank you for joining me in spirit. I didn’t read your post until Saturday, but I sensed that circle of love surrounding me from people who believe in me. I was very nervous on the way to class, but once I was there, I settled down and the nervousness vanished and I focused on the goals for that lesson, my students and myself and ignored her as best as I can, although it is a bit unnerving to see her type away on her lap top computer and you kind of wonder, what the heck is she writing down just now ??? I don’t mind observations if they are done by someone I trust and someone I think will give me constructive criticism. I occasionally invite one of my colleagues to class to give me input and usually learn a great deal from their thoughts and comments. I think class went well on Friday and even she wasn’t as brutal as she was on Monday. Naturally, she went into her drill sergeant mode and questioned me on every detail, sometimes undercutting me, and I know that she tried to corner me. I chose not to play along with that power game and sort of turned the tables on her along the lines of “obviously, you didn’t like what I did there. Can you give me suggestions for how to handle this differently?” To my great surprise, she actually did make suggestions, in the past years, she never did, she simply criticized, tore me down and flat out refused to give me input on how to improve. I also stopped her dead in her tracks when she went down the road of “what was the point of that particular exercise?” by reminding her that she only saw one particular lesson in a larger unit and that I had worked up to these exercises during the week. Some of the suggestions were useful and I will try them out, others I don’t like and if the still strongly implied “do it my way or else …” wasn’t there, nor the “you can’t be yourself, you’re in the US you have to do things the American way” both of which I find offensive and also deeply ironic, since we are to open our students’ minds to another culture, way of life and thinking. Well, so be it. And Mary, I don’t think it’s coincidence at all, that I read these particular pages in CWG at this particular point in time.

Monika, please don’t think you don’t have anything to say because your 26, and I don’t’ think age matters. Sometimes I think that kids are so much wiser than adults. By the way, I’m only a few years older than you and I think everyone has experiences to share and wisdom that comes with it. Thank you for sharing your story and I applaud you for leaving that job and for saying “no” so dramatically when he rang you up later on. I’m glad you found a job that makes you happy. I actually left this particular job for 2 years and took a lower paying job in a different field, got great new job experiences, but last summer that was the only job offer I had and I’m glad I did take it, as I missed the teaching profession a lot. I have been looking for jobs elsewhere for the last year and a half and am doing so right now again as there were a few one-year teaching positions that were posted recently.

Okay, this post has gotten way too long. It seems words didn’t fail me after all … I’m done for now :) Wishing you all well and a good week.
Love, Evelyn

Evelyn, you handled that very well! Your resilience and underlying belief in yourself responded to the challenge this woman presented to you and I would say she sensed that. Well done on being able to counter her attempts to criticise in such a positive yet dignified way. That took courage and clear thinking. You know, I get the feeling that you will be able to handle whatever the next few months present to you. But I hope they present you with the opportunity to remain in education (if that is what you wish). It sounds like you belong there.

I want to thank you for drawing my attention again to those pages in CWG. After I read your post, I re-read them and have spent the weekend thinking about how amazing it would be if I could absorb the truth of what they say. The areas of my life that I find really challenging would be illuminated! I'm finding reading this book an incredibly life-changing experience. I find myself telling anyone who will listen that they should read it. I don't think anyone should miss out on it! Actually, I was just thinking today that one of the reasons that deep down, I don't feel like I am getting any older (despite the evidence to the contrary!) is because I continue to feel like a learner/beginner in so many important things. Even though this can be disconcerting at times, it is also lovely to think that you don't miss out on the joy of experiencing the truth of something for the first time, just because your 'earth' years are mounting up. Come to think of it, maybe that is not the way it is supposed to happen! I readily admit to being a late starter in some really important lessons. All I can say is...better late than never. Evelyn, good luck over the coming weeks! I'll be thinking of you.

Monika, I commend your courage and your ability to make the right choice. I hope your job continues to go well for you.

Peter, I think that maybe it took a previous source of strength to make the choice to survive and prosper. And you did so in spite of one very essential component of your life feeding you only negative energy. What's more, your spirit remains intact and, as Evelyn says, gracious. Peter, don't underestimate what you have achieved and overcome in dealing with this difficult situation.

Diane and Kelly, you remain in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are both well.

Michelle, I hope you are well. Thinking of you.

Big shout-out to Paul, Millie, Tim, Inn, Whit, Katalina, Dhiana, Hanh and all PCers!

Love to you all,
Mary

Hey Paul
Can i just say i think it's great that you embrace your massive bottom--and can joke about it. Anyone who has seen your films knows you have a huge bubble butt. I think it's cool that you're considered so hot, regardless.Any recent pics? I'm sure a shot of you in your swimmers would put all the chatter to rest. And people can give you credit for your big asset in stead of grief.

Hey
that last post was me, and it was meant as a compliment

Happy Birthday!!!!

Sorry for sending the best wishes so late, but is always time to congratulate, isn't? ^___^~

I wish to tell you something I think are very important to me:

- I'm a 17 year old girl from Brazil, my name is Raquel and I'm dancer too. When I was little, I watched Strictly Ballroom and decided to be a dancer like you. Obviously, I'm not so good, but I'm working hard on it! ^__^~ You are my inspiration!

- I'm inconditionally your fan, and I search for every little note about you at magazines, newspapers or at the internet.

- I will write to you very soon! =)

- Sorry about my awful english...=( I'm honestly trying to write something in the right way to do it here...I hope you can understand it! =)

- Happy Birthday, many years of happiness!

With best wishes and care,

Raquel

{Paul
Did my birthday present make it to you?

I sent it to Cat who said she would send it on and get it there before your birthday

I hope you like this puzzle. It's called scrabbled squares and take time to figure it out. you and your family canhave fun doing this together. I Justhope it arrived in time.

Take care, love to all'
Marge

Hello Paul,

Are you okay?
We haven't heard from you for almost a week now.
You haven't told us how your "THIRTY SECOND AND A HALF" :))) anniversary was, what presents you received and how many cheesecakes you ate.
I understand you must have been very busy.

Love to you and everyone at PC.

The dawg is back! Back that is from the worst series of cluster headaches I've ever had...There're not like migraines but are every bit as venomous if not more so... So in answer to m'curio and Pete - yep, i've been lurking... took too much energy to reply... sorry...

Nuff about me...still catching up... so a very belated happy birthday m'curio, belated happy anniversary granny mil and ellie (who is now known in south florida as the "stud muffin!") I love it!!!

And welcome to all the newbies...lots of good catch-up to do...give me a few days and i'll be up to speed...

later

Bluedog, Howdy and welcome back you good thang you! It's terific to see you post again.

Those cluster headaches sound very bad. I hope that they're all gone now and that you can have some peace.

Best wishes from Ramblin' Pete.

Evelyn, I neglected to clarify that I don't go looking for the ugliness in peoples' personalities. It's quite to the contrary, really.
I'm just aware that it's always a possibility. That way I'm not as likely to be as shocked or caught off balance.
I don't know if this is a good way, but it's my way. It's just the way I am.

Peter

Paul, Code 1144 screened up here on Sunday night.
I was away working, but managed to catch bits of it. Why didn't they give you a bigger part?
I liked the slightly quirky character that you played, but I hate seeing Australian actors being made to speak with a US accent.

Sonia said that she thought you had lost a lot of weight and were "looking good"!

Hey all!!

Sorry been out of touch. To much going on to mention.

Paul, how's it going? You must be pretty busy. You never told us how your Briskett experiments turned out. Love to Andrea and the kids. Any news about the audition?

Thanks for thinking of me Mary, love you too!!

Peter, keep seeing the good in people, I figure it's a waste of time disliking people, it wastes to much time and energy and why drag ourselves down.

Diane, how ya doing???? kiss kiss hug hug

Tim,how's the dancing coming? Hope all is well and spirits are up.

G-Mil,(can you tell I've been hanging around the boys alot? pretty soon I'lle have rapper nick names for all of you) Mil, hope all is well, Love to Ellie. Thinking of you often.

It's 2am here in USA, so off to bed. I know it has to be bed time, my son is kicking me off the computer.

Kelly xoxoxoxoxoxox

Good Morning All,

Sorry if I haven't been on in awhile I've been busy trying to get this article finished for a Sat deadline. Amungst other things, trying to prepare for school, calling loan companies for deferments, getting a TB test for admissions,so on and so forth.

Tonight I've been invited for passover at my neighbors so I have to make a dessert today. My husband is getting his crown.

My Aunt come over yesterday and gave me the two ugliest candle holders imaginable (I just wish the people in my family would organize a garage sale instead). It must have been an impulse buy at the discount store. But this time I'm going to be a little smarter with all these little hand me down presents, just a little, and I'm going to make sure get rid of the things early on instead of piling them on in the laundry room. I gave them to my nieghbor a block away and she put them on her patio, perfect!

The women in my family (well it's mostly women, my poor father)tend to collect things for the purpose of ... collecting things. Every week-end it's off to TJ Max or Ross (always the discount store) and the compuslive bargain sport shopping begins. And to them, paying full price for something is only done on other planets. When I had my mother here a few weeks ago I told her that I needed to get some bed sheets so we went to Burdines. I thought she was going to have a heart attack when I paid full price for an Egyptian Cotton sheet set. And on top, THEY WHERE WHITE. It seems like the white sheets for me are a retaliation for growing up with every color of sheets under the sun, yellow daisies, pink roses, stripes with flowers, blue elephants and the list goes on. "What are you trying to accomplish" her famous line when she dissagrees, "to make your bedroom look like a hospital room!"

It's amazing how much junk people do collect, my weakness are vases. I went to an auction with a friend of mine on Satursday and the auction house managed to auction off Donald Duck Ice ice cream cups. The glow in the dark skeleton heads was another interesting one. If you think about how much money is spent a year on nick nacks that end up in garage sales sooner or later it could make your hair stand up thinking about the Princess Cruise or the down payment on a house, or other things that such money in the long run could have been used for.

Well I think I've said enough and went on way too crazy of a tangent. Have a great day everyone!

Dear Julie,

Absolutely collect those stories, put them into an anthology or into a screenplay, but spread the joy like you do on PC!

Hope you enjoyed the Passover dinner. Ellie and I had matzo and eggs for lunch...not on the diet, exactly, but what the heck, it's holiday!

Paul, we miss you!!!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Peace and Love,

WE just recently had a garage sale and I don't feel like we got rid of too much. Therefore, another will be in line in the Fall. As I looked around my house, I realized that we kept the stuff that was good! We put a couple of antiques in and refused to budge on the price, so we kept them. Our society as a whole seems to put value on weird things, I mean how many vinyl bags of bathroom washcloths does one need?

I could have sold my husband's bicycle pump, but I would have been in big trouble!

I even manage a self-storage facility and I know that we have tons of stuff that people store that no one needs.

I think I have a headache from thinking about all the pictures that I have that are of nobody that I know. Oh well. AS I said, I have a headache.

To Millie & Ellie, Julie and anyone else who is celebrating: Happy Passover and many blessings on the year ahead! (Julie, I enjoyed reading your 'tangent'!)

Bluedog, I hope those headaches are behind you. Even the name sounds painful! Wishing you healing.

Diane, I'm thinking of you. I hope all is going well for you.

Kelly, it's great to hear you in such good form!!
Hugs to you!!

Had a wonderful moment today. I was talking to my mother about my plans to study for the year and experienced a 're-revelation' about the whole thing. When I started the course four years ago, I did so with a huge rush of excitement and energy about wanting to go in new directions and experience new things, but circumstances meant that it became a struggle to invest all that I wanted to in it and eventually, I let it go for the time being. Today, when talking about it, I felt that rush again and in an instant, remembered all of the reasons why I want to do this course and do well in it. I felt each one of my expectations and dreams for the future as if for the first time. Fantastic!! I feel so energised about it again and I know it's the right way to go. Thanks to everyone again for encouraging me to go for it!

Love to Paul and everyone,
Mary

Mary,

I went to the ear nose and throat guy today as my neck is getting big again. I have not been on meds for 2 weeks now, so the infection is coming back with a vengence, I have a lopsided neck again! He kept telling how they can't rule out cancer but I told him no way in hell does cancer grow then shrink, grow then shrink. He said they can't rule it out. I told him that yes, they can, and yes I have. It makes no sence to make someone wonder for a 1 in a million chance it could be negative. I spent too many months in fear and I am NOT going down that path again, besides, I can tell it's infection. They waited to long to get me in and it started coming back, that's all. I just wish they would get their crap together cause my shoulder really really needs it's surgery. Other than that life is great great great , did I say great? My baby girl turns 11 in 9 days and I love to shop for her!!!

Hope everyone is having a great spring break.

kelly

Hey Paul,

Better late than never!! Happy belated Birthday!!

Wow 41!!! Still have all your teeth???!! hahha

Naw, that's not old!! I'm doin 40 in Sept.

Hope all is well, Hiya Millie!!!

Love to you and the family!

Margie

Kelly, I'm sending you my love and as many healing thoughts as I can gather. Hang in there and stay strong and positive. It's been a rollercoaster ride for you over the last while and you've been an inspiration to all of us in how you've dealt with the challenges presented to you. You'll come through this. It's just very frustrating for you at the moment. You're absolutely right. Steer well clear of the path of fear. All it does is diminish your will and distort reality. Please remember to take good care of yourself and not push yourself too hard. If your body is fighting an infection, you need to give it the reserves it requires to combat it. Having your shoulder bothering you on top of it all doesn't help. So Kelly, be kind to yourself and keep believing that this will all come right.

I wish there was more I could say or do for you. Unfortunately, the miles and the Atlantic Ocean separates us physically, but I am with you in spirit and will keep you in my thoughts.

Love and hugs to you,
Mary

Hey all, just a quick drop by. I've barely started to settle into my new position so I'm sorry I'm not up to date on the goings on here at the corner. Happy Passover Grandma Mil and E.C. Kelly, you hang in there. I hope everyone else is well.
Peace

Kelly
It's called practicing medicine!
Have you considered another Doctor for another opinion? There must be a referral service who can find another doctor for another opinion.
Hang in there Gal.
Sending positive thoughts your way.

Take care
Marge

Hey Marge,

I saw a different doctor within the same practice, They started me on 4 differen tmeds I have not been on before , I will give it 2 weeks, then if no success I will check with my insureance to see if i can go to a different specialst for a second opinion. This new stuff makes me so naucous, so it must be strong. I will give it a shot.

hugs to all,

Kelly xoxoxoxoxxoxo superxxxxxxxoooooooo to Mil

Hey Kelly

Don't feel bad..Keep your spirits up. I started working my new accounting job last week. Ugh..but it pays well. I still work at the salon on Saturday.

Speaking of lumps..I found one under my arm Monday..Have no clue what it's from or what it is. It seems to have shown up after I really over exerted myself on the treadmill. My arm was really hurting from that and that's when I found it. to the dr. on Monday.

Paul hope you're doing well..maybe I've missed it but any news on your auditions?

And what's playing CAT? on those channels..which movies?

To everyone..special hug..

Tim

Hello All,

Kelly, I also send you good well wishes that this ordeal will pass and you can work on other more pleasent things in you life.

Grandma Millie, I hope all the plans for Follies and Sights and Sounds are going well.

I have to make this short b/c I have loads of phone calls to make and paper work to finish.

Take care all!

Dear Kelly,

I know you live in Michigan...are you anywhere near Rochester, Minnesota, the home of the Mayo Clinic?

I wish you could be evaluated by the doctors there. That facility was the gold standard for medicine, and royalty from all over the world used to go there to be diagnosed and treated.

You deserve the best also! Actually, any good teaching hospital would work too.

Our love and thoughts are with you!

Love and Peace,

The Mil

Kelly, I rarely know what to say to anyone who is suffering as you are, but please accept my wishes for quick and complete healing and an end to your pain and worry.
Willing positive thoughts your way,

Peter

Hello everyone,

Kelly, I hope everything is going to be alright again!

Tim, good luck on you doctors appointment Monday, hopefully it's nothing serious!

I finally had a great day again today.
It's been a long time ago that I had so much fun and completely forget the thing that is almost always on my mind (you know, that stupid fear). It was my mother's birthday today and I took a free afternoon from work and visited her. I also visited her this evening and my brother was there too. I don't see him to often, because he doesn't live in the neigbourhood. I was very happy to see him again and we had so much fun together!!
He really made me laugh!!! I haven't laughed so much in years :) He told me so many funny stories, really great.

I try to listen what Paul told me: that I should live my life with love and joy and this day was a day like that, with the love (and joy) of my family. I hope many of these day's will follow!

Love to everyone...and again thanks to Paul!

Monika

a very happy belated 32.5 dear Paul.

miss all you all on PC.
very busy of late.

Luv to the gang and a big shout out to G. Mil, Inn (congrats on the new job sweetie!) and Evelyn, Dhi, Mary and Whit and Peter and Tim ... and all the others I've missed and still need to catch up on to get to know.

I think I need to read up on all the posts I've been missing. It's been hard to find time to get back online.

heading into iced lattes now,
thx to the nice spring weather
Katalina

Hello All,

Just wanted to pop in and say Hi and to leave this little thought I received today:

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we might as well dance."

Good wishes and healing thoughts to all who need them.

Sally

Hi Kelly,
Just a thought: a 2nd medical opinion does NOT mean being seen by another M. D. in the same practice. Doctor A may speak to Dr. B., and Dr. B. has access to your chart from Dr. A. You need to seek a doc from an entirely different practice to actually receive an unbiased 2nd opinion. Otherwise, doc B may just agree with doc A.

A peaceful Passover and an egg-a- licious Easter to all.

Till next time.
J.

Hey all! Been a while since I've been around...just trying to catch up. Spent a few days in Michigan with my new great-niece and my great-nephew/godson!! She is beautiful and he is the best thing since sliced bread!! :?) Then I decided to make myself a new outfit (why I decided to sew instead of buy is beyond me) for Easter...yes, I am the queen of procrastination so it has been a busy, busy week for me!

Kelly, I am glad that your spirits are so high and you're not letting fear take over! I was hoping those lumps were a thing of the past! I agree with Janice though, make sure you get your second opinion from a dr outside of the group of doctors you are seeing now. I'm sending healing thoughts and prayers your way!! Can you ask for something to help with the nausea?

Mary, sounds as if you're not going to my cheerleading abilities after all!! Drats!hahahaha!
Actually, it was good to read your excitement!!

Tim, hoping and praying that lump turns out to be nothing more than a strained muscle!! Will keep you in my thoughts! By the way, congrats on the new job!! Sounds really good!!

Monika, so glad that you had a great day today!! I agree with the old saying that "laughter is the best medicine" and obviously it worked that way for you!! Here's to many more laugh filled days!!

My Queen Mum Mil, I know I owe you an e-mail!! Will write soon! Hope you all are having a peaceful Passover!! Love to you!

Paul, we miss you!! Hope this means you got the part and are way too busy to write!!

Hello to Marge, Sally, Janice, Peter, Julie and Hanh (who has been extremely quiet lately!)and all others here on PC!!

Janice,
I know what you mean, and if I thought I was in danger I would drop lightning speed, insurance willing. I need to check to see if I can get a second opion without referral as I just changed insurance 4-1 (i got kicked of my husbands because my employer offeres insurance.

Mil,
I'm in Kalamazoo, yes there really is a Kalamazoo. No were near the Mayo, but really, I don't that is necessary. I will be fine.

Tim,
Special hug right back at ya babe!!!! Good luck with the lump, I know it's scary as hell. Just try not to worry till you know you have something to worry about (yea right). I had a lump in my breast the size of a baseball that after surgery was not cancer. (that is how I found out local's do not work on me, felt the whole thing!! ... no really, my husband paid for the broken down door due to me screaming ,,,, eeeewwwwwww, its true, see I'm a TOUGH Amazon. (my brothers nick name for me)

Monika, Julie thanks for your concern, love ya too.

Peter,
REally... sweetie , I am not suffering. I am soooooooo beyond that. Well, my shoulder aside, but I take a couple of vicadin throughout the week for that. Don't want to abuse it , ya know.

I love that all you guys are concerned, I love ya for it. But thats not why I mentioned it to Mary. I am used to my shoulder hurting, no big deal, I just don't use that arm much. As for my neck, I am over it. I am sooo over it. I will take all my meds and I will be fine. The first baseball tournament is 4-24-04 in Battle Creek and I am pshyched!!! Paige's birthday is 4-15-04, and I am psyched about that!! Hopefully my surgery will be twords the end of June so I won't miss the State championship 6-25-04 through 6-28-04. I cant get the 6-25-04 off work and It's too far for me to drive myself (I get lost in Detroit, what can I say).

Anybody watch American Idol? I am so glad Carmen is off. I never liked her. I think Fantasia will win it, but my favorite is john Peter Lewis. Hes a cutie and I love his personality.

Love to all everywere in the corner....... Paul, I miss you!!

kelly

Lori,
we were posting at the same time, my nausea is better today, just some getting used to the new stuff, is all. No biggy.

Diane, Love and thoughts to you always, If I wasn't being selfish with my angles right now, I would send them your way! Maybe in 2 weeks. : )
Hope to here from your spunky little self, soon.

kel

Kelly
I totally agree with Janice Duke. Check with your insurance agency and see if they can refer you to another Dr. outside the clinic you are presently going to.(Practicing medicine) "Well that didn't work, let's try this."

Hang in there we are all here for you.

Love to everyone
Marge

Marge

oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,,, so THATS what "practicing medicine" means! How else would you find out more if you didn't try different things if something else didn't work? Or do you mean get it all done one shot, don't wait and see, we'lle test ya for EVERYTHING!. over and done with.

: )

Kelly, when I read your post, I felt for you and answered as I felt, BUT I promise you, I am in NO doubt whatever about you dealing with this and getting over it! Your brothers didn't give you that nickname for nothing!! As for the baseball, whatever is going on there sounds phenomenal! ENJOY!!

Inn & Tim, good luck with the new jobs and Tim, hope all goes well with the doctor.

Monika, what a lovely day! I am also blessed with a brother who I don't see very often and who makes me laugh like that. I hope you have more and more days like this one.

Hi Katalina! Good to hear from you!

Lori, your motto should be 'Be Prepared'(just in case!)!! Glad to hear you had a great time in Michigan.

Love and best wishes to you Diane.

Michelle, hope things are going well for you.

Paul, I hope wherever you find yourself that you are in good spirits and that things are looking up for you.

Love to everyone,
Mary

Hi back to Mary and thanks.

Hugs to Kelly!I love your warrior spirit!

Thx to G.Mil for the nice Easter mssg....to her "chickies..." *chuckle de smirk de snort de snarf!* I think I saw a "peep" in there?....are we ready for the Peep Jousting Tournaments this Easter 2004? hehehehhehe. Now that i have digital cam...lemmesee what i can do....hahahahha
Who do i speak with here with photo upload expertise?

Hugs a latte,
Katalina

oh yes...for those who are scratchingthose lil chickee heads....Peep Jousting is placing a couple of those sugary birds (Peeps)we usually see around this time of year in a Microwave for a while ...apparently it gets...mmmm interesting in there...like a little sparky angry little chickee Peep war...or so the urban legend goes.....

i may test it out this year...hehehehhe

besitos,
Katalina

Hey, Chickies, peep, peep (quoting Katalina) Ellie and I now have another great-grandchild, a girl, eight lbs., born last night in Israel.

Our grandson was so excited over the phone about the news. This is his first child, and he'll make a doting father!

Being the child was born on Passover, I nicknamed her our little "kneidel" which is a soft, plump matzo ball!

We now have 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, lucky us!

Wishing you all again a lovely Easter!

Love and Peace,

The Mil

Hi Paul and everyone at PC!

Been super busy working on our website. Since you guys were there during the writing of the book, I wanted to get your opinion. I hope this this is ok for me to do? I'm not soliciting, just wanted to share it with you. We are still fighting the good fight! Take care

Tell me what you think?

www.spofamerica.com

OMG, Kat...we were JUST looking at this Peep Fighting and Peep Jousting website yesterday!:

http://www.punkasspunk.com/peeps/

(I know it's got a bad word in it Millie, but *I* didn't name the site...and it's a SCREAM...well, at least it was to all of the Writers here who were bored out of our SKULLS yesterday)

Timmer - what have you heard, love? Know anything yet? JAYSUS, could you get more curve balls thrown at you these last several years??? Methinks not.

Julie & Junk - Your weakness is vases, eh? Mine's end tables. Isn't that an odd thing to collect? Like little bits of insignificance spattered all over the house is how I sometimes see it (when I care to psycho-analyze myself). My husband thinks I do it so he has something to crash into in the wee hours of dawn when he ambles in after a particularly "successful" game of hockey (er, they usually loose, but the supporting pub/bar owner stays open for them to drown their sorrows and regail themselves with all their slick moves...if only they'd been 10 yrs younger, or if that goalie hadn't been so large...etc.)

Paul - you let us know how that pub of yours is coming along. I think I'd only have to save my cash from 12 gigs to fly over for the opening ;-)Hell, that's only three months of gigs since we've been averaging four per month! No problemo!

PETER - you cad. Good thing I've a soft spot for ya, otherwise, it'd be to the GALLOWS with you and your stories...making me spill my guts like that. Honestly...AREN'T you ashamed of yourself??? (pah! I think we ALL know the answer to that one). I'm still in awe of your "mature" outlook in regards to BM. And I totally laughed (sorry) tht she dated the Elvis impersonator. HOW fitting is right!

Hubby's gran died so we've a houseful at home (oh YES, and me having to work...tut tut...) and funeral tomorrow, but my kids are loving seeing all their cousins, and we've had QUITE the laughter regardless. I'll be taking the next several days off, however, so will pop in next week sometime...or earlier as I REALLY am anxious for Tim.

Evelyn, et all...SMOOCHES!

**Dhiana**

(PS. Daily Affirmation: "I accept my uniqueness.")

Good Morning All!

Thank you Grandma MIllie for the Easter Greetings! I wish you a belated Passover. Tuesday I was invited to my nieghbor next door to join her family for Passover. It was really wonderful to talk and eat and feel like I'm with a family. My neighbor also bought these delicious Kosher maccaroons that I'm trying to find in the stores.

I'm so tired. I worked for a client yesterday and I have some worked lined up for four days next week for inventory resolution for a company in Fort Lauderdale. I dropped off all forms for financial aid at the school yesterday. They were so nice with me (of course I'm bringing in $8500 to to attend their school). I can't wait to start. I bought my white sneakers yesterday for my uniform.

Oh Oh Oh Dhiana, endtables. Now those are hard to place after collecting many. I wish we could collect things like...good looking men.lol

take care all!

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. I'm going Monday...right now busy as hell at work. M - F at Centennial Healthcare and Sat at the salon. Sunday I've got a couple of at home clients to do..then hell it's Monday again.

Auntie Mil..wow..whad'ya say about that. Congratulations. How lucky your kids and grandkids and greatgrandkids are to have you guys.

I have no grandparents and no mom..your family is so very fortunate. Love ya.

Hope everyone else is doing well. There are so many posting I can hardly keep up.

Paul hope to hear from you sometime. Let us know waz up?..

Well better get back to work before they catch me on the internet...

The Timmer

Happy Holidays to all who are celebrating!

Mil, congratulations on the new addition to your family. You are truly blessed.

Kat, you crack me up! I thought I was the only weirdo (said in a loving way *g*) who was fascinated with peeps. Now that my grandkids have seen what you can do with them, besides eat them, they will be corrupted forever!

Dhi, why do we collect the strangest things? I have so many "dust collectors" that I don't know what to do with them or where to put them. My husband collected hats-the baseball kind-from wherever he went. We have so many stashed away, we had to get another shed (no kidding, really!) just to keep our "collectables"! I've collected movie memorabilia since I was 14, and have so much "stuff", I don't remember what I have anymore. This reminds me of George Carlin who talked about "stuff" we collect. He said he collected so much stuff, he had to build a bigger house so he could collect more stuff!!

Tim, good job! You're sounding better.

Kelly, hang in there. A positive attitude is a first step towards wellness.

Michelle, haven't checked out your website yet, but will do after I leave here.

Paul, hope your quietness is a good sign. Pop in and let us know what you're doing.

Take care everyone,
Sally

Thanks Sally,

looking forward to your comments.

:)

The Mil here, thanking you for your good wishes on the birth of our great-granddaughter in Israel.

Our grandson (the father) was so excited, he told me on the phone that the baby weighed 8 lbs.
I was informed today that the baby only weighed 6 lbs. (He was converting kilos into lbs. I didn't catch the discrepancy, for I'm pretty bad in math!)

Cara wrote me to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Seems she can't get onto the Corner, so I am sending her best wishes to you all.

Timmer, we'll be thinking of you on Monday...much love!

The Mil

The Mil here, thanking you for your good wishes on the birth of our great-granddaughter in Israel.

Our grandson (the father) was so excited, he told me on the phone that the baby weighed 8 lbs.
I was informed today that the baby only weighed 6 lbs. (He was converting kilos into lbs. I didn't catch the discrepancy, for I'm pretty bad in math!)

Cara wrote me to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Seems she can't get onto the Corner, so I am sending her best wishes to you all.

Timmer, we'll be thinking of you on Monday...much love!

The Mil

The Mil here, thanking you for your good wishes on the birth of our great-granddaughter in Israel.

Our grandson (the father) was so excited, he told me on the phone that the baby weighed 8 lbs.
I was informed today that the baby only weighed 6 lbs. (He was converting kilos into lbs. I didn't catch the discrepancy, for I'm pretty bad in math!)

Cara wrote me to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Seems she can't get onto the Corner, so I am sending her best wishes to you all.

Timmer, we'll be thinking of you on Monday...much love!

The Mil

Hello Everyone

Dear Mrs Mill,
My sincere congratulations on the birth of your new great-granddaughter!
My closest friend just told me today that she is pregnant. I am so happy for her!!
She said to me: "Look I have a nice picture for you" and she showed me a ultra-sound scan of her baby, isn' that great! I am really looking forward to welcome the new baby into our circle of friends.

For the rest I'd like to wish everyone here at PC a very Happy Easter!

ps. Paul, look forward to hear from you again, I hope everything is ok!!! miss you.....
Happy Easter!!

Monika

Congrats on the new edition G. Mil! *peeeeep*
awwww that's wonderful!

Thx Sally...hee hee

Anyone seen Lord of the Peeps?
Or, Peephenge sites?
*chuckle de snort* verrrry silly.

ok ok ...sorry i missed the backtracking LadyDhi...i've been offline for while.
Miss you guys....

Hope everyone here has a lovely weekend no matter how we enjoy it.

Hugs a latte,
Katalina

Hello Paul....
all the best for you....
you are so fantastic!

with love,
your brazilian fan
Juliana

Hi Everyone,

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend. I may not write often but, I do check in and read some of the messages.

Paul, I pray something shows up soon. Have been in your situation more than I would like to remember.

One of the greated blocks to spiritual growth and that can cause the most pain is trying to control situations. The soul has a direction and getting the ego out of the way so we can feel that "draw" or hear that small still voice or inclination is so important cause it can take you in a direction you hadn't planned on going or even want to go. Fighting that can cause incredible pain and difficulties. I speak from experience.

Good wishes and love to all,

Joan

Hi Everyone,

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter weekend. I may not write often but, I do check in and read some of the messages.

Paul, I pray something shows up soon. Have been in your situation more than I would like to remember.

One of the greated blocks to spiritual growth and that can cause the most pain is trying to control situations. The soul has a direction and getting the ego out of the way so we can feel that "draw" or hear that small still voice or inclination is so important cause it can take you in a direction you hadn't planned on going or even want to go. Fighting that can cause incredible pain and difficulties. I speak from experience.

Good wishes and love to all,

Joan

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

We had our Good Friday service last night. It was very moving. I loved singing the music. Our church has started a tradition on Good Friday. After the service, everyone is asked to leave the church in silence until you get of the grounds. It's very moving.

PAUL
Whats goin on? Even though we haven't heard from you, I know your peeking in on the PC party line.

I just saw the version of the first 9-1/2 weeks. Hot Hot Hot. The comments and thoughts I have, are not for publication. Now here anyway.

How are things coming with Paul's Place. Have you heard from the audition? We all would like to have a recent picture of you and Andrea. The latest ones I have are from TFM.

I happened to catch The Man from Snowy River the other day and saw your Dad as Frew. Was that really all his brown hair? How is he doing?

My friend Sharon is having an Adult Easter egg hunt today. (No children allowed) I have to bring my famous develed eggs. This started about 4 years ago with about 8 people. Today there are about 21 coming. Dave & Sharon go out in the 4 acres of pasture and hide from 4 to 5 hundred eggs. Someone usually finds 1 or 2 from years past. Yuk!!! The one who finds the "Golden Egg" get a big prize. There are rules of course. Don't get caught stealing eggs from someone else's basket. You can trade if you want. We get prizes for the most eggs. There is candy, little gifts, lottery tickets etc. Sometimes little messages as to what to do. After the hunt, we have a potluch and a good time.

I have babbled on long enough. .
Have a very Happy Easter
Love to Paul, his family and all.
Marge

Mazel Tov, Millie! Another blessing for your family in a wonderful little girl package.
Hello Katalina! Hope things are going well for you.
Positive energy to you Tim, hope your appt. is a breeze.
Hello and Happy Easter to all on the Corner!
Peace

Millie & Ellie, many congratulations on the birth of your new great-granddaughter!! She is a lucky soul to have been born into such a loving family.

Michelle NS, good luck with what is a very worthwhile cause. The site is impressive and the issues raised in the book are credible and relevant for all of us. Chronic conditions like those mentioned cause such misery and yet we sometimes feel a certain helplessness around them, as if it's just 'bad luck' if we fall victim to any of them. I have no problem believing that something going into our bodies can affect it in a negative way. As a small baby, my son was very ill until it was discovered he had a severe allergy to cow's milk. He was one of the first babies here to be put onto a soya-based baby formula. A local GP interested in the new concept diagnosed the problem but the consultants whose care he had been under refused to accept that something that simple could be the cause of him being so ill, despite the evidence of his almost immediate recovery in front of their eyes. The Health nurse called regularly in the early days, wanting to know when we were going to 'put that child back onto cow's milk'. Thank goodness we stuck with it. He never looked back. I wish you and your husband the best of luck with spreading the word.

Hello to Paul and everyone from Michelle (from Chicago) in Kansas! She has been visiting family there and between being busy and experiencing hiccoughs with her computer, she hasn't been able to stay in touch. She says she misses you all!
Michelle, we miss you too!!

Joan, thanks for what you wrote to Paul re: spiritual growth. It really spoke to me.

Wishing you all peace and harmony this Easter.

Love to Paul and everyone,
Mary

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your input and well wishes. It is because so many of us fall victim, (including my family), that we decided to write the book and fight back. Thanks for your support!

I completely understand what you went through with your son. My daughter was also allergic to cow's milk based formula. It was horrible, especially because she was also allergic to the soy formula, so the dr dismissed the allergy scenario and put her through a battery of tests with tubes up her nose and everything. They finally diagnosed her with gastroaesophogial reflux and put her on 5 different kinds of meds.
After following the dr's advice for about a month and watching my little girl deteriorate (she was so skinny, I was a wreck) I decided to do my own research, and put her on rice milk, took her off the meds and sure enough I had my healthy little girl back. I can relate with how trying those times with your little one was.

If your son is still allergic to cow's milk, you might try goats milk. We get some from the local farmer, and since the milk is not meant for a calf that has four stomach chambers and will weigh close to a 1/2 ton, the milk is much more suitable for humans. We only get it from the local farmer, and we know there are no hormones or antibiotics. Plus we know that their feed contains no animal substances and we know they are well treated. My daughter can drink milk and eat goat cheese for the first time in her life with no worries.

Happy Easter to everyone!

Paul, I bet that you are worshipping this time you have with your beautiful family, resting up for the big adventure that waits for you around the corner.

Peace and happiness to all.

Hi Michelle, my son is almost twenty two now and has been able to take dairy products since he was about nine years old. He still prefers soya milk to drink though.

I'm really glad to hear your daughter is doing so well. I wish her the best of health as she grows.

Best wishes,
Mary