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Wednesday, 28 April
TOO BIG

does the world seem too big to you?

It does to me. I have all these things I want to do but the world seems too big for me to fill it up. I want to write, play the clarinet, make beer, skate, make ballets, cook invent, play with the kids, read all these different books, laugh, do charity work, help people, spend time with my brother and his child, hang out with Mum, love my wife, mow the lawn (funny how those two go together), spend more time with my dad, go over seas, do plays, do movies, do something, make salami, brew great beer, perfect my sour dough, SURF - oh god get back into the waves, choreograph, write poems, walk across Australia, ride my motor cycle to anywhere and be free, visit pubs, talk to old people to find out their story(thanks Grand Ma Millie, go to the Folllies - jeeze I wish I could go to the follies in Florida what a hoot that would be!........................................

Does the world seem too big to fill?



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Comments

Paul, you know you you mentioned your wife once and beer TWICE, right?;)

Yes, the world does seem to hold endless possibilities for us. Our only obstacle being that life is too short, and we don't seem to live with that in mind.

I can think of many things that would be sooooo COOL that I would love to do. I've taken up playing the French horn again, so clarinet should be no problem for you! I try to remember to do the things that make me feel alive as much as possible. Somedays that might be watching my husband mow the yard. I drink a beer and it becomes a very zen-like experience.

Paul, you coming to Florida would be so wonderful. I realize that it would be very hard for you, but we can dream! Then the world would seem to have gotten a whole lot smaller.

Don't forget to bring Peter!

Peace,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on April 28, 2004 08:36 PMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Dear Paul,
The world does not appear to be too big for me, but it seems like there's too little time to accomplish my goals each day! This is just the practical me to you--that is, if I'm your personal assistant, this will be your schedule.
Day 1- Write a book about the art of dancing from ballet to hip hop to leaner body and sound of mind.
Day 2- Visit Mom and Dad (you are fortunate to still have both because I miss my Papa.
Day 3- Cook, play with wife and kids.
Day 4- Bug your agent!
Day 5 has to wait, got to finish my cases so I can bring my 9 y/o daughter to ballet designed for ice skating. I'm hoping she gets to be in the Olympics so she could get into an Ivy League school (jean, keep dreaming)

Posted by: Jean on April 28, 2004 11:22 PMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

Paul, thanks so much for the kind words. And guess what, 14 is NOT to old to play with dolls. You tell them that. My 11 year old has perfected french braids on all of her babaies so much so she is going to be a stylist when she grows up.
My daughter has had 1 injery in her 11 years, Last night was 19 for my son. 19 RECORDED injuries requiring medical attention. He had his 14 th ex-ray last night. He plays VERY hard sports, plays like a man. So be lucky you have girls. I will take your kind words to heart today and on Friday. Clay goes to the orthopedic surgeon today at 1:15pm so we will know today if he needs surgery. Thank goodness for good health
insurance..

Love to all.

Kel

Posted by: Kelly on April 28, 2004 11:30 PMfrom IP: 161.150.2.27

Dearest Paul,

Everything on your list is attainable, but only if you take care of yourself, live, love and be happy and healthy with Andrea and the children, and continue to think positively!

Coming to Florida for "Follies 2005" could happen, if I could only win the lottery...then, everyone would be our guests! I'm going to buy a lottery ticket on a regular basis...one never knows!

My last post on the thread, The Wall, will give everyone an update on "Follies."

Love and Peace,

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 28, 2004 11:33 PMfrom IP: 4.234.111.246

Jean, this about dreaming:

"Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be
quietly and safely insane every night of our lives."

-William Dement

Aw, shucks, and I thought those were the things that do come true.

Love and Peace,

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 28, 2004 11:41 PMfrom IP: 4.234.111.246

I know it's just me and I'm sensitive to it..but that's two comments reguarding "the weaker sex". I am female..I've also played football (american), baseball (not softball) and basketball on championship teams. In martial arts I was in a school with only one other woman and all men and one time at a tournament a lady judge noticed how much stronger I was then the other women and asked some of the men if they would do an impromptu mini tournament with me. I fought four of the guys and beat them all. I'm just saying not all females are delicate flowers. Now...I have also broken bones 32 times (usually I break the same ones repeatedly) had countless sprains,strains, tears and pulls and at the ripe old age of 38 I am just about crippled. As far as things I'd like to do? I'd like to run. I wish I could run with my children. I'd like to go someplace and not have my husband have to say "walk slower guys, mommy can't keep up". I feel like I'm 90. I'm also not saying this for sympathy because I feel like I asked for it. Well, this started as a defense for girls and their physicality but in retrospect I wish I had played Barbies more and football less. Onward.
Paul I also wish you could come to FIF. It's going to be a blast!
Kelly, I do wish your son a speedy recovery. Please support him if he wants so slow down, his future physical health may depend on it.
Hello to Peter,Tim,Grandma Mil,Hanh,Maile,Jean,Michelle and my dear Katalina where ever she may be.
Peace.

Posted by: Inn on April 29, 2004 12:14 AMfrom IP: 65.196.121.125

Here's to dreaming and insanity Aunt Mil!!!

Too Big? Nah...my aspirations are too big. Which of course is what you meant. There are so many things I want to accomplish. But the mundane daily things seem to drag me below that possibility. However if I could:

I'd write a great novel
and of course the follow up screen play
and have a bit part in the movie
I'd take piano lessons again.
I'd live on a beach. Location yet to be determined.
I'd hire a tutor (of course have funds to do so) and take my children all over this country and then to others Australia of course being the first on the list. : )
I'd buy a camper and take the boys camping a lot..that's what they want to do; and fish.
I'd work out with a personal trainer every day.
I'd learn some other languages, french, spanish, german, italian...
I'd be a better father, husband, friend, confidant, teacher etc...
I'd really like to find that quality I must have had in high school. I was voted friendliest in my senior class and I seem to have lost that edge I must have had then at least outwardly.
This is a great blog...it makes me think about positive things I can do with my life.

Thanks Paul

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on April 29, 2004 12:38 AMfrom IP: 216.78.43.49

For me, it’s not that the world is too big, but that there is not enough time and for me this becomes more so each passing day...

Interestingly enough this becomes somewhat moot when you read Bill Bryson’s book “The Short History of Everything” that the history of life on earth as being as wide as the span of your arms, and that by taking a nail file and making one swipe at your fingernail, you would eliminate the entire history of homo sapiens”

Good for me to remember when life's irritations creep in! Oh and watch out for the nail files!!!

later all...

Posted by: bluedog on April 29, 2004 12:45 AMfrom IP: 168.56.106.254

I just think of all the things that I have yet to discover.

How exciting!

Posted by: Julie on April 29, 2004 12:46 AMfrom IP: 209.214.0.239

Paul,

All the things you want to do are sounding great!!!
I agree with Jean, that sometimes there's too little time.
Days are sometimes just too short..

When I woke up this morning (it was extremely early in the morning 4 o' clock), the first thing I thought was: "oohh, this is going to be another hectic day" and fell asleep again.

I got up at six, checked PC for new messages, ironed my trousers and blouse, walked with my dog, empty the dishwasser, put dirty dish back in it, read the newspaper for two minutes, went to the bank to pay some bills, went to the bakery for bread, went to the gass-station to refuel my car, drove to work, at work I made some breakfast, there were thousand of things to do, so it was afternoon before I noticed.
In the half hour lunch-break I went to the postoffice to pick up a package and I went shopping (my refrigerator was almost empty, I went back to work and it was even more hectic than this morning, so it was evening before I even noticed, went to the postoffice after work to deliver the office-mail, got home at 6 o'clock in the evening, walked with my dog again, empty the dishwasser (again), I gave my dog 'diner', took a shower, dressed myself, checked the mailbox (for even more bills!! :( Checked PC for messages, wrote this comment, and in fifteen minutes I have to go to a meeting......

Oh s**t, I haven't had diner yet,
I'll eat when I'll get back from the meeting, 11 o'clock tonight (hopefully sooner).

Yes, day's are much to short sometimes....

I'll get back tonight, there are some other things I'd like to say.

Love,

Monika

Posted by: Monika on April 29, 2004 01:22 AMfrom IP: 81.206.125.3

Inn, you rock! I'm sorry you have so much pain now and I'm sure it's a bitch to deal with, but I wanted to thank you for working hard and being the best ass-kicker you could be.

Mil, I like to think that when we dream our souls leave our bodies and do all the cool things we don't find the time to do in our lives. Maybe that's why our longing to do certain things grows stronger, part of ourselves already knows the joy it will bring!

Love to all of you,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on April 29, 2004 01:33 AMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Hey all.

Tim you are such a sweet soul. I like the camping part, we belong to a really nice campground, not that we have the time to go, with baseball. Even though Clay is out for the season, we will still be at every game, Clay fully dressed (minus the cleats) sitting on the bench with the team with me hugging the boys before they bat and cheering like a banchy. So this year we still won't have time.

The orthopedic surgeon said no surgery for Clay, but he has a ling road ahead, it is broken in 3 places. He said if he is good, he can play next year. I am greatful for all of God's goodness.
And I am seeing this injury as being better outcome than it could have been and I see that as his goodness.

Paul, the world seems too large to me only when I look at my kids and all the possibilities they have and that out there for them. It feels like the world I am in is about 4x4 feet. But their world seems huge. I am afraid of what could happen to them out there but am excited about all the opportunities there are for them. All the colleges, all the sports, all the business opportunities here. their chances in this world are endless. just endless. I think it just feels that way because I have kids. I don't feel there are too many opportunities for Tom & I right now, but that could be that we are hopelessly revolved around our kids' lives and my health problems. mostly my health. Maybe I will feel like I have a life next week. You have an opportunity to take advantage of as many opportunities your checkbook will let you in this time you have at home. Take advantage of it now while you have the time, if you can.

Love to all. Kiss Kiss Kiss Hug Hug Hug xtra kiss for Paul. (don't tell Tom)

Posted by: Kelly on April 29, 2004 02:58 AMfrom IP: 161.150.2.27

Paul, Clever post, good topic.

It's an odd coincidence that you should post on this subject at this time.
Lately, I've given considerable thought to the things that I'd like to do, the things that it's possible for me to do, the things that I'm likely to do, and the things that I seemingly will not allow myself to do.

It also seems that there is a backlog of things in my life, but they are starting to become fading memories, or I've convinced myself that they really are only secondary and don't matter in the big picture (whatever that is).

What I'd like to do (I think):
Love my wife & children (easy), sleep in (unlikely), have a couple of days off (not just yet), rediscover my passion and talent for art that I long ago (early teens) convinced myself would not "put food on the table", hence was of little value (maybe one day), run again - really, really fast (not looking promising but I haven't given up hope), meet my father (opportunity missed), visit my fathers grave and see the country in which I was conceived (when the time is right), go for a very long ride on my bike (a possibility), finish off the backyard (in time),
be a better me (it's slow), understand me (90% there), free me (50% there), go for a really good trip somewhere (in about 2 years, all being well), spend some time with friends (possibility). Finish fixing up my old mum's very old house (soon, thank God), have enough free time to allow myself to stop and consider what else I would like to do with my life (perhaps one day).

The rest?.....I'll have to think about that.

Cheers to all.

Posted by: Peter on April 29, 2004 04:51 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.100

Hello All,

Kelly-I'm sorry to hear about your son. I'm a parent, too. And, believe, I understand your pain. I hope that he heals quickly-sending a big hug your way!!!

Tim-How is the sleeping going?

Millie-You are lots busy!! Since we're trying to conceive our baby #3-I'm may be pregnant by the time your big event rolls around. I actually spoke with my husband, Michael, about taking a trip there. But, it's a wait and see kind of situation. I'll keep you posted.

Paul-Yes, the world is tooooooooo big and yet it can be really small!! I always have a long list of what I want to and sometimes the list of "didn't get done" is bigger than the list of "got done"!! I think that these lists mean we're alive.

Peter-How are you? I'm laying off of the "speedo" comments!!

I have certainly enjoyed being a part of PC. I love everybody's different points of view on life.

I'm going through a really tough time with my best friend. We had a major falling out. I will not bother with the details. All I'm doing right now is laying low. And, yet, I don't feel bad or guilty. If anything-I feel like I have a freedom. I'm sure, as time goes on, I'll say more. But, it is turning point in my life. Each day will change my perspective.

Paul-I was reading some archives and came across one that you talk about a church in Baltimore. I live in Baltimore and my husband knows the church and saying that you refer to-The Desridata (spelling?).

To everyone else at PC-hello and hugs!!

Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on April 29, 2004 04:52 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

Hello everyone,

I'm back from the meeting (I still haven't had dinner yet) and I read my post again, but it sounds a little whining.
I didn't mean to!!

I think I'm just a little frustrated that I'm so busy and don't have time for 'nice' things but work and the usual other things I've mentioned.
This is going on for such a long time and I don't know how much longer I can take it.
Stress is very bad for my health, I know, but what can I do about that, there are too many people expecting too much from me, I can't let them down, can I???
It has always been hard for me to say NO, I don't want people to get dissapointed in me and I don't want to dissapoint people.
After what happend to me last summer, I was so scared that people would treat me different than they used to treat me, so I went on with work as if nothing happend (physical, not mental).

But it's just a little frustrating, because I know that tomorrow will be the same day like today, and yesterday, and the day before yesterday.....and......
I'll better stop because I'm whining again.
It was really not my intention.

I think I'm going to get some sleep now, because I'm dog-tired and a little sad (and not hungry anymore).

So sorry for whining, and thanks for 'listening'...

love you all,

Monika

Posted by: Monika on April 29, 2004 05:08 AMfrom IP: 81.206.125.3

Monika...Hey that's why we're here. See my "bitchin/moanin" comments somewhere above. It's all in a day.

Michelle...Love the dream idea. It's probably true.

Kelly..Awesome news about Clay. Here's to you getting the same news on Friday.

Peter...Love your comment. It makes me more introspective (sp) anyway things I'd like to do about my inner self. Not such topical things, but conquering depression. Freeing up my soul to really feel life and not feel so bottled up. Thanks for the lead there.

Abeth..Sleep is fine.

Well I quit the tap class today. Hardest thing I've done in awhile. But for the sake of family unity I decided it wasn't worth the irritation. Although I personally am not thrilled about it. Next year I'm going to sign up for an adult class at another school and just take it for me. I'll need a choreographer to give me something for the
Follies. I really think I'd like to do something along the soft shoe shuffle kind of thing to Perhaps Perhaps..Such a sweet reminder of SB.

Later guys...

peace and love to everyone

group hug for Kelly..

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on April 29, 2004 05:57 AMfrom IP: 216.78.32.165

There is never enough time to work and to love and to sleep and to play and to look at the stars. Even if we don't sleep, we can't fill up the world. We can only fill up our day -- and the day, once filled with the work and love and sleep and play and stargazing for that day, should be enough for that day, and for our enjoyment and living of that day. Don't taint the next day and its promises with regrets -- it only spoils the day.

I don't think we should regret that there are only 24 hours/day. We should regret not filling those hours with things that are worthwhile. Good days have no regret. And what is Life but a chain of days?

Posted by: Hanh on April 29, 2004 07:21 AMfrom IP: 65.216.57.74

But you help fill it.

Posted by: Jeri Adleman on April 29, 2004 07:48 AMfrom IP: 205.188.116.198

How much of our day is wasted with things not worthwhile? Why do we waste it when there is not enough time to do everything we want?

Ultimately, is there choice (to waste/not to waste)? Do we allow ourselves more than 1 choice in life?

Posted by: Hanh on April 29, 2004 07:52 AMfrom IP: 65.216.57.74

WOW!
What a storm we had. Rain, wind,lightning thunder, a few downed trees, funnel clouds. There are showing pictures (TV news) of the tornado a hundred yards wide and traveled for three miles up near the US/Canadian border. We don't get them very often, and they almost never touch down.

Accidents (from the last thread)
As my daughter rode horses for 25 years, she had her share of accidents, a shattered elbow from a fall while jousting, A broken bone near her knee while running through the woods chasing her tree. (Yes that's right, her tree.)

Timmer
I sympathise with your insomnia. I sometimes go to sleep, only to wake up within an hour or so and be wide awake. Sometimes my brain is so wired before I go to bed, that I can't get it unplugged. So I know what you are going through. If I can't get back to sleep, I get up and vacuum, dust, clean out a drawer, pay bills, etc. When my family was in the house, I had to be quieter, read, watch TV or get on the computer.

Paul
Yes the world is a big place. Isn't it wonderful that we have a communiation engine like this to make the world a smaller place sometimes.

I have set priorities of things I want to do. I may not be able to do a lot of them, but dreams are free.

The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour. (so true)

Take Care
Marge

Posted by: Marge on April 29, 2004 08:11 AMfrom IP: 199.182.74.60

Hanh
Such wisdom in your last 2 posts.

Marge

Posted by: Marge on April 29, 2004 08:12 AMfrom IP: 199.182.74.60

I love the energy that's building up in this thread!

Along with whatever lessons/purpose we come with in this life, I think we are gifted with an inbuilt urgency to EXPERIENCE - Just for the pure joy of it!! I think it may be one of the incentives for coming. When I read your post, Paul, that's what came to mind. I'd hate to think the world/my world could be filled up. The feeling of limitlessness resonates with something wonderful deep inside me.

Peter, the big picture? I like to think (or maybe hope) that it is constantly being 'refreshed' and made new and that any 'backlog' we have (if we manage to let go of it) is poured into the mix and reshaped into what is possible now and in the future, rather than keeping its separate essence. I hope the memories fade away and reappear, revamped, as part of something on your list.

Michelle, when I read your post, I thought of the times that I have woken up with such a feeling of longing and realised that I had been dreaming about something amazing, just out of my conscious reach. It always takes a couple of minutes to adjust. Maybe your idea explains why!

Hanh, one way of looking at it is that it depends on how you define something worthwhile. For one person, it could mean the act of struggling to stay alive. For another, it could mean having an experience that lifts their spirit to the heights. I think maybe the only requirement is that you approach whatever it is you're doing in a positive frame of mind, hoping for a positive outcome. This covers a multitude.

I take your point about waste and regret. They're poisonous. I also think that we always have choices and that the first (and most crucial) step is to recognise that that is the case.

FIF with Paul? Maybe if we 'group' dream, it'll happen! (Now...how could we actually DO that??)

Kelly, great news about your son.

Love to everyone,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on April 29, 2004 08:30 AMfrom IP: 83.70.45.216

Kelly: I have a son who spent his three years in high school in some kind of cast, splint, or brace from football. I don't think there is any consoling for these boys, they want to play so bad and are difficult to live with when they can't. Keith turned 27 yesterday, married and has a good job. Has aches and pains every day because of his injuries. The Orthopaedic Surgeon in NO says that he most likely will have to have total knee replacement on both knees by the time he is 50. So Much to Look Foward Too?!?!?!!

I live with lists, things to do today, tonight, this week, this month at home and at work. Somethings get crossed off, some just get moved to another list. Somedays I just throw the list out the window on my way home from work, and go outside to play with the feral cats that have adopted us.

After 3 years, we finally have started putting down the vinyl tile flooring in our kitchen. Why did we put it off for so long? Well, we might put in new cabinets, NOT! The appliances would have to be disconnected and moved, NOT! Well as of tonight all the field tiles are down, and the floor looks great. The most time consuming part is cutting every tile to fill in around the perimeter. Next is the Utility room, two walls come down and another with a door becomes a solid wall, then we will tile that floor and repaint and put in cabinets. Always something else to add to the list.

Hope all is well with each of you,
Hugs to all,
Sherrlyn

Posted by: Sherrlyn on April 29, 2004 12:19 PMfrom IP: 69.6.184.32

Warmest greetings to all; thanks for all the food for thought. There's always something to do - those things that we WANT to do, and those things that we HAVE to do. Of course, if I had more money, more of the WANTS would get crossed off my list. :) As it is, it's one day at a time, one thing at a time, one step at a time, and being grateful for each new day.

Vicki

Posted by: Vicki on April 29, 2004 12:43 PMfrom IP: 152.163.252.230

Tim,

In previous thread you mentioned moving to Australia. Don't believe anybody who said Oz is anything but fantastic! My husband and I spent 18 months in late 1980's traveling through Australia on a motorbike and later in a converted bus. We loved it. It was life-changing.

Australia is definitely slower paced. The big cities are few and far in between, isolated from each other because they're REALLY far apart, and you feel that sense of isolation.

When you are 200 klicks anywhere toward the interior, you're in the Outback where they're so laid back they're almost horizontal. The only thing worth moving really fast out there for is if something is threatening your cold beer. Dingos running after your wife? Ah, the sheila can take care of herself. Toss us another beer, mate.

The worst thing about traveling Australia? No free refills on anything anywhere, and all the stores close at 5! (at least back then)

The best thing about Australia? The pace of living, the people, the lack of the all-consuming consumerism permeating the U.S., the people don't smile at you with agendas. There is also a fantastic national/state park system.

Personally, I think the only great way to travel Australia is to go caravan-ing/camping. All the tourists spending thousands of dollars to stay in 5-star hotels and flying from one big city to another are missing out on the best part.

We went 6 months on a 650cc motorbike, staying at backpacker hostels (at the time $10/night!) and tenting out in national/state parks (most were free or $2/night). Then we bought a bus which was converted to a camper and continued for a year. At end of the trip we sold the camper and got most of our money back.

Australia has basically 1 long highway system running around it along the coast, so when you're traveling, you're either north/east bound or south/west bound, and you bump into the same campers who go in the same direction. A lot of Aussies see the country in campers, working temporary jobs along the way whenever they need more money. Perhaps it's the itinerant walk-about spirit of the Aboriginals. :) We've met some very dear friends this way.

Most of Australia was (most likely still is) unpopulated so unless we were in cities, we used to pulled over on the side of the road to overnight, next to deserted beaches, on isolated wind-swept cliffs, wherever we happened to be (can you imagine doing that in the States? A trooper would slap you a ticket in a New York minute! if you don't get attacked first by a weirdo).

In the Nullabor desert (between Melbourne and Perth) you can see the tail of the Milky Way.

Posted by: Hanh on April 29, 2004 01:21 PMfrom IP: 65.216.57.74

Hanh & Tim,

You can get free soft drink (soda) refills at Burger King and many McDonalds offer free refills for your coffee.
All you have to do is buy one of their drinks to begin with. Free?

Most large and many small supermarkets are either late closing or 24 hour.
I guess things have changed. That's progress for ya.

Now we have seven-eleven, McDonalds, Burger King, Hungry Jack's, KFC, Red Rooster, Big Rooster, Taco Bell, Chillie's, Krispy Kreme,.. would you like fries with that?, Kmart,...boy, are we lucky that we finally developed some culture!

Seriously though Tim, Hanh's appraisal is fairly spot-on regarding the distances and peacefulness.

Cheers,

Posted by: Peter on April 29, 2004 01:54 PMfrom IP: 203.41.31.126

So are we too small to achieve the huge world? Do we vainly joy in the pursuit of our endless loves and big dreams? Hmm...Silly me! Part of me is making goals while desperately hiding from the 'ol mundane world.

Maybe the world was never "too big" until we lived and made it so! Our paths are the way we weave our dreams into them. If only we wouldn't screw them up! Being only 18, I'm still a hopeless optimist...

Grandma Mil, do you think our insanity makes us become what we'd never dreamed? Heh heh, maybe dreams take us where we want to go in a roundabout way, just not the way we'd thought in the first place.

Paul, go surfing! :)

Tim, the beaches in Hawaii are beyond beautiful...

Here's a piece of cloudless blue sky amidst the busy day!

Posted by: Maile on April 29, 2004 03:56 PMfrom IP: 198.81.26.72

Hanh...
You lucky lady (didn't Liza Minelli star in movie by that name in the 70's)? Anyway thank you for the "trip" to Australia and to you Peter for the update. That is in line with what I had heard. A classic. When I worked for Deloitte Haskins + Sells, now Deloitte & Touche back in the early 80's we had transfer from Sydney. He and his wife missed home something fierce...why? He said they would often just settle back for the afternoon around 4 and go have a beer. It wasn't nearly as fast paced. Unnecessarily fast paced.
Now that's a topic.
We are so rushed by our society at least here in the US that the world can seem sometimes to close in on you because of constantly working the 120% most employers expect for 80% pay. Although at this moment I would take the 80% since I'm only working 1day at the salon. The accounting position didn't work out. Maybe something will come up. Just don't take away my computer.

peace and love to everyone...hey and keep up this outstanding post..it's feel good kind of place

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on April 29, 2004 07:01 PMfrom IP: 216.78.45.95

warm sunshine on my face, blue lagoons lapping at my feet, white sand covers my back, I lay looking upon a sky so blue, dreams melt and become real. A cool breeze warms my memories, images cascade like waves upon a break, and I surf. I surf with all my heart. The wind, the water, the salt, my board and I, all working as one, embracing the power of the world, dancing upon and amongst it's majesty, your majesty, my majesty, our majesty. Later, walking home a bird cries, circling lazily, wheeling to the right and then to the left, going where the wind blows. I too go where the winds of life carry me. And with me, I carry the wave and the bird and the sun and the breeze, I carry with me you, and I, our hopes and our dreams. I circle lazily basking in the warmth of our lives.

Posted by: Paul on April 29, 2004 08:42 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131

Paul,
You are incredible!!!

Posted by: Jean on April 29, 2004 08:59 PMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

After reading m'curio's description of a day surfing, I transcended for a few moments and was at the ocean smelling the salty air

...thanks...now back to the work!!!


Posted by: bluedog on April 29, 2004 09:16 PMfrom IP: 168.56.106.254

Very nice, Paul! Wish I were there instead of behind this desk. Mmmmm....

Vicki

Posted by: Vicki on April 29, 2004 11:05 PMfrom IP: 209.203.66.2

I say we get Paul's poems published, and create a reality show centered around his life...the Australian Osbournes!?!?

How about New York, Paul?

Have a great day,
Allison

Posted by: Allison on April 29, 2004 11:42 PMfrom IP: 204.30.193.51

Grandma Mil,
What part of Florida are you from? Cuz I live in Parkland, next to Boca Raton and Coral Springs. Maybe we're neighbors?

Posted by: Jean on April 30, 2004 12:48 AMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

Hanh, thanks for painting me that picture of Australia. How you described it is exactly how I've always imagined it.

Paul, thanks for painting me a picture of heaven.


Mary

Posted by: Mary on April 30, 2004 01:46 AMfrom IP: 83.70.34.186

Paul,

Wow, I thought I needed a vacation, but after reading your post, i realized I had just been on one and never left my desk. Thanks. I needed that.

Kelly : )

Posted by: Kelly on April 30, 2004 03:31 AMfrom IP: 161.150.2.26

I'm in agreement about "the rush" here in the USA. Life is not a dress rehersal. I don't feel "guilty" for taking my time and enjoying the world around me. When I go out in the evenings, most evenings, you'll find me outside. Sometimes, I just mosey around the yard, take a walk, talk with my neighbor. See, I think of old age this way. It's not the jobs that I've had that will matter, it's not the cars that I had that will matter or the clothes that I owned. Old age and dying will be about my relationships and the experiences. So, although everyday isn't perfect, I try to remember that rushing gets me nowhere quick. Another saying that I really like is "Haste makes waste". I apply that concept when I oversleep in the morning!

HUGS!
Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on April 30, 2004 04:29 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

Paul..
You sent me home with that post. There were no waves to surf on my beach..but the birds, the sand, the sun...damn your good. I was there while i read your post.

Compile your poetry and writings. Please publish them. It would be a great source of income for you. It would let your legendary creativity live on in yet another way. Please at least consider it. I'd definitely buy it. Hell I'd promote it for you here in Atlanta. You have a gift. Use it.
please

It's a window over that wall. And once you are over that wall another window will open...

all the best

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on April 30, 2004 04:53 AMfrom IP: 216.78.32.193

Paul
You have got to get your POEMS published! They are incredible! I started a folder when I first found this site. I enjoy going back and reading what you have written. I especially love the poem you wrote for Elise on her 14th birthday.

Looked up Wayne Gardiner to see who he was. I loved the blurb about his being a larriken, and dodging the police and angry neighbors on his motorcycle.

Kelly
How's it going? I am thinking positive thoughts for you, and you are in my prayers at night.

Hanh
Thank you sooo much for the travelog across OZ. I try to watch as many OZ films as I can, just for the scenery.

I have been meditating at my sanctuary lately. Sharon has added a hammock, so now I can just lay back and watch nature. The hummingbirds are back. Sharon puts several feeders out. If they get empty, they will go find her and scold her until she fills them.

Looking forward to Saturday! The Kentuckly Derby is on. It's always the first Saturday in May.
20 or 21 horses to start. A big group. One of my goals is to go back there and tour the back stretch someday.

There is nourishment from being encouraged and held up by others when we are weak. We are nourished from feedback from friends whom we trust and who will be honest with us. (Rich G. Buhler) What an apt quote for PC.

Take Care
Marge

Posted by: Marge on April 30, 2004 05:34 AMfrom IP: 205.187.137.162

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

Jean, we ARE neighbors! We live only minutes from you..how lucky can a Grannie get? First Julie and now you! I will send you more information!

Peace and Love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 05:53 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

No, I haven't been drinking..too old! Multiple posts? How quaint, how embarrassing!

I was so excited to learn that Jean is only minutes away, I must have flipped!

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 06:05 AMfrom IP: 4.234.117.5

How about a book of poems & essays on Life? Not real "essays", but just thoughts from life, like you write here at PC?

Posted by: Maile on April 30, 2004 08:36 AMfrom IP: 198.81.26.72

Anyone up for illustrating? How bout watercolor or b&w photography? :)

Posted by: Maile on April 30, 2004 08:41 AMfrom IP: 198.81.26.72

yeah theres alot of things i want to do

1. MEET MICHAEL JACKSON

2. BECOME FAMOUS

3. MAKE AN ALBUM

4. MAKE A VIDEO

5. FIND MY SOULMATE

6. GET RICH

7. GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE

8. GET LIPOSUCTION TO REMOVE MY LOVE HANDLES

yeah theres more but those are the main ones :D

Posted by: Erika Crystal on April 30, 2004 08:42 AMfrom IP: 64.12.116.198

Millie and Tim...Yes, dreaming and insanity...What a concept! It is such a fine line between them.

Pleasant everning to all.

Linda

Posted by: Linda Thomas on April 30, 2004 10:07 AMfrom IP: 67.172.80.183

Yes, I want so much to do so many things!

I've been on disability a few years now..... and thought....wow... what will I ever do with the time? I spend a lot of it in bed unfortunately sleeping.... but these are things I want to do:

1. Get in the car and drive around the country and see friends!

2. Visit other countries!

3. Make a difference in this world.

4. Plant a garden and watch it grow!

5. Take my kids out of school and give them a "practical" education for a year... visit places meet people, do things, we will only pass this way once, and it is sad to have them in school all the time!

6. Spend more time on my husband.... making him feel like he is the most special man on earth!

7. Get a medical degree.

8. Learn how to play the organ really well, no just so so as I do now. Oh, the joy of blasting out the pipe organ! I want to learn the pedals better.

9. I want to work on my spiritual life....... understand more.

10. I want to see the ocean more.

11. I want my mum and dad and children and husband to be with me always! I know, I am selfish, but if someone has to go first, I don't want them to be the ones!

12. Perhaps most important, I want to be pain free, with none of this cranial nerve bingo that has going on, one day an eye doesn't work another I can't hear. Ugh! I do get frustrated by that all.

Suzanne

Posted by: Suzanne on April 30, 2004 11:55 AMfrom IP: 68.88.34.109

Bald Eagles
I meant to share with you an incredible story that was on the news about a pair of balk eagles.
There is a family up near where the funnel clouds and high winds were that have an eagle watch on their property. They have set up a camera to watch them 24/7. They have two eaglets. During the storm the mother eagle crouched down and spread her wings over the nest to proctect her brood. Their nests are anywhere from 4 to 6 feet in diameter. While she was protecting her young, a branch fell on top of her. After things calmed down she literally picked up this branch and moved it off the nest. No easy task as this branch was estimated to be about 3" in diameter and about 8 feet long. These birds are about 4 tall. What an incredible story.

Gran Mill
A few "senior moments" I'd say

Take care,
Marge

Posted by: Marge on April 30, 2004 01:15 PMfrom IP: 205.187.146.49

Heard about Lulu the Kangaroo today on CNN. Noone in the U.S. know who the current PM is for Australia, but we know Lulu! :) :)

http://www.luluthekangaroo.com.au/

Posted by: Hanh on April 30, 2004 02:30 PMfrom IP: 65.216.57.74

Hello everyone,

Paul,
You are unimaginable great!!
With your few words the dark clouds disappear and bring sunshine into life.
Your words are so true, open-hearted, honest.
Thank you for sharing, thank you for this incredible website, thanks to the people how invented computers, thanks to Bill Gates for Microsoft (my operating system), thanks for the Internet, thanks.....

Kelly,
I've said it before, it's Queens-day today here in Holand. We celebrate the anniversary of our Queenmum.
But I'll call it "Kelly-day", because today is very important for you!
My thoughts will be with you this day.
Good luck!!

Tim,
Thank you for saying I'm not a whiner.

Grandma Mil and Jean,
What a coincidence that you are almost neighbours, I don't think I'll find my neighbour here....not even other people from Holland. haha

Almost had a car accident yesterday!
I was driving home from work and on the road there was a hugh peace of iron. It was exactly in a bend/curve (?), and I had two options:
1. take the inside bend (and risk the change that there wasn't another car coming from the other side); or
2. Drive my car over that (hit that) peace of iron.
Fortunatly I those for the second option, because there was another car coming from the other side. I couldn't steer my car into the verge, because there are milions of trees standing on the side of the road. It all happend so fast...
My car is a little damaged now, flat tired etc...
but fortunatly I have a good insurance.
And nothing bad happend to me. That's most important!! only a little shocked!

I couldn't sleep last night so I went outside, in the garden. Lied down on the grass, stared at the bright moon and thousand thoughts crossed my mind. I also thought about PC and all the people here and maybe one of you was staring at the moon at the same time as I was....
We all see the same moon!

So maybe the world isn't as big as it seems??


Love to everyone,

Monika

Posted by: Monika on April 30, 2004 05:55 PMfrom IP: 81.206.125.3

Hey all,

My surgery got move up so I will be leaving heree shortly. I can't believe the calls and good wishes from friends I have been getting
wishing me well. I didn't know anyone knew what was going on. Makes ya feel great, I'll tell ya that.Thanks for all the posts and emails from you all , I am soooo glad this is finally happening and I can get on with my life and a treatment so I can get better. I will touch base with you all in a couple days. My husband is overprotective with things like this and he wont let me on the computer for probobly 4 days. He probobly wont let me out of bed for 4 days.
thats his way of showing love, I'lle take what I can get.

Love to all,
Kelly

Posted by: KELLY on April 30, 2004 07:35 PMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100

Monika,
How funny, Kelly-day. I would just settle for no-cancer day :.

Het Marge, I'm doing great, Thanks for thinking of me.

Love to all, Kelly

Posted by: KELLY on April 30, 2004 07:38 PMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100

Unbelievable!!! First, stepping into the extraordinary world of Paul, then finding out that Grandma Mil lives closeby!!! What is next? Meeting Paul in person?

Posted by: Jean on April 30, 2004 07:39 PMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

Monika, I felt you watching that moon too!

I see it from my computer desk each early a.m., (if it isn't cloudy) here in Florida..I always wonder if others, maybe even our children so far away, see it too. Now I know, bless you!

My husband and I always get a chuckle when we see the moon in Florida..it always seems so much brighter here than anywhere else in this world.

It reminds us of that scene from "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennesse Williams, when the mother and her adult son are out on the fire-escape looking at the evening sky, and the mother exclaims, "Oh, look at that little slipper of a moon, rising over Shultz's delicatessen!"

Thinking of you, Kelly!

Love and Peace,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 07:41 PMfrom IP: 4.234.135.23

Jean, Paul in Florida? "When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true..." Forget the moon, let's concentrate on OUR star!

We're planning a "convention" in Paul's honor, in Florida in early February, and 15 people from PC have shown interest in coming. When I talk to you, I will give you more details...it promises to be a one-of-a-kind event!

Peace and Love,

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on April 30, 2004 07:55 PMfrom IP: 4.234.135.23

February seems to be a long time from now. What about helping Paul get here for auditions, maybe LA or the big apple?

Posted by: Jean on April 30, 2004 09:18 PMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

Kelly, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you today as you have the medical treatment. Sending love and healing yoru way.

Everyone else, "Hello" I will make the time this weekend and read all the posts--am completely out of the loop. Love and good wishes to all of you.

Posted by: Evelyn on April 30, 2004 09:43 PMfrom IP: 134.84.254.223

Thinking of you Kelly and wishing you the best for today's surgery.

Love to you,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on April 30, 2004 11:01 PMfrom IP: 83.70.44.201

Kelly, as I think of you going through your procedure today, I will visualize healing light all around you and blankets of love keeping you warm.

Peace,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on April 30, 2004 11:06 PMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Paul,
the image of surfing and a beach is a good mental place for me to be, I could use a rest. My boss and his family go to the beach every year. At least once. He's been 3 times this year. Mrs. Boss is there now. Lovely separated family situation/making enemies and playing stupid games.... As I may have said, my resume is getting nicer all the time as I get ready to dive in to the work search again.
Kelly, many good thoughts for you as you are undergoing this "procedure"
Now, as to things I'd like to do
1. take singing lessons so I wouldn't look like a deer in the headlights on stage.
2. ride my bike 50 miles a week, so I can ride a 50 mile ride. (working on that one)
3. take ballroom dancing
4. go to Mt. Rushmore, Stone Mountain, Ga. and the Monument to Crazy Horse.
5. Take my daughter to Disneyland and Disneyworld

Posted by: Mary Ellen on May 1, 2004 03:24 AMfrom IP: 66.233.95.139

Kelly, we are with you,sending positive energy for your healing.
Paul, thanks for the nice trip to the beach. My favorite evening activity is to sit in my grass and watch the kids chase lightning bugs then when the sky grows dark we lay on our backs and watch the stars. Just the smell of the earth and the grass in the summer air..ahh, so sweet.
Hi Grandma Mil, I wish we were neighbors! Hello, Peter. Thanks Michelle you rock too!
Peace

Posted by: Inn on May 1, 2004 03:51 AMfrom IP: 12.172.242.21

Marge, thanks for the quote. I loved it.

Monika, that must have been scary! Glad to hear you reacted with the right choice. When you think about times like these, you see how there are forks in your path at certain points and how going the alternative way would write a completely different life story for you. As for the moon, I reckon we might be seeing it from roughly the same angle. We're not exactly neighbours but we're not that far away from each other! (I live in Ireland)

Millie, lucky Jean and Julie! I know I am far away from YOU, but you're close in my heart always.

Maile, if Hawaii is as beautiful as I've always heard, you're truly blessed to be living there.

Inn & Monika, all this talk about lying in the grass sky/star gazing brought back memories of when I was young and summer days & nights seemed to stretch on forever. Thanks. Looking upwards is good for the soul, I think.

Diane, hope you are keeping well.

Paul, I agree with Tim and others here. I think your words - poetry & writings - would serve a very good purpose if they reached a wider audience. They unlock thoughts, memories, visions and wisdom that many of us would not have access to otherwise. My life has been changed for the better many times by the words of others, yours included. BTW, I was reminded of the term 'Renaissance Man' today and thought of you.

Here's the weekend again! Have a good one everyone.

Take care,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 1, 2004 09:27 AMfrom IP: 83.70.44.201

One of the tings I am going to do this summer is visit the Kentucky Horse Park, when I am back for my Grandson's 2nd birthday, in July. Alana and I have a list of things we have done, and a list of things we want to do and see. There is so much to see on the east coast. We are taking advantage of seeing as much as we can before her husband gets another assignment, which will be in about 3 years.

The just opened the WWII memorial this week and it is beautiful. We are definately going to see that.

Monika
Glad your safe from your almost accident.

Kelly
I am sending a shining light of positive energy to you.

Peter
Thank you for the wonderful post about Australia. I don't think anyone can realize just how big it is.

Paul
Spend time with your Dad, Your brother, and your Mum. How far away are they from you? They would be my priroity. How is your Dad doing? I know he was in quite a bit of pain last time you mentioned him. You don't realize how much they mean to a person, until it's too late.

I love talking to older people. I love to listen to old time horse trainer's stories, about the horses they had and trained.

Love to all.
Marge



Posted by: Marge on May 1, 2004 11:40 AMfrom IP: 199.182.74.103

Someone mentioned Bill Gates recently. Several years ago he was having a convention at the Seattle Convention Center and everyone needed to go to a hotel, for dinner, about three blocks away. At this convention, there were about 1500 people involved. The city said they couldn't walk that far together unless they had a parade permit. So Bill Gates got a parade permit, hired a Dixieland Band, had the street blocked off and had a parade. Now I call that class!!
Take Care,
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 1, 2004 11:50 AMfrom IP: 199.182.74.103

Hey guys, cant sleep cant find comfy spot sitting up.(i cant lay down).
tom is sleeping (for once) and wil kill me if he catches me on here so i will be quick.
i have nerve damage in my bottom right lip. they said it could get better swellin g goes down but so far it hasnt. i cant talk to my doc that did surgery till monday but the doc on call told me there is nothing to do till monday. if it doesnt get better it will be a good diet as i will to cut my food up real small to fit in cause i cant open very wide. my smile looks very odd and i havve to pat that side with hanky every now and then, i wont know for about 4 or 5 days if its cancer cause thy sent it for special testing. they lost alll my cat scan films so they didnt kno wif they could do surgery but thought they could do it without the films. tom took off the packing around neck so i can get more comfy and it worked but cant lay down yet. he is hovering all the time, whick is what i would do to him if it were reversed, but i feel bad he is trying to take care of clay and me and i dont want him to get sick. he said he anc clay were not going to clays game today but i told him he had to, clay has to dres full uniform and sit on bench with team and tom has to coach i told him he will be no good to me & clay if he doesnt take care of himself and do for "him" to. so my mom is cominmg in few hours to give him break, i insisted, so i think he is going. he is being so good, hes so worried. he is such a good man. i cant tell him i appreciate him any more he told me to stop, i am lucky to have him, thats all i can say.i am lucky to have all you , too, thanks for the kind wishes. i love you all, more than you know. oops, toms up gotta go back to bed.

Love you
kel

Posted by: KELLY on May 1, 2004 06:01 PMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100

Hey, I don't think the world's too big, we're just too little. But that's generally a good thing for this planet.
I wish I had such a list of things I want to do because at the moment I really have too much time on my hands.
Surfing is something I've always wanted to try out but I live in Finland so that's not really possible. Sounds like heaven though!
All the best
Paula

Posted by: Paula on May 1, 2004 07:17 PMfrom IP: 195.197.88.82

Dearest Kelly,

If we lived closer, we would be fussing about you and giving Tom some time off in a heartbeat!

Glad the surgery is over, and don't worry about your appearance...you are beautiful to us in every way, and we are confident that you will get a good report next week..can't you feel our positive energy?

Love you!

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 1, 2004 08:27 PMfrom IP: 4.234.51.62

Grandma Mil,
I'm sure that your children, grand-children and great-grand children can see that moon too.
I wish I could go to Florida in February.
It would be great to meet the people who I'm talking to/with.

It's kind of strange/funny, I'm sharing my (deepest) thoughts to people I don't actually know. Ofcourse I have sertain images of you all, but I don't know how you look like. It would be nice to know.
On the other hand, it doesn't matter how someone looks like, it's not important. What counts is the inside, that's much more important!!
And from where I can see it, you all are very nice, friendly, honest, empathizing, heart-warming people!!
Still, it would be nice to meet you all.

Kelly,
I hope you don't have much pain and that everything went well. These day's must be very uncertain. Hopefully the results are positive. I'll pray with everything I can for a complete recovery!

Mary,
It's great to know you're from Ireland, we are not quite neighbours, but indeed, Ireland isn't as far away as Australia or America.
And, we can look at the moon at the same time!!

Marge,
Yes, that was me who mentioned Bill Gates, the richest human being on the whole planet. Maybe he can donate some money to bring Paul and all of us together in Florida for the convention. (haha, keep on dreaming, I suppose).

Thank you all for your concern about my almost car-accident.

Talk to you later, love you all,

Monika

Posted by: monika on May 1, 2004 08:27 PMfrom IP: 81.206.125.3

Hello Grandma-Mil,

We posted at exactly the same time,
another sign that the world isnt't as big as it seems??

Monika

Posted by: Monika on May 1, 2004 08:29 PMfrom IP: 81.206.125.3


sending healing thoughts your way kelly... keep the positive attitude...

later...

Posted by: bluedog on May 1, 2004 09:00 PMfrom IP: 4.34.140.243

Monika, it's uncanny that we posted almost at the same time although I would guess Holland time is 5 hours ahead of Florida time. Maybe we got hit by the same moonbeam, right?

Wish you could make it to Florida too. So far, I have met Whitney and Julie in person, and what a wonderful experience!

Jean contacted me by phone yesterday. We will be meeting soon too! We only live about 20 minutes from each other, and she already knows some people that live in our retirement community! Small world??

Peace and Love,

Mil

Posted by: Grandma on May 1, 2004 09:52 PMfrom IP: 4.234.51.62

Monika, it's uncanny that we posted almost at the same time although I would guess Holland time is 5 hours ahead of Florida time. Maybe we got hit by the same moonbeam, right?

Wish you could make it to Florida too. So far, I have met Whitney and Julie in person, and what a wonderful experience!

Jean contacted me by phone yesterday. We will be meeting soon too! We only live about 20 minutes from each other, and she already knows some people that live in our retirement community! Small world??

Peace and Love,

Mil

Posted by: Grandma on May 1, 2004 09:53 PMfrom IP: 4.234.51.62

...there it goes again...and again...and......

Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 1, 2004 09:55 PMfrom IP: 4.234.51.62

Sending my most positive thoughts to you, Kelly!

Paul, for a moment there I was hanging ten with you! You ought to sell that piece to the tourism bureau . . .just gorgeous!

Hello to all the PCers, I'm still reading if not always posting.

I don't think there is ever enough time for everything we want to do in life, but maybe that's good, keeps us interested. And sometimes maybe that is function enough.

I wonder, though, how do we really waste time, how do we qualify it as a waste?
In the grand scheme my work takes me from what I love, but son and cats and I need to eat, stay warm/cool, etc. Maybe a useful nuisance more than a waste?
Sitting daydreaming about riding the waves, nah, not a waste, a mini mental vacation, as someone said.
Watching tv? Well, some is educational, some relaxing, and a nap is always good.

So, everyone, what is a waste of time to you?

hugs and smiles,
Sally

Posted by: deltalady on May 1, 2004 11:32 PMfrom IP: 66.231.2.138

Do not EVER put off anything that you want to do. Today is the only day you have. My husband had a heart attack three weeks ago. He is doing fine now, but it certainly wakes you up to the fact that if you want to do something don't wait to do it. My husband can't ride his motorcycles now which is breaking his heart, so you should ride your motorcycles more, surf, skate, spend time with your family - skip mowing the lawn though (that's small stuff).

Posted by: Jo on May 2, 2004 04:37 AMfrom IP: 64.243.68.144

You sound like you picked a wonderful man, Kelly...hoping for the best health for you!

Just got back from a beautiful surf session. Have to go to L.A. tomorrow so getting in a much sun as I can before I go. If anyone is ever in Hawaii, give me a holler and I'll take you surfing. ;)

Love to all.

Posted by: Maile on May 2, 2004 05:57 AMfrom IP: 198.81.26.72

Kelly

With you in spirit. If I were nearby, I'd visit and hold your hand and read you a book and just be there to talk. It makes the time go faster. I do wish you the best.Your husband and Clay sound awesome. Thank them but send them to the game.

Your in my heart.

peace and love

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on May 2, 2004 06:14 AMfrom IP: 216.78.45.149

Kelly, keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you're starting to feel more comfortable now. It sounds like you and Tom have built a home filled with a great deal of love. It's a strong position to be working from. Wishing you the best for Monday. Take care.

It's a couple of minutes past midnight here and I've just wished my son Martin a happy birthday. We have known each other for twenty two years now and it's a lovely thing to be able to say that I count him as one of my closest friends. I find that the older he and his brother get, the more I see them as they are - fellow souls who are sharing this journey with me. It's like looking at something familiar in a different light. Very exciting.

Take care all,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 2, 2004 07:19 AMfrom IP: 83.70.39.102

Kelly
I know what you are going through about not being able to sleep. The first night I came home from my Quadruple by-pass surgery, the only chair that I was comfortable in was my great-grandfather's old rocking chair, because it has a high wooden back. It's over a hundred years old. The Timmer is right on! I would also be there to help with your recovery, to give your husband and son some time. I make meals for families in my Church, who are in need of them. They always ask for my beef stroganoff.

Jo
I agree with you, about "today is your last day". I say a prayer each morning, thanking God for another day of life.

Gran Mill
Some more senior moments? Chuckle Chuckle
I am really looking forward to meeting the PC family that are planning to be at FIF.

Gotta go! Still getting my house toddler proofed for Grandson's visit.

Take care all,
Marge


Posted by: Marge on May 2, 2004 08:53 AMfrom IP: 205.187.131.250

Kelly, thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.
Diane sending some your way also.

Posted by: Paul on May 2, 2004 10:23 AMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131

Yes, defintely healing thoughts to Kelly! Positive energy is coming to you from the Corner.

Linda

Posted by: Linda Thomas on May 2, 2004 11:08 AMfrom IP: 67.172.80.183

Hey all,

Love to all you guys , too. Thanks for the encouregment. Tom and Clay ran to Walmart for a minute so the house would be peaceful so I could nap. I am getting around ok on my own for short periods of time. I am greatful Paige is still at her friend's house and hasn't seen me since surgery. I am alot less scary looking today. My mouth is coming back alive but I have a long way to go yet.I am still really swollen and am now feeling the insion pain. i thought the inssision was only going to be 2 inches. a family from church brought us dinner (basball family, too)and she was a nurse and she said I am healing fine but ws shocked to see a 5 inch incision on my neck.I didnt know it was that big. Thanks for all the good thoughts, i love you all. Many poeople want to come over but i say no very politely. just not ready yet. feel bad about my mouth, but i will have to get over that i am supposed to go back to work tuesday. i think i am taking more time off. i need to. well i am going to get in bed before tom gets home and gets mad for me being up. mary , we have built home with alot of love, i feel it very much right now, and any time i need him. he is there. i am lucky. i thank god for tom all the time, i thank god for all you ,too. i dont know if i could get through last 4 months without all you .
i mean it.

tim you dont have to be here for me to feel you,
i do feel you. thank you. marge, monika, mary , paul, inn, everyone, i love you very much. mil i love you too. gettn tired, going to bed. thanks for always being there. it helps to know you are there. i never knew how many people cared about me both her on the corner and here in my town. i feel so much love i am bursting with it.

kis kiss

Kel

Posted by: KELLY on May 3, 2004 05:34 AMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100

Kelly, best wishes for a speedy recovery!

with love and hugs,

Posted by: Julie on May 3, 2004 05:44 AMfrom IP: 208.60.249.8

Kelly, the very best of wishes to you for a comfortable recovery and for nothing short of wonderful health from now on.

Diane, continued best wishes for you also.

Peter

Posted by: Peter on May 3, 2004 04:07 PMfrom IP: 203.41.31.174

Paul, there was an article in yesterday's paper regarding the implosion of the Australian TV acting industry due to the so-called "reality" shows.
I'm stuffed if I can understand it.
How anyone can watch mindless, unappealing rubbish like Big Brother" or "The Block" has me totally beaten.
I feel that I would have to cut half of my brain out in order to enjoy it.

I can't understand why it's called "reality".
It is usually so obviously contrived that it's sickening.
Why anyone would want (as in the case of "The Block") to watch a bunch of egocentric idiots do something badly is totally beyond me.

Unfortunately, I feel it's brainwashing an impressionable young audience into normalising to pre-digested dribble, at the expense of a great industry, and the essence of our culture.

So, that's my say.
(No,... I'm not entirely happy today, but still managing to have a laugh!)

Posted by: Peter on May 3, 2004 04:17 PMfrom IP: 203.41.31.174

My heart aches for all soldiers who are dying and serving in Iraq especially Pat Tillman who gave up $3.6 mil contract for what he believes in. Prayed for them and we should count all our blessings.

Posted by: Jean on May 3, 2004 08:05 PMfrom IP: 63.71.157.131

Jean
I too am saddened about Pat Tillman, the other solders and their families that are grieving. I have mixed emotions about what we are doing there. My son-in-law is in the Navy, but he is stateside, and will probably not be in the fighting, unless it gets a lot worse from terrorism here in the States.

Peter
I totally agree with you about all the "trash" that is on TV now days. I don't watch the soaps, the talk shows, or the sit coms. I enjoy, Animal Planet, Court TV, Discovery and the quality (SB) movies that are shown. I don't even watch the news anymore. I check the news here with a local TV station, and that too is very depressing, with all the shootings, robberies, police chased etc.

Kelly
I asked for spiritual healing in our small church group last night, and continue to send possitive healing light your way. Give you hubby and son a hug for us, to let them know they are in our thoughts too.

Gotta go, more toddler proofing to do. They will be here tomorrow.

Take care
Love to all
Marage

Posted by: marge on May 4, 2004 01:47 AMfrom IP: 205.187.133.54

Hi ALL!

Kelly, hope the recovery is going well.

I finally found a few minutes to write. I've been really really busy with school. A lot to know in a short period of time. I have a test and a quiz every week. Three hours of lecture a day and then three hours of clinic each day.

I'm enjoying myself so far. I'm learning a lot about medical terminology and I'm starting to feel more relaxed and talk to people in my group. THere is one lady in my group who is legally blind and she's become a real inspiration to everyone in my class. She told me that she's only had her condition the past two years and after sitting hope feeling sorry for herself during that time she decided to return to "living". Some of the students are very young around 18 and others are comming back to school as a retirement transition. One of the two males in our class, Dan, is 50 years old and is a retired military officer. I though he was going to have a heart attack last week after he opened the biology book. He said that being tested on the parts of the human cell is tougher than anything he has ever encountered in the military. So far we haven't had to resisitate him (haha). Its funny how energetic the young ones are (the chickies as Millie calls them). It's a good energy that brings up my spririts.

Well, I have a test to study for tomorrow. Take care all and hopefully I'll have more interesting gossip to share next post.

Take Care All,

Posted by: Julie on May 4, 2004 04:14 AMfrom IP: 209.214.1.232

Just checking in to see how you are doing Kelly and to wish Diane the best of luck with tomorrow's surgery. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Love and best wishes to Paul and everyone else.

Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 4, 2004 06:34 AMfrom IP: 83.70.38.40

Diane, my friend, may you be surrounded by loving, healing light for your surgery today. I'll be thinking of you and sending you loads of good energy!

Love to you,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on May 4, 2004 08:36 PMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Paul spend time with your parents, your wife, your daughters. And please think about putting your life story into a book or a script. You have had a unique life, one which should be told.

Life is swept along,
next-to-nothing its span.
For one swept to old age
no shelters exist.
Perceiving this danger in death,
one should drop the world's bait
and look for peace.

Samyutta Nikaya II, 19

Posted by: Jo on May 4, 2004 08:55 PMfrom IP: 64.243.68.137

May I post a question here since I can never get my Yahoo password to work and don't know where else to post it? There is a comedian by the name of Paul Mecurio in New York. He is sort of the Lenny Bruce of 2004. (Anybody out there know who Lenny Bruce is?) Looking for this site I found his site first, accidently. It seems he is getting ready to make a movie in this country (U.S.A.). My question is how can he be using the name Paul Mecurio when the Australian Paul Mecurio made a movie first? Michael Keaton's real name is Michael Douglas, but he had to change his name because there was already a Michael Douglas. If anyone could explain this to me I would appreciate it. I don't think two people having the same name would help anybodys career.

Posted by: Jo(inTexas) on May 4, 2004 09:36 PMfrom IP: 64.243.68.207

My thoughts are with you Diane.
Have a good day everyone.
Peace

Posted by: Inn on May 4, 2004 09:43 PMfrom IP: 65.206.79.225

Jo intexas:
There was a thread over a year ago I guess about this guy in NY. He had been arrested or something like that and people thought it was our friend here. Bad memory here, but I think the name is spelled differently. Any way I don't know where you can find info on him, but keep looking the internet is a great way to search for the impossibilities of the 70's or 60's. : )

Diane...sending positive vibes.

I have a whole list of honey do's for today. None of which I am really inspired to do. I have my daughter with me, so that gives me an excuse to do nothing but play. She's such a trip and she gets into everything, I just don't know how mom's traditionally get everything done with children and for themselves. I am totally in awe of my wife. She can keep Annalise all day and clean house and shop and on and on. I can hardly get the bed made and a bathroom cleaned. Two trips with the car seat and I'm burnt out. So to all my women friends here. You have my utmost respect and admiration.

I am supposed to take an entrance exam tomorrow but I think I'll postpone it till next week. I'm starting a Masters program. MBA haven't quite decided what I want to specifically gravitate towards. It's an 18 month program. Classes are very condensed. I'm tired of being poor. I've been rejected from too many opportunities b/c I don't have an MBA...I just looked this weekend and there were several opportunities from the $80's + if you had your MBA and CPA. Consider me there next December (2005). I'll always be able to do hair and dance and other things, however for me I've got four kids to think about for the rest of my life and my wife and I would like to retire like Auntie Mil and El one day. Wish me luck on the test. Since I took the GMAT before I just have to take their admissions test. Thank God.

Chin up everyone. It's finally getting warm here in Atlanta. Sorry your winter is starting in OZ. But hey we're on the flip flop of things.

Love to everyone.

peace and love

Tim

Posted by: Tim on May 5, 2004 12:01 AMfrom IP: 216.78.40.157

JO (in Texas)
The difference is:
Paul Mercurio Our Paul's corner Star
Paul Mecurio Radio talk show host NY (no "R")
I found this to be confusing too when I first started looking up our wonderful Paul.

Kelly
How ya doin? I am sending healing light and thoughts to you for your recovery. Wish I was closer so I could come and help.

Diane
Warm wishes. Sending healing light and positive thoughts in your direction for your surgery as well.

Gotta go!
My daughter will be here today.
Yippy Skippy!!

Love to all
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 5, 2004 12:01 AMfrom IP: 199.182.67.1

Thanks for the information. It is very confusing and I still think it is a terrible injustice to our Paul that the other guy is using a name that is so similar. Lenny Bruce was in the 50's. He was a lewd, crude and socially unacceptable individual. I remember the incident with the shock jocks, as they are called in this country, and the "comedian" Paul Mecurio. It was NOT funny.

Posted by: Jo(in Texas) on May 5, 2004 12:26 AMfrom IP: 64.243.68.213

Paul,

WOW!!! It has been a few weeks since I posted anything, but I do read your messages and I could not resist this one. . . the world is too large, there are SO many things I want to do. . .but, by golly. . . so what!

Marge, you took the words 'off my fingers.' Paul's Corner and this wonderful internet certainly makes the world smaller and more intimate. I know none of you but it is such pleasure when I hear from any of you (Cat and Grandma Mil, you are terrific!)

But what do I want to do. . .love my husband more, read, travel, sing, dance, clean my house, be a better teacher, be a better Buddhist, meditate more, watch Strictly Ballroom daily, repot and enjoy my plants more than I do, etc., etc., etc. Yet, you know what? I DO get all of this done, somehow! And, there's even more I want to do. . .like you, Paul. You want to come to Florida? I would love to go to Australia and meet you. . . France and meet Tina Turner. . .to meet Micael Jordan. I have dreams. . . and all this makes life SO VERY exciting and ALIVE.

Posted by: Helen on May 5, 2004 01:00 AMfrom IP: 4.243.194.39

Hello!

Kelly-I hope that you continue to heal wonderfully everyday and are back on your feet in no time. Please update us when you can.

Diane-Sending warm get well after your surgery wishes!!

Julie-That's lovely about your classes-wishing you much success! You sounded so upbeat-keep up the positive energy!

Marge-Toddler Proof? I have a 5 year old and a soon to be 3 year old. I have learned that NOTHING is toddler proof (laugh and sigh)! I hope that the visit is fun and smooth!!

Helen-I watch SB everyday-my little girls request it on a daily basis-I never tire of it.

Tim-WOW-4 kids-I'm outta breath just thinking about that! We're trying for Baby #3. Two people (one who has no kids and one who has two kids) made negative remarks about it. Did you have to listen to anyone's negative remarks and if so-how did you handle it? And, good luck with your upcoming classes-do keep us posted.

Peter-I absolutely detest these "reality" shows. I'm a public television fan.

And, the rest of PC-hope all is well.

HUGS!
Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on May 5, 2004 02:15 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

I'm hoping to continue the journey of "my life and how it used to be". I had gone through an extremly stressful and emotional situation at my previous job. That experience changed me and not for the better. I changed jobs but still work within the same organization. Since I've been coming to PC-I've begun see little flecks of light and hope. I'm hoping that the "old me" will come back. I liked the old me. I don't want to really give any details because the experience is still painful and I learned a few really, really hard and tough lessons. I've been gone from that job for almost 8 months but I'm still haunted about what happened there. So, coming here and "listening" to others is beginning to help me.

HUGS!
Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on May 5, 2004 02:54 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

Abeth

To all those with comments about the number of children..I just say it's my business. Our fourth was not planned but it was our one and only daughter and we wouldn't trade it for the world. Crazy as hell in our house, but like I said we love it.
And again for those RUDE people that have something to say I respond just as rudely. I.E. Well we wanted four..and you obviously wanted 1,2,3 etc. so we're both happy right?

Happy days to everyone.

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on May 5, 2004 03:15 AMfrom IP: 216.78.46.76

I skimmed (as usual), but I did want to answer Jo's question.

I think you'll find when the other Paul's movie comes out, that his name is slightly different. Probably he'll use his middle initial. Both Pauls spell it "Mercurio", but they have different middle names. As far as I know, you cannot register a duplicate name with the Screen Actors Guild.

As to the topic at hand, wow--it's so hard to do the things we want to do, and still keep the house clean, ya know? Slowly, we've been building things into the routine, having more adventures as time goes on. But unless we live forever (which we're hoping for!), there's no way we'll see everything we want to. Imagine if there were more than just this planet to explore!

Posted by: Cat on May 5, 2004 04:21 AMfrom IP: 208.27.203.128

It still sounds like the other Paul is taking advantage of an established name. That should not be allowed.

I gather from the post that most of the people here are rather young. Let me tell you something that I have learned. Do the things you want to do and don't put them off. If you put them off too long you might have the time and you might have the money, but I can guarantee you that you won't have the energy.

Posted by: Jo(InTexas) on May 5, 2004 04:37 AMfrom IP: 64.243.68.249

Cat said "Imagine if there were more than just this planet to explore".

I'm counting on it! That being said, I'm also relying on the possibility that I'll have more than this lifetime to get to know the universe.:)

Dreaming all the time,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on May 5, 2004 05:24 AMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Diane, sending you warm, healing light. I hope that yor recovery is comfortable.

Tim, the MBA sounds like a great plan. A lot of hard work, but the results will be worth it, financially and otherwise.

Abeth, what's "public television"?
Pls excuse my ignorance, but I'm not familiar with that term.
Of all the memorable TV shows that I've ever seen, not one of them is a reality show or anything of that type.

Peter

Posted by: Peter on May 5, 2004 05:25 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.153

And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

Thanks to the Goo Goo Dolls' "Iris".

Peter

Posted by: Peter on May 5, 2004 05:27 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.153

Michelle, I know what you mean. It's all out there, isn't it? Surely one definition of paradise/perfection/heaven is getting the chance to experience and know it all?

Tim, I wish you the very best of luck with the test. It sounds like a very positive move. Hopefully, we'll end up studying at the same time! BTW, what a beautiful name your daughter has.

Marge, your excitement is jumping off the screen! I hope you have a wonderful visit with your daughter.

Julie, glad to hear your course is going well.

Abeth, sorry to hear you've been through a difficult time. I think if after any painful experience you can say that you learnt something from it, then it has served a purpose. I understand what you're saying about PC. It is a healing, positive place.

Peter, who are the Goo Goo Dolls?? I presume they're a group, but are they current or retro?

Kelly & Diane, the best of healing thoughts to you both.

Evelyn, how are you?

Love to all of you out there,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 5, 2004 05:41 AMfrom IP: 83.70.34.9

Mary, the Goo Goo Dolls are current.
I find both the music and lyrics very powerful.
Have a listen to "Iris".

Love to you too, Mary.

Posted by: Peter on May 5, 2004 06:01 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.153

Peter, just listened to 'Iris'. Yes, very powerful. Particularly liked verses 1 & 2. Feeling like this about someone - heaven on earth.

Take care,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 5, 2004 07:02 AMfrom IP: 83.70.34.9

FYI to everyone.
The Paul Mecurio in NY is an obnoxious talk show host. He spells his name without an "R". On the Web anyway. He even broadcast live from a church about a couple doing it there. There was heat about that. I have seen a picture of this jerk on the Web and he doesn't look at all like our PAUL. Not even close. I haven't heard about the movie is doing. Can anyone fill me in?

Kelly
Hope the healing light is touching you.

My kids are here! My kids are here!
Logan, my grandson is gotten so big and is is Mr. attitude himself. He got introduced to Lucy, my Peke and she sneezed and scared him.

How are you doing Paul?

Gotta go!
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 5, 2004 07:09 AMfrom IP: 205.187.131.128

Peter
Public Television is a public service network that has quality programs. It is funded by subscribers (like me) who enjoy the quality programs. They have wonderful programs like, Opera, Ballet, The Three Tenors, River Dance, Masterpiece Theater, Seseme Street, and more. Businesses also match their employees subscriptions. In return you receive CD's Videos, and other stuff depending on how much and what level you subscribe to. Hope this explains your question.

We have another public service channel that anyone can put whatever video they want to put on it. I don't watch this channel as there is nothing but trash on it. This junk is allowed on this channel due to our freedom of speech issue in our Constitution. I discovered it about 3 in the morning channel surfing, and almost "dropped my teeth" it was so bad, as it was couples having orgies. I won't be more graphic than that. I have blocked it out and complained to the local cable network.

The kids went to a "rapier" practice where they got to see a lot of friends all at once.

Take Care,
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 5, 2004 10:27 AMfrom IP: 199.182.67.82

Hello everyone, as promised, I’m slowly working myself through the posts; finished the one on “The Wall” and just a few brief thoughts that came to mind. About a year or a year and a half ago, when I felt I was just crashing into my damn wall without finding a way around it/through it/over it etc. Paul you said something quite obvious to me that I hadn’t thought about, something to the effect of “Stop running into the wall and look for the door that’s close by and calmly walk through it.” Sometimes it seems that the only way to get through it is to destroy the wall, but most likely it is about finding that door and about staying calm. Lately, I’ve found that when I’m not letting the wall intimidate me and when I’m staying calm, I find inner strength, hope and endurance to deal with uncertainty, frustration and am just more peaceful and happy. Another thought on the wall, there are moments when it feels that I’m standing on quicksand and everything just falls away beneath me, the wall sure comes in handy as a firm place to hold on to and hang on. I’m not sure, but whenever I feel that way, everything else may be shifting but the wall does not. That is its protective function for me. Just another perspective on that.

Is the world too big? Yes, it is, mostly in the good way, because it gives me all the possibilities and opportunities because it is so big; and sometimes it’s intimidating, because it is so big and I feel lost, unsure of where to turn and what to focus on, but mostly I embrace it for the positivity that it contains and allows me to participate in.

Mary, I’m still busy, but this is the last week of classes (Thank God!!!), busy with proficiency testing, today was the one hour writing exam, now I have to grade them, the next three days are oral proficiency interviews 10 –15 minutes per student, and next week there’s the 2 hour reading and listening exam, but at least that’s a computerized exam so we don’t need to grade those. That’s the final exam for the 2nd year students (very intense and I feel sorry for them!) and then there’s the final exam for the first year class as well. I’ve also applied for all the jobs I could and now it’s back to waiting. I actually got an interview for one job and then after talking to immigration had to withdraw my application as I’d have to go on a specific visa that requires me to leave the US for at least a year after the end of that contract. This was a 10-week term position at a great school, but it would have meant giving up my career for a year and a half afterwards because of the academic schedule. Immigration makes me so mad … I accept that that’s not where I was supposed to go, even though it looked like a great opportunity and it would have been. There’s something out there for me and I’m going to find it! I also worked on a creative project the last week which helped calm my nerves and gave me focus and great pleasure. It’s my Mum’s birthday tomorrow, actually already today in her time zone, and I made her a watercolor calendar of 12 of her favorite places around the world. I love watercolors, very unpredictable and thus a greater challenge artistically (for me) and this was a fun project. I liked some of them so much, I scanned them and then transferred them on t-shirts. It’s fun to wear my own art :)
So how are you doing Mary?

Kelly and Diane, you are in my thoughts and I’m visualizing you healing nicely and fully.

Paul, I hope you get where you wish to go happily, undepressed, that doors open, that the path reveals itself to you in greatest clarity and brings you and your wife and your daughters great joy and the stability you desire and deserve. Congrats on the job! May there be more and not conflicting with the 6 1/2 days you committed to the other job. Be well and sending you my best wishes!

Love to all of you, I really miss participating, but I will do once things slow down a bit.

Posted by: Evelyn on May 5, 2004 10:50 AMfrom IP: 128.101.248.246

Marge,

I looked those movies up for you. One is called High Art, Low Life written and directed by Peter Nourjian and the other one that is coming out this fall is called Faux Pix. I also noticed that sometimes this comedian spells his name with an R and other times without an R so that makes it even more confusing.

If Paul reads these I would like to ask him a question. How does your wife feel about some of the love story situations that you have in movies like The First 9 1/2 Weeks and Exit to Eden? Or does she not watch your movies. This is something I truly can not relate to. My own husband works with two old Chinese ladies and a computer!

Posted by: Jo(In Texas) on May 5, 2004 08:51 PMfrom IP: 64.243.68.157

Grandma Mil here...I spoke to Diane the day before her surgery, and by now, hopefully, she is on the road to a full recovery, and if her husband, Allan, drops me an email on how she's doing, I will convey that information.

I also have her home address, and if anyone wants to send her a card, etc., let me know and I will send her address to you, but not on this site. I have most of the email address of all my chickies, in preparation for FIF, anyway.

Kelly, hoping to hear good news!

Marge, bless you, your description of Public Television to Peter was so accurate.

I depend on it at times also, for my monthly video concerts, "The Sights and Sounds of Music" which is in its tenth season. I use scenes from ballet, opera, and documentary, from PBS, along with other sources, like the movies. No commercials, Peter, but there is a long appeal for new members which lasts almost 15 minutes that drives me to distraction!

Last night, in the season's end of "Sights and Sounds", I had a lovely crowd in the auditorium, and after greeting everyone, and "singing" (lipsyncing) "With a Song In My Heart", I started the program by pressing the remote, which is supposed to bring the video scenes on the large 9ft. screen...nothing happened...just a lousy blue screen, no sound, and I knew I was in deep----. I struggled for 10 minutes, and then told the audience that the equipment was definitely not working, and no use.

The audience filed out of the auditorium, obviously disappointed, but not before a bunch came up to the edge of the stage and assured me that it was not my fault, and not to worry, they still loved my programs, and would be back at another performance when the equipment was fixed.

It was the first time in 10 years that this had happened. No big deal in the light of all that is happening in this world, and tomorrow is another day...(and I have another showing, but the powers that be told me an hour ago that it would all be fixed, if possible!) Now, Peter, can you see how Marge and I love PBS? Aren't you sorry you asked???

"Follies" is coming along wonderfully. I'm already looking for costumes for certain acts,
and we're rehearsing 2 days a week.

Ellie and I are leaving for Connecticut on Tuesday (flying, ugh) to attend a granddaughter's Bas Mitzvah. We are looking forward to spending a week with our two daughters and their families, and old friends. Then, it's back to Florida for the summer rehearsals, etc. By the way, I have lost enough weight (28 lbs.) to be able to get into clothes one size less. Svelte I will never be, but at least people remark that they already see the difference...in my face! I think the double chin has receded!

Peace and love,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 5, 2004 09:56 PMfrom IP: 4.234.21.99

Millie, well done on dropping a dress size! I hope the next showing of Sights & Sounds goes without a hitch. Love to you.

Evelyn, I am doing just fine. I've had a hectic couple of weeks at work (end of term looming, like yourself) but next Monday, I'll be heading away with my class for five days and I'm looking forward to that (a form of madness!). We'll be staying in a Gaeltacht - an area where our own language (Gaeilge) is spoken as the first language. The welcome is always warm, the children love it and for the teachers, as we say here, the craic is mighty! Lots of time to myself. Can't wait. When I come back, I hope to be starting my studies. The thought of it is exciting and challenging. A good combination! I wish you the best with the job search. As always, I wish you the job that is right for you. In the meantime, you are clocking up experience in trying to maintain calm in the midst of uncertainty. Not pleasant but worthwhile. There is something out there for you and when you find it, you'll just know it's for you.

Peter, I smiled when I read my last post about the song and how the emotion expressed in it swept me away on first listening. I listened to it again just now and saw a great deal more in the words. It made me think about first impressions and how they really need others to give the full picture of something. But sometimes, just feeling and not thinking feels very good.

Love to Kelly, Diane and all,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 6, 2004 03:37 AMfrom IP: 83.70.46.5

Millie-Have a most wonderful and safe trip. Is a Bas Mitzvah equal to Bar Mitzvah? Sorry to hear about your mishap with your viewing but ---- happens and sometimes it's best just to laugh about it!! You go girl with the weight loss. And, please do email me Diane's address so that I may send her a card with get well wishes.

Marge-Thank you for the perfect description of PBS. One of my favorites is "Frontline" with Bill Moyers and David Boncacio(spelling?). Here's to hoping you survive "the visit"!

Peter-I do believe Marge answered the public television question perfectly.

Jo-I saw your comment about you being the one who said you thought Paul was nice and not being the one who commented on his bum....well....you're not too old for this site!

Evelyn-What do you teach and where are you from?

Tim-Thanks for the great words of advice. I can't wait to post "my due date"!! Keep your fingers crossed that the Baby Dust Fairy pays us a visit this month!! I have two girls now and wouldn't mind in the least what the Fairy decides to bring us. My oldest daughter keeps telling everyone that she's getting a baby brother-maybe she has the inside track....

Mary-Yes, I learned toooo much from my experience. For some reason-my journey has taken me to PC. I have lost alot of faith in the human race and my mind was way too clouded with ominus thoughts. With each passing week-life offers a new perspective.

Forgive me if I've mentioned this before....my youngest daughter (she'll be 3 in June), sings "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps" into her microphone on her little play cash register! It just about kills me to watch and hear her! She was doing it this morning while we were getting ready for daycare school. Hey-it was better than listening to the theme song for "Sponge Bob Square Pants"! For those of you who have never heard of this character and song-feel blessed!

HUGS!
Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on May 6, 2004 04:40 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

Dear "The Mill", congratulations on losing that 28lbs. That's an extraordinary effort, in my books. I hope you enjoy your trip to Connecticut and visiting with family and friends. Be careful, they may not recognise you....!

Ah, Mary!
I think you hit the nail right on the head!
It's the feeling and not the thinking that we sometimes need, especially this little black duck who unfortunately is the stongly logic lead, left brained, ignore the emotions type of individual. Oh, how I wish it were otherwise.
The music allows us to feel, and to feel free.
I completely agree with you, in that everytime I listen, I am likely to interpret or notice something a little different. Isn't it great?

Marge, thanks for the info. on public television.
I don't think that we'd ever get that in Australia. The population would be too small to make it a commercial reality. The closest thing that we have is the national broadcaster (ABC TV & radio). That's where you find the more culturally minded stuff, mostly.

Posted by: Peter on May 6, 2004 05:16 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.182

Peter, don't let this go to your head, but left-brained or otherwise, you're lovely just as you are. Nuff said.

Mary

PS Yes, it is great!

Posted by: Mary on May 6, 2004 05:39 AMfrom IP: 83.70.46.5

Abeth, I'm a fan of Frontline, too! I also like Nova, and Now with Bill Moyers. I've learned so many great things from Public Television, most notably when Nova had a program called The Elegant Universe which explained String Theory. It was the first time I was able to connect science with my spiritual beliefs. Awesome! I also loved The Sacred Balance which was, on the surface, a show about ecology, but in it's essence described the connection between all of us and everything else in the universe. The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell was wonderful as well.

Mary, when you wrote about how good it feels to feel without thinking, I sighed. We seem to lose the ability to let ourselves go when we decide we're grown up. I suppose we have good reasons to think things through at times, but a lot of the time I think we hold back out of fear of losing control. Figuring out when to be cautious and when to allow ourselves the luxury of just "feeling" takes some practice I suppose, but it's vital that we remember what life can be like when we allow ourselves that freedom. Deep sigh...

Marge, I hope you're enjoying the time with your family. It sounds like your animals will be having some fun as well!

Good to hear from you, Evelyn! Here's hoping you get to relax and breathe deeply very soon.

Mil, thanks for the update on Diane, and a big hug of congratulations on your weight-loss!

Peter, I'm a Goo Goo Dolls fan. They did a rockin version of Tom Petty's song American Girl at the Concert for New York City after 9/11. They're one of the reasons I bought the DVD as well as the CD.

Love to Kelly and Diane! Where are Janice and Dhiana? Hello to all the Corner, peace to all of you.

Be Well,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on May 6, 2004 05:54 AMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Peter, I have to tell you that you've completely blown all my stereotypical notions regarding engineers completely out of the water. You're such an introspective, thinking/feeling, radically open to the possibilities kind of guy!

I LOVE that about you!

Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on May 6, 2004 06:03 AMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Mary and Michelle, I agree with you when describing our Peter.

Years ago (when I was younger...er, much younger) my opinions of Australian males were based on the characteristics of characters like Crocodile Dundee. Then, when I grew up, I discovered our Paul, Peter, and Hugh Jackman, and love the Aussie women, like Tara Morice, Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths. Nicole Kidman is all right, but she always plays...Nicole Kidman.

I was so enamoured with anything Aussie that I actually thought that the Outback restaurants with their Aussie motifs was authentic, until I realized that it was just an old fashioned American steakhouse, with kangaroo pictures and Sheila restrooms thrown in!

I just got back from the media auditorium where the fiasco of my Tuesday night video concert occurred. A new VCR was installed today, and I tried out the tape again and it works fine, all set for Thursday night...I hope.

Love and Peace,

The Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 6, 2004 07:04 AMfrom IP: 4.231.202.20

Whew! Just got back from Logan shopping for new clothes. Jeff's birthday is today and I got him what he wanted. He turned an "old" thirty today. His hobby is "War Hammer Fantasy", assembling very small figures and painting them. Some of you may be familiar with this. It's like putting together model planes or cars, only on a very small scale. He uses jeweler's loops.

Thank you all for the acknoldgements on our PBS stations. Twice a year they have what I call their "beg-a-thon", that interupts the program that they are presenting to get more people to sign up. It's annoying, but worth it. I also like Front Line, Bill Moyer and others. We also have many subscribers from BC Canada. There are 2 PBS stations here. One is from the University of Washington, in Seattle, and the other is from the Pacific Lutheran University, in Tacoma, I think. They both have quality programming.

Gran Mil
Have a wonderful visit with your family up north. A big "CONGRATS" on your weight loss. I know how hard it is.

Taking family out to dinner for Jeff's birthday.

Take Care,
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 6, 2004 08:57 AMfrom IP: 205.187.134.122

Going back to the thought of "does the world seem to big for you". When I was a kid I lived in a small town in East Texas and the skies at night were beautiful - so many stars. (Of course, now I live in Houston where you see helicopters at night and get all excited because you think that they are stars.) I would look up at the heavens and try to imagine it just going on and on and on - never ending and I would get crazy just thinking about it. We are just a speck in that vast universe and somewhere out there someone else is looking at us thinking how the heavens just go on and on and on. Everything seems too big for me if I think about it - the world, the universe. There will never be enough time to do everything in one life or on one planet or in one universe. Very, very scary.

Posted by: Jo(In Texas) on May 6, 2004 09:01 PMfrom IP: 64.243.68.162

Marge..30? don't you just wish you could be 30 with the wisdom you have now? I do. The body and strength would be wonderful.
Abeth..bar and bas..boy and girl.
Aunt Mil...sorry about the fiasco. That's my life. I live it daily so don't worry if you only had one day of it. : ) And I like Nicole. She has some diversity. I really loved her in Moulin Rouge...of course that's just me. I like Ewan McGregor too. Anyone with an accent other than Southern will turn my ear and catch my attention.
Well off to study...excited and nervous. An expensive venture it damn sure better pay off. The total cost is going to be around $30k. HMMMMM.
Have a great time in CT Aunt Mil.
Peter as usual your thought provoking comments remain top notch.

Oh yes, I too much prefer Perhaps, perhaps,perhaps to Sponge Bob...argh.

It's funny in this stage of mostly unemployment my list of to do's far out weigh my time. How does that happen?

peace and love

Tim

Posted by: Tim Hord on May 6, 2004 09:08 PMfrom IP: 216.78.46.185

Paul

write to me...i´ll send my pic to u...if you want to see me...of course..

Kisses

Caaarol

Posted by: Carol on May 6, 2004 09:30 PMfrom IP: 200.249.118.254

Hey all,

NO CANCER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Monika, Mil, Tim, Mary, Paul, Peter, Marge, Julie, Evelyn and everyone else. I think all your prayers and positive healing light did it! Thank you to all of you.

They still don't know what I have but they know it isn't cancer. Thank the Lord. I am very swollen still and in more pain now since going off the pain killers, than after surgery but I am doing well. I had such an outporing of love from people I don't think I will ever walk another day on this earth feeling unloved or unimportant, as I have felt most of my life. It all started here with all of you. You guys change lives without realizing it. A few kind words (and emails)can go so far. I am living proof. I don't know what lies ahead for me now or if they will find out what this is, but I know I will not be alone. Thanks... I love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kiss kiss hug hug

I am still tired so back to bed. I go back to work on MOnday. My boss said she will take it slow for me on the phone since my speach is still very slow and poor. The doctor said he had to go so deep that my nerve was stretched but will come back within 6 weeks. Lets hope. Love to all.

Kelly Haggard (loved and cared for in Michigan)

xoxoxoxoxox

Posted by: KELLY on May 7, 2004 12:03 AMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100

Kelly
Halalulah! That's wonderful news!

Just getting everyone going today. We are all refreshed from yesturday's mega shopping. Logan slept through the night, so we all got a goods nights sleep.

Going to visit a few people today.

gotta go!
Marge

Posted by: Marge on May 7, 2004 12:13 AMfrom IP: 205.187.139.203

Dearest Tim,

The best to you as you study and then take your exams!

We know you will attain your goals by getting your Masters or MBA. You are still young enough, and you have other skills to keep the family going. No one said it would be easy, Tim, but the 18 months will fly by, and you will never regret taking the plunge now.

Your Auntie Mil went back to school in her early 40s, got her teaching degree, worked for 21 years, and retired with a pension.

Now, as a senior citizen, I have embarked on the "career" of my lifetime with my Stud Muffin, (showbiz in the senior community) and we're relishing every moment!

As a CPA you could easily work right into your senior years, with time off to go on vacations with your wife, or better yet, move to Florida, and enjoy the pace of life (and the weather)where it seems like a vacation every day!

Good for you, go for it, with all our blessings, right everyone???

Peace and Love,

Auntie Mil (The Mil)

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 7, 2004 12:25 AMfrom IP: 4.234.132.30

Dearest Kelly,

You made my day!!!

Smooch, smooch, kiss, kiss, hug, hug, praise the Lord!!!!

(I'm all worn out now...can't take the excitement!)

Gratefully,

Grandma Mil

Posted by: Grandma Mil on May 7, 2004 12:39 AMfrom IP: 4.234.132.30

That's wonderful news Kelly!! I am so happy for you! One big hurdle over with. Keep trusting that they will get to the bottom of this and make you better. You're right. You're not alone. And I think it's easy for us to send you love and positive energy. You bring so much of both here yourself for the rest of us. Lots of love to you.

Jo, I agree with Abeth, when you come to the Corner, you tend to leave your age at the door.

Peter, re: music. Without it in my life, I'd be surviving not living. I am also a 'head' person and sometimes being like that can make everything so intense. Music liberates me to some amazing dimension where I don't have to think. Each time it happens I am surprised to find myself there! It can be any kind of music, as long as it affects me. I actually believe it's a glimpse of the spiritual dimension. I'll be very disappointed/surprised if music is not an integral part of it. Do you like particular kinds of music or are you open to anything?

Michelle, as you know, I know exactly where you're coming from with regards to the whole fear thing holding you back. Thinking too much can lead to fear easily if you're that way inclined. Maybe we can coach each other to lean more in the other direction and throw caution to the wind more often?!:)

Paul, I hope all is well with you. Thinking of you.

Diane, healing thoughts to you.


Love and harmony to everyone in the Corner,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 7, 2004 02:56 AMfrom IP: 83.70.44.34

Kelly-Hooray!!! What a huge amount of relief you must be feeling. Continue to get well!

Mary-I can relate to the music experience. Music truly does take me somewhere. A friend recently gave me a Tom Jones greatest hits cd(inside personal joke) but I've been listening to it. He does a rendition of Prince's "Kiss", which sounds way cool! And, my personal favorites are "It's Not Unusual" and "She's A Lady".

Michelle-I love Nova, too! Years ago, there used to be a series on about WW II. I think it was called Battlefield. Anyway-it was amazing. I loved the live footage. The other series I loved was The History of Rock-N-Roll. My little girls watch the cartoons on PBS. A few of my favorites are Clifford, Dragon Tales, and Teletubbies. I found myself watching them in the morning a few times after I took my girls to daycare school and I was home sick!!

Hey, while I'm thinking about it-anyone from the Maryland area?

Diane-Hope you're doing well.

Hello to everyone at PC! Have a lovely evening!!

HUGS!
Abeth

Posted by: Abeth on May 7, 2004 04:22 AMfrom IP: 128.220.113.100

KELLY, KELLY ...!!!...excellent news!!
I feel very relieved for you. The road from here may still be a little challenging, but rest assured that your friends at PC will be willing you all the way. BE WELL young lady, BE WELL.

Tim, I'm really impressed. You're doing something very, very positive and you will reap the rewards. Good luck to you, my friend.
I have a favourite saying. It sounds a little stupid until you really think about it, but it goes like this:
"There is no change without change."

Mary, Yes, Yes, Yes. The music takes us somewhere else. From one head person to another, I can well empathise with your described experience.
The music frees and liberates me to a different space. It allows emotions to open up, which are otherwise suppressed in favour of more "survival" oriented cerebral processes.
I personally like many styles of music, including some classical and instrumental, but mostly I like the popular style of pop/rock. It really depends on the tone and mood of the song. It can be any kind of song, really. I tend not to just like a particular artist, but rather individual songs or what they do for me.
I like (some of) the works of a whole host of groups and solo artists, from ABBA to ZZ Top.
We actually have music from both of these at home!
I really like good strong vocal harmonies, such as some of the stuff from America, Boston, LRB, Bee Gees, to name just a few. The vocals are the key thing for me.
I also like a lot of Oz Rock for the mood. It's what you "grow up" with (hopefully i'm still growing), that sticks with you.

Cheers to all at PC

Peter

Posted by: Peter on May 7, 2004 05:08 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.41

WARNING...WARNING...
>>>Imminent gut-spilling ahead>>>

It seems that everyday, in some way, I am reminded of what is of true value.
My own personal lesson still seems to haunt me, but it yields something positive.
I'm reminded of the shear joy of having my wonderful family, in particular my children, who themselves never fail to inspire me.
They are with me, always. It makes the world feel very full, to me.

As for the one who let me down, (my BM), well,...I guess there is a reason, even if it exists only in her poor, twisted, mind. Not that anyone else could understand it (save a few such as she).
It stands as a clear lesson in how not to be, and what is of real value.
All the wealth, glitter, glamour and empty excess will someday decay and there will be nothing of substance to stand in it's place.
I know that without exception, if I can stand up to those challenges and survive, then all else that may be thrown at me is insignificant and barely worthy of my attention.
The bruises have all but faded and I am made anew. Wiser, stronger, richer...in the ways that count.

(You may now return to normal viewing).


Regards,

Peter

Posted by: Peter on May 7, 2004 05:33 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.41

Peter, I'm so sorry that you have had to endure the pain brought on by this woman. I suppose the irony is that you wouldn't feel the depth of gratitude toward your current circumstances with your own family had she not been so horrible to you. Or maybe you would, I just don't know. I guess your level of peace depends on how you perceive the journey. Those pesky choices! Her's will no doubt haunt her on past this lifetime.
You, my friend, are a phoenix!

Kelly, I'm so happy to hear that all is well! Keep healing and we'll keep shining the light for you!

Love to you, Diane. Be well.

Peace wherever you are,
Michelle

Posted by: Michelle on May 7, 2004 05:58 AMfrom IP: 24.14.248.67

Peter, yes, the vocals are very important. I love such a variety of voices and groups that I couldn't name them all in one sitting! But a few of my favourites are James Taylor (amazing live), Don McLean, Carly Simon, Paul Simon, Neil Young, John Denver - all 'voices' and all people I 'grew up' with. I LOVE America - one favourite is Ventura Highway. Do you know The Lighthouse Family? David Gray - very introspective. I bonded with his music almost immediately! Two Irish singers I love - Paul Brady and Brian Kennedy. Both worth checking out if you haven't heard them. I also love classical music. It lifts me to a special place. No words, no clear directions in which to go. Open road to wherever I wish to go. I feel so lucky to appreciate it all.

And Peter, I don't think you can get a much higher lesson in this life experience than to learn what is of true value. Your experience with your BM could have led so easily to a diminished sense of self and a negative outlook. To have come through such a challenge wiser, stonger and richer in the ways that count is, I think, a reflection on how far you have come on your 'mission' in this lifetime. And ultimately, I think it is all about our own individual purpose. No matter how close, biologically or in spirit, our fellow travellers are to us, in the end, I believe it's about our own individual journey. I reckon (and hope) that you've some of the rougher stretches of road behind you at this stage. I wish you much joy with your family.

Hi Michelle! It's nice to know that you're around and calling in at roughly the same time as me. It's an added connection! Hope you are well.

Take care all,
Mary

Posted by: Mary on May 7, 2004 06:57 AMfrom IP: 83.70.44.34

Hey gang. Kelly, great news! I hope whatever they discover you have comes with a quick fix.
I'm posting to ask all you all to pool that powerful energy and send it to my friend Desiree'. She has Khron's disease and diabetes and she went into a coma on Thursday night. The Dr's aren't really expecting her to respond so soon and as of right now she is breathing on her own. She is the only non-family person in my life that I never met. My mother and hers were friends so we were babies in the playpen together. I've always known her and I can't believe that I'm dealing with what might be our separation so much sooner then I thought I would.
Anyway, thanks,everyone, in advance for being here.
Peace.
Inn

Posted by: Inn on May 7, 2004 08:37 AMfrom IP: 65.206.79.224

Peter
Forget about your BM and move on. Someday she may regret that she never met you and your family. It's her loss, not yours. Look at all you have? Your wife, children, a good job. Be thankful for all that you have and forget what cannot be. Spend your energies on what is most dear to you.

Many people who try and find their biological Mother or Father has been disasterous.

I chose to keep my daughter and I love her dearly. She asked me a few times about her BF. I told her if she was interested in looking him up when she was older, I would give her names and phone numbers, but said to be prepared to have the door slammed in your face. She decided that because he never chose to find her, she wasn't interested in seeing him.

I have a friend named Nicki who knew she was adopted. She did find her berth p