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Friday, 04 June
oldbies/newbies
Not too happy about the tone of some of the posts. Some newbies have come on boards and hijacked the thread. Some oldbies are none too pleased with the change. People seem to be getting ruffled and indignant, talk of flaming, talk of what happens on other boards, talk of shame, mention of offence, people coming, people going. It has been an interesting couple of hundred posts. Heres what I think - this has always been a place where we listen to each other. It is also a place where we talk, comment, be honest, laugh, share and cry. Listening to each other is important and caring is important. Spelling is not so important! Michael and Richard I am very happy to have you as part of this community but (sorry about the but...) but in your enthusiasm I fear you have run over a few of the oldbies. You have both used the word "assume" a very dangerous word and concept. To assume often means to not listen or to comment on that which you dont know. One of the things I am working on constantly is to not assume, in fact I am trying to purge it from my vocabulary. Richard you have made assumptions regarding my action and thoughts and then laid them at the feet of oldbies who have been here for two years. A newbie telling an oldbie how it is - it rubbed me a bit. Granted you dont know who some of the longer attending posters are. That is where the non jumping to assumption and listening part comes in. Michael I am sorry to say it but Mil is our appointed Gran Ma and as such she is our appointed authority figure because she is the oldest. Like a good Grand Ma occasionally she sticks her nose in where perhaps she shouldnt but it is done with love and concern and we forgive her because she is the oldest - because she is Grand Ma Mil. Being a new member you werent aware of this. If you need anything or somebody's e-mail Grand Ma Mil has it and gives very generously too. Newbies upset the apple cart could have been a good title to this post. I did find your post to her unecessarily aggressive but understand it hit one of your buttons regarding the past. Grand Ma Mil I am going to give you a slap on the wrist too. I havent left the post, never have, I just wasnt coming due to the stuff of my life for the moment. I am sure you were speaking on behalf of some posters but not all. Your comment regarding the way it was in the beginning: I have read all the posts and the first two hundred or so is as per the norm: we talked about the blog at hand. But after that I think that topic was covered and people moved on. The fact I hadnt posted a new blog meant that people meandered which for the most part is good. I am a bit miffed that I wasnt reading when all the recipe stuff was on as you guys know I love a good recipe. Respect is a good word and a convoluted concept at times. Ultimately it is earnt through time. Grand Ma Mil calls me "our Paul" which after posting here for a year and a half or so I feel that I know her well enough to be comfortable with her and that title. Newbies need to give us (oldbies) time to get to know you and visa versa before we start casting assumptions and spiteful words around the room. Through knowledge comes understanding. As for the poster with no name I am sure you are aware that this is not what this site is about. I have said my bit. I thought Inn, in her last post or so said it well enough as did Sherrlyn. So now we may forget about the oldbies and the newbies and us and them type feelings and be a community. open, honest, tolerant and quick with a smile.
Note: comments on old entries are closed. Please comment only on the current entry. Comments To all of you who welcomed me to this site thank you very much. I too enjoyed some of the receipies that were also on this site as well. I hope that in the last post i made that i did not offend anyone in any manner and if i did so then i am truly sorry. I would like to tell all who visit to think happy thoughts and to have a wonderful day. Melinda Posted by: melinda on June 4, 2004 12:18 PMfrom IP: 205.188.116.198Paul, You're like a good shepherd, always tending to the flock. Knowledge and understanding; yes the two are inseparable. Have a good weekend. Peter Posted by: Peter on June 4, 2004 01:20 PMfrom IP: 203.41.31.95Hi, I haven't been here in a long time. Gosh, I leave ya'll alone for a little bit and the fussing/fighting begins. Let's all be nice, I've missed everyone. Take care, Happy to "see" you again, Paul; regret the circumstances. I guess sometimes we all forget how to play well with others. Wishing everyone in all the various time zones a peaceful day and at least one good, honest belly laugh.
Dear Paul, Your return is like a ray of sunshine, and I am sure that everyone is elated that you are back! I know you had many pressing matters to attend to, and I also knew that you would eventually return, which you have, thank goodness! I am sorry if my poor choice of words seemed to insinuate that you dropped out of PC for good, for that was not my intention....I know better! Peter, so good to hear from you! Hope all is well, we missed you too! Vickie and Vicki, welcome, and I would suggest that we make some sort of distinction between you Peace and Love, Mil Posted by: Grandma Mil on June 4, 2004 05:24 PMfrom IP: 4.234.72.6Mmmmmm I am somewhat confused (which is pretty normal) by the two Evelyn's floating around??? And now two Viki/e's!! There is Evelyn - she of the long post and who leaves unfinished beers around and then there is Evelyn - aka Helen darling whom is new and I have probably not welcomed?! A belated welcome to you! Jo, thank you for your honesty and bravery intelling us your story. There is not much to say right now other than I am so glad you are here with us and I am honoured that you take the time to be a part of this group. I would like to talk with you more about what you told us but for now I have had a couple of beers and need to put the kids to bed. So later if that is alright with you. Grand ma Mil and all youse others that read this, you may like to know my beautiful wife is back on the stage guesting with the Australian Ballet. Some of you may remember that two years ago she was asked back to play the queen in their production of Swan Lake. Well they are doing another season and she is up there in all her glory, prancing around the stage and loving it. I am being a house husband and loving it - even better she is bringing in some bucks!! A belated welcome to Melinda also! Thank yo of extending the hand of friendship. Got to put the kids to bed. I have put the duck (peking style marinade) in the oven and the roast potatoes with garlic and rosemary too. May open a bottle of wine then do the bok choy (garlic, chiilie and ginger) and have it ready for my sweetheart for when she comes home! Ah the simple things in life, hey? Posted by: Paul on June 4, 2004 06:34 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131
Gosh, here you are making dinner and here I am wondering what to have for breakfast! Funny how the time zones are. When you are sleeping, I am working, and vice versa! I think it was a good idea to start a new, fresh thread. You always have a way of explaining things that make sense. I certainly wish I had half your insight. But, then, that's why I come here. If a question gets thrown out to all here, you get a lot of different opinions. So, will start anew, too, by saying hello to all the newbies and hey to all the oldies. Looking forward to your posts. Smiles to all, Hello all PCers,
To requote Vicki's quote of Shakespeare from the last thread: "What's past is prologue." A new act begins. --Richard Posted by: Richard on June 4, 2004 07:37 PMfrom IP: 62.194.101.58 PS to Paul, Sally you could always try my beer and egg recipe in the recipe section!!! It is pretty good - although I would say that! Richard life is exactly that isnt it. Every day a new day, a new challenge, a new beginning. Thank god for new days and change and yet by golly it is hard to deal with it all as well. Strangely I struggle and embrace all at once - but perhaps that is the way life is meant to be. And so I embrace and struggle "to be". And back to Jo from whom I would like to hear your thoughts on that. Life is a struggle so what has got you through this past year? Posted by: Paul on June 4, 2004 08:23 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Dear Paul, What a lovely surprise to learn that your beautiful Andrea will be dancing in "Swan Lake"! How well my (senior) peers know this ballet, for I have shown it numerous times in my video concerts on that large 9 ft. screen. The ballerinas are always gorgeous, tall, and so graceful, no wonder Andrea is dancing again! Not bad either, being a house husband, and a master chef to boot! Best wishes to you both and the girls! Status of "Follies": Rumors are flying that it will be the best yet! Rehearsals are a hoot, with the cast members still applauding, smiling, (and laughing) even though they have seen each act over and over. Tim, where are you, we miss you! Peace and Love, Mil Posted by: Grandma Mil on June 4, 2004 08:25 PMfrom IP: 4.234.72.6I made her dinner! Do I have to rub her feet too!! I thought perhaps some other area would be better....................like her neck - dont know what you were thinking! Posted by: Paul on June 4, 2004 08:26 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Keep talking about the follies and the more I wish........ Echo..."Tim where are you, are you, you..." Posted by: Paul on June 4, 2004 08:28 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Paul, >>I made her dinner! Do I have to rub her feet too!! PS: Paul, Paul, Paul, Good Morning Everyone: It's beautiful here and hope it is where you are too. Paul: Thank you for your post. It explains and enlightens. I feel clearer now. As Michelle would say, the brain fog has lifted on this new day - starting anew with my best other foot forward. How great that Andrea is performing and to come home to a fantastic dinner and the rub of . . . what was it? . . . oh yes! the neck. Yes that's it. How about giving over with some of those recipes too? Please don't leave us with our mouths watering! Also the Spanich Chicken you spoke about. Made your roasted veggies. Fantastic! Well, I've got to run. Have a fantastic day. Anon - anew - renewed, Jo: I've been where you are - several times, in fact. I know what it feels like to be alone, depressed and hopeless. I've suffered from chronic depression - treated and untreated - all my adult life. But when my husband chose to end his life nearly nine years ago, my whole perspective changed. That's not to say things were wonderful after that and, in fact, me and my children and stepchildren went through hell for a very long time (some residual stills exists today). And I still do get depressed. I just know that some options are viable and some are totally unthinkable. Life is gift, dear Jo. Sometimes a gag gift, and sometimes one you'd like to return, but always a gift. I don't know if I'm making any sense here, and these things are difficult to talk about with any ability to make others understand, but if you'd like a friend to lean on or listen to you, please email me. Chin up, girl! I hope you know how very lucky you are to have someone love you for 39 years - and would do it all over again. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and he for another happy 39!
Vicki, Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening where ever you all may be. Paul sounds like you had a lovely dinner with your sweetie. As for the rubbin I would have to agree to let her choose but the feet if you do rub them does have the most nerve endings in the body so if you rub her feet you could relax her entire body. Either way have a lovely time. I have to get my kids off to school. Happy thoughts to everyone and enjoy your day. Melinda Posted by: melinda on June 5, 2004 12:09 AMfrom IP: 205.188.116.198Hello to everyone on the site. I guess I am a newbie. Paul, saw Strictly Ballroom and thought that you were great! Then I looked in the internet and found this site. I have been reading everyone's postings and am very impressed at how close you "oldbies" are. I don't know what happened before, but I am sorry that it happened to this site, which is a beam of sunlight to me when I visit it. And Paul, your postings touched my soul. It was like you knew exactly how I feel about things. I am sooo glad that you found your soulmate, you deserved to find her! Wish I could be so lucky!! Anyway, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading the postings. Love to all the family! Beth Ellen Posted by: Beth Ellen on June 5, 2004 12:15 AMfrom IP: 12.153.125.99I stop visiting this site for awhile and this is what happens... Jen Posted by: piratesavvy on June 5, 2004 12:22 AMfrom IP: 203.109.249.137I forgot to tell all that my husband passed his stress test, echocardiogram, and all the other test with flying colors. The doctor told him he could resume his old activities (he just doesn't know what all his old activities were) so tomorrow he thinks he is going to cut down a tree. The heat index here has been 110 degrees almost every day, so I think he won't be cutting down that tree like he thinks (at least not if I can help it). Posted by: Jo(In Texas) on June 5, 2004 01:19 AMfrom IP: 64.243.68.145Hello, First-I want to say that I'm not the least bit offended by suggestions of names for my baby-I welcome them. I'm more geared to Anna Bethany but my husband doesn't like the Bethany. Well, we have a few months.... Vicki(in California)-I'm sorry to hear about your husband. You're a courageous woman to post about it. I'd like to offer a bit of "insight" if you please. I am bipolar and I do know what it's like to be depressed enough to be suicidal. I want to say that thanks to people like my husband and two excellent health professionals-my life today is greatly improved. Although I cannot currently take my medication (pregnancy issue going on here, ha, ha), I have the support of these individuals. Also, I've done alot of learning about bipolar and now have new "life tools" to use. Since I'm feeling a bit punchy today-I look at my bipolar like this....I have something that's treatable and managable although not curable. I will not let it beat me because I've already been to hell and I have no plans of returning. I'm no longer afraid of episodes because my bipolar doesn't define who I am. So, while I do not intend to ponder on such a "heavy" topic-I just wanted to give a little insight and would welcome any help that I could give. HUGS! Paul, It doesn't matter what you rub on your wife-just don't rub too long in one spot-variety is the key!! Sorry-I couldn't resist a bit of humor!! HUGS! Jo: Congrats to your husband (and YOU) for passing his stress test. But, honestly! Cut down a tree? What's with that? Better hide the axe, saw and chainsaw! Abeth, I like your attitude about your "condition" and am very glad that you have a good support system, especially while being pregnant (which is a roller-coaster ride all by itself) and off your meds. I like "Anna" and "Bethany", but I also like "Emily" and "Rebecca". As for boys' names, my grandson is named "Phoenix" and so I'm really partial to that! :) Paul-the-house-husband - Congrats on your lovely wife's dancing. It sure would be nice to see photos of her performance. (hint, hint!) Hello and Happy Friday to everyone (unless it's already Saturday where you are!) Vicki Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 5, 2004 01:48 AMfrom IP: 209.203.66.2And, forgive me for this third post but I wanted to thank those that have given wonderful "morning sickness" suggestions!! I'm suffering from "Baby Brain". That's where I absorb nothing in my brain because it's mush! Just a bit of humor...we're joking about naming the baby (if a girl) Anna with a middle of Another. Her name would be Anna Another Hester (my last name)! We certainly could try Polly-get it-Polly Hester! Oh, I'm killing me today!! HUGS, again! Hello to all my friends in PC old and new! After reading through the new thread so far, I know one thing for sure. There is one lucky woman living and breathing today. Swan Lake, followed by dinner & foot/neck rubbing (she can take her pick) a la Paul Mercurio.... Is that reality I just described or a fantasy?? Andrea, life sounds pretty good for you at the moment. I hope it continues to be. Millie, you know how much you mean to me. Can't wait to see the Follies! Jo, I've no doubt your husband was sent to you. And you to him. You were both lucky to find each other so soon. My mother used always speak of my father as you just did of your husband and his reply was always - I am the lucky one. I'm sure your husband feels the same way. I'm so glad his test results came out so good! It must be a great relief for you both. Best wishes to you. Abeth, have you tried soda water? It was the only thing that worked for me. My older boy is called Martin, so I'm biased towards that name! Hope you & baby are well. Jen, good to hear from you again. Beth Ellen, you're very welcome! Vicki, you've come through so much. I wish you joy in the future. Love to Paul & to everyone here, Posted by: Mary on June 5, 2004 04:29 AMfrom IP: 83.70.42.187 Well I'm glad that is settled. Hello Everyone: Vicki - Exit to Eden Vicki? Big belly laugh to you too. Rockin Jo: So glad to hear you husband passed all of his tests. But the tree? You know what to do. I'm sorry for all of your troubles. I'm thinking of you. Abeth: Thanks for sharing. And now a bit of humor for you. The middle name for a daughter could be Ineda. Anna (I NEED A) Hester. Be well. Hello Mary, Michelle, Inn, Evelyn aka Helen, Helen aka Evelyn, Marge, Richard, Kim and everyone else. Soon Kim, Welcome Beth Ellen and welcome back piratesavvy! It is always good to see a new face (so to speak) and always warming when an old friend comes back!!Jo, I am glad your Hubbie passed his tests with flying colours but it is so like a bloke to want to celebrate by doing something super blokey!! Maybe you could talk him into firing up the barbie and with cold beer in hand and a few ribs sizzling away he would feel suitably blokey! And you would get a nice feed too! Abeth - good luck with the naming!! What sdo you think of Gwenth calling her daughter Apple? My wife always liked the name Marnie. I wasnt so keen on that name then but now I quite like it. My daughters are all E's - Elise, Emily and Erin and I cant really imagine them any other way. What a fabulous journey you are on. I would love to stay and chat but I am teaching a drama workshop in 3 hours and I have not got my act together for so to work I go. Posted by: Paul on June 5, 2004 07:50 AMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Richard sorry about that. I have sent you another one so I hope you can open it. How are you doing? Michael sweetie how are you today? Thanks for your messages it is getting late or should I say early now so I will be in touch tomorrow. It was nice hearing from you. Hi to everyone else in PC land. Let's hope we can all start again and get to know eachother properly. Take care Hey Paul. Sorry it's been so long. And Auntie Mil, and Whit, and Evelyn and Inn and everyone. We went to Florida on vacation and then when we got back our phones were down (lines torn down again..we've got GOT to move), television didn't work and I was working on the school work...getting prepped. And then I signed on last night and there were over 400 posts..I couldn't even beging to start. I've missed you guys. Hard to believe my second home got corrupted. This is such a wonderful "cyber" family. Love and caring words and inspiration and smiles all generate from this spacial special place rightly called Pauls corner. I've made it through some seriously depressing times here. I suffer from bi-polar and went through a suicide attempt and people here were and are so supportive. To whomever this may affect please know that we who have been posting for a while now..have great respect for each other and their various personalities. It's wonderful. As always when people say they miss you like my lovely Auntie Mil and then a special "echo" from my mate Paul...well what else can be said??? Paul I'm so happy for Andrea. That is thrilling and exciting and wonderful when you get to do what you love as you well know. Tell her to "break a leg" You know what I mean. It would be awesome if you taped it and sent it to Cat so we could buy a copy...I'd love to see her in a ballet..think about it. My life is moving along. I start school on July 5th. Birthday is on the 6th (44). My kids are psyched that it is summer. We're opening the pool this weekend..hopefully. They are driving me crazy about it. I do hope everyone is doing well and making the best of life. It's so true today it just today. We have tomorrow to look FORWARD to. I read Dr. Phil's ultimate weight loss plan. It's the bomb. It has helped me on so many levels: I'm excercising (sp) looks funny anyway and changing my way of dealing with food. Not as a comfort thing or anticdote but for what it truly is. I'm already losing pounds. And feeling wonderful about it. I'm going to make it this time. I've changed my mindset. It's liberating. Oh I forgot..One of my clients today Paige P. was showing me pictures of her grandkids. Interesting note her grandson played Fedx in Cheaper by the dozen and just finished wrapping a pilot for a sitcom with Kirstie Alley and Ricki Lake. They don't think it will be picked up for fall but probably mid season. The pic's were cool. Her grandson was with Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. Then he got a special squeeze from Hillary Duff. At the premiere he took a picture with Ashton, Tallulah and Demi Moore. Demi could hug me anyday...anytime. Anyway....it's now time for a Huge peace and love The Timmer He's BACk...... Paul Hello to everyone else, especially those we haven't heard from in awhile. May life's greatest gifts always be yours--happiness, memories and dreams. Take care, Hey All, I agree with Paul and Grandma Millie. And I have to admit I did feel pushed aside b/c of too many posts and people comunicating throught this blog rather than just exchanging e-mail addresses. I"ve learned something, I'd rather have a life than a perfect house. Tommorrow I will seek a new adventure and hopefully have something intersting to share next post. wish me luck,
possibly a... encounter with...a...I forget it I'm too tired to imagine anything right now. :) Posted by: Julie on June 5, 2004 09:28 AMfrom IP: 209.214.1.195Thank you Paul. Tickled pink that Andrea is back on stage, Swan Lake no less.! ! ! To all who suffer manic depression and are bi-polar, at least you have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment. I get laughed at and told that it's all in my head, YEAH, RIGHT! Duh???? Then I reach for another pint of Homemade Vanilla and Strawberry ice Cream. Then the whole world takes on a different look. Maybe I should read Dr Phil's book? Anyway, lots to do tomorrow, must get kitchen cleaned up tonight. Gathered fresh plums this evening, another big storm moving in from the north. Hopefully we will have no Hail. I have a momma cat that just insists on moving her kittens(2). She just will not leave them in what I consider a protected area for bad weather. Hugs to all here at the PC Julie, being an obsessive compulsive I can totally relate to the whole clean house issue but I've found a great way to deal with it, I stay out of it! It works like a charm, but I have to figure out a way to sit and watch a movie without having to clean the place. My Dear Timmer, I was concerned about you, and here you are, after a nice Floridian vacation (probably on the west coast, right?) sounding optimistic about going to school, and getting on the weight-loss program...good for you! Now, what about those tap routines for "Follies"???? Rehearsals have been going great here, but not always with a full cast because people come and go (it's vacation time, and yes, even retirees like to go on "vacation" (trips, etc.) To me, retirement is an ongoing vacation every day. Julie, we'll look forward to your visit soon. By the way, being you will be the designated tour director during the FIF around Ft. Lauderdale's beaches and shops, make a list of sights to see for our lovely PCers. Those body builders in speedos sound promising and maybe I'll join the tour too, but only if I know what a speedo is. I think I used to know... Sherrlyn, good to have you back! Abeth, take care, feel good. By the way, we have Ellie has a written record of their names and birthdays, so we won't forget. The eldest, our first granddaughter, now a mother herself, is named "Noga" which means "evening star", (like Venus) then boys named Elchanan, Dotan, Yakov, Matanya, and Avi, and girls named Batya, Bina, and Chava. "Dotan" was village mentioned in the Bible where Joseph was taken by his brothers. The other names are Hebrew names, common in Israel. Does that help?? Peace and Love, Mil Posted by: Grandma Mil on June 5, 2004 05:57 PMfrom IP: 4.234.81.73Ahh the good old speedo! Also known as "dick togs" here in Oz. I will let Peter explain as he is the expert on Ozzie culture and a damn good bloke to boot! That is if he is not too flat out like a lizard drinking. Me I hate em, give me boardies any day! Posted by: Paul on June 5, 2004 09:48 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131ps I reckon Peter has perle dick togs to compliment his perls suite!? Of course worn over the all over! Isnt that right Peter?? Perhaps that is unfair of me but you are welcome to take your revenge! :_) Posted by: Paul on June 5, 2004 09:50 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Abeth, Hello Paul,
Paul, Tim, Peter, Julie and Mil, Cat, Paul, Gotta get this show on the road, as they say, so will wish everyone here a good weekend. It's raining here but I don't care. If it's nice out, all I want to do is get outdoors. When it's like this, I get a burst of energy and start one of my projects that I've put off for a rainy day... Smiles to all, Hello to everyone and I hope you are all enjoying the weekend. Paul it is good to see you are posting again, what's it like being a house husband? For some strange reason I can't imagine you with a feather duster and furniture polish in your hands and yet I can see you cooking in the kitchen with your beer! I really hope you find work soon. I hope you all have a great day. Sally What is a speedo? Something OZ? On a sad note I am attending a memorial service for a horse friend. Her husband died suddenly of a heart attack with no warning. They sold their farm to their daughter retired two years ago, bought a diesel pusher and have been touring the south. They were on their way home for the summer. He was a young 58. Hay gang! Today is the third jewel of the triple crown in thoroughbred racing. Can't wait so see if Smarty Jones can do it. If he wins he will probably be retired to stud because of the enormous amount of insurance they would have to carry on him, to keep him racing. Something like 40 Million or more. Glad to see you posting again Timmer. Enough babbling
Marge: Speedo's - Mens swimwear originally designed for competition swimming and diving. Now all the guys who think they have a bod think they can wear them. NOT!!! If I remember correctly, Paul wore a gold one in Exit to Eden? ? ? This must be the weekend for BBQ's. We are planning to fire up the grill and cook a few ribs, hamburgers, and maybe even some chicken. Well I have plums cooking and need to go check on them. Can't decide if I want to make Jelly or Jam. But have to do something with them. Picked Apricots this morning, will stew them to go with the BBQ and Beans. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone enjoy the weather, we are supposed to have more storms this afternoon. Be careful with the fire starting your BBQ. Hugs to all, lol@the post anyway just wanted to drop by and say hi to paul i just saw joseph the other day on tv and it made me think about how damn sexy you were once again. hott with the egyptian eyeliner and costume ;)
We're all rooting for Smarty Jones today! He's a local horse out of Philadelphia Park, just 15 minutes away from us. We're having "Smarty parties" everywhere and if he wins, there will be a great parade for him. Believe it or not, he got a police escort to Belmont with police from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey! He's quite the celebrity around here. I watched an hour long special on tv about the films coming out this summer and I, ROBOT was featured with Will Smith giving an interview. Looks good, as I love sci-fi. There are quite a lot of good looking films coming out and I hope I can see them all. Haven't heard of SHALL WE DANCE. Did see HAVANA NIGHTS, tho. Did you? Andrea's interview is posted here on the homepage. Thanks again, Cat! Sherrlyn, Smiles to all, Hello Everyone, Everyone Else, Melinda Posted by: melinda on June 6, 2004 04:50 AMfrom IP: 64.12.116.198Re: Speedos The best thing about speedos is taking them off! Vicki Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 6, 2004 05:03 AMfrom IP: 205.188.116.198Hello Everyone: Just came in from outside. Have been in the yard on and off all day. Cutting the grass, weeding the flower beds, fertilizing. I love working in the yard. Very peaceful and meditative. After all of the rain we have had everything is realy taking off. Everything looks really good. So there seems to be a lot of back and forth about speedos today. What is it about speedos that sets the tongues to wagging? Humm? Talk of bodybuilder watching with back waxes. Sorry never understood waxing. Pouring hot wax on yourself and then ripping your body hair out by the roots. And a bikini wax. Oh my god! I wore them myself in my younger days. Had the bum and the body to back it up - all puns intended. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Now I go for what Paul calls the boardies. Also unfortunately, many of the men who wear speedos should be wearing boardies. I guess I have a question out of all of the speedo talk. I know what a speedo is and I know what a suit is. What is a perl? Vicki - taking speedos off? Now that was a belly laugh. Melinda: Loved your comment: "if the person has enough wants to wear it. Go for it. It is not for them to please everyone else but to please themselves first. You have to make yourself happy before anyone else around you can be happy." Now that applies to life! Thanks. Marge: Sorry about your friend. My condolences. Don't follow the horses, but if you are rooting for Smarty Jones then I'll keep my fingers crossed! Jo: So what happened today with the tree? Paul: How did the acting workshop go? Was is a one shot deal or is it on going? Were you working on technique, scene study, muscial theatre? Tim: Glad you got a vacation before school, because once it starts it is relentless. Good luck to you. Inn: You have been making me think so much about art that I decided to go to the art museum in Chicago tomorrow. I want to see the painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Steven Sondheim wrote a musical inspired by the painting called Sunday In The Park With George. I'm going to take my headphones, listen to the music, look at the painting as see what happens. Thanks for reminding me. Sherrlyn: Like Sally I hope that you get the gas grill that you want, but until that happens I have a suggestion for you. I was like you frustrated that I could not get the coals to light, not even etc. and the taste of the charcoal starter in the food. My sister gave me a Chimney Starter. It is a metal cylinder about a foot high and 8 inches in diameter. About 3 inches from the bottom, there is a metal screen. You take some crumpled newspaper and put it under the screen on the bottom, then put charcoal on top of the screen, light the paper with match or light and set inside the Weber. It usually starts the first time and in about 20-30 minutes you have evenly lit coals ready to go. Grab it by the handle and dump out the coals. You can get it at any home remodeling place like Home Depot or Lowes. You can also get it on the Internet at Weber website or Amazon.com. They cost from $10-15 and they are worth it. Speaking of BBQ - Kim Sweetie - so sorry to hear that you can't grill in the UK. I have a few recipes that you can make inside that might help you out. Nothing is as good as outside grill, but these may get you through. Well everyone take care. I have just been looking on the cover of my Strictly Ballroom DVD and I noticed a picture of Scott in Fran's arms (dancing)I can't find this scene in the actual film, does anyone know if it is and I've just missed it or was it a promotional thing for the cover?
Kim Posted by: Kim (UK) on June 6, 2004 08:06 AMfrom IP: 81.131.79.252Hello all PCrs Michelle Mary Kim Michael Paul Later PS: Inn Hi, I just wanted to post because all of you seem pretty cool and interesting. I hope I'm not intruding. Hey all, It's Kelly, member me??? I know, I know, I fell off the face of the earth, but it took me 3 days to read all the posts!!!! but all is coming together, now. Let me explain. My mother broke her foot and sprained her ankle, and was hyped on MANY painkillers along with her other meds for all of her 6 diseases (5 auto-immune & schloradurma & fybromyalsia), My dad has never been the same since his massive stroke last year, so he can't take care of himself right now and Mom can;t take care of herself, so I have been caring for them both and it gets very tiring with my auto-immune (Sarcoidosos) in full speed and making me very fatigued. I cook their meals for the week and clean their "under construction" house in one day while calling them 6 times per day when I am not there to make sure they eat and take meds. (they are like 2 kids right now), Tom & the I and the kids decided we would take a vacation, just a couple days away, our first time ever. While we were gone, my dad had a spell and fell because my mom has been so doped up she didn't know what was going on. We think my dad went 2 days without eating, we don't know, but think he had another stroke during this time. (talk about a GUILT TRIP for leaving!! ) I work full time, run a travel baseball team with my husband (that my son is currently hurt and can't play) and am caring for my folks, and I am falling apart, (or I WAS). I asked my 2 brothers and 1 sister for help, and I was shot down by 2 of the 3. My sister lives down the road about 2 miles and she said she just didn't have time and got mad that I asked for help and hung up on me. My one brother that lives nearby, also go t mad and said he didnt have time. the one brother that agreed to help lives 2 1/2 hours away and he is not coming down for 3 weeks, but will help when he comes down. All I asked was that we all take turns stopping in on them to make sure all is well. And not just ME !!! I love my folks and feel it is now our turn to take care of them. But for the last several years, it seams it's just me doing this. So I have run myself ragged, (Mil, this explains my response to your email as to why I am never here anymore) Just when I thought all was lost,my sister went over to my parents and was shocked at how bad it had gotten, she has agreed to go over 1 time per week to refill the pill organizers my parents have to take each week. Yeah.. one less thing I have to think about, the medicine. But thats 1 time a week and she lives so close, I don't get it. I live 25 minutes away and I am there every day just about. My one brother that lives here is also proclaiming to be available to help, we will see, he is very busy eith a son graduating high school. I don't expect anyone to care for them the way I do, just to help me out would be nice. As for my health, I still have to go to the Rhumatologist ( i know I spelled that wrong), as they found a bunch of other junk they think is wrong but I am not listening amymore as I don't get the terminology, so I will wait for the big doctors to spell it out for me, then I will think about it, and figure things out. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, I appreciate them. Jo, you are very brave. Thanks for sharing your story, it's always ok to share , here, however long and painful it may be..... That's what we are all here for. I know, I have benifited greatly form all the positive energy at this site many times, and needed every bit of it. You are in my thoughts. Keep staying strong. Mil, as always, thanks for caring and being concerned, I will get that email to you with all the info you suggested, and I will be calling you soon. I love you much much much, I am forever your "little chickie" Evelyn, Monika, Mary, Robyn, Katalina, Marge, Michelle, Leslie (my auto-immune sister, with Jo) ,,,,,,,,,,,,, thanks for thinking of me and my family... kiss kiss kiss kiss Abeth, I am so happy the spotting stopped, I told you you had nothing to worry about. Evelyn, thanks for all the healing thought for Clay, they worked, he is healing, slow but sure. Marge, what place did you come in in your horse show on 5-23? Diane, thinking of you often,,, how are you doing????? Hope all is well. Hope you are so well you are off doing wonderful things and just don't have the time to post. Well, after a few hours decent sleep, I was able to read all the posts,,,, alot has happened. Just to let you all know, EVERY new person is welcome here, we all have to live with each other and love each other, well i guess we don't have to love each other, but it sure feels better than anger. We are all here because of our love and devotion to each other and to Paul, Andrea and the girls. It's ok to come here to cry, I just did, and it's ok. I just posted my longest blog, and its ok. I don't feel bad about it. If someone isnt interested in what I am saying, skip over it, my feelings arent hurt and it really doesnt matter. Move on to something that moves you or inspires you. It's that simple, we are hear to feel good and get inspired, anyway we can. if anyone has left recently, come back!!! Well I am done, (finally) and I am happy to be feeling good enough to be back. Love to all on the corner.........xoxoxoxxo Kelly Posted by: KELLY on June 6, 2004 10:37 AMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100Paul, Forgot to say hi to you!!
Kelly Posted by: KELLY on June 6, 2004 10:42 AMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100Wow, Kelly! It's wonder you're not dead instead of just exhausted, with all you do. I sure hope your brothers and sister come through for you, and for your mom and dad. Hey, they're THEIR parents as well. You're a special lady. Hang in. Vicki Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 6, 2004 10:47 AMfrom IP: 64.12.116.198Paul, ...ahhhh!...revenge is sweet! Speedos are also known as "dick stickers". No explanation reqired. I don't have a purle pair, but I do have a black pair that I wear in the pool when I do "water running". This particular activity demands the freedom of the spandex material. I reckon Paul's just about having a go at me. I'll wait till he least expects it to extract my revenge. Tee hee. That's really cool about Andrea scoring the dancing role. She has a very elegant poise about her. I imagine that she would bring a beautifully dignified interpretation to the part. I caught a little of a programme last night about comic book superheroes. Fans were invited to vote for their all-time top ten. I'll just go back to work now (I'm a fair way from home today, just checked into PC to give my own CPU a break, so it doesn't overheat). Hi to everyone from the purle wearin' Pete downunder. Posted by: Peter on June 6, 2004 12:37 PMfrom IP: 203.41.31.230here here with kudos to Andrea back in her dancing slippers again. congrats!! That sure WOULD be lovely to some pics... having a househusbanddaddychefmasseur sounds very nice...i wouldn't mind a neck *ahem* aaaa...footrub or two or a home-cooked meal by my partner... lucky woman that Andrea!!! tee hee... big hey to all these lovely ppl at PC Hi to Kelly, Mary, Inn, Grandma Mil, Paul, Marge, Michelle and all else... it's late...i cannot believe I'm up this late.... Peter: i liked Michael Keaton's version of Batman with that haunted moodiness and his issues with his past carrying over...but as for the suit...i have to go with the anatomically enhanced rubber Batsuit that ..was it Val Kilmer or George Klooney wore? i forget..but it had interesting pectoral regions defined and otherwise...i didn't even get to the *ahem* pointy ears...lololol latte hugs to all Hello, Paul and all the PCers, Hi everyone! Busy correcting papers but the end is in sight. Hope everyone is having a great weekend Down Under, Across the Way, Over Here, Over There, wherever. Hi Tim! Great to see you and to hear that things are good for you. Hope the positive energy continues to surround you and yours. Take care. Hi and love to Millie. Can't wait to see what you and Julie will come up with for us. Hi Julie! Marge, sorry to hear about your friend's husband. Have you got used to having the house back to just yourself yet? Michael, enjoy the garden! Hope the bad weather is long gone. Richard, computer's behaving itself nicely thank you! Welcome Heather! OMG Kelly!! How do you do it? Reading your post made me feel like I needed a rest! I hope the caring is shared out a bit more for you soon and that everyone starts to pick up. Your loving energy was missed but you've just delivered a double dose to us, so we're okay now. Love to you. Hi Peter. No comment about the Aussie speedos. I'm blushing and I've no purle suit to disguise the fact! I have loved Batman ever since I watched the original every week when I was young. You know .. the POW! BIFF! AAARGH! version. I agree with Kat. Michael Keating smoulders in the part. Dark, mysterious and tortured. Irresistible. Love & best wishes to Diane. Hi back to Kat! Any decision about the massage course yet? Hi also to Sherrlyn, Kim, Vicki, Melinda, Abeth, Sally C & Sally D, Michelle, Evelyn and to everyone dropping by today. Love to Paul and to you all, Quote For The Day: My House said to me: The Road said to me: To my House and to the Road I replied: Only love and death change all things. From: The Garden of the Prophet--Kahlil Gibran Be well everyone. After reading Kelly's post made me realise how much I miss my sister. I haven't seen her for nearly two years. We have never been close as sisters but we did talk to eachother. She married a few years ago to someone who isn't much good but she does have four beautiful girls two by him and two by another partner. Ever since she has been with him she has changed so much and not for the better, she lies constantly and even steals from her own family. Last year she wrote and said she had breast cancer, at the time all I could think of was thank god it isn't me, I know that must make me sound like such a bad person but then I started to think of her girls and then I quickly started to think it should be me. I don't have a family of my own so I had nothing to lose but the girls could lose there mum. Thankfully as far as I know her treatment is working I just wish she would make contact. It is nice to have friends I can speak to but it isn't the same as having my big sister there.
Hello to everyone I hope you are all having a great Sunday and the weather is nice for you all. Kim Posted by: Kim (UK) on June 7, 2004 01:24 AMfrom IP: 81.131.114.83Kim, by coincidence, I had just spoken to my own older sister who lives overseas, in Israel. She and I were comparing notes about our dear, departed parents, and our "baby sister" who perished 30 years ago with her 3 little children and her husband in a private plane crash. She was only 36 years old, and the children 12, 10, and 6, and to this day, we still are saddened by the memories, but life has gone on, and that's the way it is. Of course, you worry about your sister and her illness. Sisters (or brothers) share so much. Perhaps you could send her a note expressing your concern, opening the door to more contact. It's worth a try. Good luck! Peace and Love, Grandma Mil
Hello everyone, it seems I must unconfused the men a bit, [what is it with you men and the comment “I usually am confused anyway”???? :-)]--in particular Paul, Michael and Richard. I so enjoyed developing the mysterious side of me and here you guys demand that I explain … Men! … Hmm, kind of like you guys, so I’ll spill: There really only is one of me. Paul, the Evelyn of the –now how did you put it?—ahh “There is Evelyn - she of the long post and who leaves unfinished beers around and then there is Evelyn - aka Helen darling whom is new and I have probably not welcomed?! A belated welcome to you!” We are one and the same, I think anyway, although the “Evelyn-aka Helen darling” is what Michael calls me and that one happened when he mistook me to be Helen and from then on out, my name got a few additions. But the Evelyn aka Helen Darling part of me thanks you for your welcome and perhaps she will develop some sort of a personality of her own, distinct of the Evelyn of the long post etc. As to the leaving unfinished bears around, I’ll just leave you to your beliefs and will enjoy a bear instead, all of it, and I mean that! :) Paul, a little less confused? Hello to you, glad to hear from you, hugs, good wishes and all the other good stuff to you and congrats to you Andrea for performing with the Australian Ballet. Have fun! And enjoy being in the spotlight for now. Richard, you wanted me to explain myself and my (unintentionally!) cryptic comments and references to different countries, places I call home, languages etc. When I read your story, I laughed so hard, as it is very close to mine. Okay, I am from Germany, near Karlsruhe (SW Germany), went to England pretty much every summer from age 5 on (unless you want to count a previous in uterus trip), hence I call it home and thus claim to be homesick for a visit to the UK, haven’t been there since 1998 (???), came to the US for one year and that was 13 years ago. Lived in Louisiana for the first three years, sampled a bit of a taste of living in the 19th century, nope didn’t live in the Big Easy, went there frequently to keep me culturally and otherwise sane, lived in Baton Rouge, a place name locals really don’t know how to pronounce, he he, visited NW Florida a few times from there, then came to the Twin Cities, of course I live in Minneapolis, hipper, cooler, more liberal than St. Paul, esp. the Uptown part. And on to the topic of Dutch: well, it’s reasonably close to German, hence I understand a reasonable amount of it, but never studied it, hence don’t know how to spell or write it. Okay, does that suffice? Unconfused? Okay, what was I supposed to unconfused Michael about? Can’t remember … :) Hi to you. Kelly, glad to hear from you and boy you are tough!!! I just wish you’d get more support from your siblings to take care of yourself and your parents. Glad Clay is healing nicely and you are holding on somehow. More healing wishes to you, Clay, your parents. Hang in there and keep asking your siblings for help. Melinda and Vicki(e), welcome!!! Looking forward to hearing more from you and getting to know you. Mary, I’d love to talk to you about your thesis topic, perhaps over email, as I don’t think everyone might be interested in that, I think Michael was as well, so please join. I’ve thought about a holistic approach to teaching as well and am trying it out, not always easy though. Yep, lets treat ourselves to a bit of professional development, the fun way! Good luck grading the papers and enjoy your break that’s coming soon. Speedos, Well, it could always be the g-string the kind that male dancers wear in gay clubs… Done with that topic. Peter, looking forward to observing your taking revenge on Paul when you choose to take it. :) Hope you get to go home soon and relax! Be well! Marge, sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Be well and allow yourself to grieve! Tim, good to hear from you and again, best of luck beginning school. If and when you hit the grad school blues, you too Julie, talk to me, I might be able to pass some strategies along to help you get through, that is if you want to. And as one of the people who was there when you hit rock bottom, it’s amazing how far you’ve gotten in such a short time. I’m very proud of you and wish you the very best. Kim, go talk to your sister!!! My sister is again being screene for breast cancer, they ruled it out several months ago, but now symptoms have recurred and she has to go in for new tests on Wednesday. Give her whatever support you can give her, that she will accept. Mine only talks to me about it and refuses to talk to Mum and my other sister. Not sure why and somehow can't get her to see how much more support she'd get if only she'd let them. She thinks Mum can't handle it because my Dad died from cancer, but I know Mum can totally handle it and she'll only be hurt by not having been told. Do I betray my sister's fragile trust and tell Mum or do I respect her wishes? Well, I'm thinking about you and your sister as well and sending healing energy to her and to you and her for an improved relationship. Okay, Evelyn of the long post signs off, wishing everyone well, lots of love and positivity to you all, Michelle, Kim, Katalina, Inn, Grandma Mil, Monika, Vicki/e, deltalady, bluedog, Marge, Mary, Kelly, Erika, Abeth, the two Sallys, Tim, Peter, Michael, Richard, Paul, Andrea and the 3 E’s and everyone else here. Posted by: Evelyn on June 7, 2004 03:37 AMfrom IP: 134.84.252.113Oh, just noticed, I didn't welcome you Heather. Sorry about that. Welcome to you and no, we don't mind you coming aboard. It's great that you did! Posted by: Evelyn on June 7, 2004 03:39 AMfrom IP: 134.84.252.113Kim, Your initial, split-second reaction that you were glad that it wasn't you doesn't make you a bad person. It is a normal self-preservation reaction. I understand your concern for your sister's situation. But, you must never feel that what your sister is going through should be happening to you instead. We each have our own paths to travel and can never exchange one for the other. The best we can do is to try and lighten each other's burdens along the way. Remember the 5-foot-long chopsticks? As for the distance between you and your sister, it's not written anywhere that siblings must be best friends. But, you love each other none-the-less don't you? Take care and be strong. --Richard Posted by: Richard on June 7, 2004 04:28 AMfrom IP: 62.194.101.58Kim, The tree did not get cut down yesterday. Thank heavens. My niece and her son arrived for a month long visit. He is 15 and unfortunately arrived looking like Morticia from the Adams Family. Turns out it was a compromise because he really wanted a tattoo. A big hello to everyone. I read the article about Andrea and you must be really proud of her Paul. Bravo to Andrea!!! Posted by: Jo(In Texas) on June 7, 2004 04:34 AMfrom IP: 64.243.68.137Evelyn, >>of course I live in Minneapolis, hipper, cooler, more liberal than St. Paul... I am sitting here in floods of tears after reading everyone's kind words. I truly wasn't expecting any, thank you to you all. I'm sending you all lots of big hugs. Grandma Millie I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your younger sister and family. Even though it was along time ago the memories will always stay with you. Yes you are right, life does exactly that and goes on but the hurt always stays with you. Stay in touch with your sister in Israel and treasure eachother. Evelyn I will be thinking of your sister on Wednesday, let's hope it is a false alarm and nothing too serious to worry about. Easier said then done! It is so hard to offer support when that person refuses to take it, maybe they are frightened or just stubborn. Let your sister tell your mum when she is ready maybe she doesn't want to worry her unnecessarily (not sure if I've spelt that right). Richard me and my sister have never been the best of friends we are barely sisters these days but yes I do love her. Her behaviour isn't a call for help because of her husband she would never leave him although I think she would be a better person for doing it and I know the girls would have a brighter future with him not being part of there lives but that is her decision and I have to accept that. My sister and her husband have caused a lot of hurt and upset with me and my parents over many years, we were even banned from going to her wedding. I send my sister and the girls birthday cards they always get returned to me, once they decided to visit for christmas when they left they also left behind all the presents I had bought for them, excuse being no room in the car. It is just really small things that hurt the most. Jo I constantly try to phone my sister but when she keeps changing her number I can never get through to her. I am always trying to make the first move, I have tried phoning, writing and even sending text messages but I never get any replies. I just have to face up to the fact she doesn't want me in her or her childrens life at the moment. Sorry this is so long but I did want to thank everyone, your kind words mean the world to me. Maybe one day my sister will realise that she does have a sister that cares for her. Love to you all Kim, Kim It is true that there is no rule written that we must like and or get on with our family members. It is one of my fears that for what ever reason my girls may not like me as we get older - I dont think it will happen, but it is a fear non the less and there is a lot of water to flow under the bridge yet - so it keeps me on my toes. Kim it sounds like you have done all that you can do, the hand is extended, open and offered. From what you have said it would seem it is not wanted. I am sorry for that and the pain that must bring. Sometimes with friends there comes a time when you realise the friendship is no longer a healthy one and you have to cut it lose. As I said above (and Richard said also) there is no rule saying that wont be so with family. I am sure your offer will stand with your sister but cutting lose from the pain of the situation and the unfulfilment of your hopes to come together is probably something you should consider now. You never know what may happen down the road. Kelly great to hear from you and MY GOD GIRL got enough on your plate? Bloody siblings hey! Kids are all so different in how they relate and respond to their parents. I will go out of my way to help and support my Mum no questions asked. My brother will go out of his way if it is convenient for him and if mum can fit in to his going out of his way. Some would say it is one and the same thing and maybe it is - I dont see it that way but my brother probably does. I could go about this at length but suffice to say yo being there for them is what is important - help would be great, appreciated and even needed but it is about you and your parents hopefully not you and your siblings. As far as you can look after yourself. Glad to hear you are well if not too busy. Another name for the good old Aussie speedo is "dick togs" And then my wife surprised me by telling me she knew them as "budgie smugglers"
Speedo = banana hammock Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 7, 2004 11:58 AMfrom IP: 64.12.116.198Paul, thanks for the thoughts ,,, I actually took the evening off from being mom, cook, wife, daughter and coach mom to the baseball team, and layed in bed for 3 HOURS!!! Kim, All you can do extend the invitation to your sister to talk, if she accepts, great! If she doesn't, you have offered, you can't make her accept your kindness. At least you put forth the effort. My sister has always been this way. Her husband does drugs, her husband has done drugs with thier children (now grown adults) and they all have thier problems, mostly because my sister could never be a proper mother to her kids, and their dad was not a role model either. Because my sister can't mother her own kids, I should not expect her to mother our mom & dad. It just isn't part of her.If she comes through and helps I will be amased, and as for her hanging up on me. It was not the first time she has done this and surely wont be the last. I just let it go. Monika, thanks for the email, it was great, you are a classy lady!!
Kelly Posted by: KELLY on June 7, 2004 12:46 PMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100Hello everyone!! It has been a while, and I missed you all very much!! Ofcourse I tried to read all the messages, but unfortunatly I didn't have much time to post myself, haven't much time now either (have to get to work in a hour)but I really wanted to say 'hi' to everyone... Paul, Abeth, Kelly, Kim, Tim and Peter, Jo, My boyfriend and his best friend were on the motorcycles yesterday and suddenly something went very wrong... I actually want to talk to everyone, but I really have to get to work now, maybe tonight?? Love to all of you!! Monika
Where to begin..budgie smugglers LOL I got a real good laugh at that one, Banana hammock, love it, here in NEPA we call them weenie wrappers. Usually it's men who are too old or boys who are too young who wear them. All the guys you want to see in 'em are wearing boardies, bummer. No more Speedo stuff pulleeze!
Kelly Mary Oh, wise and noble Paul! Gently but firmly getting the PC back on track. Kudos to you, my dear! Linda Posted by: Linda Thomas on June 7, 2004 07:46 PMfrom IP: 67.172.80.183Good Morning Everyone: Even the best plans, change and turn out much better than the one you started with. Was all set to go the art museum yesterday when my Mom called and asked me to help her in the garden. Very easy to say yes to Mom and I get to work outside. We made dinner on the BBQ and ended by watching the Tony Award show on television. Yes quite a good day. I feel a trip coming to NYC Inn, so maybe we can meet there? Richard, are you coming too? Mary: Yes the garden is really beautiful. Are you getting the images I'm sended? I too would like to speak with you about your thesis with Evelyn. Email? Instant Messenger? Evelyn: You explained the mix-up quite well I thought. Although I will miss addressing your mysterious other half. Always a pleasure to read your posts.
In some communities, there are volunteer organizations that cook meals, check on people who are ill or need assistance. Marge has spoken of her work in this area. A volunteer comes once a day to make sure that everything is alright. Maybe there is an organziation like that in your area. It would help to give you peace of mind if you want a day off with your family. Good luck to you. I'll send you my best thoughts. Kim: Everyone here has offered counsel and suggestions. I really have nothing to add. Everyone's contribution was wise and heartfelt. However you choose to proceed, I would like to reiterate that I hope you take care of yourself. I also hope that you do not take on the burden of blaming yourself for a choice your sister continues to make. It is a choice that hurts you, but it is not your fault. I'm thinking of you and sending love your way. To everyone else - hello and welcome to all of the new people. Soon. P.S. I'm sorry. My post to Michelle was meant for Kelly. Evelyn and Hellen are you amused? Michael Hello to you too Michelle. Was it dogs and suds yesterday? Posted by: Michael on June 7, 2004 08:58 PMfrom IP: 4.158.189.58Kelly, Inn, Hello to Marge, Abeth, Grandma Mil, Vicki, Richard, Sally, Evelyn, Mary, Katalina, Deltalady, anyone I might have missed and especially Paul, Andrea, and the three E's. Posted by: Jo(In Texas) on June 7, 2004 09:01 PMfrom IP: 64.243.68.205Hi Michael, Marge, you keep turning that light on and off, enjoying the fruits of the remodeling...I know the feeling. Like Janice (where are you, Janice) would say, "Eye Candy"! Inn, please send me your email address. Yours is the only one of "my chickies" that hope to come to FIF that I do not have. I could not find the article about Andrea...where do I look? I loved that Hugh Jackman won the Tony for "The Boy From Oz." The pickings this year were mighty thin in the musical theatre area. The most exciting awards, in my opinion, were for "A Raisin In The Sun". The commercial for Someone mentioned the remake of "Shall We Dance." The original was from Japan, with English It was highly touted, and now, the remake will star Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez...that will take a stretch of the imagination. I would never call Richard Gere dour, and with JLo in the mix, how could he be bored? (Her best performance, in my opinion, was in "Selena", her first big break.) Peace and Love, Mil Posted by: Grandma Mil on June 7, 2004 09:36 PMfrom IP: 4.234.135.14Grandma Mil, Oh Marge you know how we here at the boad just love to drag a joke on. We can get quite a few laughs out of it. Hi all! Weather here today warm and sunny and it's a public holiday so the vibes are good everywhere! Richard, thanks for the quote from Gibran. Similar experience to Inn. I've rooted out my copy of The Prophet and hope to spend some time reminding myself why it affected me so much when I found it first. Hope you are well. Marge, it sounds like you're creating some beautiful surroundings for yourself. Enjoy! Jo, I hope the visit is wonderful for you all. Continued good health to your beloved and best wishes to you. Hi Monika! I love to see you calling in. Sorry to hear about the shock you got with your boyfriend and his friend. Hope you've all recovered. Love to you. Evelyn & Michael, I'd love to talk. I'm including my email with this post. The time difference might make the IM awkward. Not to mention the fact that it is a mystery to me. (Richard, you know the story!) Evelyn, hope you are cultivating the mysterious aura and that you are enjoying your break. I hope it all works out for your sister. That's hard on her after only coming through the last scare. Healing thoughts to her. Michael, thanks for the images. Keep them coming! If I was able, I reckon I could draw your garden at this stage. Hi Kelly! Hope things keep improving for you and your parents. PLEASE tell me where you get your energy from?? Love to you. Kim, I'm so sorry about your sister. The words and thoughts you've heard here are wise and from the heart. All I can add is this quote which came to mind when I was reading through the posts. 'The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.' 'Illusions' - Richard Bach. I hope that you gather up lots of family as you continue on your journey, maybe even your sister. As Paul said, you never know what may happen down the road. Love to you. Hi to Paul, Inn, Michelle, Millie, Tim, Kat and everyone! Love to you all, Hello all PCers, Thought For Today: Invictus Out of the night that covers me, Be well. So many comments I have to speed read to try and catch it all. Glad to see the board appears normal. Everyone here's to a good week. When I have more time to really "read" the posts I'll respond individually...each of you are special... peace and love Tim Posted by: Tim Hord on June 7, 2004 11:37 PMfrom IP: 216.78.44.22Richard, Jo, My last 6 days have been crazy, for a change in the good way. Wed. got a job offer for a 1 year position right here, used that to bargain with the one permanent position that I'm still a finalist for, put the pressure on them, since they were evasive, Friday I was told that I might get an interview, but they wouldn't know until Monday. Was antsy all day waiting for the damn phone to ring and 10 minutes ago got the phone call and I did get the interview for a tenure track faculty position at Minnesota State University in Mankato (2 hours south west of here). It will be tomorrow from 8:30 am straight through until 8:30/ 9 pm and on either end attach the 2 hour drive. Wish me luck!!! Got to prep a class and review my research presentation and teach my other teaching job this evening and then get some sleep. If it’s meant to be I’ll get it, otherwise I have the other job here at the U of MN.. The only concern they have is the employment authorization at this point and they will look into it if they are willing to do this or not and how to do it. Keeping fingers crossed there as well! Okay, off to preping and trying to keep my nerves calm and focused! Till whenever I have a quite moment again. Love to all and wishing you all well! Posted by: Evelyn on June 8, 2004 03:51 AMfrom IP: 128.101.249.99Gran Mil and other PC'ers It is followed by another article about the TV mini series, Through My Eyes. It's aboutthe story about a couple's baby being taken by a dingo. I guess this is the work that Paul has been doing. It did not say what role he plays, he is just mentioned. Paul Kelly My neighbor Lori has just been served up another portion. Her grandmother is dying of emphazima and then she just found out that her Mother has lung and liver cancer. I help them when I can, although she has a lot of family support. You are a strong person and will get through all this. I wish I lived nearer to you so that I could come and help; dust, make dinner, do laundry, wash your car, vacuum, and lots of hugs. Patience is...the ability to bear things in such a triumphant way that it transfigures them. It enables a man to pass the breaking point and not to break, and always to greet the unseen with a cheer. (William Barclay) Love to all Evelyn, you go girl, with our love and best wishes, and have a successful (and safe) trip! Peace and Love, Grandma Mil and Grandpa Ellie Posted by: Grandma Mil on June 8, 2004 03:57 AMfrom IP: 4.234.135.14Paul thank you for kind words they do mean a lot. My sister does know that I am and will always be there for her but it would be nice to know that she was also there for me. As you said, I can't do no more than what I have already done and that is all I can do, I even tried to contact her last night but it was thrown straight back into my face again. I just don't think she realises how important families are and you only get one of them so you have to make the most of them while you can. Maybe one day she will wake up and realise just what she is throwing away. Thank you once again. Richard, I don't think she does realise what she is missing. It is just a shame that it is the children that have to suffer and miss out. Hopefully one day the girls will know that there Auntie Kim does love them and misses them a lot. Kelly our sisters and there husbands would really get on well together. My brother in law doesn't do drugs but his second home is prison. That is why I would like my sister and the girls to get away from him. Just remember to think of yourself and take care. Monika I haven't forgotten about you. I will be in touch very soon I promise. Love to you. Michael thank you for your kind words, you are right it isn't my fault but she has a way of making it feel as if it is at times. Yes it does hurt. Marge I am so glad you have asked "what are boardies", I don't know either! Mary the response I've had has been quite overwhelming and I just wasn't expecting it. You have all been so kind, genuine and sincere. Thank you to you all for your kindness it means a lot to me. Evelyn, Peter Posted by: Peter on June 8, 2004 05:07 AMfrom IP: 203.41.31.18Evelyn, Good luck Evelyn!! Mary Posted by: Mary on June 8, 2004 06:18 AMfrom IP: 83.70.37.220Marge & Mil I got your cards today!!!!! Thank you. They are both fantastic!!!! I love you too!!! It's nice to know I have so many great friends here. Thats the nice thing about this corner. You truely are NEVER alone. Love to all, Kelly Posted by: KELLY on June 8, 2004 06:51 AMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100Good luck Evelyn. We'll all be thinking of you. Shine, Evelyn, shine! Vicki Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 8, 2004 09:43 AMfrom IP: 64.12.116.198Chookas Evelyn!!! Kim, maybe your sister is happy with her husband and has the life she wants. You have said a couple of times in your posts that you wish she and the children would get away from him. I do know how it feels to have my spouses family not like me - it creates some tension in the marriage and with the greater family. Perhaps you need to think on this and extend the hand to the whole family. I am sure this will bring up some thoughts for you and I hope you think well on them. Posted by: Paul on June 8, 2004 01:33 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Pual, You are exactly right, My sister has been with her husband for 25 years. As much as we would love for him to go away, I think it would devestate my ssister more than us having to deal with him. And really, at this point, we are so used to the way things are, we don't know any other way, so we cope and deal and make the best out of it. That's all you can do to keep peace in the family. It's thier choice who they spend their life with, not ours. It's hard haveing relationships with the kids as they do things you don't approve of, but the few times I see them I make sure they know how much I love them even though I don't approve of thier lifestyles, I still love my sister. (well, I stay away from my brother in law). Just love your sister and be there if she needs you. The only relationaship you truley need to cherish is between the two of you. Just let her know you love her. If she hangs up on you like my sister did, she will get over it. They always do. Evelyn, Way to go! Make sure to let us know how it went. Love to all in the corner Kelly Posted by: KELLY on June 8, 2004 07:11 PMfrom IP: 68.72.9.100Kim, Hello Everyone: So much movement in everyones' lives that post here. Evelyn is driving to her interview as I write this. People continuing their educations, pushing through obstacles in their lives with great courage and grace at what seems at times to be insurmountable odds, trying to get through the day the best way they know how. Isn't it amazing how resilient human beings are? Soon, Jo what motorbikle do you guys have? I know you have told me but I cant face going back over the posts to find out. I love riding - almost 25 years now - shit that sounds like a long time, I am not that old am I???? anyway I love it and love taking my girls for a ride. They love it too. I am extremely careful although I do tend to drag cars off from the traffic lights with the girls on the back and they scream and holler and ask me to go faster - but I dont well not always. Often after I take them for a ride a lie awake at night fearing the what if's.... but I know I take the best care and do the fang thing in complete safety, still life with kids is a very ginger balance between letting go, giving out the freedom, releasing ones fears and embracing the risk and wholeness of living. I am scared for myself too but often more so for my girls. Sometimes the motorcycle is the laughing in the winds of fate, as is the movie choices and the other risks I take - living is not for the faint hearted?? Must have a song for that one Millie? Richard have you read any of Krishnamurti? I love the Prophet and you have inspired me to revisit him. I also love Richard Bach and his writings. Krishnamurti is also a favoutite. Kelly good to see your spelling is as good as mine.... ooops I was not supposed to mention spelling was I....now I have done it!! Posted by: Paul on June 8, 2004 09:31 PMfrom IP: 210.49.171.131Good Morning, Monika-Welcome back-it was great to read your posts!! Tim-Wow-we have something in common-bipolar. I'm on no meds with the pregnancy and doing okay. My life used to be hell on earth before the diagnosis and before good meds. How are you doing? Jo-I actually have a piece of ginger root taped to each wrist. I just may try the ginger tea....I do drink Ginger Ale and am eating Uneeda Biscuits in the morning. Hope all is going well with you and your husband. Paul-I do not like the name "Apple" for a girl. My goodness-what kind of merciless teasing will she get for a life time!!! Peter-So good to hear from you. Mary-I think of soda water as club soda. And, yes, have tried it-couldn't get enough of it in the first two pregnancies. Just drank some with Limeade-it's my special concotion. Do you call your son Martin or Marty? Kelly-My goodness-I'm ready to come there and do something about that situation!! Do not forget to take care of yourself. Hello and hugs to everyone here and welcome to newbies!! Sorry if I missed anyone! I can beyond relate to family strife and problems. I have a brother that I haven't spoken with for about 2 years. Not many people know or even understand my reasons-he did things to a sister that a brother shouldn't do to a little sister when he was 14, 15 & 16 and I was 7. I don't think this requires any details. I'd like to end this post on a happy tune though-I have yet to "erupt" with this pregnancy-I'm determined to keep everything down!! HUGS and more HUGS to those in need of them, Go Evelyn! Paul, You have done it now! Beside the fact I am a terrible speller, my vision is blurred alot of the time so I make no apologies!!! ACtually if I cared enough, I would go back and re-read what I post. Wait... I do do that and still miss the errors !!! I am hopeless, i guess. As for takng the girls on your bike..... don't get you undies in a bundle when a boy comes to pick one of them up for a date on one!!! Somehow I think you'lle look at that differently????? hummmmmmmmmmmmmm Abeth, I really don't have anything too daunting in my life right now, nothing I can't handle. My sister situation is a no brainer, it's just thier life. no stress on me. My folks are feeling better and my mom is walking a bit without her crutches. I stayed home last night. THAT WAS AWESOME !!! God doesn't give more than we handle, so I am cool with everything. (can you tell I am rested?) : ) Love to all in the corner, escpecially to my speling challenged brother, Paul. (yes , I mispelled it on purpose!) hehehe
Family dynamics! There's a subject that you can go on and on about. Each family's structure is unique and has its own successes and failings. Kim - I was on your sister's side of things with my second husband; my family and friends couldn't stand him (with good reason), and it did create some tense times. Once, I was foolish enough to forbid my parents from seeing their grandchildren for a few months. (I have apologized and, of course, they have forgiven me.) Where I was lucky was that my family never abandoned me because of him, and always did their very best be supportive of me, even when they knew I was being stupid and pig-headed. The point is that, even though I closed the door to them (as your sister has done to you), they never closed theirs to me (as you are not closing yours to your sister). I can't guarantee that she will come back "into the fold", all I can do is applaud your decision (as others have here) to leave your door open to reconciliation. I always knew I had my family's love, all I had to do was accept it. I hope your sister will accept yours someday. This has gotten long, and I'm supposed to be working (thank goodness the Internet filters installed here at the office haven't made this site unreachable!), so I wish you all a wonderful day! Vicki Posted by: Vicki (in California) on June 8, 2004 11:09 PMfrom IP: 209.203.66.2Hello all, Paul, I've heard the name but I'm not familiar with the teachings of Krishnamurti. Checked him out a bit on the internet and will investigate further. I met the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi one time. He was visiting my high school to talk about We've got a "guru" on one of the public tv channels here which I've watched a few times. He always sits on this big "throne" of sorts attired in robes that could easily have come from the wardrobe room of a Flash Gordon movie set. Occasionally you get camera angles showing his audience who are all sitting bare-foot and cross-legged on the floor with their mouths open and looks of rapture on their faces. All listening attentively while Guru recites supposed wisdom which sound more like random words from the dictionary all strung together. There's also an occult faith healer here named Jomanda. She claims to be able to "beam" healing energy into ordinary tap water anywhere in the world. She also "channels" some 10,000 year old warrior who struts around the stage smoking a cigar and spitting. He speaks through Jomanda, answers questions and bestows pearls of ancient wisdom. Anyway, my point here is that there are many sources of "wisdom" and inspiration but each of them must met with a healthy dose of scepticism and self-thought. Don't accept anything blindly. Be well. Be wise. Be careful! --Richard Posted by: Richard on June 8, 2004 11:29 PMfrom IP: 62.194.101.58PS Paul, Paul, I have two songs for you and that motorcycle... "A Lot of Livin' to Do" and "Stouthearted Men" If you noticed my negative tone where motorcycles are concerned, you are right! The same for small, private airplanes. Unfortunately, I've had bad experiences with both. Once, while driving coming home from work, I was in our neighborhood, and after stopping at a stop sign that I knew very well, I proceeded slowly again, and to my horror, a motorcyclist had come up the hill at a tremendous rate of speed, saw me, tried to avoid a collision, and slid off the motorbike, and sat in the middle of the road. The motorbike slid to the side of the road. He was unhurt, the police | |