Paul's Corner

Life is full of surprises, some good and some not so good.

Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes and move on, trusting the Universe that we are where we are supposed to be at this very moment....

Be well.
Be happy.

I don't know if I believe there is a right and wrong path. I believe God puts you on the path of your life and it's up to you to decide how you'll see it, use it and believe in it. I was talking with my 7th graders a few days ago about the fact that life is what you make of it. If you make it crappy, that's what it will be and that will become the habit of your life. All that you'll see is the ickiness. If you choose to make life full of wonder and joy - that will become your habit. That means that whether God is putting perfection or frustation in your life -it could be the right or wrong path depending on how you view it.

I chose to view my path as right and just and perfect whether it looks that way to the outside world or not. Does that mean I'm skipping through life singing about cute bunnies and kitties? Nope. But it does mean that when given trials, I know all will turn out okay in the end. I will be okay in the end. I put my faith in the Lord to lead me where I need to be and do what I need to be doing. Its not easy, but it is the way I choose to live. The path I'm on is a good. In that I have no doubt.

You're on the right path Paul. Follow it. Love it.

Jill

Hello Paul. When is the beer launch and when can we get to down a few cool mercs here in the US? Good luck with this venture.Is there anything we can do to help get this going on either side of the ocean?

Paul ,Are you on the right path you ask?
Here is your life path.It should give you some encouragement and focus.Please read.

Your Life Path is 8
http://www.decoz.com/Numerology_LifePath_C8.htm

Your Life Path (sometimes called Destiny) is derived from your birth date. Your Life path is the road you are traveling. It reveals the opportunities and challenges you will face in life. Your Life Path number is the single most important information available in your Personality Chart!

You are gifted with natural leadership and the capacity to accumulate great wealth. You have great talent for management in all areas of life, especially in business and financial matters. You understand the material world; you intuitively know what makes virtually any enterprise work. Your talent lies not with the bookkeeping or petty management, but with the greater vision, it's purpose, and long range goals. You are a visionary and a bit reckless. You possess the ability to inspire people to join you in your quest, but often they are incapable of seeing what you see. Therefore, those around you need your continual guidance, inspiration, and encouragement. You must prod them into action and direct them along the lines of your vision. You attract financial success more than any other Life Path, but effort is required.

Your challenge in life is to achieve a high degree of detachment, to understand that power and influence must be used for the benefit of mankind. Those born with the Number 8 Life Path who do not understand the real and relative value of money are bound to suffer the consequences of greed; they run the risk of losing it all! You must learn to bounce back from failures and defeats. You have the character and resilience of a true survivor. It is not uncommon for a person with your Life Path to experience major reverses, including bankruptcies, financial failure, but you also have the talent and the sheer guts to make more than one fortune, and build many successful enterprises. More than most people, your failures in marriage can be extremely expensive for you. Despite the difficulties that life presents, you will experience the satisfaction that comes from material wealth and the power that comes with it. Business, finance, real estate, law, science (particularly history, archeology, and physics), publishing, and the management of large institutions are among the vocational fields that suit you best. You are naturally attracted to positions of influence and leadership -- Politics, social work, and teaching are among the many other areas where your abilities can shine.

You are a good judge of character, which aids you well in attracting the right people to you. Most 8s like large families and sometimes tend to keep others dependent longer than necessary. Although jovial in nature you are not demonstrative in showing your love and affection. The desire for luxury and comfort is especially strong in you. Status is very important. You must be careful to avoid living above your means. Your Life Path treads that dangerous ground where power lies -- and can corrupt. You may become too self important, arrogant, and domineering, thinking that your way is the only way. This leads inevitably to isolation and conflict. The people you run the risk of hurting most are those you love, your family and friends.

Be careful of becoming stubborn, intolerant, overbearing, and impatient. These characteristics may be born early in the life of an 8 Life Path, who often learn these negative traits after suffering under a tyrannical parent or a family burdened by repressive religious or intellectual dogmas. Those with the 8 Life Path usually possess a strong physique, which is a symptom of their inherent strength and resiliency.

Wow guys, I unhook my computer for a few days to paint and look at all the posts!

Paul, I AM SO GLAD I GOT YOU THINKING! I never dreamed my post would spur so much emotion from everyone. My posts to you and everyone are from my core being, thats just the way I am. I am glad you didn't take offense, as I meant it to be in a loving way. I think you are definately on the right path. As we are all. I do not believe in coincodenses, I thik everything that is supposed to happen, does happen. Therefore we are always on the right path. Paul, if our path leads us back to the same unansered question, then we have not yet learned enough of what we need to know to handle that question, that is why we are directed back to the beginning. AS for if we are doing something wrong, I don't think so. You have a specific goal and purpose on this earth. Someday, if you do not already know what it is, you will know. I used to think mine was giving birth to my 2 kids, then I thought it was to spread love, as I am lovey kissy touchy kind of person. Now I think I think it is to learn as much as I can and to try to be a better person. Mine grows and changes just as I grow and change as a person. YOU WILL FIND YOUR WAY IN THIS WORLD, ALWAYS. You belive in yourself and you believe in your family. That is such a gift in itself. Whatever life brings you, you are fortunate as you have so much more than many people in this world have. A loving family, confidence, a strong work ethic and persiverence. You are fortunate, maybe broke off your butt, but fortunate. Please always remember that. Hey, maybe it's not too late to return the t.v. (cringe)... maybe not. The decisions you make in your life will be the right ones, or you wouldn't have made the to begin with. You will find work again very soon.
I will be sending you and your family light and love, as always.

Jill, I am sorry your friend enraged you that way, I think she probobly made a big deal out of it because she is proud of your coragious fight and victory with cancer. She probobly looks at you as someone with great strength and persaverence. A fighter, and she probobly envies your will. I know when I was so sick, you all told me how proud you were of me of my strength and sunny attitude, which made me fell better, and even though I didn't feel very strong or special at that time, you all saw something I did not. Maybe everyone around you still sees that fighter that beat off the devil when he came calling. I think you are a walking miracle, as is anyone who beats down something that you have. (I feel the same to all of you that have faced this and similar ailments, I am proud of you all!) Keep you head up, those that know you know YOU, not what used to live inside you that is no longer there. YOU are what is loved.

Brian, thanks for the clips of DWTS. It makes my day every time you make this available to us. I cant wait for your posts with the link. Thank you , Thank you , Thank you , Thank you.

Well, I have to get back to work. Love to all here at the corner. I love you all with all my heart and soul. I am so happy the journey lead me here to you all just over a year ago. You have all helped me grow so much over the last year and I cherish you all so very much!

Kelly

Kelly - thanks and I'm sure too that's why she did was she did. I understand that and appriciate it. My one friend keeps telling me that people seeing me fight and stay positive gives them hope that if it happened to them, they could do the same. I'm glad I'm able to give that gift to others. But at times its a burden because I don't always want to be strong - I'm sure you felt the same way. I also don't always want to be defined one way. I'm sure that as time passes that will decrease.

Thanks for your kind words. They are true, very true.

Jill

Paul, I forgot to mention, when you stated that people relate you to your carachter in SB, When the previos post stated "you are not Scott!" I had to stop and think, 'WHO IS SCOTT". I took me a minute or two to remember the name of the character in SB. So see, not everyone see Scott when they see you. All I see is a brilliant person that brings me joy when I see you on the screen. It's almost like you are part of my tribe and I am a screamin mother from the sidelines! (forget the fact you are older than me, but not too old as you are the age of my husband!) ok back on track. I see you, as I am sure everyone here does, a brilliant actor who can shack a tail feather when needed. WE couldn't ask for anything better.

Kelly

Hello, Paul
Really, who saw SB always will remember about Scott. But I believe than the persons love you really, no because think than you are Scott, or a actor famous. In this site all the people can to know the true Paul Mercurio: a special person. A corageous man, a good father than always look for a job with much love. A person than with your talent and love did our world to be more beautiful! Some times I think than exist many beautiful things in the world: the flowers, the sun, the sea, the beach, but I prefer the sky in the nigth with many stars. Here in Garopaba is so beautiful! You is the light of our sky too.
Kisses
Caroline

Hello everyone!
(THANKS for the congrads!)
I hope everyone had a beautiful day. Today was another day at school and rehearsal from 2;45 to 7;30. And today on my way home was one of the best rides home. I was with my older sister and we were listening to music with the windows down and it was just a great feeling of freedom. I have a point, im not even making sense to myself but today was a long day and I have had better and that free breeze im assuming was Gods sign of saying "Im here".
Im saying that for me, the best therapy for a not-so-good feeling in is just a smoothe drive anywhere with the windows down and just appreciate the breeze.
ok well I have got homework to do!
--Thy sky isnt the limit, tis just the beginnning-
--Anonymous
-lizee

PAUL
I am posting this here, as I don't know if you go back to some of the earlier posts to look at some of the blog that was posted after your next blog.

When I first saw SB several times I fell in love. Then I found this site a little over a year ago. It was about the time you were in Canada and it was your oldest daughter's birthday. You wrote the most beautiful poem to her for her BD.

I have been through all the highs and lows with you over the past year and I have witnessed that you are a survivor.

Don't get me wrong, I love SB. Like Gran Mil I too thought that that final kiss was a bit awkward, having to kiss and dance at the same time. But you made it work.

FORGET BAZ! Consider the source and I know you are above groveling. If he does make you an offer you can't refuse, read each word carefully and then read it again and make sure you get the rights you deserve for your talent.

I too would love to see you in Alexander the Great. Bit of trivia here. There was a wild stallion named Bucephalus(bew-cef-a-lus)that his father favored. The horse would not let anyone get near him, until Alexander cautiously went to the horse and whispered in his ear. His father was so impressed that he gave Bucephalus to his son. Alexander rode him into many battles from then on.

BTW PAUL: How is Merc's Brewery going?

Hi Gran Mil and all the other PC'ers here.

Great News from Maryland, My daughter is expecting a baby next May, so I am going to be a Grandma again!

Take Care and Love to all.
Marge

Paul, I believe that any path is the right path, as long as you believe that it is right for you.

When's Merc's Own Peach Ale available in the shops?

If I could get a work "gig" down that way, I'd definitely attend one of your beer dinners.
Mind you, I'd have to be incognito, so I'd wear the purle suit. Is that OK?

Peter

The last beer dinner for this year is on the 2nd of December. It will feature the first public tasting of my Mercs Own Peach Ale and it will also feature the first public tasting of Mercs Own Special Smoked Briskett.

If you think you may be down this way let me know.

The beer will be in a select range of stores by the beginning of December and then it will be a process of time and growth.

I have just come back from the show which for the first time I actually enjoyed doing!

But now it is feet up on the couch and sipping back a beer ( a Coopers for tonight) while I gaze at my magnificent tv.

Sorry I won't be anywhere near you in December, so no chance of tasting your Peach Ale. Darn it! Erik and I need to start planning our trip to Australia - which we are doing next winter (March or so).

Glad you enjoyed the show. Can't wait to see it. Relax and gaze away. I, on the other hand, am sipping industrial strength coffee and cringing at the fact that I have to face 150 12 yr olds! Wanna trade!!??!!!

Take care all

Jill

Oh AND I have bus duty this week, so I'm heading outside to great the children in temps about 34 degrees. Why did I become a teacher? Oh, I remember - it's the wonderful pay!!!!! I crack myself up!

Jill

Paul, It doesn't look at all likely that I'd be anywhere near Melbourne in December. I'll have to take a raincheck, unfortunately. Maybe when our family goes to visit my wife's sister?

And now, a short take on this week's "Dancing with the Stars":
I only got to watch the first 50mins, but taped the rest. I assume that the show went over the advertised 60 minutes timeslot, since it took that long to get through the first round of two dances by each of the couples. Not that anyone would mind, it just that bedtime for the kids take priority. I'm looking forward to seeing Tina Arena sing. We wogs stick together, you know!

Paul just continues to look more and more relaxed. His on-screen persona is likable and popular. The other judges mostly continue to be a little serious, although they've lightened up in various ways. I think that this is a good thing, though, since it adds dimension and contrast.

I agree with Paul. He looked as though he was enjoying himself, and projected this through his accessible personality directly to the audience.
Another great performance.

Peter

Paul

I haven't doubt: the right path to me is to love you. It is difficult, so far, but it is impossible don't to love you!
Caroline

I recently saw the new "Shall we Dance, movie with Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon. It is a beautiful movie. No violence or nudity. LOL Just a good clean movie. I saw that Richard Gere had done some dancing on Broadway and he was very good. I chanced to see an interview with the stars and how they worked their scenes. Some of the actors did not realize how physical, dancing, can be.

Take Care,
Marge

It is my understanding that the movie was choreographed by John Occonell - he choreographed Strictly Ballroom.

When I was in Canada last year working on I Robot I bumped into him at the hotel I was stayingat. He was in for a flying visit on route to work with J lo to teach her some moves for the movie.

I agree with Marge - the "Shall We Dance" movie is a good film with a beautiful story.

I had the chance to see the Japanese version not too long ago, and it was interesting to compare both films. The story's the same, just the culture is different, and I enjoyed them both.

Testing

Okay what word do I have in the post I want to post so it won't let me??

Jill

I could cry. It won't post and it talked about the great CD I've been listening to - Caedmon's Call - Chronical.

Oh well. I'll drink a glass of wine and get over it, but for once I felt like I was saying something!

Jill

Think prescription drugs, things you do in las vegas, along those lines.

I am working on a site upgrade that will help a lot, I hope.

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts this. Paul, thanks for starting the train of thought.

The path we're on may not always feel like the right path, but may be leading us in the right direction. There's an element of having to trust in what's under your feet and concentrating on what's around us, the people whose paths are travelling alongside us and as you say, the gifts that we find along the way. I suppose I'd see it more now not so much as choosing the right or wrong path, but rather as each of us having our own path and that can only be the one we're on.

It is always good to be reminded of the Desiderata. Thanks for that too.

Hi Peter, thanks for keeping us up to date with another show.

Hi to everyone else. Hope you are all well.

Love to each of you,
Mary

Paul, I've wondered how it came about that you got the job with I Robot? I wasn't posting here when that happened. It sounds like a neat experience and I'm curious how you were called to be part of it?

BTW- I was listening to Caedmon's Call's CD Chronicles and it seemed every song had something to do with life's journey. I especially like Thankful and Lead of Love. They are a Christian group, so don't know if you'd be interested in them, but they have a fantastic sound and great message. Personally I feel they speak to me through their music and help me understand the journey I'm on. The song Thankful talks about having they same problems now that you did years ago - just seemed very relavent. My life is driven by music. There is a theory of learning by Glassor that says there are different types of intelligences. People are stronger in some then the others. My two strongest areas are linguistics and music. I've always known my life focused on these two areas. I've always felt my life is set to a sound track. All day I have music playing through my mind. All growing up I've had music that played into the focus of that time. Right now this CD is my soundtrack. It's where I am and what I thinking about.

Paul I have a hunch one of your strongest areas is bodily-kinestetic (movment). Other areas are mathmatical-logical, interpersonal, naturalist and spatial. It's an interesting idea. In the classroom, I'm suppose to allow kids to show their learning in their strongest area plus help them strengthen the others.

Okay back on track. What I'm trying to say is that its a great CD that is relatable to anyone wondering about the journey they are on. And for me, it plays through me and my life as if I'm living to it. Weird as that may sound.

Take care all

WAHOOOO it posted. Hope you all think it was worth it!

Jill

Hi All,

Episode 6 of DWTS is ready for all the geeks.

http://number98.com/out/DWTS06.mp4

People who have downloaded and run the codec but are getting complaints from Windows Media Player when you try the videos, might want to try the free player from mpegable. See link below:

http://www.mpegable.biz/download/Player/mpegablePlayer-Setup.exe

I’ve also posted another sample video with about 50 seconds of Episode 6 on it. If you are having no problems with the original small sample and you want to try another (smallish)file before committing to hours of downloading time, then you might want to download it. The file is about 1Mb long and mostly of your favourite judge.

http://number98.com/out/DWTS06Sample.mp4

On a separate note, I am not aware of any private emails from PCers that I haven’t responded to….BUT, my emails are full of requests for assistance that turn out to be African people who want help moving colossal amounts of shady money out of their country. If the whole of Africa had half the money I’ve been asked to help move then they would all be living like Bill Gates! Anyway, I’m pretty fast on the delete key if the subject line reads like “Can you help me” and I might be losing ‘real’ emails from you guys, so please try again and if you stick DWTS in the subject then it sticks out in the list.

Never on the right path...

But always with good intentions

I don't know where that came from but that's my response to this weeks post.

I can't stay on long this morning b/c my husband is in Japan and he may call about...now so I have to go.

Will post again later this week.

take care all

Dear Mr. Mercurio,
I'm new to your circle of fans and I thought it was great that your fans could talk with you. I just wanted to say hi to you and everyone else. So, hi!!! :) Your new fan, Kit

Hello, dear Grandma Mill, I want to write in here to talk how I am happy with our friendship! And to talk to Paul than this site is a wonderfull place because we can to know about Paul and to know beautifull people how you!
Paul, Grandma Mill sent me photos about you and I thought: how can a person to be so beautifull? No Brad Pitt or Leonardo Di Caprio. You are the man more beautifull of the world!!
Kisses Caroline

Paul you are so nice. I just watched the latest episode of DWTS, and you were just plain old nice to everyone and so real! I loved what you said to Pauline (I've been rooting for her!). I believe you made her day! I'd love to see them win. I agree with you that she is still there because she keeps improving. Great show and fantastic job!!!

Jill

Hello All!

Well, I've been making some drastic changes in my life so I thought I'd share with everyone at the corner.

1). I decided to go through my closet today and donate everything in my wardrobe that I never wear and also never wear b/c it looks unflatering. I'm going shopping this week-end and finding things that flatter me b/c..I deserve it!

2). I went for pedicure for the first time and I feel like I have feet of a goddess. I did it on a whim and I shouldn't of spent money like that but by golly I loved it!

3). I finally decided to stop hanging on to every word I say, trying to act "appropriately" and "politically correct". Its about time not only to accept myself for the wise cracking dame that I am but also believe that it's ok to be who I am. Cracking bad jokes about men in tight Speedo's is...ok. Deciding to cut myself some slack and lay on the couch and watch something else than an educational program like "Decorating Until you Drop" is...ok.

4). My mother and I and had one our arguments over the phone four days ago and instead of calling her back right away and apoligizing to make it right I decided to wait a few weeks (or maybe longer if I'm lucky) and give myself a "mom vacation". I should have done this ages ago my god it feels good!

5). Last but not least, I finally gave away to a friend of mine this ugly pair of salt and pepper shakers that my aunt gave me last year. Boy, how liberating! I no longer have to stare at them every time I walk into the kitchen. I think I'll replace them with a set of Flamingo one's wearing sunglasses from the tourist shop down the street.

take care all!

Julie

Oh and Peter I need to you e-mail me ASAP!

Jill
I too had the same problem with a (bad) word when I recently posted. I emailed Cat directly and posted a copy of the blog I was trying to put here on PC. She told me what word was not appropriate. You might try clicking on the picture of Paul here on PC and find Cat’s email address and send her a copy of your post and she will let you know what the (bad) word is. . She keeps very good track on what is going on here and I have a great respect her for that.

Sally C.
I also have seen the original "Shall We Dance" and enjoyed it. But I favor the new version.

Some time ago I was eagerly waiting for the new "Dirty Dancing Havana Nights" to come to the theaters. It only lasted about 5 weeks in the movie houses. I finally did get to see it, and the story paralleled the original film with Patrick Swayze. He has a cameo roll in Dirty Dancing HV.
I was kind of disappointed. It didn't take long for it to go DVD in the stores.

Cat
I hope this was alright to let Jill know how to find out just what word she was entering that would not let it be posted.

Take Care and Love to everyone.
Marge

Hello everyone.

Congrats Marge. New babies always make us think of the future. You have this sudden desire to ensure everything is going to be right for them when they reach our age, whatever age that happens to be.
Paul I think you are very intuitive and you answered your wifes question in a most appropriate matter. It is what it is. I'm just throwing an idea out there take it or leave it but have you thought about writing? A dancers/actors/fathers/entrepeneurs/husbands life.
Actually in the order of value to you. You could do it. You have a great talent with writing. You have such a history too. Please don't take that wrong, I'm older than you. Simply put, you could provide a lot of interesting ideas for those of us out here that have been forced to make decisions based on family, job, desire, etc.

I wish I could be in Melbourne in December but I don't believe that can happen right now.

My wife and daughter are going to New York tomorrow with my mother in law and my sister in law. It's a girls thing. They shop, see a show or two, dine out every night and luxuriate in an awesome hotel. So why am I home?
It's boys weekend. Oh my god. We'll have fun!

peace and love

timmer

I think the order Paul would choose would be:

father, husband, actor, entrepeneur, dancer and I 'll mentor to the list.

Julie,

don't feel bad ofr living your life for you, the way you want to live it. You have to make yourself happy. I receintly started doing the same thing. For example. I won't spend money on myself. I'll spend $100.00 on sports showes for one of the kids, but not $12.00 on a pair of new jeans. $10.00 seams to be my limit. But just last week, I paid $50.00 for a new winter coat. I regreted it after i bought it as I could always were the same one I have worn the last 5 years, its still very nice, but it was a bulky mans coat and I really wanted something feminine this year. The point is, I took care of myself, first. I have beeen trying to do that and I have found that those around me want to take better care of me when i take batter care of myself. Funny how that works. The peole around you respect you more as you push them away a bit and think about yourself. My husbad said it best once, "you can't respect someone who kisses your ass" He was right and yes that used to be me years ago. Of course, the bulldog I now am doesn't kiss anyone's ass.
I feel good taking care of myself and I am actuallly going to travel to one of those outlet malls and the plan is to buy a coach purse as I have always wanted one. We''e see if I can bring myself to do it. Well, enough for now.

Love to all,

Kelly

Julie and Kelly - YOU GO GIRLS!!! One thing I've learned - you gotta just live the life you want to live and not let little things get in that way of it, or big things like fear! I find myself doing the same thing sometimes tho. I'll spend money on clothes for the kids but not on myself. My big thing is not buying stuff to decorate my house the way I want to. I'll look at the price and think, I can't spend that much. Then I'll turn around and spend that much on stuff for the kids. Silly I know!

My big thing right now donating. I feel our family has been so blessed that I want to help others. I'm involved in something called ChemoAngels. I angel a women going through breast cancer and a four year old going through chemo. I send cards and little gifts to help make this time easier. Now that I have NO guilt about. Not so sure my husband feels the same way tho! I've found this gives me a feeling of hope, that I can help others. And since I can't get myself to spend on myself, it's a way to do what I want and spend what I want! If that is clear at all! LOL

Kelly - go get a Coach purse! I have one and my sister has like 5 (not sure they are all real tho). They are great!

Julie - I've stopped worring about what I say as well - well most of the time. I've learned that if it bothers people that much, they'll go away and that's not always a bad thing! Of course I try not to be rude, but I am clear. Life's to short to beat around the bush.

Love to all!!!!!

Jill

Brian, forgot to say thanks again fo rthe DWTS. I love you for doing this for us. I must say I wish I could get Aussie tv. I LOVE THE ACCENT.

Paul,
Question, is there a seperate Days of Our Lives in Australia, than in the states? I used to be a Days fan but don't ever remember Justin Melvey on it. I thought you were AWESOME this week. I loved seeing the 10's come up. The dancing is superb. Although I am not really a Pauline fan for the dancing but I do like her personality.

Love to all

Kelly

No problem Kelly,

I think Pauline makes for great television and she tries hard, but there comes a time when it's not fair to kick out better dancers just because Pauline puts her heart into it. It is, after all, a dancing competition and it's hard to justify how Pauline could end up with a higher score than Bec.

Brian

Brian I couldnt agree with you more. I think Bec loos like a pro. I really do. Very graceful. Pauline is getting so very much better but looks very stiff and definately not natural. But I really like her attitude and give her credit for the effort.

Kelly

Julie & Kelly, it's great to see you both making such positive moves forward. Finding a new path like this is so exciting and rewarding. I'm really happy for both of you.

Brian, thanks once again for your time and effort.

Paul, you looked so relaxed this week. It's a pleasure to watch you in action.

Michelle & Evelyn - hope you are both well.

Peter, hope you're not too flat out. I'm sending you some relaxing thoughts just in case.

Welcome to Kit and hi to everyone else. Sending love and good wishes to you all.

Mary

Hey, Julie, those pink Flamingo-wearing sunglasses-salt and pepper shakers would make terrific souvenirs for the gang that comes to the FIF convention!

So Florida, 50 years ago, so Mil-like....or would one prefer a bobble head Elvis, in bathing trunks and sunglasses?

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

It's been far too long since I last posted here.

Paul, I have nothing but faith in the fact that you did choose the right path. I haven't been forgetting any of you here at the Corner - been watching Dancing with the Stars every week and thinking I should get back to the Corner. I just haven't had much time to spend on the Net, though, because I've been doing my final exams and deciding my own paths to take. Since most of you seem to have survived the time since I last posted in one piece, I trust you have all been doing pretty well.

The time flies unbelievably fast. Seems like yesterday when 3 boys in my class in kindergarten kicked me in the shins until (I felt) I was nearly crippled, teasing me about being Chinese. And now...

As of Monday (the day when I officially "sign out" of school), I shall no longer be considered a high school student. I'm finished with high school!!! But I'm not sure exactly which path to take right now. I just threw out all my notes today - rather reluctantly. Not because I was attached to them, but more because I'm kind of nervous that I won't have a good enough ranking to get into university (entrance into uni seems the key factor to leading a fulfilling life, both in my family and at my school).

I'm applying for a Creative Writing course (it seems to be the only thing I could really enjoy doing), which doesn't place as much importance on ranking (there's no cut off point, but they do judge according to ranking as well as your portfolio and interview/audition). I've got an interview at the uni on Tuesday (planning on getting there an hour early just to orientate myself). The other problem is, the uni's so far away that I'm inclined to move there - and Mum (being a normal parent) is a bit worried about me looking. Government allowance more than pays off my fornightly rent, but I can see why she's still worried.

I can't wait til I visit my eldest sister in Japan. The whole family hasn't been together since she came back to Sydney for a week or two to work in May or something. The other sister and her hubby will be meeting up with us in Japan as well. This'll be the first time I've caught a plane by myself - Mum and Dad are going two days after me because they're working right up til then, i think. Mum's freaked that I'm going to get lost in Tokyo on the way to my sis' house, with no knowledge of Japanese (and no one around who speaks English), and frankly, so am I. But it'll definitely be a learning experience for me, though, which is what I'm after.

BTW, "Shall We Dance" (well, the story, that is) has nothing in comparison with the Japanese version.

I can't really think of much else to say except "Until next time" (I might be in Japan then, yeayyyy)

Jen

Jen,
You'lle do fine. Koneechewa is good afternoon, or goodbye. You can also say Sianara for goodbye.
Ohio Gazimus is good morning. Thats all the japanese i know off hand that will help you. I know about 20 words is all. My mother in law is Okinawin. (sorta Japanese). But at least you can say hello and goodbye, if you get lost and have a drink with someone and yu choose to toast them, you can say comepie. (cheers).

Good luck
Kelly

Jen
How very exciting for you! I wish you well as you start this new journey.

Good luck!

Jill

Gidday Jen,long time no hear from. Great to hear all is well with you. Congrats on getting through high school and now it is onward into the next chapter of your continueing adventure - life. May it be as great as you want it to be and then some!!

Although I have faith in the path and journey I'm on, today I wish beyond all stars in the sky that it wasn't my path. A year ago I finished chemo. Yes I'm happy that I'm over a year with NED (no evidence of disease) but I'm saddened and blue today. I've been antsy the last few days, unable to pinpoint why. On my way out of school (early) today I remembered the date. Funny how my brain knew before me. Yes this is the right path, but no not all days go well. I struggle. I laugh. I hug my kids. I cry. I scratch my dog's belly. I curl up with my husband. I pray. And I walk forward. Tomorrow I'll move away from this blue period. I'll be me.

Jill

one foot in front of the other Jill, somedays the feet are so damned heavy and other days they just bounce barely touching the ground.

Best things is what ever the day we are there with you.

Desiderata says is all!

Linda