Paul's Corner

Hi there!
For me this 2004 has actually been a really great year and I want to send my best wishes for 2005 to you. Looking back, a bit more than a year ago I could not even have dreamt how happy I am today. So don't stop believing!
A grat year indeed. New job, new mountains to climb and a couple of great new people that entered my life. A good year, though not financially, no. Broke as ever, as I have a lot of old debts to pay. But I promised myself not to worry too much about money anymore.
Easily said, isn't it? Tra il dire e il fare c'e di mezzo il mare. Between the things you SAY and those you DO lies half an ocean.
But I really am determined not to be afraid any more. Besides, who am I to moan about my little problems compared to the tremendous tragedy, that has happened to Asia.
I am soo very thankful that I'm strong and healthy and that my family is too. And I really am convinced that in the end things turn out to be just fine, though maybe not in the way we expected or wished them to do.
I don't feel that I made myself very clear, but it is not that simple to tell important things in a language that is not your own.
But all I really wanted to say is: Happy new year and chin up - Life IS beautiful. :-)
Hilke

Paul - very wonderfully said. My prayer for you is that you feel complete and whole in all areas of your life. That you find what you search for and that you never lack for love, happiness and contentment. Joys - heartache, you'll see both this year I'm sure, but may your spirit stay strong and your focus clear. I also pray that your positive attitude is just on a holiday break and it will soon be back in full force.

I do know, that being positive 24/7 is impossible and not practicable. sometimes you just have to feel pissy about things. I just went through my own period of that. But now I'm up and moving forward once again. Looking at 2005 as the door to a life given to me on July 21st 2003. (okay gotta stop here for a funny yet icky thing. My daughter is explaining to me that it's okay to pick your nose and others eat it too!!! - hadda share that!) A life that needs to be lived with me present and there 100% - no matter how I feel. That is my goal for the year.

Love to all at the Corner.

Jill

Thanks for the advice kelly!
I hope everyone is doing well!!
A year has past and a new one has come and Im going to live every minute to its fullest!!
Wow, im corny--he he-- my own little humor!!
LOVE TO ALL!!
lizee

Happy New Year!!!

My Daughter, Mary, is 14 today! Wow! After cleaning up confetti for an hour and a half last night, 'till 3:00 in the morning, I'm feeling pretty ok. She's still asleep! All the Christmas decorations are put away, even the tree! All the dishes are washed and put away. the coffee is made, my boys are watching
STar Wars and all is right with my world!! Let's see how it is when Mary wakes up!!! hahaha.
Jill said it right, we can't be positive every single day, BUT, "tomorrow is another day". Cheers to you Paul, and good luck with your fledgling beer business!! Seems like all on the Corner are more healthy, that's AWESOME!

It's sunny and cool here in So. California, getting ready for rain tomorrow. Remember to pray for those in Asia and count each and every blessing!!!!
Much love and God bless each and every one of us!!!
Margie

Paul, may Jesus Christ reveal HIS plans for your life. HIS strength, love and joy may touch your open heart

Daniel

Daniel, thank you for your thoughts. I would be quite happy for Jesus to reveal his plans for me. Mind you I would also be more than pleased if God, in her infinite wisdom might also reveal what she has in mind for me.

Okay, this is my 2nd posting, does that remove me from the "lurker" category? : )

I just was reading the recent posts since mid-December (I don't have time to check very often) and was astounded that the first mention of the Asian tsunami disaster wasn't until this thread (Hilke's post)! Is everyone here living in a different universe from the one I'm in? Considering the huge amount of posts in response to the abortion issue a while ago, I thought this very strange. What's the deal?

Anyway I just wanted to say, similar to Hilke, that compared to what those people in South Asia are going through, our own problems suddenly seem much less troublesome. The stories of so many children being washed out to sea and families being all but destroyed are so heartbreaking, plus the huge recovery that lies ahead without the most basic needs available (water, shelter, etc.)... I hope everyone who can afford to has made a donation to one of the international aid organizations (we donated $50 to UNICEF) - it's easy to do online. Even though as usual at this time of year we're temporarily broke and have some debt to catch up on (more from working less during the holidays than from a lot of spending), something which was stressing me out quite a bit a couple of weeks ago, now my bit of financial difficulty sure seems trivial. I have my family, my house, clean water and food and an intact community. Though you didn't specifically say it Paul, maybe the positive ending to your post was influenced by a similar thought? (i.e. how can we really complain when we have what's most important?)

Teresa : )

Teresa, you make a good point -"how can we really complain when we have what's most important?" I guess the struggle of hanging on to what is important sometimes outways the events that occur around us.

As I wrote this blog I was aware that I was having a winge about my struggle whilst in many country's people are struggling to live after losing everything. Yes my struggle pales into insignificance compared to theirs but I stand to lose much and so I struggle and feel guilty for I am not those people who have lost all. I am just trying to survive.

My wife has cried every night watching the horror on the news and I personally have tried not to open myself to the horror of what has happened. I could not imagine losing my entire family by a wave. I grew up on the beach and it seems so ludicrous and yet far too real to contemplate. I wish I had money to spare, in fact I wish I was rich and I could come to the aid as best I can but the truth is I am in the situation I am in, as are you. I will be asking the girls to donate their pocket money to aid the relief and I will contribute something also but it is never enough.

Teresa, the positive ending to my post is a life choice not a response to the tragedy that has happened. For in the face of tragedy we have only two choices - to go on and survive or give up and die. Those that died in the wake of the sunami really had little choice, they either survived or they did not. You and I have a choice, to help or not, to contribute to society or not, to feel for the human spirit or not, to proportion guilt and blame or not, to live with love or not, to be unconditional in the embrace of life or not.

There are those from various religions that will blame god for this occurance or will say it is gods will. In the face of it, all we can do is live our lives, fight the fights, survive the struggles, give when we can and wish for the best.

Sounds pathetic, as I think you were pointing out, but what more is there?

The more is to embrace a positive outlook toward life and the other wonderful creatures we share it with. My job is to contribute to making a better world through my work (which is somewhat non existant) through my family and through my community. I am doing the best that I can. As are you.

Teresa, some of us have not commented on the tsumani disaster yet, because the news and the photos on television are so overwhelming, it invokes sorrow, horror, and, yes, anger, that the rich in this country, and their leader, George Bush, has decided it is more important to celebrate his inauguaration with a grand, expensive party, rather than donate to the people affected by the tsunami in any substantial way.

So far, Japan has come across with the greatest amount, and we, as a country, should be ashamed of our paltry donation by our "leader" the "compassionate" president.

I guess it will be up to us, with our individual donations, even though tight budgets abound, to do what is in our hearts.

The others, like the highly touted American billionaires in the U.S., like Bill Gates, who is worth 90+ billion, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and others, have yet to open their checkbooks, but maybe they made some paltry donations incognito.

Closer to home, one daughter of a man who sings two solos in my "Follies" program, was caught in
Sri Lanka, but managed to escape. She was able to call her husband and tell him that she and the others that were attending a seminar in Sri Lanka were safe.

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Shalom and love,

Gran Mil

Paul...A great sentiment as the new year begins to unfold. I think everyone can relate to your thoughts. We make choices with great expectation. And you are right, they hardly ever turn out as we think. But hope springs eternal on life's journey and keeps us moving forward.

Happy new year!
Linda

I think one would be hard-pressed to find a more compassionate, caring or supportive group of people like the people here at PC.

What can you say or do when you see such horror and devastation as we have seen put upon other human beings, those caught up in the tsunami? You pray for them and thank your God for the people in your life who are safe and sound for starters. Then, you open up your pocketbook and feel guilty because you don't have more money to spare, because you are trying to survive, too.

Mr. Bush has pledged $350 million of our money so far and has said, "Our contributions will continue to be revised as the full effects of this terrible tragedy becomes clearer." Nine U.S. military C-130's took off Friday to bring supplies to those stricken. France has promised $57 million, England $95 million, and Sweden $75.5 million.

What else can we do? I wish I knew because whatever we do, it will never be enough to mend the humanity of it all.....

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all reading this!

Paul, loved your response to Daniel . . .

Sally, thank you for a post I wish I'd written myself!

Those of us not personally hit by these terrible events might hate to post on an international blog such as this for fear of making it worse for people who may have lost loved ones. But by no means does it mean we don't care.

I can't donate a lot, either, but enough pennies add up,too.

hugs,
deltalady aka Sally

Happy New Year to Everyone!

I'm still cleaning out my office and preparing more donations of books and shifting stuff around into storage bins before my office starts looking like the tsumani decided to come an visit. It is very overwhelming to see the pictures on TV of this disaster and I agree with Grandma Millie that our country has shown a poor example of how we can do better to make things better for other people. Even though our government has sent 350 million imagine how much more the governement is spending on the war in Iraq.

I did decide to make New Years Resolution this year and I think it's the best one yet.

I am not going to try to be perfect in anything.

I'm going to be myself, work hard, try my best but I refuse to be hard on myself like years past. Give myself time to play and enjoy for once. Yesterday my husband and I went to the beach for the first time in ages. It was a perfect day and I did what I hadn't done for years. I ran around the shore like a 12 year old and rode the waves in the water. It had been a long time since I enjoyed a moment and am still glowing today from that experience.

I cannot comprehend what the people in Asia who have lost everything, loved ones as well as everything they owned. I have tried to imagine my neighborhood being swept away with nothing but the clothes I am wearing on a bare piece of ground.

Paul
Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Cricket is a wonderful little bundle of energy. She has learned to sit, stay, sneeze, speak softly, and stay at the top of the stairs when I go outside without her.

However, she has gotten loose once in a while, and it's hard to catch her as she hasn't learned to come when she is called.

Have you had any pets since Nunzio and Mima? I know that was a while ago.

Take care and Love to all on PC
Marge

I'm a little late, but I wish everyone peace, joy and happiness for this coming calendar year.

I'm hoping that the devastation of the tsunami will be more than matched by the best of human spirit and kindness.

Paul, I'm also wihing that things turn around for you.
We all need nourishment and fullfilment of mind, body and soul. Sometimes our needs and wants can appear to be less significant than those of others, so we tend to push them aside, but unless we pursue those things that will make us whole, we cannot be our best for those around us, or ultimately, ourselves.

My best to all at PC.

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been expressed so well. Perhaps the pain and devestation of this human disaster is beyond what words could express. It seems all we can do is give whatever practical help we can and offer support in spirit to all who have died or who are mourning in any way. But it seems such a small thing in the face of the tragedy experienced by so many.

Paul, I wish you the wholeness that Peter spoke of. I'm trusting that things will turn around for you workwise.

Love to all my friends here tonight,
Mary

Peter
I loved your commment to Paul. Very touching and pertains to all of us.

Love to all,
Marge

I'm on a roll here, two posts in two days... I am glad to see my post opened up a discussion on the tsunami disaster. I understand that maybe everyone was so struck by the horror of it all they didn't know where to start and decided to avoid saying anything at all, but that's never healthy. Like Meg Ryan says in the movie "French Kiss", it'll just "fester, fester, fester"!

Paul, just a quick response to your response - I think my first message may have come across as insinuating that compared to the tsunami victims YOUR problems seem insignificant to others, but that's not what I meant at all and I'm sorry I wasn't clearer on this point - what I was trying to say was that for each of us personally it puts our own problems into a different perspective - and that is a good thing, we all need to step aside and see our lives from a bigger viewpoint once in a while. Maybe that's the 'silver lining' to the cloud of this disaster - isn't there always supposed to be something good come out of even the worst of bad events? In this case it's up to us all to find that (small) positive and make the best use of it. Well actually two positives: the new perspective of our own problems AND the coming together of the global community to help, making the world seem much smaller.
Teresa : )

Teresa, I thought that you were perhaps saying that the abortion issue which had many responses was a lesser issue than the tsunami. They are both social issues and both require our positive care.

You are quiet right in your concern that I may have felt that my problems pale into relative insignificance compared to those suffering throught the affected areas of Asia - quite simply they do. But I covered that in my other post and I also think Peter said it rather well. That goes not just for me but for all of us.

I have spoken about the gift that a problem brings and I hope you are right that the gift to the world from this terrible disaster is a world that has come together in brotherhood and freindship across cultural bounds to help those in need. If this is the gift I hope it has a lasting legacy for I think the world is sorely in need of this.

Teresa I am glad for your posts:)

Sally, yes, after much national criticism about Bush's initial amount of $35 million for the U.S. assistence to the tsunami victims (called miserly by most) he upped it 10 fold to $350 million after almost a week.

I spoke to the mother and father of the person who was in Sri Lanka on a seminar, and she is safe! She is a journalist and photographer.

She told her parents via phone that she has many pictures of her own to add to the thousands already coming out since the first day of the tsumani.

The mother and father of this remarkable young lady are in their middle 80s, and the father, Felix, so straight, tall, and handsome at 88, will be coming to the first of the big Theatre rehearsals this a.m. with a new spring in his step, and his voice steady and strong, after the turmoil in their lives this past week.

I just heard from Innessiq, and yes, she straightened out her plane reservations, and she and her friend Cheryl WILL be coming to FIF!

Inn will be renting a car which will add to the pool of cars and drivers for that weekend! Thank you, dear Inn, again!

Shalom and peace,

Gran Mil

Darling Millie...Count me in for FIF! Confirmed reservations today - wasn't sure if I could work it out. Arriving Saturday, departing Monday late pm. Can't wait to give you a big hug!

Linda

Dear, dear, Linda, we will have a contest as to whom can give the longest and hardest hugs on the FIF weekend!

We'll also have a prize for those that come the farthest, but I think Mary (Ireland) and Monika and Koen (Holland) will tie!

Paul, we went into our large Theatre for a month of rehearsals before we open in Febr. 7th, 8th and 9th. It was a daunting experience for those that were on that stage for the first time.

It is a sort of theatre in the round, with 970 seats, and I had to restage some of the acts because of the sheer space for the soloists or dancers to cover!

This first rehearsal today went better than expected, for we have to pass cordless mikes to our singers, for we only have two cordless mikes to work with. The dancers use CD music, so mikes are not a problem for them.

The program is set, and ready for the printer, and ticket sales are brisk, I was told. Our village residents (10,000 of them) love to see their neighbors and friends perform, and lots of relatives of the cast are coming from out of town also.

Until later,

Shalom and Peace,

Gran Mil

Boy! Talk about jealous!!!! I would love to be coming over for FIF but I will just have to sit back with a Mercs Own Peach Ale and send my spirit over to hover in the auditorium and watch.

Paul, we'll be toasting you for sure! After all, without YOU none of us would know each other. Now here we are, flying to Florida to see Millie's Follies! How cool is that?

Thanks by the way!

Michelle

I'm just jealous because I can't get out of cold, cold Minnesota (although minus the snow this winter!).

Jill

Say Paul - when, exactly, in March is the BMW race? How fun that must be!!!! Although I'm not really in that league considering we bought a mini-van over Christmas break. Not what you would call racing material, but for a mom of two little ones it makes like easier.

I am very happy to be coming to FIF and I can't wait to meet you all and participate in the hardest hug contest.
I am also overwhelmed with sadness at the tsunami disaster. My daughter has a friend in Malasia whom we have not heard from and so we wait to hear from her. I have not commented on it here because it is too horrible. In the face of loss I am doing what we humans always do, I help where I can and I try to remember how blessed I am to be alive. I hope we all rememeber.
peace and love, Inn

Dear Paul, we will be thinking of you, and yes, your spirit will be with us, for like Michelle said, without you and Cat we would have never met!

Tonight is the 10th anniversary of my video concert program, "The Sights and Sounds of Music" and I expect a full house in our smaller, multimedia auditorium.

The first program was on Jan. 5th, 1995, and like the Energizer Bunny, I just kept it going and going. I own 400 tapes with thousands of scenes which I use over the years, with new material taped from TV all the time.

In the program tonight I have included some scenes from the old musicals from 1936 and the 1940s, with plenty of dancing. Also ballet and opera, and a documentary on Carmen Miranda, and that great scene from Mrs. Doubtfire, where Robin William is trying on various disguises for his deception as a woman...that will get a laugh!

Then right after that scene, there are the scenes where a young dancer chases his unhappy dancing partner to the back of an old store where he has to explain to an irate father that he was only practicing the paso doble late at night with the young lady, and his intentions were honorable!

He then gets his chest pounded with the rhythms of the dance, and ends up being loved and finally a champion, and that's what we still think of you, Paul!

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Once again Grandma Mil I wish you were my grandma. Any chance I can get you to move to Minnesota?!?

You said it perfectly, and I completely agree.

Jill

Dearest Jill, I would gladly adopt you as another grandchild! One can never have too many!

Yes, I am watching the weather forcast for the upper states, like Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota, and it is so scary to learn that the Chicago area alone (where Michelle lives) is due to get 14 inches of snow!

You and Evelyn are the only chickies of mine that live in Minnesota, and Linda is from Michigan. I wish you could all hop a plane and get out of the cold TODAY! I have two pull out couches, and the pool is heated!

Ellie and I retired here in Florida from New York 14 years ago, and although hurricanes can be a "nusiance" once in awhile, we could not take the cold, snow and ice of the north.

Take care, stay warm and well!

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Dearest Jill, I would gladly adopt you as another grandchild! One can never have too many!

Yes, I am watching the weather forcast for the upper states, like Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota, and it is so scary to learn that the Chicago area alone (where Michelle lives) is due to get 14 inches of snow!

You and Evelyn are the only chickies of mine that live in Minnesota, and Linda is from Michigan. I wish you could all hop a plane and get out of the cold TODAY! I have two pull out couches, and the pool is heated!

Ellie and I retired here in Florida from New York 14 years ago, and although hurricanes can be a "nusiance" once in awhile, we could not take the cold, snow and ice of the north.

Take care, stay warm and well!

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Dearest Jill, I would gladly adopt you as another grandchild! One can never have too many!

Yes, I am watching the weather forcast for the upper states, like Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota, and it is so scary to learn that the Chicago area alone (where Michelle lives) is due to get 14 inches of snow!

You and Evelyn are the only chickies of mine that live in Minnesota, and Linda is from Michigan. I wish you could all hop a plane and get out of the cold TODAY! I have two pull out couches, and the pool is heated!

Ellie and I retired here in Florida from New York 14 years ago, and although hurricanes can be a "nusiance" once in awhile, we could not take the cold, snow and ice of the north.

Take care, stay warm and well!

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Uh, one of the pitfalls of being a senior citizen is repeating oneself, twice, on Paul's Corner! Pardon me!!!

Gran Mil

Yep, we've got the snowblower ready! It rained all day yesterday which created a big mess. Having two dogs with big feet, snow is much easier on my floors!

Yeah, let it fly, it's already cold so it might as well look like winter.

I can dream about Florida.

One month to go!
Michelle

Hello All,

Nice to see so many comming to FIF. The weather should be lovely and the beach, as I checked it out a few days ago, is splendid!

I actually had a vision the other day while brushing my teeth (it's not the most exciting time in the morning but my creative juices start to kick in around that time). Over the past few weeks I've been watching reruns of The Persuaders on BBC America and I actually pictured Paul playing the role of Danny Wilde in what could be a new version of the series. I'm not a showbiz person but in my opinion it would be a brilliant match for Paul with the role if a new version of the series were to be made.

just a thought.

take care all!

Ah snow! What a wonderful thought to be frolicking in the fluffy white stuff, skidding after the kids and throwing snowballs at them.

Yep to me and mine it is a romantic thought down under. I have always wanted to make a movie in the snow but my Agent in L.A keeps saying No you dont!

Jill the race is on the 6th of March. The week before that we all get together and they put us up in a hotel for the whole week. The reason for this is that the training we go through for that week is pretty intensive and they need us to focus on that. I did this race in 2000 and actually won it. It was without doubt one of the best experiences of my life and I am looking forward to doing it again. I am a little excitedand nervous as thie race this time is made up of all the past winners and high place getters - read that as very high achievers!! So I reckon it is going to be a very competitive field. That said I am going to have fun, enjoy the week and of course win the race!

Paul, if only the reality of snow were as you imagine it! All too often ours is sodden and heavy (think shovelling out the driveway). I'd trade you climates any day.

Happy New Year (much belated) to all. I hope 2005 brings good things - the really important ones like serenity - to everyone.

Laura

The race sounds like fun. Enjoy!!!

Now for the snow, it's fun - the first snowfall of the year BUT it gets old really, really fast. We usually get snow from November to March. A few years back it snowed into April. Just when we thought it was gone, it would snow again. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE snow if I could fly in, play for a while and fly back out!

I grew up in North Dakota. I remember one year having a blizzard that closed school for four days, took out our electricity and gave snow drifts perfect for sledding. It was fun when I was a kid. I will admit that a small (very, very, very small) part of me misses the snow this year. It can be pretty. I'd miss it if I moved. At the same time I'm sure I'd adjust!!!

I could go on and on with memories of snow, but I'd bore you all soon!

Take care.

Jill

Paul, I imagine that you'd have to give a 1 series bimmer a fair caning to get any real speed out of it on a tight road circuit!
It should be interesting to watch.

I'm just envious of all the fun you're going to have. What ever happens, don't get beaten by any women!

Excuse you Peter!!! I'm going to pretend not to have read that last comment of yours!!! No, no smiley face for you today ... oh what the heck, why not? :)

Paul, I love the snow for skiing, sledding, the odd snow-ball fight, but it looks a lot nicer than it is to be out and about in it for long time periods, especially in the bitterly cold wind. Then it gets really old really fast, but if you really want to film in the snow, I do hope that you get to do it. Oh and good luck in the car race! Sounds like this is fun to you, enjoy it for all that it is worth!

Jill, I'm with you on the snow, I missed it (and the rest of the seasons) terribly when I lived in Louisiana and I sure prefer it to all the ice we currently have. I need an ice pick in order to clear my sidewalk from the ice, which of course I don't have :)

Grandma, I'd take you up in a heart-beat on the couch offer, but staying inside kind of does the trick as well, although I'm sensing some cabin fever. Are you prepared to deal with Michelle, Linda and me in February, for we might just suffer from heat exhaustion coming from the North to FL? :)

Teresa, I've thought about what you said re. the responses to the devastation in SE Asia. I still don't know what to say about it, am still trying to understand what happened there, is happening there, I've been watching news reports in utter shock, staring at maps and am feeling so incredibly helpless in the face of it all. What can I do? Give money, sure, but that feels somewhat "uncaring" to me. What else can I do that would have a more direct bearing and help someone? is a question I've pondered quite a bit, but no answer to it, yet. Something else that has bothered me some in the responses to this disaster is the feeling out there that in the face of this devastation, I can't complain about anything in my life, that I'm supposed to be so thankful for all the good in my life (which I am and there is so much!!!) that I feel pressured into having to like every aspect of my life, but that would be hypocrisy. I guess part of me feels that this comparison is not exactly a fair one to make, not sure if that makes a whole lot of sense. Having said that, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to stop and think about all the good in my life and to be grateful for the many blessings I receive, I do that regularly, but not necessarily to repress some of the less comfortable or negative aspects of my life. I’m not saying that you implied any of this, it’s just my thoughts on the subject matter.

Okay, I’m going to bed now.

Hi Paul,
I stumbled upon your website when I should have been working - ssshhhh. I really like your site but think your fans take life a little too seriously. No matter how devastated the rest of the world may be, I believe we all deserve a moment of self-pity, little time to mourn the loss of our tight buns and elevated breasts. I can only blame the stars for this self-centered and infantile statement. I too am an Aries so even at 34, I tend to have a naive and simplistic view of life.

Rather than blow smoke up your @#$ I'll share my prescription for mood-enhancement:
1 - new Coach handbag
1 - new nude MAC lip gloss
1 - Venti double-shot non-fat latte (on really bad days I'll chase it down with a sugar-free Red Bull)

This remedy always works for me but I recommend consulting an aesthetician before you try it. Good luck!

Micki - Denver, Colorado (USA)

Micki- so how many Coach bags do you own!?!?!!

Welcome! My mood enhancement - wine and lots of it. Of course it does tend to put me to sleep too!

Jill

Hi Paul

I have not written to you before. I have been following your e-mails for a year. I loved Strictly Ballroom. Have you seen any of the Strictly Come Dancing series which has been running on English TV recently? I do Salsa and Swing Jive - its addictive! Its great to read your really honest e-mails - they would be comforting to anyone who had been through times of depression.
I hope something will come along for you soon which will make you smile.
Best wishes
Jill

Thank you and welcome Jill. Salsa and Swing Jive are certainly exciting dances to watch and I imagine to do. It is great you have found something that brings you lots of joy!!

Hello and welcome to Micki also, thanks for posting! As for the people who post here taking life too seriously - yeah I guess sometimes we do but occassionaly we pull ourselves out of the serious stuff and have a laugh. Thanks for the reminder that we could do it more often.

Peter after reading your comment regarding not being beaten by any women I was appalled! Appalled that you would say that and appalled by the fact that I might be and then appalled by being appalled by the idea of thinking both thoughts!!!!! What a conundrum you have put me in as I hadnt really given it any thought but now that you have mentioned it I must admit I am losing sleep over the possibility that it COULD happen.... aghaghagh :)lol

To be honest I dont mind. To be really honest I will make sure it wont happen!! Lets face it there are some things men are better at! Motor racing is one and scratching there testicles is another. I cant think of any more than that though. Can you?

Oh yeah another - super hero in a purle suit.

Okay girls let us have it!

Paul, I was merely reflecting an attitude held fast by the many male members of the motor racing fraternity. Does anyone believe me?? LOL

I can't think of any more things that men are better at than women, with the possible exception of something that men can do standing up, that most women won't attempt!

I must be naive. Several years ago a bloke that I knew made me realise that the male pride/ego thing is still alive and flourishing.
Here's what happened. I had just finished a very fast and tough duathlon race. My female training partner, who just happened to be the national elite champion, had beaten me by a few scant seconds, (although when we analysed the results, we found that my run and bike splits were slightly faster than hers, but she made up time in the transitions, where I was a bit slow on changing shoes etc.)
A mate came up to me and said "what's it like?"
I replied: "what do you mean?"
He said: :getting beaten by a woman"?

The amazing part was that he was dead serious!
I couldn't have cared less, in fact I had never thought about it. I was actually completely wrapped with the result, since I was her running coach, and above all, she was my friend.
Why would I not be happy?

It just goes to show that some attitudes still survive.

In any case Paul, I hope you do well in the race, and above all else, have loads of fun!

Just a minute Peter!! Are you telling me that your transitions were slower than your female competitor??? All I know is that women take forever to change!! Like when I tell the wife and kids that we are all set to go out I can then go and mow the lawn and give the car an oil change before they have gone through the three or more out fits and the face and hair restyling!!

I am sorry Peter, there is something that tickles my funny bone to think that your times for changing outfits in the race were slower than the girls! LOL

I am at work at the bottle shop and so am a little bored and perhaps being a little cheeky!

On a more serious note I agree with you that sadly the macho sentiment is certainly alive and thriving. When I did the race in 2000 alot of the blokes were swearing they wouldnt let a girl beat them. No doubt if I place behind any of the women in the race you can bet 100% that I would get a ribbing from the blokes.

Would you have felt different if you werent her running coach?

The other side of it is that as I am competitive I dont want to be beaten by anyone!!!

One more word on that macho chauvanist attitude.... As I have three daughters there have often been numerous occassions when men have suggested that something is wrong with me for not throwing a son and I have been often asked when will I be having a boy. In european cultures and I guess all cultures boys seem to be the status symbol. No wonder then that boys grow up with the attitude that they are number one. Luckily for me my father and Mum split up when I was five other wise I would have been brainwashed by my fathers old world attitude!

Paul, yep, I'm working too.

OK, have a bloody good laugh. Yeh, I know, I'm a total failure to let a woman beat me at changing!
It's not good, is it?
Mind you, she practised her transitions six days a week, whereas I NEVER practised (and the results showed). Anyway, that my story!

Q: Would I have felt differently had I not been her running coach?
A: No bloody way. She's my friend. Even if she wasn't, the fact that she did well deserves recognition. I've honestly never cared about it.
It's illogical.

I've been beaten in races plenty of times by women. It's just the way it is. It's the same in races as it is in life. Thers's always someone in front, and there's always someone behind.
Our relative position is completely arbitrary. It has no real meaning. All that is of any value is the effort and heart that we put into achieving our goals.

Hmmm, the European thing. Well, what (good) thing can anyone say about that?
Brainwashing is a good description.
In my ancestor's culture, the first born male inherits everything. No question.
My father's (BF) eldest brother inherited half of the town, and my father inherited nothing.
My mother's (BM) younger brother inherited all of his father's estate, and his two older sisters received nothing.
As for me, well you have to have a sense of humour!

I have a son and a daughter. I love and cherish them both equally. They both do ballet, touch football, running and a host of ather activities.
There's no divisions.
I would love them the same whether they were two girls or two boys, or whatever.
What would it say about us as parents if it were otherwise?

When I finish work today, I'll be off to practise my transitions. Now, where did I put my cycling shoes?

Okay guys lets break it up!!!! There is sooooo much testosterone being thrown around my voice is lowing and I'm growing a moustache!

As for getting ready - it takes my dear husband twice as long as me. That may not count tho because I'm not a true girly girl. Simple make-up, even simpler hair. I loved when it all fell out because I didn't have to do much with it.

Paul - my dad had only girls. Never once did he let my sister or I feel that he wanted a boy. And never once did he make me feel like I couldn't do something because I was a girl. He was the BEST dad. I bet you are that way with your girls too and I'm sure they love you for it.

Now, part of me wants a girl to kick your butt (oh have I mentioned that its a cute one -ya know I hadda mention it!!!!), but then again I don't want you to lose to anyone. Oh the delimma.

smiles and giggles and I'm off to a girls night out. Wine!!! will be served!

Jill

I now know why you wear your budgie smugglers on the outside of your pants! As a super hero you may also want to practise changing into your purle suit in a telephone box!!! Although they dont have them any more do they? What are we to do now go to an internet cafe to change?

Having three beautiful daughters I am definately blessed. I didnt mind if I had sons or daughters but once I had two daughters I certainly didnt want to have a boy as I felt it would upset the family balance. In fact after I had my first daughter I dont think I ever really wanted sons for a couple of reasons. Anger at my dad for one. When I was younger I wanted to change my last name to my mothers maiden name as I didnt want to continue on the Mercurio name. And as I said in my other post I was also angry at my dad becausein his eyes my first daughter was somehow less because she wasnt a grand son. I think that is one reason I had daughters. I think also the little boy in me was frightened to have a son as I didnt know how to be a dad to a boy. I think I am a great father and I think I would have been an equally great father to a son but the thought of it was pretty frightening so maybe that is another reason I didnt have boys. I am sure there are other reasons or perhaps there are none - what is, is. Only god in her infinte wisdom has any idea why.

Oh and guys I forgot to mention that to get ready to go out all it need to do is

-change clothes
-fix my hair (very slightly)
-put on a little lip gloss

That's it. All of which I just did in less than five minutes - SO THERE!

Wine? Did someone say wine? I'm outta here!

Jill

Ah Paul, having a son scared the wits out of me! I didn't have brothers, so I had no clue what to do with a boy in my house that wasn't my dad. Besides, they come with this extra part that I have no personal exprerience with. How do you live with that thing?!

Okay NOW I'm leaving.

Good night boys.

Jill

Paul, please don't give away any more secrets on how we superheroes implement our secret dressing strategies (handed down over the generations).
It might compromise my special powers.
(I'd tell you what they are, only they're secret.)
Besides, budgies need a home too.

Paul, it's exactly like you said, you would be a wonderful father no matter whether you had three girls, three boys or any other mix.
Maybe that's all there is to it.

I can understand you rejecting your father's attitudes. I do the same (with BM). Aren't we lucky that we can make that judgement? Things change. People change.
Hopefully we can all learn from what has been.

I was (for a very short time), praised and exhalted for being a first born son, but only for as long as it suited my BM. Then things changed markedly.
So, I will never receive any of those "rewards".
And you know what? That's perfectly OK by me.
I would be a lesser person if I put a price on myself and my values.
Still, I'm the same me. No more and no less.
That's all that I can be.

People do these things out of ignorance and selfishness.
We don't have to turn their burden into ours.

I hope you're selling plenty of bottles.

Goodnight Jill.
Enjoy the wine.

Peter, okay no more secrets to be discussed over the postings epecially the one where if you turn insi.... oops almost let the budgie out!!

I agree "that is all there is to it". Nuff said.

Now lets turn our attention to she who can get ready in 5 minutes!!! Either the promise of a wine is the key to the speed or Jill truly is remarkable (which we all agree she is but for this instance let us not agree she isnt) which really leaves us with the idea that perhaps she is shrinking time in the equally proportionate way that men lengthen the estimates of their....catch when fishing!

If this is true then the real time taken for Jill to:

-change clothes
-fix my hair (very slightly)
-put on a little lip gloss

would roughly equal the true length ... of the fish multiplied by the amount of beers had whilst catching said fish divided by the amount of time spent fishing and finally mustiplied by the number of mates out fishing with you -

therefore 6cm x 5 / 3 x 3 = 30

which by my reckoning means Jill actually spent 30 minutes getting ready.

Cant dispute the math!!

OK, I'll admit it. I'm bored too, despite being busy.

Paul, I can't dispute your logic or your maths.
Jill will just have to own up.
Don't worry Jill, you're probably still faster at changing than me, if that's any consolation.

Paul, I saw on TV that Dancing With The Stars is returning. What's the low-down there?
Are you on again?
When's it start?

Peter you know more than I do. On the last night of DWTS they all said thanks and we will call you in a few days - that was last year in November, I have had no news from them since.

They did say they wanted me back etc but it would be nice to know if that is the case, what the start dates might be and to talk about contracts etc

I am sure if I rang you up and said I am at the Mittagong pub come and have a beer you would be there in under three minutes!??

I am still standing here selling grog but finish in 15 minutes then I can have one and sit down.

Paul, quite seriously, if that's the case, then it's exceptionally poor management and bad business on their part. I mean, they should tie up all of their resources well in advance.
Maybe you could ask them. They might have plainly just stuffed up. It happens regularly in larger organisations.

Hey, it takes me at least five minutes to get to the Mittagong pub.
But, let me know when you're next there and I'll do my best to make it in three.

Enjoy the sit down and the beer.
I'll be working probably until 6:00pm. It's OK since the family are having a few days away at the beach. I would have liked to have joined them, but work takes priority this time. Damn.

Peter, sadly this is how the industry generally works. If I call then I will seem too eager and they will think that I have no other work on the cards and therefore they will then decide to not negotiate on the fee as obviously I am desperate. If I dont call but leave the ball in their court then that gives me a little more bargaining power by the time they call me because they usually leave it to the last minute and because they dont know exactly where I stand.

That said I called to wish them a happy Xmas.

My agent is on her Xmas break and needs the time out but is back on board on Monday and will give them the "Hi I am back from my break thought I would touch base" type call letting them know I have a couple of things in the pipeline and would like some confirmation so as I can sort my diary out.

As I am only a judge I am not high on their priority list. Professionally however I would think it best to have everything locked in place before going to press!

Regarding having a beer at the pub my point is it would take you all of 30 seconds to one minute to get out of the house/office (I am trying to rub it in to Jill!)and yes I will let you know when I am on my way.

okay you two give it up! I"m home and a little tipsy - okay drunk and very unable to type. Had my wine - in case you haven't guessed I'm a wino. Spent some of my husband's hard earned money, laughed and enjoyed.

Now for you two men trying to make fun of me. It did only take 5 minutes but as I said I'm not a girly girl. AND it wasn't a dress up event so no need to get fancy and take my time. Just ask my husband how long it takes me and he'll agree - I don't take forever. Ha! So there!!! (okay I feel five years old saying that!)

Now for the pub, can you men wait about 24 hours until I get there since I have to fly in from Minnesota. I'd love to join you. Conversation would be great I"m sure. Wait for me please before you order. Better yet, go ahead and order. I'll catch up.

Love to ya both - you remind me of high school friends that were boys and I've missed that.

Jill

Jeeze now we got to wait 24 hours!!!! What happened to 30 minutes?

I am sure you are worth waiting for! See ya there.

I am so worth waiting for! No good time is complete without me! Trust me, if I could get a ticket (I'd need to win the lottery) I'd be there, but alas I'm a poor teacher who can't afford to do such things. Instead - raise a glass for me boys.

Jill

My wife won't let me leave the house until I either confirm or deny her claim of getting ready in 5 minutes. I have to admit, she is a little quicker in getting ready for the day, but you have to take her estimates and double it. So 5 minutes is really 10 minutes.

Now I'm free! Gotta go.

Erik

You were great in Stricly Ballroom.

That's about the only movie I've seen you in.

So yeah, Happy New Year.

Eric, thanks for setting the record straight.
Hmm, 10 minutes you say? That's still not bad!

Cheers, Paul, and thanks for all the great entertainment you have given us!

I can relate to how you have looked back on 2004 with less than positve feelings about the way the year went. As your initial post shows, this type of assessment is not necessarily a downer or negative, but it is in the spirit of understanding how/why 2004 was less than perfect so that you can work to make 2005 better. We ALL have to power to improve our lives. With your successes, your varied interests, and your loving family, I know that there are many more high points in store for you, and they will come to you ON YOUR OWN TERMS.
Yikes, I didn't know it was possible to be this positive on the wicked bourbon hangover that I am suffering from. Speaking of cocktails, since you are a beer lover, have you tried an Italian beer called Moretti Dark? It is not home-brewed, but it is to die for.
Take pleasure in the simple things (like a good beer), stay focused on what is important, and may we all make 2005 a great year.......

Hey, hope everyone enjoyed the "Peter, Paul and Jill show" as much as I have! Fun stuff. I haven't had a chance to check in since Jan 5 so that was fun to read it all in one go.

I had just dropped in to say Evelyn, your guess is right that I didn't imply any of those things (Jan 5 post)... then I read all that new stuff.

Peter do you ever travel to another country to race? I ask because I've been very busy lately organizing an annual half marathon here in Gibsons BC: the Sunshine Coast April Fool's Run, April 3rd (our 3rd year as organizers, it's a 27 year old event though) and we do get participants from afar - 2 years ago we had someone from Gambia (W. Africa) and someone else from the U.K. If you had a thought to do a 'race holiday' then you should definitely consider this one (see foolsrun.com)! Actually our men's winner last year is a transplanted Aussie, Nik Southwell, maybe you know who he is. Lives on Vancouver Island now and trains with Simon Whitfield (gold medal Sydney Olympic triathlon). Anyway just had to mention it. By the way where I live is called the Sunshine Coast even though most people think of the one in Australia. Of course it's all relative - compared to Vancouver, anything else is called sunny.

...By the way I can see why a man might take longer in the transition zone. You already said it, "now where did I put my cycling shoes?" - that made me laugh because I was already thinking that most men are always losing stuff because they don't put things back where they belong. Women tend to be more organized so no time is wasted looking for things. Okay so we spend more time putting things away so it all evens out, but there's no stress when putting something away! (compare to looking for your keys when you're late)

Speaking of late, that's what it is now. I really should have been asleep long ago.

Oh just one more thing, in our local running community my husband and I have come first and second, respectively, in the local races (not including April Fool's, we can't run that when we're organizing it) so all those poor men here have to face the fact that they'll be beaten by a woman nearly every time!!

Hi Teresa.

Yes, I have heard of Nick Southwell, although I haven't followed triathlon for a while.

I haven't been "race fit" since 1995, when I had the first of five sacro-illiac sprains.
It's a fairly debilitating injury. I generally spent one to two weeks layed out, followed by several weeks on crutches, each time.

The most recent fun run for me was last November. I entered a 5km with my daughter. I enjoyed it, despite being overweight and dead slow.

I'm hoping to make a return to full fitness, but have a few more hurdles to jump yet.

I've never travelled to another country to race, but thanks for the invitation. I'll keep it in mind, just in case! I'll also check out the website.
I myself used to organise a number of local fun runs plus a duathlon, but that's all in the past now.

Actually, my transitions were very well organised (you cheeky thing), it's just that five seconds twice over can make a difference.
Perhaps I should have practised.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with being beaten by a gracious winner.

Hello All,

not much to say today. My car has been in the shop for a week now. My back tires were wearing out a little too quickly and when I went for an alignment last week goes to find out I have a "bent knuckle" on one of my tires. It's suppose to be ready sometime later today or tommorrow.

So for the past week I've been going through old paperwork and re-arranging my closets. If it carries on I'll burst with excitment. Yes I'm being sarcastic.

Still waiting for my license and I've been getting calls from friends and from people who through word of mouth would be interested in hiring me as a therapist. But of course the state of florida loves to take it's sweet time thanks to the cut backs in administrative jobs throughout the state. I'm ready work but without my little card I must wait.

So what does one do in such a circumstances...

My husband suggested to call a friend or two up and ask if they would like to get together and go out in their car to do some errands. When he told me this I remembered a story a few years back when a friend of mine who I hadn't seen in ages called and ask if I would like to spend the day with her going out and about. She normally wouldn't out of the blue asked to spend time together with me like this but I went along with it anyway feeling flattered that she wanted to spent out of her entire social cicle some time with me. When I showed up at her house her fiance mentioned to me before we walked out the door that they had forgotten to pay the car insurance and he was happy that I was taking his beloved out for the day. As a reaction to his comment my friend had a look on her face something similar to an enraged bull who was ready to charge. I took her out to a clothing store for one hour and then dropped her off home telling her that I had an appointment to go to. So, thinking of it back years later, I decided this week to try to make the best of things at the house and not make someone else feel like just a car.

It's funny to think, especially during my 20 something years, of what I was regarded as to the people in my social circle...

the car

the responsible friend :the one that is never ever invited to parties or gatherings but will pick someone up if they have a flat tire or will house them for a few days if there is a big fight with the boyfriend and of course helping with tax forms that the other party till you drop good time friends are beyond useless for

the food : will be invited to the party last minute when realized that everyone brought booze but no food and will be asked to pick up 10 pizzas on the way there and of course pay for it on top

the storage: been kicked out of the apartment and living with a friend needs someone to house their ugly futon, couch, and gerble cages for a time not specified until it all ends up on the college campus housing lawn

the aliby : "she was with me the whole time" the entire night discussing the book 'Life of Church Hill' and debating on the pros and cons of his life as Prime Minister. Couldn't have possibly been with another guy. Your five buddies who claimed to see her with a Fabio look alike at Club John Doe are wrong!

I guess when I reached thirty is when I started to use a filter when it came to my social life. One of the few sweet discovers when getting older.

SO with the few but very good friends that I have, I try to make an effort in my schedual, busy or not, and take the time to call or send a letter or e-mail. To let them know how special they are and that they're more than a favor tree.

hope all is well with everyone!

take care,

Boy, what a lot of blogs and subjects!

Paul
I know you will do your best in the upcoming race. Don't think of some of the other drivers as women; think of them as equal competitors.

I just saw an article in the November Women's Day Australia. I wondered if you had changed any. You are still drop dead gorgeous and that killer smile. Andrea has become more beautiful. (let her know) Your girls have also become beautiful, especially Elise. Erin still has that mischevious grin. Emily is growing into a beautiful woman. I am making a copy of this article and mailing it to Gran Mil so that she can share it with the FIF

Unfortunatly due to a financial setback, I am not planning on going to Florida. I am somewhat disapointed, as I was going to fly up and see may daughter and her familly after.

As for some of the other subjects, I don't think I want to go there.

Kelly
How are you doing these days.

Welcome to all the newby's that come on board.

Love to all and Take care,
Marge

Hey Peter, really I was just teasing about losing your stuff in the transition area. I did tri's and du's for a few summers and on advice from a pro I used to leave my cycling shoes clicked onto the pedals and jump on the bike barefoot, get up to speed then get my feet into the shoes while coasting - saves loads of time as long as it's not uphill at the start! I noticed when watching the Olympics this year that this is still the preferred technique.

By the way Nik Southwell won the US Marathon Championships in 2004 (Napa Valley, the Road Runners of America Championships). You may have already read that if you checked out the foolsrun website (2004 race report).

Sorry to hear about your injury problems. What caused the SI sprains?

Paul, I think it's time for a new topic/message thread! This one's all over the place and criss-crossed now!

I also meant to ask, do you have a website for Merc's Own? If yes, what is it? (If no, I can design one for you. I do 1 or 2 free sites per year for deserving parties...which you are of course!)

Teresa : )

Teresa, Yes, I know you were kidding!
I used to do the same with the shoes, except this transition was across rocks & gravel! Definitely not barefoot territory!!

The doctors have no explanation for my SIJ sprains, although I did have a functionally short leg due to a rotated pelvis. It's all sorted now. Lots of treatment and much effort.

I checked out the website. It's very comprehensive and nicely laid out.
Maybe some day I'll get to run it. Is there an April fool's joke, such as announcing that the runners have lined up at the wrong place or something?

Julie, besides feeling that you're some kind of "utility", I'll bet you're a great friend just the same.
At least you must have a reputation amongst your friends as being capable and reliable.
On the other hand, I find that real friends rarely ask for favours, because they appreciate how valuable your time is.

Cheers to all,

Hey all. I get an unexpected day off! My litte one, Matthew, is sick so I'm home with him. Right now we are watching (as he calls it) "Monster Trucks with crashes from the BAginning". I've seen this DVD about 100 times. Maybe I can get him to watch SB with me later since I did get a copy for Christmas.

Back to the talk of snow from earlier. We are actually getting some! They say we could get 1-3 inches today. Of course it's gonna be mixed with freezing rain, so it won't be fun for driving. Then to top it off we are getting a Artic Blast and temps won't get above zero from tomorrow (Thursday) to Sunday. And Sunday will be be a high of 2! Heat wave!!!!! I believe they say that Friday and Saturday mornings will be around 20 below. Oh the joys of living in Minnesota.

Hugs to all. Hope you're having beautiful days.

Jill

Jill, what exactly do you hate, the cold temps, the freezing drizzle, the snow or the multiple postings? :-) Oh and don't tell my sister how cold it will be, she thinks 25 F is cold. At least she gets a mini-session of what Minnesota really is like in the winter, ha ha. This is going to be so boring and lonely after she leaves on Friday :-(

Okay, off to work, first day back, hated it when the alarm went off at 6 AM, even my cat was puzzled--what an ungodly hour to have to get up :-)

Love to all,
Evelyn

What happened!!??!!! I didn't hit post anywhere near that number of time!!! So sorry guys and galls.

Evelyn - let me see, what do I hate more the cold temps, freezing drizzle or snow? Boy is that a tough one! I'd say freezing temps. They just plain suck. Have fun at work. I'll think of you while I'm home today. ;)

Jill - who hopes this only posts once.

Thanks Peter. It's true that when your best mates regard you as the reliable one, it's flatering but it's also a good feeling to know that your friends enjoy your presence as well.

Good luck with race Paul.

take care all,

ps. today's temperature here is about 77 F :)

Thanks a lot Julie! But how much do you appriciate that 77 degrees? When you've lived in my temps, you REALLY appriciate the warmth. ;)

Jill

Ya know when you get that little inkling--that niggling little feeling-- in the back of your head, that something is occurring that you need to know about, such as your kids are misbehaving or your house was left unlocked, or you left your car running?

BAD BOYS!!!!!!!

Budgie-smugglers...honest to god, you two...

;-) Hi everyone!
Glad to see things are progressing as to be expected around here, in other words, totally randomly! Or so it would seem, eh? (sly smile)

We've been dealing with chicken house raids (yee, the "Red Light Girls" have been enjoying the added warmth), a sick goat (um, anyone here ever tried to carry a 65lb goat with 14" horns up a hill? I get the Buns of Steel Award...to hell with that Mercurio guy. Youch. ;-)

Otherwise, devoted husband has our bedroom totally ripped apart (YAY! Finally!) and is fighting the calendar for when his college classes start again to get a floor in closets made, etc. The boys are kicking some serious hockey butt (SO cute at age 6 and 7) and just being adorable, and I'm still here at this crappy job (which pays the bills). **sigh**

Nothing huge in the Spirit-World for me, just day in and day out "Hmmm's" and "oh's" so far. Something's stirring, it's just not pronounced yet.

Ok, I won't blather on. I really DO have work to do (ahem, Peter) ;-)

BIG smooch to everyone!!! Jill, you're cracking me up. I, too, am a "5-10 Minuter" and my husband says it was truly the reason he married me. (And all this time I thought it was for my huge...paycheck. ;-)

**poof!**
Dhi

Diane, I'm a little late on the uptake but OH, yeah baby!!!!!! So glad to hear you're on this side of things. Keep on it!

Dear Goddess Dhiana,

It's a funny thing, but the last time I had to carry a 65lb goat with 14" horns up a hill, I found it bloody easy!

What's wrong with you, woman?

OK, a concession.... it's well known that you have buns of steel.

I'm not going to comment on the fact that your bedroom is ripped apart. I gather that there is a reason for it.

I look forward to hearing about what's stirring.

****pittang***

Oh, dear, Peter, there has to be a reason for the conditon of Dhi's bedroom, but ordinarily a gentleman doesn't ask, and ordinarily a lady doesn't tell, but this space is not ordinary, and I was shrieking with laughter probably disturbing the neighbors in the bedroom next door!

Only about 3 weeks from the first arrivals of the FIF people! Monika has been keeping a count also in Holland! Right now, 9 people are coming from out of town.

Those are: Mary, Monika and Koen, Inn and her friend, Cheryl, Michelle, Diane, Evelyn and Linda.

Three others, Julie, Beth Ellen and Jean all live nearby here in Florida.

I have only talked with and exchanged pictures with Monika, Evelyn and Linda, and with Mary's arrival from Ireland, Ellie and I will be at the airport to greet her.

I told Mary to wear a shamrock in her hair, and when Ellie asked "what does a shamrock look like" I had to go into the Internet to find out!

Everyone will recognize us. We'll probably be waving placards with "FIF" on it, but I think my white hair will be more recognizable. Maybe I'll also carry my feathered fan from the show.

"Follies 2005" opens in 3 weeks, and this Monday we have our first dress rehearsal.

Everyone in the cast is very excited, that the FIF people will be at the opening performance. I will reserve first row seats for my "chickies"!

Lots of pictures will be taken during the weekend and backstage, and Evelyn has volunteered to make a website.

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

You people just crack me up. But that will be easy tomorrow when I freeze outside in the minus 30 degree wind chills. You'll be able to break me like an ice cube. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that I'll have a late start of completely cancelled school day tomorrow!!!

Jill

Hi everyone--

Please be careful--multiple entries create a lot of work for me. They are usually caused by hitting post more than once, hitting the back button, or hitting refresh. I know the system is slow, but please, just hit post once, then go back to the main page to avoid multiple posts.

Thanks!

Oh, I will sooo miss not seeing everyone AND/at the Follies! Millie, you rock on, woman! If I had half the energy you have NOW, I'd be, well...able to get that goat up the hill a lot easier! BUT, he's able to walk up the danged thing himself now, so that's a good thing. A little timely meds after a LOT of internet research and an old potato farmer vet...all is right with the world.

AND, I shan't answer the "bedroom is a wreck" inquiry...it's best to just leave your little imaginations to wonder...(besides, that's MUCH more interesting than the REAL reason! Mice and insulation and 100yr old rotting boards, oh my!)

And Peter, to clarify, it's THIGHS of steel...from all the hockey (ok and goat lifting). My buns mispoke. ;-p

**misspoke" that is

Wow! Thighs of steel! Now THAT's something to be proud of!!!!!
Margie

Paul, you havn't posted a new thread post for a while now... What's up, how have u and your family been, everything ok or have you just been busy??
Anyway take care people, i send my love out to all those affected in Asia

Dear Dhi, when I was your age I could drag one and a half goats up the hill, but today, in Florida, we have no hills, and Ellie has to take my arm when I take a step up anywhere! (That darn arthritis!)

Dear Cat, I apologize for sending multiple entries...my excuses are that my computer was very slow and I clicked too many times with impatience, or I just had a MM. (another Millie Moment.)

Dear Jill, oh, how we wanted a snow day once in awhile when I was teaching...never wish for too much...we had to make up the snow days in June when the days were hot, and the kids and teachers were restless to get out of school for the summer!

When we first moved to Florida, it was unusual at first to see schools with no windows, until I realized that the schools are all air-conditioned all year round!

Dear Paul, we miss hearing from you. During rehearsals, I think of you lots, and hope you would approve of some of the dance sequences in the show. All senior women, simple steps, in unison, but done with style (mostly) and grace (always).

My premiere dance couple, Peter and Evelyn, do three Latin dances, the tango, the merengue, and the mambo, and I think you would enjoy them, being they are 78 and 80 years young!

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Hey Peter, sorry I didn't get around to answering your last question (sort of rhetorical though wasn't it - hah there's another one!)

Anyway we don't have any official April Fool's jokes for the race participants, but last year two funny things happened: the ferry to get here on race morning stopped in the middle of the route for a man-overboard drill! Great timing, they all arrived 15 mins late so the packet pickup and gear check was a bit stressful for those folks.

Then, when the runners were lined up for the portapotties before the start, a dump truck came by and deposited a huge pile of steamy fresh manure in the parking lot nearby, for the Boy Scouts' manure sale later that day!! Well that's one thing about that event: if anything strange like that happens we can just laugh it off as an April Fool's joke.

Other than that... in 2003 it poured rain so visitors were saying "what happened to the SUNSHINE Coast?" and the newspaper article on the 1978 first race was pretty humourous.

Regarding some of the previous posts, I can't figure out sometimes if we're talking temps in Celcius or Fahrenheit. Like "a high of 2" - is that just above freezing (C) or way below (F)? Confusing - go metric, it's easier! Anyway we have a little snow here on the west coast of BC (a rare occurrence), more in some areas than others, but it's been super all week with crisp bright days around freezing or a bit above ("a high of 2"). Hope everyone else is getting some sunshine lately too!

Time to get some sleep.
Teresa : )

Hello there,

Stumbled in by way of a search engine and having read this thread with fascination feel moved to share a few things.

First, g'day to Paul and all from sunny Kangaroo Island in SA.

Any time you want to drop in and say hello feel free. Couple of great pubs with views that will inspire more great poetry (you too Peter!) and I have been entrusted with my grandmothers recipe book ... which may seem insignificant, but she was a lady who knew how to brew a good beer and make unbelievable wine from the most amazing things!

Second, tell me more about Merc's Own ... is there a web site and if not why not ... can we get hold of it, and have you thought about using Australia's community broadcasters (hundreds of local tv & radio stations across the country) to get the word out? Good rates as well as good mates.

Third, what are the people at DWTS thinking? Don't even try to work it out, just make sure when the call comes that you and they recognise your real value.

Lastly, not to hog space on my first post (oh well, I tried!) having read some of the earlier posts on everyone's reading of state of mind and state of the world - and with a tear in my heart for the losses in the Eyre Peninsula bushfires and a breath of thanks for the safe return tonight of our own firefighters who went to help, I will share with you Paul, and all, a little quote which I discovered just before christmas and have taken to my heart ...

From quiet homes and first beginnings
Out to the undiscovered ends,
There's nothing worth the wear of winning
But laughter and the love of friends
Hilaire Billoc

Thanks for sharing, stay safe and join the random acts of kindness movement.

...ps Paul

With the Network's past record (a la popstars) and your own obviously outstanding talents with food and the amber liquid stuff, methinks they might be waiting to see if Dicko falls over on My Restaurant Rules before playing their hand!

I know who I'd rather be watching...

oo-o-o-ooh! did I type that?! LOL

GREETINGS!!!!
How is everyone!??!!?!
Kelly thanks for your advice on the whole Boyfriend thing, fortunately for me we split, i mean there was no communication at all!!!
And what do i need a boyfriend for!?!?!?!
ANYWAY--life is going great-- my mom is gettin married in august!!!!! And her and her boyfriend are confusing me- they are absolutley positive they are getting married and yet there not engaged--and yet they are planning the honeymoon--i dont get it--
As of right now i am with my older sister at college its about 9:30am and im supposed to be in school but they are going to my dads house after and i havent seen him in almost two months so im really excited about that
and everyone here (at the college) is soo dead--they all look like zombies-- i think its hilarious-- i mean i have to whisper outside--
OOOO and somehting great happened i passed all of my midterm exams with A's and B's aaahahhh--im doing a victory dance in the college library right now!!ok well i have to go my sister is showing me aroung and who knows maybe ill see somone thats alive!!
Love to all
elizabeth

Jeez Peter purle suit speedo stud man what's going on! Why do I have this feeling that you don't blush anymore. Just trying to get your goat, pun intended.

Dhiana, I have to admit, I never had the opportunity to carry a goat up a hill. I have, however, had to one time carry my 50 lb Greyhound across the neighborhood when she got sick on one of our walks. I thought I'd never make to the house that day. On a weekly basis when I take her to the park, to get her in the car I have to lift her up and into the back seat. Why should she act like the other Greyhounds who just jump in. Sometimes, I think she's pulling my leg to get special treatment.

Millie, I'm glad to hear that rehearsals are going well. I'll try to come and visit before the big week-end now that my car is back from the shop. Say hello to Ellie for me.

Still waiting for my license. I've been rearranging everything in the house and reviewing chinese medicine and muscles. I did get a call from a woman who owns a new gym in town. She got my name from a friend of mine and would like me to come to the gym and see her as soon as I get my license. So at least I'll have two possible jobs lined up hopefully when I'm ready to work.

Tonight the Dog and I have big plans. We're making chinese food and watching The Avengers, The Saint, and The Persuaders on BBC America. I still think that the part of Danny Wilde in the Persuaders would be best played by Paul in a re-make. Hint, hint, a possible idea for a new TV series? Well, I guess he would have to decide that.

Take care all!

Millie, I can only imagine how happy I will be to see yourself and Ellie waiting for me when I get to Florida. It doesn't get better than that!

Hello to everyone in the Corner. Hope you are all keeping well.

Love to you all,
Mary