What is on your mind

[Sparkle]

Prepared for the fuckwittery; momentarily ahead of the curve and feeling a touch too smug about my ability to manage the idiocy & melodramas that inevitably lay ahead....

t-minus 4 days until this bloody event is fin.

[bigbutchmistie]

How its a beautiful Sunny day here in Big D. Not hot, not cold just right temp wise. Makes a boi wanna grab a beautiful femme and go for a picnic at the botanical gardens sigh.... :) Hey its a nice day dream

[MrSunshine]

It's a fucking mess in there....

[Scorp]

Let's Mr. S. borrow the dirt devil hand vac to suck up the mess...

I find that this helps....

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/productImages/7/7/00000116677-DirtDevilQuickPowerRechargeableM0915X-large.jpeg



It's a fucking mess in there....

[dale2555]

I've noticed there aren't many people using The Planet chat room. Is it my timing?

[Mister Bent]

Red velvet cupcakes and pumpkin tortes.

[paposeco]

...a nice warm, soft body next to mine..*sigh*
a guy can dream right?....oh well, back to reality:blink:

[katsarecool]

Nothing today. Still numb from the election results and tired of listening on the news to the Monkeys bragging!!! Thats all.:confused:

[Sam]

the sounds of her..

[WildHorses]

I've noticed there aren't many people using The Planet chat room. Is it my timing?
Hi, I see the same thing which is nada, nobody in there.
There was ONE person in there once so I wandered in only to find that they really were not there.
I chatted with myself for a few minutes until I realized I was not answering me.

[LipstickLola]

How its a beautiful Sunny day here in Big D. Not hot, not cold just right temp wise. Makes a boi wanna grab a beautiful femme and go for a picnic at the botanical gardens sigh.... :) Hey its a nice day dream

That's a great idea!! Not as many bugs in the fall :D

[Cyclopea]

I've noticed there aren't many people using The Planet chat room. Is it my timing?

Hi, I see the same thing which is nada, nobody in there.
There was ONE person in there once so I wandered in only to find that they really were not there.
I chatted with myself for a few minutes until I realized I was not answering me.

Hard core chatters (the ones who keep a chatroom lit) tend to open up a chat window and sit their ass in it while they multitask (or do their laundry-ha), popping in and out. I think something was changed where you get booted now after a few minutes of inactivity so it's hard to get a room going. At least that's what I heard. :rrose:

ETA: also, there are a few "Come into chat" threads in the fun and fluff section for people to bump when they want to chat. Seems to work pretty good. :)

[Softly]

black cats :rubberducky:

[sylvie]

Him........

[Gemme]

Good thoughts!

[Sam]

a date during the afternoon

[sweetfemme247]

waiting for matthew to come home from work....... just ate dinner and now relaxing until he comes on

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Wishin' I had someone to cuddle with through the cold weather! BOOOO :(

[AtLast]

How can I deal effectively as a queer with conflicting alliances and contribute to positive results? One of those internal conflicts that just seems to come up time and time again. I hope someday, I am at peace with this, but not if that means I am not challenged to learn new things and put them together for myself in some significant way.

LOL.. my Mom was right, I complicate the shit out of things!

:blink:

[Abigail Crabby]

http://forladiesbyladies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/800px-chocolate_chip_cookies.jpg

Nuff said........

[cara]

Visiting Portland's Forest Park. There's a show on PBS about it right now. I wanna go there!!!

:stillheart:

[bigbutchmistie]

Its a little chilly tonight here in Arlington but I wanna snuggle and for tonight Simon just isnt cutting it... :(

[cara]

Except I don't like that selfish, rogue mountain bikers are creating their own trails in parks. Grr...

No :stillheart:

[Charming Texan]

The wine has been cracked open.

The iPod is on.

The bestie is here.

We are about to get the rest of these boxes packed!

Ready, set, ....go!

[Leigh]

My 2nd T shot tomorrow, and her :stillheart:

[Kenna]

worried about a friend and their parents....
worried about another friend and his mother...
worried about Gramma "D" in Virginia...
worried about my nieces and brother...
worried about my best friend who really needs a break...
Wish I could take their stress and worries away.

[Miss Scarlett]

Friday at last! This has been a very strange week for me; filled with late arrivals home nearly every night; wierdness at work; just about everything in my little corner of the Universe has been off balance; struggling to keep my sense of humour and not let it get to me too much...

New moon tonight means new beginnings; a time to let go...

[sylvie]

a lot of emotion - a lot of opening up and truly letting someone in to this heart of mine, something i've never quite done before - and a whole lot of smiling!

[Logicaly]

I applied for a job I really want. I hope I hear from them! It would be an awesome job for me.

[Just_G]

Wooooo Hoooooo!! The weekend is here and I am getting ready to meet a whole SLEW of new people! I am going to a dance tomorrow night and then to an MCC church with a friend on Sunday! I am ready to meet some new, positive, fun people!

Change is good!

[JustJo]

too much painful old crap...a long list of all that still needs to be done...wishing I could go to breakfast with Annie...just tired, not physically, but emotionally drained and feeling like it doesn't matter what I do cuz it's never good enough anyway...crappy crappy crap...ugh

[JustLovelyJenn]

How to make things change..... for the better.

[AtLast]

BRRRRRR.. cold and rainy day!

[Sam]

i'm dying for a smoke
pack of marlboro light 72's please

[Jet]

i'm dying for a smoke
pack of marlboro light 72's please

quit......

[JustLovelyJenn]

Do I get Mommy Brownie Points for figuring out how to sink the new controller to the wii so they can both play at the same time and wont spend so much time fighting over whose turn it is?

[MaggieBluIze]

We are experiencing some serious snuggle weather ... Sure wish I had some arms wrapped around me to help enjoy it. That's okay, one day. :)

[bigbutchmistie]

We are experiencing some serious snuggle weather ... Sure wish I had some arms wrapped around me to help enjoy it. That's okay, one day. :)

Yea Im with you Maggie. It is snuggle weather here in Texas. Ive been wishin I had me someone special to hold and cuddle up too. But, like you I believe one day ... :)

[MaggieBluIze]

Yea Im with you Maggie. It is snuggle weather here in Texas. Ive been wishin I had me someone special to hold and cuddle up too. But, like you I believe one day ... :)

It'll happen when it's meant to and with whom it's meant to!! I have to hang on to the belief that there is someone great out there for me and that one day we'll find eachother and be in a place where we can accept, cherish and help nourish what we have. I deserve this. You deserve this. Always hang on to that belief.

[Nat]

i always get so grumpy on sunday nights - I don't want to go back to work in the morning. I wish I could just ride off into the sunrise and be done. The lottery gods need to smile on me, so i can be a lazy good for nothing bastard for a while. :)

[sylvie]

my ability to let go of my father's alcoholism...i love my father, but spent way too many years trying to save him - although i still feel a guilt some (or maybe some anger..), it gets better with each day...only he can help himself..

[Ryobi]

Listening to a discussion about the book George W. Bush just put out. They were talking about some excerpts from it. One that really struck me was, "I had a love affair with alcohol." and goes on that his ability to run this country was not affected by it. The way I see it, if it didn't effect his ability, that statement just proves he wasn't right for the job in the first place. Maybe, for real, what this country needs now is a few Al Anon meetings. So many of us were hurt and negatively impacted by his "ability", many don't know where to start with it.

[Diva]

Listening to a discussion about the book George W. Bush just put out. They were talking about some excerpts from it. One that really struck me was, "I had a love affair with alcohol." and goes on that his ability to run this country was not affected by it. The way I see it, if it didn't effect his ability, that statement just proves he wasn't right for the job in the first place. Maybe, for real, what this country needs now is a few Al Anon meetings. So many of us were hurt and negatively impacted by his "ability", many don't know where to start with it.

There's a subversive movement going on to move the Dubyah's books to the crime section.

So I'm going to go to Border's today and do just that......

I'm a rebel...and I'll never be any good. :eyebat:

[Ryobi]

There's a subversive movement going on to move the Dubyah's books to the crime section.

So I'm going to go to Border's today and do just that......

I'm a rebel...and I'll never be any good. :eyebat:






I love the movement! Damn, now I wish I had time to hit the book stores today. :vigil:

[Softly]

going to the eye doctor after work :\
I do not want glasses!! :o

[sweetfemme247]

I went to the dr, I have a concussion and the doctor said I bruised my brain pretty bad I am luck I didnt fracture my skull.

[LipstickLola]

There's a subversive movement going on to move the Dubyah's books to the crime section.

So I'm going to go to Border's today and do just that......

I'm a rebel...and I'll never be any good. :eyebat:






I would be sooooo all over that if I could get to the book store!!!:detective:

[Scorp]

:chef2: Gonna be making two of my delicious pizzas in an hour or so. A pepperoni and an italian sweet sausage... :sunglass:

[WolfyOne]

Filled out a few applications for work today
Some have to be done online and I'll do those, too
I'm going to register at a couple of employment agencies because I see a few listed in the town I'm looking for work in
I'm keeping a positive attitude and praying
As always, hoping for the best possible outcome

[WolfyOne]

OMG, my friends 9 year old came home with 3rd grade math and both of us were lost in the questions. One was really a problem because I thought it should be solved using algebra but the boy is only learning addition and subtraction right now. It's no wonder that parents can't help their children with homework these days.

[JakeTulane]

Should I or should I not?

[lipstixgal]

I went to the dr, I have a concussion and the doctor said I bruised my brain pretty bad I am luck I didnt fracture my skull.

Wow that's awful feel better soon anything you can do for that??

[lipstixgal]

I'm looking for job too in the healthcare field which should be easy but not so!! Looking in places where there is a warmer climate...

[WolfyOne]

I'm looking for job too in the healthcare field which should be easy but not so!! Looking in places where there is a warmer climate...

I saw a few listed in this area in healthcare when I was searching hotjobs. The economy is good here and one reason why I made the move. Oh and the weather here today was still nice enough for me to get out of my jeans and into some shorts and flip flops.

[Pixie]

How lifting and releasing giving up control can be. For a particular control freak like I am.....even the little bit of freedom of responsibility is breath taking. Especially when its earned and trusted.

[JustLovelyJenn]

... The Little Engine That Could....


... I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

[AtLast]

What a complete idiot I am!!

Here I am thinking this woman I see fairly often at the dog park is just always happy to see my Frog Dog (very friendly little fellow and cute) until today when I run into her and realize she is a Femme! BONK! She was with an obvious B-F couple, Soooooooo.... the lights go off, finally! Damn, if she didn't catch my recognition (red face didn't help)! Was really funny! The conversation just progressed into all us talkin' like the community.

Now, it would be great if she were anywhere near my age- she's younger than my kid! Very bright and I think attractive young woman. And no, this butch is not into cradle robbing- far too much younger. But it was a funny situation.

I am so oblivious sometimes!

[Gemme]

I went to the dr, I have a concussion and the doctor said I bruised my brain pretty bad I am luck I didnt fracture my skull.

Yikes. That's one heckuva blow to the head. Take care of yourself.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

MY MIND IS IN THE GUTTER AS USUAL :)

[bigbutchmistie]

On my mind :

A co worker who was told last week before last she was having twins. She went in for a doctors appt to check on them on this past Monday and they are conjoined. The girl is 22. So sad, but sometiimes things happen for a reason.

How blessed I truly am. So often I get complacent in being thankful. And then I see so many without and worse off than I am and it makes me realize how truly blessed I am... :)

[JakeTulane]

The memories made by the sharing of music.

[LipstickLola]

I'm sitting right smack dab in the middle of housekeeping's way, guess I should roll to another location

[katsarecool]

Filled out a few applications for work today
Some have to be done online and I'll do those, too
I'm going to register at a couple of employment agencies because I see a few listed in the town I'm looking for work in
I'm keeping a positive attitude and praying
As always, hoping for the best possible outcomeGood luck with your job search!!!!

[Tcountry]

Working day 2 of 4...before my nest road trip...wishing it was still nice enough to ride instead of drive...

[bigbutchmistie]

On my mind :

A co worker who was told last week before last she was having twins. She went in for a doctors appt to check on them on this past Monday and they are conjoined. The girl is 22. So sad, but sometiimes things happen for a reason.

How blessed I truly am. So often I get complacent in being thankful. And then I see so many without and worse off than I am and it makes me realize how truly blessed I am... :)

That particular co worker is going in the hospital this morning to remove the babies. Per the doctors advice... So sad.... :(

[Miss Scarlett]

This broke my heart this morning:

November 7, 2010
For Afghan Wives, a Desperate, Fiery Way Out
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
NY Times

HERAT, Afghanistan — Even the poorest families in Afghanistan have matches and cooking fuel. The combination usually sustains life. But it also can be the makings of a horrifying escape: from poverty, from forced marriages, from the abuse and despondency that can be the fate of Afghan women.

The night before she burned herself, Gul Zada took her children to her sister’s for a family party. All seemed well. Later it emerged that she had not brought a present, and a relative had chided her for it, said her son Juma Gul.

This small thing apparently broke her. Ms. Zada, who was 45, the mother of six children and who earned pitiably little cleaning houses, ended up with burns on nearly 60 percent of her body at the Herat burn hospital. Survival is difficult even at 40 percent.

“She was burned from head to toe,” her son remembers.

The hospital here is the only medical center in Afghanistan that specifically treats victims of burning, a common form of suicide in this region, partly because the tools to do it are so readily available. Through early October, 75 women arrived with burns — most self-inflicted, others only made to look that way. That is up nearly 30 percent from last year.

But the numbers say less than the stories of the patients.

It is shameful here to admit to troubles at home, and mental illness often goes undiagnosed or untreated. Ms. Zada, the hospital staff said, probably suffered from depression. The choices for Afghan women are extraordinarily restricted: Their family is their fate. There is little chance for education, little choice about whom a woman marries, no choice at all about her role in her own house. Her primary job is to serve her husband’s family. Outside that world, she is an outcast.

“If you run away from home, you may be raped or put in jail and then sent home and then what will happen to you?” asked Rachel Reid, a researcher for Human Rights Watch who tracks violence against women.

Returned runaways are often shot or stabbed in honor killings because the families fear they have spent time unchaperoned with a man. Women and girls are still stoned to death. Those who burn themselves but survive are often relegated to grinding Cinderella existences while their husbands marry other, untainted women.

“Violence in the lives of Afghanistan’s women comes from everywhere: from her father or brother, from her husband, from her father-in-law, from her mother-in-law and sister-in-law,” said Dr. Shafiqa Eanin, a plastic surgeon at the burn hospital, which usually has at least 10 female self-immolation cases at any one time.

The most sinister burn cases are actually homicides masquerading as suicides, said doctors, nurses and human rights workers.

“We have two women here right now who were burned by their mothers-in-law and husbands,” said Dr. Arif Jalali, the hospital’s senior surgeon.

Doctors cited two recent cases where women were beaten by their husbands or in-laws, lost consciousness and awoke in the hospital to find themselves burned because they had been shoved in an oven or set on fire.

For a very few of the women who survive burnings, whether self-inflicted or done by relatives, the experience is a kind of Rubicon that helps them change their lives. Some work with lawyers who are recommended by the hospital and request a divorce. Most do not.

Defiant and Depressed

Engaged at 8 and married at 12, Farzana resorted to setting herself on fire when her father-in-law belittled her, saying she was not brave enough to do so. She was 17 and had endured years of beatings and abuse from her husband and his family.

Defiant and depressed, she went into the yard. She handed her husband their 9-month-old daughter so the baby would not see her mother burning. Then she poured cooking fuel on herself.

“I felt so sad and such pain in my heart and I felt very angry at my husband and my father- and mother-in-law, and then I took the matches and lit myself,” she said.

Farzana’s story is about desperation and the extremes that in-laws often inflict on their son’s wives. United Nations statistics indicate that at least 45 percent of Afghan women marry before they are 18; a large percentage before they are 16. Many girls are still given as payment for debts, which sentences them to a life of servitude and, almost always, abuse.

A bright child whose favorite subjects were Dari language and poetry, Farzana dreamed of becoming a teacher. But she had been promised in marriage to the son of the family that was providing a wife for her brother, and when she turned 12, her in-laws insisted it was time to marry. Her future husband had just turned 14.

“On the marriage day, he beat me when I woke up and shouted at me,” she said. “He was always favoring his mother and using bad words about me.”

The beatings went on for four years. Then Farzana’s brother took a second wife, an insult to Farzana’s in-laws. Her mistreatment worsened. They refused to allow her to see her mother, and her husband beat her more often.

“I thought of running away from that house, but then I thought: what will happen to the name of my family?” she said. “No one in our family has asked for divorce. So how can I be the first?”

Doctors and nurses say that especially in cases involving younger women, fury at their situation, a sense of being trapped and a desire to shame their husbands into caring for them all come together.

This was true of Farzana.

“The thing that forced me to set myself on fire was when my father-in-law said: ‘You are not able to set yourself on fire,’ ” she recalled.

But she did, and when the flames were out, 58 percent of her body was burnt. As a relative bundled her raw body into a car for the hospital, her husband whispered: “If anybody asks you, don’t tell them my name; don’t say I had anything to do with it.’ ”

After 57 days in the hospital and multiple skin grafts, she is home with her mother and torn between family traditions and an inchoate sense that a new way of thinking is needed.

Farzana’s daughter is being brought up by her husband’s family, and mother and daughter are not allowed to see each other. Despite that, she says that she cannot go back to her husband’s house.

“Five years I spent in his house with those people,” she said. “My marriage was for other people. They should never have given me in a child marriage.”

A Common Option

Why do women burn themselves rather than choose another form of suicide?

Poverty is one reason, said Dr. Jalali. Many women mistakenly think death will be instant. Halima, 20, a patient in the hospital in August, said she considered jumping from a roof but worried she would only break her leg. If she set herself on fire, she said, “It would all be over.”

Self-immolation is more common in Herat and western Afghanistan than other parts of the country. The area’s closeness to Iran may partly explain why; Iran shares in the culture of suicide by burning.

Unlike many women admitted to the burn hospital, Ms. Zada showed no outward signs of distress before she set herself on fire. Her life, though, was hard. Her husband is a sharecropper. She cleaned houses and at night stayed up to clean her own home — a nearly impossible task in the family’s squalid earthen and brick two-room house buffeted by the Herati winds that sweep in a layer of dust each time the door opens.

To her family, she was a constant provider. “Before I thought of wanting something, she provided me with it,” said Juma Gul, 32, her eldest son, a laborer who earns about $140 a month. “She would embroider our clothes so that we wouldn’t feel we had less than other people.”

As he spoke, his 10-year-old twin sisters sat near him holding hands and a picture of their mother.

In the hospital, Ms. Zada rallied at first, and Juma Gul was encouraged, unaware of how hard it is to survive such extensive burns. That is especially true in the developing world, said Dr. Robert Sheridan, chief of surgery at the Shriners Burn Hospital in Boston and a trauma surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The greatest risk is sepsis, a deadly infection that generally starts in the second week after a burn and is hard to stop, Dr. Sheridan said. Even badly burned and infected patients can speak almost up to the hour of their death, often giving families false hopes.

“She was getting better,” her son insisted.

But infection had, in fact, set in, and the family did not have the money for powerful antibiotics that could give her whatever small chance there was to survive. Juma Gul eventually managed to beg and borrow the money, but not before the infection spread.

Two weeks after his mother set herself on fire, he stood by her bed as she stopped breathing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/world/asia/08burn.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=homepage&src=me

[Miss Scarlett]

I can't help but wonder if the children of these people were targets of bullying, would they so argue so vociferously against efforts to end it?

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/us/07bully.html?hpw

[DomnNC]

I'm looking for job too in the healthcare field which should be easy but not so!! Looking in places where there is a warmer climate...

Try North Carolina, I'm always seeing ads in the paper for those in the medical field.

go to www.charlotteobserver.com and peruse the classifieds.

[Pixie]

Thursday....simply all is to come....let be what may

[LipstickLola]

so much to do, so little time...

[Jet]

I've been up for about 5 days now except for 4 hours or do.
He's called in 2 meds and nothing's working. Memories of the trauma I suffered is surfacing. I'm in bad shape I guess.

[Kenna]

My nieces are on my mind, always....
and thinking today: why did their hardship have to land near the holidays?

[JustLovelyJenn]

Trying to remember... One step at a time. Just do one little thing everyday and eventually they will all be finished.

[Scorp]

Getting a copy of that damn receipt!

[Miss Scarlett]

Trying to write this without whining...

I love my job and my boss but...she seldom actually talks to me except for the following:

"Going to lunch."

"Going to court."

"Going to DSS."

"See you tomorrow."

"Do you have the ___ file?"

"Has ____ called?"

Every morning I greet her with a "Good morning" and a smile. She seldom responds. Every evening I wish her a wonderful evening. She seldom responds. When I ask if she had a nice weekend, she says "Yes." Nothing more. When she doesn't feel well, I ask after her and if there is anything I can do. Her response is brief like "OK" and "NO."

Some days she does not speak to me at all. I get no feedback except negative. When she does actually speak to me for more than a couple of words it's usually when something has gone wrong - an error on my part whether a genuine error by me, something that I have not done because I was not aware she wanted it done that way or something that was in no way my fault but I am hearing about it anyway as if it were. She speaks to me mostly through Post-Its and emails.

Now she is capable of speaking to people and very pleasantly, and has done so to me in the past. But more often that not she will do that either on the phone or in person and as soon as that conversation is over she returns to the not speaking to me. It's wierd. I've talked about this with my counselor who recognized that she "holds her cards very close" and I try to remember this. But it is still difficult and at times upsetting for me.

I know I am not there to be her friend or buddy but that does not make it any easier. She's one of those people that takes a very long time to get to know and I understand that too. Still some pleasant words or merely acknowledgement of my existence would be nice.

She is the complete opposite of my previous employer who would never stop talking to me. But I have had an experience before where the attorney and the other assistant would go for days without talking to me but conversed heavily between each other. I've got some PTSD from those previous jobs and part of my current reaction is related to that. But still...

OK, I'll shut up now.

[RockOn]

Veterans Day holiday tomorrow ...
Also, plotting (by calendar, it is innocent) which days I will be taking off work soon ... very soon. I told my supervisor I would be using some vacation days in November but not sure which days yet. If I make it around the two day Thanksgiving holidays we get, that will make it extended. You know, use three days personal leave and get nine days off in a row. Yes, I am liking this idea! :)

[katsarecool]

Those are very real concerns Scarlett. It would bother just about anyone. I know it would bother me as well. She is not aware perhaps how rude her behavior is? Perhaps discuss this with your counselor about the best way to open the dialogue with your boss? These type of situations can make work unpleasant and can acutally lead to making errors! I wish you the best of luck with this!

[RockOn]

Agreeing with katsarecool about Miss Scarlett's supervisor. In fact, made a little comment in the rep earlier that I gave Miss Scarlett.

Miss Scarlett, it would sure be nice to have at least even minimal friendly dialog with this woman you have to interact with everyday but don't get your expectations up in the event it never happens. And keep reassuring yourself it is not you. We don't get to pick and chose the personalities we work with like we do the friends we hang with.

Best wishes regarding this ordeal.

[bigbutchmistie]

My co worker still :( I havent heard anything. Hopefully I will find out about the babies today and how her recovery is going...

Its too early for me to be up. Its not even 7 yet.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Where is the Neuro. Thread?

[Sam]

the way she talks after emotion.

[Ravin]

Right Now On my mind is this..

The way things in life change so very quickly..

[JustLovelyJenn]

14 years ago...

I was a freshman in high school. I had just auditioned for the school musical, Fiddler on the Roof. I was in a new school and making new friends. I loved my choir class and I was enjoying living in the city for the first time. I shared a bedroom with my little sister... she was two years younger and such a "tag-a-long".

Things were simpler then.

[Pixie]

-Writing a letter
-How much has happened in a year
-This weekend
-Foooooddd...

[Jet]

14 years ago...

I was a freshman in high school. I had just auditioned for the school musical, Fiddler on the Roof. I was in a new school and making new friends. I loved my choir class and I was enjoying living in the city for the first time. I shared a bedroom with my little sister... she was two years younger and such a "tag-a-long".

Things were simpler then.

did you get the part? One of the daughters?

[Pixie]

....where I was less than two weeks ago...

[JustLovelyJenn]

did you get the part? One of the daughters?

Sadly no, I was in the chorus that year, but I was always right at the front of the stage! I still love every song from that show to this day! Such good memories.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

how much I miss having someone to kiss just because....

[Jet]

Sadly no, I was in the chorus that year, but I was always right at the front of the stage! I still love every song from that show to this day! Such good memories.

I'd want to be Tevye just to sing If I Were a Rich Man
I auditioned for The King and I my freshman year. I didn't have any business doing it, I can't sing worth a shit. But it was fun. All through high school I did plays—comedies and dramas and the absurd like Albee and Ionesco. I wanted to go to New York, but never made it. Such is life.

[~Bo]

how much I miss having someone to kiss just because....





Are you asking for volunteers? :eyebat:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Are you asking for volunteers? :eyebat:


Well aren't you sly ;)

[~Bo]

Well aren't you sly ;)




Of course. :cheesy:

[JustLovelyJenn]

I'd want to be Tevye just to sing If I Were a Rich Man
I auditioned for The King and I my freshman year. I didn't have any business doing it, I can't sing worth a shit. But it was fun. All through high school I did plays—comedies and dramas and the absurd like Albee and Ionesco. I wanted to go to New York, but never made it. Such is life.

I loved to act almost as much as I love to sing. I did every stage production I could manage all the way through school, including summer theater programs. I did Grease, Fiddler, Sound of Music, oh and Little Shoppe of Horrors!!! That one was so fun. Plus Shakespeare, Wilder, so many others. I love it. I miss it. I still sing now, and write a bit... but, life has other priorities.

[Leigh]

The future & how bright its looking :)

[WingsOnFire]

Knowing that work will eventually slow down which makes me happy. Tired and ready for a smooth day even just one day would be nice. Knowing everything I did so far has had far reaching results. Just ready for a break.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remembering that first night... how I seduced you with Twilight :giggle: and how you stole my heart with that first kiss... Thank you Daddy for being everything I have ever wanted and needed. I cant wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

:waitinggirl:

[Miss Scarlett]

After watching a brief segment about Marie Osmond on The Early Show I am making a mental note to watch Oprah today - she will be on the show talking about her son's suicide.

[asphaltcowboi]

im thinking ive been single a long time .. i halfway woke last nite; turned my pillow long ways mumbled mmmm baby snuggled up as tight as i could to that pillow an fell back asleep to wake up thinking this aint right!

[Scorp]

Got a copy of the receipt! Two words: Relieved & Grateful


Getting a copy of that damn receipt!

[JustLovelyJenn]

im thinking ive been single a long time .. i halfway woke last nite; turned my pillow long ways mumbled mmmm baby snuggled up as tight as i could to that pillow an fell back asleep to wake up thinking this aint right!

So what does it say that I actually went out and BOUGHT a pillow to serve this purpose?

[rlin]

wet dreams on cold nights...

[little_ms_sunshyne]

My plans for the weekend...How come I don't have any?

[bigbutchmistie]

I know how Cody feels. I do that most nights. Ive been single for so long. Ive dated but no relationship for a few years now. There are some days harder than others. Most when I just wanna kiss and cuddle. And I physically ache for someone special. Others I want her here because I feel Ive accomplished so much and have no one to share my life with. Friends are great but they dont keep you warm at night..

I learned after my last one that no matter how much I ache to be coupled I will not settle. It never works, and its not fair to either party. I'd rather spend the rest of my life single and alone than spend a lifetime with someone who doesnt truly love me. So I will continue to wait, until I have just what I want. :)

This has been on my mind today....

[bigbutchmistie]

My plans for the weekend...How come I don't have any?

Neither Do I... Dont feel bad.. Its that way every weekend :(

[RockOn]

Today I was busy rummaging through the sale boxes up near the cash registers at Office depot, muttering to myself. I looked up and there was a butch femme couple about my age right there beside me with their buggy. I grinned, asked them how they were doing - being friendly ... said something about trying to find a particular flash drive in that bin. They both spoke. The femme was very friendly and chatty but when I tried to say more to the butch, I got that "wary eye" look of someone who maybe has been burned. Everyone knows what I am talking about. I continued to speak only to the butch looking at her eye to eye as I spoke but could never get anything friendly going.

Later, it made me remember I have been that same way when a lone, random butch we did not know tried to be friendly with us in passing. Though I have not been able to get a sample in years and years of how I would react now because of singledom ... I do hope I have changed to the point that I don't feel so territorial ... or jealous ... or protective ... or ...what ever along those lines. I know when I think about it, I do not like having been that way in the past ... it is embarrassing to tell this on myself in an open forum ... but what the hell ... the truth is the truth.

[Jet]

territorial ... or jealous ... or protective ... or ...what ever along those lines.

its always that shit. I've only met about two butches in my life who weren't insecure.

[Spirit Dancer]

The saying
Fool me once shame me
Fool me twice shame on you.

[Kätzchen]

My truth is that I am a woman who seeks stability in the eye of the storm: I am grateful for the friends I have in life and I strive to be worthy of the friendship, love and care that my family of friends offer to me.

[Miss Scarlett]

Still trying to figure out why when my Dad remarried, he decided that the family he had with my Mom (as in my 3brothers, their families and me) ceased to exist. This was brought on after a conversation I had yesterday with my stepmother. I called to see what the family plans were for Thanksgiving this year - she and Dad are going out of town to spend the holiday with some of her family. Later in the day I spoke with my Dad about coming over and getting some photos (my counselor wants to see some photos from my childhood). At first he was "Sure come on over" only to call me back later to tell me that he needed several days to get all the photos together. When he started dating my stepmother, Dad put away just about everything having to do with us . There is not a single photo anywhere on display in his house of my side of the family; not even his 9 grandkids. Plenty of my stepmother's but none of Dad's.

[cuddlyfemme]

Still trying to figure out why when my Dad remarried, he decided that the family he had with my Mom (as in my 3brothers, their families and me) ceased to exist. This was brought on after a conversation I had yesterday with my stepmother. I called to see what the family plans were for Thanksgiving this year - she and Dad are going out of town to spend the holiday with some of her family. Later in the day I spoke with my Dad about coming over and getting some photos (my counselor wants to see some photos from my childhood). At first he was "Sure come on over" only to call me back later to tell me that he needed several days to get all the photos together. When he started dating my stepmother, Dad put away just about everything having to do with us . There is not a single photo anywhere on display in his house of my side of the family; not even his 9 grandkids. Plenty of my stepmother's but none of Dad's.




My dad did the exact samething when he started dating and then married my step mother. He doesn't have anything to do with his 3 kids and grandkidsd although he spends alot of time with my step brother. I haven't heard (letter, phone or anything) from my dad in over 10 years. I used to try to initate coversation with him but he was never interested so I stopped. I'm not sure if this is my dad's doing or my step mother telling him that he can't have anything to do with his kids and grandkids

[cuddlyfemme]

Whats on my mind is a phone call that I had last night with a close friend

[Softly]

It's really only 730am? really?!
I want to go home :(

[JakeTulane]

Friends, acquaintances, people that are there and say just the right thing when you need it the most and least expect it.

[JustLovelyJenn]

I am making myself take time for ME!!! Tomorrow I am going to go bum around downtown in Olympia. I love that town, and I know I will enjoy an afternoon of slow casual fun.

[Kenna]

Will I get to spend Christmas with my beautiful nieces? Time will tell.

[adorable]

Thank you daddy.

Whew!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Kinda disappointed. Oh well, I tried.

[Oiler41]

What is on my mind today, is the same thing that has been on my mind for the last two days, one of my guys at work, Lupe (Loopay) L. I had the day at work that as the manager of health and safety for a business, you think about, train for and mull over in your mind what could happen and how you might respond. On Thursday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., Lupe was found on the floor in his work area. He was not breathing, he had no pulse and he had lost all bodily functions. Two things had happened; the first that we suspected but were not sure of at that moment, was that he had a massive heart attack. We later found out at the hospital that the main artery to his heart was 100% blocked. The doctor termed it "sudden death" because of the blockage. The second thing was that when the heart attack hit him, he had a mouth full of food and subsequently sucked that food into his throat so we knew he had choked. We didn't know how long he had been down, and we still don't know.

The emergency call came out for me. When I got to him, two employees were trying to do what they could; Jose was periodically rolling him up on his side cleaning out his mouth and laying him back down and Roman was doing chest compressions on him when he was on his back. There was no doubt that his airway was obstructed and he was dead. His face was blue. I immediately started trying to simulate a Heimlich maneuver while Lupe was on his side. Martine, who is a very large, robust man, got there and we stood Lupe up and Martine performed an upright Heimlich maneuver; the blockage still wouldn't come out. We put him back on the floor and I tried twice more to dislodge the obstruction and it finally came out. It seemed like an eternity had passed but all of this happened rapidly. Lupe needed air.

Roman continued the chest compressions and I started artificial respiration. In all honesty, I didn't know if I could do it. The employees who were helping, and all the bystanders just couldn't go there and it was damn well one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I gave Lupe two breaths and the color in his face momentarily came back, but then he turned blue again. More chest compressions, more breaths. Then the EMS people arrived and took over. They had a hard time getting the tube in Lupe's throat so they could bag him with air. They suctioned his mouth trying to help get the tube in and it finally went in. They jump started his heart twice on the scene and then quickly loaded him up headed for the hospital.

The HR manager and I went to the hospital to meet with Lupe's family. He was still alive, blood flow had been restored to his heart, and he was breathing on his own, but he was on a ventilator just to give him help. The concern was how long had he been without air. They started a hypothermia protocol to lower his body temperature. The doctor said that now we had to wait. 24-72 hours. We are almost at the 48 hour mark as I write this.

Fast forward 24 hours from when we found him; they tried activating his gag reflex manually; no response. They poked his eyes; no response. He apparently has enough brain function left to breathe and pump his heart, but all indications so far are that there isn't much else there. They started bringing him out of the hypothermia encouraging everyone there with him to talk to him to try to bring him out of it. Around 4 p.m. yesterday, Lupe had another heart attack while in ICU; the hospital staff made everyone leave and then called his family back in and they called for a Priest to administer Last Rites. I called this morning; he is still listed as critical. His eyes are open, but there is no reponse; there is no withdrawal to pain stimulation. Unless something really drastic happens today to turn things around, I don't see much hope for recovery.

I've been struggling with this since it happened. I know that we did all that we could to save him before EMS got there; I know that EMS did all they could to save him on the way to the hospital, and I so had hoped after listening to the doctor, that Lupe might make it through this. On some level, I still have hope now. As I've replayed the whole scene in my mind, I can't really think of anything I would have done differently or could have done differently. Time was apparently not on our side from the start, and the difficulty dislodging his airway obstruction just made things worse. The brain can only go 6-9 minutes without oxygen before severe brain damage occurs.

So today, I have a different perspective on this. 31 years ago I got the call about my brother; not that he was in the hospital, but that he was dead. 25 years ago, my father died in a similar fashion as to what has happened to Lupe, literally just dropping dead. I didn't get a call that my dad was in the hospital; I got the call that he was dead. So I can only take some comfort in that at least all of his children, his wife, nieces, nephews and grandchildren get to see him, albeit in a difficult way. They are having the chance to see him and likely say goodbye, and to follow their religious belief of Last Rites; all a part of closure and the grief process.

There is some advice I want to offer up. Go learn CPR; you never know when you may need it. When the HR Manager tried to reach his family, the contact information on file was no good. The only way we were able to reach a family member was because another employee's wife worked with Lupe's niece so she got the call. Make sure your emergency contact information at work is good. Update it when things change. Don't use a home phone number of someone who works the same hours you do. In most cell phones, numbers appear before letters so put a contact in your phone with the name "4Emergency Contact" so that it will be the first item in your cell phone list of contacts.

This has been one of the toughest moments in my career. We train, we plan, we act. Sometimes that just isn't enough if the circumstances just don't go exactly the way we would hope they would go or the way we need them to go to achieve a different outcome. I'm thankful that after this event I was able to come home to my wife to tell her that I love her. She is my anchor and has certainly been here to help me work through all of this. Sorry for the long post, but I needed to write this all down and this community has given me a place to feel safe in doing so.

Glynn

[asphaltcowboi]

im wondering...... sence the doc has me grounded (no motorcycle) due to a herina does it also mean no hump day for me? then if it does am i on a six day week? hmm better get some more coffee befor having such deep thoughts

[friskyfemme]

im wondering...... sence the doc has me grounded (no motorcycle) due to a herina does it also mean no hump day for me? then if it does am i on a six day week? hmm better get some more coffee befor having such deep thoughts
((((Cody))))

Sweetie, sorry to hear you're 'grounded'. Know it must be tough for you. As for the 'hump day' ...we-l-l... I am more concerned with your ability to 'perform' on hump day vs a midweek break. ;)

Get well soon.

[WolfyOne]

Just got off the phone with a manager from an Auto Zone thanks to one of my friends I'm staying with right now. Anyhow, we chatted briefly about my auto parts experience and it peaked his interest. He's going to see if he can pull up an old app I put in online from where I used to live. I would, however have to wait until next Friday or Saturday to sit down and have a real in your face interview because after today, he'll be out of town until then. This job would be right up my alley and put me in my comfort zone. I want a job asap, but sometimes good things are worth the wait.

The only other job I applied for that really peaked my interest was Home Depot and they called me yesterday. We did a phone interview and perhaps that will lead to a store interview. With Black Friday upon us, some of these big chain stores will be scurrying to put their help in place.

I have no doubt that this move was good for me for more reasons than just being able to find a job in a bigger town. I still have my good days and bad days, but in time the bad will fade and all my confidence will be back.

[Miss Scarlett]

This quote from the Dalai Lama was part of my morning meditation today:

"I think when tragic things happen, it is on the surface. It's like the ocean. On the surface a wave comes, and sometimes the wave is very serious and strong. But it comes and goes, comes and goes, and underneath the ocean always remains calm."

As I was considering his words, I saw two things in my mind. The first (and immediate) was of the owls that live in the woods outside my apartment. They were sitting in the trees and the wind was blowing hard enough to significantly move the feathers on their respective breasts. The wind was so strong the trees were rocking back and forth. Yet, despite this disruption, the owls remained steadfast on their branches, eyes closed, patiently waiting for the wind to pass. The owls were at peace with the situation.

The second was a field of tall grass. Again the wind was blowing very hard, pushing the grass halfway to the ground. When the wind subsided the grass was upright again. Its roots held firm and kept the grass from being blown away.

From these I took the lesson that no matter what happens I will have peace, even in the worst of times, if I stay grounded.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

A delicious dream I had. DARN IT! Why did I have to wake up :( Stupid internal clock!

[Jet]

I no longer believe sexuality is innate; I think its mutable.

[WolfyOne]

I am so tired of being spammed in my texts these past 3 days
It's like someone opened the hatch and they just keep coming
I've gotten more in the middle of the night than during the day
Someone needs to put these people or bots on a short leash and yank hard

[Jet]

$3 appliances at Target on Black Friday

[JustLovelyJenn]

At peace tonight!

[Jesse]

French toast and Canine Ethology :blink:

[Sam]

that sweet voice, whispering sweet nothings.

[asphaltcowboi]

that south dakota isnt very far south and north carolina isnt very far north and that calif should be devided into two states because north and south are very diffrent

[JustLovelyJenn]

That my bed is much to comfortable to be getting out of.

[Miss Scarlett]

I need to get some thermal or insulated boots/shoes asap. I have one pair and they work well but are not really appropriate for the office. Back in January I had superficial frostbite on both feet and it left them very sensitive to the cold. Now that the consistent warm weather has left my office will pretty much stay cold. I have a small heater that warms everything but my feet. Once my feet get cold I can't get them warmed up for a long, long time, so I need to do as much as possible to make sure they don't get cold. Perhaps thermal silk socks/liners?

If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

[JustLovelyJenn]

I am thinking that sometimes I really wish there was a button that would turn off emotions toward just one person at a time.

Or if not... that maybe just a way to not have my stomach jump into my throat every time I see their name... that would be good too.

[RockOn]

I need to get up, dig my work gloves out of the storage room and move my neighbor's woodpile out to the street so the garbage truck will pick it up.

This woodpile has never been used and is located against the fence which joins our properties. A friend told me her golden lab was bitten a few years ago by a rattlesnake that came out of a woodpile. We both live in the city. Poor dog almost died even though she took him to the vet immediately. Obviously, I am doing this to protect my dogs.

I did get permission to trash it. It won't be too hard since it has cooled off - plus the workout will do me good. And it helps me procrastinate my inside chores (vacuuming, straightening up, a few dishes in the sink, etc.) LOL!

When I am single, I am not as picky with the indoor stuff. Not a slob, but things like a pair of socks or three ... or a pair of boxers/sleep pants on the floor a couple of days does not get to me. If I am partnered, we split up the work. She gives me my list and I bust my rump to get it done early on when the weekends roll around. Oh ... and of course I take care of the yards and ourdoor tasks.

Okay, rambled at you long enough ...
Happy Sunday, everyone!
:)

[Leigh]

Wondering why I haven't heard from her in almost three days :(

[Jet]

I need to get some thermal or insulated boots/shoes asap. I have one pair and they work well but are not really appropriate for the office. Back in January I had superficial frostbite on both feet and it left them very sensitive to the cold. Now that the consistent warm weather has left my office will pretty much stay cold. I have a small heater that warms everything but my feet. Once my feet get cold I can't get them warmed up for a long, long time, so I need to do as much as possible to make sure they don't get cold. Perhaps thermal silk socks/liners?

If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

get heat inserts for your shoes. go to a large sporting goods store and they should carry them. I used to own a pair to wear to the football games...Nebraska was bitterly, bitterly cold. They are thermal inserts to help keep your feet warm, k?

[princessbelle]

that it rained all day and i'm soaked and cold and thirsty and hungry and tired and

sorta maybe just a tad ....

whiney :overreaction:

[Leigh]

My back (I think I screwed it up somehow cuz I can hardly move without being in pain) and her :)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I need a VACATION!

[JustLovelyJenn]

Does anyone have a reset button? Cause it would be helpful some days....

[ManOMan]

I need a VACATION!


Me too....:twitch:

[RockOn]

Way past due ...

A few months back ... I was a huge asshole online. For this, I am sincerely sorry. No excuse for it. It is uncomfortable coming in here like this but I believe my admitting my poor behavior is the only right thing to do. I am not attempting to sway anyone's opinion of me either way. What others think of me is none of my business.

Some may know what I am referring too, others may not.

I won't go into any specifics, hash it out online or try to make feeble excuses for something that is inexcusable. This is not damage control. I am not asking for a "gimme a break" here. This is admitting a short coming where I exhibited poor character.

The need to address this publicly has been been building in me for awhile. Now it is a done deal. This all I have to say about it.

best I got ...

Sincerely,
Brock

[JakeTulane]

That everything truly does happen for a reason. We may not understand why, however it is not up to us to question. It is up to us to accept and move on.

[Arwen]

Can someone write me a note so I don't have to go to work today?

[Jesse]

Yeah, I already tried that, remember?

Can someone write me a note so I don't have to go to work today?

[Arwen]

Dang it. That's right. Guess I better get dressed and go, huh!

[theoddz]

On my mind is my beloved stepmother, who is in the hospital with a GI bleed from the PEG (feeding) tube she had placed in preparation for her upcoming radiation therapy for throat cancer. Pop was awakened in the wee hours Saturday morning by her calling for him after she fell off the commode in the bathroom. He picked her up, got her back to bed and called 911 to take her to the hospital. :(

She is in good spirits and is eating today, so I think the rough part is over and she is on the upturn. :winky:

Hopefully she'll be home within the next couple of days. I'm going to pick up some magazines and a milkshake for her and go to visit her this afternoon. :)

~Theo~ :bouquet:

[Jet]

On my mind is my beloved stepmother, who is in the hospital with a GI bleed from the PEG (feeding) tube she had placed in preparation for her upcoming radiation therapy for throat cancer. Pop was awakened in the wee hours Saturday morning by her calling for him after she fell off the commode in the bathroom. He picked her up, got her back to bed and called 911 to take her to the hospital. :(

She is in good spirits and is eating today, so I think the rough part is over and she is on the upturn. :winky:

Hopefully she'll be home within the next couple of days. I'm going to pick up some magazines and a milkshake for her and go to visit her this afternoon. :)

~Theo~ :bouquet:

Sorry to hear this Theo

[Arwen]

SOME people leave very funny reps. That is all.

[JustLovelyJenn]

I hate cleaning....

[Apocalipstic]

A few days in the water would heal my mind!

I wonder how soon I can make that happen.......and where.....

It would need to be pretty inexpensive....and I don't feel like flying for fun right now. Flying was so cool in the 60s and 70's, now it's a bus in the air.

It would need to be way south, or indoor, for the water not to be freezing....

I wonder how South..I know its too cool in Ft Walton..unless pool was heated?? Hmmmm or a cabin with an indoor pool in the Smokies.....pondering. Has to be short drivable, not over 8 hours and the less people around the better....

Hmmmmm, I wonder if we could go to Christmas????? Muahahahahaha. I wonder if I could talk Cynthia into it.

I sincerely doubt it since she would not let us skip Thanksgiving for Native American reasons....but it seems worth a try.

If this does not work, I am putting my foot down for Easter! Oh, but I was thinking water, not how to get out of family holidays...

Focus, focus.....

Expedia!

[JustLovelyJenn]

A few days in the water would heal my mind!

The water is where I find myself again as well!

[Apocalipstic]

The water is where I find myself again as well!

I want to swirl around in it!

Lay back and just float.

[turasultana]

I really want to win the "stagger on" part on The Walking Dead.

[RockOn]

Gosh I know that hurt a lot when your StepMom fell in the bathroom. Glad her spirits are lifting and she is eating.

My Mom did a lot of bouncing off the walls in the bathroom the last months before she went to the big house in '84. The bathroom floor and tub don't give a bit!

These things you do for her like take her milkshakes, magazines when you visit mean so much to her and shows how thoughtful you are. (that goes without saying)

Wishing her and you, your entire family the best!

(Edit: I tried to correct subject line to read response to theoddz but the software won't allow it. That is interesting.)

[princessbelle]

getting on-demand TV tomorrow.

going to the burg and being able to enjoy a piece of life again.

special people in my life that I am very thankful for.

getting back to the chalet and a chance to be around some of my brother's things.

getting my mom out of the house finally.

[shadows papa]

How good it was to see my classmates today on our first day back after our fall clinical rotation...how NOT good it was to get 2 new case studies dropped in my lap for our new lab class...all due by Friday! :glasses::|

[little_ms_sunshyne]

What a long day....Why do I work so hard?

[Leigh]

Wrapping My arms around the one I love :)

[bigbutchmistie]

How extremely tired I am... I cannot wait to hit the bed and just pass out!

[Soft*Silver]

that I have an offer to visit some relatives from out of town for Thanksgiving and really hope to go...

[cara]

i'm thinking about how i spend nearly 4 hours commuting each work day and how i can 1) reduce my commute time, and/or 2) find more energy to wake up earlier so when i get home i have more time and energy to do things in the evenings.

:stillheart:

[Miss Scarlett]

My Mom. I wish I could just hear her voice right now...

[pajama]

How empty the house seems knowing she's not in the bedroom sleeping. It just gets harder every time we are apart.

[justkim]

I woke up feeling like crud but I still have a smile on my face...

[shadows papa]

How the power of love, caring, and family can makes us stronger than we could ever be as a single entity moving through this world.

[asphaltcowboi]

ive been doing alot of thinking about being single. this is the longest time i have ever stayed single and it has made me realize how happy i am. it has given me time to work on issues like health and weight and a few personilaty flaws without input from anyone else. i used to run around thinking im nobody unless i had a g/f .. when in fact i have been able to say i am somebody on my own and a very important somebody.. im someone that deserves the best i can give not 100% but 110%. this single time has allowed me to structure my life exactly how i want it to be and not do the "ok this will do" thing. it has given me a better idea of who i would like to share my life with if she should ever come my way. it has also given me the strenght not to rush into something just to feel i belong. i know where i belong and what i need for me. i just wish i had learned this at a much younger age. it would have saved alot of heartach for myself and others. my younger years were spent impressing everyone else instead of myself that left a dissatisfied self being even when i thought i was happy. grrrr my thoughts are rambling this morning!

[RockOn]

cody, I love your rambles. :)

What a fantastic post! I totally agree on all points.

[DomnNC]

A few days in the water would heal my mind!

I wonder how soon I can make that happen.......and where.....

It would need to be pretty inexpensive....and I don't feel like flying for fun right now. Flying was so cool in the 60s and 70's, now it's a bus in the air.

It would need to be way south, or indoor, for the water not to be freezing....

I wonder how South..I know its too cool in Ft Walton..unless pool was heated?? Hmmmm or a cabin with an indoor pool in the Smokies.....pondering. Has to be short drivable, not over 8 hours and the less people around the better....

Hmmmmm, I wonder if we could go to Christmas????? Muahahahahaha. I wonder if I could talk Cynthia into it.

I sincerely doubt it since she would not let us skip Thanksgiving for Native American reasons....but it seems worth a try.

If this does not work, I am putting my foot down for Easter! Oh, but I was thinking water, not how to get out of family holidays...

Focus, focus.....

Expedia!

Go to a lil town called Townsend, TN and stay at the Valley View Lodge. They have an indoor pool and jacuzzi. They also have a room you can rent in the same building that has it's own jacuzzi and a fireplace. You can open the curtains on the picture window in front of the jacuzzi and have an awesome view of the mountains as well.

Townsend also borders the Smoky Mountain National Park.

[MsTinkerbelly]

On my mind....

I was reminded by someone today, that the only thing we are guaranteed in this lifetime, is that things will change.

[PinkieLee]

What's on my mind...

Rice Krispie treats ~ warm, right out of the pot.

[Soon]

a peaceful four hour train ride (with wireless) and comfy hotel room waiting for my arrival

[WolfyOne]

I woke up chilled and sick to my stomach
I hope it leaves me soon

[DomnNC]

On my mind....

I was reminded by someone today, that the only thing we are guaranteed in this lifetime, is that things will change.

The only thing that stays the same is change.

[Soft*Silver]

making my special recipe of chex mix for my kiddo this holiday. I always make it and mail it to her but this time, I can give it to her in person! We might even make it.

I have my cookie books out and I am planning on what to make for the holidays. I put out a huge spread every year. I actually got a small freezer just to store holiday cookies in..lol.

Rose Cottage is homey...I finally switched curtains from those that were left here, to my own primitive/country curtains. The pictures are hung on the wall, the doilies are on the dressers, lights are in the windows, and the quilts are placed on the beds. Come the holidays, it will feel like Home. Its my first holiday season here. I am ever so grateful....

[miss entycing]

heavy on my mind is my employment situation, or lack thereof.
Been a year since I was laid off... and but for the graces of an angel watching over me, and unemployment- we've been ok,
I pound the pavement, I hit the internet, I hit Job Services through the unemployment office- and there's still nothing there...

on my mind is what the hell is gonna happen when I exhaust my benefits?

Why is it that an intelligent woman, who used to be a General Manager for a 200+ room hotel and been in that profession for 20+ years,
cannot even get a job offer from even a nationally known fast food chain, a 5star hotel in Paris, or anything in between???
heavy on my mind.... yeah.

[Jet]

heavy on my mind is my employment situation, or lack thereof.
Been a year since I was laid off... and but for the graces of an angel watching over me, and unemployment- we've been ok,
I pound the pavement, I hit the internet, I hit Job Services through the unemployment office- and there's still nothing there...

on my mind is what the hell is gonna happen when I exhaust my benefits?

Why is it that an intelligent woman, who used to be a General Manager for a 200+ room hotel and been in that profession for 20+ years,
cannot even get a job offer from even a nationally known fast food chain, a 5star hotel in Paris, or anything in between???
heavy on my mind.... yeah.


You have to understand that it's not you. It's all over the country. I had a career, a life. I have 30 plus years in advertising, design and radio and television and I can't even get a full time job as designer with copywriting and media experience. I free-lance and it's not enough.
I lost my career and life from a trauma. I'm on disability and I'm lucky compared to the 14 million out of work. One of my best friends is also my representative payee..an astute businesswoman who tells me this all the time. All you can do is keep trying, or maybe be more inventive on how and what you present, or in what you're looking for. I don't have the answers. But it's not you, trust me.

My life faded from 18 years of keeping trauma supressed until it nearly killed me. I'm going through facing it all over and there's no guarantee that I will ever recoup my losses, and there are many. Good luck and don't be disheartened. You're among millions...even among many executives who've lost everything. Look up the story about the exec who made a couple of hundred-thou a year and now works behind the counter at Starbucks. The country is so fucked up and the plight is reality.

[Jet]

Prince Willie's engagement to Kate Middleton. They may call her a "commoner" but man is she gorgeous.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Kate-Middleton/ss/events/wl/111610katemiddleton

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Thinking that I just baked the best cheesecake I ever have :) YUMMY!!!!

[Gemme]

(Edit: I tried to correct subject line to read response to theoddz but the software won't allow it. That is interesting.)

In the future, if you should need to edit the title to a post, go to edit, then go advanced, and then edit your title. You only get 30 minutes to edit posts.

[JakeTulane]

That My BFF was dead on right and I should listen to her more often. She is the bomb. (f)

ps. you really are channeling NeNe. that is all.

[Scorp]

I'm losing my fucking mind!!!!! :explode::explode::explode::explode:

[TickledPink]

My sister..........and all the loving, positive thoughts for her today!

[bigbutchmistie]

Getting rid of this pain in my back and kneck...

Early shift tomorrow and Im so ready to tell my boss off...

But Im thankful for my job but somtimes

[Pixie]

Money...er....the lack of it.

[justkim]

A Funeral...
Tomorrow I will be riding along with my dad as we escort a young man to his final resting place...
We have just been informed that West Borough Baptist Church is sending protesters... Please send angels to watch over us as we make this journey to Honor one of our Fallen Soldiers... We have chosen to go ahead and ride the motorcycles even though the weather forecast is calling for snow up to 6 inches if not more as we climb higher in elevation... I am taking my camera with me... I have included the link to the young mans home coming which I was told was a truly awe inspiring...

http://www.gjsentinel.com

You may have to scroll down to read about him, his name was Cpl. Aaron Cruttenden's he left behind a daughter...

[WolfyOne]

Yesterday one of my friends, her son and I were walking though a Wal Mart in Sherwood when a friend of hers stopped her to say hi. Anyhow, her friend is in charge of personnel there and told me if I put my app in for her store and then call her to let her know, I could work there in automotive. Which would put me in my field of expertise. The only down side is that this Wal Mart is a 35 minute ride on a desolate road. I never asked the woman what the pay was, but decided if I don't find something by weeks end, I'm going to have to take what she offered because I really need to start earning money.

[pajama]

Now we're down to the wire. They said last Monday that they hoped to have all the interviews done last week and would start making decisions the beginning of this week and contact us later in the week. So now we start into 'later in the week'. Patience, patience, patience....man I REALLY want this job...and not just for the money.

*breathe* *breathe* *breathe*

A

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Finally got it all off of my chest...Feels damn good! Regardless of the outcome!

[bigbutchmistie]

Some relief from back pain today a co worker gave my back a work over. She said that my shoulder area felt really hard and tense. So, she helped. At least I am not in tears right now. Even though it still hurts a little

[nicetgurl_30]

Okay I just realized how cold it was, and that, i need to burn one those clearning logs.

And I need to tell my parents that I am getting a dog, anybody know anything about a yorkiepoo?

[Blade]

Scratch off lottery tickets....3 winning ones....:blink:

[justkim]

I posted pictures on my FB... What a very emotional day... Thank you everyone who thanked me.


A Funeral...
Tomorrow I will be riding along with my dad as we escort a young man to his final resting place...
We have just been informed that West Borough Baptist Church is sending protesters... Please send angels to watch over us as we make this journey to Honor one of our Fallen Soldiers... We have chosen to go ahead and ride the motorcycles even though the weather forecast is calling for snow up to 6 inches if not more as we climb higher in elevation... I am taking my camera with me... I have included the link to the young mans home coming which I was told was a truly awe inspiring...

http://www.gjsentinel.com

You may have to scroll down to read about him, his name was Cpl. Aaron Cruttenden's he left behind a daughter...

[Kenna]

A HUGE, exciting, positive opportunity tomorrow.... Actually, 3 opportunities, but one of them is my favorite...the other 2 are just fall-backs in case the first doesn't work out. I've been going stir crazy with worry lately (what's new? some say that's my personality and I worry too much!); but after speaking to someone very sweet today, my confidence and excitement has returned.

When one door closes....another one opens....

Keeping my fingers crossed...and bet-chya I don't get any sleep tonight because of excitement!!

Time to shine up my "Kick Ass Boots" for tomorrow!

[bigbutchmistie]

Getting a runny nose...

Im getting whiny... Im a baby when Im sick... Lord why when I get this way dont I have a wife to baby me? LOL

[asphaltcowboi]

why the heck am i freezing this eve.. i have the fire going and the heater an im still freezing!! i live in az for shytz sake. i could understand it if i was at the cabin in wyo.. im never cold there.

[Miss Scarlett]

For some reason tonight I crave falling asleep wrapped tight in very strong arms; something I have not had for quite a while. Feeling safe, secure and loved.

[Gaige]

Femmes. They're always on my mind :)

[dixie]

How very much I miss my boo, and really hope she hears positive news SOON about her job interview...

[dixie]

How very much I miss my boo, and really hope she hears positive news SOON about her job interview...

Oh, and also that I don't totally tank the maths part of my entrance exams Friday because I REALLY don't wanna end up with a lot of maths classes... :|

[Gemme]

Now we're down to the wire. They said last Monday that they hoped to have all the interviews done last week and would start making decisions the beginning of this week and contact us later in the week. So now we start into 'later in the week'. Patience, patience, patience....man I REALLY want this job...and not just for the money.

*breathe* *breathe* *breathe*

A

I'm doing the same thing. I was supposed to know a week ago whether I had a job or not and the boss said he's not making the decision until THIS week now.

Waiting sucks. Good luck!

Okay I just realized how cold it was, and that, i need to burn one those clearning logs.

And I need to tell my parents that I am getting a dog, anybody know anything about a yorkiepoo?

Both breeds, individually, are highly intelligent. Poodle fur is good for those who have allergies. Both are easy to train, loyal, and incredibly cute.

That's about all I know. :)

[pajama]

How very much I miss my boo, and really hope she hears positive news SOON about her job interview...

Oh, and also that I don't totally tank the maths part of my entrance exams Friday because I REALLY don't wanna end up with a lot of maths classes... :|

I miss you too baby. And you will do fine and it won't be 'lots of math classes'. Probably just one extra one.

[ravfem]

broad shoulders

[sylvie]

- thinking of the one i love - and all he's going through.. always sending him light & love, knowing it's as hard on him as his family, and watching him try to be strong through it all for his adorable son..♥ how i truly love this guy so much, i hope he knows just how much...

- thinking of my daughter, wanting 'her' to see what a wonderful girl she is and how proud i am of her for who she is - but wanting her to see & show respect to me as her mother, because she needs me to be stronger and show her some guidance, instead of always giving in, it's because i love her, of course.. one day she'll see this..

- and lastly, my son.. it's wonderful to see him feeling better these days, but worries me how unorganized his school is, in not getting him caught up after missing 3 weeks of school - no matter how much we push for extra help & catch up sessions, he seems to be pushed off.. thinking of taking this further with the school district, he needs to catch up..

[Kobi]

:wine:
Someday
I am hoping
to understand the logic
in asking the one person who doesnt drink
to bring the wine for a holiday meal.

So,
do you want the red nuclear sludge
or the white gasoline byproduct?

[scootebaby]

wondering why the dog(a mini daschund) has to take a poo oon the pati instead of going to the grass....i mean i know he has ALL kinds of issues but dang does he have to leave his stuff near the pool?

wondering if perhaps the 8 week old kitty is too young for catnip bc last night i bought him a toy that unbeknownst to me had catnip in it..5 minutes after opening it up he was acting like an addict with his last fix

hoping my sweetie is getting a chance to relax,even tho she is out west on business

thinking that having my girlfriend so far away is a good thing bc Rooster(her son) and i seem to be getting along-more precisely i am learning to not be so hard and judgmental of him

and lastly kinda anxious over the mammogram i have to have in a few hrs...im sure it is nothing to worry bout,but still a little unsettling

[DomnNC]

Hope that everything turns out ok scoote.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

That it is sooooo a "DOS XX fully dressed in twang with lime night"!!!!!!!!!!!! It gets me relaxed and flirty!!!! But no one to flirt with....I guess I have a hot date with myself! LOL LAME!

[Strappie]

Not much more to say... I love Adele!!!


s_Zs7XS3XUo

[JustLovelyJenn]

HARRY POTTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scootebaby]

Hope that everything turns out ok scoote.

thanks Dom....She took literally a ton of pics of my right breast and only 2 of my left....then walked me out,checked to make sure noone was close to us and in a hushed tone told me to call the dr tomorrow to see if they have results bc they will more than likely order an ultrasound as soon as they do

and im really beginning to think the kittie has ODd on catnip bc he has been chasing imaginary things all evening...and at present is attempting to catch his little tail...glad i got a rep telling me that a lot of cats react like that to catnip

[bright_arrow]

Life and such
Our weekend getaway with the lil one
Thanksgiving with friends

[Leigh]

My angel is, as she always is :)

[JakeTulane]

Just finished making a card.. and thinking what a lost art sending out snail mail is.

:moonstars:

[Mtn]

Just finished making a card.. and thinking what a lost art sending out snail mail is.

:moonstars:

I was thinking that very thing today, the internet has made me lazy in this way....

[JakeTulane]

I was thinking that very thing today, the internet has made me lazy in this way....


Nods.. so true My friend.. I thought it was cool when we did the Christmas card and the postcard exchange project.. it was nice to send something out.. that was not generated by being on the computer..

[Soft*Silver]

I miss getting personal mail in my mail box. JoS sends me cards for holidays, bless his heart! But other than that, I dont hardly get personal stuff, just bills.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I agree...I love homemade cards :)

[RockOn]

A friend who is scheduling surgery. I have not heard from her and will wait a little bit longer before I start asking. She is very sensitive about this and I don't blame her but I wish she would give me an update. I feel certain she has to know I am thinking about her. It is not life-threatening but is very serious. And she has had a lot of fear for a long time. Making the appointment and seeing a surgeon recently was a huge step. I am very proud of her.

[Miss Scarlett]

Trying to figure out what I will be doing for Thanksgiving. My Dad and stepmother will be going out of town and I am never invited to my brother's house. My other 2 brothers live out of town and will be celebrating with their in-laws.

So far I have it narrowed down to the community potluck at our LGBT Community Center or a pilgrimage to Maggie Valley. I am leaning towards Maggie. The mountains are so soothing and if I am going to be alone that's the perfect place.

[Tcountry]

Making decisions...hoping they are the right ones...

[princessbelle]

Back to work for me today. Still can't, for the life of me, figure out why i wasn't born rich. I truely believe there was a mistake somewhere in the cosmos.

On the brighter side...I do love my job and the weather this weekend is suppose to be great and I have SO much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving week all.

[UofMfan]

**Paradise**

[JakeTulane]

The peace and clarity that meditation can bring. Sharing thoughts and feelings that should be spoken and not held back, regardless of the outcome.

:moonstars:

[PinkieLee]

What's on my mind right now...

How bad I am fighting the urge to put up my Christmas tree this weekend :winky:

I know, I know.... I should at least wait until the day after Thanksgiving!

[WolfyOne]

Trying to figure out what I will be doing for Thanksgiving. My Dad and stepmother will be going out of town and I am never invited to my brother's house. My other 2 brothers live out of town and will be celebrating with their in-laws.

So far I have it narrowed down to the community potluck at our LGBT Community Center or a pilgrimage to Maggie Valley. I am leaning towards Maggie. The mountains are so soothing and if I am going to be alone that's the perfect place.


Although the mountains may be soothing, Thanksgiving is a holiday to be shared with family and/or friends. It's a time to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy as a nation. Solitude is great if you want a weekend away to regenerate or meditate. I say you should go to the community center and be around like minded people. Enjoy conversation, make more friends.....mingle.

[Gemme]

What's on my mind right now...

How bad I am fighting the urge to put up my Christmas tree this weekend :winky:

I know, I know.... I should at least wait until the day after Thanksgiving!

Do it! We won't have a tree at all, so that means you can put yours up sooner. ;)

[Wryly]

I put up my little table-top tree on Tuesday.

[Sachita]

yawn
must be a sleep emoticon

[sharonsuburbia]

yawn
must be a sleep emoticon



i want to go dancing - i want hym to offer the cig i do not smoke anymore - i was to dance into a corner and let my hair down - i want to let hym undo top button and smile with my eyes - i want hym when i open my eyes at sunrise :moonstars:

[Laerkin]

...that I haven't been on BFP in forever and I'm excited to have a quiet night in so I can troll all my favorite threads and get caught up.

YAY for Friday night at home (FINALLY)!

[Leigh]

Too much is on My mind again, it wont shut off :|

[Just_G]

*installing a new water heater tomorrow.

*spending the day with not only my sister, but also my pops!

*re-arranging my living room and hanging my big screen on the wall.

*out with the old, in with the kind of new.

*business needs to pick up so I can get a paycheck and get the hell out of this house to do something fun...all this cleaning and re-arranging of all the rooms is getting really boring! (though I do love feeling productive!)

*my Jayhawks won tonight..gonna be a GREAT season!

*I sure miss my BFFF, my Nizzle, and my dummy! (and so many other BFP folks!)

*I am not a holidays kind of person, but I am going to do my best to get out some of my stored Christmas things to try to get in the holiday spirit. Gotta at least hang the pups' stockings, right?!

Damn, I have a lot on my mind! :blink:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Funny how things happen so randomly...Nice to meet people that just make you smile...SIGH...tonight turned out to be a great night after all :)

[Diva]

~ Nizzle thinks her Shizzle should have the beer bottle Christmas tree this year!!!!!


:)

[Just_G]

I am thinking my Nizzle has fallen off her rockerizzle...you KNOW that Frank the tank would knock that over and I would have a biggo mess!

Hell, I have to hang the stockings from the curtain rods on the windows so she can't reach them! :blink:

I have to babystep my way in to this Christmas decor thing...lol

[Diva]

I am thinking my Nizzle has fallen off her rockerizzle...you KNOW that Frank the tank would knock that over and I would have a biggo mess!

Hell, I have to hang the stockings from the curtain rods on the windows so she can't reach them! :blink:

I have to babystep my way in to this Christmas decor thing...lol



Shizzle.....two words: SUPER GLUE.

:eyebat:

Ever helpful,
Nizzle

[Jet]

Does anyone have any conceivable idea of how painful it is to have a friend shut you down because you're transgendered? I have a friend who I have kept in contact with for a long time. She Id's as a lesbian and wants nothing to do with discussing or accepting my ID as male/TG. I told her she had no right to do that. None, because she's not in my skin and can't begin to know what this is about or what it's like. I don't judge anybody at all for how they ID or live their life. It's none of my business, yet I am constantly dealt shit. Why? I'm done-absolutely fucking done with her. You don't have to get it..but you do have to respect it with me.

[Miss Scarlett]

Does anyone have any conceivable idea of how painful it is to have a friend shut you down because you're transgendered? I have a friend who I have kept in contact with for a long time. She Id's as a lesbian and wants nothing to do with discussing or accepting my ID as male/TG. I told her she had no right to do that. None, because she's not in my skin and can't begin to know what this is about or what it's like. I don't judge anybody at all for how they ID or live their life. It's none of my business, yet I am constantly dealt shit. Why? I'm done-absolutely fucking done with her. You don't have to get it..but you do have to respect it with me.


(((((Jet))))) There are far too many here on the site that have had similar experiences. I know this will not do much to ease your pain, anger, frustration and disappointment with your friend but this is about her not you. Perhaps she just needs time?

[Soft*Silver]

my leaves got raked today and my car is having her oil changed and a new turn signal light bulb replaced. One of my nephews is helping out....how wonderful it is to be around family!

[Leigh]

Too much, but mostly whats happening in life

[Sassybren]

Christmas shopping. All done. I love the internet!

[MysticOceansFL]

Finally all moved in and settled and ready for the holidays and the internet is ok.

[Miss Scarlett]

Rearranging the furniture in my living room. It's been pretty much a warehouse in there for over a year - stuff I rescued from my Dad's house.

After Mom died and Dad decided to get married he set about just discarding furniture, etc. More or less erasing my Mom's taste from their house. He was set to get rid of things like her huge Lane cedar chest, several antique tables and the coffee table made for Mom by a neighbor of her parents. It was a gift to her and the top is parquet with wood inlay. She treasured this but to him it "was of no value" - meaning $$$$$.

[lipstixgal]

Finally all moved in and settled and ready for the holidays and the internet is ok.

Good luck on the new place!! enjoy it..

[princessbelle]

A really REALLY great day of teaching with my patients who listened and i feel i really made a difference. What a blessing.

Coming home to a porch light on, warm puppies and a smile.

[Gemme]

Rearranging the furniture in my living room. It's been pretty much a warehouse in there for over a year - stuff I rescued from my Dad's house.

After Mom died and Dad decided to get married he set about just discarding furniture, etc. More or less erasing my Mom's taste from their house. He was set to get rid of things like her huge Lane cedar chest, several antique tables and the coffee table made for Mom by a neighbor of her parents. It was a gift to her and the top is parquet with wood inlay. She treasured this but to him it "was of no value" - meaning $$$$$.

I'm glad you were able to keep the things that your mom treasured.

[Rockinonahigh]

My darn head cold wich has me dealing with bad vertago...go away damit I got things to do!

[Soon]

I'm not liking how, b/c I live in a border city, too many channels are playing USA sports...WHY are sports so valued in your country?

[justkim]

How a random act of kindness can make someones day...

[WolfyOne]

Finally after 2 weeks of being in the same state as my nephew, someone finally told him I wanted a phone call from him.
I wished he'd act his age, hold a job, keep a dang cell phone turned on and support his GF and kids the way he was taught.
I love him, but he's lazy.