I'm not speaking for Last Dodo, but the call specifically says that you must look between 21-26, not be between 21-26. That's why I asked him if he thinks I can pass.

To get on a happier topic, I think with all the GOP stuff, it got completely overlooked, but this week is tax free week on clothes in NYC. And I just found the best pair of jeans at Old Navy (they are finally making jeans which are NOT "super ultra triple low rider riding low on your hoohaa"!!!) which totally justifies another pair. Then my top is sad, so it should get some shirts, right? Oh, and the new running shoes! Yea!!!

Greetings MMer's!! Sorry I haven't written in a while.
First of all Welcome Wasimmerdude This is a great group of people. Feel free to jump in to the convo anytime.

I started my new job last week. It has been great. I'm really glad that I made the switch. I'm doing pretty much the same thing as before, but with some new things added in. Not as many patients as my old clinic, so the pace is easy to deal with.

Woodlock You are too funny. You should definetly hunt down that guy. BTW your hair color sounds terrific!

Heidihug I hope work gets better. I hate when the boss gets everyone stressing.
especially when that boss is going to a fun place like Vegas. Too bad your not able to go too.

Tracybee I want to go out to dinner with you You sound like my kinda eatting partner. I might not live through it, but sounds like a great way to go. hahaha

Skagirl Sounds like you have some shopping to do. We just had a tax free day a few weeks ago here in Boston. No major shopping for me, but I did get some great deals.

Must run for now. Big hello's to everyone. And to all the New Yorkers on the boards- Good luck during the convention. I hope you have no problems.

G'day guys!

It's September 1st (well it is here), the first day of Spring! We've been having rain, rain and even more rain! Much needed though, so no one's complaining.

Wanted to quickly say:

Heidi hope things calm down at work.
Woody go back to the mall and find that guy, and this time, talk to him.
Dodo two posts in a day - it's nice to have you back!
Tracey yummy food! Spam on a bun made me laugh! I know what Spam you refer to, but these days the only spam I see is on my computer. Ha.
suction a beet quiche? Never tried that. BTW we call them beetroots.
Ska where are you going on Thursday?
Ricci whine all you like mate. And hope you are feeling better by now.
iME how old do you think you look?
PiP how's your aunt doing?

And to anyone I might have missed, hi!

Hope you all have a great day!

Hi there. I've been on these boards for a goodly time and thought I ought to get to know you guys better in a meet market. And since Survivor is my truest love amongst reality shows, what better forum than this one? :-)

Ah, let's see ... I'm 38, single, I love my cats dearly. I am a terrific aunt to my niece and nephew. I live in Calgary and I pay the rent by being an Excel whiz. I am an amateur photographer and I have an itch to start watercolour painting again. I know The Last Dodo, after a memorable and creative BB season. I still hate Chiwhora. :-)

Hi Everybody!
Woodlock, you go back to that mall and find that hottie! Right now! You heard me! Go! (Not to be bossy or anything...) It's the hair he's after, you know. I'm sure it looks beautiful.
Aussie, thanks for asking about my aunt, mate. They tell us that she's doing better, but they will have no idea if there is brain damage until she becomes conscience. This is old information from Saturday. I haven't heard anything since then, but I will be calling later tonight.
On another note, I just finished washing my car, and of course what happens? A bird craps on it, that's what happens. Story of my life.
Hope everything's going good with all of you. It's good to hear from you, Dodo, and I hope you find some work soon.
Ricci, hope you win the scrimmage! I assume you're talking football? It's the only sport I can think of that starts this early.
Talk to you all later!
ETA: Hi neptune! Welcome to the MM!

Hi everyone, and thank you all for being so welcoming!

Ricci, I'll be teaching 7th and 9th grade English. skagirl77, tomorrow is actually the first day of school - ACK!! I stayed on campus pretty late today to get all of my lesson plans and photocopying done. I'm really nervous, but also really excited about tomorrow. I'll let you all know how it goes.

AussieGirl, Happy Spring! I wish it would rain here, since it's pretty hot, but at least it's not humid.

Dodo, good luck with the job situation. I tried sales right after college, and I hated it. I guess some people have the aptitude for it, but I definitely didn't, and it frustrated me to the point where I temporarily lost a lot of faith in humanity. Thankfully I got out of it, and I'm very happy where I am now (and my faith in humanity has been restored). Best of luck with the temping. There's nothing demeaning about it, I think. And, as you put, it's income, so that's what matters, right?

Tracey, that list of food sounds so yummy, and sooooo evil. It's like a coronary waiting to happen. But, the bull bites sound really good.

Woodlock, you are too funny! I'm fairly prone to stalking, myself, but I'm too much of a wimp to ever do it seriously.

suctionprints, ooh beets. I'm not a huge fan myself, though one of my professors in college once cooked us some borscht and it was pretty good. Beet quiche sounds interesting, though.

Babalu, God be with you and your husband. It's good to hear that he's doing well, though! Best of luck to the both of you! And, basil seed juice? Never tried it, but it sounds like something I might even like. Hee.

iMissEthan, I hear you about the total discepancy in how old you are and how old you look. I'm 24, but have been mistaken for one of our high school students on numerous occasions. It's kind of flattering, though, getting carded whenever I go out for pints!

heidihug, sorry about the stress from work. Hope it gets better soon. Do you at least get to go to Vegas? That'd be fun.

pretty in pinki, God be with you and your aunt, too. I hope you can hear some good news soon. And, Murphy's Law in full effect, eh? I never bother to wash my car, because it always get so dirty right afterwards anyway.

Teena, glad to hear you're liking the new job. Hope it continues to go well.

And finally, neptune, welcome! Nice people here.

I hope I didn't miss anyone!

Good Gravy - look at all that has gone on at Ye Olde MM while I've been climbing mountains and painting fish - Welcome to Neptune and wasimmerdude. Glad you came by! Happy 1st day of Spring, Aussie Girl! We're right behind you on that September thing....

I'm so glad to hear from you Ricci. I was worried about you. I'm very glad that you, your sister, and her child are all right. In fact, your story immediately reminded me of another little story called The Best News. A professional golfer, on his way through the parking lot to his car after winning a substantial cash prize, was approached by a young woman. The woman told him her baby was very seriously ill, and she didn't know how she could take care of him. The golfer immediately signed over his check to her and went on his way. Later, several other people who witnessed the discussion in the parking lot, told him the woman was a fraud. He said, " that's the best news I've had all week." Heh - It's always good news when someone we care about is OK, even when they (or their Moms) drive us nuts.

I would never be able to do the job you had, Last Dodo. And there is nothing at all wrong with temping. Some of the brightest people I know have temped. [...modestly blowing on fingernails and brushing them on lapel] heh

I love that handsome men are stalking Woodlock at the mall. You go, you cute little honey blonde thang! You know, after the stalk comes the pounce... ;)

I'm here to tell you, Tracey Bee knows how to eat! Fry it up and put it on a stick - seems to be the theme at the Minn State Fair.... sounds good to me. Yum. And beet quiche? Another yum, suctionprints. I love, love, love beets. I could eat them every day in a million different ways. My favorite beet dish is definitely borscht. Oh my. I wish I had a bowl of borscht right now...

I want to go to The Tropical Place with Babalu and Heidihug! I miss youse guys.

Things I am doing (besides climbing said mountain and painting said fish.) I highly recommend the film DeLovely. It was DeLightful, with gorgeous clothes and Cole Porter's gorgeous music. It was also a good story. I am also belly dancing (as I always do with my teacher in California.) So much fun. I have also started to.... run. Yes. run. It's shocking to me too. I've always considered myself much more of a .... walker. But I am doing this thing called Chi Running, which is sort of like the yoga of running. I really like it!

Cheers to y'all, darling MMers. I've got to get to bed. There are mountains to climb, fishes to paint, and bellies to dance. After all, tomorrow is another day...

Welcome Neptune!
Well everybody, the elf is on a quest tomorow, that's right going back to the mall, (btw Suction the lip blam has the poison scratched out and says lip balm for friend, and the shirt has him a little pimp outfit and he says "yo! you all suck up in here", and the purse has several differnt saying, you can move like a little disk for it), so anywho he better be there so I can get my groove on heh, the stalking made me feel like a Camden :)

Tracey, quick question for you, when one eats a fried Oreo, does one dunk it in fried milk?

SkaChicka you don't like hoo haa pants heh, welcome back sweety.

Snort, Chuckle.
I totally love you, Woodlock. You go pounce on that cute boy (as I said in my post above, which we seemed to be writing at the same time.)

Good luck and Godspeed to you. My mom has been an english/art teacher for the past trillion years, so I got to hear all about it. And be in her class. Which sucked. But seriously, good luck.
Yogi, it sure sounds like you're having fun!
Not to sound dumb or anything, but is Tax Free weeks, like, a week without sales tax? Don't look at me like that, I'm from Oregon. We don't have sales tax.
Woodlock, you must have one incredible Hot Topic. Ours sucks. Good luck on the stalking quest.

Hee. Come shop in Minnesota - we have 52 tax-free weeks a year for clothes and shoes!

Woodlock, I need that shirt. I just ordered a "I'm too punk rock for this" tee from Glark. Heh.

Heh. That cracked me up! I can only get the Old Navy jeans I like online as well as my yoga pants - they don't carry very many tall plus sizes in the store, grumble grumble. I shouldn't complain, at least I get 'em!

dodo, try and look at temping as a way to "try before you buy". You might end up on a different, cooler career path because of it. I'm glad you're out of that nightmare.

pinki, that's better news. Keep us posted.

woodlock - actually I think fried milk is a dish, I don't know from what country. It's deepfried custard, which would probably go great at the State Fair!

ETA: aussie, Happy Spring!

ETAA: If you are in the area and can make it...

Minneapolis TAR Finale Getogether
Tuesday, September 21
6-10 p.m.
Billy's on Grand
857 Grand Avenue
St. Paul, MN
Phone: 651 292-9140
RSVP (if you're able, not mandatory but appreciated!) me via TWoP, or in the Minneapolis/St. Paul con thread. Thanks!

ETA: Added date. Whoops!

Aussie I'm supposed to head to West Palm Beach, FL to visit a friend who moved there this spring. We're supposed to head to Miami on Saturday & supposed to see the Chicago Cubs poop on the Fl. Marlins. Then I'm supposed to come home on Monday morning (it's Labor Day so Monday is a holiday). Oh, the reason I'm writing "supposed to" is that another hurricane is on its way to Florida, and this one, if it hits, will probably hit the east coast which is where West Palm Beach is (why is it called West if it's East?). Bah. Humbug. I don't generally like Florida, but I sure don't want to sit in a storm.

PIP tax free week is just that - no sales tax on clothes or shoes up to $110. We get 2 a year here, and there are constant grumblings about repealing the sales tax on those goods - it's like 8.5 here.

You'd think it would be fun, but I am so low on the totem pole that I would be stuck being a gofer, running back and forth from the convention center to the hotel for my boss, getting copies made, etc. So, I am VERY glad to not be going.

I am kind of unhappy about how the Miami Intl. Boat Show is shaping up for Feb., though. My boss promised last year that she would take me down there for several reasons, most of them being that the bimbos that they hire to help at our display areas are just that - bimbos. Not a lick of computer sense, lead management ability or anything useful, except for fake boobs. And their usefulness is suspect, at best. Anyway, I wanted to go down there and help to supervise our database management and customer relations programs, but the MALE higher-ups here at corporate decided that the same ol' bimbos are going to be working the displays this coming year. So the week after the show I will be left to deal with the mess that make up their sad, sad attempts at typing and information gathering (did you know that 3 out of 4 bimbos do not know how to spell "George"?). All because I am not bimbo-ish enough to appear in public to represent our company. One thing that the Boy's Club in the yachting industry fails to understand is that women make SO many of the buying decisions nowdays, and T&A is probably not high on their list of what to look for on a yacht. [/end of rant]

You go, Woodlock, find that pretty man!
Have a good day of spring cleaning, Aussie.
Hiya, neptune!

I'm sorry to hear that the Florida trip looks less than promising for both skagirl and Heidihug. I hate both hurricanes and bosses that make promises they don't keep!* I hope that both redirect so that you can both have your holidays uninterrupted.

*though I don't hate them, I'm not particularly fond of falsly breasted bimbos with bad computer skills. I mean really, just because one looks like a bimbo, doesn't mean one must have to have the computer skills of such.

Where are you Woodlock? Did you pounce? Inquiring minds want to know...

As always, suctionprints, your party sounds great. Wish I could come, but I will be in NYC at the other one. I will toast you from there!

Yea, my trip's a wash. My friend is on the coast in West Palm Beach, and her area is supposed to evacuated over the next 24 hours. She's waiting until tomorrow, but will be going to a shelter. Since sitting on a cot & no guarantee I could get out on Monday are not my idea of "holiday", I'm rebooked for Columbus day. Big bummer is no Cubs game...need to figure out refund on that. Oh well, at least the weather is lovely here.

Hi MM'ers, and welcome to Neptune! If you love Survivor so much, what took you so long to get here? Lol. It's always nice to have new posters.

Pinki I don't know about a bird crapping on your car, but if one craps on you, it's supposed to be good luck! Maybe some of the good luck will rub off on you.

Hey Yogi! You've been missed, mate! Glad you are having a wonderful mountain climbing, fish painting, and belly dancing ol' time there! And now running. You go, girl, but make sure you come back here soon.

Wasim have a great first day back at school!

suction - great link! And Happy Autumn to all you Northern Hemispherers!

Ska when I lived in Chicago, I often wondered why it was called the "Mid-West" when it actually is in the Mid-East of the USA. One of life's big mysteries. Why don't you like Florida? I heard about the hurricane due to hit there this weekend. Can you maybe delay your trip a few days? Take care, mate.

heidi that's a fair enough rant, mate. Sounds like they're bloody idiots and would do well to reconsider you going to Miami.

Just listening to the awful news about the hundreds of children taken hostage on the Chechnyan border. I am saddened beyond words and cannot even begin to imagine what these children and their families must be going through. My heart goes out to all of them.

I spread myself too thin over too many forums, methinks. I spend entirely too much time in the pixel challenges over in TV potluck. But not as much as the person who sent me a nasty e-mail because I commented on someone else's entry. :-/

How much do I love Survivor? I discovered this site after Australia ended. When Africa started, I was "Just Tuned In", and despairing of ever losing the title. I was a "Loyal Viewer" by the time Ethan won, I had so much fun posting about the show.

I can't wait for the new season to start!

So what is going on in my life? I have a massive crush on a cute geeky boy at work. And I think it's mutual. And I think we're both scared to make the first move. :-)

I'm glad you were able to reschedule, skagirl. I'm sure you will have an excellent visit on Columbus Day - much better weather-wise, for certain. If the game is rained out, won't you get some sort of credit for the tickets?

Speaking of the game... Yankees lost by 22 points, I hear told.... heh, heh, heh.

Now that I am officially "a runner", having run through a two hour interval workout today, I'm here to tell you, running makes you sore. I'm sure it will get better, but ouch! Plus, I have another two hours of running workout scheduled for tomorrow. I think I should just end up by the pool under an umbrella with a good book!

I think that crushes and cute geeky boys at work are lovely, neptune, though I have been crush free for some time (unless of course you count Mr Yogi, who I am still kind of crazy about.) Maybe you could hand him a game console and ask him to play with you? I have a friend who works at Microsoft who tells me that's how folks bond at her office. Then you could move from crush to .... maybe playmates?

BTW I also taught English, history and art history, back when I was a teacher, PiP, Ricci and Wasim. Hard to believe, as I was always a very bad speller, which was not a good thing. I'm very thankful for spell check, though that never helped me up on the blackboard. Also, I looked very young, which was problematic in the extreme. I was frequently mistaken for another student while walking through the halls. I do not miss teaching high school. I liked 6th grade best of all - the pre-hormonal years.

I'm limping off to find some Aleve...

Ska, I'm sorry you don't get to go to Florida, but at least you didn't get stuck there in a hurricane! I've heard that this one is really bad.
Yogi, it's hard to believe I'm the daughter of an english teacher because I can't spell. But it's even more hard to believe that I'm the daughter of an art teacher. Whenever we had a "creative" assignment in another class, teachers would frown and shake thier heads at my efforts. "Well, I would expect more from a daughter of such a talented artist" was one of the direct quotes from my 5th grade teacher. I hated her. Still do.

Well I went to mall but no sign of cute guy :( But I did go into Hot Topic, and dammit I really need to stop because I only had five dollars with me left with one, I got some Happy Bunny body glitter, which has "Dad just hates this" on it, and a post card that says "Straight? So's spaghetti until you heat it up!" heh But yeah I'm officaly broke until friday and single still.

SkaChicka Sorry to hear about your cancelld trip sweety.

I'm also sorry about the trip, skagirl77. At least you're able to reschudule. Sucks about the Cubs game though. Hopefully, though, they'll be in the playoffs.
That's a really sweet thing to say. :)
And, yogi, I also did the happy dance after yesterday's Yanks/Indians game. Too bad the Dodgers lost today!

Classes went really well today. It was my first full day of teaching, and I was exhausted after it was all over (and disgusting b/c it was pretty hot today, the A/C in the buildings rarely works, and I had to wear a tie today, which traps all the heat in my shirt). A couple of my classes have some chatty kids, but for the most part my classes are really good. It feels like such a performance, teaching, and it's draining. Also, I realized that writing with chalk and I don't mix. At all. My handwriting is atrocious. I also look very young, but I try to dress "grown-up," so hopefully it won't be too much of a problem. But, I'm pretty short, so already a good bunch of my 7th graders are already taller than I am!

pip, that's awfully mean of your teacher to say something like that. I really have a problem with anyone belittling anyone else in the classroom, especially teachers putting down their students. After all, I see class as a forum for open discussion, and everyone needs to do their part to foster a supportive environment where no one is afraid of expressing themselves, in any way, even if people wildly disagree with them. That especially (and I think unconditionally) applies to teachers.

Woodlock, does the glitter tin literally say "Dad just hates this"? If so, that's hilarious. I don't get paid until the 15th of every month, so I'm broke for another two weeks. I will find out just how my raise translates into after-tax dollars, so I can begin my apartment search in earnest. Can't wait!

It's 10:30, and I'm dead tired. I guess I'm back on my school sleeping schedule after just one day. Huzzah.

Wasimmer, yep that's what it has right on the front, and I'm sure mine would not be thrilled to see me wear it but has he currently lives in Mississippi, the danger is slim to none, now my mom on the other hand heh, and I have to say I love teachers they are the best, I actually plan to be a professer whenever I can get my ass in gear and finish my bachalors, I would do high school, but then socilogy is not big around here and plus most high shcool students don't even wanna be there, I did in fact I was alwas at least two hours early so I could get a certain parking space, sadly enough that has not change with college, there is one space I have to get!

Oh and make sure you don't make all your students don't get crushes on you lol.

Hi, sweet yogi! I so envy you, getting into the running thing. I really do enjoy the jog/run thing when I am doing it, but then I hurt afterwards and it is hard to motivate myself to get back out there going "Ouch!" "Oof!" *groan*. With that and the belly dancing and yoga, you will be one fit woman when you get back to NY. And, about the bimbo rant yesterday, I really do have nothing against bimbos per se, but I do have a problem with women who profess to have great computer skills, then totally f*** up everything PC-related. And then get rewarded for it year after year by being re-hired! *grrr*

Ha! Cleveland 22, Yankees 0. *hee*

Sorry about your FL trip, ska. That sucks.

WSdude, glad to hear you survived the first day of school. I hope you have a wonderful year with lots of thoughtful curious tudents who want to learn. My son, Squirrel, is in 7th grade this year. It was a tough adjustment for him last year going into 6th grade, but he has vowed to do better this year. I wish he could have you as a teacher!

PiP, what a rotten thing to say to a kid in their formative years - some teachers just shouldn't be teachers, if you know what I mean.

neptune, cute geeky boys are the best kind! (I know, my son Beep is one of them!) Go ahead, make the first move.

I decided to take advantage of tax-free shopping yesterday and went to two stores to buy shoes, Ann Taylor & Aerosoles. Both places are within steps of my office. Neither place had anything I liked and I was very disappointed. I was really looking for some replacement sandals for next year on sale, but I guess it's too late for that. I'm not ready to start wearing, or even think about wearing winter shoes yet.

A really nice guy I used to work with who changed departments came through with US Open tickets for me last night. They weren't primo corporate seats, but they got me in the building.

I had a nightmare last night.

Survivor had an "America's Favorite" season where Americans voted for the 16 people they wanted to see on the island. There were 16 Ruperts grimacing and caressing their fishing spears all season long. It was awful.

Aussie FL is not my favorite place because I think heat & humidity are bad, but I'm very worried about my friend. She was in the first area to be told to evacuate yesterday, so I hope she gets her ass in gear & gets on the road.

iMissEthan I've been hit or miss with the tax free bulk up. Nothing at Mexx except one top (I usually find some great things there, but too many sweaters to go through when it's 80 degrees out!!!). I did stock up on tops at Old Navy, but the 6th Ave store was out of the jeans, so I'm going down to SOHO shortly to hit that & Foot Locker, which was also a wash yesterday. They only had 10 pairs of women's shoes for actual activity!! And the only Ladies Foot Locker I found online is right on 34th. Worse comes to worse I'll go Saturday.

I think I'm going to go see "Garden State" tomorrow afternoon. My friend said it was great & I soooo have a crush & want to smushywushygooshy Zach Braff. I don't get the Natalie Portman thing, but whatever. Maybe she'll grow on me like Reese Witherspoon, who, while I'm still convinced is part of a group of Hollywood Hobbits (see: Tobey Macguire, Calista Flockhart, Sarah Michelle Geller, Jennifer Love Hewitt, most of the men on Days of Our Lives, oh, Natalie, too, etc.), actually has won me over.

I liked Garden State a lot, but I've been rooting for Natalie since The Professional (Leon). Even when she's in trash, I keep thinking she'll find something worthy of her youthful promise and I think this movie is it. We can discuss it at TARCon (if you're going).

Congratulations on finishing that first day of school, WSDude. It does get easier over time. Don't worry too much about the chatters. It's like trying to put your finger in a leaky dam. Speaking from experience, I can tell you, some people will chat!


I hate her too, PiP. The Bitch. Too bad no one was there to say to her "I would expect more compassion and professionalism out of a teacher and a human being." Ugh. Let's hope she's found another career. She must have been a very unhappy person to say something so nasty.

I'm worried about your friend too, skagirl! Hurricanes are nothing to fool around with. I send her good weather thoughts. I'm glad you are safe in NYC with the politicians, protesters, and other mischeif makers. I can't wait to see Garden City too. It's my first choice when I get back. I thought NP was outstanding in The Professional as well, ImissEthan.

Lord, stdcem. What a nightmare. I hope you are not clairavoyent.

I can't believe I missed the opportunity to go to Hot Topic at the Mall of America! What were we thinking, Heidihug? Now Woodlock is getting all the cool stuff. But Woodlock, next time remember the pounce always follows the stalk! Heh.

Well, I managed to do more run intervals for two hours today - one on the trails and one in the gym. I am sore, but overall I feel great. It's this chi running thing. You can't believe how much easier it is on your body than the old fashioned way of running with knees up and digging in. This is a lovely form.

I have a great day planned tomorrow. I'm very happy. :) Lots of love to you MMers.

Gidday guys!

This Sunday it's Father's Day in Australia - while we celebrate Mother's Day the same day you all do, Father's Day is in September. I got Mr Aussie a set of wireless headphones (so that he can watch late night TV without disturbing my sleep - heh) and an electric shaver. I think he's going to like them. I could have done with some of your tax free shopping (whoever heard of such a thing?) - the two of them cost $200. Man, the price of electrical goods has gone up. But he's totally worth it. I'm not sure what he'll want to do on Sunday, but I'll be waiting on him hand and foot so that he can have a really good day.

You sound very happy, Yogi, and I'm glad. And getting very healthy too, good for you.

ska sorry mate, that you had to cancel your trip, but this hurricane seems quite severe so you did the right thing. I truly hope your friend has left the area.

PiP what cheek of that teacher! People don't realise that what they say to a child could really hurt them. And teachers should know that better than anyone.

You all have a good weekend!

ARRRGH! Effing server just ate my very chatty post, because I had a lot to say because I haven't posted here in so long. Now I must condense:
Frances: Bad. I worry. Good Vibes to all Floridians.
Geek Boys: Good. We love them. Go get him now, neptune!
BUnny stuff: WHat is? I'm a loser and know nothing of this cultural icon.
Yankees lose, 22-zip. Ahhhhhhhhh. Mecca.
Indian Food: mmmmmmm. Still full from lunch.

Hello MMer's
Thank God it's a long weekend. I hope everyone has a great Labor Day.
Your rightHildy Yankee's losing 22 to nothin..Too funny.

Aussiegirl Tell mr. aussie i wish him happy father's day. Your presents sound great. I'm sure he will love them. My father always said he wished father's day was during football season. Not that he doesn't get to watch everygame anyway but...

Yogi That's great that you have gotten in to running. Pretty soon we'll be looking for your name in the marathons. Keep up the great work, and have a great day tomorrow.

Skagirl I hope your friend is allright. My grandmother lives in Florida also. Fortunetly she lives on the bay side. She didn't have any problems last hurricane. Hopefully this one wont be bad for her either. I'm thinkin of you. keep good thoughts mate.

stdcem One Rupert is enough. Boy I hope your wrong.

Was Have you been teaching long? My favorite teachers were the ones who made it fun. Not going through page by page of the book. Hope you have a great school year.

Well I have to go now. Everyone have a good night.

Hi everyone! Gosh, it's been so long since I've posted here. I've been keeping up with reading all your posts, but I either haven't had time to reply or I just didn't have anything worthwhile to say.

Anyway, Dodo I'm so glad you got out of a job that was making you miserable. And I just wanted to tell you, Birdman started out as a temp at the job he's got now and he absolutely LOVES it!! I think he worked for about two months as a temp and then the company hired him outright. He says it's one of the best jobs he's ever had. He's very, very happy there.

Yogi it sounds like you're having such a great time. My daughter is a cross-country runner. She's been doing it since junior high, and she's in her last year of college now. She really loves it.

I'm awfully worried about that Florida hurricane. My brother lives in Florida, and my stepson and his family. From what I hear, I guess they're already starting to evacuate people in some places. You'd think that those poor people down there have been through enough with Charley, but apparently not. Sending many good thoughts and prayers for mercy for everyone in the storm's path.

Welcome, welcome to all the newbies here. This is such a great group of people!!

Oh! My parents are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in November. My sister and I are trying to plan some kind of celebration for them. Does anyone have any wonderful creative and inexpensive ideas?

Hildy, It's happy bunny is a bunch of crap with this little cute bunny on it, he constanly changes color btw, and underneath him are sacrastic, and or mean things, but he is smiling so it's okay!

Yogi I gotta remember that.. [muttters to self]pounce after stalk, pounce after stalk[/mts]. heh, good luck with the excersize, I can never force myself to do it, stupid sexy laziness.

This is what happened for Mr. S's parents - his sibs did almost all the work, but we were there for the event to help set up and serve (and do the dishes at the end).

* They rented out the basement of the Elks Lodge where his mom and dad hung out and did an early evening light supper, open house style, so more folks could make it. Since they got married on December 27, there were still Xmas decorations up, so it looked festive!

* They cooked all the food - they did a buffet with the standard cocktail weinies, meatballs, hot dips. They made extra cookies during Christmas baking, got a sheet cake from the local bakery, and then made those atrociously delicious mini cheesecakes where you stick a whole Nilla wafer in the bottom of a paper cup and top it with cheescake filling.

* Entertainment was just a CD player with their favorite 40s music going.

* My husband did some proto Photoshopping (this was in 1991) and merged two carny photo booth pictures of them into one. He also got other family photos retouched. These sat on the table, in nice frames, next to a memory book where people could write recollections and best wishes. (His sibs also got old home movies transferred to VHS tape, and we watched them the next evening. What fun!)

* And of course, there was the anniversary Mass before the open house, where the folks who couldn't make it to dinner because of ill health or other commitments could stop by and join in the celebration.

So all told? Maybe about $750 split between 5 kids and their spouses? Not too bad at all. They kept it small because that's what the folks wanted. The costs were lower than a city because well, the area's pretty economically depressed - but also the Elks Club gave the sibs a good discount because my father in law was a member. I think what made it successful is that we kept it smaller, we made it pretty informal, and we didn't do any experimenting. It was people and food they liked. And for a religious couple, a church service is probably one of the best things you can arrange for a big anniversary like that.

I'd say, just take a whole lot of notes about what your parents like and don't like, and I'd bet that you can find a ton of inexpensive possibilities there. His parents kept insisting that they didn't want a party but they ended up closing the bars and tiptoing into the house at 3:30 a.m.! The rest of us were beat and were in bed by 11! Have fun!

ETA: details changed after consulting with husband, my memory's not quite what it used to be!

Yogi, you must teach me chi-running technique when I see you next! And, I did visit Hot Topic at the MoA - briefly, though. They were out of a lot of the cool stuff that Woodlock has bought, so I just got some Metallica, Godsmack and Led Zeppelin concert T's. Boring, and not nearly as much fun as Bunny stuff.

What a lovely party - great ideas, suction! I agree with the stick with what the parents know and like when having a party for them. Expanding on suction's suggestions, maybe make (or have a family friend make) a scrapbook/memory book with pictures of your parents, then have places for people to write anecdotes or best wishes throughout. Inexpensive and will be so treasured afterward.

Happy Father's Day weekend to Mr. Aussie!

Indian food? Is yummy!

Or have heidihug make it for you! She's a whiz with those pinking shears and stamps!

heidi, we need to get you to Torrid, the plus-sized Hot Topic - they have a lot of Happy Bunny accessories. mr. s. got one of his co-workers some Happy Bunny mints that said: "Here, have a mint...because your breath smells like butt!" She thought it was hilarious. I like the "Poison" one better...

BTW, hh, how was Metallica?

And, another "yes" vote for Indian food - too bad there's not anything downtown.

Yes, she was the 'bitch from hell.' Hate her. Unfortunitly, she is STILL teaching! I was so appauled. WSdude, I hope you are a better teacher than that. In fact, I am sure you are, Ricci, too, because no one could be worse than that.
For my parent's 30th (!) wedding anniversery, my mom booked a trip to Las Vegas and didn't tell my dad where he was going. Total shock for him. They hadn't been there since the 70's and had sooo much fun. They stayed at Paris Las Vegas. That's an idea, but a tad more expensive.
Good job, Yankees! (I guess. I don't care. Mariniers? Pah. They suck.)
That's all for now! Tootles!

Yes, well, I had a lovely post all written up and then an internet monster ate it. I had it saved in a Word document, but then I accidentally deleted it. Duh. In short:

Hurricanes suck. Duck and run, Draadje!

Metallica comes to Green Bay on the 27th, suction - can't wait! I will compare notes with you the 28th. At least I will have a seat (not that I'll be actually sitting), and won't have to evade the concert security guys all night *hee*.

Speaking of teachers, Squirrel has a terrible horrible no-good very bad teacher this year. She was reprimanded and moved from the 8th grade to the 7th grade to split her up from one of her nasty cronies. And what subject does she teach? Reading, Squirrel's best and favorite subject. I hope she does not try to squeeze all of the imagination and curiousity out of him like she did with Beep. Nasty, nasty woman. The boys in her classes average? D. The girls in her classes average? B.

I made apple blackberry pie last night - meeting up with a whole buncha relatives at the cottage tonight. Should be fun. Have a superb Labor Day weekend, Americans. And a superb weekend to everyone else, too, of course.

[/B]heidihug, I don't know if this will work for you, but when Birdboy was young (probably about 8 to 10 yrs old) we didn't have electricity for quite awhile, and I used to read to him by candlelight. He absolutely loved it, and he started reading by himself just for pleasure and his school grades soared! When there's no way you can play video games or watch TV, and reading is the only way to entertain yourself, I guess you're forced to rely on great storytelling and your own imagination. It worked out great for Birdboy. Maybe you could try that with Squirrel and see how it goes. When there's no electricity (which means no distractions), it's alot easier to focus on the story, which just whets the appetite for more.

It's kind of hard to believe that Squirrel's teacher wasn't just fired outright. I mean, for heaven's sake, teachers are supposed to inspire students to want to learn more. They're not supposed to make parents worry that their child is going to hate going to school. I remember back when I was in junior high (yes, back in the dark ages!) there were a few teachers who demanded your best efforts and they were tough on grades, but they always had alot of students hanging around them and talking to them all the time, just because they were such nice, cool people to hang around with. You could just sense that they really liked their students, and that made their students try their very best, just to please them.

suctionprints thank you so much for the great ideas!! That's pretty much what we had in mind, but I never would have thought of the nostalgiac pictures in nice frames or the memory scrapbook (thanks heidihug, that's a great idea!!). All suggestions are very much appreciated!

Hi Birdlady, Hildy and Teena, nice to see you here again!

I'd love some more of that pie, Heidihug!

We've been pretty lucky with most of Big Little Aussie's teachers, except for the very first one. She'd been teaching for 40 years and had this idea that all the kids should not know how to read and write when they start school. I guess when she started teaching that's how it was, but times have moved on and kids today learn from watching Sesame Street etc. She told me I shouldn't have taught my son how to read! So his introduction to schooling was not as good as we'd hoped, but thankfully, the teacher did start to change her attitude somewhat.

Happy long weekend to you all over there in the US.

Edited to say I hope all our posters in Florida are safe - thinking of you.

Hey - where'd everyone go?

This morning (it's Monday here) Big Little Aussie left on his week long school camp. Of course I arrived back home, to see he'd forgotten his pyjamas. To another kid, that wouldn't have been too much of a problem, but to him, well, it's breaking the routine, and that just cannot, I repeat cannot, happen. I remember back when he was about 8 and was staying at a friend's house for the night, and I'd forgotten to pack his toothbrush. Most kids would think, "yeah, I don't have to brush my teeth tonight!". Not my little guy. He had a panic attack. I had to drive around till I found a late night Chemist (that's drug store to you) and could buy another one for him. Anyway, I called the teacher on her mobile and arranged to take the pyjamas to school, and another teacher who is driving to the camp (2 hours away) this afternoon, will take them to him. Phew! Another crisis averted! We have to stay 2 steps ahead of him.

Hope you are all having a great long weekend over there!

Hi, Guys,

I used to post here semi-regularly, but life got in the way for a while. I had surgery, then almost croaked, spent a while in the ICU at a hospital, blah , blah, blah. Stayed off work quite a while, then when I came back, something horrible happened:

I discovered that, in my absence, my department was deeply behind, and I had to actually work all day long! I couldn't read Survivor forums - it was horrible! Over the last few weeks, I have read all 147 pages of the Meet Market, and hope never to leave again - I remembered what a wonderful group you were, and reading these pages has only reinforced that opinion.

I love "Survivor" with a passion - I refuse to be disturbed when it's on - I tell my family that I only want to be disturbed if someone needs a blood transfusion - if someone has died, they will still be dead when "Survivor" is over - that's not wrong, is it?

I just found out yesterday that I am going to be a grandmother for the first time! (I'm 52). My daughter and son-in-law are expecting May 8 - I'm doing a Snoopy happy dance! I also have a married son. I live in Houston, and work for the newspaper here in town, the Houston Chronicle. I love my job almost as much as I love watching "Survivor."

You guys rock!

Well, for Labor Day Weekend, I went boating with a couple other people and of course, my dad. Since, you know, he owns the boat. It was fun, needless to say, but of course, the minute I get home, everything breaks. I put the clothes fromt he washer into the dryer, hit start, and boom. Nothing happens. I try again. Checked the cord. And the repair man tells me that my warrenty is just not going to work because I bought it from Wards and they aren't open anymore, so my warrenty is viod. So I guess I'm SOL, unless I want to pay a guy $60 an hour just to tell me I need a new dryer. Laundry mat for me, I suppose. Figures.
Aussie, hope your Big Little one is okay. Hi Jen! (Can I call you Jen?)

Hey All! Back from the cabin--we came back a day early, to escape traffic. Just as well.
Had an excellent time on Saturday--went to this place called Storyland, in Glen, NH, which is a little amusement park aimed at the younger fry. The big draw are things like being able to ride in a pumpkin coach to visit Cinderella, and there are rides, too, but they are, for the most part, pretty mellow. The kids had a ball.
This morning we went on a short hike, and Hildyboy was quite droopy and whiney, and complaining of being sick. He was correct.
On the way home, going down a steep and windy highway with no shoulder called the Kancamaugus Highway, the poor guy started puking up his innards. I happened to be sitting next to him, so I had to try to control the outtake, so to speak, while my poor husband frantically looked for a place to pull over.
When we were finally able to pull over into the parking lot of the lower falls, the boy liberally bedewed our parking spot as well. He'd just eaten a large helping of blueberries, so it was rather purple. (Purple Rain, so to speak.) Mr. Hildy came in for a drenching the second time around, the poor guy. (As Hildyboy put it, "I belched blueberries all over Daddy's sweater. I don't like belching." )
The boy took a little nap and perked up enough to be okay for most of the car ride home, but he had a ocuple other little episodes where his tummy bothered him and he started worrying about belching again. Fortunately, he didn't. Boy, my family has a long and storied history of ralphing all over national monuments, so I'm proud to know that my son will do his bit to uphold our honor.

Awwe, poor Little Hildy boy, Hildy. I'm glad to hear the purple "belching" was a temporary condition. Hopefully, Mr. Hildy's sweater will not be a memorial to the episode - however, we do enjoy trotting those little memories out, years later, when Little Hildy Boy is on his first date.... heh, heh, heh.

Thankfully, Aussie Girl, a potential tragedy averted by your quick thinking. Ugh. It's always having to be so very on the ball that is such a strain. I'm going to send Big Little Aussie lots of loving energy for a fabulous week away, so that both he and his sweet mom have a wonderful time.

I have been celebrating because Friday was my birthday! I know I am at an age where I should hate birthdays, but I don't at all because I really feel like every year I get stronger and healthier, and it's fun. This year, the running was amazing - it changed my whole energy and made me feel a year younger. Oh, what a great birthday it was, including many sweet and thoughtful good wishes; a sunrise hike on my beloved mountain; a lunch with a dear friend complete with beautiful Pink Princess crown, sash, scepter, and throne; a belly dance with four good friends complete with a leopard print hip scarf (looked amazing with my new Princess duds;) and a four hour dinner under the stars with a nice Dolce and maison du chocolate yummies. Oh.My.Heck, I enjoyed it all. Then, I came home to sweet, sweet Yogi Family Reunion after my little holiday. On Wednesday, my parents come to town, so we will continue the party. Very nice.

My MIL in Orlando is doing fine. I hope Draadje is doing well too. I'm glad the hurricane has been downgraded. How is your friend, skagirl? I'm sorry your holiday wasn't what you planned, but I'm glad you are safe. I hope your buddy is too.

Huge welcome to JenniferC. Wow, I can't believe you read all those pages! I should go back and see what I have written. Scary! Anyway, I'm glad you are well now and ready for another great season of our favorite show.

When did Wards go out of business? That's so sad. Especially for you, PiP. How about a clothes line? Or maybe those pesky racoons will eat your undies if you use one, so maybe not a good idea in your neighborhood.

Have a great Labor-less Day, MMers!

YOGI! Happy post-Birthday! But really, with birthdays, it's like a rule you can celebrate upwards of one week beforehand to one week after! Yea! I need to call my friend, but know lines are crazy down there. Will do tomorrow.

Hildy, eww. EEEwwww. Glad he's ok, but ewww. Oy.

Aussie, glad AussieBoy is getting his pjs!

Welcome back, JenniferC. I think I remember you - and glad you're healthy. Should be a fun season!

I got my iPod this weekend & have been fighting with my laptop because of various "things." I'm giving up & going to CompUSA where I got some cardy thing which is what I'm going to blame for assorted issues, bat my eyelashes & pray to high heaven I don't have to pay much for them to figure out the issues. Oy. I hate technology & am such a spaz with things. HATE. I can listen to music, at least, but oy. I hate being unable to solve the issue myself. I just fear I either 1) f'ed up things & will get robbed at the fixing of issue or 2) there is some issue & will get robbed at the fixing. UGH.

WAIT! Your bday is the 3rd? That was my due date! But I decided to hide for a bit...my mom says I was shopping or something...

Happy Birthday Miss Yogi! What are you 21? :)

Oh my! Guess what? I found out where cute mall guy works, Wal-mart, I was going there with my mom cause I was bored, and damn I wanted to ask him like wheres the toilet paper are you know somethin sexy like that, but I don't think my mom would've been down with the flirting.

PrettyinPink and everyone else, of course you can call me Jen. As a matter of fact, when I registered, many moons ago, I got confused and thought TwoP was asking for something else when they asked for my TwoP name. When I tried to change it, I was told there was already someone else using my e-mail address - of course, that someone is me. I guess I should unregister and re-register, but I'm not 100 percent sure that would take care of the problem.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. My favorite part was not having the alarm clock wake me up at 4:45 a.m.

Thanks for the well-wishes, skagirl and woodlock!

And Hey, my astrological sister, skagirl, if your mom's due date was the 3rd, then I suspect your birthday is any moment now, maybe today. So Happy Birthday, just in case. No doubt as a fellow Virgo you greet the year with a clean house.

I'm with you on the late sleeping, Jenn. I slept until almost noon (after giving Little Yogi and the furry golden retreiver daughter breakfast, that is.)

I'm off to see Hero. I hope it's good.