I'm sorry you had such a bad day, suctionprints. I know how important your music is to you. What a sad day. I hope your Dad is well soon. That is indeed very bad news.

I wish that I could wrap all my Meet Market friends up in a warm blanket and carry you off to my favorite California mountain top. However, as said mountain top has no food, alcohol, or television, you may not love it as much as I do. But even without these important luxuries, I find it difficult to be anything but completely happy and at peace there. I think I would have made a happy little monk or nun in another life. Except there is the sex issue.... or sexless issue....

It's nice to be home with all the endorphin-filled, NYC Marathoners. One day, I may just join that race, now that I'm a runner and all - heh. Tomorrow is my first day with my new assistant. Wish me luck. I hope we get along nicely and all goes well. Fingers crossed.

suctionprints, I too hope that things have gotten better for you, your dad and your friends. Such a lot to cope with all at once. And thanks for the pics from the TWoP con, wish I could have been there!

Yogi welcome home, mate. I'm so glad you had a good time on your mountain and beaches! Fingers and toes are crossed and I'm sure that all will go well with your new assistant.

Also, please check your email, I have some questions about your Bacon on a Stick recipe. I made that last night, along with Quesadillas and Creme Caramel from Hildy's cookbook. Tonight it's potato skins.

Well, a bad storm is coming in here, so I'm going to get Big Little Aussie from school early before it hits. But still, it's soooooooo nice to have some rain here finally!

Aw, suctionprints. *hugs* I'm sorry things are so bad for you right now. Best wishes and prayers for all your friends and family.

But Twin City-ites - did you see the aurora last night? It was gorgeous! We were down in Northfield, walking with MrBee's sister over to the dining hall at Carleton, and were treated to a spectacular light show in the sky. I've never seen the Northern Lights before, so I was as excited as I could be. The aurora was still in the sky as we drove home, and we could see it even in the city. Such a treat. I read this morning that it was visible in other northern states, so maybe Heidi got to see it, too?

Hi All- I emailed you from my nasty comps but it looks like the computer ate that glorious post. The comprehensives at my school are am 8 hour test in which you can bring anything but cannot use internet (I emailed you when I was done!). I am more a computer person than most of the cohort so I was planning to bring only a big notebook of papers and notes and my computer. When I got to my assigned room I realized that I left my beautiful notebook with its color coordinated notes in the hotel (next to the bed)!!!! too late to turn back I took the test with my faithful computer (Zippy) and my friends IPOD (I am waiting for the U2).The other 29 members of the cohort brought no less than 1 suitcase of books. Many had 2 computer and 2 suitcases.

Needless to say, I think it went well and I was the first one done out of 120. Yes, it goes without saying that I am bragging right now, but no one else will listen- I certainetly can't share this info with my group...so you have to hear it.

The other big problem with the test was the statistics - some of the graphs were left out. Those questions were from my own thesis mentor which I may have told you subscribes to the 3-4 rule (3 or 4 calls, emails and notes and then she responds) so that wasn't suprising. But it is done. I am sure I passed (find out 12/11) and now I have 1.5 classes to finish and chapter V of my dissertation - by Feb I should be "Dr."

the second half of the weekend we discussed how education legislation is being hit by NCLB, the Current administration and some ridiculous moves by the lame McGreevy. so depressing.

hey thanks for listening, I promise to check in more often now!~

OOooo, yes, Tracey, I did - wasn't it exquisite? We live in the country, so it was even more bright without the light pollution. There were reds and greens and violets, and the huge shimmering sheets near the northern horizon shot up to a beautiful meeting point in the sky directly above us - we felt like we were in a huge cathedral. Beep's girlfriend brought Beep home from her choir concert at about 6 pm, and they were standing outside on the deck watching the lights and singing bits of Handel. Gorgeous.

Suction - so sorry for your bad, bad week. I am thinking of you, your friends and family. Hugs.

Yay for Ricci and your incredible test-taking skills. And without your notes? Holy cow!

Go Ricci and your mad test taking skillz!

Hey no fair Tracy, Heidi, if y'all can't share your natural light show with the rest of the class you shouldn't have it either :)

Bacon on a Stick, I'm intrigued and hungry tell me now! haha.

Congratulations, Ricci!!! I'm so very happy for you. And for us too, if this means you will be stopping by more. I love that.

I always put all my notes in electronic format too. The only bad thing about that is that folks are always asking me for all my notes. Not to be mean spirited, but for heaven's sake, who asks to be given hundreds of hours of work like they are asking you to share a brownie? Even my teachers ask for my notes, because they are so complete, and I intersperse book and class notes to give more clarification. I know it's a bit selfish, but I can't help but think, do your own work. Now if someone misses a class, I happily share, but when someone asks for my notes all term? Gak!

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful vision of the aurora, Tracey Bee. What a wonderful sight you and Heidihug shared. I wish I could have seen it. It sounds awesome. Maybe one day...

Sending Woodlock one Bacon on a Stick....

Everything went great with my new assistant. She's wonderful - fresh from the farm in Canton, Ohio, wherever that is, and as nice as could be. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed...

I went to the gym today, and I was so impressive three of the trainers stopped their sessions and talked to me. Heh. I'm becoming such a jock - what irony is that?

Is this the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights you guys are speaking of? How cool! I would so love to see that. Mr Aussie has seen it when he lived in the Northern Hemisphere! No chance of us seeing it down here, heh.

Hi soon-to-be-Doctor Ricci. Great to see you again!

Glad your new assistant is working out so well, Yogi. And you sound really fit after your Californian break. Good for you, mate.

Got a million things to do before Survivor comes on at 7.30 pm, so I'll say cheerio for now (that's means goodbye, in case you're wondering!).

Interesting that Survivor is on at 7:30 in Australia. Is it shown on a no commercial TV station so it's only 45 minutes long? Then I could see starting a show on the half hour - 7:30, 8:15, 9:00 etc. I don't believe the US ever starts hour programs on the half hour.

Yes, it is, and yes, it certainly is! There's an aurora australis, too (southern lights), but I've been told that they're not often seen in the populated areas of the southern hemisphere.

There may be another light show tonight. Northern-tier MM friends, look outside after dark! You might get to see a spectacular sight.

We might even get them in New England--the weather guy was yammering about it last night. I'm all excited.

I went to school in Maine, and saw them a couple times whilst there. Just stunning.

So what does everybody have on the docket for Thanksgiving plans? I've got my brother and family coming, and possibly an aged aunt and uncle, but that's about it. Nothing overwhelming, thank goodness.

I'm off to Disney World for Thanksgiving! We are meeting Mr. Yogi's Mom. It's going to be fun, and for the first time in memory, I don't have to cook. Wheew, thank goodness. It's not like things aren't busy enough without throwing in the whole Thankgiving insanity.

Today, I measured all the furniture in my house. A big job - I'm glad that's over. Now, it's time to enter it into the computer. Ugh.

I can't believe how cold it's gotten so quickly. Before you know it, Hildy will be skating round her pond again.

I want to go hiking in the Grand Canyon. Has anyone here ever done it? Were the heights overwhelming? This is one of my new goals.

iME Survivor is shown on a commercial channel, so we have an hour of it punctuated with about 10 ads every 10 minutes or so. All the channels have shows starting at 7.30pm as the lead ins to the adult time slots of 8.30 for shows such as CSI etc.

TraceyBee I have heard of the aurora australis, but I've never seen them, and I've heard that it's nowhere near as spectacular as the Northern Lights. You lucky people, hope you get another wonderful light show tonight.

Thanksgiving? We don't celebrate it here at all, though I wish we did. It sounds like a lovely thing to do. I have been to the Grand Canyon twice, but never hiked there. It's one of the most awesome places I have ever been to in the world, and I fully intend to go back there sometime and hike right down to the bottom.

We've had violent storms here for the last 3 afternoons, with more expected again today. The summer storm season has started early this year. But it's not all bad, up till a month ago we'd had practically no rain since March, and it's nice to see everything so lush and green again.

Hey guys!
So the job hunt contenues(sp?) I hate grammar hehe, anywho I went to a couple of hotels to fill out aplications today filled some there in the lobbies and will turn in the rest tomorow, and I might go by the post office to see if there is something there, and possible some temp agencys, I'm just afriad they'll try to put in some factory where it might be impossible for me to work.

Thanksgiving? Well as I hate turkey and we never have ham, my meal consists of potatoes and brown-n-serve rolls, cause I'm too damn picky lol, so unlike most people I actually loose wieght during the hollidays, cause I also hate pies, yes I am a freak of nature I am very aware of that haha. And also untill I get my ass back into school, holidays aren't as fun cause you don't get any days off.

Yogi that sounds awesome, I would love to attempt hiking down the great canyon, like Aussie I've been there but, knowing me I probably wearing like flip flops are something cause I always wear the worst possible foot wear imanganeble in cases like that, but in my defence I was like 12.

Aussie, try to keep dry during those storms, but rain reminds me of Halloween cause where I live we don't get much of it but it had to rain that night not fair I tells ya, specilay since I was wearing a wig and non-water prof mascara.

I have been looking further into this Grand Canyon visit. I found the most gorgeous hotel right on the rim with a direct view of the Canyon. Here's a look at the view. (I hope that link works...) So the problem is that the Grand Canyon is hours from the nearest airport. You have to drive. I haven't driven in years, though I still have a drivers liscence. What do you think? Shall I just show up in Phoenix, rent a car, and hope for the best? I don't imagine one ever forgets how to drive, do you think?

The second problem is that my running coach tells me that I will have to train as the hike is very difficult. Now, I will take her word for it, though I know of one person who made it down and up the canyon in one day with no water bottle. Granted, he was a macho-god-man and former officer in the Russian army, but still. If Alexi can do it so can I, right?

Maybe I should think about this a bit more... The problem with hiking is that generally good hiking places must be driven to. One rarely finds them in the center of the city or next to the airport, though Aspen is one exception that I know of.

Good luck with the job hunt, woodlock. I think temping is an excellent option. I have done it myself, and I hire temps from time to time. It often works out very well for everyone.

I keep looking at my watch & realizing it must be set back for DSL (my other watch, which I had done, died the other day & I have yet to find time to get a new battery which is my way of saying I'd like a new one because that one is beat). I'm so confusedled.

Woody, I think that temping is a-ok. If you explain what your skills are, and where you'd like to be, they can tailor any jobs to your preference. Like if you are thinking of going back to school, an office job (even file clerking or data entry) would be a great way to get back in the mood, moreso than stocking shelves (which does pay the bills). Plus they often have good relationships with larger companies who don't want the hassle of 1000s of resumes, which can lead to something more permanent. Good luck!

Yogi, the hike sounds ambitious but something you could totally work towards. Perhaps you can convince a friend or get a referral from your coach of someone who is looking to do it (and who ideally drives). As for the car, I love to drive so it's my job when I go home, but I bet you could steal a weekend & rent a car in CT or NJ, and just practice a bit.

Aussie, enjoy the water!

Ricci, congrats on your work. Notes are for weenies, yo. You should make a shirt, "No notes, all of the glory!"

OK, 5000 things await...time to get a move on.

Hey all! I'm back from a fun minigetaway to DC this weekend, where I met up with some fellow TWoPers for karaoke and discovered that a raging caffeine high can be just as fun as an alcohol buzz! (I woke up at 5 in the morning that day and could NOT get back to sleep to save my life. Don't you hate it when that happens? Bleah.)

So this morning I had a funny/embarrassing incident. I forward my calls back and forth between my cell and home phones, so when I forward my calls to my cell, I hit the automatic dial entry for "CELL FORWARD", then in the interest of time set both phones down on my counter until my cell starts buzzing. This morning I noticed it didn't take, so I checked the redial and noticed I had accidentally called my friend CB, the entry right above, instead. Which would be embarrassing enough, except that I had dragged out one of my guiltiest of bad late 80s musical pleasures after yesterday's Bands Reunited, so my friend is probably going, "Who the hell is calling me at 8:07 in the morning, not saying anything, and blasting 'Love Made Me' by Vixen?" Oops!

yogi, I'm glad to hear your assistant is working out well! As far as driving, how comfortable do you feel with the idea, and are you going with someone else who's more confident in that area? I myself haven't driven since 1991, and the last time I tried, when I was living with a boyfriend who had a car, I froze when I got behind the wheel and was too terrified to even get around the block in the middle of the night with little to no traffic. But then again I was a very nervous driver to begin with, and I'm not very typical. I do want to learn again because if I ever travel to places without good transportation, or if I ever wind up having to move to LA, I'm screwed! ETA: I agree with skagirl...see if you can practice somewhere around here first.

Speaking of acting, I have to share this because it's so cool...twice in the past week I've had people I've worked with in that area give me unsolicited compliments from out of the blue. I ran into a guy I did a show with here a couple years back when I was out, and he told me, "You know, I just want to tell you that you're incredibly talented and I loved working with you." Then a few days later, I got a Friendster message from someone I did a show with 6 years ago back in Chicago saying, "I don't know if you remember me, but I hope all's well and please let me know if you're in anything. You are so damn talented. It would be a pleasure to see you on stage again." The cool thing is that she's in a band that comes to New York frequently, so we should have ample opportunities to catch up and see each other's work! (I don't use Friendster all that often, but it is great for reconnecting with people from out of the blue like this.) But it's so cool to get unsolicited compliments, where you know people mean them because they could have said nothing and you'd be none the wiser!

As far as Thanksgiving, I usually spend it with one of my friends here, but he's going home this year so instead my mom is coming in and staying with me for a week, which I'm looking forward to.

Finally, woodlock, practically every job I've ever gotten has been through temping. Usually agencies don't do both office and labor type things, so go to an agency that's more office-related if that's a concern. Best of luck!

Absolutely, Last Dodo. I'm so glad that good, affirming words are coming your way. In fact, it sounds so nice, I may go out and try to get some of these unsolicited type compliments.... Oh wait, that's wouldn't work - heh ;)

I think I'm going to have to find a buddy who drives to do this Grand Canyon trip, if I ever manage to take it. It's a really remote location. I had no idea Arazona was so huge. Perhaps I should reconsider a take another look at Mt. Mckinley? I have a friend who lives up in Seattle who wants to go on a cruise to Alaska with me where we could do something like that. I like her a lot, but she doesn't really enjoy the active things like I do. She likes to have long conversations. I think we should have long conversations while we walk up the mountain. It's a conflict.

I think the idea about practicing is a good one, skagirl. I surely don't want to be frozen behind the wheel of a car on the side of the road 40 miles outside of Flagstaff Arizona. The buzzards would soon be picking at my bones. Isn't this not driving thing terribly limiting, Last Dodo? We have to do something about this. The problem is that I just don't want to start getting comfortable with driving again in Manhattan - Ugh, it's so hard here. It's so weird - I used to be a great driver. I drove everywhere, back and forth the entire US several times. The day I got my liscence, I drove from Philadelphia to Harrisonburg, Virginia to visit a friend. Then, after Little Yogi, my heart condition got bad, and I stoped driving when I blacked out behind the wheel one day. Now my heart condition is better, but I have lost my practice and my confidence in driving. Got to do something about this.

What's really funny is that almost the same thing happened to me! I used to love driving, but then it was a one-two punch of having an accident (nothing serious) and having winter hit and skidding all over the place on the ice. Then I was terrified to drive. And shortly afterward I moved to the city where I didn't need a car. So right now I would definitely need a refresher course.

Blacking out sounds absolutely terrifying. I'm so glad your condition is better!

First, belated props to wasimmerdude for your costumes - those were incredible! When you described them, I must confess I wasn't that bowled over, not being a Nintendo-playin kind of gal, but the picture proved to me how wrong I was! And a very good-looking group underneath the costumes, to boot!

yogi - good for you for your mad exercising and hiking skillz. The Grand Canyon trip sounds amazing, and I'm sure you can find someone to take it with you. Hey, maybe me! We can be like Thelma and Louise (except without the ending or any of the other bad stuff). DariaG from the TAR MM has extensive Grand Canyon hiking experience, I believe, although I haven't seen her around lately - maybe she's on a hiking jaunt?

Nothing much happening around here. Fish have replaced turtles in our aquarium. We have the day off thanks to being government employees. Mr. Lu is waiting for the results of his latest PSA test, so any extra good vibes you're not using would be appreciated.

What a magnificent view, Yogi! The first time I went to the Grand Canyon was on a bus from Tucson, and then we drove there in 2002 from Las Vegas. The roads are really pretty good into the Canyon, I don't think you'll have any worries. In fact, I think you'll feel safer driving in Arizona than in NY! And driving through that area is just so incredible. You guys are so lucky - some people travel from across the world to see the sights in your backyard. I have to say that out of the many beautiful places I have travelled to around the world, the Grand Canyon is up there in the top 3.

Woodlock good luck mate, with the job search. I have also temped, and found it to be good. You tell them what kind of work you want to do, and you can always say no to any that you don't want to do.

Babalu all the good vibes in the world are heading your way! Thinking of you and Mr Lu with lots of love.

Ska - hi mate. Did you get your watch fixed? I hope your confusedledness improves soon, heh.

Dodo that's great that you were so sincerely complimented by your friends and colleagues. That doesn't surprise me, you are obviously very talented.

Hildy, Yogi I made the potato skins last night and they were superb! Yum! That recipe is much easier and far less messy than the way Mr Aussie used to make them.

Well the rain stopped and it's just hot again. I'm sitting here under the fan and thinking of tomorrow when I'll be at a pool party - yeah!

Hey Yogi, if you ever wanted to hike by our falls, aka go up the cemented trail, I would be thrilled to pick you up from the airport :), just don't mention to other people that the falls is fake, but I hear that there was actually a real one back in the day.

Since I'm all broke this year I think I'm gonna do cards for Christmas this year, and since Y'all are family for me, I would love to give one to each of you, just let me know if you want one.

I love that you have fake falls down there, Woodlock. It basically a fountain that looks like a waterfall, I guess? That's a very silly thing. I think I would like to come down and tootle (technical term) around the Falls with you. It would be a lovely way to pass the afternoon. Then we can go out and refresh ourselves afterwards with a lovely Purple Jesus. That would be nice!

I'm finished a huge part of my Christmas shopping and wrapping, but I haven't even begun to write my cards. Oh.My.Heck. I start working on Christmas in January, but still I never finish in time.

At this point, my office is ridiculously overstaffed, having hired three people in total, two part time and one full. Is that not insane? I'm hoping that 1.5 of them will work out in the long run. The problem is, I like them all a great deal. I may end up with the most absurd administrative staff in all of NYC, but we will laugh a lot.

Our most recent cause for amusement? Star Jones and her incredibly gay fiance. Does she really think we haven't noticed??? "Star, honey, step away from the gay man at the altar with you. You may get his name, but he's sure to withhold other important ... aspects... from you eventually." Bless her avaricious little heart.

I continue to hold on to the hope of seeing the Grand Canyon again. I also went once years ago, Aussie Girl, but I've always wanted to hike it. I'm polling several possible friends. So far, the cruise to Alaska looks more promising, but as the ones who want to go are fairly inactive, I may have to see the sights from a cocktail lounge. Juan, who drives me to and from the airport in California, heard me discussing the Alaska thing with one friend, and suggested that I take him. He said that it would work out well because he would take me dancing, and I wouldn't have to dance "with the girls." I looked at him and said sweet as can be "Juan, are you suggesting that I can not pick up a man to dance with me?" Poor Juan. He was so flustered. Truth be told, he would be lots of fun as he's a tall Latino rock and roll musician with a long ponytail, but Mr. Yogi but the kibosh on the whole plan. He thinks Juan may want to dance... in more than one venue...

Let's hear it for the Vets - They've all given so much! Veteran's Day is always very moving for me. While visiting some major battlefields in my travels, I always wonder at the courage that ordinary men and woman have exibited over the centuries. My visit to Normandy in particular made me realize that I probably don't have it in me to do what so many did that day, climbing those beaches into almost certain death. I am very thankful for their efforts. Our veterans are heros to me.

Babalu & Mr. Lu lots of good vibes coming your way, although they may be water logged due to rain!

Yes, what ska said!

We don't have rain, we have snow! Yogi is right, I should be skating soon!
That is, if my back cooperates. I threw it out this week, something I've never done before and hope never to do again. It's a strained muscle, the dr. thinks, but it's just sore. I feel like Treebeard the Ent--unable to bend much at the waist....
Cheers to all--have a great weekend!

that. is. awesome. as soon as i defend i will purchase said shirt. thanks for listening to my bragging. no one else would!

in other news. I am taking Yogi's advice and begun my style of dating. As a computer geek I have decided to utilize things like Match.com.In the spirit of Dodo (I love hearing your stories!) I went out on my first date Tuesday. The guy matched perfectly: radical politics, well traveled, athletic and likes outdoors...one problem, he is smaller than me. We will go out again, but I don't think it is going to work. I have a younger man scheduled next week and a professor new to the area. I didn't realize that I would attract some rocking Ph. D's. I always thought professors were grey-haired. so stay-tuned.

Yogi - you can drive again. perhaps NYC isn't the best place to begin, but then again you drove there competently to begin with...Also good good luck to Woodlock and 'Lus's with the job hunt. happy weekend!

Ricci, I wish you the best of luck with Match.com. I have tried it and I have never been sucessful with it. So hopefully you will find the right one on there.

Well it is snowing like a son of a gun out there tonight in the smallest state in the union.

Not much else to say so I wish everyone a good night or morning depending on where you are right now.

Congratualtions, Ricci, on getting back up on the old dating horse - you go girl!!!

Wow, maybe we should date. Oh wait, both being hertro and one being married might impede that. Oh well, best to keep on with your plan. I have visited Match with my single friends. What a fun place. A virtual smorgasborg of tasty dates. Enjoy yourself, Ricci!

I hope things are going well in the LUhold, Babalu. I kept both you and Mr. in my thoughts yesterday. Only good news for such dear ones as you!

We did not get snow, BK and Hildy, and I don't envy either of you in the least. It is way to early in the year to snow. It's bad enough that we have miserable icy rain.

I'm so sorry to hear about your back, Hildy. When your back is in spasm, everything hurts, there is just no getting around it. Try to avoid bending forward at the waist (it is harmful) and try gently bending backward. The best exercise for you right now would be to lay on your belly on the floor with your hands next to your shoulders. Extend out from your tailbone through your head, lengthening your spine. Then gently raise your shoulders and chest off the floor to a comfortable place. Keep your pelvis on the floor. Repeat throughout the day. Perhaps Hildyboy and Hildygirl will do it right along with you?!

Yesterday, I took a swimming lesson with Boris the Russian. Y'all, he actually wore a shirt with Russia printed in big letters across his chest. I was scared! He gave me an excellent workout though - at one point, I thought I was going to pass out. These days, I've been exercising so hard, I'm not just pushing the envelope, I've lost the envelope - heh. I love it!

xo5xo5xo5 (That's hugs and kisses and high 5's to any non athletes out there!)

Ricci, Mr. S. is two inches shorter than I am. When I wear heels, which he loves, I'm up to 4 inches taller. We will be married for 24 years this June. When we sit down, because my legs are longer than his, he's taller than me. And as his dad says with a wink, "it doesn't much matter when you're in bed." If you both have concerns about it, it's one thing. But I have to urge you to think about it a little more. But that's just me.

I remember Gillian Anderson from the X-Files nearly reaching over and throttling Star on the View after Ms. Jones made a comment about not wanting any gay guys around her just minutes after Anderson said she hated homophobia worse than anything. Heh. She must have changed her mind. I love Tracy Morgan's impression of her on SNL: "I am a LAWYER."

The best, warmest thoughts going out to the lus.

Things are going much better. I am bowled over by the kind wishes I got on this board. I'll post more about my goings-on later. But gotta go!

Put me on your Christmas list, woody!

I'm so glad things are going better, suctionprints! Let us know how your dad is. And call me whenever you can get together for lunch again!

Thanks for all the kind Mr. Lu thoughts. I think they worked! He got a letter yesterday, saying his PSA is 0.06 - at least that's what we think it says, and we think that's very good! The letter was just from his family practice doctor, and he goes to see his urologist in a couple of weeks for more info, but from what I've read, we think it's great news.

Great advice for Hildy, yogi. I threw my back out a few weeks ago and owie owie ow ow ow. Mr. Lu has experience with a bad back, so it's important to rest some (with a hot pack), stretch some, and walk around some. I'm still feeling slightly twingey even now, but it was much better after about 4 or 5 days.

And Hildy, disappointing news for me, I'm afraid. As you may remember, I ordered FIVE copies of your book for myself and family. The mistake I made was ordering them with a book on the beaches of O'ahu for Mr. Lu, which is causing a delay in the whole shipment. Poo.

Good luck to Ricci with her dating (sounds like you're making an incredibly excellent start!) and woodlock with his job hunting.

And to me, too. I can only imagine the fear and suffering so many of them have had to endure. I remember back in the Vietnam days, when I was a teenager, and how horribly they were treated. I just could not understand that. I take my hat off to them.

Ricci, the computer dating sounds really interesting! How much smaller than you was the first guy? Maybe it doesn't matter, and bear in mind what Mr suctionprint's dad said! Remember Tom and Nicole, and now Billy Joel and wife. But you go with your feelings, and enjoy your upcoming dates!

Poor Hildy! How did you injure your back, mate? And did your doctor recommend any treatment for it, or is it just a matter of waiting till it's better? Stay off those skates, for sure!

Woody check your email! You really are our Christmas elf, aren't you?

Babalu I am grinning from ear to ear to hear that piece of good news! Sooooo happy for you, mate! It is great news indeed. And you'll love the cookbook, it will be worth the wait.

Glad to hear things are going better, suctionprints. Been thinking of you too and hoping everything goes well for you.

Yogi, you must be the fittest person in NYC right now! You put me to shame! I really must start doing some kind of exercise, as I don't think running around after the kids is enough. And that's great news that your assistants have worked out so well! Good for you.

So it's snow for BK and rain for Ska. Send some of it here, please! It is HOT! Had a great day yesterday at the pool party, it was just so nice to cool off, we spend most of the afternoon in the pool. The kids had a ball. And us big kids did too. And we finished off the day with ..... Karaoke! Lots of singing and dancing to Abba! Ring, ring, why don't you give me a call", "Mama Mia, here I go again" etc. My friend is really crazy and had everyone up singing and dancing in no time, even the kids. Such fun! And not something I usually do, heh.

AussieGirl, I would not mind some heat up here it has been in the 20's for the last couple of days. However, I would not like the type of heat you get in the land down under. My uncle was stationed out there for a while when he was in the Air Force and said some days it could get up to 120 degrees F. I am not sure if I could take that.

Yeah BK your uncle is right. We have warm weather for most of the year, and every couple of years, our summers get just unbearable, with temps like that. Last summer was one of furnace like heat. It's so weird to see snow and ice in the US on TV, and we're here sweltering, makes me marvel that we are on the same planet!

Whereabouts was your uncle stationed, and whereabouts are you again?

I'm so happy to hear the good news from the Luhold, Babalu! You are now just that much closer to living the dream together in Hawaii, tootling around in the sunshine together. It sounds like heaven to me!

Particularly with this horrible, miserable wet cold weather we have been having. Ugh. C'mon, where are crisp autumn days? All around me is sogginess. I protest! I realize it's hot in Australia, Aussie Girl, but it sounds mighty appealing to live between The Sunshine Coast and The Gold Coast. Mighty appealing. I'm just sayin'....

Very glad to hear that things are going better for you too, Suctionprints. Thanks for sharing the Star Jones story (you know how I love a good Star Jones story.) I really despise that woman. I wish Gillian Anderson had throttled her on national television. So she's homophobic and she's now married to a gay man? Well this should be interesting. Talk about your love/hate relationships. On the other hand, she'll always have her wedding, and her free-bees. From here on, Bridezilla and Starzilla will be synonomous.

I had a Saturday for the Ages this weekend! It began in the best way, breaking grilled cheese with one fabulous Skagirl. What fun. I could have hung out with the warm tomato soup and excellent company for days. But no rest for the wicked! Mr. Yogi and I went over to a friend's house for one of the most memorable dinners of my life. It was a six course Italian white truffle feast with bottle after bottle of vintage wines. The first two courses were served with '88 Krug, then we had a magnum of '90 Gaia Sperss that we provided served with homemade pasta thick with layers of truffles and lamb with port and truffle sauce; then, with an unspeakable decadent dessert of chocolate souffle, he served an '88 Quinterelli Recoto Reserve served. I told my friend there are some foods and wines that make you want to get down on your knees and praise God for their perfection, and we had it all that night. But 5 bottles of wine between 4 people really took a mean toll. Thank goodness we had transportation home. I'm still recovering. But it's a good recovery. I just better run all the farther and harder this afternoon.

Have a great day, MMers!

At the grilled cheese place, I take it? Is that place not wonderful?

I had kind of a cool weekend as well. I saw two of the actresses I was in that show with over the summer in concert Saturday night with some other alumni from Taboo (they were both in that together). EXCELLENT. They're both so amazingly talented, and sounded wonderful with a live rock band backing them. They did that old Barbra Streisand/Donna Summer duet "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" together and damned if they weren't just as powerful vocally as the originals! One of them just booked the national tour of Wicked and the other has a one-woman show next month, so they're both doing well professionally. I consider myself truly fortunate to have worked with them.

I also got the new CD from what is now one of my favorite bands of all time period instead of just favorite new bands...theSTART. The only way I can think of to describe them is No Doubt discovering a box of really good unreleased Berlin and Missing Persons songs, only even better. The only downside is that I was really excited to hear they were on tour...until I saw they'd already played NYC last Monday. Bleah.

I went out for what I think may be my last East River power walk of the season, unfortunately, Saturday. I went at the perfect time of day because the sun was setting beyond the Brooklyn Bridge and it was just gorgeous. I had my cameraphone with me and they're not the best quality, but I took some pics here, here, and here. It was just too beautiful not to share!

Speaking of which, good for you, Ricci! You know, it's funny...most of the time I'm happy with being single, but there are those random times like when I saw that sunset when I'm just kind of like, "You know...it would be really nice to have a significant other to share this with." But I was thinking about it and honestly, I'm not even sure where to begin to look anymore! Bars usually don't pan out as far as anything quality, a lot of the places I used to use online have gone pay and out of my budget, and I don't know that I always had the best luck that way either anyway. And there's certainly no one here at work and that's usually a bad idea anyway. Honestly, most of the times I've met someone when I wasn't trying, like at a friend's party or something, so I should probably just bear that in mind, I guess. Still, even though most of the times I'm fine, sometimes it can get to me. Ah well!

Anyway, hope all's well with all of you!

ETA from that thread: Sorry to get you hooked, suctionprints, but hey, there's definitely worse things to get hooked on than Bands Reunited, no?

I am not sure where he was stationed. I think he went over to Australia on R&R when he was in Vietnam. And I live in Rhode Island the smallest state in the United States and one of the most corrupt also.

Yogi, you know sweety I've come to conclustion that there might be a bit of a differnce from New York and Wichita Falls, but I could be wrong lol, any ways your weekend sounds fabulous, I however didn't even leave the house lol, but it's been raining here too, but that truely is a good thing since all of our water sources have been drying up.

One of these years I need to get a change senery because even if I had a boyfriend we wouln't be able to show it in public, granted I'm all for anit-pda, but you know holding hands could be hazardess to your health here blargh.

ETA, Dodo, those are really lovely looking pics.

Uh, I'll pass? Now if you said "No Doubt discovering Lou Reed's "Berlin" and a box of good unreleased Mission of Burma songs", I'd be right with you, my friend. Heh.

I saw this hoot of a movie this past weekend: "The Adventures of Iron Pussy". It's this spoofy Thai movie that was part of the GLBT film festival they're holding in town. It chronicles the adventures of a transvestite super-agent who moonlights as a 7-11 clerk by day. And falls in love with her biological brother. That's the least convoluted part of the plot. There's awesomely bad fashion, one-liners and roomsful of women dressed like Imelda Marcos galore! My friend's favorite line was "Who is this woman who is always so appropriately dressed for every occasion?" Mine was "Stop talking. You'll lose more blood." The former Thai President and Cabinet minister not only make cameos, but join in the singing and dancing. Yes. It's a musical. Yay, Thailand!

Now back to my hidey-hole.

Agh! I didn't mean to kill this thread! Someone talk to me!

Hey Suction!

I just found out something that made my dorky little day, Georgia has a new flag! No not the state, the country, and man do I need a life.

Suctionprints I think I figured out where everyone went. It's Thursday night, around 8pm in the US, and they're all watching Survivor! Lucky people!

Georgia in the USSR, Woody?

Hey, suctionprints! I hate it when that happens too.

Things got crazy-bad at work this week. The second person I hired? Words do not describe.... I can tell you what 30 years experience at the same company prepares you to do.... the exact same thing you have been doing for 30 years and NOTHING else. Ugh.

The stress. The stress.

So my week has been far from stellar. The only good part is that I now have a swimming trainer named Boris. He is Russian. He even has a T-shirt that says RUSSIA on it, hence he is always called Boris the Russian by me. (I wonder if he is from Georgia?) I like him very much. This week, I ran 6 miles, biked 22, swam I don't know how many, and it's only Thursday. So at least I am working out my stress in a healthy way.

Let's hope survivor is at least diverting.

Oh, funny. Tonight at dinner we were talking about the Apprentice. Mr. Yogi pointed out that everyone on the Apprentice has to be good looking. Little Yogi said the woman on the men's team this season was not good looking. He said, "It looks like she had a smiling accident. She has all those lines around her mouth, you know." I laughed so hard. Smiling Accident. I'll have to remember that one. Poor Pam.

HA! That's how I always feel like when my post is the last one for a long time--like I'm Charlie Brown, the thread is that little Christmas tree and my post was the ornament that "killed" it.

(Oh Lord--now I'm having visions of, "My tree is BROKEN!" I think I've officially been watching too bleebleeblahblahboo.)


Ugh is right...I'm sorry! The first person is still working out, though, hopefully?

But that in a nutshell is what pisses me off about my own job searching experience...the most common complaint I got was that I had too much temp experience and that employers wanted someone more "stable". But I would argue that that would actually make me a stronger candidate than someone like you described. I've had practical experience with a wide range of different workplace environments and personality types and have had to pick things like software and procedures up extremely quickly, whereas someone who's worked years and years at the same job may be "stable", but will only know how to do things the way they were done at that job. And as far as my "stability", I wouldn't apply for a permanent job if I didn't intend to stay!

Ugh. Sorry for the rant, especially because I've had good job luck lately, knock on wood. But that still really gets to me!

Hope you all have a great weekend! I've got a friend's birthday party tonight and then my mom gets in tomorrow morning so I'm looking forward to mine!

Wow yogi, that sounds great. If you need a workout partner (besides Boris) feel free to contact me. I guess you probably belong to a gym though, unless there's a pool in your building. I had a free week membership at Club Reebok (which I think is right near you) and I loved the swimming, and the water aerobics. However the membership is nearly as much as my rent, so I couldn't continue there, but what a gorgeous gym.

I did join the corporate gym at work. I try to do between 2-3 miles on the elliptic machine, Pilates twice a week, and have recently started a weight machine routine. This is my first time belonging to a gym, and I really hope to be seeing a difference sometime soon (it's been less than three weeks so far).

Hey guys!
Yes Aussie it is indeed the former Georigia S.S.R., but has of now nothing will top 2002, when not only did Afghanistan and Rwanda got new flags but there was a whole new country! East Timor, I was a happy elf when I got that almanac.

Sorry bout the job trouble Yogi,dear.

Oh something that looks promising, I applied for our local police department for a dispatcher opening, not only are they hiring my best friends sister may be up for a promotion and be ahead of the dispatchers, but even now she is putting in a good word for me so cross your fingers.

And I am very proud of myself I only have to watch 5 shows this fall, sometimes it gets very bad as in I abosoulty cannot go out because I have a show to watch uncareing bastards that are my friends haha.

na zdrowie to skagirl. How've you been doing?

I'm sorry about your assistant, yogi. How are things going with the house remodel plans? When do you actually have to move out?

Hildy - your books finally arrived yesterday, and I'm so excited! I don't know what I'll try first. yogi - I saw your name at the back, but which is your recipe again?

We're not doing much for Thanksgiving - just ham for the two of us. Mr. Lu decided he doesn't like turkey and he's no longer going to pretend he does for the sake of tradition. And, since he's (half) TURKISH, I guess he has the right to feel any way he wants about turkey.

Good to see you, The Last Dodo and all other MMers!

Babalu, that's so funny about Mr Lu and turkey/Turkish, hee! Isn't Hildy's book just great? I love it. Miss Yogi's recipe is on P. 45.

Yogi what happened with the second person you hired? I thought all was going well? You certainly don't need the stress mate, so I hope it all works out and soon too. And well done with all the exercising! You're putting us all to shame. Oh, and smiling accident, heh. Little Yogi got that right!

Dodo that's so ridiculous about not being considered for a permanent job just because you've been doing so much temp work. You'd think that would prove to an employer that here is a person who really wants to work.

Woody the only reason I've even heard about Georgia is because of the old Beatles song, "Back in the USSR" - with the line "that Georgia's always on mymymymymymymymy mind". Most people thought that Georgia referred to a girl.

skagirl where are you mate?

Had a lovely night out with an old friend from interstate. She and I went to this Italian restaurant that I've never been to before but was highly recommended. There was not another soul in sight, in fact they were about to close as they hadn't had any customers since 3pm, but they stayed open and made us dinner. The food was wonderful! Oh man! I can't understand why they don't have people just lining up to eat there. Mr Aussie and I are going to eat there again soon.

Today we're having a family day, taking the kids to see Polar Express and then we're going to buy a Christmas tree! Our old one is really falling apart and it's time for a new one. Littlest Aussie has been asking us for a month now to put up the Christmas tree and lights, so we'll be doing that this afternoon.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Hey MMers!
I would love a workout partner for the park, ImE. I went this morning for a run, and I found it very intimidating. Even at 7 AM, it was filled with hard core runners, and I'm not fast yet at all. First, I want to build my endurance, then work on speed. So if you want to do two miles at a nice jog, that would be great for me. Not being a native NYer, I sometimes get distracted by the people and crowds. I was thinking this morning, how much easier it would be if I had a running partner.

I'm feeling much better about my work situation because I told the horrible woman who was poisoning my happy office environment not to come back. Both of my other assistants were thrilled beyond belief - she caused just that much distress in less than a week. She couldn't figure out how to do anything (seriously anything,) and she was hired to be in charge of the whole office and the other two employees. Her way of handling this? She screamed at me. According to her, I wasn't patient enough, clear enough, helpful enough, etc. I did nothing but work with her all week in an effort to help her, but it wasn't enough for her. I told her that I'm sorry she felt that way, but I basically gave her all the time and attention that I could, and as that wasn't enough, the job was obviously not appropriate for her. I couldn't believe her inability to pick up anything. Y'all, she didn't even know how to turn on the computer. How someone works at an office for 30 years without knowing how to turn on and off a computer is beyond me. You should have see her resume and heard her interview. You would have thought she ran the whole corporation she last worked for. That's what I hate, when people completely misrepresesnt their experience and abilities. Do they think I won't notice???? God Lord, please don't waste my time. Ugh.


Totally, skagirl. What Babalu said...... whatever Babalu said....


I love that, Last Dodo. You captured it perfectly, as always!

How was Polar Express, Aussie Girl? I want to see it! We rented Elf last night, and it was great. Everyone should see that this holiday if they didn't already. I also rented Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. What a great film. It appeals to the latent drag queen within me. I want to dance around the Australian desert in a green sequined show girls costume! I thought Terence Stamp's performance was just gorgeous - really perfect. When I come visit, Aussie Girl, can we scare up some chiffon to dance around the desert in? Do you know anyone with a lavendar bus we can borrow?

Hey guys! Been very busy with work this week (we're working on our end of the year mailing and people who were helping us caused us to actually be significantly behind schedule) & just a ton of stuff going on, plus the boards were wonky as we all know during the transition. Just exhausted, then today I woke up at 8 & couldn't go back to sleep -- I was hoping to sleep in until 10 or so, but it wasn't in the cards. Oh well, I guess it will get me in gear to run my errands today!

Glad everyone is doing well, and cheers to you, lu! (na zdrowie = salut, yogi). Have a good Thanksgiving if I don't have the time to bounce in. I cannot wait to go home for a few days.

Yogi, I'm glad you cured the office cancer. :), and also? I love Pricella! I was all like Elron's in a dress it was fun, can I join you and Aussie!

It is good to see you again, Skachicka!