You bet we can, Yogi. And no, I don't have a lavender bus but don't worry, that's just a small detail! And Woody, of course you can come too! I can't believe that woman Yogi, did she think that employers wouldn't notice her total incompetence? I'm sure that now she's gone, your whole office atmosphere will improve.

Polar Express was pretty good. Great special effects. There are some scenes with a bunch of elves, thousands of them in fact, and they were pretty impressive, except right at the end it turned a little smaltzy - too much singing and dancing etc. But overall a good movie.

Yeah, but most people who actually do the hiring have tunnel vision, unfortunately. Even back in Chicago when the job market was booming, there was this one temp assignment I was on where everyone I actually worked with/for really liked me and wanted me to take over permanently, but the HR person "didn't feel comfortable with my lack of stability" and refused to budge even though everyone else that I would, you know, actually be working for was pissed and thought it was bullshit. And then, to add insult to injury, she had the nerve to come up to me on my last day and gush, "You've done such a good job! We're really going to miss you!" in a tone of voice that would seem to indicate she was about to pat me on the head and give me a lollipop. It took every ounce of restraint I had not to snap, "You're the one who sent me packing, you judgemental condescending hag, so cram it!"

Ah well. This assignment promises to go into next year at the earliest and I'm building up a good work history with agencies here, so that's all that matters.


I'm the exact opposite. When I'm going walking/jogging outside, I love to just put on my discman and shut the world out. It's like my ultimate "me" time and I usually get some great thinking done. I think a workout partner at a gym might be fun, though...hopefully by this time next year I'll be able to finally afford a membership/trainer!


Maybe she can go work for Omarosa. They could play job inflation one-upsmanship. Glad she'll be out of your hair!

It's been fun having my mom around. Yesterday we hit the Chelsea Market and Mr. Pink (a vintage glassware store) during the day and had dinner with a friend at the Sunburnt Cow, an excellent Australian place around the corner from me, at night. Tonight after work we're hitting the department store holiday windows, and Thursday we're going to get up early and hit the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since neither of us have ever seen it.

YOu guys have been up to lots of mischief lately--I've had limited access time and ability of late, for which I apologize.

Dodo, that Tday parade plan sounds like the bomb. I would totally rather do that in person than watch it on TV. And the window display visit sounds like fun, too and damn, I want to go to a vintage glassware store, too! /whine.

And y'all are getting so healthy! My back is slowly creeping back to normal, and I really think that I'd have not put it out in the first place if I were in better shape. So, the stairmaster and I are going to become better friends. I actually dislike gym workouts--would much rather be doing somethiong outside--but beggars cannot be choosy.

I'm doing the traditional Thanksgiving feast at our house this year, for just my brother and family. My parents are headed down to my sister's house, and my brother the chef will be cooking for several hundred people. I wish I were going to eat a feast like Yogi's truffle and wine festival, however. That sounded tremendous. Did you actually feel as if you got enough truffle to eat?

Ms. Aussie, are you still planning on doing a Thanksgiving dinner? That's awfully nice of you, I have to say.

Oh, and I tried to post this last week, but w/out success: Yogi's breadsticks were featured on TV this weekend! My brother did a little spot on Fox and Friends this past Sunday, and that was one of the featured recipes. And, in fact, he tells me that it was the most popular one, too. (Imagine! Sugar and bacon more popular than Brussels Sprouts....)

Early mornings, eh? I'm afraid I barely have enough energy to eat breakfast and dress myself in the mornings, forget about running. Maybe we could do something later in the morning on Saturdays? I still have to get a proper pair of running shoes. I'm using my tennis sneakers on the elliptic machine and one of the gym people said I need to get better shoes. Anyone have any recommendations?

Dodo, glad to hear you're having fun with your mom. I haven't been to the parade in years, but when I went, I found that Broadway in the lower 50s was the least crowded spot. I can't assure that it is still the case, but I know CPW and the area right around Macy's are nightmares.

Aii, aii, aii....what a month! Jeez, it only took me, oh, two weeks or so to finally find some free time to post here! I've been playing catch-up with the forums and such, so... Anyway! As to where I've been, two weeks ago I was in San Jose for my cousin's wedding, which was so beautiful! The week after, I flew out to Chicago for my aunt's funeral. :( So it really hasn't been a good month for me, but you know what? Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I'm going to Seaside (the Oregon coast) for a little R&R the day after. Man, do I need it. Well, night all. I feel like crap just coming here and posting really fast, but man am I exhausted...more maybe tommorow, but don't count on it.

Hildy I'm not sure yet if I'll do the Thanksgiving dinner, but I'm considering it. And hey, I'm not at all surprised about Yogi's breadsticks - they're delicious!

Hey Pip it's good to see you mate! Sorry to hear about your aunt - was that the aunt that was in hospital recently? Anyway, check in with us when you can.

Dodo, so what did you eat at the Aussie Cafe? Vegemite sangers? And look out for The Wiggles at the Macy's Parade, the only Aussie act to be in it ever (or so I heard).

I missed your brother's segment on Fox, Hildy! That's what I get for going running in the park on a Sunday morning. Nothing good can come of such ambition. I would have loved to have seen the Bacon Breadsticks in action on TV. They are always a popular treat. I have a friend in Georgia who says, "ain't nothin' a little bacon don't make better." He says the same thing about butter too. Such wisdom. Though I did learn after my tuffle and wine feast that too much of a good thing really, really is too much! Yes, Hildy, I did have enough truffles, even for me!

I am off to Disney World this morning. Me and the Mouse are doing the Thanksgiving thing with Mr. Yogi, Little Yogi, and my MIL. It should be an excellent time. I love Disney World - I've been hundreds of times, and it's always fun. My favorite rides are Pirates of the Carribean (though no Johnny Depp) and Haunted Mansion. This is the first Thanksgiving I haven't spent a week cooking in many years. I'm very happy about the break. I brought my workout clothes and swim suit, so I'm good to go!

I'm sorry to hear about your Aunt, Pip. That is so very sad. I hope you enjoy your day of rest at the ocean.

I have Nike running shoes, ImE, and I'm very happy with them. Exercise shoes are a whole world of option and discussion. I have something like ten pairs of different shoes for different exercise purposes. Once you start exercising, shoewear becomes a fascinating addiction that elicits hours of discussion and contemplation. Niketown is a great place to shop because the people who work there are absolutely obsessed with footwear, and they can give you good advice.

I've always wanted to go to Mr. Pink, Last Dodo. What a fun way to spend the afternoon.

My office has returned to it's happy place. Yesterday, we sang Cecelia and Me and Bobby McGee. OK, maybe it has gone a little too far in the other direction - heh.

Maybe I'll ask for a gift certificate from Niketown for Christmas so I can get the proper shoes. Then come January, I could be a potential jogging partner, as long as you don't get too far ahead of me in the interim. I'm doing about 2 miles in 40 minutes on the elliptic machine - is that too slow?

yogi, you definitely have to go to Mr. Pink the next time you're in Chelsea! It's a tiny little store so it won't take you long...it's so jampacked you'll be afraid you'll knock something over if you move! My favorite part is the little alcove in the back where they have all the collectible series glasses they used to offer at McDonald's, Burger King, etc...like from movies like Star Wars or The Great Muppet Caper or just general cartoons like Camp Snoopy and the Smurfs. Of course, now they're $10-15 each as opposed to free or minimal with a large beverage, but what can you do? But it definitely brings back a lot of childhood memories for me.

AussieGirl, they don't have vegemite or anything really hardcore like that (although they do have kangaroo sausage). It seems to be mainly barbecue stuff. This time I had the fish and chips; last time I had calamari and barbecued beef over spinach/mushroom lasagna. But everything everyone has had there has always been quite good. This is the info page which contains a link for a menu that's a bit outdated but gives you a general idea at least.

So out of the holiday windows, Macy's was kind of a letdown to me because the theme was the Polar Express, which...I haven't seen the movie and have no desire to, so while it looked quite well done, it had very little resonance for me. I guess I prefer my holiday window themes to be a little more universal. The 34th Street side had Miracle on 34th Street, which I'm thinking they might every year because they had that the last time I looked as well. Lord & Taylor had the history of postal service, which sounds boring but was actually quite well done...it was all these really intricate windows of life at the year in question. Saks' won't be complete until tonight, but the theme was something obscure and the one window I could see didn't really impress me.

And of COURSE now would be the time that that 23 year old I dated over the summer who's in school up in Albany would call me to let me know he was in town for a few hours and wanted to see me! Ah well. I told him I would love to see him again, but also to give me more notice next time so I could plan accordingly. He's sweet and means well, at least.

Hey Guys!

I cleaned my room yesterday, cause my cousin is coming in and she likes to gripe at me when its messy which is like all the time, it's sad she bosses me around and she is 16 oh well what can I say I'm a push over. :)

My yard is turning into a swiming pool haha, but I am not complaing because we haven't been able to use our own town water in years we had to borow from wichita falls, sever draught you know so it's been raining off and on for about a week, too bad its kinda cold.

Also, I'm tired of being unemployed sigh.

Hey all - have a good Thanksgiving all! I'm off soon to get my stuff & fight my way for a taxi and wanted to pop by as I'm not doing any more work until Monday! Except for the fact I totally have to check my email & voicemail tomorrow. Oh well. Everyone eat lots & be merry & safe!


Also, PIP sorry to hear about your aunt.

It will be a cold, cold day in Witchita Falls when I tell someone that they are slow. We will do it, ImE, and you will love it! Though running is different from the elliptic machine. Make sure to train by changing your incline from time to time.


Oh - I so, so, so love those! I have a little collection that no one can use except me. My most favorite glass ever was my special Cubs glass from Exxon. I used it for years - it was sort of an in-between-size. It was the perfect glass. I still think of it with love from time to time. I remember the day it broke. Maybe Mr. Pink has one!

Cleaning is always a good thing, Woodlock! [tm Martha Stewart, who thinks even prison is a good thing]

I'm here with The Mouse. It's weird to hear Christmas music with hydrangia and palm trees all around, but I'm trying to get into the spirit. This morning, I did my run at sunrise, and I ate a bug. Welcome to the South! Heh.

Gobble, Gobble.

OK, yogi, turkeys DO eat bugs, but don't you think you carried that one a little too far? Sheesh. You are inspiring me, BTW. I am eyeing up treadmills so I can walk during the winter - perhaps Mr HH and I will get one for ourselves for Christmas...

Buck up, Woodlock. Have fun with your cousin this weekend. I have the feeling good things are just around the corner for you.

Everyone have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend!

Hey everybody!

Are y'all still talking about Target?

Heh. That's what you were talking about, 170 pages ago, when I realized I was too old and slow to keep up with a General Gabbery thread.

Still, I wanted all of you to know that even though I have spared you the exciting details of my daily life in the middle of this Ohio cornfield (oh sure, now you're feeling thankful) that deep down inside me in a place I can't even name, I love every snarky one of you for making me laugh everyday.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Happy Tgiving US residents! I am slowly revising my stupid thesis. The good news it that I met a nice English guy yesterday through my match.com adventures. He confided to me that one of his favorite show here in the past was Party of 5. C'mon that is great! more on this next week after I deal with my sister in MD for a few days.

Happy day-before-Thanksgiving, everyone!

Welcome back, percolata! Where in Ohio are you from? I'm from Lorain County.

yogi - is it horribly crowded at WDW? I hope you're staying on-site so you can take advantage of early opening. Be sure and do Test Track at Epcot if you haven't yet! Does Little Yogi love Buzz Lightyear?

Sorry to hear about your aunt, PiP, but I'm glad you're getting some fun time in now.

Ok that deserves a hee!

I do hope something will come soon because my poor mom is getting worried about bills and stuff since she is paying for my phone and insurance right now, I feel awfull about her having to pay for it so Hopefully something will come very soon.

And I can't belive how clean my room looks haha it only took over 3 hours but I still need to clean my closet ugh I am so not looking forward for that.

Happy T-day everyone!

This will be the best Christmahanukanzakah ever!

I'm assuming you're in Florida, Yogi? I know that Disneyland is in CA, and I have always wanted to go there or anywhere similar. Have loads of fun! And what do you mean, you ate a bug? Please explain.

Hi Percolata! Glad we can give you a chuckle, mate. And BTW, I would love to hear about your life in an Ohio cornfield. Seriously! Because I'm a stickybeak and I love to learn about other people and cultures. So come on, let's hear it!

Babalu Littlest Aussie loves Buzz Lightyear. He calls him Buzz Right Here (we call him Buzz Light Beer, heh). He has a Buzz dress up suit (or soup, as he calls it!) and wants to wear it all the time, but it has long sleeves and it's so blazing hot here so we usually only let him wear it if we're going to the air conditioned shops.

Ricci the new Pommie guys sounds interesting - waiting to hear more!

Heidi between you, Yogi and iME, you're all putting me to shame with your exercising!

Woody don't worry mate, things can only get better from here.

To all of you over there, Happy Thanksgiving!

I have nothing of real importance to say (never do really) so I will just wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Perhaps the bug eating was carring the turkey thing a bit too far, Heidihug. The darned thing actually flew into my mouth completely uninvited (as they are won't to do sometimes whilst one is running.) My running coach told me that when that happens, we should consider it extra protein, so I tried to keep a good attitude and not freak out. I consider it a sort of rite of passage...

Gobble, gobble

Who doesn't LOVE Buzz Lightyear, Babalu? Though Little Yogi has put away his Buzz Lightyear costume, Aussie Girl (I bet Littlest Aussie looks adorable!) I also enjoy his ride here where we shot lasars to help him defeat the Emperor Zurg - To Infinity and Beyond, Baby!!!

This has actually turned out to be a great time to visit The Mouse. But then again, I'm always here during holidays, so I'm used to the maddening crowds. The hardest thing for me about crowds is the fact that people from "other places" (Non-NYCers) move through crowds without the least awareness of the others around them. I have to keep reminding myself that they just aren't accustomed to crowds, and that's why they a. stop abruptly whenever and wherever the thought strikes them, b. move in sort of zig zag ways, not direct paths, and c. Congregate in large, loose groups completely blocking the path. Oh my heck, sometimes I want to knock them upside their heads and holler "pay attention, will you!" But that would be so un-Disney and also unkind, so I contain myself.

It's always good to see you, Percalota - you are the best. You don't need to keep up. We can always talk about Target when you come.

Congrats, Ricci! Life is good, baby!!! The Party of Five guy sounds very promising.


Sing it, my Elfin Friend, sing it!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Indulge, Enjoy!

Hi, Guys,

I've been working six-day weeks for the last few months, so haven't been able to post, but have been keeping up with you guys here and there when the boss isn't looking! The Chronicle was given orders from above to cut the budget 10 percent. I survived the layoffs, but now we're so understaffed that they're paying me time and a half on Saturdays just to stay way behind instead of just-give-it-up-'cause-we'll-never-catch-up behind.

Yogi, you crack me up - I am so with you on the walking-in-a-crowd thing. How can people be so unaware (read:rude)? Houston has a tunnel system underneath most of downtown, and, when I'm walking during my lunch break, I am known to say ''Keep to the right, please!'' frequently. What I'd like to say is ''Get your head out of your butt!''

Happy Turkey Day, All! I just found out that my nephew will be on Fox News Live in 30 minutes - he's a Marine stationed in Fallujah! His brother is there, too, in Ramadi. If you see David McAnulty on TV, send him good thoughts!

Just popped in to say Happy Thanksgiving!

Re the crowds - it's terrible here at the major shopping centres with everyone having left their Christmas shopping to the last possible minute (like me), and everyone is not keeping to the left. It's hard to not just say "What's wrong with you, mate? Just bloody well move over to the left and let me get by, you moron!". But that's not in keeping with the Christmas spirit, so I just grit my teeth and try to pass.

There is a rule about crowds neato! Is it kinda like the one for the stairs where if you are going up you are on the right and down on the left?

[Eminem]I'm sorry mama/I didn't mean to make you cry/But tonight I'm cleaning out my closet...[/em]

Jen C, pinki, percolata, bk great to see you! Jen, best wishes to your nephews....what a place to be in this time of year.



I liked it in Toy Story 2 when he discovered Emperor Zurg was his father, and they ended up tossing the football around.

I had a good Thanksgiving, even though I was fightinlg a cold (and still am). My guests showed up an hour and fifteen minutes early, while i was still in my pajamas and trying to get the kitchen floor mopped. That fell to hell, so I got dressed and fed everyone. Then I won $50, because one of my guests was absolutely sure that it was Lemmy from Motorhead on the pool raft talking about drinking himself to death in "Decline of the Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years." I knew that it was Chris Holmes from W.A.S.P., but she wouldn't back down. First it was $20. Then it got up to $50. I told her to back off because she'd just be writing me a check, but she wouldn't. She threatened Netflix. I said "Netflix it all you want, girl, because I will be taking your money!" Next day, I get this email with the title "Do you want your $50 in small bills or will you take a check?" I took a check when she came over for leftovers, but I'll take her out to dinner after the holidays with the money. Hee. And cha-ching, as the kids say.

Now back to bed. It snowed last night and it looks so pretty! And Chris had the day off, so he decorated the house with the tree and whatnot.

PS: Can I get some input on this - my mom thinks she should be doing yoga because my sister is doing it and she has to do what my sister does. I think she should get into a class, but she refuses to do that. Is there a really good book/video package where she can learn some basic moves? She's 74, in mostly good health, but has arthritic knees.

Happy Thanksgiving to all Sorry I've been away for a while. I got out of posting for a bit, but now i'm back. I have been reading the posts right along, just haven't posted. Work has gotten really busy at my new job, which is about three months old now. Boy, time goes by fast when your having fun, doesn't it?

suctionprints I don't know the name of an exact video to tell you, but I know they have lots of videos for exercising. There must be one for yoga. They usually have low impact exercised on these videos. Maybe your mom can try out one like that and see how she feels. She should talk to her doctor too, maybe he/she could suggest something.

Aussiegirl Goodday Mate!! Hope and the aussie fam are doing well. Say hello to big and little aussie for me, and of course mr. aussie.

Jennifer c. I guess i can't complain to much about work. i"m still dong 5 days a week, but with overtime. My boss is putting a stop to that though. TAke care and don't overdue it, too much.

Gonna go for now. Gotta start the xmas shopping. I love buying presents for people, but I don't like the crowds. Say a prayer for me, Ok?

Howdy and gidday to Teena. 'Bout time you got yourself back here, mate!

Suction, I think Yogi is definitely the expert around here on yoga. Another thing your mum might like to consider is Tai Chi, it's very gentle and suitable for all ages. Some of my students were aged in their 70's and they got a lot of benefit from it.

Jennifer thinking of your two nephews in Iraq, and sending them lots of good thoughts. I looked on TV here for mention of David, as we get US news channels here but I missed it.

I've heard they're going to make a Toy Story 3, can't wait. They are some of the best kids movies ever made, and with lots of jokes for the big kids like me too.

Hope your Thanksgivings were full of yum!
We had a great visit with The Mouse. We had an outrageously good Thanksgiving dinner that I didn't have to prepare - hurray! And I had a wonderful massage with grapefruit aromatherapy. So nice, so nice. It's good to occasionally have a holiday when someone else cooks. I could get used to this!

But I hate travelling on holiday weekends - Ugh. What's going on with children these days? Both on the flight out and the flight back there were small children who started shreiking hysterically from gate to gate. It had nothing to do with ears - we hadn't moved yet. One child was having a hissy fit because she didn't like the blanket her mother had brought. Honestly, parents of small children really need to travel with tylenol. I am on record as against the all too common practice of giving children medication to correct behavior, but these children should either not be allowed on a plane, or their parents should give them some sort of medication to calm them down. My son never screamed like that and he has had open heart surgery and numerous other proceedures. These children sounded like the crack babies that were in the hospital. Their parents couldn't calm them down at all. It was very strange to me.


Sending him and your family my best thoughts, JenniferC! I hope he had a nice dinner, and he and his brother get to come home soon.



Yikes. I could not agree with you more, suctionprints-$50-richer. Though I absolutely applaud your Mom's decision to do yoga, doing it without any guidance whatsoever makes her a potential injury waiting to happen. Although I have not used either of these products, I highly recommend both The Woman's Book of Yoga and Health : A Lifelong Guide to Wellness by JUDITH HANSON LASATER (Foreword), LINDA SPARROWE, PATRICIA WALDEN and the DVD/Video Yoga Journal's Yoga for Longevity (2002). I'm recommend the book because it specifically deals with yoga at different stages of a woman's life. I have studied with Judith Lasater - she is remarkable. Both she and Patricia Walden have long been two of the most respected women in the field. You honestly can't go wrong. The reason I recommned this particular video is because it includes and assistant demonstrating modifications to the poses throughout the video. This is critical for anyone who is beginning to practice and does not have a teacher available. I know of few people (if any at all) who do not need modifications in the first phase of their lifelong practice, and many of my teachers still use modifications in certain poses, as do I. There is no shame in using a modification - it merely demonstrates a respect for the body which is truly yogic. I think both of these would be excellent gifts to encourage your Mom on her journey - safely.

Heh, Yogi, try travelling on international flights of 20 hours plus duration with a plane load of screaming kids. Not a nice experience. What we always did was administer a very small dose of Valergan, which, in case you didn't know, is a child sedative. It made for a much easier journey for them, and us. And everyone else too. Our doctor recommended we did that, and it really helped, though I guess that's not really a viable option on shorter domestic flights. And if our kids started grizzling, we always tended to them straight away. I'm not into this leave a child to cry and scream thing, but unfortunately there were always parents on the flights who didn't share my views on that. I just don't like subjecting any other people to my crying child and conversely I don't like to be on the receiving end of it either, not on a plane.

And yeah! for your outrageously fantastic Thanksgiving dinner that you didn't have to slave over, and also your grapefruit aromatherapy massage!! I think you should get used to that, heh. How did Little Yogi like the Mouse experience? I'd so love to go there one day. It really must be fantastic.

My teenage niece is staying with us while her mother (she of the UN speaking fame) is in Chicago, as her dad is working and her summer school holidays have begun 2 weeks earlier than the other schools. Apparently she loves hanging out with us, as we are "cool" parents, heh. If only she knew. So since it's so close to the end of the school year, I'm keeping Big Little Aussie home from school today, and we're all......wait for it.......going shopping! Yes, I'm going to brave the hordes. With 3 kids. I think I'll need some prayers for my sanity, Teenaheh. But first I'm going to make bacon and eggs for brekkie.

Big Little Aussie graduates from Primary School (the end of Year 7) this Thursday, so we are looking forward to the graduation celebration. It's sure been a long and tough road to this point. I feel so proud of him and all that he's managed to achieve, despite such huge obstacles. And the day after we're going to the Gold Coast for a few days, but when we come back he'll still have 3 days of school before it finally finishes. I've been busy getting his books and uniforms ready for the new High School (which is in a different location from the Primary School) which he starts at the end of January. Meantime, we are all looking forward to the summer school hols.

Hi to all you MM'ers!!!

Helllooo to all! I have eaten my fill, decorated my parents' house for xmas, cooked a ton & took the familia out for the 33rd anniversary of my parents marriage (well, my mom chipped in a gift certificate, but I helped). Yum, tons of fun. Glad to hear people had good times, too!!

However, I had the most exhausting Thanksgiving travel ever - this is the eighth time out of the last 9 years I've traveled to Chicago for the holiday, so I know to brace myself for storms, children, crowds, etc. However, Tuesday eve I was watching the travel forecasts & everything seemed cool, until I got to the airport where a phone line had been cut. So all of the computers were down at American (I usually fly United & will now not fly AA after the staff I encountered). They had to do everything by hand, people were being calm, but they had NO ONE telling people what was going on -- there was ONE woman walking between the different lines that the passengers formed, telling people they could cut in line to get on their flights but no explanations. Wouldn't a hand-written sign help? Pulling one of the TSAs who were standing around watching to direct traffic? Whatever, it's not worth getting worked up since that only makes the delays worse & there's always sufficient numbers of crazies to make situations worse. Then, when I finally got to board, there were a few people who evidently got extra shots at the bar & were very, very, very rude & cursing, making me feel uncomfortable & the staff wouldn't say anything to them. Ugh. Not cool at all. You'd think with all of the potential holiday travel issues, there would be extra staff on hand to help, but nada. I encountered even ruder staff at O'Hare on the way back. So, instead of comparison shopping for flights, United will get my business.

Hey all! Glad to hear you all enjoyed your Thanksgivings themselves, if not the travel involved. (skagirl, my mom used ATA from Chicago-NYC this time out with no hassles, but she generally takes whatever's cheapest. Although from what I can gather, ATA is going bankrupt and their Chicago service is being taken over by AirTran which only flies to NYC via Atlanta, so who knows how much longer that'll be an option?)

My mom and I enjoyed the Macy's parade; it was probably one of the best I've ever been to, but at the same time now that I've seen it that'll probably hold me for awhile. (imissEthan, we got a great close viewpoint at 51st/Broadway, so thanks for the tip!) It's really something seeing all those huge balloons so close you can see all the patches and things. The celebrities they had were fairly random, although I suppose that answers what Jose Feliciano and Peter Cetera were up to that day if you were dying of curiosity. The only real annoying part was when there was a backup and the United Society of Cheerleaders or whatever got stuck in front of us doing endless variations on "N! Y! C! NYC!" for a good 10-15 minutes. Or, as I whispered to my mom, "We've singlehandedly trounced the self-esteems of 2/3 of all high school girls in the country! Woo!" Afterward, we caught a matinee of The Incredibles, which we both loved.

Then after she went home on Friday, I managed to get free tickets to a matinee of 'night, mother on Broadway with Brenda Blethyn & Edie Falco. IN. CREDIBLE. Probably the best-acted play I've ever seen in my life. Being that it's about a daughter who tells her mother she wants to kill herself, it's not exactly the feel-good play of the year, but they managed to find all the humor and levels in it so it wasn't relentless angst. Most of the time, to be honest, I feel somewhat pressured into giving a standing ovation at the end, but this time I couldn't leap to my feet fast enough. (Although every now and then I'd crack up in my head because a friend and I had envisioned a Very Experienced Production of it starring the Very Experienced Charity Rahmer, late of Days Of Our Lives, and Horsey Foreign Model from the America's Next Top Model Beauty Tip of the Week, both of whom make, say, Tori Spelling look like Meryl Streep.) Anyway, I think Tony nominations for both are a no-brainer.

Sounds awesome, The Last Dodo - color me jealous.

Aussie - I know your MIL visited you recently, but isn't it about time for you to make a return visit to the in-laws? We could have an AussieCon somewhere. I really think you should take Littlest Little Aussie to Disney World before he gets much older. As yogi mentioned, the Buzz Lightyear ride is incredible. It's like being inside a gigantic video game.

Waaah, I don't wanna go back to work tomorrow. I'm being a big baby, but those four days off were so nice that I'm spoiled now. There's snow on the ground in Minnesota, and a bunch of families in the neighborhood have holiday lights on, so I'm looking at a rather festive scene as I type.

Hello Twopers!!
Had a very nice Thanksgiving. My parents and I went to My Aunt and Uncles for Dinner. Which was great since they only live about 30 minutes away. I would not want to be anywhere near the airport the day before thanksgiving. Now that i've read your experiences, i'm gonna keep that tradition going.
Skagirl What an awful travel for you. Why can't these airline people tell you whats going on? I mean don't they know it make there job easier, not haveing people screaming at them, I mean. Well I hope you had a nice rest of the weekend.
Aussiegirl I haven't been to Disneyworld in about 10 years, but the first and only time I went I had the best time. It's something that everyone should see at least once in their lives. I did Space Mountain about fifteen times in a row. Of course I had to meet the mouse, and my favorite character Goofey. I think your kids would have the time of their lives there. Of course you and the other big kid would have a ball too. haha.
Dodo I'm jealous of you going to the Macy's Parade. i've always wanted to go. It always looks like so much fun on the t.v

Well gotta go all. I hope everyone has a good first day back to reality. Stinks doesn't it. Oh well, What can you do!

I am so there with you, Babalu! I don't want to be here, either! At least you have snow, so it's easier to segue right into the next holiday season.
We went on two 'hikes' (hard to hike too hard with the kids) over the long weekend, and are still feasting on turkey leftovers--I'm gonna be making a soup out of the bones today. I had my brother and family over, and all was reasonably tranquil.

Yay to all you exercisers! My husband has started exercising, and I fully intend to as soon as my back feels better. It's most of the way there, but not the entire way. I actually have a yoga tape entitled 'gentle Yoga to strengthen the back,' or somethiong like that, but now I'm paranoid that I ought not to be using that without first getting instructions. Would I really break something, yogi?


Hope everybody's holiday was delightful, and that aussiegirl didn't lose her mind shopping with three kids, and that everybody is suitably excited over the Sports Illustrated Sportsmen of the Year (ahem: The Red Sox and FANS. That's me! I'm a Sportsman!)

I'm glad to hear my tip was still good Dodo. My Thanksgiving was good, although things are not going so well with the boyfriend. What is the general consensus about couples counseling when you're not even engaged?

In more frivolous bad news, my DVR is not cooperating lately. I missed Apprentice and the Seinfeld special thanks to malfunctioning. My appointment is for Friday evening, so I guess I'll be spending quite a bit of time at home this week, since I can't trust the thing. When I don't have the TV or radio on and it's very quiet outside, I can hear the hard drive of the DVR churning, like I sometimes hear my computer's hard drive at work. I'm guessing that's not a good sign.

yogi, I think I have to work harder to catch up to your level for park jogging. I was proud of myself for going to the local school track the day after Thanksgiving to jog, since I had no gym access. While I'm currently doing 2 miles in 30 minutes on the elliptic machine, I could only manage 1 1/4 miles on the track without collapsing (and add on 4 blocks each way to the track, though I walked those). The cold air in my lungs was not good, and it was a bit windy. I'll have to try jogging on the reservoir track this weekend and see what I can manage. The good thing was that thanks to suburban mall shopping on Black Friday, I didn't see a single soul on my way to the track, while jogging, or on my way home. I can't tell you the last time I spent 45 minutes outside and didn't see another person. That just doesn't happen in Manhattan.

Oh.My.Heck. I'm so doggone tired it's unbelievable. I actually came home and took a nap rather than go to the gym. These holidays really know how to take it outta ya. So I'm no paragon of exercise today. No sir. I actually resorted to eating some M&Ms in an effort to get enough energy to just stay upright. That's when I decided that a nap was definitely in order. Desperately consuming caffine and sugar is definitely not the answer! Ugh! Time to go home.


Oh my no, Hildy. That video sounds like it's exactly what you need to start healing and strengthening your back. You should start doing it now to speed your recovery and create more healthy ways of using your spine. Yoga is simply the most effective method of creating and maintaining spinal health. This tape clearly is intended for people who are challenged in this area, so I'm sure it includes all the necessary modifications. Pop that thing into the VCR and get un-cracking, my friend!


Well that just sounds like heaven, ImE. I would love to run there. And 1.25 miles is absolutely excellent. It sounds like we will run well together when you are ready. Definitely ask for that gift certificate for Christmas - it's going to be great fun to have a partner in Manhattan. Are you on the UWS or UES, by the way?

Oh man, I hate it when airlines do that, Ska. You'd think it would be just so easy to at least inform people of what is going on, but no, there's this "we're going to make you all just guess, and wait, and wait some more" thing they have. With ticket prices being what they are today, and service being the most important part of any transaction, you really should be able to expect better than that.

Wish I could have seen the Macy's Parade, Dodo. We hear all about it over here. Not to mention the Broadway plays. You guys are so lucky to have access to such things.

Teena, Babalu I reckon Disneyworld would be the best! I'm sure I would enjoy it just as much as the kids. And as for a return visit to the States, we'd have to come up with at least $15,000 for flights and accommodation etc, so I don't know how likely that is. I'd sure love it though, and to meet you all especially. But anything's possible, so I'm still intending to make that a reality some time.

I nearly did lose my mind shopping with the 3 kids yesterday, Hildy. They were playing up big time, grrrrr.... Oh well, it's all done now, the present shopping, now all I need to do is buy the food we need for Christmas day.

And iME, re couples counselling when you're not even engaged? That's the best time to have counselling, IMO. Go for it, mate.

Yogi mate, why are you so tired? Maybe it's all the travelling, and Thanksgiving celebrating catching up with you. Get a good night's sleep tonight if you can.

Why is it that the Monday after an extra long weekend is so awful? Boy am I glad this day is over. Was there a full moon today? I think there was, all the crazies were out in full force.
Aussiegirl You go girl! All done shopping already? I haven't even started mine yet. I'm a glutton for punishment, I guess. I hope you do get to go to Disney someday. Now go rest from your crazy weekend.

Yogi You get some rest too. Thanksgiving gets me tired too. All that Turkey, and Triptiphan. Makes anyone tired.

IMIssEthan Definitly go for the couples counceling. It doesn't matter if your married or not. Good luck :-)

Well, that's it for me all. Good night fellow TwoPer's. See you all later

yogi, I am UWS, 86th to be exact. The reservoir track couldn't be more convenient for me, but have I ever jogged on it? No. Sometimes I'm so lazy, I scare myself. You're conversing with a person who has actually taken a beach chair out onto her fire escape to read a book for a while in good weather because she didn't feel like schlepping the block and a half to the park. I'm trying to improve though.

Thanks for the support on couseling guys. Now that I know my health insurance partially covers it, I definitely think it's in my near future.

iMissEthan, I'm late to the party on this but I would also advocate couples counseling as well if your boyfriend's agreeable to it. One of my friends who's having some problems with her relationship is having some joint sessions with her boyfriend with her therapist, and years ago I had some joint sessions with mine when me and my boyfriend at the time were having problems. I don't think you have to be at any sort of "official" status like engagement or marriage; I think all that matters is that both people would like to try to work through things rather than throw in the towel. Best of luck!

Completely random note: it took 18 years for it to hit me, but it just finally struck me as odd that the women sing the "I am just a man" line in "Human" by the Human League.

I'm cross town from you on the UES, ImE - 65th to be exact. I was walking through the park yesterday to get to the gym to exercise and stay healthy, but I was in such a hurry that I was multitasking with walking, phone, and palm pilot all in use. I almost got hit by three seperate cars. I was like in a trance - I just kept crossing the street without looking. Christmas is a dangerous time of year for me. I just get way too busy. Ugh. Makes me feel all green and Grinchy.

But then Boris the Russian gave me a great workout. You can't do more than one thing in the pool, plus there are no cars. Thank God.

Last Dodo, you seriously have the most fun taste in music. I must get a playlist from you one day for some download suggestions. I would be so fun to listen to these songs from my younger days!

Hey all - things are absolutely mad here with end of the year stuff. I am so excited for Friday night because I'm going to go home, open a bottle of wine (or 3) and catch up on everything. Cannot wait, and will catch up next week. Hope everyone is staying warm & well!!!!

Hey Guys!

Speaking of all that exersize thing, I got some today, lol That sounds bad. Any who I went walking with my mom today, and I just have to say we may not agree on a lot of things but I love hanging out with her, I didn't get to see her on her birthday, it was on the 29th of last month, cause she was at her boyfriends, and then worked that night, but I saw her for a little bit the next day, the woman just needs to stop with the having of a life because it's not fair if I don't have one she shouldn't either lol. Oh also you ordered one of those ab-lounge things, looks nifty and maybe I can make my tummy go flat with it.

Hello all TwoPers!
I hope everyone is doing well. I have had a crazy week at work this week. I can't wait to be able to just chill out, and do nothin'. Which will be Friday night. WooHoo.
I do have my peachy to look forward to tonight, so that is the best thing for me.

IMissEthan I hope all is going well with you, and with your boyfriend. Let us know how it is going.

Happy Birthday to Woodlocks mom. I hope you had a good day together.

Skagirl I know what you mean. End of the month is always the hardest where I work. I can't imagine the end of the year. Thank God that's not as bad for me. Don't go to crazy.

All I can say Yogi is BE CAREFUL.

Gonna go have supper now, and get ready for Survivor. Everyone have a good night

That was my Friday night ritual back in Chicago. Come home, order Thai food, and catch up on soaps and internet stuff and RELAX. Hope you have a stress-free night!


Thanks! I love making compilations and usually what I do is just think of what's been in my head lately, which considering how long I've been into music is how I wind up with Siouxsie and the Banshees next to Maxine Nightingale or something.

So tomorrow after my hair appointment I'm going to buy one of the little trees from the lot on Avenue A and decorate it. I learned my lesson from last year, though, and this time I'm going to buy one of those watering cans with the long thin spout so it doesn't die on me. (I need that because otherwise it's really hard to reach in to water.) But I swear, sometimes the most basic things like that are the most impossible to find! I've tracked down a place where I can get a fancy metal one for $19.99, but dear Lord, I just need the basic cheapo plastic kind! I hope this doesn't turn into another multiday wild goose chase like the sweatpants thing earlier in the year.

ETA: Happy belated birthday, Woodlock's mom, and a stress-free weekend for all!

No need to buy a watering can, Last Dodo. Get one of those 1.5 litre Evian bottles. They work really well - refill, refill, add the long life stuff, refill. That's what I use, and I tend to have ginormous Christmas trees.

I'm going to see Polar Express tonight, and I'm very excited!

It's so nice to hear that you still like your Mom, Woodlock. I worry sometimes about the day that Little Yogi decides he no longer wants to have anything to do with me. I understand it is inevitable, but I'm not looking forward to it. I'm so glad you and your mom had a nice afternoon, even if it was a bit after her birthday!

Have a fabulous weekend.

I need the long spout to get into the pot, because it's just one of those foot-high baby ones and by the time I put everything on it, the only way I can get to the soil is with something long that will stick in there. However, I did a little investigating and there's a whole block of West 28th not too far from my work that's wall to wall nurseries and floral shops. Sure enough, one of them had a small one for $2.29. That's a little more like it!


I think, though, that even if that happens, eventually everything comes full circle and he'll be back to wanting to talk to you, get your advice, tell you what's going on, etc. I speak from both personal and observational experience.

Enjoy The Polar Express!

Hi guys!

The big news from these parts is that Big Little Aussie not only brought home an excellent report card, and not only did he do really well in the Government Year 7 test, but at his Graduation from Primary School (it's the end of the school year here), he was named "Dux of the School"! Now you guys may not have heard of that word Dux, but it is pretty much the highest honour that a school can bestow on a student here. I've heard that it is somewhat similar to what you all call a valedictorian. We are all so proud of him, he has achieved so much despite having special needs. All tke kids were given a series of special tests and he got a perfect score. I am still a little flabbergasted, that a son of mine could be so bloody smart, heh!

And even more wonderful than that, just before we left for his Graduation, he gave Mr Aussie and I a very moving and beautiful letter, thanking us for being his parents. Incredible stuff from a 12 year old. So he receives his Dux Award and Trophy at a special presentation on Thursday, and of course we will all be there! Friday is the last day of school, and I can tell you that I am looking forward to the holidays as much as he is! No morning rush, no afternoon homework stress. Bliss!

We just had 3 days on the Gold Coast where it rained and rained and rained! We had big plans to go fishing and spend lots of time on the beach, well, we didn't get there even once. But we did manage to catch up with some friends, so at least it wasn't a total waste.

Aussie, that's a good kid you got there!
Anyways I don't really have too much new stuff to add but I do hope that everyone is doing good and all that. :)

YaY for Big Little Aussie! Yeah, not too much else... 'Talk' to you guys later!