Fibro #32

[MemeToo]

We were getting pretty long and taking too long to load!!!

I can't believe it has been a week since I've posted anything in here. Between my four days off (which were a total bust!), a twisted knee and a particularly nasty stomach virus (which my grandchildren just HAD to share) I haven't really felt like doing anything! But...you know me...I just "Keep On Going!" So...like Stella...I'm trying to get my groove back

I lost 4 pounds last week...BEFORE I got the stomach virus...don't know what the tally is now! I also got my gold shot on top of everything else and my blood has dropped. So instead of limping on my twisted knee...I'm dragging it along! Hope you have all fared better'n me!

Here a little something to make you laugh...we need to laugh at ourselves more...keeps us from going stark-raving-mad!

A Woman's Random Thoughts

I read this article that said typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, smoking too much, impulse buying and driving too fast.
Are they kidding? That is my idea of a perfect day.

Skinny people tick me off! Especially when they say things like, "You know sometimes I forget to eat."
Now, I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name, and
my keys. But I've never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat.

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills.. She had 14 kids, but she doesn't give a care.

They keep telling us to get in touch with our bodies. Mine isn't all that communicative but I heard from it the other day after I said, "Body, how'd you like to go to the six o'clock class in vigorous toning?" Clear as a bell my body said, "listen crazy...do
it and you die."

The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.

I know what Victoria's Secret is. The secret is that nobody older than 30 can fit into their stuff.

"If men can run the world, why can't they stop wearing neckties?
How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a noose around your neck?"

[Joanne D]

Memetoo...It is nice to hear from you( I should say read you) again.. Good for you on the wt loss. 4Lbs!!!WOW!!! I should be so lucky. I weigh in tomorrow.Sadly I will probably be over a lb and have to pay.. I read your poem to my husband. He thought it was funny too. Of course he didn't laugh as loud a I did.:devil: I need to find a few of those and hold them in reserve.:)
Hope you are feeling better from your virus. Take care of yourself...Joanne:wave:

[Mima]

Thanks Meme-loading was too long. And for the funny things.I went out to eat last night-the real food tasted good. It is so beautiful out. I had recess duty yesterday and it was nice to get outside. I was asking math questions yesterday and the little boy next to me was singing the jeaopardy (SP? ) music waiting for the answers. I was cracking up. I put the 2 spacey boys together and they like each other.And they socialize instead of being alone.3 more days-I'm tired but it was a good experience.Gotta go to eat breakfast. Hi to all and have a great day. Mima

[Joanne D]

Hey You All... I lost a pound..So my hubby got to keep his 9 dollers!Now if I can lose at a good rate I will be where I want to be soon. It has just got to get cooler soon!We have the Red Tide down here again. We need a really good storm to break it up. The fish kills are really big. It has not reached Tarpon Springs area yet but it will. I like walking at the beach but not when that is around. It makes you cough and have itchy eyes. Not good stuff.
See you later.....Joanne:wave:

[Ally0306]

Hey Meme....Sometimes I forget I have eaten and want to do it again...does that count?
Sounds like you had a rotten week. BUT, maybe you've lost a few more pounds. That's the only way to feel good about sickness.
You know what I hate about skinny people? That they always complain they they get too much food in restaurants. (I only go to restaurants where I get too much food...otherwise I might as well eat at home)
I had PMS BAD for a few days and wanted sugar so bad. I made it thru, got my period today and I still am starving. This is like the ultimate female punsihment.
The button popped off my baggy pants twice yesterday. Eeeeek.
I was going to weigh tomorrow, but I will hold off for a few days. I think I have residual PMS and wouldn't want to smash the mirror in the bathroom.
Thanks for all your input on the treadmill. I think I might join the YMCA....

[MemeToo]

I just gave myself a french manicure...now I look like I've been in the sugar bowl...with both hands!!! :lol:

[Candicej]

I can't stand doing nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well maybe I should try sitting down and doing nothing! :lol:

My arm still hurts and they have me doing strenghtening exercises now!!!!!!!!!! In my arm that is.............I need it all over.

We are finally getting some much needed rain too!

Still not typing much!



My 2 yr. old Hardy Hibiscas..it bloomed this year!:)

Hey Mima..do you have to take a teacher competency test to get certified in your state now??? We do..so I won't be teaching anymore!LOL

[Mima]

Hello-the new teachers have to take a test to be certified-that's one of my jobs-correcting that test, the written part. And it is not easy but I think it's fair because we had some teachers who could not write well.I kept up my certification when I retired but ,even so, I could substitute without it because they are so desperate for subs. I also could teach my full time job and collect my pension for 2 years if I wanted to. They are so desperate for teachers. It's tempting but physically I could not do it. The nice special ed. teacher now brings the children up to the classroom for me. I wheeze all the time and get wiped from the stairs in that 100 year old building.Candyce-maybe you should treat yourself to a massage.I'm so sorry for your pain.Joanne-we get red tide too but I don't live near the beach,. I bet you can't wait for Nov. I hope you feel better Meme.Hi Happy and Ally. My boss is going to let me pick up my son from the dentist's today-he is having 4 wisdom teeth out. Bye for now-Mima

[MemeToo]

My right leg is hurting sooooo bad...feels like a pinched nerve. I'm supposed to go to the Rheumatologist in Nashville on Monday. I'm so tired of going up there and him not doing anything different. That's what it's been for the last year. If he doesn't do anything this time...I'm just going to give up!

Have son's kids tonight. We took them out to eat and shopping...I'm pooped. They are finally fast asleep. Didn't go to bed until 11 so hopefully they will sleep late tomorrow. I ate too much for dinner. The little one (she'll be 4 next month) said she wanted Bettachinny so we went to Fazoli's and I got baked spa...shouldn't have eaten it all! Plus I had 2 rolls and then had a choc. chip cookie when I got home! I don't need kids around eating junk all the time.

I gotta go to bed...I'm falling asleep sitting here!


HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS???

At age 4, success is... not peeing in your pants.
At age 12, success is... having friends.
At age 16, success is... having a driver's license.
At age 20, success is... having sex.
At age 35, success is... having money.
At age 50, success is... having money.
At age 60, success is... having sex.
At age 70, success is... having a driver's license.
At age 75, success is... having friends.
At age 80, success is... not peeing in your pants

Hope you all have a good Saturday!

[Mima]

Meme-that was too funny. I hope you are still resting now. My body thought I had to go to work so I was up at 5. But i don't.I was going to finish reading my book but didn't realize it was all about lesbians so that is going back to the library for another one. What a day I had yesterday. I picked up my son at the dentist at recess-got his prescription at lunchtime and went back over his house last night to bring groceries-he couldn't drive from meds. He needed his mommy-which Mr. I ndependent never does. To end my day-I dropped a bottle of red nailpolish on the floor and it went evertwhere-including on my 2 rugs which are now soaking but may have to be replaced.One more day to work-til I sub day by day. I only want to do it 1 or 2 days a week. All my nuisance diseases are acting up-fibro-wheezing and now IBS. I got so nervous yesterday running around.Hope everybody will have a great weekend. It's hot here again.Mima

[Joanne D]

Hey Ally- That is a good one about the sI wish it was sometimes. Portion control has always been my problem. skinny person who couldn't eat all the food... Now how about the heavy lady at WW that complained she couldn't eat that much food... That has never been a problem of mine!
Mima, they never need their Mommy until they get sick or they need something. It has something to do with not being" mamas boy".I wish my son would find a wife. He is 42 and it looks like that might not happen. He is so settled into his lifestyle,he is not leaving room for one.
Memetoo... The little ones help ruin our diet,but aren't they great. Hope your leg feels better soon ..Try some moist heat.
Hello Happy and Candice.. I seperated my lilys yesterday. I hurt all night and my back still hurts.
See you all later...Joanne:wave:

[Ally0306]

Mima...My son washed his new school clothes with his new gel ink pen and all his clothes and my dryer are covered in ink.
I am not a happy camper.

Joanne...... I like it when I can leave something on my plate in a restaurant but I have to plan it out ahead. Remember not to gobble down the garnish...I might be able to spare that.
I hate new age restaurants where there is a tiny bit of "pretty" food too expensive, and leaves you hungry.

I am so mead about the clothes and dryer I am going to skip lunch.:mad: :mad:

[MemeToo]

The trick to leaving food on your plate is.......order more than you normally eat! (Thought I was going to say something profound, didn't you?) :devil: That trick probably still wouldn't help me this weekend. I've had a 6 & soon to be 4 yr. old all weekend and all those two do is eat, eat, eat! cookies for snack, cake for dessert and donuts for breakfast (of course this is AFTER their meals!) Having that stuff in the house is bad enough but when it is always out (and on the loose) I eat it! I've probably gained back 2 of the pounds I lost last week! In this respect grandchildren are not great...they are little food monsters!

Knee is no better...as a matter of fact I think it is worse today. I'm just doing too much and I know that but I haven't figured out yet how to put on the brakes!

Gotta go clean my music room...I start back teaching Tuesday!

The Straight Dope On Food, Health, & Exercise

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it. Everything
wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live
longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving
it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and
corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than
an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need
grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy
vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily
allowance of vegetable slop.


Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body, and you have body fat, your ratio is one
to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: At the gym, a guy asked me to "spot" for him while he did the bench
press. What did he mean?
A: "Spotting" for someone means you stand over him while he blows air
up your shorts. It's an accepted practice at health clubs; though if you
find that it becomes the ONLY reason why you're going in, you probably
ought to reevaluate your exercise program.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular
exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain-No Pain.

Q: If I stop smoking, will I live longer?
A: Nope. Smoking is a sign of individual expression and peace of mind.
If you stop, you'll probably stress yourself to death in record time.

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: You're not listening. Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil.
In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad
for you?

Q: Are too many cokes bad for you?
A: Not at all. The labels on all soft drinks says the number 1 ingredient
is water - so the more coke you drink the more water you get and
everyone knows you should drink 6-8 glasses of water a day

Q: Is chocolate bad for you?
A: Absolutely not! Chocolate has been given a bad rating for years when
in fact it will make you more alert and give you more energy.

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the
middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You
should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had..

[Happy Canuk]

BAKED CHICKEN

6-7 lb. chicken
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing
1 cup uncooked popcorn
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brush chicken well with melted butter; salt and pepper.

Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn.

Place in baking pan in oven.

Listen for popping sounds; when chicken's *** blows out the oven door
and
flies across the room, chicken is done.

[MemeToo]

Loved the recipe! Thanks...when I get tired of my stove I'll try it out!!! :devil:



What a wonderful day!
My face in the mirror
Isn't wrinkled or drawn.
My house isn't dirty.
The cobwebs are gone.
My garden looks lovely
And so does my lawn.
I think I might never
Put my glasses back on!

[Mima]

Those posts were wonderful!!!!I'm still smiling. Ally-I love a product called Oxiclean-I got it for 5$ at Walmart. It took nailpolish out of my rugs. I use a ton of it . Also hairspray removes ink.That is so frustrating!!!!!!Haven't we all done that-like crayons in the dryer!!I am not losing-I am not concentrating on WW-someone yell at me!I eat too many points and I don't walk-I am stressed from working. At least I haven't eaten any of the stuff that's on the table in the teacher's room.And I have one more day and the other teacher is going to be there.I hope I have the rest of the week off.I need to walk with my aunt.The weather is warm again but it's nice.I watched a video last night-Angela's Ashes-so sad but I read the second book so I know his life turns out pretty well. Oh Ally-I soaked the rugs overnight.Have a good day everyone. Mima

[Joanne D]

Oh my lord Ally You must have been in a rage. I heard that Oxie clean is good stuff although I have never used it. The poor guy must realy be feeling bad too. I wonder will the hair spray work after the dryer has dryed the clothes? I hope so. I always have my Grandmother words in my head. "Clean your plate,eat all your food, There are starving children in this world."No wonder I have a weight problem. I am trying to eat for the children of the world.
Mima ,I sure could not yell at you. I made burrittos and wings for supper. I did not walk either today. So I guess I had a "fat day" today.I must have needed it. I don't feel a bit guilty. That is a switch. I usually beat myself up when I do this. It is just lucky I don't have anything else around I can bolt down.:devil: My Husband loved Angelas Ashes. He likes some of that dark drama. We haven't read the other book that followed.
Love that recipe Happy and your poem Memetoo.
Hello Candice... Bye, Joanne;) :wave:

[Candicej]

Just checking in..my arm is still bad..someone told my DH today that it took her arm six months of doing nothing to get better! On no.......I'll go crazy!:lol: ( in much less than that!)

Another view of the Hibiscus:D

[Mima]

Hi everyone-it's Florida weather again on my last day of my 2 week stint.Then I'm subbing for the Jewish holidays . I'm not bored and that is a good thing.I went to the Sterling Fair yesterday and treated myself to apple crisp and ice cream but then I only had a 3 point supper and an apple. And then I took a 45 minute walk. Yeah Gail!!!Poor you Candyce. Joanne-tell your husband to read Tis-the sequel to Angela's Ashes. It's all about Frank McCourts life in America and what happened to his family. Talk about surviving poverty by becoming rich!!!Of course it took his whole life to do it. There's a lesson in there I think.Well-it's WW tonight and I think I'm down a lb but I may find it during the day. Be good everyone and be happy. Mima

[Joanne D]

Mima...My husband had the book. Our daughter gave it to him. He told her to read it first. I don't know what happened to it since then. I don't think he has read it. He might have forgot about it. The movie didn't do so good. I think it was too dark.
It is cloudy here. It has been raining all around us. We need some of the rain the other counties are getting. Maybe today. My fat meals yesterday made me sick all night. I had chest discomfort from the rich food I am not used to eating. Oh well ,it was good while it lasted.
Candice, I hope you get relief before the cold weather sets in.
Hello all....Joanne

[Ally0306]

Hi Guys......After we went thru the load of laundry, the only big catastrophe was my son's Abercrombie and Fitch shirt that he paid too much money for. It is light yellow with a picture on it and I can tell that nothing will remove the stains. His brother paid him money for it as it was his fault and his pen. The rest of the clothes are wearable. I used nail polish remover in the dryer...almost passed out sticking my head in there.
I tried to do some fasting as I have hit a lull in my low carb dieting. I am going ot get on the scale on Wednesday and see if this pushed any more pounds off.
I could not control my eating last week pre period. This week I feel so much better.
Anyone watching football this year? Buffalo Bills lost, but they shouldn't have gotten rid of little Doug Flutie.

[Mima]

Hi to all. I lost 1.2 lbs -not much-but finally after 4 weeks. I must have hit one of those plateaus. Walking with my aunt today-no work. there are lots of things to miss but already the TMj is almost gone-fibro is better-wheezing better. Glad to hear the updated laundry report Ally. Hey Happy-where are you.?How are you Meme?Candyce-feel better. Hey Joanne-you should take a trip to New England this time of year. Weather is beautiful and the leaves will turn soon.Anyhow-you have the best weathet in the winter and here is the worst.So what are you going to do. Wait I guess. Have a great day everyone. Remember happiness is an inside job. Mima

[Joanne D]

Ally - You almost got a high you didn't want. Glad to hear the clothes were saved. I guess it was a good lesson for the boys. We have the Bucs down here. They won their game sunday. I was never a football fan till my G/son played in high School. I still don't understand too much about the game. If I don't quit fooling around I will have a gain this week. I seem to get hungry around 10 pm . I can't start that habit again.
Mima. That was a good weight loss. I only lost a pound last month. That was really luck. We have a lot of humidity most of the year. I have never been out of Fl. except for short visits . We are all waiting to see if we will get some serious storms this season. I hear the seasons up there are really nice to see. I am so used to this weather that I probably could not do well in the cold. My arthritis hurts all winter as it is.
I was into 30 min. of my walk yesterday and in hopes of walking off what I ate the day before when it decided to rain. I went under a shelter and waited for my hubby to look outside and discover the rain and come and get me. A park getting dark and raining is a lonely place to be. Not too safe either. He finally came after 20 min. I think I will adjust my walking schedule.
Hello to Candice and Happy. How is you week?
Bye Joanne:wave:

[Happy Canuk]

This is the day the world changed.

I have been crying for hours, as I know most of you must also be doing. It is a tragedy beyond words, so horrific it is umimaginable, even though we see it on TV. WHO, WHAT, WHY seem appropriate at this time. I pray that none of you had family or friends that were involved in the incidents. Today has taken away the basic rights that we ALL took for granted - Freedom, security - everything North America stands for. In a matter of minutes it is gone, taken by madmen for sure.

Please know that my heart goes out to each and every American at this time. I am so sorry that such a thing could even happen here.

Enough babbling for now, but I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you.

Ally, are you ok.

Anne

[Ally0306]

Hi Happy...don't worry...I am no where near the city. I am just sick today too. I am sick of a macho response of going out and killing someone in retaliation for this travesty. I need time to think and to get the facts. I don't want to kill anyone right now.
I can only pray for the families of those killed in NY and in those planes. I cannot imagine how their families can process this senseless loss.
It really makes everything else seem miniscule in comparison. I hear people singing God Bless America on TV and I sit here crying. My son doesn't understand this at all....I have gotten so angry at him for just being a regular kid today.
I hope you all are safe........

[Mima]

Hello. Ally-I am hearing that children process this differently-tehy see this in movies all the time so it must seem like fantasy to them. I'm glad I was home yesterday-it must have been hard on the teachers to know this but carry on with teaching. I'm sure that there will be a rash of bomb threats for a while. I range from sadness-shock and disbelief-crying for people who have lost people.I am going to Mass this morning-something I used to do but haven't-too lazy.I walked last night so I could sleep better.And I did.Things are going to change-When Pearl Harbor happened we didn't watch the bombing all day long and we weren't that close to it.I don't think about the devil much but I know now he is alive and worklng against the forces of good. I can think of no other way to understand this.I fly a lot but mostly out of a small airport nearby but I am supposes to fly out of Boston in January. I may rethink that.But then security will be tightened everywhere.I'll bet it was someone who had access to these planes-not just a passenger. Someone planted in the crews that clean-bring food-how could they bring weapons on if it wasn't . I'm taking up too much space now. Love and peace to all Mima

[Joanne D]

Hello to all- I can't seem to get away from the t.v. This is so awful . I have a G/son stationed at Norfolk on the U.S. Truman. We couldn't sleep last night till we heard his ship was still in port. It is still not the safest place to be. We live 30 miles from Tampa and as everyone knows it is the strike command base in the U.S. Truely I am surprised that there were not more hits than there were. Thank God there wasn't.
This makes my worry about losing a pound very small. I feel that all Americans and people all over the world have the same sense of loss. Disbelief that something like this could happen.
See you all soon..............Joanne

[Happy Canuk]

www.icqgreetings.com/peace/peace_911.htm
Anne

[Ciara]

Long time no post eh?-- thought the thread had died (happens a lot in newsgroups).. since the web was not sending me alerts any more -- but i was checking my fav sites and low and behold - new thread!

OxyClean - its the BEST stuff on the planet.. I have just had yet another success with it.. my carpets were stained from my cats -- they have digestive problems - and cat food stains somthing awefull.. I had tried tonnes of different products - spray and solutions in my Steam shampooer -- nada worked.. Gave in and tried the old stand by OxYclean... used the 1 scoop to the squirt bottle - hit every stain.. then added a scoop to the water bin in the cleaner - waited about 1/2 hour - cleaned - perfect - like new.. now these stains should have been 'set' by the previous attempts with hot water -- but no -- out they go!...LOVE IT -- i add a scoop to every load of laundry ( I have the catalyst washer that does a stain spin at beginning - so it gets spun thru with a little water in the load) and my whites are bright - and the various stains - chocolate etc - are gone..

Thanks for the info on spectra all!

Congrats on the wieght losses i am reading about!

I found something really neat a the eye doctor on mon -- a new 'experimental' imaging system.. they dilate your eye (like for the glacouma test).. and then use a special camera to take an 'inside' shot of your eye.. What you get is a round orange image - showing iris, vains Everything! its amazing.. they can then check for moles (on the inside) and compare your eyes changes over the years - this is especially important for diabetics or Fibros -- the eye doctor took one look at my images and stated my blood pressure is high - based on the veins- and to go see my family doc... amazing!

anyways -- that;s my update

Take Care all

visit my site (under construction as always).. hints and links would be welcome and appreciated... marylouswebtools.com

[Ally0306]

Ciara.....nice to hear from you again. I am having my eyes dilated but no camera involved. I will ask.
Joanne and Mima......tough day today, huh? I am feeling a little better. Yesterday I had so much anger in my soul. Today, I am glad to see the country united and to see wonderful acts of kindness all over the place.
Happy....I missed the link, but I would like that Peace.
Meme? You OK?????
No appetite, girls.

[Mima]

Went to Mass-it was good-new yoga class for seniors-also wonderful-I hurt today but I stretched my upper body-yoga teacher mentioned I might have a tear in my ribs-after a year and a half I wonder if I should go to the orthpedic guy-my shoulder never healed without surgery-Anyways-of course tis dissertation seems self-centered in light of everything going on. So I will stop and eat my breakfast-Stay peaceful everyone and Pray. Mima

[Joanne D]

Good Morning.. Ally It is amazing how our minds can work. ..Now we are all hoping for the finding of as many survivors as possible. We know there will be few.
Mima- Hope you feel better. I think the anxiety of the past few days has caused a lot of people to show a symtom. My stomach has been acting up. I have had ulcer problems for years. They heal and return. Looks like we may get a lot of rain soon.
Hello Candice- Memetoo. Happy.. Thank You for the nice words. It is not just America that is effected with the past few days,but the world. It brings us all together on a common ground. For once the two parties in Washington are not fighting.
Bye you all....Joanne:wave:

[Happy Canuk]

Candice, Meme where are you? I sure hope you are both ok. Meme are you still in great pain? Candice, is the arm doing any better?

[MemeToo]

I'm here but depressed...went to Nashville to the Rheumatologist Monday and he put me on yet another new med. ON TOP OF the ones I'm already taking!!! Plaquenil. It has a LOT of adverse side-effects! I have to have my eyes examined every 3 months because it causes loss of eye sight. I'm not a happy camper. Still have the pain and now the med. side effects to boot!!! He also took me off of flexeril and put me on robaxin instead. I've had that before a long time ago and it stopped working for me. I have to go back in 10 weeks and he said if I'm still not any better he is putting me on something called embrial??? Said it was something like remicade. So I am now taking 10 pills every day except Friday when I take the methotrexate, then I take EIGHTEEN - PLUS gold shots! I am now on Folic Acid, Premerin, Inderal, Buspar, Robaxin, Plaquenil, Neurontin, Zyrtec and gold shots - plus I have Darvocet for pain when I need it and pills for swelling, Caffergot for migraines and I give myself a B12 shot every week!!! I just keep telling myself that I have it so much better than those poor people who had their skin burned off. I've been down really low all week! I got this in my e-mail today...you may have already seen it but I think out of all the diaster related mail I've got it was the best so thought I'd share it with you all.

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

Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a
remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a
Canadian television commentator. What follows is the full text of
his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as
the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the
earth.

Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were
lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in
billions of
dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries
is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the
United States.

When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans
who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled
on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.

When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that
hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were
flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped.

The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars
into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are
writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans.

I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over
the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does
any
other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo
Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they
fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly
American
Planes?

Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman
on the moon?
You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios.
You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles.
You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon -
not once, but several times - and safely home again.

You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the
store window for everybody to look at.

Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here
on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian
laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend
here.

When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking Down
through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the
Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody
loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.

I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of
other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone
else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was
outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.

Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is
damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of
this
thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to
thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present
troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."

Stand proud, America!

[Happy Canuk]

Meme, to bad about having yet another pill and no relief. I would be so worried about taking a med that would perhaps have me lose my eyesight, but when you are in pain you must do something. I know you are depressed. The USA was the world stage for a crime against all free countries. It is unfortunate that all those people were used as weapons and lost their lives. It is just to big to wrap your mind around and comprehend the why of it. People who do these kinds of things, don't understand freedom at all - they think it is a word when in fact, it is a very strong feeling.

Here is a letter that describes it beautifully.

Hit the buildings, Missed America . . . . Posted By: Charles Brennan, Windrose 18, So. Florida Date: 9/11/2001 9:07p.m. An open letter toa terrorist: Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America. You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. You used helpless American bodies, to take out other American bodies, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America. Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEA. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue Happiness. (No guarantees that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!) Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech. But you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of guys that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country. If you're free enough. Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going goofs most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free and easy about the world you live in. It's unfortunate too, because people start to forget that when you attack Americans, they tend to fight like a cornered badger. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent. No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both. Grandpa Jones worked on the Manhattan Project. Told me once, that right up until they threw the switch, the physicists were still arguing over whether the Uranium alone would fission, or whether it would start a fissioning chain reaction that would eat everything. But they threw the switch anyway, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve? So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places. Who think they're safe. Just like the Barbary Pirates did, IIRC. Better start sleeping with one eye open. There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. The Marielistas that Castro emptied out of his prisons, were overjoyed to find out how much freedom there was. First thing they did when they hit our shores, was run out and buy guns. The ones that didn't end up dead, ended up in prisons. It was a big PITA then (especially in south Florida), but you're only the newest PITA, not the first. You guys seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in US! American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit. Until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of Spirit. Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time. Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming. Charles Brennan

[Happy Canuk]

Date: Thursday, September 13, 2001 9:49 AM

Flags Across America

United we stand.

To show everyone that we Americans stick together, FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 14 is "Flags Across America."
All Americans are asked to display the American flag either in their
Homes or cars. Let's keep the meaning of UNITED in "United States".
Pass this onto as many people as you know. THANK YOU


This was on another site I go to. Just wanted to pass it along.

Anne:)

[Ally0306]

Oh You Guys....I can't seem to keep from bursting into tears.
I was driving to the store when they played the Beatles, In My Life and I just had to pull over to the side of the road.
Meme....sorry for your pain and your new meds. Not a good time to be playing with meds again.
Where's Candice?
Hi Joanne, Happy and Mima. I have to go get a flag and there are none to be found as they are sold out. That is a good thing....

[Candicej]

I'm here!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

Just been glued to the TV set and just can't believe this has happened in the US... seems like a bad movie! Hugs and prayers to all out there! This is just unreal:(:(:(

My arm is still bad and with therapy I'm just too tired to turn this thing on and DH turned 50 today and we are celebrating it Saturday ( just the boys) and I have been trying to get stuff ready for that too!

Here is a picture form a friend of mine that lives in NY and her brother took this from his Brooklyn office.

[Mima]

I also cry unexpectedly at songs, stories, etc. Didn't sleep well last night in spite of a lot of walking yesterday and a massage. I'll go to mass at 8 am.I don't have a flag and will try to get one but they are all out.Joanne-that rain is supposed to be really bad where my son lives. I asked him if he was building an ark. It's going to get cold here.But nice.Meme-I took plaquenil for a while but got stomache pains. Everything gives me stomache pains.Only thing I can take is prednisone and I have a problem with yeast and the acidolphilus pills give me g--.I'm alergic to yogurt but have been eating it anyways.Minor problem compared to......One of the men that got killed is the son of someone I used to work for. Wonderful family. The aunt goes to my church.Lots of New England ties because of Boston departure. Pray today everyone!!!!I do not like Bush that much but I am fully behind him and am so glad he is a spiritual person.Mima

[Ally0306]

Oh Mima. last nite I cried when I sat down in front of the TV with a salad and at the Changing of the Guard at Kensington Palace, they played the Star Spangled Bannor and thousands of Londoners stood at the fences with their hands over their hearts crying and I had to go dump out my food.
Not a great way to diet.
I may have to stop watching the tube for a while. There are more tearful stories than I have tears.
Peace.

[Mima]

I feel like yesterday was draining-went to Mass at 8 and watched the service at 12. Amazing to see all our leaders together.And the way our country is coming together. I did go to the Mall yesterday-less crowded-I needed new chinos because my other ones are too large-bought size 8. Need to stay this size. Good news from my middle son-he quit smoking 2 weeks ago-wearing a patch- funny thing is that I put him on my healing list for no particular reason-had no conversation with him about the smoking.We are all in God's Hands.Can't sleep past 4 am.I will do my stress tape tonight.Mima

[Happy Canuk]

Starting new thread #33