I'm BAAAAaaack. Frogger MISSED me!!!
 

Oh, my GOD, you guys. I never realized how much I LOVED all of you until I spent a week and a HALF without you. :love: I've just spent 2 hours catching up with your lives and feel rotten that I haven't been here for Punkin's mom's hair loss, Anagram's mom's health issues, Kaylet's DS's ibroglios and Poor Frogger's fair-weather moving buds!!

Kisses and tears to you all from the bottom of my heart. I MISSED you!! :angel:

So, where have you been, Cerise, you say? Ugh. I've been schlepping myself, Ramon, two cats, two doves and all our STUFF from a 1,000 square-ft. apartment in Eugene, OR to a 600 sq-ft apartment in downtown Seattle. GRAAAAAAAAGH. In 90 degree weather. :flow2:

I've been very, very sweaty, tired and my feet have adopted this charming habit of hurting all the bloody time.

We LOVE Seattle!!! We live smack in the middle of downtown where EVERYTHING is accessible, we have traffic rushing by our house (poor kitties have just now gotten used to it), my family's closer. We're really happy. And our apartment, while smaller, is much, much lighter, happier and more aesthetically pleasing. We get a good feeling here. :goodvibes

And Bo-Beena, we sho' do have to de-clutter, my girl. We've already made one trip to Goodwill and are planning another. Makes you keep what you really love and lose what you've been hoarding out of obligation or whatever. A very good feeling.

I have not at all walked per se. Not this week. I've nearly died of fatigue every night, though, so not really feeling guilty. I'm really optimistic about living here. It's a walking city, like Paris. And hilly. Very hilly. Parking's such a pain in the @$$ that we walk a lot to get to this store or that.

My brother, a 3rd-year med. student and his wife, the personal trainer, live here and it has been heaven, HEAVEN to see them nearly every day. Elisabeth is a monster, man. She teaches at least 3 Spinning classes a day and is CUT. She wears lots of skinny, athletic outfits, too. A daily inspiration. It helps that she's unfailingly kind and loves the **** out of me and really wants to help me be fit. Otherwise I'd probably try to kill her. ;)

Well, ladies, I'll never stay away this long again. Apart from the fact that you guys are incredibly wonderful to me, I've just missed out on a lot of your life stuff, important stuff, and I don't want that to happen again.

Lovies,
Cerise :grouphug:

P.S. I wanted to comment on that religion thing. I'm a Christian (though I have to say that I flinch at the label), a very liberal one, and have zero tolerance for any sort of religious superiority complexes. I was recently trying to explain to a more fundamentalist friend that I'm a "non-exclusivist", a fancy way of saying that I don't think that Xianity is the only, or even the BEST way to pursue spirituality, and he was like, "but what about TRUTH? Don't you believe that Christianity is the TRUTH?" Please. Truth is so evasive, and I believe non-linear. I don't think one belief renders another un-truth-ful, even if they seem contradictory. Anyway, there's my two cents. :soap:

Cerise! So great to see you back, and to hear about how wonderful it sounds like this move is going to be for you. We missed you!

I love your approach to Christianity. The belief in exclusive truth is my major bone of contention with Christianity. I was more-or-less brought up Christian but that just did it in for me. And I do believe there's truth in Christianity, but that some of the elements - such as exclusive right of way - were added because they served someone's purpose.

There's such a contradiction with a lot of people who think they're tolerant, too, in that they "tolerate" people who worship differently, but think they're going to ****. :rolleyes:

Hi, Cerise! :wave: I lived in Seattle for a number of years (in what we called the "U" district, dunno if they still call it that) ... very fond memories of the place!

I also have problems with the concept of TRUTH (aka exclusivity) in religion, as well as in many areas of life.

I don't really know what TRUTH is, especially when it relates to such huge matters as are often dealt with in conventional religions.

IMNHO, religion is a little like art and music, the best way is to just enjoy what moves you and not pretend to understand the rest!!!! :cb:

What I most hate is when people make assumptions about what I believe or when they try to foist their belief systems onto me out of a false sense that it's their duty.

Hmmm. I think that was about to happen early this a.m. when I was sitting in the car in the supermarket parking lot enjoying a quiet and messy moment with my ONE Krispy Kreme. Had the a/c on (in Arizona you just don't sit in a car long in the summer without the a/c, which is one of the things I dislike about the place, but I digress), the windows up and the car locked. Was thinking. A sweet-faced, nicely dressed woman with neat ponytail and conservative clothing (aka a dress in 95-degree heat at 7 a.m. on Saturday, which is my definition of conservative unless you're going to a wedding), clutching a pamphlet, startled me by peering into my driver side window, two inches from my face. I jumped and yelped and she waved her pamphlet apologetically and gestured for me to roll down the window. My interpretation, since the pamphlet seemed to have a Christian symbol on it, was that she was drumming up business for her religion. This made me mad, as she had intruded on my moment of peace (and Krispy Kreme), so I frowned heavily motioned her to go away, which she did.

Sigh.

A nice person, which I never aspire to be as it is beyond my powers, would have rolled down the window and been polite to the lady.

I could have given her the little "drawing down the moon" necklace I have hanging from the car mirror in exchange for her pamphlet.

I'm sure she would have appreciated it.

Sigh.

I need more Krispy Kreme! :tired:

Hey Chicks. :wave:

My plans to spend the weekend doing marvelous things (tackling Mt. Laundry, working out, grocery shopping, watching movies, etc,etc) seemed to be in the direct opposite of what my body had planned for me. My IBS decided to have me curled in a ball for all of yesterday with a crushing headache for good measure. I gave in at 7pm and went to bed, only to start it all again at 4am. :shrug: Sometimes you just can't fight it and it's better to give in. At least it's the weekend because I can't take time off work to deal with it.

All I can say about those nuts who pander religion is may God help them, 'cause they're going to need help when I'm done with them! :rollpin: No, Amarantha, you shouldn't feel you have to be nice to them. They certainly don't return the favor when they spit the word "Pagan" like it's some form of leprosy. Anyway, don't want to start any religious wars here.

Cerise, so glad you're back! I'm so happy you're happy in your new place! Sounds like it was a good move for you and Ramon.

Arabella, thank you for your sweet remark! I imagine, though, that my husband would disagree....one Wildfire is more than enough for him to handle. :D You did fabulously at the staff dinner! I know how you feel, though, about the other women in their skinny clothes. You'll get there, love. :grouphug:

Anagram, your Mom sounds like one classy lady. So many fight to stay at home when they know it is not the best thing for themselves and their families. I'm sure having an RN sister there will help tremendously.

Punkin, glad to hear you're Mom has turned that corner from her chemo treatment. One more to go! Your wall looks great! Maia is a cutie, too....I was wondering which one was on the chair. When is/was your shopping trip with Bo-Beena? This weekend? And what's the news with your guy?

Eydie, how was the visit with the friend? Hard to say goodbye, even if it's only for a while.

Kaylets, I hope things work themselves out for your DS. I know how heartbreaking it is when they do stupid things. You and DH are doing the right thing, no matter how awful it feels.

Where is frogger? I can't see her....OH! There she is...geez girl, you're shrinking so fast you might disappear! :cp: Way to go!

Think I'll see if I can handle a cup of tea.

Hello all--

This weeek has been nonstop challenges w/ family or house. The minute we think we've figured out how to deal w/ one, there's another.

From A/C to DS, then DD called w/ an SOS, but to top it all off, DH fell down our stairway yesterday. He pulled the bannister down trying to save himself and now has scrapes and bruises the size of two hands on his lower back.
This morning he is REALLY feeling it.

All week, as I became more overwhelmed I found myself reaching, reaching, reaching.....
Even realized I was not enjoying the pretzels that were oversalted but ate a few more b/4 tossing them.
This is the first time in the longest that I really just needed to cry and it would be tears of frustration.
And did I mention, while I was on the phone
"sharing" with a friend, one of my dogs had a slight seizure and wet the floor and vomitted too??
Do you see what I mean??

Luckily, this came in my email this morning as a gentle reminder I still have it better than many.....

Today's thought is : " I wish you joy".

***********

This will most certainly put a lump in your throat and maybe a thought
>in your mind to appreciate all the little things in your life (It is no
>accident you received this!)
>
>
>
>The Sandpiper by Robert Peterson
>
>
>She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I
>live. I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles,
>whenever the world begins to close in on me. She was building a
>sandcastle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.
>
>"Hello," she said.
>
>I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small
>child.
>
>"I'm building," she said.
>
>"I see that. What is it?" I asked, not really caring.
>
>"Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand."
>
>That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. A sandpiper
>glided by.
>
>"That's a joy," the child said.
>
>"It's a what?"
>
>"It's a joy. My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy."
>
>The bird went gliding down the beach. Good-bye joy, I muttered to
>myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on.
>
>I was depressed, my life seemed completely out of balance.
>
>"What's your name?" She wouldn't give up.
>
>"Robert," I answered. "I'm Robert Peterson."
>
>"Mine's Wendy... I'm six." "Hi, Wendy." She giggled. "You're funny,"
>she said.
>
>In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. Her musical giggle
>followed me.
>
>"Come again, Mr. P," she called. "We'll have another happy day."
>
>After a few days of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an
>ailing mother. The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out
>of the dishwater. I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up
>my coat.
>
>The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly
>but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.
>
>"Hello, Mr. P," she said. "Do you want to play?"
>
>"What did you have in mind?" I asked, with a twinge of annoyance.
>
>"I don't know, you say."
>
>"How about charades?" I asked sarcastically.
>
>The tinkling laughter burst forth again. "I don't know what that is."
>
>
>"Then let's just walk."
>
>Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. "Where do
>you live?" I asked.
>
>"Over there." She pointed toward a row of summer cottages.
>
>Strange, I thought, in winter.
>
>"Where do you go to school?" "I don't go to school. Mommy says we're
>on vacation."
>
>She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind
>was on other things. When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a
>happy day. Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.
>
>Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic. I was
>in no mood to even greet Wendy. I thought I saw her mother on the
>porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home.
>
>"Look, if you don't mind," I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me,
>"I'd rather be alone today." She seemed unusually pale and out of
>breath.
>
>"Why?" she asked.
>
>I turned to her and shouted, "Because my mother died!" and thought, My
>God, why was I saying this to a little child?
>
>"Oh," she said quietly, "then this is a bad day."
>
>"Yes," I said, "and yesterday and the day before and--oh, go away!"
>
>"Did it hurt?" she inquired.
>
>"Did what hurt?" I was exasperated with her, with myself.
>
>"When she died?"
>
>"Of course it hurt!" I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself.
>I strode off.
>
>A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't
>there. Feeling guilty, ashamed and admitting to myself I missed her, I
>went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door. A drawn
>looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door.
>
>"Hello," I said, "I'm Robert Peterson. I missed your little girl today
>and wondered where she was."
>
>"Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in. Wendy spoke of you so much.
>I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you. If she was a nuisance, please,
>accept my apologies."
>
>"Not at all -- she's a delightful child." I said, suddenly realizing
>that I meant what I had just said.
>
>"Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson. She had leukemia. Maybe she
>didn't tell you."
>
>Struck dumb, I groped for a chair. I had to catch my breath.
>
>"She loved this beach so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no.
>She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy
>days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly..." Her voice
>faltered, "She left something for you ... if only I can find it.
>Could you wait a moment while I look?"
>
>I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely
>young woman. She handed me a smeared envelope with "MR. P" printed in
>bold childish letters. Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a
>yellow beach, a blue sea, and a brown bird. Underneath was carefully
>printed:
>
> A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY.
>
>Tears welled up in my eyes and a heart that had almost forgotten to love
>opened wide. I took Wendy's mother in my arms. "I'm so sorry, I'm so
>sorry, I'm so sorry," I muttered over and over, and we wept together.
>The precious little picture is framed now and hangs in my study. Six
>words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony,
>courage, and undemanding love.
>
>A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who
>taught me the gift of love.
>
>NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson. It happened
>over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever. It serves
>as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and
>life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving
>oneself less.
>
>Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can
>make us lose focus about what is truly important or what is only a
>momentary setback or crisis.
>
>This week, be sure to give those you love, friends as well as family,
>an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment...even if it is only ten
>seconds, to stop and smell the roses.
>
>This comes from someone's heart, and is shared with many and now I share
>it with you.
>
> There are NO coincidences!
>Everything that happens to us happens for a reason. Never brush aside
>anyone as insignificant. Who knows what they can teach us?
>
>Someone thought this was worth sending on and I do too.
>

********************

Yo!
 

Oh, Kaylets, it never seems to end, does it? Hope DH is ok. So much going on. We must be under the same stars, though, as we are usually weatherwise because we've gone through incredibly non-stop household problems as well the last several weeks.

Mom seems to be having more problems in the two days she's been in home. Don't know if it's a med problem or her way of coping. My kids did go to see her yesterday and felt they had a satifactory visit for the shape she's in. Others have not and have reported strange symptoms, etc. Being addressed, of course, but by others.

Darling granddaughters were here as well so I stayed with them and they, as usual, were my best medicine for whatever bothers me. Not eating as healthfully but not really bingeing either. But I'm sure I've put some on as my bod requires extreme vigilence. My belief that I'm a lucky person (overall) will bide me through.

Good day to all, esp. those unanswered for a while.

Hi girls!
sorry its been so long but i`ve been very bad:( but i`m motivated to get back on track! I`ll sign in again tomorrow. Good luck to you all!

Jenn

Empress, must have been posting at the same time. Just noted the half pound loss and that you're now under the bugaboo 160 mark. That should have you bouncing along.

Another of the many strengths of this particular board, I've always thought, is that we seem to have the knack for letting people be themselves and post as openly as they choose. So post positively, negatively, briefly, at length. Focussed or totally off topic (if anything is OT here).

Sorry to hear of your pain and that's where I like to think this group excels - being here when you're in pain whether you tell us you are or not. But if we're able to give you support in any way, stay, stay, stay.

I sometimes feel my beliefs come through between the lines but I think that's ok too. Because they are a part of me and help me in incredible ways and perhaps help others to understand me. But I'd never think of asking someone else to be who I am. I think that's something we each need to figure out for ourselves. As we need to do with so many other things.

A bit peaceful this afternoon. Much needed.

Welcome back, Jenn.

Anagram- So glad things are slowing down a little for you so you can catch your breath w/ the princesses.

And I second everything you else you had to say regarding this thread and support, views, beliefs, etc. You said it all so well I can't add anything accept "YES".

Empress- I am amazed that someone would actually take the time to post "That's not worthy of prayer"-- Absolutely amazing.
I again second what Anagram said and hope you know we are here for you.

;)


DH actually woke up from his nap this am feeling suprising good and we went and got vegatables. We both feel like he dodged a bullet on that one.

I think I'll lay down myself.

Hang in there all!

Easy like Sunday mornin'
 

Jenn's back! Jenn, as a poster who left for a week and a half so I could move, let me say that I don't recommend it. Hang in there with everybody, even when you're being "bad". I'm glad to see you back and I'm glad to BE back. Onward, sister!!

Empress, nothing, NOTHING is unworthy of prayer. Nada. That really pissed me off. I will pray for you.

***Important question for the Losers: does it bother anyone that I say I'll pray and stuff like that? I mean, it does reveal that I have beliefs in one quarter of the religious spectrum, and I can totally leave that stuff out. Should I? Please be candid...***

Golly gee WHIZ, Kaylets. Your cup is full, huh? I DO wish you joy, my dear. I hope it flits around you at the most surprising moments, until you're glutted with it. And I wish you some smooth days ahead. Isn't the Wood Nymph in charge of flitting things? Maybe she can arrange something. Or is she still the Water Nymph for now? Hmmmm. And thank you for that joy story. It was a good reminder for me.

You too, Anagram. You seem to be someone who loves well, and I sincerely hope that you'll experience a respite from toil soon. Here's a whiff of lavender...

Wildfire, what's IBS? Whatever it is, it sounds owie. I'm so sorry...

Love to the rest of you. Have a GOOD day.

Cerise

Kaylets, I'm so relieved to hear that your DH 'dodged a bullet' and is up and doing! :) Get any interesting vegetables? I saw some interesting corn at the market---it was mottled red and yellow, like 'indian' corn but was for boiling or steaming. Very pretty, I'll try it this week.

Amarantha, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling distressed. It's times like this that I wish we all lived close! Please consider yourself surrounded and supported.:grouphug:

Cerise, your new life sounds so idyllic. As one who lives in the country, I think it would be lovely to live someplace where everything is within walking distance.It sounds so ALIVE! [It's alive here too of course, but with deer, racoons, skunks, rabbits...!] And Cerise, please, be yourself. It's been my experience that those of us who are non-Christian are very accepting, and are always perplexed when the same courtesy isn't extended to us by some. Prayer is common to all religions; as a matter of fact, I'd be grateful if you'd remember me in your prayers! :) The last thing we need here is to feel like we're walking on eggshells. None of that!:nono:

Hugs to you, Anagram. Thanks for continuing to check in with us to let us know how things are. The princesses are good medicine indeed!:)

Hey, Jenn's back!:D

Okay, I'm off to take a delicious afternoon nap.....

Thanks, guys, for the support. Guess I didn't exactly mean I was getting off the thread (as here I am again, huh?) just really needing some support (or hormones) and was trying to explain why I keep wanting to talk about religion these days. Should have known it wouldn't bother anyone here! Everyone is far too enlightened! :)

Cerise, thank you for the extremely welcome pm! No, you didn't weird me out! And per your question on the board here, my answer is much the same as Eydie's ... I think prayer is common in all religions ... and always welcome ... and I think we've all pretty much revealed at least snippets of our belief systems here and I guess that's what I meant I was worrying about a bit ... and I started it by posting Mother T and explaining that I found her a wonderful and wise crone but did not share her particular religion (although raised in it).

I think I'm just hormonal or something and I'm also going to take a nap, plus eat Krispy Kremes, which I have worked into my diet plan for today.

I am playing with the diet software I downloaded. It's a little frustrating because it only lets me calculate custom foods in 100-gram segments and it also defaults to French at inexplicable times. But it has a sort of glam lady who illustrates how your body looks at different BMIs, weights, etc. and that's kind of cool.

Avanti, anyway! :wave:

Cerise-- My mother in law used to have a saying " The more prayers the better" -- and she would welcome all--
I am sure everyone took your post in the spirit it was intended.

As for discussions, etc, as long as we remain " enlightened " and remember we are friends .... which would mean if I disagree, I would might not tell you I disagree but would always respect your belief. And if could not tolerate where the discussion went, I would follow the Empress's example regarding the other thread she mentioned.
I also belong to another thread and see posts going on and on debating the pros and cons and details of individual's beliefs.
These posts become disrespectful, ugly and distasteful.
I might be tempted to post but always do not as I do not want to go to that low level.

As you know, I am convinced for all our differences (all of humankind) we are more alike than different. I do agree that
people find each other for a reason and it is up to us to learn and celebrate finding each other.


Sure do love your whiff of lavendar!

I unfortunately know what IBS is- Irritable Bowel Syndrome--
When I get really stressed I have severe attacks. Some folks are affected (sp?) by some foods, caffeine, PMS, etc. In fact, if my mood hadn't lightened I might be a candidate for an attack by tomorrow.


Punkin-- your wall looks Pretty!! I could never do that and have it look so together- with me, it would look like I let the preschool in to do it.

Arabella- is it true? are you more of a water nymph in summer?

Jenn- Glad to see you back!

And Empress and Punkin- Congrats on pounds down-
me well,..... there was a terrible experience w/ the vending machine and my hand...... and it happened 3 days in a row!...

take are all!

I think I'm starting to feel halfway human again. Had a nap from 2:30 - 4:00pm, and I don't think that will interfere with my sleep tonight. What a mixed up weekend it has been.

Cerise, IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a functional gastro-intestinal disorder. Unfortunately, a debilitating condition for 1 in 5 people. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning there is nothing else evident, such as Crohns, Colitis, or cancer. Organically, everything is there and should be functioning normally, but it doesn't. There is a short circuit somewhere between the brain and the gut, and this makes the gut function abnormal, ranging from IBS D (Diarreha), to IBS C (Constipation) or a combination IBS C/D. It can be very, very painful, and completely changes your life. Imagine the worst stomach flu you've ever had and multiply it by 10....for every day for the rest of your life. There is no cure, and limited treatments...most of which won't work for everyone. I'd say about half the people with IBS are unable to hold down a job, and many become housebound. It's just not socially acceptable to have bowel problems! ;) Luckily, I have a milder case compared to others on an IBS board I belong to. I do work full-time, and am able to leave my home, although not without days I can't. A flare-up like this weekend only happens a few times a year for me, but for some it's every day. Only once have I had to go to Emergency for a shot of Morphine for the pain.

Unfortunately, most doctors know very little about the condition, often learning from their patients who are better informed. I stopped relying on the medical community for treating my IBS several years ago, as I know far more about the intricasies of the brain/gut connection and possible treatments than the "professionals" I've encountered.

My apologies to anyone for whom this is T.M.I.!

I usually resort to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) during a flare up, and that's what I've eaten the entire weekend.

About your question regarding "I'll pray for you"....nope, doesn't bother me at all. To me it's your way of saying you'll ask for help for me, and keep me in your thoughts. Just as I might light a candle for you and ask for help for you. We can all use all the help we can get!

Jenn, we saved your seat on the wagon! Climb back on!

Anagram, hope things improve for your Mom. She may be stressed over her new surroundings, and I'm sure that doesn't help.

Amarantha, you just keep being you! I think we all agree that we accept each other as we are, and we are all open minded enough for whatever you feel like discussing here. I would rather you vent it out here than keep it to yourself.

I feel a :grouphug: is in order!