Chat & Greetings 2004

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Angel of the North - Jul 10, 2004 8:22 am (#601 of 2955)

Hi, I'm new round here, although on WX I'm around Le Cafe Dangereux quite a lot.

I'm Angel, English, and a bookseller. Anyone else seen the new adult covers - they look absolutely fantastic, and way better than the old ones. I'm tempted to buy a set, or even just CoS which is really beautiful.

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 10, 2004 9:19 am (#602 of 2955)

Denise,

I've heard a bath in tomatoe juice will help remove the stench from the dogs.

Hopefully things will air out soon.

Marcus

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Leviosa - Jul 10, 2004 11:17 am (#603 of 2955)

I just wanted to say that I'm back from Budapest now. I'm sorry but I haven't read all your posts yet because I'm drop dead tired. I have to catch up sleep for a whole week. So I'm off to bed now.

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septentrion - Jul 10, 2004 11:23 am (#604 of 2955)

I can imagine how it is Denise. It wasn't a skulk but a dead rat which was found in some wall of the place where my husband works, but it was found because of the odor. Beurk !

Thanks Dumbledore for the History lesson ! My question was in fact : is the french 14th of July called Bastille Day in America ? Because here we just say "the 14th of july", and yes it's like 4th of july in America. BTW bienvenue en France ! Today the weather was rainy and sunny, not too cold.

Thanks Tomoé for the link. Maybe I haven't seen it because I use the text version.

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Pinky - Jul 10, 2004 12:49 pm (#605 of 2955)

Welcome back, Leviosa! I didn't get a chance to add my well-wishes before you left, but I hope you had a great time. I visited Budapest for a couple days 6 years ago and loved it.

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anbigin - Jul 10, 2004 1:22 pm (#606 of 2955)

Dead skunk in the middle of the road
stinkin' up the highway!


That is the song my family always sings whenever we smell that horrid skunk odor wafting around while we are driving on some road. It is horendous, although, it could, also, sometimes be compared to the smell of a "bad river" day - when it smells really sulfourous like something crawled into the seaweed and died which is probably what has happened.

But any ways, I've always heard the 14th called Bastille day here - at least that's what my French teacher called it in High School. However, I can see how most French people would call it the 14th of July. It's like the American holiday where it's officially called Independence Day but everyone just calls it the 4th of July. So I guess it's just another one of those cultural difference thingies:)

Oh and congrats to all those moving, traveling, and those having other special events happening in their lives:) I wish someone would come and visit me here in Greece it's kind of getting monotonous - but at least its gorgeous:) Peace - Kat

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Denise P. - Jul 10, 2004 1:57 pm (#607 of 2955)

The smell has somewhat toned down. The dogs got a power soak in a mix of baking soda, perioxide and Dawn dishwashing soap (tomato juice just make them smell like a skunky tomato) followed by a rinse of liquid fabric softner. This will be repeated tomorrow. The concrete and side of the house were sprayed down with liquid fabric softner. The living room smells very strongly of cinnamon at the moment since I baked cinnamon in the over AND have liquid potpourri going.

It would be best to open the windows to let a cross draft in but it is over 90 out with incredibly high humidity so it is not an option right now but this evening, I will try to get them open.

Since it appears that the skunk came under our fence, by the house, I am thinking it was looking for water. The dogs water dish is right there and it could have smelled the water and not realized the dogs were there since they would have been in the back part of the yard using the bathroom.

I had the skunk hauled off with the trash, now I wish I had kept it to be sure it was not rabid. I don't believe either of my dogs was bit since they are currently blowing coat and are like wooly mammoths shedding and I also only saw blood where the skunk was laying. They are vaccinated but you can never be too sure.

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Catherine - Jul 10, 2004 2:12 pm (#608 of 2955)

That's an interesting dilemma, Denise. Maybe a call to the vet, just to be sure? I don't know the protocol for rabies. I know for tetanus that you can require a booster shot once you have a bad cut/puncture to keep the immunity high, but I don't know about rabies. It's just that skunks are in the high-risk category of spreading the disease, at least they are where I live.

Good luck to you. We'll all try to be extra good and quiet on the Forum so that you can take care of things :-) Right, everyone?

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DJ Evans - Jul 10, 2004 2:32 pm (#609 of 2955)

Oh Denise, so sorry to hear of your "skunk" problem!!! My sister had the same thing happen to her about 4 years ago. We had to take the skunk in to the Health Department for it to be tested for rabies--her dog had a scratch that couldn't be explained away. So to be on the safe side, they told her it would be best to get the skunk tested. Luckily, all test were clear. As far as the smell? Lord, it seemed like it was weeks before it went away!!! Seriously, it wasn't that long, just days really--but it seemed like it took forever to go away. And I have heard that skunks are attracted to wet/damp areas--so the dogs water bowl could very well have been what it was after. Also, I've read that if you have an open area under your porches--to be sure and close the area off underneath, they love to bed down in such places!!!

So glad to see you back Leviosa!!!! Can't wait to read all about your trip!!

Everybody have a GREAT weekend!!!

Later, Deb

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Catherine - Jul 10, 2004 3:14 pm (#610 of 2955)

Hi, Denise and everyone else,

It's me, the dog-lover. I thought about emailing this to Denise, but I thought this was worthy of being made public! Just so people know!

Anyway, the AMVA says on its website that if bitten, "Dogs, cats and ferrets that are currently vaccinated should be revaccinated immediately, kept under the owner's control, and observed for a period as specified by state law or local ordinance (normally 45 days or more). Animals with expired vaccinations will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis."

We've had several local people, mostly those who live in rural areas and have limited financial resources, who failed to vaccinate their pets in the first place have to "put down" their dogs who were bitten by rabid skunks, raccoons, and foxes. In many cases, these pets were quite beloved by the family and it was so very sad. Many cities, including ours, have low-cost vaccines available, so it's worth inquiring about.

Sorry if I have been tiresome, but I thought it needed to be said (not to Denise, of course, who did the right thing in the first place! :-) )

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Madam Poppy - Jul 10, 2004 3:32 pm (#611 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 10, 2004 3:32 pm

..."and not realized the dogs were there since they would have been in the back part of the yard using the bathroom." Gee Denise, I'm impressed, your dogs have their own bathroom? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Poppy

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Ticker - Jul 10, 2004 3:33 pm (#612 of 2955)

Ewwwwwww, so sorry Denise. We have skunks in our neighborhood too. I try not to let my dog out when I smell one stolling by, but I know it's not a fool-proof plan. Hope your pets return to huggable again.

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DJ Evans - Jul 10, 2004 4:09 pm (#613 of 2955)

Oh and Denise, I forgot to warn you (& others) if it was a baby/young skunk, most likely it's family is close by as well!! So be on the look out for any other places they could get in your fenced yard. Hope that helps some from any other future happenings.

Later, Deb

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Flame Alligator - Jul 10, 2004 5:43 pm (#614 of 2955)

Hey everyone, I'm back. Only gone a few days and I have so much to catch up on. It's a good thing my highschool taught speed reading. My computer is CLEAN!! But my scroll wheel is weird and I my computer guy is spyware crazy. Uh! That means I have to drop a bunch of fire walls to download anything. But hopefully things will go smoothly until I get a new computer.

Well, I am off to catch up.

Doei (bye)

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 11, 2004 8:07 am (#615 of 2955)

Unfortunately, we have skunks here as well, though my dog has thankfully never been sprayed. The smell is truly rancid, I hope you're able to rid the stench from your house and dogs soon, Denise.

Thanks, Sue! We move next weekend; I can hardly wait! By the way, did you get my email?

It seems that young Dumbledore is not intending to replace some things in our house, rather he seems set on repairing them. This will not fly, so I suppose I will have to have a talk with him tomorrow. Yet I do feel bad about arguing with him, as he does look so much like a young Dumbledore.

I'm glad your computer is functioning again, Flame!

Welcome back, Susi! I hope you had a wonderful trip.

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VeronikaG - Jul 11, 2004 8:08 am (#616 of 2955)

I'm glad we don't have any smelly things like skunks in our back yard. It's bad enough with those mushrooms that pop up over the summer and stink like rotten meat.

Good to see your computer is clean, Flame!

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Leviosa - Jul 11, 2004 11:31 am (#617 of 2955)

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I was so tired yesterday that I slept for about 15 hours but that still wasn't enough to catch up all sleep. Now you probably can imagine how tired I was yesterday.

I liked Budapest and had a wonderful time there, even though there were sometimes big and small problems.

The city itself is very big and impressing, especially for me living in a 130 000 habitants city. Everything is much bigger and also more hectic.

We visited a lot of great builings like the Parliament, the Fishers' Bastion (sp?), the Matthew Church and the Castle. We've also been to the "Sissi"-castle Gödöllö and made a boat trip to watch some knight games (which was the thing I and most of my class mates liked least).

The most dangerous thing probably was visiting a cave system because the "visiting" turned out to be dangerous climbing through and over big rocks and small holes, so that one teacher just wanted to come back to daylight again. But most of the others, including me had incredibly much fun.

Another quite dangerous thing was crossing the street because the Hungarians don't care much for traffic rules and zebra crossings are only for decoration.

There are so many other things to tell but I'm better not boring you more with my stories.

Have a nice day!

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septentrion - Jul 11, 2004 12:14 pm (#618 of 2955)

Hi Susi, you don't bore us with Budapest and Hungary ! tell us more !

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Tomoé - Jul 11, 2004 12:42 pm (#619 of 2955)

draco all the way, I still remember you as well. ^_^ Your schedule seems to sucks though, but don't kill yourself in frustration you will miss us.

Petunia is so cute Denise! but for the skunk, all I can say is "Eurgh!"

Sue, I don't know for the US, but in the East of Canada skunks are quite common. As snow melt away, laods of them get smashed to death along the road, that just smell like spring. ^_^ Catherine, I second your description and your sympathies for Denise. I also second what Denise said, the smell is really strong, stronger than a smashed bottle of fragrance.

Veronika, I had a dsl connection with the Canadian state phone corporation and my modem kept overheating, though I didn't wait two months to get it.

That was pretty good azi! Je voudrais un pain au chocolat s'il-vous-plaît?

And welcome Angel!

Edit : yep, tell us more Susi!

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wormsé - Jul 11, 2004 2:25 pm (#620 of 2955)

Welcome back, Susi! I'm glad you had a good time. I had a dream about you this morning... you came back to my house after your trip, rather than your own... It was quite odd. I'll tell you the details later, whenever I see you online. Hehe!

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timrew - Jul 11, 2004 2:47 pm (#621 of 2955)

I won't be here for a few days, you guys. My Dad died today. He would have been 84 in two weeks.

He was born in Hamburg, Germany.

He left school and walked down to Hamburg Harbour when he was 14 (in 1934), and signed on as a cabin boy on a trawler. He needed to contribute to the income of his mother and father who were poor and had 8 children.

When WW2 came, he was conscripted into the Merchant Marine and spent a few years ferrying supplies to the Channel Islands. His ship pulled into Dieppe, France, and Dad was sent for supplies. Then D-Day happened. Dad's ship set sail without him, and he was captured by the Americans. He was shipped over to the USA (in luxury) aboard the Queen Mary, and then spent the rest of the war picking cotton in Mississippi. In London, a few years ago, he met the singer, Jimmy Ruffin, who was born in Mississippi - they became firm friends.

After the war, he was shipped back to England, where he met my Mum, who he dated and married. By this time he was 24 years old. He never went back to Germany, except on holidays to see his Mum, sisters and brothers.

He fathered me, my brother Paul, and 19 years later (the old devil!), my sister, Christel. He was a lovely man, and I'll miss him.

You have just had a potted life of my Dad, Hans.

Rest in Peace, Dad.

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I Am Used Vlad - Jul 11, 2004 3:07 pm (#622 of 2955)

I'm sorry to hear that, Tim. You have my condolences.

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Catherine - Jul 11, 2004 3:19 pm (#623 of 2955)

Tim, we will miss you while you are gone. You have our family's sympathies for your family's loss. Your dad sounds like he was a great man, and I am sure that he is already on his next great adventure.

Raises goblet to Tim's dad, Hans To Hans!

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shepherdess - Jul 11, 2004 3:31 pm (#624 of 2955)

Tim,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I truly do understand; I lost my mother six years ago. Losing a parent is very hard. There's nothing I can say that will make you feel better, so I'm not going to try.

But if I may offer a piece of advice-when a little time has passed, and you feel comfortable doing it, you should write about your dad-facts about his life, your feelings about him, memories you have of him, things you learned from him. This will help the grieving process, and give you (and your family, if you chose to share) a wonderful way to remember him. His life will be preserved for posterity.

Now go do what you need to do, with the knowledge that you have many, many people who care about you and are here to support you in any way we can.

Take care~shepherdess

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Denise P. - Jul 11, 2004 4:35 pm (#625 of 2955)

Tim, please accept my sympathy on the loss of your beloved parent. The loss of a parent touches us deeply, no matter how old we are and even though we may be a parent ourselves. Warm thoughts to you and your entire family. {{{Tim}}}

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boop - Jul 11, 2004 4:55 pm (#626 of 2955)

Tim, I am so sorry for your loss. I have not lost a parent, but I can't even think what you must be going through right now. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Just know we are all here for you Tim. Here is a great big hug to you.

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Chemyst - Jul 11, 2004 6:28 pm (#627 of 2955)

Thanks, Timrew, for sharing such a poignant story of your Dad's life. It's as if we got to know him a little, even though we never met him. For you to write so fondly of him, he surely must have been proud of you as well.

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Kip Carter - Jul 11, 2004 6:44 pm (#628 of 2955)

Tim, you have been a friend on this Forum for a long time and a true supporter of good cheer here. I can see a lot of your father in you and I know that he is looking down on you with pride and pleasure knowing that his son is a true man and a gentleman. He raised you extremely well. I know that you are extremely proud to say he is your father. He is now remembered by many on the Harry Potter Lexicon Forum. A toast to your father and the family he created!

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DJ Evans - Jul 11, 2004 6:59 pm (#629 of 2955)

Tim

A death, any death, is life changing for all of us--more so when it is a parent. We somehow expect them to be around forever, then one day they aren't. It reaches and touches us in the very depth of our souls the loss we feel when they are gone. Yet, that special place they hold in our hearts will never be filled by any other--that is their place till we finally pass. And that special place that they hold? It will bring you comfort in the days to come, it will bring you the warmth and fond memories that you have of your Dad. I know, I lost my Dad 7 years ago this coming January and I'm still in touch with those warm and fond memories of him. I draw on them quite a bit at times.

So Tim, please take comfort in knowing that you and your family are in all of our hearts and prayers at this time. I wish I could have met your Dad, as he sounded like a very special person. You did him proud in your eulogy of your Dad.

Later, Deb

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Hem Hem - Jul 11, 2004 8:14 pm (#630 of 2955)

Condolences to you, Tim. Thanks for sharing a nutshell of your father's life with us. I hope his life continues to be an inspiration to you and others for years to come.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 11, 2004 8:34 pm (#631 of 2955)

Tim, condolences to you and yours. These times can be difficult, but we all care about you and wish you the best when times are the worst.

Most deepest sympathy, Leila

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Pinky - Jul 11, 2004 8:39 pm (#632 of 2955)

Tim, I can't add anything others have not already said. Thank you for that eloquent glimpse into your father's life. You have been a great member of the forum family, so in a way, we have all lost a family member today. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 11, 2004 8:47 pm (#633 of 2955)

Tim, my condolences on the loss of you father. As other have already said, losing a parent an any age is not easy. By the humour you have shown us here, there is quite some of your father in you. My sympathies to you.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 11, 2004 9:04 pm (#634 of 2955)

Tim, you have my deepest symapthies. Your father led a full life and did many great things; he reared a hilarious and thoughtful man, for one. I hope you can find comfort in your memories of him, in your family, and even in your forum family here.

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Tomoé - Jul 11, 2004 9:35 pm (#635 of 2955)

Ditto everyone, my sympathies to you and your family Timrew, no matter how old we are are how old or unhealthy they are in the end, it's always hard to lost someone that close.

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 11, 2004 9:40 pm (#636 of 2955)

Tim, one more thing, I have found at these times the most comforting thing is to do something that I enjoyed doing with that parent. With my stepfather it was watching silly television shows, with my mother it was food, my father was looking at family pictures. With every person passing you need to find what's comforting for celebrating that individuals life.

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Julia. - Jul 11, 2004 10:27 pm (#637 of 2955)

Tim, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. He raised a wonderful son, and I'm sure lead a very full and happy life. Although there is little anyone can can do or say to make the pain go away, if there is anything. be sure to let us know. *hugs Tim* I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 12, 2004 2:21 am (#638 of 2955)

Tim, my deepest sympathies to you & your family. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your Dad's life... he sounded like a truly amazing individual, & even more so if he passed on his sense of humour to his family. Just to let you know you are in my thoughts & prayers. A big hug to you & your loved ones at this time.

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 12, 2004 5:13 am (#639 of 2955)

Tim,

My deepest condolences, although I have not lost a parent, my brother was killed in an auto accident at 22 years old. Your father seems to have lived a full and wonderful life. The most strange and wonderful thing happens after the passing of a loved one... all of the good memories come to the fore of your mind and you get to re-live them again. Sharing those memories helps lessen the pain of the loss and increase the joy of remembering someone special.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Jack

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Doris Crockford - Jul 12, 2004 5:52 am (#640 of 2955)

Tim, I'm so sorry. Your dad sounded like a really nice guy.

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Neldoreth - Jul 12, 2004 6:00 am (#641 of 2955)

Tim, sharing this difficult time with us is also what are friends for. I hope you get through this peacefully, be assured of my prayers for you and your family.

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mike miller - Jul 12, 2004 6:04 am (#642 of 2955)

Tim - To you and your family, my deepest sympathies. Know that you are in our hearts and our prayers. Hold fast to your memories. Your father sounds like a wonderful man and he has given you that sense of humor that we all enjoy. Through you he has touched our lives as well.

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haymoni - Jul 12, 2004 7:09 am (#643 of 2955)

Tim - We will be thinking of you and your family. I lost my mom to cancer 6 years ago and I can still hear her voice. Your father will be with you always.

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septentrion - Jul 12, 2004 7:20 am (#644 of 2955)

Tim, I have nothing to add to what have been said except I was moved by your father's story. I'm sure he's gone with all the good things he has done/given in this world, he has gone with them but also has let them in your heart.

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scully jones - Jul 12, 2004 9:20 am (#645 of 2955)

It's really hard to say anything that would help you feel better Tim, But I share the sentiments of the more eloquent members here.

Thank you for telling us about his life, and I agree that maybe a memoir would be a good idea.

(((HUG!)))

Sarah

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Padfoot - Jul 12, 2004 10:23 am (#646 of 2955)

Hello all, I am finally back from my vacation in Minnesota.

I am so sorry Tim to hear about your dad. *sending hugs your way* Ditto to what everyone else has said.

Sherbie, congratulations!!!!! I couldn't be happier for you. Clappy

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mollis - Jul 12, 2004 10:58 am (#647 of 2955)

Tim - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You father sounds like a wonderful man who lived a very interesting life - writing his life story would likely make for a very entertaining read for you and your family - but also for people like us who weren't fortunate enough to meet him.

Sherbie - Moving next weekend?!?! Holy cow! I hope you've been packing! And I hope we get a little break in the heat levels around here. I think OK is usually as hot or hotter than it is here in KC - and this would be no fun to move during (114 degree heat index)!

Safe travels to all who are vacationing! Please drive safely and be responsible!

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Imoen - Jul 12, 2004 11:18 am (#648 of 2955)
Edited by Pinky Jul 12, 2004 12:14 pm

Imoen, welcome to the forums! I edited out a small part of your post. Perhaps the translation from French to English just didn't work quite right for the particular sentiments you were trying to express. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at pinkylexiconfan@yahoo.com. I'm very glad you are a part of our Forum. You'll find we have several other French members as well. Have fun exploring the Forum! ~Pinky

Tim , I'm so sorry about your dad but I won't tell you " It will be OK, everybody dies one day, he's got a great life and now he has deserved a time of rest " because all these sentences are cliché. I'm sure you would prefer him to be alive and live his life again with you. Nevertheless , do never forget that cliché that says " your dad is still living in your heart " because that is tru ; your dad is still living through you, even though it's painful at the moment, it will be a support all of your life. So , leave your life as best as you can and you will feel your dad proud inside of you. I hope you will understand what I mean and won't think i'm disrespectful to your feels and to your pain. I wish you good luck

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Kerstin - Jul 12, 2004 11:47 am (#649 of 2955)

Tim, my deepest condolences to you.

From what you wrote your dad had had an eventful life and he seems to leave a big hole in his family. My sympathy is with you and your family.

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Leviosa - Jul 12, 2004 12:31 pm (#650 of 2955)

Tim, my deepest sympathies to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for sharing a few bits of your father's life with us.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 12, 2004 1:24 pm (#651 of 2955)

Welcome back, Padfoot! I take it your vacation was a good one? Thanks for the congrats; I couldn't be happier for me either!

Mollis, it is terribly hot here too. I don't know what the heat index is today, but it feels like a humid furnace outside. Luckily, most of our things are in a storage facility, so the move should be relatively smooth. However all of our bedroom stuff is here, but being a packing procrastinator, I haven't yet begun to assemble boxes.

My discussion with Dumbledore went well. Our sod is being laid today and our garage door opener should be in tomorrow. Almost everything else we asked for is being done with the exception of our tile being extended out, though they are giving us several rows worth so that we may do it ourselves later if we wish. We bought a refrigerator yesterday, it's not the stainless steel that I wanted (too expensive) but it's nice all the same.

Have a great day, all!

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Padfoot - Jul 12, 2004 1:36 pm (#652 of 2955)

Yes my vacation was very nice and relaxing by the lake. I wish I was there now as it is 93 degrees and rising here. It's going to be hard to get back into the swing of things at work. So that's why I am here at the forum.

I forgot to mention to Marcus that I like his picture. You do look a lot like Alan Alda (I remember you mentioning that once somewhere).

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Detail Seeker - Jul 12, 2004 1:38 pm (#653 of 2955)

Tim, as everything, I could give you along, have been said already, I just can tell you, that my thoughts are with you now. May your father Hans be on his next adventure. He lives on - in you.

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Dr Filibuster - Jul 12, 2004 3:14 pm (#654 of 2955)

Tim,

I was so sad to hear about your father.

You wrote a wonderful and affectionate potted history of Hans' long, action-packed life. I can see where you got your twinkley eyes from.

All my sympathies to you and your family.

Sue

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timrew - Jul 12, 2004 3:18 pm (#655 of 2955)

I had to come on-line and thank you, everyone, for your tributes to my Dad. You don't know what they mean to me right now. I was so moved that I sat my mother down in front of the computer and showed them to her also. She wants me to print them off and display them at Dad's funeral service on Friday.

She has also asked me to thank you all. She thinks that it's wonderful that people from all over the world now know about her husband, Hans. Thanks once again, you guys.

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Anna Osipova - Jul 12, 2004 3:37 pm (#656 of 2955)

Tim, I'm very sorry for your loss. There isn't much I can say that hasn't been said already, so I'll just leave it at that.

Sherbie Lemon, I hope the move goes smooth. I hope you set up your computer fast, too. Personally, I love moving. You get to redecorate the entire house :~D.

Padfoot, I went to the lake yesterday (my brother's friend has a boat) and I got burned so badly. I was also dead tired and I'm so sore! Still had a blast though, and I'm sure you did too.

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D.W. - Jul 12, 2004 3:48 pm (#657 of 2955)

Tim,

I just wanted to add my deepest symphathies to those of the other forum members on the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing with us his story. The loss of a family member or loved one is something a lot of us here can relate to, and sympathise with. Best wishes to you and your family.

Donna.

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Accio Sirius - Jul 12, 2004 4:59 pm (#658 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 12, 2004 5:00 pm

Tim, My heart goes out to you and your family. Embrace each other through this tough time.

Sherbie, good luck to you. I fear moving and try to avoid it at all cost, convincing myself that I don't need more space despite overflowing closets. I've also been dreading turning 40, but alas, it is the big 4-0 today. Not too bad so far. Last night my hubbie took me and a bunch of family and friends to dinner and then an outdoor concert with Shawn Colvin and The Cowboy Junkies. It was great. My real birthday treat is reading the forum with no interruption from the kids!

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Madam Pince - Jul 12, 2004 5:48 pm (#659 of 2955)

Tim, you and your family have my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. Thank you for sharing with us a bit of the life of this wonderful man. He did so many wonderful things -- not the least of which was raising a terrific son. We will be thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers.

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Anna Osipova - Jul 12, 2004 5:51 pm (#660 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Accio Sirius! I wish you all the best.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 12, 2004 6:18 pm (#661 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Accio Sirius! 40th 40's a big milestone, you should use this momentous day to reflect on all you've accomplished, after downing a big bottle of firewhiskey of course.

Thanks, Anna. We've moved 6 times in 5 years now, so the excitement of moving has lost its thrill a bit. But this time it will be into our own house, which is quite an amazing feeling. I can't wait to arrange things, yet I'm dreading the actual move.

I'm glad you had a good time, Padfoot. Mom and I are going to Abbey Road on the River (again!), which takes place in Cleveland. Last night we checked the weather channel's site and it said on there that the highs are around 80 during the day, and the lows around 60 at night! Woo hoo! Here it is 98 with an unholy heat index. I can't wait to have a breeze that doesn't feel like someone is blowing a hairdryer in my face.
Boiling Hot

The people on here are amazing, aren't they, Tim? I found that out during my house crisis. Even though I think we all wish we could do more for you than expressing our condolences, I'm so happy to hear that it helped you to know how much you, and through you, your father, means to this forum family. We'll be here whenever you need us.

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Ladybug220 - Jul 12, 2004 7:09 pm (#662 of 2955)

Tim - my deepest sympathies. You and your family are in my prayers.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 12, 2004 7:28 pm (#663 of 2955)

Accio Sirius, have a wonderful celebration on this anniversary of your most blessed birth. Have tons of fun

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Tomoé - Jul 12, 2004 7:53 pm (#664 of 2955)

Happy birthday padfoot!

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boop - Jul 12, 2004 8:10 pm (#665 of 2955)

Accio Sirius, Happy Birthday, I would have posted it but didn't know. I am trying to get a list of forum members birthdays together. I post when I have someone on my list. So I have added your name so you won't be missed next year. I hope you had a great day.

Tim, your father was a great man and we have gotten to know him through you. Thank you for sharing that information about him. Just remember we are all here for you.

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Viola Intonada - Jul 12, 2004 8:27 pm (#666 of 2955)

I'm back!!! And over 500 messages on the Chat thread, sorry I won't be able to read them all. I had a wonderful vacation with my family. We are actually all still speaking to each other!! We just got back last night. I hardly saw my children today as they were going up and down the neighborhood playing with all their friends for as long as they could.

I'm sorry I didn't get to stop and see you, Marie. Hubby's brother and wife took us up into the mountains for a couple of days. We were so far in, that we didn't go back to I-25, then to further inhibit any travels that direction, our youngest got sick that day. I was really bummed. I hope all has gone well with your move.

I did get to have lunch with Ticker in Rapid City. Aria is so adorable. It was great to meet you and your husband, Ticker.

Tim, I'm very sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in my prayers.

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Julia. - Jul 12, 2004 8:34 pm (#667 of 2955)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACCIO SIRIUS!! Have a butterbeer on me. *hands Accio Sirius butterbeer*

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Gina R Snape - Jul 12, 2004 8:48 pm (#668 of 2955)

Phew. 150+ messages to catch up on. Let's see...

Sherbie, congratulations! Snape drinks all round. When's the housewarming party?

Tim, I'm sorry to hear of your father's death. But I must admit I was grinning ear to ear reading your history of him. He sounds like he was a very cool guy who led an incredible life. I'm glad your mother took some comfort from this board, even if I'm too late to be added to that list.

Septentrion, what can I say? I'm just so, so, so relieved and pleased to hear that a Detention with Snape! Club member will be translating his page to French.

Oh, and Happy Birthday Accio Sirius!

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Dr Filibuster - Jul 12, 2004 11:21 pm (#669 of 2955)

Happy birthday Accio Sirius.

Accio birthday cake, Accio candles, Accio presents, Accio party, Accio adoring friends and family, Accio Half blood prince (ok got carried away there).

Hey, this Accio spell is great isn't it?

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Ozymandias - Jul 12, 2004 11:32 pm (#670 of 2955)

Tim, I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Just from reading your brief biography of him I can tell that he was an incredible man who has truly touched the lives of all around him.

All of the kind words from those who have posted here were wonderful to read, and I'm glad they have brought comfort to you and your family. What a wonderful community you all have established here. I feel honored to be a part of it.

Sherbie Lemon, congratulations on the new house! I can relate to your tales of frequent moving, since living the dorm life necessitates moving twice a year. I hope your house will be a home you will enjoy for a good long time. Good luck!

And finally, happy birthday Accio Sirius! *breaks out the HP party hats*

EDIT: I missed Padfoot's post about Marcus's new avatar. Marcus, you do look like Alan Alda, though I had a pretty strong mental image of you as that hairy-chested linebacker guy. Guess I'll need to revise that one.

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The giant squid - Jul 13, 2004 12:03 am (#671 of 2955)

Tim, I know I'm a bit late here but I'd like to offer my condolences as well. I can tell from your posts that you are--generally speaking--a happy, fun-loving, quirky guy and I can only hope that this loss hasn't permanently damaged your funny bone. I think continuing to laugh at life (and especially the odd people in it) would be the best tribute to the man that taught you to do just that.

Happy Birthday, Accio Sirius! And no, I'm not giving you my Sirius signpost as a present.

--Mike

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Tomoé - Jul 13, 2004 12:33 am (#672 of 2955)

I did mess up Padfoot and Accio Sirius ... I'll iron my hands then. Happy birthday Accio Sirius! ... or is it book 6 now? ... am I mess people again?

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Neldoreth - Jul 13, 2004 12:53 am (#673 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Accio Sirius! Enjoy this special day

Tomoe, dont iron your hands, you'll need them to post here...

Have each one of you a wonderful day, here the sun seems to finally trying to appear after a week of rainy, dark, depressing weather... excellent!

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septentrion - Jul 13, 2004 1:15 am (#674 of 2955)

happy birthday Accio Sirius !

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 13, 2004 1:34 am (#675 of 2955)

Tim, I'm touched to hear that these messages have given yourself & your Mother some comfort.

Accio Sirius.... Happy belated birthday.. hope it was a good one.

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Ozymandias - Jul 13, 2004 2:20 am (#676 of 2955)

I'm sorry to burden and/or annoy all of you with this post, but as you'll see I don't really know who else to say it to. This is going to sound incredibly whiny but I need to get it off my chest.

I am a loner, an outcast, a recluse and a socially stunted human being. I find this very depressing.

I'm 19 years old, and I don't think I have a single real friend. I have kept in touch with perhaps a dozen people from high school, and I would only call two of them real friends. One of them has changed so much since I knew her that we have a hard time relating to each other any more. She was my best friend in high school. The other would be a great friend, and he is, but we're still recovering from an awkward time when he wanted to take it farther than friendship and I didn't, so I don't feel as comfortable around him as I once did.

I have never once been on a date. I have never kissed someone who is not a member of my family. I have never been asked on a date.

I feel like, outside of my immediate family, I'm not at all close to anyone. I don't mean to downplay my family. I have a wonderful relationship with my parents and my brother, but they all have their own social circles and I don't. I've got lots of acquaintances, but I don't even feel comfortable asking them to go to a movie or something. I'm completely paranoid that nobody I know likes or even tolerates me.

I'm feeling like this is abnormal for someone my age. Or for anybody. I have this horrible vision of myself in 50 years, living in a shack somewhere talking to the furniture. I imagine myself dying and nobody cares. Or even notices.

I don't know what to do about it. At least part of my isolation is self-imposed. I'm not a very social person; going out and interacting with more than about two people is hard work for me. It stresses me out and wears me down. I know it's ridiculous to expect to form relationships without spending time with people, but surely there must be some sort of middle ground. If so, I haven't found it. And it's doubly hard because I differ so much from the majority of my peer group. Going to parties, bars or nightclubs is pretty much the social scene, and I despise all three. Surely there are people who share my feelings, but how to find them without going door-to-door?

What do I do? Is this normal? Is it healthy? Am I destined to be alone?

I'm sorry to place this rant on all of you. I assure you that I'm not fishing for sympathy, at least not consciously. It's helped just to get these feelings out. If you've actually gone and read this whole thing, thank you. Any advice you have would help a lot, especially if anyone has found themselves in a similar situation.

*sigh*

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septentrion - Jul 13, 2004 3:12 am (#677 of 2955)

Ozymandias, having relationships with others is taking a risk, whoever you have a relationship with. What you need is taking some risks by asking some of the people you know and who seems the more likely to understand you to do things with you (having a drink, going to the cinema...). Maybe it'll be a wonderful time, maybe it'll be dreadful but if you don't want to be totally alone, you have to do it. I'm sure there are more people than you'd believe to who don't like to spend all their time with people, going to bars or clubs...but of course those kind of people aren't as much visible as the others. You're not meant to be alone, don't expect too much from yourself, and don't think it's so difficult to meet people who share interests with you.

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Marè - Jul 13, 2004 4:23 am (#678 of 2955)

First of all, Tim, what can I add that hasn't been said allready? Take care, of yourself and your family. Best wishes to all.

And Ozymandias, I don't know what you are doing right now, but starting a new chapter in life and moving out of your old neighbourhood and start living on your own might change your circle of friends. A new job, a new education, a new city might do worlds of goods.
Also think about joining a sportclub, a painting course or anything where you meet new people, whom share at least one interest with you (or they wouldn't be there..)
Take a look here: http://www.witchinghour.org/getinvolved/preevents.html.
These people seem to have Harry Potter parties all around the world. So you can meet HPfreaks in real life.

And further I can only back up Septentrion, the first times you go and hang in clubs might not be the most fun because you might feel a bit uncomfortable. But it gets better!

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mike miller - Jul 13, 2004 5:55 am (#679 of 2955)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACCIO SIRIUS!!!

Ozy - You're normal! As humans, we are all very good at putting up barriers around us to protect us from pain. As Septentrion said, it means taking a risk. I echo the advice of Mare', find something you would like to do anyway (painting, yoga, archery, collecting), anything that interests you. Having common interests drastically reduces the stress and the risk of meeting new people.

I went through a similar trial in my teens. I was so self-conscious about wearing braces and the general awkwardness of being a teen that I was tongue-tied around girls. It wasn't until I went away to college did I start to get over it. It seemed easier to open up with people who had not known me during my self imposed exile. This too will pass, give it time, take a chance and find something you have passion for. You will find others that share your passion.

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haymoni - Jul 13, 2004 6:03 am (#680 of 2955)

Ozy - I didn't really talk with anyone from high school after high school ended. We all went our separate ways and, quite frankly, most of them were idiots.

As for dating, I think I could use a Time Turner and say "no, thanks!" to just about all of the jerks that I went out with before age 19.

I can tell from your posts that you are intelligent and thoughtful - people will learn this about you, but you have to give them a chance. Take a class - any kind of class. Volunteer - pick something you could really feel passionate about. I'd avoid the bars - try a health club - you don't have to pick a really expensive one - see if your city, town, university has a community recreation center. Go to a children's hospital and read Harry Potter out loud to the kids with all the expression and accents you can muster!

I would also discuss your situation with your physician. I am no doctor and I don't even play one on TV, but sometimes we need a little help when it comes to getting over our fears. You may be surprised at what your doctor is able to do for you.

You'll find a kindred spirit and I'll bet they will show up when you least expect it!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 13, 2004 6:21 am (#681 of 2955)

Tim, You and your family have my deepest sympathy. I know what it is to lose a father. Especially, a persevering, great guy like your dead seems to have been. "hugs for you and your family*

Accio Sirius, Happy Birthday.

Sherbie, Congrats on the house.

Fawkes, Top of the mornin to ya.

I will be busy this week substituting for the Pilates teacher........ again. *sigh* Oh well, I can use the extra cash. I will, however, not get behind on this thread.

See you guys tomorrow.

Goedemorgen.

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Gina R Snape - Jul 13, 2004 6:56 am (#682 of 2955)

Ozzy, I noticed in your profile that you are going to school in SF. Might I suggest you do a few things...

1. Join some clubs at your school. You'll find like-minded people and make friends;
2. See if your school has free mental health counseling, so you have a chance to explore your feelings and relationships in a healthy supportive place;
3. Take advantage of SF. There are loads of people, places and things in SF to get involved with. I met some people from the SF costumers guild when I was there recently and they were great fun and welcomed new people gladly. A little odd, as costumers are...but hey I was wearing a Slytherin costume at the time so who am I to talk?
4. If you see someone you find attractive, ask him/her out! The worst they can do is say no...

Oh, I nearly forgot...Marcus! Y'know, I did start to create a mental image of you as the big hairy-chested cartoon. Heh, heh. Nice to see your real face. Does this mean you won't be residing in your cartoon castle anymore?

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Accio Sirius - Jul 13, 2004 7:07 am (#683 of 2955)

Thanks for the birthday wishes! It was a good one. I'll admit I was hoping Mike would share some PoA booty... ; ).

Ozzy, Your post was very touching. I think you might be surprised at how many people feel the way that you do. And there is no set timeline in life to learn new things or have new experiences, so don't feel bad if you haven't met some imaginary deadline. There's a good chance that most people lie about things that they've done or--especially when it comes to relationships--regret that they've done things too early. Maybe it's the recently 40 year old in me talking, but with age comes knowledge and with it a certain contentment. So you in waiting, contemplating and seriously evaluating all relationships, will bring a much deeper bond when you do form them. And that's exactly what people are always searching for no matter what age. I wish you luck.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 13, 2004 7:24 am (#684 of 2955)

Ozy.... first of all take a great big hug.... *HUG*

As already said by some of our more eloquent members of the forum... you are normal. We all go through phases like this... it is normal. Like Haymoni, I haven't kept in contact much with those I went to high school with. Indeed the first year after high school (which I think is were you are at now) was kind of tough. Going off to college, having to make new friends & taking on new challenges. The main thing was I had to take a chance when meeting new people.... I joined a few clubs & the like just to get out there to meet new people.... Also you're not going to click with everyone you meet, but there will be some people out there that you will mesh with quite well. Anyways, all we need are a few good friends... more so than a load of well... okish (if thats a word ) friends.

As for dating... now I don't in any way claim to be an expert... LOL far from it methinks.... but it's the same as making new friends, sometimes you have to take a chance... sometimes it pays off... sometimes it doesn't (usually the latter in my case ) However I try not to let that put me off....

We all put up barriers to stop ourselves from getting hurt, thats human nature. About six years ago I lost my closest childhood friend in a very tragic accident & I closed myself off to many people. Unfortunately I lost a lot of friends in the process, as I wouldn't share my feelings, let them get close & I cut them off, all through what I thought was self preservation. However I realised I couldn't spend my life shut away. If my friends death taught me anything it was that life is too darn short, & to use a cliche... life is for living.

It was difficult & I must admit that even now it still can be.... somedays I find myself putting the barriers back up to prevent people from getting close & I need to remind myself that its ok to let people in.....

Making a few changes is all it takes.... I moved to a new city to start a new job, & it was the best thing I did. I'm not suggesting that you upsticks & move.... but start with something small ... like join a book club, or a sports club. From your posts you seem like a warm caring intelligent person, just try not to be afraid... take a chance on people .... they might surprise you. If you do feel like you need some extra help... then perhaps going to your doctor for a quick chat might help... Good luck... I wish you all the best!

Sorry for rattling on so much folks..... if you've made it this far take 10 points for your house

Hi Flame *waves madly*

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Padfoot - Jul 13, 2004 8:49 am (#685 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Accio Sirius! Make A Wish

Ozzy, I would like to send you hugs too. I can get easily depressed (runs in the family) too and have thought many of those same thoughts over the years. Everyone has given you some great advice that you should try. I have only one friend that I went to high school that I still keep in contact with and she lives across the country. The friends I've made since high school are much more important in my life than those silly girls I knew way back when. Getting involved in any activity/club is worth it. You might need to try a few out before finding something you really enjoy doing, but try something. It's hard at first, but it does get easier the more you are in social situations. I am shy too, so I know how you feel. And once you start opening up to people, you find that you are "normal". I have noticed that the older I get, the more self confidence I have. So hang in there and go find some fun activity where you can meet new people.

I have found that having a pet in my life has helped me immensely (the best decision I ever made). If you have the option of getting one, I would recommend it. That unconditional love just can't be beat!

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Julia. - Jul 13, 2004 9:15 am (#686 of 2955)

*Hugs Ozy* Don't worry Ozy, as everyone else said, what you're going through is very normal. I'm almost your age, and have simillar experiences (except that I'm still very close with my high school friends). I'm not a very social person. I spend the vast majority of my time sitting infront of a computer or doing school work. The number of true friends I have (not counting Forumers and family) is less than ten, and at least three are teachers from high school.

Being that I am so close with my friends from high school, things were very difficult for me when I went off to college last year. I was so used to having everyone around and then suddenly they weren't. I pretty much locked myslef in my dorm and got very caught up in being anti-social and sorry for myself.

I joined one group on campus...Hillel. I met some very cool people there, all of whom were Jewish and most of whom are into simillar things as I. It was hard at first, because I really only saw them two days a week, but after a while of feeling each other out, we saw each other all the time, and became friends. No one expects you to become a social butterfly over night, but honestly, eating dinner alone every night isn't fun. My suggestion is that you find something you're into anyway, see if there's a club for it on campus, and join up. As previously noted by everyone else, you're likely to meet great people who are just as wonderful as you are.

As for dating, don't worry about that. You're talking to someone who wasn't properly kissed, or had a proper date until 18. My parents didn't meet each other until they were 25. Love will happen for you, you just have to be patient. Also, don't waste any opportunities. If you see someone who you think you might be interested in, as 'em to dinner (OK, the dining hall isn't exactly the most romantic place, but I'm sure it'll work, just offer to swipe her (er, for non college folk to swipe for someone means to take a meal of your card so that someone else can eat)).

Hope this helps Ozy, and as always, you know you're free to unload your troubles on us any time.

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icthestrals - Jul 13, 2004 9:26 am (#687 of 2955)

Ozy, my heart goes out to you. I have to second what everyone has suggested to you. I did not have friends in school or my first go round at college. I never had a date before the age of 20. I was never asked and the one time I asked, I was turned down.

Getting out around people in an environment you feel comfortable in will help. I worked with horses for years and met some very interesting people. Somehow being around animals helped me relate to other human beings.

My isolation was also self-imposed through depression and not trusting people because I had been emotionally hurt by them. Once I got to know people, I found that they weren't all that bad.

I didn't talk much to others, but now I'll strike up a conversation with people while waiting in a line. Having a sense of humor helps, too. I'm now 36 and am still not comfortable around large groups of people, but I understand that that is just me.

Be patient with yourself and don't give up. You have much to offer!

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Celestina W. - Jul 13, 2004 9:54 am (#688 of 2955)

Ozy, I know how you feel. I'm 17, have never been on a date, and have very few close friends. I know what it's like to be isolated because few of my peers are interested in the same things I am. All I can really tell you is to give it time and trust that things will get better. Try to find some activity where you can go out and meet people -- volunteer work might be good. I really hope our messages will help you some. Here's another hug from me. *HUG*

Padfoot, I'm curious, what part of Minnesota did you visit on your vacation? I'm guessing it wasn't my area, since you mentioned a lake and we don't have too many of them in the southeastern corner of the state. But anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed you trip.

Shepherdess, on the Tell about Yourself thread you said that you remember me, which is really cool since I didn't think anyone would. So I just had to say thanks!

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icthestrals - Jul 13, 2004 9:57 am (#689 of 2955)

Celestina W, I remember you, too.

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Padfoot - Jul 13, 2004 10:00 am (#690 of 2955)

Celestina W, I was much further North than you are. I was in a town called Gull Lake. Curiously enough it was next to Gull Lake! It's near Brainerd. My mom's aunt has a cabin up there. It was very pretty to watch the fireworks go off over the lake.

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Courtney22 - Jul 13, 2004 11:19 am (#691 of 2955)

Ozy,

Though I have not personally gone through what you are right now I still feel I can relate. My brother is much the same way you are. He's not into Bars or drinking or the many of social things that a lot of people do. He has always been very shy and he used to get panic attacks, especially before going to school. He started taking anxiety medicine and the improvement has been vast. He still hasn't got a ton of friends or a girlfriend but he is becoming more comfortable with himself and that is the most important first step.

The important thing is to hang in there! Taking classes of any kind is a good idea in my opinion. I have met so many interesting and diverse people in college. You don't have to go to school to get some kind of degree you can do independent studies just for fun and if you take classes you are interested in you are bound to run into people with similar interests. Plus in a classroom setting its not as awkward to start up conversations, you always have the class to talk about.

My heart goes out to you and I hope everyone's advice will help you in some way if its only to let you know that you have friends here!

XOXO Courtney

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Ladybug220 - Jul 13, 2004 12:23 pm (#692 of 2955)

Ozy, I completely understand. I had my first date at 17 but didn't have another one until I was 23 (got my first kiss after that too). There are some great suggestions from others out there as to what you can do but also know that you are not the only one out there. Relationships in all forms take risks (I think Tomoe was the one that said that) and some are worth the risk of getting to know someone. Start slowly and keep working at it. Feel free to email me at anytime (check my profile for my email address).

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VeronikaG - Jul 13, 2004 12:57 pm (#693 of 2955)

As usual, I have been off a few days, and I have a lot to say now.

First of all, Tim, My deepest sympathies. Your Dad sounded like a great man. Take care.

Ozy, I think I know how you feel. I was about your age before I started going to parties where there was drinking. Fortunately, most of my closest friends were a few years younger than me, so I had a couple of extra years before I needed to go to them. I still only go to parties with people I know and like. Going out on bars was scary for me at first as well, as I'm blessed with being surrounded by nervous people who always talked about how dangerous going out was. I was afraid the first times I went out, tried to go away from all the strangers. But after having been out a couple of times I felt more comfortable, and joined in dancing (which I'm as bad at as anybody) and talking to my friends' friends.

As friends go, I have no contact with most of my childhood friends. (But I have told on the forum earlier what they were like...) The last five years I have changed social circles twice, due to starting college, quitting and starting again. My friends from high school didn't go to college, so most of them are now settled with jobs, boy friends, children and houses. This makes me seem like the younger of the old gang now, as I have neither of those things. So don't really share any interests any more. But I have promised myself that I will keep in touch with the friends I have made during this second time around in college.

And to cheer you up a little further, at 24 I still have yet to have a lasting, successful relationship with a man. And I don't do dates. I'm not a bit romantic, so even if it is intended to be a date it ends up as just a day out. And besides, the older and more mature you are when you start a relationship, the greater the chance it lasts.

I hope my hopeless advices make you feel a little better.

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Tomoé - Jul 13, 2004 1:03 pm (#694 of 2955)

I wasn't me, it was Septentrion (what a relief, I'm not the only one who mess people ^_~)

Only one of my secondary school friends is still close to me, there's another one that I see from time to time, but I'm really no good for keeping in touch. I didn't had much friend back then as I could had made competition to Eloise Midgeon. I had a really low self esteem back then and couldn't even see myself as date-able. I still never had a proper boyfriend or even properly kiss, but it's for lack of trying. I was victim of a car accident in December 2001, and I become tired very easily when I do intellectual stuff like talking with people, so I give up on boyfriends until my brain get better.

I second what everyone said about clubs and stuff, I have a good bunch a good friend and good time in my medieval re-enactment group, and have a lot of good moments with people on this forum. ^_^

Edit : by the way, I'm 25.

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Ladybug220 - Jul 13, 2004 1:25 pm (#695 of 2955)

Oh well, too late for me to edit. Septentrion gave good advice and so did Tomoe!

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 13, 2004 1:56 pm (#696 of 2955)

Ozy, look up and see all of these past posts of people who never have met you, but care very deeply about you. You are funny, charming, and obviously intelligent. I am sure that given time, and a little risk taking on your part, you will find that people that you meet will respond to you similarly. When I was 17 I felt like you, then I got a pet and then pregnant. Oops. Although having a child is tough, and I wouldn't recommend it at your age, taking care of one makes you feel loved and allow you to meet new people. I say volunteer reading to children, or something similar. You can meet people and feel good about yourself while you get to know others. Listen to everyone's posts, they come from love and experience. :BIG HUG: P.S. kitties are always helpful when your lonely.

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 13, 2004 2:25 pm (#697 of 2955)

Ozy,

I had very similar feelings to what you described when I was your age... but I went in a different direction. I became very loud and out of control to make up for my feelings of loneliness and isolation. I needed to have everyone think I was too good for them and everyone was beneath me. Of cause that worked out real well (NOT). As some time passed I found out that who I am is more important that how I'm perceived. That kinda' took a load off me and little by little I was able to remove the wall I had built around myself and start to make some friendships. I know it sounds very cliché but you need to be a friend... to have a friend.

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this but why not look for a Harry Potter group for grown-ups. We have one in NY I've only had the chance to go once, but it was very easy to talk to everyone as we had a common interest. As a matter of fact I met our own "Gina R Snape" at that meeting.

Be ready for some bumps and bruises on the road. Never treat someone in a way you wouldn't want to be treated, and always try to be the one to extend the hand of friendship, it may be slapped away once in a while. But the new friends you make will be worth it, and who knows one of those new friends might lead to something more (and if it doesn't happen that’s Ok too). All things happen in their own time.

Jack

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Catherine - Jul 13, 2004 2:38 pm (#698 of 2955)

This may sound a little touchy-feely, but I am so proud of the Lexicon Forum right now!

I've seen so many people offer such good advice from several different viewpoints to Ozymandias, and I will just ditto their posts.

I also was touched when I read the responses to Tim's post that his father died.

You all are an amazing group!

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Ozymandias - Jul 13, 2004 3:16 pm (#699 of 2955)

I'd like to thank you all for your kindness and support. When I came onto the forum this afternoon, I was actually a bit embarrassed at having posted what I did, but after reading all of your wonderful advice, I'm glad I did. Just seeing all the support I have here, even being a new member, made me feel worlds better.

I'm glad to hear that some of you have gone through the same thing I am experiencing, and I'll do my best to take the advice of each and every one of you to heart.

Thank you!

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Celestina W. - Jul 13, 2004 4:06 pm (#700 of 2955)

Wow, icthestrals, that makes two people! Pretty good considering I never posted much anyway.

You're right, Padfoot, that's nowhere near where I live. I have been up to Brainerd once, though, for the state Knowledge Bowl tournament. It's a very pretty area.

I, too, am impressed with how supportive this forum family is. Ozy, you're welcome, and I'm glad you feel better. It's amazing how much it can help just to talk (or write) about your feelings.

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Marè - Jul 13, 2004 4:15 pm (#701 of 2955)

Ozy, feel free to rant away, there are so many different people here, that this is a very likely place to get good advice.

And Celestina, make that three! I remember you too.

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Accio Sirius - Jul 13, 2004 5:57 pm (#702 of 2955)

Padfoot and Celestina, is that Brainerd as in the movie Fargo?

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Marye Lupin - Jul 13, 2004 6:09 pm (#703 of 2955)

Ozy, your post sounded very familiar to me. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I am going through something a lot like that at the moment (and have been for some time). I come from a family that has moved around alot (foreign service) and am terrible at adapting to new environments. As a result I am incredibly close to my family but have a great difficulty making friends. I have very few really close friends and always feel out of place at parties. I am also almost 18 years old, about to go to college and have never been kissed.

However my situation has been improving over the last two years and I owe most of that to my involvement in after school theater. It not only allowed me to meet some wonderful people but being able to contribute to something as fun and exciting as theater (something I have really grown to love) made me feel appreciated and boosted my self confidence.

Before I became involved in theater I had a lot of free time on my hands and I spent it feeling sorry for myself, I felt like I was useless. I really can not stress how important I believe it is to go out and do something. Having something to do and feeling like my efforts were really appreciated has made a huge difference.

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haymoni - Jul 13, 2004 6:22 pm (#704 of 2955)

I really wish that I had gotten involved in theater. I worked after school, so I couldn't really stay for practice or anything. In college I was busy taking my business courses. Looking back, though, I think I would have enjoyed it.

That would be a way to meet some really creative people that have lots of different kinds of talents - acting, directing, costuming, set-building, etc.

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Viola Intonada - Jul 13, 2004 7:24 pm (#705 of 2955)

Ozi, I know how you feel. I went through a period in my life much like yours when I was in college. I would give you the same advice that everyone else has given you. (I joined my college's juggling club)

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Celestina W. - Jul 13, 2004 8:28 pm (#706 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 13, 2004 8:35 pm

I couldn't tell you, Accio Sirius; I've never seen that movie. Happy (belated) birthday, by the way.

Yeah, three people!

EDIT: So how 'bout that All-Star Game? Anybody else watching it? Joe Nathan, the lone representative from my team, the Twins, put in a good inning. Looks like the American League is about to wrap it up.

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Pinky - Jul 13, 2004 8:55 pm (#707 of 2955)

I'm number 4! I love your name, Celestina, and I'm glad you're back.

Ozy - me too! Nuff said. Oh - and I like your quote. I recognize it, but I can't remember where it's from.

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Julia. - Jul 13, 2004 9:42 pm (#708 of 2955)

Twins, eh Celestina. I'm a Yankee fan from Connecticut, and I'm quite happy with the result of this evening's contest. I was extreemly happy to see Roger Clemens get touched up for six runs in the first inning. Serves him right.

Glad to hear you're feeling better Ozy. As I think we've expertly demonstrated that anyone can feel free to post their troubles and receive support from our family. This Forum is quite an awesome family, and to echo Catherine's earlier post, I'm extreemly proud of this forum right now! Everyone have a butterbeer on me! *Pulls out butterbeer and passes bottles around*

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Ozymandias - Jul 14, 2004 12:05 am (#709 of 2955)

Pinky: it's the Kenmare Kestrals team motto. I'm a huge fan of gratuitous violence in sports.

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The giant squid - Jul 14, 2004 12:52 am (#710 of 2955)

Ozy: fear not. I know it may seem like things are at an all time low, but trust me--by the time you're thirty this'll just be a bump on your road to happiness. I never dated until well into my 20s, and I was my now-wife's first boyfriend (we started dating when she was in her early thirties). Sometimes things take time.

Accio Sirius, they are indeed talking about the Brainerd from "Fargo". And not all us North Dakotans talk like that, don'cha know?

--Mike

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 14, 2004 3:00 am (#711 of 2955)

Ozy... glad to hear you're feeling that little bit better. Our forum family are amazing aren't they... so proud of you guys right now.... lord knows they've put up with my rants & raves over the past 10 months or so *GROUP HUG EVERYONE* (sorry to shout, just so proud of everyone) *glugs down Julias butterbeer*

Talking of Kenmare... I was planning to go to Kenmare next bank holiday weekend.... not because it has a gorgeous beach & is a great little tourist town, but because I might catch a glimpse of their Quidditch team... LOL! I've already been in Ballycastle numerous times over the years ..... alas no sign of Barney or the Bats

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boop - Jul 14, 2004 3:44 am (#712 of 2955)

Erin I am glad you are feeling better. I am so proud to be a member of this forum. Everyone comes through when support is needed. That is what makes this forum so special is the family we have here. I just want to say thank you Staff for all your hard work, if it wasn't for you this forum wouldn't be the same. Just want you all to know how much each one of you are appreciated!!

Everyone have a great day!!!!

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Pinky - Jul 14, 2004 4:52 am (#713 of 2955)

Ozy, thanks! I knew I knew it! Ok - how about the abstract avatar you're using. I keep looking at it and trying to figure out what it is. Am I being dense? Is it obvious? I love the variety of avatars people have. (Julia, your current one is absolutely precious!)

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Flame Alligator - Jul 14, 2004 5:20 am (#714 of 2955)

Ozy, I am glad you are feeling better.

Fawkes, top of the mornin to ya.

I am way too busy this week. I am, however, excited that I, Robot the movie comes out this week. I am a big science fiction fan and Isaac Asimov's short stories of I, Robot is one of my favorite books. The movie looks like it is going to be fantastic. It will be my treat for myself at the end of this grueling week. Are any of you big sci-fi fans?

Well, I am off to visit my favorite threads.

Goedemorgen y'all!

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Chemyst - Jul 14, 2004 5:33 am (#715 of 2955)

Ozy, even though you were feeling depressed when you wrote about your forlorn love life, there were some incredibly positive things going on in what you said. First, you have a desire to develop friendships; that is healthy even if it's not comfortable. Secondly, you don't have all the baggage of a horrible dating history where one repeats the same mistakes over and over. People who start dating too young often build bad habits and develop the undesirable skill of breaking up when real life happens. Thirdly, you say you despise nightclubs and bars- that can be a good thing too since they tend to be populated with a 'misery loves company' crowd. Fourthly, you have a wonderful relationship with your parents and your brother, which means you have and respect a good foundation for building personal relationships. And even the fact that you have so many misgivings about relationships at 19 indicates you are normal. That is a lot of positive stuff for such a depressed post!

I know you said, "interacting with more than about two people is hard work for me," but that is a positive thing too. Right now you are down because you know you have to go out and find other people, but bit of hard work can be good for you. Take the other forum members' advice and find a group to be involved with. Once you have learned to be happy with yourself in a group, you will find that your happiness attracts others. Once your happiness starts attracting others to you, you don't have to go out and find people anymore. It's a paradox.

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Catherine - Jul 14, 2004 5:37 am (#716 of 2955)

Hi everyone!

I'm going to answer Tornedo's question "Any way, Catherine-- say Happy Birthday to Daisy. Just one question: Isn't Daisy 4 years old? So, how come she turns one on July 14? " here instead of in the Luna thread. Thanks for asking, Tornedo!

Daisy is the dog in the picture, and she has "officially" left puppyhood behind her as of today, although probably only technically. Tornedo, you are right that I have a four year old, but she's my human, fur-free child! I also have another little girl who will be nine very soon, which makes me feel very old. My other furry child, Phoebe, will be turning 11 in a few weeks.

So I think Daisy and I will head out to Petsmart later today and buy her a small birthday treat.

Have a good day, everybody.

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Ticker - Jul 14, 2004 5:46 am (#717 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 14, 2004 5:47 am

I agree with Pinky, Julia! You are a cutie-pants! (er, even in a diaper)

Tim, if you actually catch up on all these posts & read this one, I want to express my sympathies as well. Your father must have been quite an incredible man. May your memories be fond & your heart grow wiser through this profound experience.

Ozy, a belated "thanks for sharing" to you. There has been a ton of great advise here & clearly you are not wierd. (Unless most of us are too, which, though probable, it is not because we share a similar life experience.) You have shown yourself to be a very thoughtful & well-spoken person. This experience may seem eternal, but you will grow from it. Hang in there. All I want to add is that romantic relationships can be highly over-rated. Hold out for a person you know in your deepest being that you can spend your life with.

Celestina - I get to be #5. I tooo remember yooo. Good to see you again.

Mike, are you sure you don't talk like that, because when I moved to SD no one here thought they had an accent either?

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 14, 2004 6:16 am (#718 of 2955)

Happy July 14 or Bastille Day to our French friends!

On that note I would like to ask some advice from anyone in Montreal or familiar with that city. We are going there on vacation next week. Now we have been there before, but not with 4 kids (ages 5 and . Can anyone make good recommendations? We are staying in an apartment at McGill, so we will be pretty central (I think).

Also are there any favorite must try restaurants? When it comes to food we are an adventurous bunch.

Ozy there has been some really great advice here.  As my mother in law says, "keep your chin up but not out!"

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 14, 2004 6:39 am (#719 of 2955)

Ozy. I'm coming a little late to your post, but there was great advice all the way around. I am a little *cough* older than you (I only say that because even now I kind of hate advice that begins "In my day..."), but much of what you said reminds me of age 19 for me. Let me just tell you that it wasn't until that time that I made any real friends. These days, not only am I still in touch with my college friends, we now live around one another and see each other on a regular basis. I know it does little good to say "things will get better," but they will.

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Padfoot - Jul 14, 2004 8:41 am (#720 of 2955)

Padfoot and Celestina, is that Brainerd as in the movie Fargo?

Yes, as Mike has said, it is the same Brainerd don't cha know. Actually I heard no one talking like that while there. Of course I was surrounded by family that was from the South most of the time.

Happy Birthday to Daisy! Give her a hug from us Catherine.

I want to get on the bandwagon and thank the hosts and moderators too. I realized last night I have only been on this forum for about 4 months and yet I feel very comfortable with this family atmosphere. This is such a wonderful place, with supportive and caring people. And that is thanks to you for keeping the trollers away while allowing us to be silly now and again. Thanks!

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Julia. - Jul 14, 2004 9:05 am (#721 of 2955)

Thanks Pinky and Ticker!

I too will jump on the host thanking bandwagon and say a great big THANK YOU to STEVE, KIP and DENISE and all the other MODERATORS for everything they do to keep our little Forum the happy, family enviornment that it is. We love you guys! You can have extra butterbeer. *pulls out butterbeer and passes it around to the mods and hosts*

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Leviosa - Jul 14, 2004 10:25 am (#722 of 2955)

As always, I'm very late with this but reading all of your stories has helped me, too, and also made me want to share my experiences with you.

I'm 17 now and I also had similar problems like you, Ozy, especially in elementary school and during my first years of high school. Even though I had very good friends then (and most of them still are!), I always feared every minute I wasn't with my friends because I was afraid someone would make fun of me (this happened a lot in the early years). I was also afraid of speaking up in class and things like that. I feared talking to people besides my friends because I thought they would not want my companionship. At one point (maybe 4 or 5 years ago) people stopped making fun of me but it took me years to become more self-confident but I have greatly improved this year and now I don't care that much what other people are thinking of me. I also have not so much trouble anymore speaking with people I don't or only hardly know. But I have to stress that I have always had good friends and I still have. I don't know why exactly I have become more self-confident but I know that the forum here has been helping me a lot, too. About a year ago, I was embarrassed to say that I read and like HP. About half a year ago I was embarrassed to say that I'm reading on this forum. Now I'm showing everyone my HP socks and tell them more about HP than they ever wanted to know *evil grin*.

As for boys, that's a complete different chapter. I've never had a date, a boyfriend or a real kiss or anything like that. To top that I have a best friend who is the most beautiful girl in my class and has more admirers than she likes who do almost everything for her (including falling on their knees in the middle of the school(one guy), admiring her for two years and losing at least 20kg of weight in a few weeks (another guy)). And another guy told me quite some time how sweet she is. Sometimes it's really hard not becoming jealous but she the best friend in the world (Budapest) and she hasn't asked for all that admiration and is very uncomftable with it (Budapest!!!). As for me not having a boyfriend, I just tell myself that one day I'll have one, seeing as most people around me have one, too. And I also try not to think about it too much, it's less depressing then.

I hope I haven't bored you too much (here's my inferiority-complex again) and I hope sharing my thoughts could help anyone a bit. One thing was that I always tried to be friendly to everyone so that people were thinking good of me. I can't add more than everyone else said. And I think it's good, Ozy, that you shared your feelings with all of us. This shows that you aren't that isolated you think you are, even though this is only on the internet.

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mischa fan - Jul 14, 2004 12:54 pm (#723 of 2955)

Julia: I'm a Yankee fan from Connecticut

Julia, does that make you a Connecticut Yankee?

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 14, 2004 3:25 pm (#724 of 2955)
Edited by S.E. Jones Sep 8, 2004 8:15 pm

Ozy, hang in there. I promise it gets better. Often you're better off without a boyfriend than with one, as they can be the cause of many headaches. Sometimes you find that if you've had too many, or have too many guy friends, you feel as though you are being used, or that the inner you is not valued or appreciated. In many cases, girls who have a lot of admirers or who have had a lot of boyfriends feel as badly (sometimes worse) about themselves as those who are single.

When I reached my sophmore year of high school, all my friends graduated. I was left with my best friend and my boyfriend. It was pretty lonely, especially as I was in honors courses and my companions were not. We even had different lunch hours so we never ate together. Like you, I was always more comfortable in smaller groups. That changed however, when I withdrew from high school to do correspondence classes and broke-up with my lousy boyfriend. I met a girl at work who had gone to a rival school, and she introduced me to her large group of friends. I connected with them at once, in fact, my future husband was one of the members of my new circle of friends!

I've told you all this to say that sometimes forcing yourself to be around a group that you are unfamiliar with can pay off immeasurably. The first time I was invited out with Kelli and her friends, I almost declined, but eventually decided that I had nothing to lose and went. I had the time of my life that night and am still in touch with that group today. As Septentrion said, life is full of risks. Many of them pay off beyond your wildest dreams, many end in heartache. But you'll never know how a risk will end until you take it. And the pay offs far outweigh the heartaches.

Gina, thanks for the Snape drink and the congrats! Our housewarming party will be in August; hope you and Severus (and everyone else on the forum) can apparate down for the occasion! Originally we hadn't planned on having one, as we've amassed more stuff over our years living together than we need. However everyone keeps asking when it will be, so we decided we'd have one, but request that no one bring anything...except beer of course.

Welcome back, Viola Intonada! How wonderful to meet a fellow potty!

And welcome back, Celestina, I remember you as well.

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Ozymandias - Jul 14, 2004 3:28 pm (#725 of 2955)

Pinky: my avatar is a tapestry that I made. It's a phoenix, and I promise that it looks a lot more like a phoenix when it isn't a 10kb file.

And thanks again to everyone for their advice and butterbeers.

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Julia. - Jul 14, 2004 3:41 pm (#726 of 2955)

Why yes Jim, it does :smile”

Oh! I almost forgot! Happy Bastille Day to everyone in France! *insert cool French-guy smilie here*

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Celestina W. - Jul 14, 2004 4:58 pm (#727 of 2955)

Wow, I am very well-remembered. Thanks, everybody!

Just for the record, most people in Minnesota don't actually talk with the Minnesotan accent you might hear in movies or on TV. The example I'm thinking of here is the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous, which is set in MN; I watched it once and spent the whole movie thinking "We do NOT talk like that". We do refer to drinks such as Pepsi or Mt. Dew as "pop", not "soda", but that's not just us, it's a Midwestern thing.

Ozy, you made that (the phoenix)? It's really cool.

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Pinky - Jul 14, 2004 7:46 pm (#728 of 2955)

Ozy, that is really cool. And I can see it too - even the claws. It's a tapestry you made, huh? That's cool too!

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Gina R Snape - Jul 14, 2004 7:55 pm (#729 of 2955)

Happy Bastille Day to all of our Beauxbâtons members!

Allons enfants de la patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé.
Contre nous de la tyrannie
L'étendard sanglant est levé.

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Tomoé - Jul 14, 2004 9:45 pm (#730 of 2955)

Belated happy 4 juillet for all the French members among us!

You made that tapestry Oza, cool! (I knew it was a phoenix ^_^)

Celestina, I must admit I remember your name, not who's behind the name. I'm a bit ashamed of it -_-

Mrs Sirius -> On that note I would like to ask some advice from anyone in Montreal or familiar with that city.
Why do I feel concerned? ^_~

Just on the top of my head, I'll suggest you the Céramic Café-Studio (4201, rue Saint-Denis), it's a restaurant where you and your children can buy raw ceramic pieces, like café mug, plates, lamp, etc and draw something on it with ceramic paint. When you're done, they varnish it, bake it and you can go home with your masterpiece. ^_^

May you give me more hint of what's your family like to do while in vacation?

That's all for tonight, I'll be back tomorrow with a more ready-to-work brain. ^_^

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The giant squid - Jul 14, 2004 9:51 pm (#731 of 2955)

Flame Alligator: Be warned--on the promo material for I, Robot it says, "Suggested by the book by Isaac Asimov." (italics mine) The story has been heavily Hollywood-ized. Not that we have any experience with that sort of thing...

  Mike, are you sure you don't talk like that, because when I moved to SD no one here thought they had an accent either?

No, Ticker, I actually don't. Even when I lived there I managed to refrain from the "ya know"s and "you betcha"s. Top that with three years living in Georgia, another three in southern California and closing in on three here in Nevada, and I'd say my accent is sufficiently neutral--or at least so thoroughly muddled as to be undefineable.

My sisters, on the other hand...  :pcpb:

--Mike

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 14, 2004 10:37 pm (#732 of 2955)

Tomoe, it's hard to say what my family likes to do on vacation as this is the first time since my son was born that we have partaken in that sort of activity together. Sunshine Don't be afraid we are only but so rowdy.

My husband doesn't change much however, he likes to read, read and read. So I know we will be looking for book stores. We do like to sample the everyday sort of things, rather than the extravaganzas. So we'll walk around town a lot I'm sure. There are 2 activities just heard about, a Merengue festival and a dragon boat race, we'll probably go to those events.

We are a bit bohemian so walking around Greenwich Village in New York, hanging out at the park was about our speed. I guess visiting parks where people just hang out and street fairs, (food fairs are the best) are the things we would like to see like Interesting libraries, the underground walk ways. Basic everyday life kinds of things, and of course at least one nice restaurant that is family friendly.

Thanks for the tip on the clay house my kids do love that so we'll certainly put that on our itinerary.

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Akaisha - Jul 14, 2004 11:31 pm (#733 of 2955)
Edited by Denise P. Jul 14, 2004 11:39 pm

LOL! Hi Gina I heard that I should join 'Detention with Snape' since I am a Snape fan, but the thing is I did not find it. But, I searched and your name came up, and the same people told me that your are also a Snape fan. So I say you: 'hello fellow snape fan'. And I'm wondering if there really is a dentention with snape? Because I would be more than willing to attend!

I moved the portion below from the "Tell About Yourself" thread. Denise P.

rettoP yrraH: I don't knoe if you remember me, but we argued with some guy that came on to the chat area. I just messaged you to tour e-mail because I saw that you signed in and out of the chat room. I was surfing the web and didn't find anyone either. I am actually surprised no one was in there. The last few days I have been a member here, usually it's full. But, oh well... See you around sometime...

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Caput Draconis - Jul 14, 2004 11:49 pm (#734 of 2955)

Hehe, Julia - a while back you commented on Clemens in the All Star Game? I (in Au) obviously get limited baseball coverage and even less press, but I've always followed the season as much as I can, particularly the Yankees...just because they're on a lot, and I take what I can get. Anyway, I watched Clemens on Leno the other night, and he was saying that everyone in NY was cool with him going to wherever he went (Houston?) and I was sitting there thinking 'hmmm, that doesn't seem right'...so twas lovely to read a real live Yankee fan's reaction to his performance in the All Star game, hehe.

Akaisha, do make sure you check out the long and winding journey that is the Snape thread...packed full of Severusy goodness, it is.  

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septentrion - Jul 15, 2004 12:37 am (#735 of 2955)

thanks for the Bastille day congrats. I spent it very quietly, doing almost nothing except a bit of ironing. Well, the weather wasn't really encouraging for going out.

Gina, you know the Marseillaise but do you understand its meaning ? It's a rather violent war song IMHO.

Julia, am I to understand you're the very cute, gorgeous baby on your avatar ? as my mother'd say, "on la mangerait" (we'd eat her) no cannibalism in it, just a way to express how cute we find a baby.

Ozy, I'm glad you found comfort here, people here are so friendly.

Akaisha, the "in detention with snape club" is a joke born on the Snape thread some months ago, you're welcome in it but you'll find hard to have a day with Severus : Gina has the week-end and I have the fridays.

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Ozymandias - Jul 15, 2004 12:45 am (#736 of 2955)

Thanks for the compliments on the tapestry, Tomoe, Celestina & Pinky. It's always great to hear that people other than my mom and grandma appreciate my artwork.

I really want to do a whole magical creatures series, but I'd probably need my own loom for that, as they take ages. Anyone have several thousand dollars I can borrow? (Hey, it was worth a try...maybe not.)

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 15, 2004 1:56 am (#737 of 2955)

Ozy... I must add to the 'that’s a cool tapestry' comments. Then again it is of wee Fawksey... so I doubly love it

I forgot to wish all our French Buddies a Happy le 14 juillet. I'm going to attempt some French now... be warned

Bonne fête de la prise de la Bastille!

Forgive me if that's not correct... I'm afraid I didn't get the chance to learn french at school & the little I have was picked up from phrase books & visiting France on summer holidays with my parents It was usually this time every year we would go..... ahhh, those where the days..... My entire family cooped up in a car travelling through the French country side.... too bad we didn't have an enlargement charm for the car, ala Arthur Weasley.... it would have stopped some interesting arguments anyways

Celestina... I remember you as well... another thing I forgot to say yesterday... oh I've too much in my brain... I need a pensieve

I laughed out loud at the comments on accents, it's funny how movies can give the wrong impression.... I know all about that... being from Northern Ireland.... I can safely tell you we don't all speak like the movies.... (nat instead of not & so on) Some people do, but fortunately I don't. Indeed many people are shocked when I tell them where I'm from.... they expect the big strong accent from the movies instead.

Right, enough rambling..... later

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Anna Osipova - Jul 15, 2004 2:15 am (#738 of 2955)

I think many of us could use a pensieve, Fawkes Forever :~D.

Happy Bastille Day (although where I'm at, it's already over). Next holiday is Wiener Day (seriously! June 18th). Hehe.

Ozymandias, you really are talented :-). I wish I were able to see your other works, if you have them.

Does anyone have a good remedy against peeling from a sunburn? :-S.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 15, 2004 2:24 am (#739 of 2955)

Anna, try Aloe Vera, it's quite good, or a vitamin E cream, or Coca Butter.

I remember there is an aloe vera gel you can buy... called banana boat or something. Its a green gel... & it's very good for treating sun burned skin. It's also a great moisturiser. It can be quite expensive.... think about 10 to 15 euro for a bottle... but its a good sized bottle & I find it lasts a long time.

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Ozymandias - Jul 15, 2004 3:20 am (#740 of 2955)

The aloe vera is well worth the price. I haven't found anything that works better.

Thanks Fawkes and Anna! And Anna, I'll try to get some of my other stuff up there. I think it's time for a new avatar anyway. I've had this one for ages.

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Flame Alligator - Jul 15, 2004 3:41 am (#741 of 2955)

Fawkes, Top of the morning to ya! What?! You don't have a heavy Irish accent? I am disappointed.

Mike, The Giant Squid - Thanks for the warning about I, Robot. I realize they are combining the short stories and I am........ braced for one of my favorite books to be "Hollywood-ized". From the trailers, the movie looks exciting.

Julia, I am late with this...... your avatar is adorable.

Two more days and my week of teaching Yoga and subbing for the Pilates teacher is done. This wouldn't be so bad, if the streets of my city weren't all torn up. The city is replacing all the large pipes for the main water line and gas lines. Uh! This means when I walk to work I have a maze to go through and it changes every few days. Plus, there is a preponderance of dust and dirt in the air. I take my frustrations out on the Pilates students, lunch time housewives. I work them EXTRA hard. Hey, I have to amuse myself somehow. After all, I am not being paid extra.

We have had thunder storms every day for the past two weeks. Now, I love thunder storms but they are interfering with my long distance calls. This is driving me crazy. Right in the middle of a call, lots of static or the call breaks up. *doing calming deep ujjayi (up the throat and out the nose, mouth closed) breathing*

Have a lovely Thursday.

Goedemorgen

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septentrion - Jul 15, 2004 4:28 am (#742 of 2955)

Fawkes, you wrote it quite right, no mistake ! are you sure you never learned some french ?

Anna, what's Wiener day ?

Flame, the same with you about the gas lines, water lines...there are digs everywhere here too and the maze changes sometimes during the day. The morning the passage is open, and it's closed in the afternoon.

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Chemyst - Jul 15, 2004 5:41 am (#743 of 2955)

Anna, if it's already peeling, you're too late for this, but next time your are sunburned, use very damp tea bags (ordinary pekoe) as a compress. The tannic acid in the tea helps if you can do this in the first few hours. Then you need to follow up with the aloe vera gel.

Flame, we've been having summer thunderstorms here too. I've shut down the computer and pulled the modem several times because of all the lightning. The summer before, we lost all phone service for a week and Internet for another four days because of lightning. I felt so handicapped then-- like, "Eww, there's nothing to do but watch TV?"

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Gina R Snape - Jul 15, 2004 6:28 am (#744 of 2955)

Akaisha, welcome to the forum. Yes, please do take a stroll over to the Severus Snape thread... You will have to prove yourself worthy of detention WITH the Potions Master of course. Otherwise you might wind up with Filch.

Septentrion, no I do not speak french but I understand enough German and Spanish and Latin to have gathered the meaning of the poem (if not shades of meaning). I thought it was about storming the Bastille. The cheer. The revolution is upon us... I apologise if you took offence. I saw it on a French site.

Nymphadora is excited because I am home late this morning. She is jumping on my lap, sending purry hellos to all.

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mollis - Jul 15, 2004 6:29 am (#745 of 2955)

Hey all! Just thought I'd poke my nose in for a bit or relaxation. I am having one killer of a week. My stolen moments on the forum during work have been decreasing (certainly not by my choice) and I am spending what little free time I have consoling a friend whose husband recently requested a separation. Total shock - never saw it coming. So she's hanging out with me for a few days until he figures out what he wants. I don't want to start any guy-bashing here - but really - what's the deal with the mid-life crisis?

Anyway, I'm not looking for well-wishes or sympathy, I just wanted to agree with what people have said previously. This is a wonderfully supportive family. Just being able to type this is making me feel better. You all are great!

Ozy- Hang in there. You've been given some great advice. If you follow even some of it and keep your same positive attitude - you'll do great!

Anna- As a self-proclaimed sunburn expert (blonde hair, blue eyed kid who loved playing outdoors - need I say more?). I recommend liberal amounts of lotion. Any kind you can get your hands on, although aloe or Vitamin E enriched is best. Apply as many time a day as you can - at least 2 or 3. And don't stop when the burn goes away. Do it for a couple of weeks. That's the best way to prevent a peel. For the pain - an aloe gel works great. And for the future - use sunblock!

Flame - Sorry to hear about all the rain and construction. Here's a rainbow for you: Maybe things will calm down over the weekend. Sounds like its about your turn to have someone teach your classes for a week!

The weather here has finally cooled down a bit. At least the heat index was below 100 yesterday. I am hoping for a cool weekend so that I can get some flowers planted.

Everyone have a great day!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 15, 2004 6:59 am (#746 of 2955)

Anna, Might I add that if you happen to know someone with an aloe plant, all the better. The fresh gel from the plant tongues works even faster. Once cut, just wrap in foil and keep it in the refrigerator between applications.

Hey Mollis.

Akaisha, Where does that name come from? Is it by chance from Anne Rice's character in Queen of the Damned? I love Akasha from the movie of the same name. When she is angry, she sets people a flame. I love that!

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Accio Sirius - Jul 15, 2004 7:02 am (#747 of 2955)

Celestina, I'm originally from Pittsburgh and they say "pop" too for sodas and cokes. They also say "yins" which is some strange contraction of you ins or yous guys or something equally grammatically frightening! Good people though. Michael Keaton is from P-burgh (went to grade school with my brother)and he once described Pittsburgh as containing the antibodies to Hollywood's pretension. A pretty good summation. Happy Thursday to the forum. I was never a chat or board member before and I have to say that joining the forum has been really a wonderful experience! And it's such a well-run, well-organized site. Other places lose my interest, but I just can't stay away from here! So a big thanks to Kip and Steve and all the moderators for all they do!

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Devika - Jul 15, 2004 7:25 am (#748 of 2955)

Hi everyone! I'm back again. This is actually getting pretty ridiculuous.... here I thought I was back from one nice long vacation all set to get back to forum biz, when my dad, (who hadn't come on the vacation) decided to surprise me with a surprise holiday to Kerala, which is like the most beautiful Indian state.. they call it "God's own country"... ! So.. I took off once again, and I hope to be back by Sunday or Monday. I'm having a blast here, and well... I think I'll just give up on the catching up and so if I repeat stuff that has been said or if I ask silly questions or seem extraordinarily uninformed please please forgive me!!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 15, 2004 7:51 am (#749 of 2955)

Hey Devika, Glad to see you back!

Correction: I said I don't get paid extra. Not quite true. I get paid for subbing as in per class which I guess is extra. But I think I deserve more, seeing how I am so very sore from demonstrating during all these classes.

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Padfoot - Jul 15, 2004 9:02 am (#750 of 2955)

“Severusy goodness”   Lol, love it! Although detention with Filch is downright scary. *shudder*

Akaisha, I also would like to know where your name comes from.

So Mike, your sister Marie has an accent? From Colorado?

Have a good Thursday everyone!

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Julia. - Jul 15, 2004 9:03 am (#751 of 2955)

Julia, am I to understand you're the very cute, gorgeous baby on your avatar ? as my mother'd say, "on la mangerait" (we'd eat her) no cannibalism in it, just a way to express how cute we find a baby.

Awwwwwwww. *blushes* Thanks Septentrion! And thanks to Flame as well. That is indeed me. Someone (my mum, no doubt) took a picture of me while I was sleeping. The flash must have waken me up, and as you can see, I was not happy about it!

Not much to report on this end, except that after a week of Jim the Computer Guy having my computer, I get it back today!! Hoo-ray! *dances* Finally, I will have my MSN and AIM back! I'll be able to function again!

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Denise P. - Jul 15, 2004 9:04 am (#752 of 2955)

My husband grew up calling it "pop."   Where I grew up in California, ALL brands of carbonated soda were called "Coke" no matter what it actually was. By the same token, all brands and manner of pain reliever was called aspirin.

What kind of Coke do they have?
Pepsi, 7-Up, Root Beer and Orange. What do you want?

I don't know why we called it all Coke but we did. Now, in our house, we call it "soda"

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McSnurp - Jul 15, 2004 9:07 am (#753 of 2955)

Anyone here for soda?

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Padfoot - Jul 15, 2004 9:10 am (#754 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 15, 2004 9:40 am

All soft drinks are pop. Although I will call Pepsi and coke both Coke

Edit: I have lived in the South, West and Northwest. Most people I have met call it pop unless they are from back East.

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Julia. - Jul 15, 2004 9:15 am (#755 of 2955)

I call it soda, but that could be because I'm from the Northeast. I was in Michigan about 6 years ago, and it took me a while to figure out that 'pop' meant 'soda.'

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Leviosa - Jul 15, 2004 9:34 am (#756 of 2955)

I'm completely down today. I learned that it is very very probable that I'll have a bad English teacher the next two years. I knew perfectly well that this could happen but I still hoped for the better. It's still not completely decided but I guess tomorrow I will know for sure. This is so bad because every grade this teacher will give me in these next two years will count for my graduation certificate, so I'm completely dependend on this teacher. To make it much much worse, I will probably get a very bad history teacher, too (history is, together with English, my core subject). This came completely out of the blue because it has been fixed for a long time that I will get another, very good, history teacher, but there are rumors that she is pregnant and can't take our course, so bad teacher will take over. And I'm also running the risk of getting a bad math teacher as well, which will be even worse because I'm complete rubbish at math. I'm so desperate because all these horrible people will decide about my future and make the two years, that might have been fun, a hell for me.

Sorry, just had to get that out. *screems*

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VeronikaG - Jul 15, 2004 11:24 am (#757 of 2955)

Poor Susi! I'm glad I'm over the stage where the teachers can put my name next to my face, and remember me personally from class to class. We have had a really bad teacher both years at my recent college, and just when we finally thought he was retiring, rumors have it we're having him teaching web-design! He has already proved to us that he doesn't know anything about the subject! Grr!

Is Fargo the strange film with the Scandinavian Americans, the fake kidnapping and a pregnant police officer named Gundersen? I liked that film. It really had a Scandinavian feeling to it, dark but kind of funny. Just like watching a crime story from Norway or Sweden. Gundersen is one of the most ordinary Norwegian surnames, by the way.

Brainerd, funny name. Sounds... intellectual.

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septentrion - Jul 15, 2004 12:07 pm (#758 of 2955)

Gina, no offense for me. It's just, even if I like to sing the Marseillaise before a soccer game, I wouldn't have chosen it as a national anthem. For more information (background, history...), and a translation, here is a link : la Marseillaise.org.

Susi, so sorry for your having bad teachers. I could give you only one advice which helped me when I was a student : concentrate on the subject, on what you'll learn and not on the teacher and his (her) way of teaching. And in English, you'll always have HP and the forum and the fanfiction to improve yourself !

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The giant squid - Jul 15, 2004 12:56 pm (#759 of 2955)

Veronika: Yes, that's the movie. If you liked it, I'd recommend checking out the other films by the Coen Brothers (O Brother Where Art Thou and Intolerable Cruelty are the most recent). They all have the same kind of feel to them--like you said, dark but funny.

Padfoot: No, Marie doesn't have a "Colorado" accent, she's still clinging to remnants of her ND one. Our younger sister now lives in Missouri (or as she says it, "Mizzoura") and refuses to admit she's got a Southern drawl.

Susi, rough luck with the teacher. One thing I've learned over the years, though, is that you'll get out of a class as much as you put into it. English teacher stinks? Form a study group or haunt the library. There are ways to learn what you need to, it just takes a bit more effort sometimes.

Of course, I never practiced what I just preached. I was too busy learning all sorts of things I'd never need. The more useless the fact, the more likely it's still stuck in my head somewhere.

--Mike

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Anna Osipova - Jul 15, 2004 1:04 pm (#760 of 2955)

Thanks guys. I'm going to go out and buy some aloe vera later this afternoon.

Ozymandias, yay! I can't wait to see them!

Leviosa, I feel your pain. Last year, two of my teachers had absolutely no idea what they were doing, and two others were sociopaths (seriously!). I'd suggest getting together with a couple of friends once a week after school or so and just having a little study session where everyone can get their questions answered.

Denise P., you're so right. I've never noticed that. Californians do call soda "Coke". Weird... :~S

Flame Alligator, we might not have the rain here, but there's a road that they've dug up like two weeks ago, and they're still not finished! It's a major street too. There's always tons of traffic on it. I guess they ran out of money to continue. :-(

I can't say I'm too sure what Weiner Day is, but I'm guessing it's the Day of the Hot Dogs. I found a list of all the holidays on http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/index_msn.pd Quite amusing :~D.

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The giant squid - Jul 15, 2004 1:07 pm (#761 of 2955)

When I lived in Georgia, all carbonated beverages were "Coke" too. I chalked that up to Atlanta being the corporate headquarters of Coca-Cola, Inc.

I'm not sure how they refer to it here in Las Vegas, as I always ask for Dr. Pepper. And no, Mr. Pibb will not be okay...

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haymoni - Jul 15, 2004 1:23 pm (#762 of 2955)

Mike - how long do movie theaters keep their movies?

I mean if POA has gone from my local theater, would they still have the movie stashed away some place or do they have to send it back to the distributor within a certain time period?

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Padfoot - Jul 15, 2004 1:31 pm (#763 of 2955)

I was too busy learning all sorts of things I'd never need. The more useless the fact, the more likely it's still stuck in my head somewhere.

Ditto. I never cared much for learning about math and science. But I remember "learning" about the Beatles from my 7th grade choir teacher. Whenever the teachers would break away from their lesson plans, that's when I learned the most.

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Julia. - Jul 15, 2004 2:28 pm (#764 of 2955)

I feel for you Sisi! *hugs Susi* I've had some pretty horrible teachers in my day, and make no mistake about it, they are not fun. Mike is right, you can get as much out of a class as you want to. If the teacher's not teaching you, learn it your self, or go to another teacher you trust to get the information you need. Trust me, it works everytime.

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wormsé - Jul 15, 2004 3:36 pm (#765 of 2955)

Susi, I can definitely relate. My classes science teacher was sent to Kuwait and we were left with a total of 12 "permanent substitute teachers" over an 18 week period. *rolls eyes* Needless to say, we didn't learn a thing. The last teacher we were left with was completely insane... having majored in English (placing her as a science teacher???), and requiring us to read 2 chapters every night, and answer about 40 questions on the subject... then taking the test the next day. She even went so far as to tell us we acted like 'a special education class'.(And not the gifted & talented kind). Considering the fact that my brother has severe mental/physical disabilites, I 'went-off' so to speak. I said quite a few choice words, but don't remember the majority of it.... Anyways (sorry for rambling- I needed to vent) like everyone else has said, I suggest working with a group of your friends and studying on your own and such. It takes an extra effort, but in the end it's worth it.

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haymoni - Jul 15, 2004 4:07 pm (#766 of 2955)

Ah, yes - I see a DA in the making. Your own teachers aren't competent enough or are horrible, so you take matters into your own hands!

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Celestina W. - Jul 15, 2004 5:08 pm (#767 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 15, 2004 5:37 pm

Oh dear...look what I started with the pop thing. But while I'm at it, do any of you non-Midwesterners know what a "hotdish" is, or do you call them "casseroles"?

Susi, that's too bad about your teacher situation. Last year I had an English teacher who was not exactly bad, but rather boring and uninspiring. I was pretty disappointed with his class, since I love English and plan to major in it in college. He didn't have us read any novels or long works (except one play), just short stories and exerpts from our textbook, and the only thing we wrote all semester was one speech. I'd suggest reading and studying on your own as much as possible, and you should come out all right. Good luck!

EDIT: Yay, my new avatar works! It's the first time I've tried one, so this is pretty exciting -- sorry. Isn't it a cool pic, though?

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DJ Evans - Jul 15, 2004 6:23 pm (#768 of 2955)

Celestina W., anything with Sirius is in my opinion!!!! You definitely have good taste!

Later, Deb

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Anna Osipova - Jul 15, 2004 6:36 pm (#769 of 2955)

Celestina, love the avatar :~D!

I know what a casserole. My grandmother (who's Ukranian and Jewish and fits the stereotypical grandmother type :-)) is an amazing cook and so every time we have a family dinner, there is always some sort of casserole on the table. And usually, it's the highlight of the dinner, besides dessert that is :~P.

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Catherine - Jul 15, 2004 6:42 pm (#770 of 2955)

Celestina,

I am an ex-English teacher. Or perhaps I should say an ex-teacher instead.

I definitely made my students read long works, and write more than one essay.

I got in "pseudo"-trouble with an American Lit class, because I wanted them to read Mark Twain and The Catcher in the Rye.

My school district made sure this did not happen by throwing away the copies of The Catcher in the Rye.

It was claimed that it was a mistake, and that if funds came through another year to buy copies of The Catcher in the Rye, then I "could" teach it.

Oh, well....

I am being bitter here, which is not helping you. Please email me if you would like any feedback, and best luck to you.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 15, 2004 7:00 pm (#771 of 2955)

Hey all! It's been quite a day on the house front. The painter finally came today, as did the fence guy. At about 5:00, they changed our locks (again, finally!). Tomorrow then, is practice moving day, as we'll just take the stuff that's over here and pick up our chair and entertainment center from my in-laws.

I spent most of the day dumpster diving for boxes and arguing with the refrigerator store. Then, about an hour ago, my parked car was smashed into by a neighbor. How ironic is it that it was hit only one day before it would finally reside in a garage? Ah well... At least the neighbor came over and apologized. At least it wasn't hit by some deliquent in a parking lot. But now we're short a moving car.

Earlier there was a discussion going about mosquitoes and their victim preferences. I, like many of you, am eaten alive by the nasty beasts every time I step outside. My husband, on the other hand, is rarely bitten. Well, as I logged in to the internet today, I saw an article on MSN about why mosquitoes prefer some people over others, and how to prevent the bites. Here's a link if anyone's interested: Mosquitoes find you tasty?

Mike - I always ask for Dr. Pepper. And no, Mr. Pibb will not be okay...

Hear, hear! Can't stand that Mr. Pibb stuff! I'd go thirsty before I'd accept that syrup water over Dr. Pepper!

Unfortunately, I won't be around much (if at all) this weekend. We won't get our cable, phone, and cable internet installed until *shuddering* MONDAY! It'll be Gilligan's Island over at our place: "No phone! No lights! No motorcar! Not a single luxury! Like Robinson Crusoe, it's primitive as can be!" Palm Tree

Have a good weekend, everyone!

Oh, and Susi, hang in there! It's awful to have a bad teacher, I remember having my share. But you're a smart girl and I have no doubt that you'll be able to teach yourself far more than they could!

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 15, 2004 7:39 pm (#772 of 2955)

Susi, The best remedy for a bad teach is a good tut(tutor). I have students come to me all the time because the teacher lacks something that they need. Remember, your teacher may be someone's else's favorite. It could simply be learning vs. teaching style. Give it a chance. If she is horrid, you can e-mail me. I am a certified English Tutor.

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Viola Intonada - Jul 15, 2004 8:01 pm (#773 of 2955)

Okay, I have to add in my two knuts worth about soda. I'm very relieved to find out that there are other places in the country that refer to all soft drinks as "Coke". I grew up in East-Central Indiana. The first time I ever really "mingled" with people outside of my geographic area, the "What do you call soft drinks?" question came-up. Every one else in the group called it "soda" or "pop". Ever since, I have thought that maybe I grew up in a strange backward place. I'm so glad to hear that it is actually normal!!!! (and all that money wasted on psychiatric treatments....just kidding!)

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Pinky - Jul 15, 2004 8:59 pm (#774 of 2955)

Hey Sherbie - an idea for finding boxes. Try the local nursing homes. I work at one, and they have great sturdy boxes with handles. They usually do not have some sort of box crusher like a lot of grocery stores do, but you do need to catch them somewhere near their delivery day, or they throw them away.

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Ozymandias - Jul 15, 2004 10:12 pm (#775 of 2955)

Leviosa, so sorry to hear about your bad teacher. At least with English you can accomplish a lot on your own. Just keep on reading, even if the teacher doesn't assign anything worthwhile. As for the math, a tutor is everything. Just having someone explain the material to you in a different way can help a lot. Hang in there, vent your problems here, and remember that for each bad teacher there's a fantastic one waiting in the wings somewhere.

Catherine, they threw away the books?!? That's just wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong!   And it's ten times worse that it's Catcher. That is such a fantastic book! Ah! What kind of cretin throws away books? (sorry, getting carried away here)

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Tomoé - Jul 15, 2004 10:32 pm (#776 of 2955)

Mrs Sirius, there's the Just For Laughs Festival from July 15 to 25. I'll come back Tomorrow for the park thing.

That sounds bad Leviosa, hoping you'll get through nevertheless. Do a Hermione of yourself and everything should be all right! (I never succeed to do a Hermione of myself, like Mike, I was too busy learning all sorts of things I'd never need. When was the last time heraldry save anyone's life!)

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 16, 2004 4:09 am (#777 of 2955)

*sings Dr Pepper song*

Just to add to the bizarre chat about soft drinks. We called all cola drinks 'Coke'... All other carbonated drinks where known as 'minerals' or 'lemonade', e.g. 7up & Sprite are known as lemonade... even though strictly speaking, they're not real lemonade. My Nan used to call fizzy drinks 'pop' but I always thought it was an English thing.

Susi, I can relate... my Irish Language teacher was sick during my GCSE (OWL) year, so we had about 15 sub teachers in the space of a few months .... most of the class lost heart & I ended up scraping a pass in my final exam. I then had a pathetic teacher for my A-Level (NEWT) Biology. This time round I was better prepared (& dare I say a little more mature about the whole thing), so a group of us formed a study group... We used the school Green houses to meet... we even got some assistance from the other biology teacher in the school. I'm pleased to say we all passed with flying colours Good luck Susi

Mike & Tomoe... learning stuff you never need.... thats pretty much everyday for me..... I have a 'talent' for picking up trival & other bits of useless information .... makes me popular when my friends are entering a pub quiz however

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icthestrals - Jul 16, 2004 5:17 am (#778 of 2955)

Sherbie, other places to get boxes are Wal-mart and liquor stores. I have never had any trouble locating boxes for moving when going to these two places, usually I end up with too many. Wal-mart is great because you can get big TV boxes that your linens and other light stuff can fit in. Good luck with the move and too bad about your smashed car!

I have a question for you guys. Does anyone out there watch Star Trek: Enterprise? I don't have cable or satellite, so I depend on a coworker to record episodes for me, but she doesn't always get all the episodes. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in recording the show for me. I would provide the tapes and pay for postage. Anyone interested can email me. Thanks

Happy Friday everyone!

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The giant squid - Jul 16, 2004 5:20 am (#779 of 2955)

haymoni: I'm sure it varies depending on the theater chain, but where I work once a movie is pulled, it is sent back to the distributor right away. For instance, I just pulled two movies tonight--Stepford Wives and one of our copies of Dodgeball--and a courier will be there in the morning to get them. It's very rare that you'd have a print sitting around for while. Basically, if PoA is gone from your theater, it's gone from your theater. Sorry.

Sherbie: unfortunately, my theater carries Pibb, not Pepper. I drink it mainly because I need the sugar & caffiene to stay awake...but I always crack open a can of Dr. Pepper when I get home! BTW, did you know that one of the main ingredients in Dr. Pepper is prune juice? Scary but true. Just another piece of useless trivia for everyone.

--Mike

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 6:19 am (#780 of 2955)

Thanks for the useless trivia Mike.

Mr. Pibb? They still make that stuff? And no, its not an acceptable substitute for Dr. Pepper at all. And while we're at it, no, Pepsi is not ok when I ask for Coke.

I'm originally from southern Virginia on the border with North Carolina. (Yes, that is a necessary distinction because Northern Virginia, where I live and work now, pretty much considers itself a separate state and not a part of the South. And "the South" is generally pretty ok with that.)

Anyway, I've never really noticed it before until this discussion, but my family does tend to say "Coke" as a generic term for all kinds of carbonated drinks. My mom will tell me to bring her back "a Coke" from the store and I, of course, will bring her a diet Mt. Dew. However, its not uncommon to just use "drinks" as a generic phrase as well because it avoids protests from those who don't like Coke, want diet this or that.

Some people I know say "soda," but I never hear anyone say "pop." And it has always been "casserole." "Hotdish" where I'm from means that the plate is hot, so careful you don't burn yourself.

Now all that was pretty much based on my upbringing in the South. Here in Northern Virginia, we don't say Coke, we say merlot.

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 6:22 am (#781 of 2955)

Thanks, Mike - yes, nobody is showing it around here so I'll have to wait for the DVD to see it again. Every once in a while they re-release a movie - maybe that will happen with POA.

I say "casserole" but they always tell you to bring a "covered dish" when you go to one of those pot-luck dinner things.

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 6:35 am (#782 of 2955)

Loopy, my mom is from a North Carolina/Virginia border town too. I used to visit, and hear the older folks ask for a "Co-cola" (Coca cola to the non-Southerners here), although my mother does not say that.

What's weird now is that Eastern North Carolina has the dubious honor of being the birthplace of Pepsi. So it can be hard to score a real Coke here, as Pepsi has exclusive contracts with so many people in town.

True Story: The first time I visited the town where I live we were staying in a hotel while house-hunting. The hotel was hosting--get this--a Pepsi convention. Not a business people type of convention, but a big gathering of people who really like Pepsi. Really, really like Pepsi. They all brought their Pepsi antiques and Pepsi bottle caps and Pepsi clothes and Pepsi...everything. Even things that you didn't think could possibly have Pepsi on it. Some people had even taken their children out of school to attend this gathering. No, I am not making this up.

I thought maybe this story would make some of us who are way obsessed with Harry Potter feel better!

Have a good Friday, everyone!

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mollis - Jul 16, 2004 6:38 am (#783 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 16, 2004 6:41 am

Loopy Lupin - " Here in Northern Virginia, we don't say Coke, we say merlot. "

I am so glad I hadn't just taken a drink of my coffee when I read that! It would have been an unfortunate morning! Where in southern Virginia did you live? I just spent the past 2 years in Hardy, VA (dinky, nearly non-existant town) on Smith Mountain Lake.

Sherbie- Good luck with the move this weekend! I'll be thinking of you. And I second the vote on the liquor store for boxes (both empty and full ones )!

Flame- Hey chickadee! Long time no talk! How are you?

Edit: Oh and I was raised to say pop, but I sometimes say soda now ( I think that was the Virginia influence). I think its funny that people apply 'coke' to cover all soft drinks. I guess I'd just be too afraid I'd actually get a coke instead of a Mt Dew or whatever I really wanted. Oh, and Pepsi is so much better than coke!

(Hee, Hee - okay, really not trying to start a debate here!)

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 6:50 am (#784 of 2955)

Catherine-- Ah, yes, "Co-cola," how could I forget. A Pepsi convention doesn't sound tooooo bad. Just be glad we live in this day and age. I can vaguely remember "Tobacco Festivals." Yeeeeeee Ha! I did have a great aunt who was the odd ball of the family and drank Pepsi. However, I think she liked it because it helped with her chronic dyspepsia.

Mollis-- I spent a week of every summer from 4th grade until a couple years into college at 4-H camp on Smith Mt. Lake. (From age 13 on I was a teen/adult leader; just thought I should clarify that.) I grew up in Henry County. Yeeeeeeeeeeee Ha!

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 6:58 am (#785 of 2955)

I think she liked it because it helped with her chronic dyspepsia.--Loopy Lupin

**Catherine snorts her water and makes a gurgling noise that alarms her dog when she reads Loopy's comment about Pepsi**
I hope that worked out for her!

Tobacco festivals, huh? I seem to vaguely recall something of the sort in the town where my mom grew up. Tons of tobacco were grown in that area, and we actually have rather a lot of tobacco growing around here as well. It's kind of amusing when someone from a Northern state drives through here and asks, "What the heck IS that stuff growing in that field?"

Is Smith Mountain Lake where the film “Dirty Dancing” was filmed?

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 7:11 am (#786 of 2955)

I meant to ask you, Catherine, how far east are you in Carolina? Because it occurs to me that if you're in like Moyock or Coinjock, there well could still be Tobaccy Festivals. (I had friends who used to live in Coinjock/Waterlily and one of those friend's mom runs a bed and breakfast down there now; and, of course, I drive through those areas when I go to Nags Head.)

(I dunno where "Dirty Dancing" was filmed. However, they did film "Meatballs IV" at Smith Mt. Lake.... Just kidding.)

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 7:20 am (#787 of 2955)

I live in Greenville, which was actually built around tobacco farming, although that has declined even since we moved here.

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mike miller - Jul 16, 2004 7:20 am (#788 of 2955)

It seems ever increasingly difficult to keep up with all the post! Miss checking one day and it takes 2 days to catch up.

On the soft drinks front, growing up on the West Coast of the US it was always "Pop". It was "Soda" in the Eastern US. I never realized the more regional variants before. By the way, does anyone else mix soft drinks when you fill your own. I'm partial to the "Spoke", 2/3 Sprite and 1/3 Coke. The Pep-Up version is good too!

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Leviosa - Jul 16, 2004 7:24 am (#789 of 2955)

Thanks for the support all of you!

It's now sure that I will have the bad English teacher and what's even worse, I'm the only one of my whole class who will be in this course. All my class mates (who chose that English course) will be in a different course with a better teacher. At least I have a good friend from a different class who shares my fate in both courses (English and history), so I'm not suffering alone.

My friends and I had a kind of study group this year in math. The math teacher was about the worst as you can imagine! We taught us everything ourselves and my friend and I now have absolute top grades. Still I'm not sure how much this will help me next year and as this year's teacher was so bad, I need a good one for the next two years, especially because he will decide about my graduation grades.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 7:28 am (#790 of 2955)

Catherine-- Don't know that I've been there, but I've heard of Greenville.

Oh, by the way, that's very cool that you're a Shih Tzu rescue house. My mother and father aren't "officially" rescuers but they have three basset hounds and a beagle.

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Flame Alligator - Jul 16, 2004 7:46 am (#791 of 2955)

Today is my last day of subbing. YAY! As a treat to myself, I am going to see I,Robot today and then again tomorrow with my godson.

Mike (giant squid), I am ready for the movie. I love big Sci-Fi special effects movies. Since they are combining several stories, how bad can they mess up the plot. Oooo...... bad question.

Fawkes, Belated top of the mornin to ya.

Hey Mollis! I am feeling excellent. Thanks for asking. I would love to chat with you.

Sherbie, I am so sorry to read about your car being smashed. I take it to mean all is going to go well and the bad luck gods had to take one last shot at you.

I have such a busy schedule today and here I am on line. I have Yoga and Pilates classes, hair cut, a visit to the "Stepford Tanning Salon" and then a movie. Hmmmm ........ I have to leave something out. I guess I will see the "Stepford clones" on Sunday.

Enjoy the weekend, everybody.

Goedemorgen, y'all!

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Doris Crockford - Jul 16, 2004 7:51 am (#792 of 2955)

Oh, Leviosa, that really sucks. But at least you have one friend with you, because you will need someone to complain to a lot. English and history are the two courses you can most easily do yourself, though(voice of experience). I had an awful year with teachers this year. My English teacher needed surgery, so she was gone pretty much from mid-december until June, and we had the worst supply teacher ever. He was terrified of us all, and we learned absolutely nothing, because he thought that we were all really stupid. He felt the need to explain to us 16 and 17-year olds that black is the colour of mourning. My French teacher was in a car accident, and so we had a supply teacher who didn't speak in French much, and who gave us free time every class for the whole class. Our Chemistry teacher was fired because she couldn't teach, and the replacement had a family health issue, so she wasn't there much. Our History teacher was gone for two weeks because she had a stomach problem and needed surgery. But on the plus side, I had the best Math/Physics teacher. Anyways, sorry for the long rant. It was a really bad year, but it's over now.

Accio Sirius, happy very belated birthday!

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 7:56 am (#793 of 2955)

You aren't missing much by driving past Greenville, Loopy!

I'm jealous of your location, though. We love visiting my brother-in-law who lives in D.C. The choice of restaurants that AREN'T chains! Ah, I can feel myself drooling just thinking about it....

Your parents may be as obsessed with their breed of choice as I am! Our locale Humane society sees a lot of beagles and beagle mixes (there was a very cute basset hound there, but she's in a forever home now, thank goodness) coming through. It's always weird to me that this happens, as beagles are basically great dogs. I think a lot of people get dogs based on what they look like without actually considering what the breed's temperament is, and what it was originally bred to do.

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icthestrals - Jun 29, 2004 7:53 pm (#794 of 2955)
Edited Jul 16, 2004 8:04 am

Mike Miller, when I was a kid my sister and I loved mixing Sprite and Coke. For some strange reason we called them suicides!?

I am now firmly a Dr Pepper fan with an occasional Mt Dew here and there.

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mollis - Jul 16, 2004 8:06 am (#795 of 2955)

“What about Bob” was filmed on Smith Mountain Lake.

I love useless trivia!

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 8:17 am (#796 of 2955)

Thanks, Mollis! I love useless facts, too!

Here's one: I just looked it up, and yes, “Dirty Dancing” was indeed filmed at Smith Mountain Lake. So, more trivia!

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anbigin - Jul 16, 2004 8:21 am (#797 of 2955)

Yea, we always called mixed sodas "suicides" too - must be a Florida thing:) I was always partial to the Orange and Sprite mix, but now-a-days I love it when they have the juice machines and then I can mix cranberry and sprite - mmmmmmmm..... and I must say that while Orange and Grape sodas are my favorite, I absolutely love the Dr.Pepper as well.

Yea, bad teachers really stink. I remember in High School our Chemistry teacher whom we had had for 2 years already quit to follow her daughter to Harvard (bbbooooo). So, the genius school system hired a man from Egypt to teach us the last year and my goodness talk about a BAD teacher - the man couldn't even speak English let alone teach us what we needed to know for our IB tests. On the plus side one of the kids from my class had a father who worked with chemistry everyday so we were able to have him teach us on Saturdays so we could still pass our higher level chemistry test.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 16, 2004 8:49 am (#798 of 2955)

Would I be right in assuming that your teachers influence your final grade for graduation? Woah... I couldn't imagine that at all... what would happen if you didn't get on with a particular teacher (bit like Harry & Snape) Is there any way of preventing an unfair bias? I had a Snape'esk teacher & I'm so glad she didn't get to decide on my final grade.... my exams, GCSEs & A-Levels (OWLS & NEWTS) are set & graded by an examinations board, which is state run. Sorry if I'm rambling... I'm just a bit in shock by the thought...

Flame... how are ya girlie... *waves* Top of the mornin' (well its 4.45 here )

I remember putting ice cream into coke & calling it a 'coke float', was pretty nice actually.... *yum*

Have a great weekend everyone... my parents are in town, so it looks like a busy one for me

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 8:58 am (#799 of 2955)

My favorite will always be red pop. I don't care who makes it. Or what the red dye does to my insides!

Creme soda is good too. And I always like Vernor's (a rich ginger ale).

I remember an aunt of mine always had Squirt and 50/50 - haven't seen those around.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 16, 2004 9:03 am (#800 of 2955)

“Suicides” aren't a Florida thing, we called them that too. I remember my little brother's baseball teammates mixing the most sodas they could together. It was pretty disgusting.

Thanks, Mollis and Fawkes! I hope the bad luck gods go back to New Mexico where they belong (er, no one here is from New Mexico, I hope)!

I got two estimates on my car today. One was $1900 and the other $2100. I guess my neighbor caused more damage than we originally thought!

Thanks for the tips on finding boxes, Pinky and ICThestrals. I was able to snag some great ones outside a Hastings and liquor store yesterday. After moving as many times as I have, you learn the tricks of the trade pretty well.

Mike - PRUNE JUICE?!  Sick!     I had no idea. I love useless facts though, they usually prove to be more entertaining than useful ones. Did you know that June is the most popular month for weddings because that's when people in the Middle Ages would take their yearly bath? In fact, the reason the bride carried a bouquet was to further mask the smell.

This will probably be the last time I post until Monday. "I shudder to think what the state of my in-tray" will be when I get back! I feel quite sorry for those who have to go weeks without checking back here! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and keep your fingers crossed that the bad luck gods stay in Albuquerque for awhile!

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mollis - Jul 16, 2004 9:14 am (#801 of 2955)

Good luck again Sherbie! Bad luck about the car - but at least its not the house again.

And Fawkes - I love coke floats! But nothing can beat a good old fashioned root beer float.

Okay, I really need to get serious about this whole work thing. I seem to have a very serious case of the Fridays - at least it's almost lunch time!

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Denise P. - Jul 16, 2004 9:21 am (#802 of 2955)

I hate to tell you, that vile dreck called Vernor's is so NOT ginger ale! My husband grew up with Vernor's and I almost sprayed him with it the first time I ordered ginger ale up in Michigan and was served that foul stuff. Yuck, yuck! Most of my kids like it but I am the lone hold out in the family, I refuse to drink it.

I would dearly love to find Barq's French Vanilla Cream Soda, I found it once and it was so yummy! Another good soda but not a huge amount is Steward's Orange and Cream Soda. It tastes just like those orange sherbet/vanilla ice cream pops.

Faygo Red Pop - sorry, I just can't stomach a soda that tastes like bubble gum. I won't even buy bubble gum flavored toothpaste (a pet peeve of mine...try finding a kid toothpaste that is NOT bubble gum)

Well, I just mowed my front yard, trimmed our Crepe Myrtle bushes, cleaned off the driveway and hauled trash down to the road. Now, I still need to clean out the garage so I can park the truck in there, sew 3 dresses, finish laundry, get down sleeping bags, change the lightbulb in the attic and get down the container to cart food with us. Oh yeah, also go watch a skit at Day Camp for my little girl scout and do dinner... but hey, there is still time left today!

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icthestrals - Jul 16, 2004 9:25 am (#803 of 2955)

Yikes Denise!!

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 9:27 am (#804 of 2955)

Denise, house elves have nothing on you today! Are you planning to eat or sleep anytime soon? :-)

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Flame Alligator - Jul 16, 2004 9:37 am (#805 of 2955)

Sherbie, Thanks for the "bride's bouquet" fact. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha I love that one.

Don't worry. Usually when the bad luck god's take that last shot nothing else happens. I had stopped doing good fortune mudras and mantras for you when your house deal made it through. You think the car smash was my fault for stopping? If so, I'm sorry. *doing mudras and mantras for Lindsey*

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Doei!

Edit: Denise! Take a break!

Btw folks, they sell good tasting sodas, pop whatever you call it, at your local Health Food Store. Quit drinking the toxic ones. I want my forum buddies to live long and be healthy.

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anbigin - Jul 16, 2004 9:48 am (#806 of 2955)

EDIT: Yea, yikes, Denise - You are my hero:)

Yea, I figured there had to be someone else out there that called them suicides - it was just funny at the time that only the people from Florida on the forum were calling them that;) Oh and I will never trust people who do car estimates again cause when I had estimates done for my brother's accident (a little dink to the back bumper) the range of estimates were from $200 to $1600! *Sheesh*

Well the final grade thing is a bit over stating it for the states system (at least the part I've been exposed to). I got grades for each individual class two times every school year and then on top of that we had our overall GPA (grade point average). They would give each grade a number and then average all your numbers over four years (A=4 points, B=3 points, etc.). This overall number is what they use for college entrances and what have you (of course they send in transcripts giving individual grades for each class for each semester but they usually only look at the GPA)

On top of all that there are some special programs that people go into where they take tests and go through other training in their last few years. One is called AP (advance placement) testing where people can choose which subjects they want to test in (they have all kinds of subjects to test in: American History, Art, Sciences, etc.). There is also a system called Duel Enrollment where certain students can get permission to take classes at a local college and get both college and HS credit. We also had the option of going into the International Baccalaureate program which is more of a whole academic regieme;) Students have to write term papers for every subject they're in to be graded by an international committee, do special projects, do 400 something service hours, take special classes (like Theory of Knowledge - a stupid philosphy class), and also take a total of 6 or 7 tests at the end of their Junior and Senior HS years (you know after studyin for 4 years on certain subjects). This system also has two levels of testing for each subject Standard level and Higher level.

Dudes I am SOO sorry that this turned out to be so long (*meep*) and almost convoluted;) Peace - Katrina

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Celestina W. - Jul 16, 2004 9:52 am (#807 of 2955)

When I was little and liked to mix pops (OK, I still do it sometimes) I called it "swamp water". I have heard it called "suicide" though. I think it's best with just Coke, Sprite and Mello Yello, or Pepsi, 7-Up, and Mt. Dew. Once you start putting orange or root beer in there, it gets kinda yucky. Haymoni, I think you can still get Squirt and 50/50. In my family we make what's called a "summer thing" -- chocolate ice cream and Squirt or Fresca. That probably sounds gross, but they're actually really good. For some reason, root beer floats give me an upset stomach (talk about useless trivia...). Oh, and I think the only decent ginger ale is Canada Dry.

Sherbie, best of luck with your move!

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Padfoot - Jul 16, 2004 10:01 am (#808 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 16, 2004 10:01 am

Happy Friday everyone!

Sherbie, it's probably too late but I always went to the grocery store to find boxes. However for unusual shaped boxes (for brooms and things) I would go to the hardware store. Sorry to hear about your car. Oh so close. Hopefully your (old) neighbor will pay for the repairs. Happy moving!

Never much a fan of Catcher in the Rye, remember reading it in school though. I can not imagine a school throwing out the books! I mean I didn't care for it, but it's not that bad.

Not a fan of Dr. Pepper (I had heard about the prune juice but I thought that was just a rumor). I have never tried Mr. Pibb, Jolt or Mtn. Dew as all look questionable. I prefer Coke and yes I can taste the difference from Pepsi. But I will take Pepsi if there is no Coke available. (I have never mixed pops before) I have been trying to cut down on my Coke consumption. I have heard that if you drink 1 Coke (pop) a week, that if you quit you will loose 10 pounds in a year. And that is without changing anything else in your life. I don't need to loose the weight, but I figure there is enough junk in there I shouldn't be adding to my system. It's far easier to cut down on Cokes than say, chocolate!

By the way, love all the useless (useful) trivia!

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Doris Crockford - Jul 16, 2004 10:32 am (#809 of 2955)

Anbigin, you were in IB? I am now, I have one year until my exams. It's only 150 Creativity, Action, and Service hours, so it's not that bad.

I like Dr. Pepper, but I'm not sure if I'll have any more now. I used to love mixing soda when I was little, but my older brother thought it was disgusting.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 10:39 am (#810 of 2955)

but hey, there is still time left today! -- Denise P.

Today??? I would need a week.

Query: What about Sun Drop and RC Cola? Are those anywhere else but the South?

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Padfoot - Jul 16, 2004 10:49 am (#811 of 2955)

I have seen RC Cola in the West and Northwest too. Never heard of Sun Drop.

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icthestrals - Jul 16, 2004 11:12 am (#812 of 2955)

I remember RC Cola. I haven't had one of those in years!

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Chemyst - Jul 16, 2004 11:23 am (#813 of 2955)

Oh haymoni-- Vernor's --yes, now you are talkin'! When I was little, the label said "Aged four years on oak barrels," then they changed it to "Aged for years in oak barrels, and the last time I checked. the label read, "Flavor aged in oak barrels." So if it doesn't tickle your nose like it used to, that is why.
My son loves "suicides" (sans tea), and we have discovered that roughly three-quarters of waitresses who work around here are familiar with that term.

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VeronikaG - Jul 16, 2004 12:20 pm (#814 of 2955)

Useless fact: in Norway all dark sodas are called "cola".

Putting ice cream in soda? That is actually something you do? I remember how we did that in birthday parties when we were little kids. Then we usually were not allowed to drink it because it looked so disgusting.

Is Dr Pepper a soda that has caffeine in it? We have gotten it in our stores just recently I think, but never tasted it. Costs 50% more than a regular soda. I know it's a legendary drink in the US, but is it OK for everybody to drink, or is it like Battery and Red Bull that kids should not drink because they can actually pass out?

Mike, I saw "Oh brother where art thou". Loved that one as well. I seem to have a taste in dark humor.

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 12:24 pm (#815 of 2955)

I heard that Dr. Pepper had raisins in it.

Raisins, prune juice - who cares? But it does answer a lot of questions about my husband, who loves the stuff!

Denise - you are right, Vernor's is NOT ginger ale - it's much stronger.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 16, 2004 12:27 pm (#816 of 2955)

Is Dr Pepper a soda that has caffeine in it? – VeronikaG

I'm sure Dr. Pepper does have caffeine in it. I've never heard of "Battery," but Dr. Pepper is not quite "Red Bull." Anyway kids drink it all the time in the U.S.

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Padfoot - Jul 16, 2004 12:28 pm (#817 of 2955)

Veronika, you never had a root beer float (root beer + vanilla ice cream)? They are so yummy, especially on a hot day.

Dr. Pepper is a regular pop (in the same category as Coke, Sprite and the like). Kids do drink it here, as far as I know there is no reason why they should not.

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mike miller - Jul 16, 2004 1:22 pm (#818 of 2955)

Dr. Pepper does have prune juice! The high caffeine drinks are Mt. Dew, Mello Yello and Jolt. I've switched to the caffeine free Pepsi. I prefer Pepsi because I think the bubbles are smaller than Coke. I've never heard the term suicides but I still like to make a Spoke or Pep-Up when I can.

Veronika - Padfoot is right, the root beer float is a classic, especially if you use A&W root beer. When I was young we could go the A&W drive-in and get gallon refills of root beer to go. We always brought back the gallon bottle and exchanged the empty for a full one. And yes, they brought your food out on a tray and hung the tray on your car window. The "car-hops" (waitress) did not wear roller skates, I'm not quite that old.

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 1:24 pm (#819 of 2955)

We still have an A&W drive-in, Mike.

They have creme soda too!

No gallon exchanges though, that I know of.

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dobbyiscool - Jul 16, 2004 1:54 pm (#820 of 2955)

Wow, I just opened a DP (Dr. Pepper) before I opened this page.

Bummer! The only A&W drive in anywhere close to where I live closed two years ago. Whenever we went to the Black Hills, we'd stop there on the way out.

Useless fact: in Norway all dark sodas are called "cola". My friend moved to TX a year ago (we live in SD), and when she came back for a visit, I asked if she wanted a 'soda' (which isn't what you usually call pop in the midwestern US), and she was so excited someone called it something other then "coke." She says she'll order a coke and then they ask "what kind." It drives her nuts b/c she wants a CocaCola.

OK, the last time I was on (about two weeks ago), I had mentioned that Ken Jennings had broken the record at Jepordy for most day's in a row on the show. He's now won 31 days and over a million dollars. It is so cool. He was on the Late Show the other night, and he did the top ten list of "the top ten things contestants would like to say to Alex" or something like that.

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DJ Evans - Jul 16, 2004 2:25 pm (#821 of 2955)

Sherbie, so sorry to hear about your car!!! But I am so thankful that it wasn't a car accident where somebody got hurt. Hopefully this will be the end of your bad episodes!!! Also, here is hoping you have some "cooler" temperatures for all of your moving!!!!

Though it is most likely too late for Sherbie to see this, one thing that I've found that comes in so handy to move? Wal-Mart sacks!!! They are just the right size for so many things--plus you've got the nifty handles for carrying!!!! You won't be so tempted to overload one and end up making it too heavy to carry--like I did back in my "stupid, I know everything age". I know the first time I ever moved, I got those BIG ol' boxes and packed them to the top with stuff. Yep, you can see where I'm going with this. Yes, even though I had fewer boxes to move--I also had boxes that were either too heavy to move or too heavy for the box itself and the bottoms would split open!!!!!

Hmmmm? Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mr. Pibb, Mt. Dew, etc... I have to admit that I'm in with the Dr. Pepper folks by default. Though I was raised on Coke (we had a Coke machine in our family business shop--which made me very popular with the neighborhood kids!!) and would most likely still be drinking it to this day. But once they changed the recipe for it, I never could take to the new taste. Then I moved onto Mt. Dew and it's my all time favorite still. But with all of the caffeine in it, I had to go off of it--it was either that or never sleep again. So I only have it once in a blue moon now. That's where the Dr. Pepper comes it. I know I drink too much of it and shouldn't, but I cannot stand water. Never could acquire a taste for water!!!!

And to this day I still call my choice of drink as "Coke"!!!! OK, here is a question for all of the real Coke drinkers out there. Did any of you used to &/or still do (or have done)--put salty peanuts in your coke? I can remember as a kid, that was "the" thing to do. Get yourself a small bag of shelled peanuts and pour them into your Coke bottle!!! Talk about something good!!!! I think it might have been more of a "southern" thing though. Just as a RC Cola and a Moon Pie was--anybody remember that combination?

icthestrals--You mean there is another "Star Trek: Voyager" fan out there? Fantastic!!!! I know out of all of the Star Trek series that one is the least liked one and so with me being different, it's my favorite. I so wish I still got it and I would have been more than willing to tape it for you, icthestrals, but our satellite provider doesn't provide any channel that is airing it. Get this, to show you how my luck went. I was used to watching it on one of our local channels. Then we moved out of the big city and moved to the country--a little ol' town in the base of the Ozark Mountains. We couldn't get cable so we had to go to a satellite--of course we weren't allow to get any of our own state's local channels for the first 3 years that we lived up here. And last year, a law was finally passed where we could!!! I was so excited, I would finally be able to start seeing my favorite Star Trek series--I couldn't wait. And for about a week, I was in heaven--seeing all of the ol' faces/characters again. Then that channel stopped airing "STV"!!!!! What a bummer! How could they do that to me? But if I'm not mistaken, I do think they are offering the first season on DVD now. So you might check on that?

Here's hoping everyone has one of the best weekends that they've ever had!!!!

Later, Deb

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Padfoot - Jul 16, 2004 2:55 pm (#822 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 16, 2004 2:56 pm

Did any of you used to &/or still do (or have done)--put salty peanuts in your coke? Ewww... yuck!

Just as a RC Cola and a Moon Pie was--anybody remember that combination? That sounds really, really, really sweet. How can you eat something that sweet and drink a pop at the same time? Yuck.

I would drink water any day over the peanuts in Coke or the Moonpie/Coke combination.

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Tomoé - Jul 16, 2004 3:01 pm (#823 of 2955)

First, Mrs. Sirius, I get a tourist guide of Montreal (and I suggest you to get one as soon as get in Quebec, look for the white question marks on a blue background). About festivals and street life:

1. Fireworks every Saturday in La Ronde, July 17 is China's and July is France's It's a firework competition, each team represent their country.

2.Fantasia Film Festival, mainly subtitled sci-fi/fantasy movies from all over the world and a lot Japanese animation! not really family friendly though. ^_^ (July 8 to 31)

3. International Nuits d'Afrique Festival of Montréal, African and Caribbean musics, more than 500 artists from 20 countries, workshops, African market, exotic cuisine. (so says the book, because I never went there or hear from people who went there) (July 15 to 25)

4. Just for Laughs Festival as I told you in my last post, The world's largest and most renowned comedy festival ? I knew the English part was big, but not that big. Anyway, 2,000 performances for the entire family including 1,300 free outdoor shows. If you do go there, you should know there's hidden camera jokes around there, so CONSTANT VIGILANCE! (July 15 to 25)

5.7th Festival International GALA Choruses, not family friendly this one, gay, lesbian, bisexual and trasgender choruses. (July 17 to 24)

6. Saint-Catherine Street Celebrates - Sidewalk Sale. Always loads of people on that street, restaurants, boutiques, all have special sales on this occasion. (July 17 to 18)

As for parks, there's Botanical Garden, a big one. The Mount Royal Park, also a big one on the mountain. It should have some nice little parks in Westmount too.

As for restaurant, I like Pacini (Italian) and Scores (rotisserie) a lot, but I strongly suggest you to try random restaurants, it should be all right. ^_^ You can also ask people who work in the Tourist Information Bureau (where you'll get your guide) They should have suggestion as well (I worked in a Tourist Information Bureau once).

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scully jones - Jul 16, 2004 3:41 pm (#824 of 2955)

Wow! I've finally gotten to the end of these posts!

Pop to me, though I'll refer to it as soda any time. It's the same here in Michigan as it was over in Idaho. I grew up in Arizona, though... Dr. Pepper, Grape and Orange have always been my favorites.

I tried Verner's once, because someone told me it helps with naseau, and I spit it out, it was horrible.

Useless fact: Coca Cola's translation into Chinese sounds almost the same, and means something similar to "mouth thirsty".

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Catherine - Jul 16, 2004 3:44 pm (#825 of 2955)

I wish I had been as involved with this forum when I was due to go on Millionaire! Maybe I would've won more Galleons!

You all sure do know your useless facts! And I love that about you!

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Hem Hem - Jul 16, 2004 3:51 pm (#826 of 2955)

Another useless soda fact: I've read that every single Japanese can of Coca-Cola has the following English slogan on the label: "I feel Coke and sound special." Not only are most of the consumers absolutely unable to read the sentence, it hardly resembles making sense! This just absolutely cracks me up.

I read this factoid in Bill Bryson's The Mother Tongue and I'm wondering if anybody can verify/disprove it.

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Julia. - Jul 16, 2004 3:56 pm (#827 of 2955)

I love grape soda as well Sarah, it's my favorite, but I never get to drink it.

Betty, have a great vacation! Enjoy your change of scenery. Say hi to and hug everyone for me. I hope you have more fun than is legally allowed.

Anyway, I'll see you guys after sundown tomorrow, so a good Shabbos to those who observe, and a happy Saturday to everyone else!

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 16, 2004 4:00 pm (#828 of 2955)

I'm from NY and I've always called it soda,but my family who grew up in California calls it POP. However my favorite soda has always been "Manhattan Special" It's an espresso soda, made with real coffee.

What about "MOXIE" has anyone ever tried it? I'm told it taste like carbonated motor oil.

Jack

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I Am Used Vlad - Jul 16, 2004 4:02 pm (#829 of 2955)

Hey, everyone, I will not be around for a while because I am going to the beach. And by the way, I am the ultimate mosquito magnet. I once visited an abandoned village in the Outer Banks where they warned you ahead of time about the mosquitos. I wore jeans and a sweatshirt, dispite the heat, but the mosquitos just bit me right through my clothes. I looked like a Survivor contestant after about ten minutes.

Anyway. I will miss the forum and all its members while I'm gone. Bye.

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Tomoé - Jul 16, 2004 4:04 pm (#830 of 2955)

Now, about pops, soda, cokes, or whatever you can call them, I never liked those, I'm a water, milk and tomato juice drinker. ^_^ My grandmother makes the very best tomato juice I ever tasted (maybe it's more the fact she is the one who makes it). For the milk, my family had cows when I was little, so I'm use to have milk as other have water, except that I had to remember to shake the bottle before pouring it in my cereal if I didn't wanted dairy cereal (Eurgh!). I still surprise myself shaking homogenized milk bottle, it's hard to get rid of the habit. Water came years after, I don't know why exactly. As for the suicide thing, isn't it a kind of alcoholic drink too?

Sherbie -> Did you know that June is the most popular month for weddings because that's when people in the Middle Ages would take their yearly bath? In fact, the reason the bride carried a bouquet was to further mask the smell.

Codswallop! People of Middle Ages washed themselves much more often than once a year. There are many reasons why that belief is so well settled. It's all because of the confusion between "wash oneself", "take a bath" and "go to the baths".

Many people didn't have a bath at home, so they used a basin and a washcloth instead, some of them could never had taken a bath in their entire life but washed themselves daily nevertheless.

They are records from monasteries in which the superior wrote that none can "go to the baths" unless sick. The said baths were often Roman terms, if not medial wood bath house, where men and women alike could go take a bath. I mean together and bare naked in the same bath. So you'll understand that monks didn't like it that much. Especially around the 14th century when those place became literary brothel.

In the Renaissance, the doctors discovered that water could spread diseases. To take a bath was now becoming a dangerous, unhealthy and barbaric way clean oneself. And don't even think to drink it! That was likely the most stupid move the western civilisation never took, but people stopped to washed themselves with water, using Eau de Colongne instead and scented washcloths. That's around the 16th or 17th century, I can't remember right now, the dirtiest era of history.

Of course, those Renaissance blokes claimed they were clean people and their ancestor were wildly dirty. Their opinion stick to the Middle Ages even if our conception of "clean" is closer to the Middle Ages one.

I feel better now I vented out.

Edit : Hoping you'll be back soon nimrod. I'll be at my parent's for the week-end, maybe I'll succeed to get the computer there. I'll be back Sunday or Monday.

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 5:18 pm (#831 of 2955)

Tomoe - I shake my plastic gallons of milk too and I never lived on a dairy farm.

I have no idea why I do it - I think somewhere I read something about breaking up the milkfat - stupid, I know, but I do it everytime.

It can be disastrous when the person who had milk before me fails to secure the cap properly.

Talk about a milkshake!!

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Courtney22 - Jul 16, 2004 6:33 pm (#832 of 2955)

I have just had the worst day ever and need to rant a little. My parents have a cottage in North Carolina and I was supposed to go down there for the first time this summer. We were told on Thurs by a neighbor that there was a leak and the water had to be turned off. Me and my dad went down there thinking worst case scenario it would be a couple hours of work cleaning up. It turns out that water had been pouring out of a pipe for days(over 8,000 gallons worth). All the floors in the house are ruined and need to be replaced. Mold had already started growing. We have 3 mattresses on the ground in the loft area and they are all ruined along with the bedding that was on them. Half of the sheet rock ceiling downstairs fell down and was all over the floor. All the kitchen cabinets are ruined. I spent all day trying to salvage stuff and cleaning up when I was supposed to be out on a boat water skiing and getting a good tan. I now am dirty and smell like mold. Also the cottage is basically uninhabitable for the rest of the summer so I won't get to go at all this year.

On the bright side the insurance covers the damage so at least my parents are only out the $250 deductible. I was glad I was there to help my dad but that really sucked!!

I'm behind on the posts but I wanted to tell Susi that I once had the worst English teacher you could imagine. Though I tried really hard and was an excellent English student I would get 0's on assignments that I did and I failed tests for books I read. He had some insane grading scale so I ended up with a 110 average in the class. The worst thing that happened though is he called my entire class a bunch of racists and went on a tirade about how Americans were lazy and other countries were way better (He was American though so it didn't make much sense). So as long as your teacher doesn't say awful hateful things about you and your fellow students be thankful for small blessings.

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anbigin - Jul 16, 2004 6:57 pm (#833 of 2955)

Hey Doris, yea, I was in the IB program at Cocoa Beach! I was part of the second class they had to graduate. All of us except for one kid got our diplomas and that one guy couldn't get his diploma even if he had passed all of his tests bc he had cheated on almost all of his Chemistry Lab reports and project (stupid kid! - ruined our perfect stats :p ) Any ways, I realize that for most IB schools only require 150 hours, but for my school since we were so new and bc it helped with getting a state scholarship they required us to do at least 300 hours. (sorry about the over exageration to 400 hours - I said that bc I think I ended up with something like 390 hours *argh*)

Hey, I remember RC cola - it was the best stuff .... every now and then I still find it somewhere. We still have an A&W in my mom's home town in Mississippi.

I just have one more thing to spew out to all of you - I am so extremely CONTENT/HAPPY with the Sci-Fi channel right now bc they are bringing back my FARSCAPE!!! YIPPIE!!!

EDIT: Courtney, I am SO sorry to hear about your bad day - and I thought spilling a small amount of Red dye on a rented carpet was bad - but your day just sounds downright horrid! Oh, and just thought I'd ask if there was anyone else out there that was alergic to milk itself, not just the lactose intolerance most peps have?

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Celestina W. - Jul 16, 2004 6:58 pm (#834 of 2955)

Courtney, I'm sorry to hear about your cottage. That sounds like an absolute nightmare. Glad the insurance will cover it, though.

My family raises beef cattle, not dairy, but for the last few years we've been getting whole milk from a neighbor. The cream is on the top and you have to stir it in or shake it up before you drink it. I thought the taste was a little weird at first, but now I'm so used to it that skim milk tastes like water to me.

I've been watching Ken Jennings on Jeopardy, too. I keep saying I should go on that show, because I usually know just about as many of the questions as he does. I think his trick is that he's fast on the buzzer.

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Courtney22 - Jul 16, 2004 7:11 pm (#835 of 2955)

Celestina--

That Jeopardy guy said that the reason he does so well is because he times the buzzer for the exact time they finish reading the question. I personally just can't think that fast.

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haymoni - Jul 16, 2004 7:28 pm (#836 of 2955)

I think he should get to take Alex's place.

Sorry about the cottage, Courtney. It must be impossible to know where to begin to start cleaning up. Hope you didn't lose any personal items that can't be replaced.

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Gina R Snape - Jul 16, 2004 9:56 pm (#837 of 2955)

Well, I don't mix fountain sodas. But sometimes I'll take a diet coke with a splash of regular coke in it just to sweeten it up a tiny bit.

Tomoe, isn't it amazing about water? People up until really quite recently didn't drink water at all. They would brew weak beers, ales, etc for consumption by the whole family. It boggles the mind. The connection (in the U.S. anyway) to boiling water didn't happen here on a widespread basis until the Civil War, when women volunteered to tend the soldiers and address the large numbers of then dying from infection due to unhygenic settings. They didn't even know to separate their food and water from where they eliminated.

As for milk, I don't even drink regular milk anymore but I've been known to shake a container of soymilk out of habit. When I was a child we used to have milk and sodas delivered (we had bottles of syrup and bottles of seltzer and had to mix them! My faves were pineapple and fruit punch). This was in the 1970's, in Brooklyn NY yet it still seems exotic to me for some reason.

Even though I'm only 35, I also remember when it was normal to buy Coca-cola in glass bottles. It really does taste soooooo much better out of glass than out of plastic or :shudder: cans.

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 16, 2004 10:56 pm (#838 of 2955)

Tomoe,

Thanks! This was great!. We'll try these spots and thanks for the camera warning! We'll be on the look out. I don't actuallyspeakFrench so hopeful no cameras will find me. Jim's French is pretty good. I'm beginning to wish we've left already. Everyday the kids wake up "how much longer mom my?" can we leaving today"

We finally got the apartment confirmed, they were having trouble getting my fax so it took nearly a week. Well look out, Canada here we come, one ultra calm husband, 4 bouncy kids and one frazzled mom. If you see us just wave!

Anyway to weigh in on the drinks debate, it's "soda". I grew up in NYC. It's all soda, all the fizzy drinks. When I was a flight attendant we had a course on the different names that people used throughout the country. I was once on a trip and asked for a soda and the waitress came back with a club soda, I could not figure out why she did this strange thing.

In NY we had a "mom and pop" soda shop around the corner from me. I saved my dime, and everyday after school, I'd get an egg cream. Syrup, club soda and malt, and that was beaten with a long spoon. They also have all the great sodas in bottles like Gina mentioned Birch beer, cream sodas, root beer and the tiny cokes.

Have you noticed how sodas are getting bigger and bigger? First they were 8 oz., then 12 oz, 16 oz, and now they are selling the 24 oz size like the standard size. No wonder we're all gain weight!

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The giant squid - Jul 17, 2004 12:16 am (#839 of 2955)

So...many...posts... Less than 24 hours and there's almost 60 new posts. I can't imagine what it'll look like when I take my two week training trip to Knoxville O.o

Let's see if I can remember what I was going to say 60 posts ago...

Mixed sodas=suicides where I grew up. My personal favorite was Sunkist (orange soda), root beer & milk. Sounds disgusting, but tastes really, really good. I can't remember if it was called 'soda' or 'pop' when I was growing up, though. I do know we were a Coke household, because we had a Coca-Cola bottling plant literally right across the street. Every Christmas they'd give us a six-pack of the glass quart bottles. Too bad they don't make those anymore.

I, Robot was actually really good. Let's see if someone who's read the books (Flame Alligator) agrees, though...

A&W just recently built a store down the street from me. There was much rejoicing. Their burgers tend toward the not-so-good, but you cannot beat their root beer!

Courtney: that, um...sucks. Can't really come up with anything better than that. Sure the insurance company will cover the repairs, but can they compensate you for lost water-ski time? What's the deductible on lost tanning time? Hopefully your next trip out will go much more smoothly.

I'm sure I missed something in the mix there...

--Mike

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Sticky Glue - Jul 17, 2004 12:55 am (#840 of 2955)

Man o man, I was only in here last night and there have been nearly 40 posts since then. I see some of the theme of discussions are on drinks. Well here in New Zealand (NZ) we don't call them soda's or Pop's they are called FIZZY drinks Still hoping to find some other New Zealanders on this forum

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Gred-n-Forge - Jul 17, 2004 1:02 am (#841 of 2955)

Just had to add a little bit on the Great Soda Debate...

When I was a young child growing up in southern California, I always heard "soda pop" or "soda". The only brands I ever knew about were Coke, and Shasta (my mother LOVED the stuff). Then, I moved out here to Kansas, and everywhere, all I heard was "pop". Plus, it was like Coke didn't exist, it was Pepsi everywhere. (Probably because we have a Pepsi bottling plant in the area).

Oh, yes, I have heard the term "suicide" for mixing flavors of pop. A REAL big thing around here in southeast Kansas is to go to Sonic and get different flavorings added to your drink. Before my husband found out he had diabetes, his favorite drink was a "Cherry-Vanilla-Dr.Pepper". Yuck! I tried a sip one time and was still trying to fight the aftertaste after I recovered from the sugar coma!

A&W! Haven't seen one of those for years! It seems like they were all over the place in California, but I've only seen one in Kansas, in some tiny town in the central portion of the state (I think Burlington, maybe?), and that was 17 years ago, so it may not even be there anymore.

I have to admit, though, I do like mixing cranberry and sprite.



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Madam Poppy - Jul 17, 2004 1:41 am (#842 of 2955)

....Last week my computer hard drive overheated...lost everything on hard drive...computer sort of working...all my Favorites are gone...had to go to Google to even find The Forum...mixed up my work schedule on Sunday and did not go in to work...no one called...worked till 11:00 p.m. last night...had to be at work at 7:00 a.m. this morning. It's been a rough week. Sniff Sniff....   Poppy

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septentrion - Jul 17, 2004 2:13 am (#843 of 2955)

Tomoé, you made the answer about water I'd have wanted to make but I don't have time to build such a long answer (still working on the french translation of the lexicon).

Poppy, hard what happened to you. No forum for a week !

Courtney, I really hope you'll be able to use the cottage next year as it seems impossible this year.

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Pinky - Jul 17, 2004 4:30 am (#844 of 2955)

Hey Sticky, I'm not sure about other New Zealanders being here. You're not the first one, but I don't know if any of the other ones we have had are still around. You'll just have to do some recruiting!

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Sticky Glue - Jul 17, 2004 4:34 am (#845 of 2955)

Hi Pinky, Thanks, I'm trying to recuit some of my friends. I hope they join up soon. But I'm quite like talking to the rest of you from around the world as well.

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Pinky - Jul 17, 2004 4:40 am (#846 of 2955)

Sticky, if you are able to recruit, we often recommend that you point them to the Lexicon first, and let them come to the forum through that site, instead of linking them directly to the forums. Although... there is the distinct possibility that they could get lost in the Lexicon - there's so much to read there! Which reminds me.... I need to go check what's new on the Lexicon.

Oh - and yes - we are quite a global family. There are a lot of people from India, a few Aussies, I think there was someone from the Phillipines, all over Europe, the US, Mexico, Canada, the list just keeps growing!

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Accio Sirius - Jul 17, 2004 6:56 am (#847 of 2955)

I'm all for pop in glass bottles. I agree with Gina in that it just tastes better. I'm off for a week to Wintergreen, a resort in the mountains near Charlottesville, Virginia. I've never been, but I'm hoping it's not too hot and I can read often. I'm more of a beach girl than a mountain one, but we'll see. Supposedly there is a waterfall slide and really nice swimming. I can't imagine the number of posts that will face me when I get back, but look forward to reading them. Enjoy the week everyone!

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Kwikspell - Jul 17, 2004 9:55 am (#848 of 2955)

I'm from the Midwest and it's either "soda" or "pop" here. When I was a kid, mixing a bunch of sodas together was called a "kamikazee," though I've also since heard it referred to as a suicide.

In response to Leprechaun Jack's question, I LOVE Moxie. I got turned on to it by my brother's ex-wife--a Mainer. I'd describe the flavor as something like a combination of root beer and Dr. Pepper with a VERY strange aftertaste that takes a while to get used to. It's the only soda that actually created a word in the English language. Yes, the term "moxie" meaning someone who is full of spirit and verve comes from the beverage "Moxie." (Didn't believe it myself until I looked it up in a dictionary.) Any other Moxie lovers out there?

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Elanor - Jul 17, 2004 9:57 am (#849 of 2955)

Hello again ! Thanks to Septentrion and Kwikspell for their answers. You know, it is the 1rst forum I ever joined so I must be a little clumsy, for example I sometimes don't know in which thread I have to write. Don't hesitate to tell me when I'm not where I should be...

By the way, I read your portrait Septentrion, and we have the same passions : I also love Tolkien (I'm sure you know what "Elanor" is) and detective novels (James D.Doss, John Case, Lilian Jackson Brown...).

I've always prefered seeing movies in original version, and realized that translations were too often betraying a work. So I tried to start to read the books I really loved in english. The first book I ever read in english was The lord of the rings, and the difference was amazing, though it is not as difficult as I was afraid it would be. Then, when I discovered the Harry Potter books and loved them too, I did the same, and even read the Order of the Phoenix only in english after that. Now, I don't think I can't go back and read it again in french, it would flabbergast me of reading about "Poudlard" or "cracmol" again!

Was it the same for you ?

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Penny Lane. - Jul 17, 2004 10:28 am (#850 of 2955)

I'm in Michigan, and I've always said soda. Granted, I've received a few strange looks, and many many people who get seriously ANGRY about it. Personally I find the entire thing funny, watching people get all angry over whether a pepsi is a soda or a pop.

Anyway, to everyone who is having moving problems I can totally emphasize. I recently moved my parents from a 5 bedroom home into a 2 bedroom. As it is summer, i've been staying with them so I had to help; too. It was the WORST experience ever. The movers came early, broke things, ran out of space in their truck, took things we asked them not to, etc. At the new house, it turned out that the basement leaked, the garage door was broken, and thats not to mention the bugs. So, I understand your pain.

Oh,I've been reading PoA in Spanish to try and learn something while I'm on break from college. Do any of you native speakers have any books that are written by a spanish speaker that you would like to recommend? I'm looking for something that isn't just a translation of a book i've already read, I want something that I can't find in English. Thanks in advance!

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dobbyiscool - Jul 17, 2004 11:13 am (#851 of 2955)

Glass bottled soda is the absolute best. You can still find IBC rootbeer in the grocery store in glass bottles. We get them on occasion. When they released COS in theatres, you could buy Coca-Cola in glass bottles with a CoS logo on it. I still have the bottle from one in my room.

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Courtney22 - Jul 17, 2004 11:44 am (#852 of 2955)

Mike--- Exactly insurance doesn't cover water skiing and tanning time! that made me laugh So thanks! I also love sunkist thats all I'm drinking right now.

As for the mixed soda thing When you mix coke and sprite it always tasted like ginger ale to me so thats what I'd call it. If I wanted ginger ale and there was none I'd mix some sprite and coke.

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haymoni - Jul 17, 2004 11:53 am (#853 of 2955)

Sticky - when I read "fizzy drinks" all I could think of was "Fizzy Lifting Drinks" from Willy Wonka.

I could do without the burping though! Gross!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 17, 2004 11:54 am (#854 of 2955)

Giant Squid, I did indeed enjoy I,Robot. I think they did a pretty good job of combining the stories. I like the way they updated it but I have one complaint. It is going to be more than 35 years for our world to become that advanced technologically. The ending, however, was left ambiguous. The book is darker and is more of a warning to humanity about being dependent on technology......... ha ha ha....... too late. We cyber geeks are sooooo addicted. I am going to see it again, today, with my godson. I need to see it alone first. I definitely intend to buy it when it comes out on DVD. I thought Will Smith was superb...... so natural and cool.

Have a great Saturday everyone!

Doei

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 17, 2004 1:03 pm (#855 of 2955)

Even though I'm only 35, I also remember when it was normal to buy Coca-cola in glass bottles.-- Gina R. Snape

Ditto for me, Gina. (Literally, every word of that sentence is a ditto for me.) I sooo miss glass bottles. Even back in my home town the only glass bottles I see anymore are the little 6 1/2 ounce cokes (we call them "baby Cokes") or bottles of Sun Drop.

To drop back to something DJ Evans said, I do remember people putting salty peanuts in their Cokes. I believe it is a Southern thing. There again, I don't see many doing it anymore when I visit home. Perhaps its not the same experience in a plastic bottle.

I don't know Flame. 35 years is *cough* a lifetime to some people. Think about where technology was in 1969 and where it is today. I haven't seen "I, Robot" or read the Asimov stories, so I don't know exactly how advanced things are portrayed there. But, who knows?

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The giant squid - Jul 17, 2004 1:18 pm (#856 of 2955)

Madame Poppy--my heart (and CPU clock) goes out to you. Come to think, there seem to have been an awful lot of computer meltdowns lately... :\

dobbyiscool, I managed to get a whole six-pack of those CoS Cokes. They actually sat in our office for over a year because I thought someone else wanted them. When I realized I was the only Potty around the mysteriously vanished...

Flame: I'm glad you liked it. You're right about the advanced tech, though. Actually, the sad thing is we're not to far from that level of tech right now, but there's no way it'd become commercially available on that scale in the next 31 years. They'd have to be introducing the prototypes now, and as far as I know, no one's offering cars that roll sideways yet.

Loopy & Gina: "only 35"--how old do you think I am, anyway?

--Mike

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mike miller - Jul 17, 2004 1:40 pm (#857 of 2955)

Poppy - Sorry to hear about your computer and work schedule difficulties. No fun!

Courtney - I hope the reconstruction of the cabin goes well. I know several people who have had difficulties with cabins when no one is there for extended periods of time.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 17, 2004 1:48 pm (#858 of 2955)

Loopy & Gina: "only 35"--how old do you think I am, anyway? -- The Giant Squid

Well, as you're a giant squid, I don't know how long those things live. If you are, in fact, DD, then you're about 150. :-D

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The giant squid - Jul 17, 2004 1:51 pm (#859 of 2955)

Touché, Loopy.

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timrew - Jul 17, 2004 2:44 pm (#860 of 2955)

Hello, you guys,

We had the funeral service for my Dad yesterday morning. For music we had the German carols, 'O, Tannenbaum' and 'Stille Nacht', sung by The Vienna Boy's Choir - not in person, you understand, on a CD!

Dad loved Christmas, and always made sure we had a good one, so Christmas Carols at a funeral were very appropriate in this case.

All your messages pertaining to my Dad, Hans were copied by my son, Matthew, right down to last one from Ticker on post 717. He then had them laminated, and displayed them at the reception afterwards.

You would all blush at the compliments you wonderful Forum people received. Your comments and messages of condolence were read by a lot of people, and everyone said how compassionate and kind-hearted you all were.

Matthew is now going to make a book out of your messages to give to my mother, and I know it will be something she'll treasure.

Once again, thank you all!

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Catherine - Jul 17, 2004 3:06 pm (#861 of 2955)

Tim,

Welcome back to the Forum. You've been in our thoughts, and we've missed you.

See you around the Forum, I hope!

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haymoni - Jul 17, 2004 3:55 pm (#862 of 2955)

Tim - I'm tearing up reading YOUR post. I wonder if any of your relatives will come and visit us here!

You have been missed and I'm sorry you haven't seen POA yet!

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 17, 2004 4:03 pm (#863 of 2955)

Wow, go on vacation for a week and come back to 247 posts on the chat thread alone! I've done my best to read them all but must admit to skimming a few--but whose they were I'll never tell

Let me just say there is no cottage big enough to accommodate a rainy week at the beach plus 3 small children. Also, it was brought home quite forcibly to me that I can no longer tolerate the mildest of amusement park rides. I actually had to hold my seven year old's hand on the ferris wheel, not because he was scared, but because I was! I still hold out hope for my old favorite, the Tilt-o-Whirl, but I suspect it too, will leave me nauseous. So sad.

I've missed so much this past week, but I need to address the following:

Tim, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I am glad that everyone's kind words were such a source of comfort for you and your family.

Ozymandias, I am sure you were able to see from all the posts that you are by no means the odd man out. So many people feel disenfranchised at some point in their lives. I believe Gina gave some very good advice and was it Loony Lupin who said, this shall pass? Because it will.

Hem Hem, I was so happy to see that someone here had read Bill Bryson's The Mother Tongue! I spent many hours this winter curled up in my favorite chair at Starbucks reading that book and garnering very strange looks from the patrons whenever I burst out laughing. Bill Bryson affects me like strong wine.

Lastly, I have to get in on the Coke/Pop debate. I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned and I can only assume Rebecca would have beat me to it if she wasn't at camp--but here in Massachusetts, all soft drinks are referred to as tonic. As in, "Would you like some tonic?" I have seen Moxie and even tried it on one occasion and if there is a more foul tasting drink I have not met it. I too, remember Coke in glass bottles--you could buy them at the local gas station when I was a kid. It was one of those old fashioned vending machines where you opened the door and took out the bottle. Ahh, the memories.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 17, 2004 4:17 pm (#864 of 2955)

I'm so sorry for your loss Tim. I too am glad all the messages from people here were a source of comfort for your family.

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Chris. - Jul 17, 2004 4:32 pm (#865 of 2955)

It's sad to hear of your loss, Tim. My thoughts are with you and your family. It's good to see you back on the Forum.

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Kowalla - Jul 17, 2004 8:32 pm (#866 of 2955)

Wow. I didn't think I would ever get through all these posts! So many things I wanted to comment on, now I can't even remember half of it!

Tim, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. I do think that is such a wonderful idea to make a book out of all those posts. I'm sure that's something your mother will treasure forever.

Now, I couldn't help but join the soda discussion. I love hearing all about how different areas have different words for the same stuff. So interesting. For everyone that has been looking for RC Cola, all you have to do is head to your nearest Wal*Mart. I sell tons of it everyday. For everyone that likes experimenting with "suicides" (that's what I've always known it as too) you can now get special flavoring to add to your soda! So if you ever wanted to try a vanilla Dr. Pepper, now you can! Wow, did that just sound like an awful commercial or what! I did think it was a great idea though! The raspberry went REALLY well in lemonade too.

I wish we had an A&W drive in to get a gallon of root beer! That would be heaven! We do have an A&W restaurant though, with great hamburgers, & of course, the old fashioned root beer float!

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DJ Evans - Jul 17, 2004 8:53 pm (#867 of 2955)

Tim, so glad to see you are back with us, you've been missed by all. It's not been the same without you!!! Glad to know that our posts gave some comfort to you and your family at this hard time.

I hope I'm not out of line here, but this forum was started, I believe, with the purpose of bringing together HP fans. Fans who wanted to discussed and theorized on all of the ins/outs of HP. What came out of that one simple thought as an extra plus, is a family. I feel we've all become one big huge family on here. And as a family we stick together, give comfort when needed, offer advice when asked for, etc... When one of us is hurting, the rest of us feels that hurt or when something good has happen--the joy is felt by all. I don't think there is another Forum around that can even touch what we have here and I'm proud to be a very small part of it. We've got a great leader, some wonderful Mod's that keep us all on our toes, and the most amazing members to be found!! Gosh, I didn't mean to run on there, like that--but I just wanted everybody to know how "this" member feels about you lot. You're all wonderful and I wouldn't trade a one of you for anything!!!

Courtney22, I can't even imagine what all you & your Dad went through when you walked through the door and discovered your cabin in that shape. I just hope everything can be replaced that was lost.

Loopy Lupin, yes I believe the salty peanuts in a Coke is definitely a Southern thing. I can remember doing it mostly back in the days of when we had the "original" Coke. But I am glad to see that somebody else remembers the combination. I was beginning to wonder if it was only in our area that we did it.

So Mike & Flame--so you recommend seeing "I, Robot" then, I take it? I'm a huge Will Smith fan along with Sci-Fi, so really how could you go wrong in that, right? Will was on the "Regis/Kelly Live Show" this morning and he was saying that most of the movie is done by CGI. From the clips that I've seen it looks like it would be pretty good.

OK, everybody have a fabulous weekend!!!!

Later, Deb

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 17, 2004 8:54 pm (#868 of 2955)

Penny I'd forgotten that you read Spanish. Off the top of my head I can recommend anything by Isabel Allende, she writes in Spanish and many of her works are translated to English. Gabriel Garcia Marques is wonderful, I've read his short stories in Spanish. His full novels I read in English though. When I read in Spanish I often like to like have the English text handy as a reference. Oh and Mario Vargas Llosa, I actually have not finished anything by him in Spanish, halfway through I've had to switch to English, but he is great writer.

I will give your question some more thought, my husband is actually the great reader in Spanish, I'll ask him for more author. He is currently reading Por Favor Rebobinar by Alberto Fuguet which several days ago he recommended to me.

Oh Tim welcome back.

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JK Powers - Jul 17, 2004 11:03 pm (#869 of 2955)

I'm writing to introduce myself, this is my third post. I had to post a Neville theory first, and then I felt inclined to comment somewhere else (2am, I should be in bed, I already forgot where I wrote). I've been reading for weeks, I finally realized that I wouldn't get approved to post until I e-mailed the Lexicon.

Anyway, my name is JK, I live in Delaware (US) and finally saw the PA movie last night.

Just saying hello.

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 18, 2004 12:02 am (#870 of 2955)

Tim,

Welcome back you were missed. I'm glad that your mother was able to get some comfort from our comments. The book sounds great. If you ever need a shoulder etc... don't hesitate to e-mail.

Jack

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The giant squid - Jul 18, 2004 12:15 am (#871 of 2955)

Tim, welcome back. I, too, am glad that what little we could offer (condolences are good, but they can't beat a good hug) helped to ease your and your family's pain.

JK, welcome to the forum. We have a "tell about yourself" thread that is usually reserved for introductions, but I suppose this one will work as well. See you 'round the threads!

--Mike

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draco all the way - Jul 18, 2004 1:53 am (#872 of 2955)

WOW! Almost 280 posts!

Tomorrow's my maths test and yet here I am. So, if I fail, I BLAME YOU, yes YOU!

When I was in Virginia we called them soda and in Nebraska it was pop, but I prefer soda. Pepsi is my favourite, though I admit I see no difference between it and Coke! Here, in India we call them cool drinks and its still very common to get them in glass bottles.

Tim, I am sorry. Your father seems to have lived an action-packed life and I hope he's doing well where ever he is.

Yesterday, a horrible tragedy took place in my state. 90 schoolchildreen were burned to death when their school building caught fire. The pictures were horrific and the entire country is in shock. But nothing we can do can bring back the children. The most disgraceful thing in all of this is the fact that the teachers RAN AWAY! Not one teacher died and it was the general public who risked their lives to save the children.

Me and the other kids at school talked about it and first it was shock that was expressed but in the end it was anger! How could the adults who were responsible for these primary children just run away!

Of course, as always there are some moments of beauty in times of trouble. The entire town- Muslims, christian, Hindus- are all pulling together in mourning. Despite the fact that it was the country's negligence that caused this tragedy, it is times like these when I am proud of being an Indian - a true secular nation.

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boop - Jul 18, 2004 3:20 am (#873 of 2955)

Tim, welcome back you have been missed. I am glad to hear that our posts help easy some of the pain for you and your family. I think that is a great idea making a book for your mom. Here is a hug for you and one more to pass on to your mom.

Deb, I couldn't agree with you more. This is a special group!!! I do feel like everyone here is part of my family. I have been going through some personal issues and I have found help here among family members. I am very proud to be a small part of this wonderful group of people.

Jk welcome to the best forum out there. Enjoy yourself here and can't wait to read your ideas.

draco all the way, That is so awful to think of what those poor children must have gone through. What were the teachers thinking of? Leaving the children behind, its just so sad. Well those teachers have to live with the thought of watching the children burn, while they saved themselves. I wouldn't want to have that on my shoulders.

As for soda which is what I call it, diet coke and diet sprite are my favorites. I remember mixing different sodas when I was a kid. Some of them tasted pretty awful, hehehe.

Everyone have a great day!!!!

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azi - Jul 18, 2004 3:47 am (#874 of 2955)

Draco - I heard about the tragedy on the news and thought it was awful, I felt so sorry for the parents of the children. I think it was mentioned that the headmaster and kitchen cooks may be brought to justice wasn't it?

In my area of England we say fizzy pop. Coke can count as either coca cola, pepsi or cheap alternatives. I myself prefer coca cola as pepsi and other brands tend to make me sick. The only fizzy pop I call soda is cream soda but its hard to find. Unfortunately, we don't have glass bottles of coke in England. However, in France they do (at least in the Alsace region) and every time I went into a cafe there I'd get a coke in a groovy glass bottle. There isn't much better than sitting in an outside cafe in Strasbourg watching the world go by while drinking a coke. Coke also tastes better in France and Germany than in Britain, even if its in a plastic bottle.

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Flame Alligator - Jul 18, 2004 4:39 am (#875 of 2955)

Hey D.J.Evans it is good to see yet another SciFi fan. I do indeed recommend I,Robot. It was even better the second time around. I am also looking forward to viewing Alien vs. Predator.

Loopy Lupin, as far as technological advances go..... When I was a baby girl, they told us we all would have flying cars by now. Need I say more? Robots that can evolve to become sentient....... in 35 years?......... I don't think so. It is true we have had a lot of technological quantum leaps since 1969, but this is after centuries of knowledge accumulated.

Tim, Welcome back. I missed you. Ditto on the condolences being a comfort.

Draco All The Way, What a horrible, tragic story! As for those teachers who ran.......... COWARDS!!

I am up early today. Mainly, because I DO NOT have to sub this week. *jumping for joy* I am catching up on my house elf duties and then I am going to the "Stepford Tanning Salon" for a quick tan and a bit of rockin' music.

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

Goedemorgen

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Marè - Jul 18, 2004 5:39 am (#876 of 2955)

So many posts, pfff, where to begin?

First of all, welcome back Tim! What a lovely idea to use christmas carols to remember your dad. So many times with a funeral people choose sad and "appropriate" music, which doesn't resemble the deceased in any way...

second, Courtney, the story of your strange teacher made me remember something. A few years ago, I was in a youth hostel in south Brittain and my friend and me met these two canadian girls. We decided to go to the pub with the four of us.
Apparently our accents draw the attention of the local drunk, who saw his chance to join our table and loudly tell us how great our countries were, how stupid his own was, how stupid the English people, etc. etc.
There was no stopping him and he was talking so loud that the entire pub was looking at our table at some point. And they weren't too happy.
Luckily for us the bar owner told him to leave at some point, which he did (yelling more insults to the people around us).
I guess you have rude people all around the world. Luckily this man didn't look like he was a teacher.

And third: Draco, I read about that school, front page news in our paper too. But it said that there were some teachers who tried to save the children. I guess they were wrong, how horrible that is!

And I have to agree with Flame on the technological debate. During the industrial revolution, there was time and money for just tinkering around. Leading to some amazing discoveries. Nowadays people need to know what they want to create, slowing the process of finding new things down. (Am I making sense ?) Technical advance isn't going so fast anymore, it seems to have centered around improving things that we already have.

PS for all you soda interested people, how do they call diet coke in Brittain?
Because over here they call it Cola Light (Or Pepsi light or Fanta or whatever) which is a bit odd, seeing how they adopted an english word, that isn't used in that same context in the english speaking world...

And now I'm off. Love and groetjes (for Flame, new word.)

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Chemyst - Jul 18, 2004 6:00 am (#877 of 2955)

Deb (DJEvans from post #867) was commenting on how much this forum feels like a family. Since we've had so many "babies" adopted this month, I would like, first of all to say welcome, and then to encourage those who have not done so, to go back to your change preferences page (the link is in the top right teal bar just beneath the "you are logged in as ---") and add a line or two about yourself. Just a teeny clue as to who you are and what you're about will strengthen the "family ties." The "Tell us About Yourself" thread Mike mentioned (#871) is a good start too, but for those of us with less than perfect memories, appending your preference page is better.

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draco all the way - Jul 18, 2004 6:51 am (#878 of 2955)

Yes, the headmaster has been jailed and now all the schools with thatched roofs are being inspected. You might of all seen the story in the papers but I don't think any of you have seen the pictures or the videos from t.v that I've seen. Indian television has hardly any censorship when it comes to news. The things I've seen on t.v especially after 9\11 are things I wish I had never had the misfortune of seeing.

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Flame Alligator - Jul 18, 2004 7:16 am (#879 of 2955)

Mare, Thanks for the new word. van hetzelfde (correct?)

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Marè - Jul 18, 2004 7:27 am (#880 of 2955)

Very good!

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septentrion - Jul 18, 2004 8:21 am (#881 of 2955)

Elanor, glad to see you found your way to this thread ! I'm like you, reading the HP series in english now, but lately I had to put my nose back into the french version to translate some pages of the Lexicon. I'm even reading OoTP in french, and I must say, even if a translation isn't like the original version, we don't have a bad translation here. I haven't read LOTR in english yet but they're waiting for me on my shelf !

Tim, I'm glad with the others to see you back and to know our few words helped your family.

Draco ATW, I haven't heard of that tragedy (no time for the news these last 2 days), and it seems to be horrible. 90 young dead people ! That shouldn't have happened !

About the soda discussion, well, in France, we call them "soda", but we don't have such a choice as you seem to have in the US. And people don't make the difference between coca-cola or pepsi, they're both called "coca". Marè, we also say "coca light" for diet coca.

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VeronikaG - Jul 18, 2004 9:21 am (#882 of 2955)

Draco ATW, I thought about you when I heard the news, hoping it wasn't your school. Luckily it wasn't. You say you have been to school in many countries, which ones have you lived in? Are you in a military or diplomat family?

Courtney, I had a teacher who resembled yours. In each class he'd rant on about everything that was wrong in the world. If we were happy when we walked into his classroom, we were depressed walking out. And this is what he managed to tell a Korean girl who had been bullied and nearly killed herself when she was younger: "If I had been 10 cm taller, I'd have been the nazi ideal! You, on the other hand, "Anne"...." (I'm not typing her real name here).

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mollis - Jul 18, 2004 9:24 am (#883 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 18, 2004 9:24 am

I would like to second haymoni's post Tim. Your post brought tears to my eyes, and that's not easy. I am so happy that our posts brought comfort to both you and your family. Welcome back!

draco - That is awful what happened to those children! I admit, I haven't watched much news this weekend, so I hadn't heard about that. If those teachers truly left the children to fend for themselves, I hope they are brought to justice.

As to the technology advancement slow down - in my opinion, it is primarily do to the almighty dollar. Inventions don't get the time of day anymore unless companies are sure they can make a profit.

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Detail Seeker - Jul 18, 2004 10:28 am (#884 of 2955)

Picking up the soft drink sub-thread again: While the information, that the whole set of carbonated, sparkling soft drinks is calles Brause in german might be useless here, it might be more interesting, though as useless trivia as the former, that we still do have glass bottles here for those - sometimes at least. The german soft drink industry agreed long ago on a common type of return bottle, so that they are interchangeable between the different brands of soft drinks. That reduces the logistical effort needed to redistribute them to the fillers. For the PET-bottles, it seems, the have just done the same. Only CocaCola and Pepsi want their own bottle form...

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 18, 2004 10:50 am (#885 of 2955)

Sounds pretty efficient, Detail Seeker.

Coke and Pepsi having their own bottles made me wonder if you've ever seen "Good Bye, Lenin!" Not exactly "on topic" here, but I was reminded of that movie for some reason.

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The giant squid - Jul 18, 2004 1:24 pm (#886 of 2955)

mollis, that was what I was trying to say, re: technology. Back in the day, folks were able to invent for invention's sake; it was simply a matter of, "Look what I've discovered!" These days, it not only has to be innovative, it has to be lucrative...and most investors will take old and profitable over new & exciting.

I want my flying car!!

--Mike

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Flame Alligator - Jul 18, 2004 2:18 pm (#887 of 2955)

Laughing out loud Mike (Giant Squid). Awwwww sorry. I want my flying car too.

Thanks marè.

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DJ Evans - Jul 18, 2004 4:37 pm (#888 of 2955)

Draco, I too saw on the news about that school burning and all of those sweet innocent lives being lost. I instantly thought of you & prayed it wasn't your school. Still, it saddens me to think of what those kids must have gone through. I can't even begin to think what those teachers should get as punishment for leaving them like that. Thankfully you are OK!!!!!!! I am sorry that you had to see it all on the TV--I think sometimes they go overboard on just what all they do show sometimes on the news.

Betty, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been going through some things, I hope it's nothing too bad/serious and that everything will work out for you. I'll be sure and keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!! Remember, we're here if you need us!!!

Chemyst, that's a wonderful suggestion that you made to the new members that haven't given us a bit of information on themselves, to do so on the "Change Your Preference" page. It would even be a good idea for us older members to check up our own and see if anything needs to be updated on our own profile!!! Thanks for thinking of it & making the suggestion!!!

As far as the technology that we have today? Hey, I'm still remembering how I just knew they would have the machines out by now that fixed all of our meals, dressed us, cars that folded up to the size of a briefcase, etc.... I can remember being a kid and watching the cartoon "The Jetsons" and couldn't wait till I was older & would be able to enjoy all of that stuff!!! hee hee Don't we wish?!?!?!?!? I just wonder what someone from the 18th century would think of all of the technology that we have today? It would blow their minds for sure, I would think!!!

Later, Deb

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Susurro Notities - Jul 18, 2004 5:25 pm (#889 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 18, 2004 5:35 pm

Thanks for the Hello Sarah. Needed a break but think I will be back for a while now. Missed you all.


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S.E. Jones - Jul 18, 2004 6:07 pm (#890 of 2955)

Well, it's great to have you back Susurro!!! I can't wait to start hearing more from you on the threads, I've really missed your quick mind and eloquent way of phrasing things. And I know I'm speaking for others when I say that..! Welcome back!!!

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Kowalla - Jul 18, 2004 6:34 pm (#891 of 2955)

You know, I have often thought of the same thing, DJ. It's really quite amazing if you stop & look at everything around you, through the eyes of someone from the past. Just look at the clothes people wear, the vehicles they drive. Can you imagine their reaction to a washing machine & dryer? or a dishwasher? Think about television, or cell phones. They had to wait forever to send a letter to a family member, now we can talk to people half-way around the world!

Draco, I am so sorry to hear about those poor children! I saw a headline in our newspaper about it, but didn't get the chance to read it. I feel so sorry for all the families that have lost their children in such a horrible way. They will all be in my prayers.

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Hem Hem - Jul 18, 2004 8:50 pm (#892 of 2955)

Hooray! Good to see you again, Susurro! (You see, Sarah was not only speaking for herself! )

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Ticker - Jul 18, 2004 9:21 pm (#893 of 2955)

My life of "leisure" is over - Aria crawled for the first time a few minutes ago!

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 18, 2004 9:24 pm (#894 of 2955)

Yikes. Crawling is definitely no good. Mine is five and EVERYWHERE!! Anyways. Congrats on the milestone. Get lots of pics. Sending Hugs and Tylenol for the(re)newly busy parents.

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boop - Jul 18, 2004 9:53 pm (#895 of 2955)

I want to wish Brandon and Chemyst(Laurel) both I hope you both have a wonderful day!!!!!

Ticker, aaawww that is so cute have lots of fun. Now she can follow you all around,hehehe

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Julia. - Jul 18, 2004 10:14 pm (#896 of 2955)

HAPPY BRITHDAY BRANDON AND CHEMYST!!!!!!!*insert cool smilie here* Hope you both have a great day and a great year! *pulls out butterbeer and passes it to Brandon and Chemyst* Have a good day everyone, especially you two!

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Hem Hem - Jul 18, 2004 10:23 pm (#897 of 2955)

Wow, Ticker, it's so crazy that Aria's gotten so big. It seems like she was only born a couple of months ago (when was she born actually -- November?)

Happy birthday to the birthday boy and girl! If I'm a few hours early, then please allow my good wishes to extend into tomorrow! Have a great day!

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draco all the way - Jul 18, 2004 10:34 pm (#898 of 2955)

School's closed in respect for those lost in the fire today. I KNOW I shouldn't feel happy, but no school, no maths test, no homework...what can I say?

Did I ever say I lived in alot of countries? No, I've only ever lived in the U.S and India, but I've moved between the 2 countries quite alot. An let me tell you it's hard on a teenager to move around so much, especially between 2 countries which are SO different. You never fit in. Remember Jess from Bend it Like Beckham- that's me!

Also, thank you for thinking of me when you read the news, but really my school is not like the school in the news. Those are rural schools with thatched roofs and mud floors. I live in Chennai, an urban city where the schools have a much better infrastructure.

Ticker, my cousin just started to crawl and let's just say I'm not so fond of babysitting her anymore. HAVE FUN!

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst!

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Ozymandias - Jul 19, 2004 1:05 am (#899 of 2955)

Happy birthday to Brandon and Chemyst!!!

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The giant squid - Jul 19, 2004 1:07 am (#900 of 2955)

Ticker, my congratulations to Aria and my condolences to you. Time to really child-proof the house, if you haven't already. I can always tell the home of someone with young children--there's nothing grab-able below 3' that isn't made by Fisher Price.

--Mike

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The giant squid - Jul 19, 2004 1:07 am (#900 of 2955)

Ticker, my congratulations to Aria and my condolences to you. Time to really child-proof the house, if you haven't already. I can always tell the home of someone with young children--there's nothing grab-able below 3' that isn't made by Fisher Price.

--Mike

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boop - Jul 19, 2004 3:10 am (#901 of 2955)

Mike, LOL like that never thought of it that way. Thanks for the laugh!!

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Devika - Jul 19, 2004 4:00 am (#902 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst!

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 19, 2004 4:21 am (#903 of 2955)

Happy Belated Birthdays Brandon & Chemyst

Tim, welcome back... your input has been missed on this forum. Again I am touched to hear that the condolences from your forum family were a source of comfort to you & your family. Makes me even more proud to be a part of this family. The idea of a book for your Mum is really lovely... again, my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.... give your Mum a great big hug from me!

Anbigin, thanks for the info on the grade system... sorry if I came across as being a bit thick... I just never knew how the grade system worked.... thanks for filling me in ... It makes so much more sense now

Ticker... Aria is crawling.... look out world.... I can't believe she is crawling already.... well as they say Tempus fugit when you're having fun eh!

Draco ATW, I also thought of you when I heard the news over the weekend. Glad to know you are ok.

Welcome back Susurro... you too Devika

Flame & Mike, about the flying car... too bad we can't ask Arthur for a loan

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VeronikaG - Jul 19, 2004 4:28 am (#904 of 2955)

I want a flying car too! The problem is I don't even have the license to drive a rolling one, so I bet they'll not let me drive one that flies!

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst.

Congratulations on having a mobile baby, Ticker. This means that in a few months she'll walk, and then she'll run, and you'll need to grow eyes in the back of your head. ;-)

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Doris Crockford - Jul 19, 2004 5:16 am (#905 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst! Only 2 more days til mine (July 21)! I got the POA soundtrrack, and so far, it's great! I'll have more time to listen tonight after my first day at Driver's Ed. I'm really nervous, and I have to leave soon. See you all later!

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 19, 2004 5:23 am (#906 of 2955)

Happy birthday Brandon and Chemyst. Happy birthday to anyone else I missed so far this month. And a very Happy Early birhtday to you Doris Crockford.

Jack

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B]tracie1976[/B] - Jul 19, 2004 5:26 am (#907 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst!!!

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Catherine - Jul 19, 2004 5:28 am (#908 of 2955)

Happy Birthday to Laurel (Chemyst) and Brandon!

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 19, 2004 5:56 am (#909 of 2955)

Aria crawled for the first time a few minutes ago! – Ticker

Congratulations, I suppose. Hehe. Get used to the phrase: "Where's the baby?"

Happy birthday to Chemyst and Brandon!

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mike miller - Jul 19, 2004 6:18 am (#910 of 2955)

Tim - Welcome back. Know that you were missed and that you and your family were in our thoughts and prayers.

I have been so impressed with the quality of people on this forum. The support and caring seen here has bolstered my belief in humanity. Normally, you can look around and find many examples where it seems somebody's "peed in the gene pool". I am honored to be a proud member of this family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON & CHEMYST!!!

Ticker - You've just hit a major milestone. Look out, the ride is just beginning!

Betty - Stay positive, everything goes in cycles.

Draco - The news of the fire and deaths saddens us all. Let's hope that this tragedy will result in some changes that will prevent this from ever happening again.

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icthestrals - Jul 19, 2004 6:37 am (#911 of 2955)

Hey DJ, sorry it took me so long to respond to you. I wasn't on the computer all weekend. I would have been a Star Trek: Voyager fan, but my local station carrying the show had its tower struck by lightning during the first season. They didn't repair it until the last season!! (I couldn't get the station in from where I live.)

I asked for Enterprise recordings, but Voyager would be welcomed as well. I live in the country, so no cable and I don't have a satellite because I can't afford it. So...I'm at the mercy of generous folk. Beggars can't be choosers. Thanks for thinking of me!!

Hello to everyone else and have a great Monday!

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boop - Jul 19, 2004 6:43 am (#912 of 2955)

Deb and Mike thank you, things are starting to improve for me. I still a ways to go, but one day at a time.

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scully jones - Jul 19, 2004 7:37 am (#913 of 2955)

Surprise Happy Birthday Brandon and Laurel!

Gosh, there sure are a lot of posts I've missed. I went to Cedar Point yesterday, rode a couple rides. Wicked Twister wasn't as scary as it's made out to be, really.

I got a cool pic drawn of me! Like it?

I've got some pictures I'm putting up on my site, none from the park though.

I shudder to think of what those children went through, and I hope someone is duly punished. These things should not happen. I can't imagine what the parents are going through.

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Marè - Jul 19, 2004 7:52 am (#914 of 2955)

Icthestrals, I wished you lived in my country. I have most (missing maybe five) Voyagers on tape. (Somewhere, okay, so I still need to sort them out.)
I don't know what kind of internetconnection you have, but you can also find all them hanging around the web somewhere. The enterprise series as well I guess.

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icthestrals - Jul 19, 2004 8:18 am (#915 of 2955)

Thanks Marè. I use my wonderful, up-to-date computer at work (he he) to read the forum and surf the net. My computer at home is a dinosaur and I have let my internet subscription expire because I could almost clean my entire house before a site would load!! Oh well, perhaps when they come out on DVD, as DJ suggested, I could buy them as a box set.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 19, 2004 9:04 am (#916 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Brandon and Chemyst!

Have lots of fun and butterbeer.

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anbigin - Jul 19, 2004 9:16 am (#917 of 2955)

Hey ischestrals, I'm in Greece for the summer but when I get back I would be more than happy to record them and send them your way as I too watch them when I can:) Just let me know what you want me to do - I should be getting back and settled in the middle of August.

Oh, and Fawkes, I didn't think your inquiry was anything other than "cultural differences" realted. Actually I completely understand where you're confusion lays as I have no idea how the system works in your neck of the world.

Happy B-day to all that deserve it *insertion of evil grin here*

Baby on the move - hahaha - that's pretty hillarious, but yea, any ways, congratulations Ticker on the moving life form:) should make life more interesting for the next say 20 years (muahahahhahahaha)

To all those with horrid misfortunes (i.e. death of a parent:(, death of wee ones): AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I scream a hundred horrors and hurt a thousand times over for you and those involved. Death always hurts, probably because it tends to be so random. Just know that my thoughts are with you and what have you. Peace - Kat

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icthestrals - Jul 19, 2004 9:21 am (#918 of 2955)

anbigin, Hey thanks. You can email me and we can set up the details when you get back. Click on my avatar and you will see my email address. Put Star Trek in the subject line or that you are from the HP forum, otherwise I will delete it.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 19, 2004 9:25 am (#919 of 2955)

I am actually really tired today. On Friday my daughter had an appointment with the Allergist and we found out she has a 3+ allergy to DUST. Yikes. She can barely sleep at night cause she keeps coughing herself awake, thus I cannot sleep either. Help. What do you do aside from the "wash the sheets in hot water" I know what the Doc's say, but I would like some TRIED and True suggestions. It is eating into my Potter time(Just kidding) Seriously, I want her to be able to sleep at night. Any suggestions?

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icthestrals - Jul 19, 2004 9:59 am (#920 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty, I too have been diagnosed as allergic to dust mites. I am also allergic to cats, dogs and horses. My allergies are not very severe, but I do make sure that my bed linens are washed in hot water every other week. If my clothes hang in the closet for longer that a week, I wash them before I wear them.

I am not the cleanest person, meaning I don't dust and vacuum as often as I should because the dust makes my sinuses go crazy! I have someone else clean my house, but when I do have to do it, I jump in the shower as soon as I'm finished.

I feel for you and your daughter. I tried plastic on my bed and pillow, but that just doesn't work. I refused to get rid of my cats, dogs and stay away from horses. I just suffer through. I tried allergy medications also, but they didn't do much for me. Hope some of this information helps.

EDIT: If your daughter sleeps with a stuffed animal (don't know how old she is) you might want to find one that can be washed and dried.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 19, 2004 10:22 am (#921 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty, I don't mean to presume that you haven't searched the web already, but here's a link that seems like it might be helpful:

http://www.remedyfind.com/hc-Allergies.asp

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haymoni - Jul 19, 2004 10:37 am (#922 of 2955)

I am allergic to dust and my mom removed the stuffed animals from my room. I wasn't emotionally attached to any of them so it wasn't a big deal.

I had hardwood floors with rugs so that the carpet wasn't holding a bunch of dust. My mom vacuumed a lot though.

I still sneeze like crazy when I clean, but fortunately none of my children seem to have my allergy problems.

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D.W. - Jul 19, 2004 10:40 am (#923 of 2955)

Sleeping beauty, you can buy covers for mattresses and pillows in most stores that sell bedding (at varying prices). Now-a-days these are made of fabric, not plastic and can help a lot with night time dust allergies (we have them on all our mattresses)you can also buy pillows made with some type of man made filler which is better for allergy sufferers than down or any type of feathers. (you may already have these) Washable night time toy companions are usefull and I've also heard/read somewhere that if you freeze these it will help (though I've not done that myself). Good luck. Donna.

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Catherine - Jul 19, 2004 11:15 am (#924 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty,

I will ditto the fine posts that preceded mine, and tell you that I have emailed you something. I decided to do that because the post was so long that I didn't think anyone else would even bother to read it!

I've been in your daughter's situation, and I hope you can find ways to manage her condition.

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septentrion - Jul 19, 2004 11:22 am (#925 of 2955)

happy birthday Chemyst and Brandon !

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DJ Evans - Jul 19, 2004 11:29 am (#926 of 2955)

Ticker, oh how great that the little one is crawling!!!! Gosh, before you know it, it will be prom night!!! They just seem to grow up so fast. All I can say, is to enjoy each and every minute/second of her at this stage--cause it won't last for long!!!!

Hey, Brandon and Chemyst?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!


Hope it's the best birthday that you've had so far!!!

Mike---"....and find many examples where it seems somebody's "peed in the gene pool" Thanks for the chuckle of the day there!!!

Betty, oh I'm so glad that things are getting better for you. Hope each day is a little bit better and to keep good thoughts coming your way. Here's a great BIG ol' HUG for you!!! armsBETTYarms!!!!

Icthestrals, oh I'm so sorry that I misunderstood you. I guess I'm such a :Star Trek: Voyager" fan, that whenever I see Star Trek, that is where my poor ol' little brain goes. I don't ever watch the series "Enterprise" myself. I don't know, but it just doesn't seem to have the flair of the other Star Treks or something to me. Maybe because it is going backwards in the series? Anyway, I do see where anbigin can copy them for you! Fantastic!!!!

Later, Deb

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 19, 2004 11:30 am (#927 of 2955)

Just wanted to pop on here and say hello to everyone. I've been away from the forum for over a month and am completely apalled at myself for it. The amount of posts I have to catch up on is disgusting. I guess its a good thing I don't have anything to do at work today.

Hope everyone is having a lovely afternoon!!!!

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Padfoot - Jul 19, 2004 1:40 pm (#928 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 19, 2004 1:42 pm

Happy birthday Brandon and Chemyst! Birthday Balloons

DracoATW, I heard about those kids and immediately thought of you. You are older of course, but I wondered if it was near you. Those poor parents, having to go through all that grief. Those teachers who ran away should be ashamed of themselves.

Welcome back Tim! We have missed you and your funny comments. You always make me smile.

Sleeping Beauty, I too suffer from allergies. Well I try not to let them get the best of me. I am allergic to dust, grasses, molds, trees and anything cute and fuzzy. For a while I was taking allergy shots (6 years or so). Now I have built up a tolerance so I don't feel the symptoms as much. At least in Colorado that is. I figure that whenever I move to another state, I will need to resume allergy shots once again. I also take medication everyday and have for 20 years. My first allergist recommended we get rid of the family dog! Can you believe that? I laughed in his face at that stupid suggestion. I am allergic to horses the most, followed by cats. Growing up my best friend had two cats and a horse. LOL.

Betty, I hope you feel better soon. *Hugs* You were one of the first people to welcome me to this forum family. So I always think of you as one of the moms of this forum.

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boop - Jul 19, 2004 1:50 pm (#929 of 2955)

aaawww Padfoot that brought tears to my eyes, that was so sweet. Thank you so much you have no idea what this means to me. I am feeling better just going to take time.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 19, 2004 2:06 pm (#930 of 2955)

Didn't know you were feeling poorly. Hope you get better too.

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timrew - Jul 19, 2004 4:01 pm (#931 of 2955)

Happy birthday Brandon and Chemyst! And get well soon, boop!

Thank you all once again for all your kind messages. The members of this Forum have helped me (and other people, too) through a hard time.

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Ticker - Jul 19, 2004 5:37 pm (#932 of 2955)

Thanks all for the words of encouragement & sympathy about my new crawler. My hair is permanently windblown from the speed of the last 8 months. (Well, maybe it looks that way for other reasons as well...)

Tomoe, you shared something about yourself a while back about your daily challenges that I would never have known you faced. You mentioned it while encouraging someone else. It's so far back, I can't find it. I meant to thank you for spending some of your wonderful creative energy with us. It means even more to me now.

Betty, you truly are like a mom to us here. I always picture you with a platter of sandwiches in one hand & a box of butterbeer in the other. (I secretly think Julia has access to your stache.) Thank you for always making us feel so welcome & loved. Glad you're feeling better.

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Susurro Notities - Jul 19, 2004 6:16 pm (#933 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 19, 2004 6:17 pm

Happy birthday Brandon and Chemyst

Oh Ticker - can she really be that big already?

Thank you for your welcome back Hem Hem and Fawkes Forever. Amazing how one can make wonderful friends through a love of books and a bit of electronics!



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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 19, 2004 6:22 pm (#934 of 2955)

Well, we're in! Whew! I think these last four days have been the longest of my life, though they've been some of the most exciting/frustrating too. On Saturday night, we discovered we had no cold water feeding the washer. The "pumblers" finally came out today and had to tear out parts of my walls to get to a kinked line. My beautiful walls! While they were here, the cable/phone/internet guy, along with the tile layer, foreman, and my father all came out to do repairs. We had a full house, to say the least. But we're all settled in and I can now enjoy my cable and internet! As soon as my car gets fixed *grumble grumble*, things will be pretty darn good.

I'm glad you're back, Tim. Your father's service sounded beautiful. It warms my heart to know that your forum family could bring comfort to you and your family.

Welcome back, Susurro and Virgoddess! How nice to see you both! It's hard enough for me to catch up here after only being gone a few days, I can't imagine how many posts you two have to go through!

Betty, I agree with everyone else. You are a wonderful mom for us all! I can always count on you to offer kind words when I'm in need of them. I'm so happy things are looking up.

Birthday Balloons, Brandon and Chemyst!

Wow, Ticker, what a milestone your daughter has reached! Congratulations to you both! Even though you'll probably be even more exhausted from now on, seeing her little personality really shine through will be totally worth it.

Perhaps it wasn't the Middle Ages then, Tomoe. Perhaps it was during the Renaissance. I read it in some useless fact book, anyway I think. Who knows how accurate their information is?

My husband had a job interview today. It's between him and another person. The job would mean a big raise, though quite a bit more work and a great deal of traveling. However, we wouldn't have to struggle nearly as much as we do now and I could finally go to school full time without having to work as much. So, if I haven't permanently crippled your fingers, cross them again for me!

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 19, 2004 6:33 pm (#935 of 2955)

Sherbie, give your hubby loads of four leaf clovers for me. Crossing my whole being. Thank you to everyone who gave me such wonderful and reassuring advice. You make me feel not alone in this.

Boop, get well, please.

Tim, good to hear from you again and am glad that the Forum has been a comfort to you.

Thank you everyone on this forum for being wonderful to everyone else on the forum.

Ticker, don't worry she'll be walking and running soon enough and, scariest of all, talking. It sure will put the crawling in perspective. Babies are the best.

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Susurro Notities - Jul 19, 2004 6:52 pm (#936 of 2955)

Oh please. Cross fingers, pray, cast a spell or whatever it is you do for luck do for me. My husband is running in a local election. Would really like to see him win.

Will pray for your husband Sherbie and thanks for the welcome back.

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Ticker - Jul 19, 2004 7:18 pm (#937 of 2955)

Su - I forgot to say Howdy! (& thanks for the nifty crawling baby - I guess it's a smilie. It sure made me smile.) It is nice to see you again.

(Crosses fingers & says a prayer for both Su & Sherbie)

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Julia. - Jul 19, 2004 7:35 pm (#938 of 2955)

*runs in breathing heavily* Long day today, very happy to be on my beloved Forum Sherbie, I'm crossing every part of my body that it's possible to cross. Would you like me to Imperio the guy who decides between your husband and the other person?

Betty, get better soon! We need our Mommy to feel good.

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boop - Jul 19, 2004 7:43 pm (#939 of 2955)

Lindsey,Ticker,Tim,Loop Lupin,Julia and Sleeping Beauty, thank you so much don't know what it means to me.

Lindsey, and Sussurron Notities I will keep my body parts that can be crossed for you.

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Susurro Notities - Jul 19, 2004 7:44 pm (#940 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 19, 2004 7:48 pm

Gina. Thanks. No haven't been around in a bit. So nice to see you, Ticker, and boop again. Thanks boop. You too Ladybug.

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Ladybug220 - Jul 19, 2004 7:47 pm (#941 of 2955)

It's nice to see you back Susurro!

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Chemyst - Jul 19, 2004 8:07 pm (#942 of 2955)

Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. I've had a nice one. ('Special thanks to Boop for keeping track of those sorts of things)
Nice to hear you are settled in, Sherbie. All that moving and no house elf to help!
Tim, nice to see you back on boards.

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Kowalla - Jul 19, 2004 8:21 pm (#943 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty, I feel for your poor little girl with her allergies. I have to deal with that as well. I haven't been tested to see what all I'm allergic to, though. (I'm rather scared to) I know the list will more than likely be VERY long.

Boop, I hope you get feeling better soon.

Sherbie & Susurro, just thought you might want to know that it is VERY difficult to type with your eyes crossed, let alone fingers, toes, legs,.... Good luck to the both of you (& your spouses)

Doris Crockford, your birthday is the same as my sisters! Mine is one week from today. (Starting to get excited)

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Chris. - Jul 19, 2004 8:28 pm (#944 of 2955)

Hi everyone. I get up after not being able to sleep, and what do I do? Gte on the Forum, of course!

Boop, hope you are feeling better soon.

Sherbie and Sussuro, my fingers are crossed for the both of you, but like Kowalla said, it's very hard to type. 

Happy Birthday to people I've missed! Which brings me round to the question: do any of the Forum members share a birthday? Mine's 24th September, anyone?...

Bye y'all!

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 19, 2004 8:41 pm (#945 of 2955)

I do share mine with my Gramps, but he don't know Potter . It is August 13, and falls on a FRIDaY this year. :yikes: Leila

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 19, 2004 8:44 pm (#946 of 2955)

Prongs... you almost share a birthday with me.. 6 days difference though. My boyfriend Will's is on the 24th. I'll be sure to remember yours now as well .

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Ozymandias - Jul 19, 2004 8:49 pm (#947 of 2955)

Wow, 50 posts since yesterday night...let's see if I can remember everything.

Draco all the way, I'm so sorry to hear about the fire. Those teachers should be ashamed of themselves. Glad to hear you're in safer conditions, though. (But it'd be better if everyone was...)

Betty, sorry to hear you're not feeling well and hope you are better soon.

Sherbie, congrats on the successful move and good luck to your husband. (Good luck to yours, too, Susurro, what's he running for?)

Ticker, congratulations to you and your daughter!

My birthday is Feb. 16, and it's the same as...um...Levar Burton (Geordi from Star Trek).

Did I miss anything? Sorry if I did.

~Ozy

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Susurro Notities - Jul 19, 2004 9:08 pm (#948 of 2955)

Oh - mine too - Feb. 16! Hi birthday mate Ozy.

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Julia. - Jul 19, 2004 9:13 pm (#949 of 2955)

Mine's September 8th, same day as Gil Meche, pitcher for the Seattle Mariners. On the Jewish calander it's the 26th of Elul, i have but no idea who else was born on that date.

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boop - Jul 19, 2004 9:17 pm (#950 of 2955)

AAAWWW GEEE Guys I feel so special. Kowalla, Prongs thank you for the get well wishes. I don't know what to say, so just say thank you so much.

Prongs I will put you on my list I am making of forum members birthdays. As I get a date and name I will add them. I know I miss lots because I don't have the dates. I try and post in the morning of the members birthday so all members know its your birthday and can share in the birthday wishes too.

Sinister Kittens(Jules), this is just for you and a great big hug from me. )

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Celestina W. - Jul 19, 2004 9:32 pm (#951 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 19, 2004 9:42 pm

Wow, you guys post too much. I was gone for a weekend and I had over a hundred posts to read on just this thread! Now I might be gone for most of the week (got company coming) so I can't imagine what it's going to be like when I get back.

Birthday wishes to all! Mine is April 2 -- same day as Sir Alec Guinness! I've always thought that was cool. It's also Hans Christian Andersen's birthday and International Children's Book Day, which is just perfect for me.

Those of you who've seen I, Robot, would you recommend it? I might go and see it this week. I thought the previews looked really good.

One more thing to add to the pop discussion; has anybody ever had 1919 root beer? It's the best stuff ever, but I think you can only get it by the keg. People have it at parties sometimes, and a few restaurants around here sell it.

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The giant squid - Jul 19, 2004 10:40 pm (#952 of 2955)

I just realized I completely forgot to send get well wishes to Boop and birthday wishes to Chemyst and Brandon (and anyone else who had one in the last few days). I was thinking of you all ,I swear...I just forgot to write it down.

Sherbie, one of my projectors broke down today, so things may bode well for your husband's new job.

Fawkes Forever: You know, in all the talk about a flying car I can't believe I didn't make the Weasley connection. Excuse me while I club my head against a wardrobe... *repetitive thudding sound*

Celestina, I'd recommend I,Robot, as long as you aren't expecting anything more than a summer popcorn movie. Get a jumbo Coke ('cause they don't sell Dr. Pepper), a big tub o' popcorn and enjoy!

--Mike

For the record, my birthday is January 31st--Harry's half-birthday.

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Neldoreth - Jul 20, 2004 12:50 am (#953 of 2955)

Hello everyone! Coming back from a great weekend holiday in Switzerland (even got a sunburn : coup de soleil... that hurts...), this being the first time since I joined the Forum a few weeks ago, what the surprise when I notice the 1500 new messages on the Forum... Well, I suppose I'll have to use the "Mark as read"-button...

Elanor and Septentrion, as a french, I agree with reading Harry Potter and Tolkien in english: its quite a different experience! As Septentrion, I go back to the french version currently to come forward in the lexicon-translation and its quite enjoyable actually! But my heart will always go first to the original version

Happy belated Birthday to the concerned people (Chemyst, Brandon, any others perhaps?) and Boop, mine is on March 27th

I wish to all of you a wonderful day (hem, here its raining after a beautiful monday) and all the best for the week!

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Marè - Jul 20, 2004 1:40 am (#954 of 2955)

Sunburn! (Looks outside to the rain..)

And I recently reread Lord of the rings in english. O it's just so much better that way! But the difference between Harry Potter and LotR is that Harry Potter has far more jokes, and some are a bit hard to understand for a not-native-english speaker. So I'm glad I started with Harry in dutch. (Wish I had started with the trilogy in english though..) Do not read old-english translated into old dutch! (think Jane Austen: The translations are pure horror.)
When I came on the forum however, I had a hard time because all the names are different. Now, I have a hard time discussing Harry with all the people here who read it, because I can't remember what the people were called in the translations.

It's just never right...

My birthday is July 15. At least I can say I was born in the same month as Harry!

PS, Now I still forget. I second Fawkes: Hugs and well wishes to Boop!

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 20, 2004 1:42 am (#955 of 2955)

Boop... I didn't know you were poorly (sick) ... so sorry that I didn't wish you all the best before now... after all, you've been one of the forum members who has consistently been there for me when I'm down.... HUGE HUGS to help you feel all better. I also think of you as one of my Forum Mums.... I hope you don't mind *another squishy hug for Betty*

Happy Birthday Jules.... haven't seen you in a bit.. I suppose you're busy with the new shop.... and Happy Birthday Doris

Talking of birthdays, Mare.... happy belated for the 15th.... you should have let us know... we could have had a party in St Mungos *sneaks off to grab butterbeers from Boop & Julias secret stash*

Sherbie.... fingers are still crossed..... Susurro... might have to cross my toes... if thats ok... *makes mental note to ask Flame if crossing your toes is (a) possible, (b) perhaps could be a nifty new yoga posture or (c) Perhaps I'm just a bit nuts*

Mike.... I have a bit of a soft spot for the 'ol flying ford anglia as it reminds me of my parents.... their first car when they got married was a blue ford anglia... alas it didn't fly.... unless they know something I don't

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Tomoé - Jul 20, 2004 1:49 am (#956 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Brandon, Chemyst and Doris!

Draco - I didn't watched the news over week-end, 90 students burned alive and the teachers ran away, leaving the poor kids all by themselves! That's so awful!

Courtney - Talk about bad luck! I hope you and your family didn't lost anything un-replaceable.

haymoni - I had caused disaster with lousy capped milk bottle too. ^_~

Sherbie - I thought it was likely a trivial fact from the Renaissance instead of Middle Ages, but couldn't knew for sure. As Gina said, it took centuries after that for the water to be "politically correct".

Poppy -> I'm sorry for the stuff you lost with your computer (that make me think I should do a back-up copy of my stuff).

Ditto to everything everyone said about this forum being like a family.
So, JK Powers - Welcome home! ^_^
And Susurro - Welcome back! ^_^

Ticker -> Life of "leisure" is over, but the best is yet to come.^_~
I meant to thank you for spending some of your wonderful creative energy with us.   *blushing* er .. thanks.

Sleeping Beauty- I'm so sorry about your daughter, I hope you'll manage.

I didn't do much this week-end, I read Song of Susannah by Stephen King (Miréimé let me borrow her copy). I can hardly wait until September 21 for the seventh and last book of the series! I also went to my Uncle summer house, that was nice. ^_^

I'll have a medieval wedding this wedding this week-end, I must finish my new robe before Saturday, I'm not sure I'll manage though. There's also a march Thursday for my favorite radio station, the Canadian governmental broadcasting bureau decided to close the station because they received 48 complaints in 8 years about one of the talk man. The station did take some measure to correct those thing! and some of the complaints come from anonymous e-mails (almost half of them if I remember well)! I didn't thought I had to march for freedom of press in Canada in the 21th century!

Edit : I hope you'll get better soon Betty, let me give you a cyber hug.

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Devika - Jul 20, 2004 2:20 am (#957 of 2955)

Hi everyone!

Boop and Betty, hope you get ok soon...

Sleeping beauty, I'm really feeling bad for your daughter. I hope she develops resistence soon...

Happy Birthday in advance Doris!

This weekend I spent mostly cleaning up the home with my mum, since we returned after a long holiday... lots of laundry, and washing up and cleaning up to do! But I joined my University again on Monday, which was lovely. I had really been missing my friends a lot and it felt good to get back to the normal routine.

For the record, my birthday is October 28th. That's the same as Julia Roberts... makes me happy since I quite like her!

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boop - Jul 20, 2004 4:10 am (#958 of 2955)

Mike, Maire, Fawkes, Tomoe, Devika, and everyone else for the well wishes. I know this is going to seem hard to believe but true, I am dealing with depression. I have been put on medicine so my bad days are becoming fewer. Everything just caught up with me. The Love I am feeling from everyone is overwhelming. This brings tears, but not sad tears. I have felt every single hug that I have received. I'm proud to be called the Forum Mom, what an honor that is.

Fawkes thanks for the Laugh

Marie I am so sorry we missed your birthday, so here is a late

Thanks for the birthday dates I have added them to my list.

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 20, 2004 5:32 am (#959 of 2955)

So Mike, your birthday is January 31st? That makes you a yin to Harry's yang (or vice versa) which, if you've been reading the Long Theory on Harry's Family thread could make you Lord Voldemort. I wonder if Jim's aware of this.

Sleeping Beauty, love the quote! I'm not a big Monty Python fan but my husband is and that's my favorite skit. It's a De-Parrot!

Happy Birthdays all around. Good Luck to those who've asked for it. And Betty, we've already talked, so you know I'm thinking about you.

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mike miller - Jul 20, 2004 5:34 am (#960 of 2955)

Sherbie - Hooray!!! I'm sure you'll find getting settled takes some time, but I'm sure you're enjoying your new home. Fingers crossed for your husband.

Sleeping Beauty - If you haven't checked out the work of Dr. Andrew Weil, I highly recommend checking out his website and his books are great. He advocates integrative medicine which recognizes the full breadth of treatment options (diet, accupuncture, meditation, etc.) depending on the ailment. I seem to remember something from one of his newsletters about removing dairy from the diet for children with allergy problems. It may be worth checking into. (dodges flying cheese from Wisconsin)

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 20, 2004 6:23 am (#961 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty, thanks for the four leaf clovers! I'm sure my Irish husband will appreciate them!Clover

Susurro, I'll definitely pray for you and your husband. I hope he wins! When is election day? Thanks for praying for mine.

Julia, oh please, please, Imperio the supervisor for me! That would solve it all!

Unfortunately, I was the house-elf, Chemyst! Although, I actually kinda enjoyed cleaning the house. It made it mine, somehow. I'm sure that will be the last time I like doing it, though! Glad your birthday went well.

Thanks, Betty, Ticker, and Ozy! Sorry, Kowalla and Prongs if it's hard to write! Just keep em crossed until Friday! Perhaps after that, you can keep your toes/legs crossed for Susurro. Although, Fawkes seems to be having a difficult time doing that! By the way, thanks Fawkes!

Mike - Sherbie, one of my projectors broke down today, so things may bode well for your husband's new job.
Yippee!!! Sorry about that, Mike, but if you could just, I don't know, get it repaired tomorrow and then have it break again on Friday, that would be terrific! After that, you can send me a bit of it back, I promise!

Mike M., I have Dr. Weil's cookbook. I'm quite fond of the holistic way of practicing medicine; in fact, I get accupucture every month. It's terrific.

OK, maybe one of you can help me. Today I woke up to find tiny (about the size of a pin head) little beads on my sheets as well as stuck to my body. Are these eggs of some kind?!!! I just cleaned the house Sunday! I immediately washed the sheets in hot water and vacuumed the carpet in the bedroom, but what else should I do? What are these things?! I am so disgusted right now.

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haymoni - Jul 20, 2004 7:15 am (#962 of 2955)

Sleeping Beauty - I'm August the 13th too! We Leos need to stick together - especially since it will be Friday the 13th this year!

Boop - I'm thinking about you. It looks like you are headed in the right direction. No easy roads on this one.

Happy Birthday to everyone!

Sherbie - Best wishes with the house and hope things go well with hubby. Sorry - I don't know what the little white things are.

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mollis - Jul 20, 2004 7:20 am (#963 of 2955)

Okay - way too much to catch up on!!! First and foremost - Welcome back Susurro!!! I am so happy to see you posting again! I was just thinking about you the other day and wondering if you were gone forever, and then surprise for me, you had posted by the time I get back on. Good luck to your husband in the election! I'll cross one set of fingers for you and the other for Sherbie.

Not sure about those dots Sherbie - did you try to break one open? To be the voice of logic and reason here - is it possible that in the midst of unpacking you (or your hubby) got something stuck to you (like little styrafoam beads or wax beads) that may have just rubbed off in bed? If its eggs of some kind (ewww!) they would probably have been squishy.

Happy birthday to all that I missed! Today is my twin brother and sister's birthday (must remember to call them!).

I know there was more I wanted to say, but I've completely forgotten. A lack of sleep can do that I guess. Well, how about a round Congratulations, best wishes, I hope you feel well soon, and its bound to get better to all who need it!

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Leviosa - Jul 20, 2004 8:32 am (#964 of 2955)

Thanks for all the support everyone! It seems like I get some decent teachers, at least I hope they will turn out to be ok.

Courtney, I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope things will get better for you.

A very happy belated birthday to everyone who had one! I know, I'm always late with such things but better late than never, right?

Sherbie, great you have been moving in!!! As for the dots, I have no idea, sorry.

I finally have my pictures of Budapest! But most of them are quite bad unfortunately, not sharp enough or too dark or the persons are too small. Luckily I can get a lot of good pictures from my best friend.

Have a nice day everyone!

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Tomoé - Jul 20, 2004 9:02 am (#965 of 2955)

Happy belated birthday Marie!

Good luck for your husband Susurro!

Merde for yours husband as well!

Edit: You'll get a decent teacher in the end Leviosa? Cool!

Depression Betty? Ouch, I really you'll get better soon.

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anbigin - Jul 20, 2004 10:25 am (#966 of 2955)

WOW! I feel really dense now - I didn't catch the whole Aug. 13th being a FRIDAY THE 13th until it was blatently spelled out for me as such:) even though Sleeping Beauty said her b-day was on a Friday this year and that it was Aug. the 13 ... I still didn't connect the two dots! This laying around on the beach all day doing nothing but reading and sleeping is not good for keeping the higher brain functions alive and kicking

Sherbie - I hate to be the one that brings this up but what color are these little beads and how small are they exactly, cause they could be *cringe* cockroach pooh (le sigh) if they're really small, hard, round, brown/black, circles.

EEK, any ways, I just have to say to mollis that I always love reading your posts because the color you use is so soothing and relaxing for me:) And just to say publicly how exciting it is to have the same b-day as someone - Sept. 8th. I wrote Julia an email the other day saying something along those lines and she of course was very nice and tolerant to me - the weirdo who got all jumpy and stuff over something as little as a similar bday hehehehehehe:) So, thanks, Julia for the kind words:)

Ok, time for some gushing from me: I can't believe how many posts there are everyday on this forum! It's completely amazing how much this forum has changed since January of '03 when I first signed on. I soon got addicted to reading but not posting much and then lost my way for about a 7 month period where I didn't even come and read posts:( (just a few brief sign ins to keep my account) and now I'm back and I can't believe at how much Kip and the other mods have done. This place is SOOOO organized and beautiful and (not that it wasn't before - it's just that there are so many more people than there were before) friendly! Ok, now that I'm finished with the tears and such I will leave you all to read more interesting and delightful (non-run-on) posts:) Thanks for it all guys and of course: peace and stuff -Kat

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timrew - Jul 20, 2004 10:30 am (#967 of 2955)

We share the same birthday, Prongs, 24th September; but whereas you'll be 15 this year, I'll be 55!

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VeronikaG - Jul 20, 2004 10:38 am (#968 of 2955)

Welcome back to Susurro and Virgodess. Get better-wishes to Betty, and fingers and toes crossed for Sherbie's hubby.

I called my ISP today, and it seems my subscription order had not been registered. So now I have made a new order, and should get the modem in two to three weeks. Until then, I'll try to be on-line as little as possible, to avoid the last bill from my recent subscription from skyrocketing. I doubt I'll be able to stay away from the forum, though.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 20, 2004 10:54 am (#969 of 2955)

I just about spit out my lunch when I read that, Anbigin! Sickened If there's any bug I hate, it's roaches. Compared to them, spiders are downright cute! Thankfully, they were white, almost translucent in fact.

Mollis, I hope that I'm just freaking out for no reason. I've been racking my brain today trying to figure out what else they could be. The beads weren't squishy, really, but they did give when I pressed on them. EWWW!!! Happy birthday to your twin siblings! Do you have any other brothers and sisters, or were you the odd man out around them? I expect it'd be hard to have twin siblings, but maybe since they are different sexes growing up with them wasn't bad.

Thanks Haymoni and Tomoe!

Susi, I've got my fingers crossed that your new teachers turn out to be better than you anticipate. For me, expecting the worst and hoping for the best usually makes me feel better.

Veronika, bad luck with your ISP. I know how frustrating that must be. Yesterday, when I was doing the self-installation for my cable internet, I had to call the company 5 times because they did not give me the correct information. Each time I called, they gave me a different master user name and password.Bang Your Head Finally, I made a girl stay on the phone with me until we both corrected the problem.

Well, after 5 days and dozens of phone calls, I got my car situation straightened out. Luckily, the guy that hit me has been nothing but helpful in trying to force his insurance to take some responsiblity and pay up!! I haven't been able to drive my car for 5 days now, as the trunk won't close and duct tape is not really a good barrier against auto theives. So tomorrow, I will be take it to the body shop after getting it inspected by his insurance. Whew, one hurdle down!

Mechanic

Edit: Yay, Mollis! I'm sorry you’re having the same font problem I am. It's weird, isn't it? Hopefully, our eyes will adjust soon without doing damage to them. Ah well, the forum's worth it, right?

Edit II: Looks like we did it again, Mollis! Glad to hear you came out of your childhood with little scarring! I feel sorry for your sister though!

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mollis - Jul 20, 2004 10:58 am (#970 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 20, 2004 11:03 am

Thanks, anbigin! A patented dancing sunflower for you:

Oh and Sherbie - I am having the same text size issues as you. I got a new monitor (actually a whole new laptop and docking station setup at work - mobile Harry Potter Lexicon access! No more missing out on everything when I'm sent to the field for 2 weeks! Yeah for me! Okay, tangent there - sorry. I got a little excited. Its been a long time that I've been trying to get the dementors to give me a laptop! Back on topic...). And the text is either too big or too little. I am in the process of trying to train my eyes to read the smaller print. I just hope it doesn't end up hurting my eyes. On the bright side, I can see a lot more on the screen now.

Okay...back to work for me. Well, maybe just one thread before I go...

Edit - Looks like we cross-posted Sherbie. I did have an older sister - so that kindof made me the middle child. The twins were a handful - but it was mostly my brother’s fault. When they were still in cribs, my mom had to put nets over the top of their beds to keep my brother from crawling out and roaming the house. But still, one night, he climbed out and gathered a glass of iced tea and a potted plant and dumped both into my sister's crib. Talk about a mess!

I had about 18 months on him, so I had a pretty good fighting chance. My sister has several scars she can attribute to her loving twin. 

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Padfoot - Jul 20, 2004 11:08 am (#971 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 20, 2004 11:09 am

Happy Birthday Sinister Kittens! And to anyone else I may have missed! Birthday

So Sherbie, despite the mysterious white thingies, the cold showers and all the other hassles of moving into a new home, are you happy with your house? I hope so. House

Betty, I know what you are going through as I have been there and done that. It's a rotten feeling. You have gotten a million hugs from the forum, including one from me. But when you feel that way, there can never be too many hugs. So here's another hug from me! Hug

Last night the video place had a rent one, get another free deal going on. So I watched (for the first time) Love Actually in which Snape is married to Trelawney. And Timeline with evil scientist Lupin minus the mustache. So many movies have been mentioned here that I need to catch up.

Edit: My birthday is May 4th

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septentrion - Jul 20, 2004 11:30 am (#972 of 2955)

Happy birthday to Jules, Marè, Doris and the others who may be concerned (do it in a whole, won't have time to log much the next few days)

Boop, I completely understand what you're living for my husband has been through the same demented illness for a long time. Just take one day after the other and be sure I have many thoughts and hugs for you.

It seems some of forumers need fingers crossed, so I cross my body again for those who need luck. Well, I'm trained now after having been crossed in every part of my body for Sherbie (and it worked !)

Susi, I hope you'll have a great year at school.

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Courtney22 - Jul 20, 2004 11:44 am (#973 of 2955)

I would like to thank everyone for their warm thoughts it was nice to see how many people genuinely cared. I have only been on the forum for a short period of time and you guys treated me like an old friend and that makes my heart happy

I would also like to say happy birthday, congratulations, good luck, and my deepest sympathies to all of you with joys and sorrows, you know what phrase best applies to you

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James T. Kirk - Jul 20, 2004 2:46 pm (#974 of 2955)

Hello folks, This is my first time at these boards since becoming a full fledged member. I hope to have many happy times here talking about Harry Potter in the novels as well as the movies.

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Ticker - Jul 20, 2004 3:33 pm (#975 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 20, 2004 3:33 pm

Well, welcome! I hope you do too.

Since you all have such fantastic imaginations here is my Happy July Birthday! smilie

:pretend it's inserted here:

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Julia. - Jul 20, 2004 4:09 pm (#976 of 2955)

Wow, lots to say here, first off, welcome back Susurro, I missed your pretty brown font.

Sherbie, I would be more than happy to Imperio the guy who makes the decision about your husband, so long as the MoM doesn't find out.

A HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO DORIS AND MARE! Hope you had great days, and here's some butterbeer on me. *pulls out butterbeer and passes it to Doris and Mare*

Betty, I talk to you all the time, so you know my feelings on the sujbect. I think I speak for everyone here when I say we're thrilled to hear that you're doing better, and we hope you are entirely better soon.

Siobhan, why are you sneaking into my private stash of butterbeer? I would have given you some had you asked.

Well, must be off, I have a lot of catching up to do! Have a good evening everyone!

EDIT: I almost forgot, I'm writing to Becca (Accaber)who's still at camp. If anyone has anything they'd like me to pass on, either post it on this thread or email me!

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Catherine - Jul 20, 2004 4:19 pm (#977 of 2955)

Boop,

I only just met you "personally," so when I found out that you were dealing with tough stuff I wanted to gather my thoughts.

Thank you so much for my warm welcome on the chat thread--I'll never forget it.

I come from a family that is TOO prone to depression, and I cannot tell you how brave you are for seeking help, and taking your medicine, and telling us about it.

We're all here, and you will be in our thoughts, and I'm sending you my very sincere prediction from gazing in my orb: You are very loved and you will be well.

Just ask anyone who knows me...I'm an insufferable know-it-all, so of course I'm right!

I'm blowing you a kiss from North Carolina, and both my Shih-Tzus send you a long lap cuddle.

Many, many cheers! Catherine

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Marè - Jul 20, 2004 4:28 pm (#978 of 2955)

Weeew, thanks everybody for the birthday wishes. You almost helped me over my childhood trauma of everybody forgetting it: vacationtime is no fun birthdaytime.

And Boop, feel free to come here everytime you feel not so well. We will bury you under hugs so you remember your worth in this world!

Meanwhile I'll cross everything I can find for all the people in need of good luck.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 20, 2004 5:14 pm (#979 of 2955)

Happy Belated Birthday to all whom I've missed. Boop, I also have a family that has similar afflictions with that nasty little beastie, depression. Just know, and I feel comfortable speaking for all here, that we care about you and are always here for you. You are so brave to even talk about and for that you have my admiration and respect. :Big, Huge Hug to Boop:

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Kowalla - Jul 20, 2004 6:02 pm (#980 of 2955)

Lots of hugs to Boop. Do you need some extra chocolate sent your way? We have proof that it really does help! I know this is something very difficult to deal with, but just so you know, we love you very much. Hope you feel better soon, but still keep popping in here, I always enjoy seeing you in here.

Mare, I am going to have to disagree with you on the vacationtime birthday. I think this is the perfect time of year for a birthday! Just think, the weather's perfect for a picnic, or a pool party (well, at least here it is) and best of all, it's nowhere near a holiday, so you don't end up getting a birthday/Christmas present, or something like that! You also don't end up sitting in some boring class waiting for school to get out so you can enjoy your birthday.

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Julia. - Jul 20, 2004 9:14 pm (#981 of 2955)

My birthday is right in the beginning of the school year. Unfortunately, I don't see my friends nearly as often as I'd like to during the summer, so I don't have time to subtley build and give hints, which I really need to do because my friends are all horrible with things like brithdays. One year I actually sent out a mass email about two weeks before my birthday saying 'Hey! My birthday's in two weeks! Don't forget!' I've decided that really the best time to have a birthday is at the end of the school year, just as all the work and classes are winding down. All the classes are review, there's no homework to worry about, weather's nice, perfect time to have a birthday.

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scully jones - Jul 20, 2004 10:20 pm (#982 of 2955)

You're right Julia, June 8th is the perfect time to have a birthday. I'm sure if I had more friends, more people would have come to my parties as well.

You know I'm here for you boop, just a call away.

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The giant squid - Jul 20, 2004 11:42 pm (#983 of 2955)

Sherbie, I should have known you had some good news today (the car, not the weird spheres)...one of my projectionists just put in his two-week notice. Naturally, his last day falls right when I'm off in another state for training, another guy is transferring to a different theater and the third is on vacation (booked months ago). My next couple weeks are going to be a flurry of training newbies how to not break the movies. I did manage to fix the problem from the weekend, though, so at least there's something. :\

Kim, re: my possible Voldie-ness...are you starting a new theory? I don't think we've seen the VIGS theory yet...

Betty, Here's another hug for you. And watch out, there's a lot more where that one came from. I'll keep throwin' 'em at ya as long as you need one. I mean it..I ain't scared!

--Mike

EDIT: S.E. Jones, sorry about dragging the "Questions For The Hosts thread into chattiness. Who knew a simple "&" would cause so much trouble?

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Ozymandias - Jul 21, 2004 2:12 am (#984 of 2955)

More hugs for Betty, just because I can! (And you helped me out when I was feeling down, so it's nice to be able to return the favor.)

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boop - Jul 21, 2004 3:19 am (#985 of 2955)

This is meant for Everyone: I just don't know what to say. I feel lots of love, and I can't began to express what this means to me. So I guess I will just follow what Julia says, here everyone have a butterbeer!!!!

Doris Crockford, Today is your special day Have a wonderful day!!!!

Hugs for everyone

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Elanor - Jul 21, 2004 3:32 am (#986 of 2955)

Hi Julia ! I wanted you to know you're not alone : my birthday is also on september the 8th, though I will be 32 to soon now (booh hoo !). I know it isn't easy sometimes to go back to school (or work now) on your birthday (and it happened to me a lot of times too !), but it is one of my favourite times in the year : sun still hot, but milder, and a very special light in the air as to say the summer's not finished yet but falls coming soon. And, to cheer you up, don't forget all the famous people who were born in september, especially the literary ones, beginning with Hermione and Bilbo and Frodo Baggins of course ! Not bad, isn't it?

My best wishes and strengthening thoughts to all people who need them. It is good to have such a comforting place to tell what's on our mind !

Elanor

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mike miller - Jul 21, 2004 4:35 am (#987 of 2955)

Good Morning to all!!! Another wonderful day in the neighborhood. Happy birthday to Doris and anyone else celebrating life today. Being 45 years young, I've past a couple of those birthdays that people often dread. Come on in, the water's fine! I really like some of the thoughts shared here (Mike - growing up is definitely optional!). I'll be in meetings most of today, so it may be difficult to check on the "goings on" here on the forum.

Betty, know that you are very special to all of us. There are hugs a plenty here. My wife has been dealing with depression ever since our daughter was born. It can be a challenge, stay strong and let us know when you need those extra hugs. There is an infinite supply from your Forum family.

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tracie1976 - Jul 21, 2004 4:51 am (#988 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Doris!!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 21, 2004 5:13 am (#989 of 2955)

Doris, Happy Birthday.

Belated Happy Birthday to anybody I have forgotten.

Giant Squid, Didn't you like I, Robot? The movie did lack the darkness of the book but I would not call it a "popcorn movie". Perhaps I misunderstood the term. Explain please. I found it to be a scarey movie but of course, the book had the same effect on me. Perhaps, it is the underlying message that disturbs me. I would love a sentient robot. But maybe a house elf would be better.

Celestina, I definitely recommend I, Robot if you like sci-fi action that is other worldly.

*doing good fortune mudra for all who need it*

Fawkes, goedemiddag. Yes, you can cross your toes if they are long enough but you will have to use your hands to do it. I, however, can not cross my toes. They are too little. But I do have yoga feet.

Virgoddess - This is late. Glad to see you back. Still love seeing you love birds.

Boop, May your problems be resolved swiftly. *hug*

Veronika G, Girlfriend, I am so sorry about your DSL being "lost in bureacracy and ineptitude. I loved our chat, btw.

On Allergies: I ditto Mike Miller........... if possible find a natural way to fight allergies. I use to have terrible allergies as a child and I am, for the most part, allergy free. I am very careful about what I eat and what I use on my skin. Once you find what works for you, the natural way is a good way to go.

I am recovering this week from all the Pilates classes I taught last week. Yesterday, my yoga class fell asleep again and I zoned out. We were 15 minutes late ending class. We did work very hard and then a lot of very relaxing flexibility postures. How could they not fall asleep? And I just enjoyed the music and lost track of time........ silly me.

Have a great day everybody!!!!

Goedemorgen.

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Leprechaun Jack - Jul 21, 2004 5:31 am (#990 of 2955)

Betty,

Hi I just wanted to let you know I understand some of what you’re going through. I also suffer from depression. It’s taken a while and several different medications to find the right one that worked for me. But it does get better. I’ve gone through some very difficult times over the past 4-5 years trying to deal with my depression.

Just to give you a little background I’ve always been a bit somber compared to my friends and family. I just thought it was my personality, then in March of 2000 my 22 y/o brother was killed in a car crash. That following January I severely hurt my back at work I was an EMT. I can no longer lift, so I can’t go out on the road anymore. That’s when I started to spiral out of control. I spent days staring at blank walls and not taking care of myself, when I would go to work I would be “on” so that no one would think anything was wrong. Then get home and just sit and cry.

After seeing my Dr. about my back pain, he asked me how long had I been suffering from depression. I started to laugh and said I’m not depressed that’s just me. Well, he sat me down for a nice long talk and started me on medication. Several different prescriptions and doses later I have found the right meds.

Things aren’t HAPPY, HAPPY,JOY,JOY. But now, at least I have a choice of having a bad day or not.

Just thought I’d add my two knuts.

Jack

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icthestrals - Jul 21, 2004 5:36 am (#991 of 2955)

Wow, we forum folk have so much more in common than just HP. I have dealt with depression off and on for the last 20-odd years. I know what y'all are going through and my heart goes out to you. Hang in there and share with those who understand.

Have a great day everyone!

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boop - Jul 21, 2004 5:51 am (#992 of 2955)

Mike and Jack thank you so much for sharing. Thank you for the encouraging words as well. I am very thankful that I belong to such a great forum family. I know if I need help that I have lots of friends waiting to be there for me. I didn't have the best day yesterday, but today I am going to the Cleveland Zoo with Tracie and her family. This will be lots of fun. My bad days are fewer than before at least I can go day("s) without crying. I am taking one day at a time, and this seems to work best. Going on vacation has also helped leaving issues home to deal with later. Just want to say again many thanks to everyone, you all mean so much to me!!!

Have a great day everyone!

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Padfoot - Jul 21, 2004 8:10 am (#993 of 2955)

Happy Birthday Doris Crockford! Happy Birthday

Wow, we forum folk have so much more in common than just HP. -icthestrals  Yes we really do! The longer I am here, the more I realize we all go through similar ups and downs. It sure is nice to be able to share with each other and feel not so alone with our issues.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 21, 2004 8:20 am (#994 of 2955)

Coming with a big supply of hugs... so I've even more hugs for Betty and hugs for all of you that need them....

Delighted you feel honoured to be one of the Forum Mums Betty... 'cus thats how most of us view you... You're always there for us when we are down... so I want to say likewise.... we're here for you.... with plenty of hugs & a comfy shoulder if required.. May supply some cyber tea if you like... or a nice cup of coffee (decaf if preferred)

Happy Birthday Doris....

Sorry so brief (first for me).. bit busy at work *grumble grumble*

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mike miller - Jul 21, 2004 9:21 am (#995 of 2955)

Flame - I wish you were closer, I would love to take yoga classes with you. An extra 15 minutes of relaxation at the end would be a bonus. The athletic club I belong to changed the night they offer the yoga class. The new night works better for me, unfortunately, not for the yoga instructor (he also teaches ballroom dancing). I've been very disappointed in his replacement. Can you recommend any good yoga tapes?

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Flame Alligator - Jul 21, 2004 9:39 am (#996 of 2955)

Mike, Give me a day to research what is out there and I will recommend some tapes. What kind of yoga class do you like? Hatha, Vinyasa, Kundalini, Asthanga, you get the idea. Or just tell me what kind of practice you like.

I send my strength to all who are depressed. *a loving hug to all of you*

*waving at Fawkes*

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 21, 2004 10:08 am (#997 of 2955)

A big hello and a huge hug to my forum mom (because I promised I would!) . Hope you're having a wonderful day!! And everyone else of course.

Thanks for the "welcome back"s as well, from everyone who has said it. It is very good to be back into things. I forgot how much I enjoyed it here while I wasn't posting. It's about more than just the books, it's about the family too. I'd better stop before I get too mushy at you guys.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 21, 2004 10:49 am (#998 of 2955)

*Pulls out wand and yells Expecto Patronum to chase away all the nasty dementors that are harassing some of my forum friends.*   By the way, it is in the form of a lovely Disney animated princess.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 21, 2004 1:25 pm (#999 of 2955)

Hooray! No eggs (or whatever the heck they were) on my sheets or my body *shudder* today! I was up late last night on my hands and knees scrubbing madly, muttering quietly "I hate bugs...I hate bugs" over and over. My husband was seriously considering having me committed, but as he wasn't the one with bug eggs on him, I don't think he can understand my fervor.

Birthday Balloons Doris!!

Mike, I'm sorry to hear about your employee (kind of )! No, really I am. Perhaps today was good for you though, because I seem to have had a bit of my old luck back. Today when I got into my car to drive it to the insurance inspector, I found that it wouldn't turn over! Wonderful! So I had to call the adjuster and see if she could get me in at a later time. Luckily, she could and luckily, my car problem turned out to be the battery, which my father (Dads are great) bought for me. The estimate from the insurance was too low, but now it's the body shops problem. They hooked me up with a cute little rental though, some kind of new Chevy I'd never heard of before. After that, my father continued to be in a giving spirit, so he purchased some really nice computer speakers for me and paid for my lunch to boot! I think he misses me a bit. So I guess my entire day wasn't bad, I just had a pretty rotten morning. Which leads me to believe that your day started off well and is getting worse by the second. We've got to find some "nobody" out there in the desert to whom we can channel all these bad luck vibes.

Mike M., as a big yoga fan and an occasional instructor, I reccommend Brian Kest's Power Yoga three box set. He teaches Asthanga yoga, which is power yoga, so you really work up a sweat. He's fluid, supportive, encouraging and challenging. In fact, I never take classes myself, I just do his tapes. Plus, he's not bad to look at either. You can order them from Amazon.com. I typically use the "Support the Lexicon" link when I order from Amazon.

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Ticker - Jul 21, 2004 5:01 pm (#1000 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 21, 2004 5:05 pm

Post 1000! Woo-hoo!

Ok - I know that was childish, but...

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Pinky - Jul 21, 2004 5:41 pm (#1001 of 2955)


Yes Ticker, that was very childish, but we can attribute that to the creepy-crawlies that are going on in your house right now. *grins at Aria* I would never indulge in such foolishness....

Post 1001! Look - I can even write it backwards: 1001!

~*snort*

~*chuckle*

~*howls of laughter*

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 21, 2004 6:22 pm (#1002 of 2955)

Welcome back Prefect Marcus. I've missed you and your posts. Leila

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 21, 2004 7:53 pm (#1003 of 2955)

Thanks, Leila. It's good to be back.

Marcus

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The giant squid - Jul 21, 2004 8:12 pm (#1004 of 2955)

Flame Alligator, I don't consider "popcorn movie" to be a bad thing. I use it to differentiate from the "touchy-feely, slice-of-real-life,über-dramatic" stuff I'm seeing so much of these days. Sometimes, you just want to go to a movie to enjoy yourself, not look for some deeper meaning or make discoveries about yourself... Was I, Robot a cinematic masterpiece that will sweep the Oscars and change people's lives? No. Is it a good movie? Yes.

--Mike

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DJ Evans - Jul 21, 2004 8:24 pm (#1005 of 2955)

Betty, hope you had a good day today!!! Just know that we've all got you in our thoughts & prayers. You are a vital member of this family & we all care about you. Take as many "hugs" as you need and then have a couple of more!!! As far as I'm concern--a person can never have too many hugs!!!!!

virgoddess1313--A big WELCOME back from me too. It's been lonely without any of your postings and I have to admit that I've missed seeing the pic of you & your beau!!! Hope he is doing well too?

Marcus--Glad to see you are back too!!!

Matter of fact, WELCOME back to everyone that has been gone for a while for one reason or another. Good to have you back!! Also, wanted to wish all of our new members a warm hearted WELCOME too!!! Hope you enjoy the family atmosphere that we have on here!

Jules & Doris---HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Sherbie--So no more eggy thing-a-ma-gigs? Great!!!! I know you must have slept better last night after doing a good scrub down. Hey, I know I would have or that would be the only thing on my mind the entire night--therefore "no" sleep, which would also mean no sleep for hubby either!!!!

Later, Deb

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 21, 2004 8:50 pm (#1006 of 2955)

Deb, he is lovely.. and thanks for the welcome. He's going into surgery for his knee on Wednesday and is quite nervous. But so am I, so I can forgive him that. This will be the third surgery he's had since we've been dating, which is about 2 years. The boy is falling apart. Boys and they're sports... sigh. Oh well.

I'm in a good mood tonight, for no reason at all really. Hugs for everyone, just because I feel like it.

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Sticky Glue - Jul 21, 2004 9:20 pm (#1007 of 2955)

Hi Prefect Marcus, I thought I had better move the chat over here from the new members, before we get told off for being in the wrong thread. I'm glad that I'm not the only one with know it all teenagers.

Hey, you've changed your picture! not bad

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Safia - Jul 22, 2004 2:22 am (#1008 of 2955)

* jumps into the 'NEW' wagon*

How is everyone?

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boop - Jul 22, 2004 4:47 am (#1009 of 2955)

Welcome Safia, I am having a good morning thanks for asking.

sticky glue, I went through that with my girls, but they all turned out just fine. They learn from their mistakes, and there still are times they don't listen and my kids are 26,25,23. Now I have 3 grandchildren ages 6 going on 16, 5 going 15 and 3 months old. They are fun. It is funny to see the faces they make at you like rolling their eyes and putting their hands on the hips,hehehehe. I tell my daughters they are just seeing themselves through their kids. They both act just the way their mothers did growing up, hehehe.

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icthestrals - Jul 22, 2004 5:27 am (#1010 of 2955)

Hello, everyone. Have a great Thursday!

Pinky, thanks for the laugh!! Great way to start the day!

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mike miller - Jul 22, 2004 7:07 am (#1011 of 2955)

Sherbie - Thanks for the suggestion. I'll check into it.

Flame - My old instructor used to combine elements from several styles but the basis was Iyengar. I grew rapidly as an early teen (6'2" by age 13) so I need to work on flexibility/stretching in my legs and hips. I enjoy all of it though. As an aging athelete I need to do anything and everything to keep myself capable of playing at the level I expect from myself.

I'm about to take a week’s vacation, and this time I'm going to try to check in with the forum so I don't get so far behind. My mother-in-law lives in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina so we try to get there a couple of times each year. Not a bad place to "have" to go to. We get a chance to see 2 of my wife's brothers and their families, so it's lots of fun.

Have a great day everyone!! Remember we all get to choose what kind of day we're going to have. Why some people choose lousy is beyond me.

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Flame Alligator - Jul 22, 2004 7:15 am (#1012 of 2955)

Giant Squid, Oh..... now I get it. I agree with you. I, Robot is a good "popcorn movie". There is a deeper meaning but maybe I am projecting the book into the movie. I, personally, don't care for touchy, feely bring kleenex movies.

Ticker, Childish yes....... but aren't we all? Hey, I never get a land mark post. *pouting*

Virgoddess, I am so sorry your sweetie is having surgery......again. Can't you do anything to stop him before he cripples himself? Not that I would ever come between a guy and his chosen sport. *eyes rolling* May it all go well. I hope he has a swift and smooth recovery. *healing mudra for your guy*

Sherbie, I am glad you got rid of the thingees. My flesh was starting to crawl reading the posts about them. Sending good fortune your way. That was a great tape you recommended for Mike Miller.

Mike Miller, do you do asthanga? For variety, I recommend you go to www.yogazone.com. Their tapes, dvd's are great. Detailed instructions and very good relaxation tapes you can use after your basic practice.

Fawkes, *waving a belated Top of the mornin* :silly grin:

It is pouring down rain today. I got soaking wet mailing a letter today and I used an umbrella. I just hope it stops by the time I have to go to work.

Goedemorgen

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Padfoot - Jul 22, 2004 7:58 am (#1013 of 2955)

Morning everyone! I am in a good mood and hope you all are too.

I think I am the last person in the world who has yet to try yoga. Maybe one of these days I will.

Have fun Mike on your vacation!

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Julia. - Jul 22, 2004 9:01 am (#1014 of 2955)

No you're not Padfoot, I haven't tried yoga either. Have a good time on your vacation Mike, and get me a keychain! (actually, you don't have to get me a keychain, but I tell that to all my friends when they go on vacation) Have whatever kind of a day you all feel like having! (I myself will have a good day, weather's nice and I get out of class early. )

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Flame Alligator - Jul 22, 2004 9:05 am (#1015 of 2955)

Mike Miller, Yoga Zone combines 15 different kinds of yoga. Perfect for the older athlete. Have a great vacation. Didn't you just have a vacation?........ I'm jealous.

Padfoot and Julia, I hope you don't feel any pressure about yoga but I would just like to say, "come on in, the water is fine." There are so many kinds of yoga, there might I said might be one you like.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 22, 2004 9:23 am (#1016 of 2955)

Oh I'd recommend Yoga to everyone... I just love it... I just talked my big sister (who's expecting another baby ) into going to some yoga classes that caters for the mums to be. (btw, not the same sis who had a baby a few months back ) She loves it!

I've been talked into another 'work social event' after work today... hopefully dementor free.... this time it's an inflatable sports day, (I know I know ) that is Inflatable Human Table Football (foosball), Inflatable Obstacle Course & Giant Inflatable Twister, & it looks like rain. I'm a bit apprehensive... inflatable twister.... hmm, adults & twister shouldn't go together... should they .... I'm hoping my 'ol yoga postures will help me out there....

Hee hee, why do I get myself roped into these things.. Oh well... should be a laugh... it's a great way to meet some new people .... and it's all in the name of charity... for the Childrens hospital... so.. it’s all good karma

Hey Flame... *huge grin & wave*

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 22, 2004 10:00 am (#1017 of 2955)

Interesting pic there Marcus. Pugs are quite cute, IMHO.

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Padfoot - Jul 22, 2004 10:04 am (#1018 of 2955)

There was a show on last night (PBS I think) all about Pugs!

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Catherine - Jul 22, 2004 10:09 am (#1019 of 2955)

Hey, Padfoot! Was the show called SPUG?

I will agree with Loopy Lupin and say that I like your new avatar, Marcus. It might harm your "big softie" image, though. Or perhaps you are lulling us into a false sense of security.

Hello to everyone!

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VeronikaG - Jul 22, 2004 10:17 am (#1020 of 2955)

Yay, I can post!

Somehow I had deleted my e-mail from my profile, resulting in getting my membership status changed. Luckily I was notified, so I could put it back. I thought it was to read only, but I can still post. My posts needs to be accepted first, it seems.

About the current topic, Yoga sounds way to tough for me. I can touch my toes, but that's on a good day.

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Padfoot - Jul 22, 2004 10:20 am (#1021 of 2955)

I do not remember what the name of the Pug show was. Parts of it did not interest me, so I changed the channel. However the part where they showed the puppies made me squeal like the girl I am. Well who doesn't love to see a puppy?

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mike miller - Jul 22, 2004 10:36 am (#1022 of 2955)

Flame - Thanks for the insight. I'm familiar with YogaZone having purchased a mat and block from them before, just no tapes yet. I'll have to change that!

As far as the vacation goes, you're right. I took a week in mid-June and the original plan was for the second week to be in August. We re-arranged our schedule to be able to see more family. In Charolette, South Carolina, the schools start up again on August 9th. I think it's rather ironic, they end schhol at the end of May because it's too hot for the kids to sit in school in June and then make them come back in August. One advantage of having tenure with the company, I get 5 weeks’ vacation.

Julia - I'll see what I can do about the key chain! Maybe one of those little viewfinders with Viggo Mortensen in it.

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mollis - Jul 22, 2004 10:44 am (#1023 of 2955)

Okay, I'm jealous Mike - I want vacation! Too much time and money being spent on moving and home repairs/remodeling to afford one though, I'm afraid. And way too busy to justify taking off. Oh well, leaves more time off for Christmas.

I wish I had time and energy for yoga! I did it once - not such a great class, but I think with a proper teacher, I'd love it. Flame - will you move to KC so I can take yoga classes with you??

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DJ Evans - Jul 22, 2004 11:10 am (#1024 of 2955)

Mike Miller, you better be careful there!!! Cause if you get Julia a key chain with cutie Viggo in it--then you'll be having us all want one!!! He is quite popular--I know he is in my crowd!! They start school classes on Aug. 9th? My stars, I can remember when I was in school (too many years to count!) we didn't start till the week after Labor Day and it seems like we got out for the year toward the last of May sometime!!!! Sure made for a nice long summer vacation though! Anyway, Mike have a very nice vacation. And if you should run into any of the NASCAR guys--tell them I said "HI!!!!!"--especially if you should see Dale, Jr!!!. (There are NASCAR drivers/teams all throughout NC. SC, TN, etc...)

virgoddess1313---His 3rd surgery? Wow!! I can't imagine having to go into the hospital that many times within 2 years!! Though times I've been in for surgery for either myself or someone in my family, I've only had good experiences, it's just that there is nothing like home and your own bed!! We'll keep y'all in our thoughts and prayers that everything will go as smoothly as possible. Just remember to take several things to keep busy while you are in the waiting room. I've been known to take a couple of books, something crafty to work on, hand held games, etc...--I never know what might keep my mind busy while I'm sitting there waiting. Oh, and plenty of quarters for the snack/soda machines!!!

Safia--Welcome!!! Love your avatar of the cutie pie there!!! Is he yours? Just love his (or her) expression!!! Reminds me of "You looking at me? What?" hee hee

Sure wished we had some of your rain Flame!!!! It is so "you-know-what" HOT here, that a cool rain would help so much!! I'm not a fan of hot weather to begin with, so I think that just makes it all that much more worse on me.

Everybody have a FABULOUS day today--just remember the weekend is "just" around the corner!!!!

Later, Deb

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Courtney22 - Jul 22, 2004 11:27 am (#1025 of 2955)

I'm going on vacation soon as well...going from hot but rainy Virginia beach to just plain hot Mexico...Cancun actually. I love that I'm old enough to sit on the beach and drink frozen concoctions that take me away (to quote Jimmy Buffet) but still young enough for my parents to pay to take me along on their vacations. Life is good :)I'll make sure I say a cheers to all you forum members with my little umbrella drinks

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Ladybug220 - Jul 22, 2004 11:30 am (#1026 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 22, 2004 11:35 am

Virgiogoddess,

I can sympathize with your honey as I have had 3 knee surgeries myself (I used to play soccer). What kind of surgery does your he have to have?

edit: Courtney - love your new avatar and phrase!

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Catherine - Jul 22, 2004 11:33 am (#1027 of 2955)

Mike,

I'm feeling your school start pain. We start August 9th also in Greenville, NC. My youngest child doesn't start preschool until after Labor Day, so that's almost a month of having one child home all day alone. My husband is a college professor, and even HE doesn't start until August 23. Our NC legislature is trying to pass a bill that prohibit’s school starting until after Labor Day. I'm hoping it passes. Our school system has over 20 workdays in the current calendar. Unbelievable!

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 22, 2004 12:42 pm (#1028 of 2955)

Ladybug-

He's having orthoscopic (I'm not sure how that's spelled) surgery to repair the torn cartilage in his knee. No one has figured out yet how he hurt it. He's a pitcher, so his shoulder needing surgery made sense, but that was just confusing!! Especially since he was benched this season.

Wish I got to go on vacation this year... I'll just imagine, though. I have the forum to live vicariously through.

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scully jones - Jul 22, 2004 1:58 pm (#1029 of 2955)

I am typing oddly today because I sliced my index finger open while cleaning blinds today. Blood everywhere, very scary. I squealed like a girl! Wait... I am one...

I cannot WAIT until my two week vacation in August! Only 23 days away! I'm going to see my friends Sarah G. and Colleen, and I'm going to my brother's wedding. Bridesmaid! She's going really casual though, she's wearing a blue dress. I'm wearing a very beautiful cream colored one, knee length. It was a gift, very pretty!

In the meantime, on the 27th we're switching apartments. We have to move everything in ONE day. We still haven't called Comcast to get the cable internet switched... Oops... It's going to be so hectic around here, but after that's all done I can sigh in relief and look forward to my vacation. May it never end!

Good typing on here again, missing talking to you peoples!

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megfox - Jul 22, 2004 2:01 pm (#1030 of 2955)

virgoddess -

being a softball catcher for eight years and horseback rider for fifteen (when I was in HS) I needed orthoscopic surgery in both my knees for the same thing (torn cartilage). It’s actually a pretty common sports-related surgery - my freshman college roommate played soccer at the University and she had to have it at the end of her first season. It’s one of those injuries that is exacerbated by even just walking - In fact, I was told if I wanted to walk when I was forty, I needed to have the surgery when I was 18 (although I thinking jokingly)! He should recover fast though. I am wishing you and him) good luck!

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 22, 2004 3:34 pm (#1031 of 2955)

Well, Mike, you didn't say if you had a good night last night. I'm betting you did, as I set fire to my new kitchen. Fire

I've always had electric stoves and ovens. My new house has gas. On an electric range, the little drawer underneath the oven door is used for storing cookie sheets and such. I always put my trivets there too. But for those of you who do not have gas - NEVER PUT ANYTHING IN THERE! It turns out that little drawer is a broiler.

As the oven was preheating, my husband asked, "Do you smell hickory?" A few seconds later, smoke was billowing out, blackening my stove and over-the-range microwave. I opened up the oven to see flames shooting up the sides. My husband called the fire department while I attempted to stop the blaze with baking soda. That didn't work. So I opened the broiler to find my trivets ablaze. Just as the 911 operator was telling my husband, "No, don't pour water on it" I poured a bunch of water on it. Thankfully, it went out. The fire truck came and removed the black trivets. I hid in the bathroom, totally embarrassed. We were up all night cleaning the kitchen and stove. There is no visible damage, but our kitchen still smells like smoke. Lesson learned.

I would love to know, however, if you are ever supposed to see flames coming from the broiler while baking. Apparently, that's where the heat comes from, as there are no coils (duh!). But is it normal to see flames, or is it just supposed to get hot in the oven? I'm too afraid to use the oven or stove right now, so it's cereal tonight. Any tips on how to operate and what to expect from a gas oven would be most appreciated!

Meg! Glad to see you back! How was your wedding and honeymoon? Do you have pics yet?

Sorry to hear about your boyfriend, Virgoddess. That sounds horribly painful. I wish him luck.

I have a Yoga Zone DVD too, Flame. I use it to relax, mostly. It's divine.

Not a trace of those little balls, Deb, thank God! I think I'd have to move out if they reappeared. My husband still thinks they were some kind of packing material, or my exfolliator beads, but he didn't see the eggs, nor did he wake up with them on him, so I don't know whether or not to believe him.

We should hear something about the job my husband interviewed for tomorrow. Please keep us in your thoughts and keep those fingers crossed!

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Catherine - Jul 22, 2004 3:42 pm (#1032 of 2955)

Sherbie,

I really don't know what to say! I am so sorry that you um, set fire to your new kitchen. Since excess alcohol would NOT be healthy or useful, I will send you an "Obliviate" charm to erase this moment from your memory and Mr. Sherbie's. Then, I will send you a butterbeer and a cheering charm and a good "Scourgify" for your kitchen!

My best friend from high school (Lisa F.) would say that your current bad luck would definitely increase the chance of Mr. Sherbie getting this new job. My legs, hair, fingers, eyelashes, knees, and toes are crossed.

I having a hard time moving, but wishing you the best.

Cheers! And "Obliviate!"

(Lisa F. would also say that Fate owes you a really good hair day for all for all of the Dragon Dung you've recently been through!)

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Padfoot - Jul 22, 2004 3:43 pm (#1033 of 2955)

Oh Sherbie, LOL. I don't mean to laugh at you except that I just did. The mental picture of the flames shooting out of the broiler is just too much for me.

Seriously, I am glad you were home and didn't run out for an errand while the oven was on. At least your kitchen was not ruined. Hey, at least you have learned something new about your kitchen! I just have a simple electric glass top stove (with storage underneath). But I have seen those broilers or warming ovens underneath the regular oven. You can get that option on an electric stove too, not just gas.

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 22, 2004 3:44 pm (#1034 of 2955)

Sherbie, I just read you oven mishap to my husband as he drove home from work. It had him LOL. I'm glad to see you survived this mishap. I guess the perfect housewarming gift for you would be new trivets.

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Courtney22 - Jul 22, 2004 4:07 pm (#1035 of 2955)

Sherbie, my experiences tell me that bad things happen in three's so I hope three bad things have happened so your luck can turn around:)I am usually a lucky person so I'll try to send a little of my luck your way

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Marè - Jul 22, 2004 4:13 pm (#1036 of 2955)

Sherbie, I'm not getting all off the details of your story. (trivets is not something my dictionary recognises for example) but we have a gas oven here, and if we don't see flames, than our food remains very cold and gas pours into the kitchen.
Are you smelling something too? "Must be the neighbours..."
Yeah right, lucky we have a big kitchen and a 24 hour a day ventilation system...

But anyway, yes, you see the flames.

PS If it helps you a bit, some time ago I managed to set fire to a tea towel and a wooden spoon, after putting them both, maybe ten minutes apart, on the same gas ring I accidently let burning.
Now about that donkey and the stone...

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Ozymandias - Jul 22, 2004 5:32 pm (#1037 of 2955)

Oh no, Sherbie! Those poor trivets!

But don't be embarrassed, you're not alone. I've actually managed to set a potholder on fire. Yes, a potholder, the things you use to pick up hot things that would normally set you on fire. Don't know how I did it. Guess I'm just talented.

Glad there's no permanent damage (except maybe to your ego.) Lucky thing you were home when it started.

Hello to everyone else, too, and sorry you just get the one sentence .

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 22, 2004 8:35 pm (#1038 of 2955)

Thanks for the charm and butterbeer, Catherine. I hope Lisa's belief about luck will prove to be true for us! I'll be looking forward to my good hair day too, as today it appears that a damp wig has affixed it’self to my skull. Perhaps this is the third bad thing? Thanks for keeping everything crossed as well. As soon as we hear something, I'll let you know so you can disentangle yourself.

I'm glad you were tickled by my catastrophe, Padfoot! And I'm pleased that I gave your husband a laugh, Kim! But honestly, reading both your posts actually made me see the humor in the situation and have a good chuckle at myself. Thank you Kim and Padfoot, I really did need that!

Courtney, how's this for three bad things:
1. My car gets smashed
2. On our first night here, we found that our washing machine wouldn't work and the plumbers had to come out on Monday and remedied the problem by smashing open my walls
- or -
2. I woke up with eggs (?) on me
- or -
2. When we took our vacuum out to clean the floors, it exploded and died and we had to buy a new one.
3. I set fire to my oven.
So yes, Courtney, I think I'm covered with the bad luck! Where's The Giant Squid when you need him?!

Mare, trivets are basically blocks of tile or stone or (in my case) wood that you set hot dishes on to protect your countertops. Thank you for telling me about the flames! I would have freaked out and called the fire department at the first sign of a flame had I not read your post! You made me feel less stupid with your story. Thanks!

Ozy, thanks for sharing your embarrassing story with me too. At least I'm not the only one who's set something on fire! Though I did set my entire oven ablaze. Perhaps I'm a bit more, what did you call it? Ah, yes, talented. That's my new word for it!

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Tomoé - Jul 22, 2004 10:05 pm (#1039 of 2955)

Welcome Safia!

Bon voyage Mike and Courtney!

You set fire to your brand new kitchen Sherbie? The bad luck is sticking then.

As for myself, I did today what was right instead of what was easy. I'm back from the march to change the decision of the CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) to close a radio station in Quebec City. It was hot, we walked for more than two hours, we were 50,000 according to the police's estimation and I'm exhausted, but we hope we'll find some support from the gouvernment. I mean, they close the station because they don't like the way to morningmen talk! Canada is not a banana republic! Or at least I thought so ...

Here a article about the event.

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 22, 2004 10:26 pm (#1040 of 2955)

Tim, remember what I said was the worst thing about parenting in the Chat Room. Wish Granted. Trina Bean just vomited all over me, the couch, and pillows after getting out of bed with a upset tummy. Yeesh, it was as if she read my mind. Kidding. I hope she feels better soon. It is terrible to such a troubled tummy. Leila

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boop - Jul 23, 2004 12:03 am (#1041 of 2955)

Lindsey, Glad to hear that your fire was only to you oven. I also had a little laugh reading Kim and Padfoot's post. I will keep everything crossed until I hear different. Makes it a little hard typing and need to stretch out, hehehe

Leila, Aaawww hope Trina is feeling better real soon.

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The giant squid - Jul 23, 2004 4:33 am (#1042 of 2955)

Sorry, Sherbie...I should have remembered it was my turn for the bad luck. Guess I was hoping the guy in Albuquerque was fielding it this week. Yesterday (Wed.) was good in that I started training a couple replacements for the projectionsists who decided now would be a really good time to leave, and one of them was practically a savant. She looks poised to break my record of 6 weeks from New Hire to Manager/Projectionist...

On the other hand, I had to screen Catwoman tonight. It wasn't as bad as I'd expected, but anyone who's thinking about seeing it should catch the matinee--it's not worth full price. :b

--Mike

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boop - Jul 23, 2004 4:43 am (#1043 of 2955)

Good Morning Everyone, it’s Friday, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Today Jim and I are going to the Natural History Museum and the Art Museum. Should be a fun day.

Mike good lucky in the training area. BTW where is your sister anyway, I miss her.

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The giant squid - Jul 23, 2004 4:46 am (#1044 of 2955)

   BTW where is your sister anyway, I miss her.



Your guess is as good as mine. I haven't heard from her since before she left on vacation. According to our mother, she's been home for over a week... I might have to call her this weekend & let her know we're all looking for her.

--Mike

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boop - Jul 23, 2004 4:52 am (#1045 of 2955)

Thanks Mike, I haven't even seen her on line to IM her. Marie must be pretty busy with the girls.

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The giant squid - Jul 23, 2004 5:10 am (#1046 of 2955)

Random HP pun:

If Tonks, Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt are sitting around telling jokes, would that be a Comedy of Aurors?

Thank you, thank you...I'll be here all week.

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icthestrals - Jul 23, 2004 5:21 am (#1047 of 2955)

Thanks Mike!! You made me LOL at work. Good one!!

Have a great Friday everyone!

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 23, 2004 6:05 am (#1048 of 2955)

On the other hand, I had to screen Catwoman tonight. It wasn't as bad as I'd expected, but anyone who's thinking about seeing it should catch the matinee--it's not worth full price. :b--The giant squid

Well, Mike, judging from my husband's reaction to Halle Berry's costume every time he sees the previews on tv, I don't think many people (read men) are worried about the plot.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 23, 2004 6:07 am (#1049 of 2955)

On the other hand, I had to screen Catwoman tonight. It wasn't as bad as I'd expected, but anyone who's thinking about seeing it should catch the matinee--it's not worth full price.-- The giant squid

The key phrase there is bad as I'd expected. I'm expecting it to be pretty bad and will, therefore, wait for someone else to buy or rent the DVD and watch it at their house, maybe.

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anbigin - Jul 23, 2004 6:13 am (#1050 of 2955)

AHHHH!!!! gotta love the ...uh .... what's it called... oh yea that's it - humor, Mike:) Well, I did hear that "they" were once going to just let the Catwoman film go straight to video but since they had spent so much money on it they had to put it in the theaters! I personally don't care how bad it is as I am still going to love it because it has so many KITTIES in it:) Though I might just wait for it to go to the dollar theater to see it.

Boop- I love museums, especially the natural history ones! I'm so excited for you. I volunteer at the Tallahassee Museum of Natural Histroy and Science (aka the Junior Museum) and it is the best place EVER. It's kinda like a natural habitat zoo/ art exhibiting place/ park/ farm. Here's the site for it: Fantastic Place

Sherbie - Sorry to, uh, have "scared" you over the cockroach stuff, it's just that it's happened to me before. I spent the next 72 hours, at least 50 gallons of water, 20 bottles of cleaner, 2 gallons of sweat, and 1 bottle of bleech cleaning that place *ick* Oh, and don't feel too bad about the oven as I know how easy it is - I "almost" burned down my grandma's house - luckily it ended up being just a small part of her kitchen. I had left a pan on the stove to dry it off, but didn't realize that it hadn't been cleaned yet so it still had all this olive oil on it - talk about a blaze -> 55 hundred dollars later we sorta had the place looking back to it’s usual self. You know ... bad luck tends to come in doublets of threes for me ... but they tend to only show up in a span of one year and your's has happened in a span of a month or so - so I'd say that you of all people are bound to get some good news comin' your way fast:so Here's to your hubby - may he get that beautiful job! and Here's to everyone - Peace to you all -Kat

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 23, 2004 6:33 am (#1051 of 2955)

Just confirmed my husband's reaction to the Catwoman movie. His exact quote: "There's a plot?"

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megfox - Jul 23, 2004 6:55 am (#1052 of 2955)

LOL, Kim. I bet that would be Andy's reaction, too.

I've been back for a while, Sherbie, but not posting so much... I've been on the phone with three different insurance companies, two dealerships, and a lawyer every day for the past week. Turns out that my car was worth far more to me than the $1800 the insurance company wanted to give me in real dollars for it. It’s amazing that I can be in an accident that was completely not my fault, have my car totalled, spend a day in the emergency room, a day on the couch with ice packs and painkillers, get married two days later, return form my honeymoon to find out I hnc anymore :p), sales tax and registration in Maine (almost $1000 by it’self! *gasp*) So, when I get my head on straight - sorry, my neck still hurts - I will most definitely be fighting with my computer to get those pictures up for you guys!

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 7:56 am (#1053 of 2955)

Meg, I'm sorry to hear about your car issues. I feel like sending a major hex to the insurance company--is an Entrail-expelling curse too harsh? :-D

I've been laughing at the Catwoman comments, especially Kim's husband's question, "There's a plot?" I just got back from a meeting this morning in which one of the attendees (who has an amazing figure and favors outfit’s not unlike Catwoman's) got a cell phone call in which, instead of ringing,meowed very loudly. Turns out her husband changed the ringer unbeknownst to her, and was the one calling her at the meeting in order to make a Catwoman joke. We were all ROFL. (Boy, I lead such a wild life--NOT!)

Have a good Friday. My own has improved dramatically since I woke up this morning. I was thinking I was going to have to drive a couple of hours to get a Shih-Tzu puppy out of an Animal Control facility, or it was due to be euthanized today, but someone adopted it at the last minute. Woo-hoo! (Although, let me get on my soapbox and say that this dog was dumped at the shelter because the owner was moving. He didn't even attempt to find a breed rescue person, or a no-kill shelter. I felt like sending major hexes out when I heard this.)

But things are fine, and I wish everyone a good weekend!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 23, 2004 8:08 am (#1054 of 2955)

Sherbie, LOL LOL I am sorry to laugh, like the others here but, OMG. You remind me of a roommate of mine, who wanted to reheat a pizza and put box and pizza in the broiler and set our kitchen on fire. I was flabbergasted. LOL The landlord threw us out. LOL I am glad you and your hubby are alright. Yes, you see flames when you turn the gas oven on. You also hear it light so don't let that hissing sound scare you. You are better than I love Lucy. Hubby is definitely going to get that job.

Btw, Yoga Zone has good power yoga tapes, too.

Sarah (Scully) Ouch! Venetian blinds are so dangerous, some just like razor blades. Hope your fingers heal soon. I miss your posts. I was glad to see you today. And thanks for the enjoyable chat the other day. I love your wit. I am absolutely done with Pierce Brosnan.

Giant Squid, Glad to get your opinion on Catwoman. I want to see it during matinee. Did you like the catfights? I want that outfit. Let me know about Alien vs. Predator, OK?

Veronika G, Girlfriend, yoga is fun. You take yoga so you become more flexible. You don't have to be able to touch your toes to start yoga class.

Speaking of yoga class, I am so proud of my students. We flow and do Asthanga postures to all kinds of music. If I put on easy yoga music, my students say, "Flame, that is way too mellow for us....... let's rock!"........ and we do. My newbies are now into yoga for a year and I have them at intermediate level. I am particularly proud of the over 40 students. They are so tough. I wish I could have all my forum buddies in my class. It would be so much fun. Then I could make HP references. Plus, I could get everybody in shape. The best thing about yoga........ you don't have to do the postures perfectly for them to work. My students do complain about one thing........ I make them laugh too much. They always tell me to cool it when they are balancing and I sort of trick them into postures they think they can't do. They are so busy listening to my detailed instructions; they are in the posture before they realize it.

Fawkes, *big wave* a special good weekend for you. Twister for adults...... hmmmmmm....... sounds like fun. Don't hurt anything. no wait........ you won't, your yoga will protect you from injury. Have fun!!

It is Friday........ YAY!!!!

Goedemorgen everybody!!

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Padfoot - Jul 23, 2004 8:59 am (#1055 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 23, 2004 9:00 am

Morning everyone, it's finally Friday! Cool

If Tonks, Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt are sitting around telling jokes, would that be a Comedy of Aurors? Hey Mike, are you channeling Tim now? I hope Marie is ok, maybe she got bored with us? Nah.

Meg, wow you have had some exciting times there. I hope things get better for you. How did your dress turn out? Oh and congratulations on getting married!

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Chris. - Jul 23, 2004 10:13 am (#1056 of 2955)

Hello everyone! Waving As padfoot said, it's finally Friday! Woo Hoo!

I've been of the internet for a few days, due to sore eyes. Too much time on the Forum! But my mum thinks it's hayfever. Achooo!

Bye everyone!

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 23, 2004 10:41 am (#1057 of 2955)

but someone adopted it at the last minute.-- Catherine Allen

That's good, but I bet having a puppy around would've been fun.

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 11:02 am (#1058 of 2955)

I know, Loopy, and shih-tzu puppies are truly the cutest things in the world! Cuter than pugs, IMHO! *waves to Marcus*

It probably would have been fun, except that these rescue dogs can be like a box of chocolates--(lots of little brown things to pick up)--it's hard to know what you're going to get. This particular one was matted and looked pitiful, and I wonder if the previous owner ever bother to do any house-training!

BUT, he got adopted, yeah, which is great for him, and saved me a day's drive to bring him here!

*Catherine does a happy dance and waves to the unknown person who adopted dog number 2087*

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Ladybug220 - Jul 23, 2004 11:30 am (#1059 of 2955)

Catherine - great news for the poor dog!

Sherbie - I have to admit that I laughed too but I did set a dish towel on fire once when I was babysitting. I couldn't find an oven mitt so I used the towel instead and it caught on fire. Thankfully the kids were watching a movie and never noticed.

Good news!! I have a job interview in North Carolina! It will be in about a month and I am already nervous as I have managed to walk into the jobs that I have had without a real interview.

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Padfoot - Jul 23, 2004 11:37 am (#1060 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 23, 2004 11:38 am

I never set anything on fire while baby sitting, but I did do something very stupid. This was years ago. I was going to run the dishwasher but could not find the detergent. So I used dish washing liquid (the kind you use in the sink). NEVER do this unless it it made for the dishwasher. Needless to say I was shocked to see bubbles everywhere! They did not stop coming, so it was a mess to clean up.

Congrats Ladybug on your upcoming interview. I am sure you will do fine.

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 11:38 am (#1061 of 2955)

Ladybug, best of luck for your interview! Look for my new Harry Potter license plate while you're here in NC!

I've done bad things in the kitchen, too, but mostly they've been cooking disasters! Only one injury, and that was the dog (some caramel exploded out of the pan ,over the stove, and a little bit splattered on the dog, and gave her a little burn about 1/2" diameter where her fur didn't protect her. I felt so terrible that I've never attempted that recipe again!

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Ladybug220 - Jul 23, 2004 11:44 am (#1062 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 23, 2004 11:45 am

Thanks! Where in NC do you live, Catherine?

Well, in a different babysitting incident, I also burned microwave popcorn because they had a rather powerful microwave. It cooked it much faster than I thought it would and I was distracted because I was playing with one of the kids. Well, smoke poured out of the microwave. We had to open the windows to let the house air out some but the house still smelled of the burned popcorn. There were also 2 light brown spots left in the microwave after I spent about 20 minutes scrubbing the heck out of it. The kids still like to remind me of that.

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 11:54 am (#1063 of 2955)

Ladybug, I live in Eastern NC, in Greenville, about 1 1/2 hours east of Raleigh.

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Ladybug220 - Jul 23, 2004 12:20 pm (#1064 of 2955)

I'll be in Durham/RTP for my interview, but I will look out for you in case you are in town that weekend - I would love to see that license plate!

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Gina R Snape - Jul 23, 2004 12:45 pm (#1065 of 2955)

Hey, everyone. I think I'm the first to say... Happy Birthday Dan Radcliffe!

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 23, 2004 12:51 pm (#1066 of 2955)

Gina, I think you are the first one. But I still don't think he's gonna let you and Alan Rickman stand in for Cho and him. And for those who don't know what I'm referring to, you would if you'd been reading the Vote thread.

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Aisha Ahsia - Jul 23, 2004 1:26 pm (#1067 of 2955)

Hi, I'm Aisha. I've only been posting at this forum for a week or two, and I'm VERY relieved to see that the people here are a nice gang! I was worried at first for comments such as: what the H do you know?, shut up, that's the dumbest thing I've heard in my life, etc... But none has come yet. So, anyway, I think it's fun to see how many of you people are adults. I'm only 16 myself, and have always thought it's sad that grown ups don't read the Harry Potter books because they think it's for children, bla bla bla. Even people my own age here in Norway are reluctant to read them. But I was pleasently surpised when I saw this forum. I did try to make my mother read them. She read the first one, but now claims that she hasn't got time (yeah right, she is a house wife with insomnia, she can read at night!). But the first book is probably very much like children's books, more than the rest anyway. At least I got my older brother (18) who has NEVER read a book in his life, not even cartoons read to all of them and love them *proud:)*

Anyway(let me know if I overuse that word), sorry for the long and pretty much meaningless post... I tend to go on and on and on, unless someone stops me:(

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 23, 2004 1:39 pm (#1068 of 2955)

Aisha - I tend to go on and on and on, unless someone stops me:(

Why should we stop you?

:-)

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Chemyst - Jul 23, 2004 1:39 pm (#1069 of 2955)

Well, if Daniel does let Gina & Alan stand in for him & Cho, I'd like to change my vote to A.

Welcome Aisha.

...some caramel exploded out of the pan - Catherine   ...which is why I recommend chocolate, the safer choice, straight from the package for instant gratification, no cooking required.

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Padfoot - Jul 23, 2004 2:01 pm (#1070 of 2955)

Aisha, I got my mom to read the first book and gave her the second one (which I hope she is reading now). She is not too interested as she thinks it is a children's series. But I am not giving up. One day she will realize her book obsessed daughter knows a good book when she sees one.

One of the nice aspects of this forum is the friendly atmosphere with people of all ages. We are all children at heart, no matter what the age.

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 2:02 pm (#1071 of 2955)

Chemyst,

About the chocolate, that is very good advice indeed. You just can't go wrong there! I've been looking for a boulder sized piece of chocolate like Madame Pomfrey uses to treat the kids in PoA!

I'm sure with a name like "Chemyst" that you've never had kitchen explosions or cooking disasters! Maybe some broken glassware, but that's probably it!

Sherbie, don't feel bad about your kitchen. I just remembered that my husband and his graduate student set their laboratory afire 5 years ago, the fire department was there for hours, and the entire building had to be evacuated for two days! *Catherine debates hiding from her husband after this confession--will probably have to go live in a cave*

And Aisha Ahsia, welcome, and I don't think that you will find a nicer bunch of people who could talk about Harry Potter all day :-) You certainly won't find ugly language or cruel comments here. There might be some cheeky sorts, but we kind of encourage them them in their cheek, as they give us a good laugh when we need one *waves to Loopy and Tim*!

Have a good weekend!

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timrew - Jul 23, 2004 2:49 pm (#1072 of 2955)

Catherine: *waves to Loopy and Tim*!

Tim waves back!

Mike (Giant Squid). Comedy of Aurors! LOL. Nice one! That has to fall into the category of, 'I wish I'd said that!'

Which reminds me of a true story. A group of gentlemen of the Victorian era were sat in conversation when James Whistler (yes, the guy who painted his mother) came out with something extremely amusing. Oscar Wilde, who was present at the time said, 'I wish I'd said that, Whistler'.

To which Whistler replied, 'You will, Oscar, you will'.

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Liz - Jul 23, 2004 3:12 pm (#1073 of 2955)

Oh no... I broke my piccolo... I was playing it and then the pinky key got lose, and then I tried to re-screw it in but i striped the hole the screw goes into...

Well I called the company I bought it from today and if I write a letter saying what happened and what's wrong with it... and they look at it... then they "might" send me a new piccolo... I hope.

In any case, I was so sad when i found out what happened to it and that it was broken... that I practiced my harp a lot.

*Note I practice my harp really hard non-stop when I'm sad, and practicing really hard causes blisters on your finger tips*

Also... I'm going to play my harp at a party of my mothers friend... and out of that I get a cell phone from my mother, and a cell phone card w/ minutes on it that I can use... instead of paying money each month you just pay for the card and use the minutes that are on it.[Tis cheaper for me ]

Well that's all my hassle at the moment... see you all around.

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DJ Evans - Jul 23, 2004 3:49 pm (#1074 of 2955)

We made it----it's here, ":FRIDAY!!!" Hurray!!!!

Betty--How was your trip to the Natural History Museum and the Art Museum? Sounds like it would be a very interesting trip. Hope you are doing well? And didn't you say that you were going to the zoo? (or did I dream that?--as I've been known to do) I love and hate zoos. I love seeing all of the animals that otherwise I would have never gotten the chance to see, yet it breaks my heart to see them caged/penned up. It's been years since I was last at our zoo.

Ladybug220----Good Luck on your job interview!!!! Hope all goes well and you get it.

And may I be the 2nd or is it the 3rd to wish Dan a very "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!"

Sherbie---From the all of the stories that we've heard on here today, it sure seems like we've all an accident or two at one time or another. I know I've had my share (and I won't go into them here ), so it just goes to prove it must run in the family--as we all "are" a family on here!!!! hee hee

Good Weekend To All!!! Deb

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Gina R Snape - Jul 23, 2004 3:58 pm (#1075 of 2955)

Thanks Chemyst!

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ShelterGirl - Jul 23, 2004 4:10 pm (#1076 of 2955)

Catherine- I work for the SPCA in Wake County. We are in the midst of a plan that will have the entire county "no kill" by 2010. We almost NEVER get small dogs. A puppy like 2087? would have been snapped up in a heartbeat.

To everyone else: You're a great bunch of people. No one has been mean to me yet. There's such a diverse group here, and it's a joy to read. So thanks.

ShelterGirl aka Julie (who wishes today was her "Friday...")

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 4:32 pm (#1077 of 2955)

Hi Julie,

This will probably bore everyone else, so I will ask that all you HP fans who are not obsessed with animals "talk amongst yourselves!" Pretend we're not here!

Shelter girl, let's talk business! The muggles (anyone NOT reading further) are gone.

We in Pitt County face some interesting challenges. We have no animal control laws, per se, so even if the NC Pet Food Tax bill goes into effect---according to the President of our local Humane Society, we will get no funds from it. We have a lot of rural land that is used for hunting, and we've been in the papers lately about private landowners trying, in vain, to have a law passed that prohibit’s people running dogs on private land. We had a local ordinance that got overthrown (thankfully) because it contradicted state law--the law was trying to excuse those people who run their animals on private land for their own purpose.

We have hunters who lose dogs only to show up at shelters to claim the GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) collars, but not the poor hounds who were wearing them. Many of these individuals resist laws to restrict breeding and running of animals.

The reason I care is... there are lots of funds that WE, in Pitt Co., could be getting, that Wake County IS getting. You are lucky to live in a relatively progressive county that really is trying! And I commend this SO much!

I hope that we, in Pitt County, get where you are!

Cheers to everyone!

Catherine

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ShelterGirl - Jul 23, 2004 4:52 pm (#1078 of 2955)

Once again-- Boredom Alert for everyone else...

Catherine: The real issue is that the SPCA of Wake County is a non-profit organization that relies entirely on donations from the public in order to operate. Where are all of the rich people in the state? Raleigh and Charlotte. Who, besides students, generally lives in Pitt County? You get the picture.

If you'd like to discuss the vagaries of our Great State further, or even just talk dogs, let me know. I'll open up my email address for you.

Julie

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Catherine - Jul 23, 2004 5:01 pm (#1079 of 2955)

*anti-Muggle charm*

Shelter girl,

Click on my name, and my email address is shamefully available! I would like very much to hear someone else's perspective!

Also, there is no Eastern NC Shih-Tzu rescue, so I'm available.

*lifts anti-muggle charm*

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Eponine - Jul 23, 2004 8:40 pm (#1080 of 2955)

Hello all, I've never been on this thread before, but I thought I'd just wander on over and see what's being chatted about. Ladybug, you will be very near me when you go for your job interview; we regularly go into Durham to shop (because there is nothing where I live) or to the movies. Good luck on your interview! I don't really have too much to say, so just hello to everyone.

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Ladybug220 - Jul 23, 2004 8:51 pm (#1081 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 23, 2004 9:01 pm

Thanks Eponine! I hope I get the job there because I have an uncle in Hillsborough and some friends in Durham. I like Birmingham but the only thing keeping me here is my current job and I would do much better jobwise in Durham.

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Eponine - Jul 23, 2004 9:29 pm (#1082 of 2955)

I'm currently working in Hillsborough, but not for long, the people I work for are moving away.

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boop - Jul 23, 2004 9:55 pm (#1083 of 2955)

I had a great time at the zoo, and both the Natural History Museum and Art Museum. I have had a wonderful vacation and hate for it to end Sunday. I have met up with forum members and enjoyed spending time with each of them.

LadyBug220, I will keep my fingers crossed for you with the job interview.

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The giant squid - Jul 23, 2004 11:29 pm (#1084 of 2955)

   Hey Mike, are you channeling Tim now?



No offense to Tim, but I've been a punster much longer than I've been a Potter fan. It's just that most of the time I'm the one in the "I wish I'd said that" seat behind Tim. He types faster, is all...

Betty, it's good to hear you had fun this weekend. Just hang on to the happy thoughts for those days when things seem bleak.

Ladybug220, good luck on the job search. Likewise for "Mr. Sherbie", for that matter.

--Mike

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Marie E. - Jul 24, 2004 2:20 am (#1085 of 2955)

I'm back, I'm back, I'm back!!!!

Sorry, but I've been without internet for over a month now. I have had serious withdrawal symptoms. We had to switch to cable internet from DSL since the line in our new house didn't qualify. It's been agonizing! I read through all 700+ posts to this thread and feel somewhat caught up.

Viola, sorry we missed each other and had to play phone tag. Hopefully we'll get to meet in person sometime.

And for my brother's information, I do not still have my North Dakota accent. Or at least it's not as bad as it used to be.

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Marè - Jul 24, 2004 2:46 am (#1086 of 2955)

Padfoot!! My housemates and I went on a weekend trip last fall and the house we rented had a washing machine. And we did the exact same thing as you did. It was a bubble disaster.

You know I like these stories, it's nice to know I'm not the only klutz around here.

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boop - Jul 24, 2004 3:33 am (#1087 of 2955)

Thanks Mike I will remember what you said.

Marie, *runs over to Marie and gives her a great big hug* Welcome back I have missed you!!!! I hope everything has been going good in the new home. I will try and catch up with you on line. I can't get into the chat room here won't let me.

I hope everyone has a great day. I get to go have lunch with Michelle(Viola) today!!!!!

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 5:13 am (#1088 of 2955)

I don't own a dog. I have never owned a dog. Truth be told, I am a cat person. (Don't tell Catherine. She'll never speak to me again.) –Marcus

Hi, Marcus! *waves to Marcus*

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 24, 2004 7:48 am (#1089 of 2955)

Anyway (let me know if I overuse that word), sorry for the long and pretty much meaningless post... I tend to go on and on and on, unless someone stops me:( -- Aisha

Don't worry; as long as you're nice (and on topic) no one will stop you. Post away!

Truth be told, I am a cat person.—Marcus

Not to start a cat v. dog debate here (I'm still reeling from Pepsi v. Coke), but surely you people realize that dogs rule! (Especially Basset Hounds!)

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B]Catherine[/B] - Jul 24, 2004 7:58 am (#1090 of 2955)

Not to start a cat v. dog debate here (I'm still reeling from Pepsi v. Coke), but surely you people realize that dogs rule! (Especially Basset Hounds!)--Loopy Lupin

Dogs do indeed rule, Loopy! Even JKR has a dog! I don't hate cats, but I'm so terribly allergic that I can't really get to know one. My neighbor, who has always been a "cat person," decided that my Shih-Tzus are "cat dogs" and adopted one from the Humane Society. We named her "Lily" (after Lily Potter, of course, and to continue the "flower theme" with my Daisy).

I hate to say this, but does this mean that I'm a closet cat person? Egads!

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 24, 2004 8:13 am (#1091 of 2955)

I must confess that I, too, don't hate cats per se in the strictest sense of the word. However, I am friends with a couple who are cat people and I am very fond of their two cats. I think that would make me closer to being a "closet cat" person than you Catherine. Whereas you participated in the naming of a "cat dog," I actually, on occasion interact with "cats."

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boop - Jul 24, 2004 8:17 am (#1092 of 2955)

I like both cats and dogs just don't care to have one. This way if I want to pick up and go I don't have to worry about a pet.

Loopy Lupin, Basset Hounds, hehehe cute dogs

Catherine, hehehe closet cat person could be

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 24, 2004 8:20 am (#1093 of 2955)

I like cats because of their independence. You have to earn a cat's respect. It isn't given automatically.

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Eponine - Jul 24, 2004 8:21 am (#1094 of 2955)

I agree with boop, I like animals, I just like them much better when they belong to someone else.

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 8:36 am (#1095 of 2955)

Maybe I could take a leaf from Eponine and Boop and say that I'm ok with cats--as long as they belong to Marcus or someone else. Anybody else besides me!

The irony of this is that cats seem to love me. I can't decide if cats are passive aggressive or just don't know or care that I don't want to be around them. I seem to attract them at other people's houses. They're probably laughing to themselves to see how quickly I have to leave in order to keep my throat from closing up.

I'm sure that Marcus knows more about cats than I do, so I'll stipulate to the independence and respect that he wrote about. With dogs, they might love or like you unconditionally, but they certainly don't bestow respect unconditionally. That's why I make sure I'm always 'Top Dog" in my house!

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 24, 2004 9:03 am (#1096 of 2955)

LOL, Catherine.

Actually, that is a well-known phenomenon. People who dislike or are uncomfortable around cats enter a room where a cat is. The cat will then proceed to single out that person for special attention.

It has been explained by pointing out that the person avoids looking at the cat. The cat is then not intimidated by the person staring at them, so they feel comfortable in rubbing up against them and even crawling into their laps. It is a funny process to watch. :-)

Actually, I am allergic to cats now. I didn't use to be. Whenever I pet a cat, I have to wash my hands soon afterwards. :-(

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VeronikaG - Jul 24, 2004 9:11 am (#1097 of 2955)

Catherine, if you want cats to stay away from you when you are at friends' houses, try looking them straight into the eyes. That is a sign they interpret as "stay away". Narrows eyes and the head turned away signalizes to the cat "Come on! Jump up in my lap!" when it's done by a stranger.

And here comes a little rant. In my town we had an animal shelter, which was closed down. Then it got new owners, but they didn't want to accept animals that weren't neutered, spayed and had had all vaccines. The people who brought them in, had to take them to the vets themselves to have that done, which is very expensive in Norway. So you couldn't just bring in that poor little kitten that had been hanging around your house for three weeks. As a result, nobody brought in any more animals, and the shelter was closed again. Then some other animal lovers, (was it the previous owners, I can't remember) broke in to it and started up again. They ran it for over a year, taking in any cat or dog there was, and getting them new homes. Then the present owners realized that they were losing money, and had the new (possibly old) managers thrown out. The shelter was empty for two years, the owners didn't start it up again, and it got in a bad state. In the end the district vet claimed it was unfit for having animals in, and most of it had to be torn down and rebuilt. Then the case disappeared from the local news papers, and the last thing we heard is that somebody is running it at present, but I'm not sure who it is. They say that people who love animals will never fight with each other, so obviously there were somebody here who didn't really love animals.

I'm a cat person, but you can say I'm also a closet dog lover. Unfortunately my favorite breeds are Siberian Husky and Border Collie, and it will probably never be possible for me to own a dog of those breeds. They are working dogs, and need to work, or exercise a LOT, else they become cranky.

Edit: Marcus knew about the "look" as well.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 24, 2004 9:31 am (#1098 of 2955)

The irony of this is that cats seem to love me.-- Catherine.

Edit: Marcus knew about the "look" as well. – VeronikaG

Well, you learn something new every day. I was going to remark to Catherine how funny it was that cats run to her because I've seen that too. My friends with the cats have had other friends with allergies and, sure enough, the cats make a bee line for those people. Sort of interesting: If you look at a dog and act interested, he'll generally come to you, ready to lick face. If you look at a cat and act interested, they want nothing to do with you. I'm not sure cats are smart so much as obnoxious.

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 9:49 am (#1099 of 2955)

Thanks, Marcus and Veronika! Like Loopy, I have learned something. I'll make sure that I look really hopeful and interested as part of my "cat repellant" plant!

I don't want to offend cat lovers, but cats are coming across as fairly contrary!

Veronika, I wish people were like you and actually understood the needs of the various breeds. We've had some really neat Border Collies and Border Collie mixes end up at the shelter because the people got them because they are such intelligent dogs, but many people don't understand them and think that the dog is trying to drive them crazy, when really, it’s needs for herding, exercise, and problem solving have not been met. (Actually, dogs need owners at least as smart as they are!) We used to live next door to people who had Huskies, and those dogs were VERY funny to watch. They used to jump on the kids' trampoline, and pull the kids on skateboards around the neighborhood.

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Liz Mann - Jul 24, 2004 10:03 am (#1100 of 2955)

I need a place to rant.

Don't you just hate official websites?? Nobody keeps an eye on them, nobody notices if there is an error, and they don't give you a proper place to notify them to any errors. I've just had that problem with the Petz Central (the official site for the PC game Dogz 5) website. I had to send an email to the technical support address in the end, which was probably the wrong place. Sigh! Quite frankly, fansites are better run, especially when it comes to forums (i.e. this one is loads better than the one over on harrypotter.com).

Has anyone else had problems with official websites or is it just me?

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Chemyst - Jul 24, 2004 10:15 am (#1101 of 2955)

Well Liz, I've have some pretty favorable experiences with official websites that wanted me to continue as a customer. But I have noticed the “How-to-contact-us” in often tucked in a margin in very small print.

Hm, I have an iguana, and I suppose you could say it is independent. But it is probably more accurate to call it lazy and self-absorbed. She just moves between her heat rock and log to take naps. Actually she is more of an interior design element than a real pet because her terrarium home is more interesting than she is. I also have a half-day beagle. (Note the use of the hyphen. - cf. HP6: the Half Blood Prince thread)) The dog technically belongs to my son, but since no one else around here gets up early in the summer, she's mine until mid-morning.

Cats never bothered me. I always thought it was because they are good at Legilimency and could read my mind to stay away. Because that requires eye contact, maybe it's real!

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haymoni - Jul 24, 2004 11:03 am (#1102 of 2955)

Wow - 91 posts - we are a chat & greet kinda bunch, aren't we?

boop - did you go into the Knight Room at the Art Museum? My favorite painting in the museum is "Cupid & Psyche".

Mike - liked the Auror joke and the Knight's Tale reference - that has become one of my favorite quotes.

Gas stoves are scary - it looks like a big blow torch under there, doesn't it? I purchased a new gas stove and it has the broiler inside the oven just like the electric ones do. My cookie sheets are where they belong - in the drawer on the bottom of the oven.

I took Friday off - went to the water park - it was wonderful to sit in the wave pool and pretend I was somewhere more exotic than Northeastern Ohio. I'm thinkin' Corona commercial!! Courtney?? Where are you??

Have a great weekend everybody!

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Brandon Christopher - Jul 24, 2004 11:39 am (#1103 of 2955)

OK it's been like... um... well a very long time everyone!

First off I'd like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a great day and got an awesome present also. After four weeks I finally got a call back from the school and I got the job!!! My dad laughed at me because I literally jumped for joy. Needless to say that was a great birthday present. And to see all those birthday wishes from all of my forum family (whom I have been neglecting) was a wonderful thing.

So now I have that job to look forward to, only two more weeks of school, and a much anticipated vacation in three weeks. My august is packed: I've got that long vacation, going white water rafting for a few days, climbing Mt. Whitney, and going to two weddings! Don't think I've ever had an august like this one - it's gonna be lots of fun!

Happy birthday to everyone I missed. And just to put in my two knuts - dogs rule cats drool!!!

Tim, I realize that I haven't been around, but I wanted to wish you my condolences. I think everyone stated it very well, you are a great guy and I'm sure your father was very proud of you. I'm glad that everyone on the forum was here for you, you are a central part of our forum family. I'm sorry that this is so incredibly behind but had to say what an asset to this forum I - and many others obviously - think you are.

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Gina R Snape - Jul 24, 2004 12:02 pm (#1104 of 2955)

Congratulations Brandon!
Welcome back Marie!

Catherine, I have seen this phenomenon as well, with allergic friends. It is an odd thing, I concede. Nothing will get a suspicious cat running faster than trying to attract their attention. And vice versa...

Now, just to bother you cat-loathers out there... here is a recent picture of my precious 15 1/2 year old cat Fabergé.




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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 12:10 pm (#1105 of 2955)

Gina,

Faberge is a lovely cat, and just the way I like to see cats--in a picture, not causing me to have hives! Really, I don't loathe them, I just hate going to the doctor because of them :-)

It's very interesting to hear about the cat eye-contact. Chemyst, I burst out laughing with your Legilimency speculation! I guess the cats don't like what they hear in YOUR mind!

Are people just fundamentally "cat people" or "dog people?"

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Flame Alligator - Jul 24, 2004 12:46 pm (#1106 of 2955)

Thanks for the kitty pictures Gina and Prongs. They look so sweet. I love the look on Faberge's face. I am still grieving over Sami. No new kitty yet. Your pet's pictures cheered me up. Thanks

Leprechaun Jack, I e-mailed you.

Have a good weekend everyone.

goedemiddag

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Marie E. - Jul 24, 2004 1:00 pm (#1107 of 2955)

I spent the morning being somewhat productive; hanging pictures on the wall, straightening up, ect. But the siren song of the Forum called to me so here I am. We still have piles of stuff in the garage to go through but all the big stuff is put away. It feels like home now. As a surprise, we're getting the girls a trampoline next week. (Uncle Squid, be on the alert for nieces with broken bones.)

I went out to Walmart last night and bought school supplies for the girls. It seems early (Our district starts school on August 19th) but I remembe last year some items ran out quickly. I got Lexie her coveted My Littly Pony backpack and I'm pricing the wheeled backpacks for Shayla. Both my girls will be in school this year. Sniff, sniff.

As padfoot will confirm, it is still raining cat and dogs here in Colorado. We actually have mushrooms in our front yard. And the front yard is rocks, no grass! That is a persistant little fungus. Hopefully it will dry out soon so we can take the girls out on a weekend.

Have a great day, everyone!

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Dr Filibuster - Jul 24, 2004 1:19 pm (#1108 of 2955)

A..A A...Atishooo!!!

Who let all these cats in here? I only discovered the eye contact thing a couple of years ago

I had no internet access for a few days, so sorry that I missed loads of birthdays etc. Glad you had a good one Brandon.

Betty...I'm a reserved Brit and don't get "touchy-feely" too often, but I want to give you my first ever internet hug....HUG Betty HUG. Hope you had a lovely lunch today.

Lindsey...what a bloody awful week you've had! As Flame said, you're worse than "I Love Lucy"

Can I be the first to say congratulations Jo Rowling. Jo's third child is due next year.

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Accio Sirius - Jul 24, 2004 2:10 pm (#1109 of 2955)

I hate to admit it, but when I read about JKR expecting again, I thought two things in rapid succession: "Good for her. Good God, we won't see book seven for ages!! Especially if that means two kids still in diapers! She is in for it! Happy belated birthday to everyone, including Virigoddesses' boyfriend! All those posts! You all are so prolific! I was gone for a week and wow! Had a really nice time on vacation--there was a wonderful lake full of large, inflatable toys--a floating trampoline with a sort of slip and slide attached which was a gold mine for Funniest home video shots. I drank half the lake laughing so much. And in the dog versus cat debate, I like both, but prefer to live with cats! Sirius of course would be the exception!

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Gina R Snape - Jul 24, 2004 2:32 pm (#1110 of 2955)

Accio, I had the same guilty thought. PLEEEEEAAAAAASE JRK, think of your fans. BOOK creation...not procreation please!!!!

But of course we don't really mean it.

Anyway, she's got enough money now for loads of assistance with nappies and such. She can write and bond with her children and still have time for other things...

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timrew - Jul 24, 2004 3:09 pm (#1111 of 2955)

Brandon, Sorry to be late replying to you. This thread seems to get triple the posts of all the others! Thanks for your sympathy on the death of my Dad. It's much appreciated. You and the rest of the Forum members have been a great comfort to me and my family.

On a lighter note, I finally got round to seeing POA the movie today. My son, Matthew, works part-time in a cinema over here, and he gets four free tickets a day (!) to go to the movies.

So today, my wife (Jane), my mother-in-law (Margaret, who's well into Harry Potter!), myself and Matthew went along to see it.

I know a lot had to be left out, but I thought the film was brilliant, although Matthew and myself are divided on Michael Gambon's performance as Dumbledore - I thought he did very well, Matthew didn't.

Also, to continue the dog/cat debate that's been going on recently, can I add that it's my birthday in September, and I want a hippogriff!

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Gina R Snape - Jul 24, 2004 3:18 pm (#1112 of 2955)

Hmmmm. I dunno Tim. I suppose those of us in the States could chip in and send one via air mail. Should we crate it or just tag it and have it follow the owl post?

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timrew - Jul 24, 2004 4:42 pm (#1113 of 2955)

I don't care, Gina, as long as I get one!

BTW, did you think that the bit where Harry is riding Buckbeak, and raises his arms in the air and yells "Woohoooooo!" was ripped off from 'Titanic'? I was expecting Harry to shout as an afterthought, "I'm the king of the world!"

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 4:49 pm (#1114 of 2955)

Tim,

The Harry riding Buckbeak scene might be just a teensy bit like Titantic

So, hope you have a good supply of Pettigrews *ahem* dead rats to feed that Hippogriff we're sending you! Look up on the roof if you haven't seen it yet!

Oh, and before I forget, I must BOW, not to a Hippogriff, but before the King of SPEW!

We love you, the king of SPEW!

Cheers, Tim!

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timrew - Jul 24, 2004 5:03 pm (#1115 of 2955)

Thank you, Catherine. I have to go. There's something dislodging slates from the roof!

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 5:15 pm (#1116 of 2955)

Dear me.

What could be bothering Tim :-)

Hope the Hippogriff didn't get there too early!

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Marye Lupin - Jul 24, 2004 5:53 pm (#1117 of 2955)

My birthday is on Monday and I'm freaking out! I'm scheduled to take my driving test on that day and I'm scared to death of failing. I'll be 18 so needless to say I am a little bit behind the rest of my friends... If I fail I have to take driver's ed over again because there's apparently this rule in Maryland that you have to take the test within a year of your first day of driver's ed (which was August 4th of last year for me). To top it off we have to schedule the test like three weeks in advance because it's summer and everybody's taking their tests now so I can't just retest the next day if I fail! I've been practicing parallel parking all day but I'm still only getting it about 3 times out of 4.

I really don't want to have to worry about driver's ed and everything next year at college.

...18 is way too young to be dreading your birthday ;-)

Sorry about this but I needed to vent. Everybody seems to automatically assume I'll pass which just makes it worse because it will be more embarrassing when-- if-- I fail.

Aaaahh! You ever have that feeling where you just want to skip a day? Like if I could wake up tomorrow and it will suddenly be Tuesday and I will have already passed or failed and I don't have to keep worrying about it?

On a side note: That scene with the Hippogriff in PoA made me almost choke on my soda :-) I got some really strange looks from the people around me as I tried to recover.

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 6:09 pm (#1118 of 2955)

Dear Marye, I am a terrible parallel parker myself, so I am sending you a humongous "Quite Excellent Parking" Charm. Best to you, and every part of my body that is not necessary for typing is crossed for you!

Me, I prefer broomsticks or Apparating, don't you? Muggle driving is SO frought with problems and regulations!

I had a really good "Atta boy" today, and I thought I would share. I wrote our local Humane Society's usual plea for funds for Mother's Day. Normally, this is a fund drive for spay/neuter.

In the past, the mailing nets about $300. This year, I wrote the letter and we've so far exceeded that, it's unbelievable!

One check alone was for more than $1000. I'm getting all these kudos, which is wrong, because really, it's people seeing that they help so many animals by paying for their surgeries!

Thanks for letting me share this....

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Penny Lane. - Jul 24, 2004 6:13 pm (#1119 of 2955)

Marye Lupin - Good Luck on your drivers test. I can understand why you feel nervous.

I'm 22 and technically, I don't have a valid license yet. To top it off, I live in Michigan, land of cars - so not having a car is a really big deal, as Henry(?) Ford and other "entrapreneuers"(sp?) have hindered our public transit systems as to sell more cars.

Also, I failed my Drivers test twice. The first time I knocked over all of the cones when I was parallel parking, the second time I was caught going 26 in a 25 school zone, even though everyone around me was going about 40. That tester was kind of an idiot.

Does anyone else here ever watch Clean Sweep? I just watched them make this woman get rid of all of her books except for one shelf, and I just wanted to cry. If they ever came to my house, I would throw a fit if they told me to narrow my books down to 10. Plus they would probably ask me the all important question of "why do you have 2 hardcover set of the Harry Potter books, and a set of Harry Potter paperbacks?"

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ShelterGirl - Jul 24, 2004 6:18 pm (#1120 of 2955)

Penny- I used to be addicted to Clean Sweep. Then I slapped myself. My main trouble was that very thing. If some unfeeling person told me I had to get rid of most of my books I would end up shoving them back into the Clean Sweep Mobile and sending them off with their brakes cut.

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 24, 2004 6:24 pm (#1121 of 2955)

That's because the standard for the world of interior design has become a still-life. We've elevated our homes into museums and forgotten that they're there to serve us rather than us serving them.

Hey, I'm as big a fan of Vern Yip as the next person, but if the design is going to be ruined by the Sunday paper strewn across the coffee table, then it's not good design.

***looks around*** Someone took a grumpy pill, didn't they?

EDIT: For the record, I hate coffee tables. I'm always walking into them.

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Julia. - Jul 24, 2004 6:52 pm (#1122 of 2955)

PHEW!! I go offline for one day and come back with all these posts! First off, Marye Lupin, good luck on your driving test! After you pass you can have a butterbeer on me, so long as you don't drive until it wears off!

*runs over and hugs Marie* MARIE!!! Welcome back, I missed your pretty avatar!

Just for the record, if I may quote the movie "Homeward Bound" I believe it was Sassy the cat who said "Cats rule and dogs drool, cats rule and dogs drool!" I am totally a cat person. When I am a big girl and don't live in my parents house or a dorm room, I want to have 2 cats, Andromedia and Remus

Also, JKR, I know you're reading this, so Mazel Tov on expecting your thrid child! I know you said it won't effect the writing of book 6, but what about book 7!? I'm happy for you and all, but come on! As Gina said, book creation, not procreation please!

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Catherine - Jul 24, 2004 7:05 pm (#1123 of 2955)

Kim,

No, you didn't take a grumpy pill because reading material doesn't count! My husband has to ask, "Why do you need ALL the HP books at your side?"

I just say, "Well, BECAUSE I DO!"

The point is, if I can have 5 books stacked up (and neatly, in order) beside me, then you are allowed to have the current day's paper strewn somewhere.

To anyone who questions this, I say, "Ah, you great Prune! Dry up, why don't you?"

--From Catherine, the anti-neat freak!

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 24, 2004 7:12 pm (#1124 of 2955)

Thank you Catherine. **breathes easier**

you are allowed to have the current day's paper strewn somewhere.

Excuse me while I run around and collect the papers from the previous 3 days. Ah, I see, there's the comics under the ottoman and the Living section next to the bed. Oh dear, is that Thursday's front page hanging over the towel rack in the bathroom. Must remind hubby to stop doing that.

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Eponine - Jul 24, 2004 7:12 pm (#1125 of 2955)

Marye, good luck on your driver's test! When I took mine, I was making a left turn and turned way too wide into the wrong lane, then I over corrected and went up on the shoulder. I still passed though. I think she passed me out of pity, because I started crying, plus I had to get my license as my mother had just had brain surgery and couldn't drive for 3 months. I'm a much better driver now, though.

Penny and ShelterGirl, I watch Clean Sweep every now and then, but it always makes me mad when the organizational "experts" make them get rid of childhood things. Once, they took this woman's Pound Puppy, and I wanted to cry for her. I could never have them come to my house though, I have far too many books. They would ask me about the multiple Harry Potter books, but they would definitely be appalled at my collection of The Secret Garden. It was my favorite book growing up, and I have quite a large number of different copies of it. I do realize that I'm a crazy book person.

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Celestina W. - Jul 24, 2004 8:04 pm (#1126 of 2955)

Hi, everybody!

First of all, Betty (and everyone else who is dealing with depression or other problems), you have my best wishes, prayers, and lots of hugs.

Sherbie, sorry to hear about your kitchen mishap, although I admit I did have to laugh. You're not alone; my grandma has burnt potholders before, and I myself have scorched microwave popcorn.

I went to I, Robot on Thursday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely a "popcorn movie", but I love those. Now I'm looking forward to seeing The Village. I just watched a preview for it; looks scary, but in a really cool-scary kind of way (if that makes sense...).

I'm a cat and dog person. I have one dog, one house cat, and several barn cats, and I love them all. I think each species has it’s pros and cons: cats are smarter, less smelly, less slobbery, and a better size for lap sitting (my dog is about 100 pounds), while the dog is friendlier, plays more, and is less cranky.

Marye Lupin, I feel your pain. I'm 17 and haven't taken my drivers test yet, because I have a rather bad case of driving-phobia, and I can't park. My uncle, who's a driver's ed teacher, was here this week and gave me a parallel-parking lesson, so I think maybe I've got that down now. It's just a matter of me biting the bullet and actually scheduling my test, before my learner's permit expires and I have to renew it (again).

Penny, they threw away her BOOKS?! That's just horrible. My books are among my most precious possessions. I just got a new bookshelf in my room, so now they have a nice new home.

Wow, long post -- sorry! Think I'm done now.

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Marie E. - Jul 24, 2004 9:37 pm (#1127 of 2955)

First off, hello Julia!!!

I can't believe they would make someone throw out their books. I've known people who have weeded out their book collections but I could never narrow my books down to 10. I have a set of HP hardback, a set in paperback, a set of Jane Austen, all of Nick Hornby's books, all of Helen Fieldings books, all of Terri McMillian's books, the entire set of Maud Hart Lovelace books, ...and this is just one bookshelf! The sweetest thing my husband has ever done for me is build me three oak bookshelves. When he said we'd build bookshelves over the fireplace of our new house, I got all quivery.

This is not to say I don't have other clutter that should go, but honestly!

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 24, 2004 9:47 pm (#1128 of 2955)

Marye, I'm sure you'll do wonderfully on your test. When I took mine I was driving an itty bitty little VW Beetle and still couldn't quite make the parallel parking. Bit sad really, but I passed all the same, much to my mom's chagrin.

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Ozymandias - Jul 24, 2004 10:18 pm (#1129 of 2955)

Hi Brandon! *waves and grins* I was starting to wonder where you were!

Marye, good luck on your drivers' test. I had the same problem with nerves as you did, because I stupidly agreed to go out to dinner with a friend who was taking her test the same day, and was terrified that I'd fail and have to ask her for a ride. Luckily, we don't have to parallel park here in California, because that would have failed me for sure. 3 out of 4 times sounds pretty good to me, so I'm sure you'll do fine.

Those decorator people would be appalled at my house. My dad and I just went through our book collection to weed some out, and between the two of us we filled the entire living room floor. But I love my books, so decorators, stay away!

I shudder to think of the state of the forum when I get to it next. I'm going to the beach for a week on Monday. I'll be thinking of all of you as I reread GoF.

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boop - Jul 24, 2004 10:28 pm (#1130 of 2955)

Sus and Celestina, thank you so much.

haymoni(Monica) Yes we did see the whole museum. I had a great day yesterday and today. I met Viola and her husband for lunch and then they took me to the visitor center of Nasa. Then I got a visit from Jimmie and Sarah. This has been just what I needed. I got to see alot of forum family and enjoyed spending time with each of them. I pack up today and head home.

Marye Lupin good luck on passing your driving test. I will cross my fingers for you.

Well it’s almost 1:30am so I am off to bed, have a good Sunday everyone!!!!

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The giant squid - Jul 25, 2004 12:36 am (#1131 of 2955)

I could never weed myself down to 10 books. Besides the Harry Potters, my Heinlein collection is more than quadruple that! (Only 2 more to go & I've got them all! They're like Pokemon for sci-fi geeks ) I've watched Clean Sweep a few times, and I've come to the conclusion that they're pure evil. Some people have a reason for keeping all that stuff. To quote Chris Knight in Real Genius: "All my filth is in alphabetical order. For instance, this was under 'H' for 'toy'."

   Mike - liked the Auror joke and the Knight's Tale reference



I made a Knight's Tale reference? Yeesh, I'm getting so bad at this movie reference thing I don't even know I'm doing it!

Marye, good luck! Just relax and you'll be fine. Three out of four is better than most of us licensed folks can manage.

For the record, I am a cat person as well. Cats & I seem to agree with each other--they don't bother me and I don't bother them. My lack of interest in dogs comes from two things: I hate being slobbered on (and don't tell me your dog doesn't slobber; it's like the eye contact thing, they know I hate it...) and I'm horribly allergic. I once managed to survive almost two hours at a friend's house without an antihistimine, but it was a near thing...

Marie: "Uncle Squid"?

--Mike

pricing Hippogriff Chow for Tim

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boop - Jul 25, 2004 4:13 am (#1132 of 2955)

Sue and Celestina thank you so much.

Haymoni, yes we saw the whole museum. It was really nice enjoyed the court yard so beautiful. I could have just stayed there all day. The history museum was nice as well.

I have had a great vacation. The people here in Ohio were very friendly to me. The hotel was very nice. I got to meet up with alot of my forum family members. I enjoyed meeting everyone. I want to say thank you everyone I met for making this visit special to me. I didn't have a day where there wasn't something or someone around. I am leaving today, but not until I go to the Rock-N-Roll Hall Of Fame. It’s going to be lots of fun.

Marye Lupin, good luck with the driving test, I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Hey Marie *waves* nice to see you back have missed you. Here is a hug for you too.

Have a great day everyone!!

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Flame Alligator - Jul 25, 2004 5:33 am (#1133 of 2955)

Accio Sirius, Welcome back.

Marye Lupin, To ditto what others have said....... just relax and take your time parking. You'll pass the driver's test.

For the record, I am a cat person. I like dogs but I LOVE/ADORE CATS!! They are genuine in their affections for you since they are not usually pack animals. And I have been amazed at how intelligent the cats I have had have been. They are trainable if you take the time but be warned, they have to love you to allow you to train them. My cats always came when I called and showered me with kitty affection when I come home. Plus, they don't slobber/drool. And I love the purring. There is nothing more soothing to me on a stressful day then a purring kitty sitting close to me or in my lap. Being a dancer, I love to watch cats move. They are poetry in motion. As a yoga teacher, I know that a lot of our postures (asans) come from animal movements. Two of my cats use to do yoga with me everyday once they recognized what I was doing. I am not kidding, they did. They would do all the sitting and reclining postures. The best part was during relaxation....... a kitty purring next to me. Am I right cat lovers?

I am in a very good mood today, giddy even. I send joy to all my forum buddies.

Happy Birthday to all who's birthday it is.

Sherbie, I am doing good fortune mudras and mantras for you today.

Goedemorgen y'all!

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megfox - Jul 25, 2004 7:07 am (#1134 of 2955)

Marye, I was in your shoes when I was 18, and it wasn't fun! I was the last person in my grade at school to get their driver's license. EVERYONE else in my class of over 300 had their's by then end of Junior year - I however, got mine the Moday after I graduated! I was so sure I was going to fail, too, because I had to parallel park, and I never practiced it...but I did okay. You will too. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. With all of this good luck being wished upon you, how could you fail?

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Mrs. Sirius - Jul 25, 2004 7:35 am (#1135 of 2955)

Oh, oh so many post!

Sherbie, according to my mother everything that happened to you means that from here on you'll have good luck in your new house. How much more damage can you do right? Don't feel too bad about your learning experiences, I grew up with gas stoves yet as a teenager when trying to light the oven, I went in search of a match because the self-starter wasn't working, when I found the match I went back to the oven stuck it in and a huge fireball flew out at me. I lost my eyebrows and was a bit wiser. Moral-Never turn the gas on and then come back with the match to ignite the oven, not a good combination.

As for setting the house on fire, last fall when my children started school and I was establishing my industrious routine, I cleaned my house, took 2 mile long walk and prepared dinner all in time to go out to lunch with friends. While at lunch I was happily explaining my new routine my other moms whose children were also newly off to school, but I suddenly couldn't remember if I had turned off the oven. I got home and didn't see smoke so I though everything was fine. However when I opened the kitchen door, it was filled with smoke. Unfortunately I was making beans. Burnt beans reek!!! It took oven a week of washing all the clothes in the house, the walls, the floors and boiling herbs in the stove to finally get the smell out. We nearly had to call the insurance company to have everything professionally cleaned.

Countney enjoy having your parents pay for your vacation, we are on vacation with our 4 now, they are a little too young to really appreciate it.

Tomoe, good for you I'm all for freedom of the press. I prefer to know what other people think, what ever that might be really. I arrived in Montreal on Thursday and boy was that hot! I was 1000 degrees in our apartment and the restaurant we found was un-airconditioned. But thanks for you help it's been wonderful here.

Julia thanks for your help.

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SarcasticGinny - Jul 25, 2004 7:45 am (#1136 of 2955)

Hello to all!

I'm still waiting for my father to network the computers in our home so I can see you all a bit more often. Right now, I share a computer in a very cold basement with four other people, so I can't "lexicon" much. I miss all the theories!

Not too much new on my plate...the middle school opens at the beginning of August and I will (eek) start getting my classroom kid-ready. I've started horseback riding lessons, and I love those. Anyone here ride? Also, an upcoming trip to Montana for my cousin's wedding, so for anyone in the western US, I'll wave from the plane.

Hope everyone here is doing fantastically!!

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 25, 2004 8:00 am (#1137 of 2955)

Thanks for all your stories about setting things on fire, guys. That does make me feel better! I'm still avoiding cooking anything near that thing until I get an electrician or someone from the gas company to examine the lines. On Friday, I used my crock pot for the first time and despite everyone I know telling me I could safely leave the house with it on low, I sat there for 8 hours, staring at it warily Waiting

My bad luck string hasn't seemed to slow, unfortunately. My husband didn't get the job and my mom has found a suspicious lump on her back. Sometimes I feel like jumping in my horrid little rental car and driving as far and as fast as I can. Let's just hope this is one of those times when things have reached their worst point and are going to start getting better from now on.Please

Welcome back, Marie! It's nice to see you.

You'll do fine, Marye! I remember being horribly nervous during my driving test. However, my anxiety was greatly increased by something that happened in the parking lot while my mom and I were waiting in her car for the driving inspector. About 5 minutes before my practical test was to begin, we were hit by another car. Caused quite a bit of damage and I was horribly shaken up. Nevertheless, I drove that car and despite floating a stop sign and forgetting to signal when I parallel parked, I passed without a problem. So if I can pass, so can you.

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Catherine - Jul 25, 2004 8:47 am (#1138 of 2955)

Sherbie, I'm sorry about your round of bad luck recently. I know it's terrible to wonder if something might be wrong with your Mom, and I'm hoping for good news. Tell Mr. Sherbie that his time is coming, I just know it.

I've been very amused to read about the cat vs. dog debate, and it's been informative. I have concluded from reading the cat lovers' posts that my shih-tzus are probably "cat dogs," and that my brother, who has always jokingly called them that, may be right. Shih-Tzus were bred in China to look like lions, and they do have a very feline look with their short muzzles. My shih-tzus don't slobber at all, they love to cuddle like cats do, and they like to lounge on top of the sofa and snooze in the sun. They also don't bark, except when their food or water bowl is empty. My dogs also will bark if their water is not perfectly crystal clear, which is understandable, but I've never seen other breeds be this picky.

Hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday!

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Marie E. - Jul 25, 2004 9:39 am (#1139 of 2955)

It is still raining here in Colorado. As I type, we are developing plans for an ark in the backyard.

I have a stove story, Sherbie, which may make you feel better. Our first night in this house was so hectic, with still moving things from the old house and all, that I thought we'd just grab a "take and bake" pizza for dinner. I rushed in after work, preheated the oven, and started running around the house unpacking. When I smelled a terrible odor, I remembered that we hadn't used the brand new oven yet and the instruction manuel, wrapped in plastic, was still inside. There are still bit’s of burned plastic on the bottom of the oven that we can't get off.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

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Julia. - Jul 25, 2004 9:50 am (#1140 of 2955)

Sherbie, I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Sherbie not getting the job and the bump on your mum's back. Wish I could tell you everything will be ok, but really I can't, as no one knows. I can however tell you that worrying about it will not do anyone any good, least of all you. I know it'll be hard, but try to not worry about it so much. In the meantime, have some butterbeer and chocolate. *hands Sherbie butterbeer and chocolate* As always, if there's anything we can do, let us know. *huggy huggy*

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Acceber - Jul 25, 2004 10:38 am (#1141 of 2955)

I'M BACK!!!!! Well, technically, I got back yesterday a bit before dinner time, but I didn't have any Internet time mostly because my little sister was hanging onto my leg (literally) the whole night. Then, after dinner, I conked out on the couch because I was so exhausted-my cold had drained me. I woke up a few hours later, watched part of a James Bond movie with my parents, then took a very relaxing shower before getting into a bed with a mattress (!!!) and falling asleep. This morning has been devoted to unpacking and reading this thread. 1000+ posts---not too fun, but I did, like the obsessed geek I am, read all of them.

First off, I would like to say Happy Birthday, Congratulations, Welcome Back, or Happy Anniversary to anyone who is worthy of praise. There have been too many to name you all, it's nothing personal.

Now for special notes to people who don't fall into those categories:

Mike-we share the same birthday (January 31), yeah Aquarius! We're birthday buddies with Jackie Robinson, Nolan Ryan and Ernie Banks (all baseball players).

Ozy-I can kind of feel your pain. I'm in your same boat, but I'm 6 years younger, so it probably isn't as unremarkable. Your and many other Forumers' stories, however, have made me realize I'm not that much of a late bloomer. So thanks everyone.

Tim, I must express my deepest sympathies to your and yours, even if they are belated. Your father seems like he was a wonderful man and if he has passed some of those trait’s onto you, you will leave a mark on your family as well.

Kim mentioned I would probably call soda "tonic," which I DON'T. It's just plain soda here. Sorry to disappoint you, my friend.

Lastly, I'm a cat person myself, which is probably evident by my avatar and past ones. Speaking of avatars, I plan to change mine into a picture of me at camp, if I can get it working. We got a slideshow on a CD-RW disk of pictures from camp and if my slim knowledge fo computers holds forth, I will be able to transfer one I love to my avatar.

I'm going to switch my avatar now, then have a late lunch. Wish me luck.

EDIT: Avatar's up...it's a bit blurry, but you can still see it.

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Julia. - Jul 25, 2004 10:42 am (#1142 of 2955)

WELCOME BACK BECCA! We missed you while you were gone! I think this calls for a good party. *pulls out butterbeer and passes it around* Good luck catching up on posts, but at least you weren't completly HP deprived at camp Good luck on changing your avatar, and have a good lunch!

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Pinky - Jul 25, 2004 11:36 am (#1143 of 2955)

Welcome back!!! I had to laugh when I saw your picture for two reasons - 1) I remember how much fun camp was, although we didn't do pie-eating contests. We did occasionally eat spaghetti with no hands though. 2) Er - you look so young!!! Ok, I know you're one of our younger members, but everytime I read what you have posted, it comes across as sounding much older and "adultey." So congratulations on your writing and interaction skills.

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 25, 2004 11:44 am (#1144 of 2955)

Welcome back Becca! What do you mean you don't say tonic? **looks shocked** Everyone says tonic.

It's so nice to have you back. So, how was camp?

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Aisha Ahsia - Jul 25, 2004 1:01 pm (#1145 of 2955)

Phew! I've just spent an hour(!) reading through the posts form July 23 till the most recent one. I'm exhausted.

Marye- I'll follow the lead of so many before me and wish you good luck og your driving test.

Eponine- Secret Garden was my favourite book growing up too! Haven't read them for years though. Feeling a bit nostalgic...

VeronicaG- good to see that I'm not the only one from Norway here.

Have also enjoyed the cat and dog discussion that's been going on here. LOL! I like both myself, but I really want a dog, a golden retriever. I just want to be loved:)

It's so much fun to read through these post and the ... shall I say Interesting discussions and comments you can't find anywhere else but here. I've also read through many of you profiles, and it made me realize that mine was just a tad too dull and Percy-ish... Ah well, I can always change it.

Anyway, still working on getting my mother to read Chamber of Secrets. She still won't budge... Any ideas anyone? A friend of mine has promised to read the first two books after months of endless nagging:) I'm happy. I guess they're right: Once you set your mind to something, you can do anything you want. (Word of wisdom for the day, I've got a calender full of them...)

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anbigin - Jul 25, 2004 1:38 pm (#1146 of 2955)

Kitties - most definitly kitties!!!! Goodness, I can not express how much these furry, little, persnickety creatures mean to me... For example, I am willing to "suffer" through Catwoman just to see them, and I will be moving to a new residence just so I can get a kitty.

Ok, Clean Sweep makes me nervous cause every time I see them weed the books down to say 10 or "one crate" it makes me sick to my stomach! I mean what if they showed up to my place and made me weed my books down *cringe* Whoever said they'd send those TLC people a-packin' - you guys rock;) Welcome back Rebecca - Pinky's right though cause there's something missing between how young you look and how mature you're posts sound - It's fantastic.

Boop- I'm really glad you enjoyed the museum/zoo so much. I was just wondering if it was a natural habitat zoo or was it just a regular cage with really neat looking animals in it zoo?

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Kowalla - Jul 25, 2004 2:31 pm (#1147 of 2955)

Marye your birthday is the same as mine! Are you counting down yet? less than 8 hours to go!!! Good luck on your drivers test. I'm sure you'll do fine. I just hope your instructor is a little bit nicer than mine was. I remember it vividly. I was informed that in order to take the test, I had to call & make my appointment the same day, at exactly 7:00am, not one minute earlier. I called at 6:59, & got a busy signal. I set the phone for auto redial, to let me know when the line is available, & waited 23 minutes! When I showed up there, I met a very stern looking woman (whom I really doubt knew how to smile). We went on our little drive, with her saying nothing except "turn left at the next corner, pull over & park at that house, turn right at the next corner" no expression in her voice. Then, after it was over, she immediately informed me that I came "THIS CLOSE" to failing because I made too wide of a right turn, ONCE! *shivers* I'm was never so glad to get away from there.

Honestly, I think you'll do fine. So, go take your test, then go drive all your friends out for a great birthday celebration! Well, maybe it would be better to offer to drive your mom to the hospital. Hope she comes out ok.

Sherbie, I just wanted to add a note in here, that I would be MORE than happy to trade ovens with you! I have an electric stove & I HATE it! I have always used gas, so I can't seem to figure this thing out! Everything I try to bake burns! I haven't managed to make one batch of cookies turn out right yet, & I've lived here for almost 2 months! *sniffles* I miss my gas stove.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 25, 2004 2:51 pm (#1148 of 2955)

For example, I am willing to "suffer" through Catwoman just to see them, and I will be moving to a new residence just so I can get a kitty—anbigin

Ok, packing up and moving to a place that allows cats is perfectly understandable, but Catwoman ? Sheesh!

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Lisaren - Jul 25, 2004 3:15 pm (#1149 of 2955)

I have been missing for about 5 months, but it feels so good to check back in. I couldn't read 5 months worth (my family would kill me), but I have read the last month.

Tim, very belated, but still heartfelt condolences about your father. Your synopsis of his life showed a good man.

Betty, even though I didn't post a lot, I read everything before my drop out and I felt as if I knew everyone who posted regularly and you are the momma of the Forum.

For all the birthdays I missed HAPPY BIRTHDAY (happy shout).

I myself am a cat person who loves someone else's dog.

On the soda/pop issue -- here they are just called drinks. As a matter of fact when we went to visit my family in Wisconsin, my husband mentioned he wanted a drink at 10:00 am and the family began to wonder what I had gotten myself into until the soda/pop/coke/drink issue was resolved. According to them, the rest of the USA uses drink to mean alcohol.

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Marè - Jul 25, 2004 3:21 pm (#1150 of 2955)

Marye good luck on your drivers test, and Penny, don't worry too much about it.
I only got mine last year and I'm 24. And although I'm a good enough driver to not crash into things, I never park my car in a parking space. My parents car (the only one I ever take) is quite big and I don't really feel comfortable enough coming near other persons cars...
So I'll just wait till I found a job and find myself a nice mini cooper or something in that size area.

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timrew - Jul 25, 2004 3:52 pm (#1151 of 2955)

Becca, Lisaren, thank you for your messages. Although belated, they are still read by myself and my mother, and we appreciate the warmth and compassion of our Forum family.

And I'm still waiting for my hippogriff!

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Eponine - Jul 25, 2004 4:06 pm (#1152 of 2955)

Okay, I just had to mention this. I was watching a thing on ice cream on the food channel and they were talking about an ice cream place in Venezuela that sells over 700 flavors including tuna fish, shrimp and beer. Tuna fish ice cream? Does anyone else find this as disturbing as I do?

Tomorrow is my first wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe it's been a year already. I finally got my husband to read the books about 3 or 4 months ago, but it took him a long time to get through them as he is a very slow reader and dyslexic. He really enjoyed them, but he thinks I'm a bit nuts about them.

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anbigin - Jul 25, 2004 4:55 pm (#1153 of 2955)

HEHEHEHE! Lopin - I know, it's really quite SAD but ... I mean - they're KITTIES!!!! I love them so *tear*

But seriously, I must have gotten REALLY lucky with living in Florida cause since I took the Driver's ED class one summer I didn't have to take the practical test just the written one. *phew* Although, we did have to parallel park and all that - it being FL and having all those old small villages;) I think the only thing I had problems with was staying "two car lengths" away from the car in front of me while driving! OH well, it was a fun summer actually. All though learning stick shift from the father unit in his old '76 BMW that had a problem with the second gear not engaging was the most nerve racking experience of my life.

Oh, one last thing - Eponine, I've heard of HORSE flesh flavored ice cream, talk about shudder enducing. But yea I know what you mean about the Tuna being odd - and I love Tuna but *eek* and Congrats on the Anniversary:) VERY cool.

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Eponine - Jul 25, 2004 5:02 pm (#1154 of 2955)

HORSE??!! How do you flavor such a thing? Wait, never mind. I definitely do not want to know.

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timrew - Jul 25, 2004 5:03 pm (#1155 of 2955)

Okay, the ice-cream man comes by, and asks you what flavour you want, tuna, shrimp, beer or horse.

And you tell him to bend over and.......

Or you ask for vanilla.

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Caput Draconis - Jul 25, 2004 5:31 pm (#1156 of 2955)

ROFL, Tim. I'm reminded of the sardine flavoured Bertie Botts bean, *shudder*. Fish doesn't belong in anything that's not...fish. Especially nothing to do with milk.

Just to clarify; I'm a cat person, my kitten is currently running in circles around my house, being adorable. Coke wins over Pepsi, and in descending order tastes better out of glass bottle, can, plastic bottle. And it's soft or fizzy drink for us here, too.

Marye, good luck! I'm 20, I only got my licence 6 months or so ago. Waiting in that little room for the RTA (or DMV, I know that from the Simpsons, heh) lady was the worst part, the it’self was pretty uneventful. I didn't indicate on my curb stop, that's all. Oh, and I got bonus points for not hitting a stork type thing that was standing in the middle of the road. Yay. And Mare, I'm the worst parker in the history of the world, I feel your pain.

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Marye Lupin - Jul 25, 2004 6:00 pm (#1157 of 2955)

Thanks to everyone who wished me luck! I'll let you know what happens. It's actually a little strange because the test is set on a course instead of on actual roads which in some ways is better but in some ways it is also harder because they give you a lot less leeway. The list of stuff I've heard "automatically fails you" is neverending (although I've never actually seen this list so a lot of it's probably just exaggeration but still...). I'm driving stick shift so my biggest fear is that I'll cut the engine-- I know that that fails you. I still do it when I'm under stress sometimes (like at traffic lights when I have to start suddenly) and I can't think of a more stressful scenario than my driving test. It's not really fair-- the kids that drive automatic don't have to worry about this... *pouts*

The funny thing is that in Maryland the curfew for driving is lifted as soon as you turn 18 regardless of how long you've had your license so my friends who have had their licenses for almost two years can't drive past midnight yet but if I pass my test I could. It's actually a pretty scary thought. I'm a lousy enough driver in the daylight.

Kowalla, I am excited about my birthday (whenever I can get myself to forget about the test anyway). Only three hours and five minutes to go here in Maryland...

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anbigin - Jul 25, 2004 6:53 pm (#1158 of 2955)

my kitten is currently running in circles around my house, being adorable - Caput Draconis

*CRY* You guys are my people! You see how cute kitties are? Oh and Eponine that is EXACTLY what I said about it! I actually read about in an article - something about a convention like thing in Japan - I saved the link on a different computer so I'll have to post it later. But until then I think it's safe to say that, as Tim says "ask for vanilla"

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Kowalla - Jul 25, 2004 7:14 pm (#1159 of 2955)

Well, as far as the cats vs. dogs issue, I would have to say that I am a cute fuzzy animal person. I had a dog growing up, loved her very much. I wish I could have got another dog, but at the time I didn't have a fenced in back yard, & my husband & I both work all day. So, I got a kitty cat. Now I have 2! I think they are quite adorable. I always loved sweet little kitty cats. I also like dogs too. And rabbit’s, & hamsters, & mice, & ferrets.....

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scully jones - Jul 25, 2004 8:31 pm (#1160 of 2955)

So many posts to catch up with. I'm a cat person who would love a big dog if I had one. I had one when I was a small child, and he was my protector. I miss him very much.

Gee Brandon, I've missed your rootbeer avatar so much!

Sympathies and Congratulations where required... And as to the driving test... I'm 21, and I'm currently trying to probably study to take the test to get my permit so that maybe I could take the road skills test to possibly get my license as well.

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Julia. - Jul 25, 2004 8:36 pm (#1161 of 2955)

YES! I am not alone! I am not a strange deranged freak! My mother will be so happy (sort of)! I'm 18 and I don't have a driver's licence either, although I really do need to get cracking on that, or my mum won't drive me anywhere

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Leila 2X4B - Jul 25, 2004 8:53 pm (#1162 of 2955)

I am almost 23 and no license. Between Katrina and college I never have time with someone over 21 to practice with. No one seems to be awake at 2am. I am happy to report that Trina Bean is well now. No more pukey. I love dogs, but own a little kitty named Abraham Delacey Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley, O'Malley the Alley Cat or you can just call him Tommy. He is worse than a child - eventually even Katrina stopped opening the door when I was going to the bathroom. I love him anyway. As for the ongoing, and humorous, soft drink debate. I call it soda or soft drink. I am addicted to Coca Cola. I am so happy to see all the new and old people on the forum. Yeah us. I also wanted to state how very happy I am for Jo. No worries about the progression of the books here.

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The giant squid - Jul 26, 2004 2:00 am (#1163 of 2955)

Ambigin, Loopy is right: The kitties aren't in Catwoman nearly enough to justify paying for a ticket. And some of them are CGI, to boot. I mean really...why would you want to CG a cat? O.o

Catherine, I probably would love your shih-tzus, if it weren't for that pesky allergy thing. Long hairs are the worst, whether cat, dog, ferret or moose.

--Mike

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 26, 2004 3:07 am (#1164 of 2955)

Argh, so many posts! Hope you all had a nice weekend... I finally got round to seeing Spider Man 2... pretty cool actually!

Happy Birthday Kowalla, & Marye Lupin happy 18th, oh & good luck on your drivers test.... I didn't learn until I was 21.. & I failed first time.. so don't worry. I also have my moods with parallel parking... hey, don't we all!

Eponine - Happy Anniversary

Virogoddess, Marie, Brandon & Lisaren - welcome back

Morning Flame *big waves*

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Flame Alligator - Jul 26, 2004 4:29 am (#1165 of 2955)

Becca, WELCOME BACK!!!!!! E-mail coming. :silly grin:

Fawkes, Top of the mornin to ya! It's noon or so where you are, right? Goedemiddag.

Eponine, Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday to all who's birthday is today.

Sherbie, I am so sorry to read about the "bump" on you Mom's back. And I feel bad that your hubby didn't get the job. Perhaps something better is just around the corner.

I am in a good mood today even though I have some boring errands to run. I would rather stay on my computer until time for me to go teach yoga. It looks like it is going to storm today. We have had a storm everyday for 3 weeks now. Uh!

Goedemorgen everybody!

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 5:20 am (#1166 of 2955)

Hi everyone!

Great Monday, already JKR's updated her site! Woo-hoo!

Catherine, I probably would love your shih-tzus, if it weren't for that pesky allergy thing. Long hairs are the worst, whether cat, dog, ferret or moose. --Mike

Mike, I hear you, but I'm going to write the following anyway, in case it helps someone else! I myself am desperately allergic to horses and cats, so I know how it feels. But, Shih-Tzus, along with a couple of other breeds, are in the "relatively" non-allergenic class. No animal, including humans, are non-shedding, but these breeds "shed" like people--which is to say small amounts per day, and when the hair is long. They don't shed seasonally, and constantly. I myself am very allergic to some breeds, but not to Shih-Tzus. A friend of mine desperately wants to get her daughter a dog, but my friend has horrible skin reactions around dogs. She came over and rubbed her hands on both my dogs and no reaction. She came over another day for 2 hours, and had no ill effects. She has since tried the same thing on my other friend's shih-Tzu, and really has stayed well. She's not running out and getting one this minute, but she has told her daughter that a dog may yet be possible!

Cheers everyone!

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mike miller - Jul 26, 2004 5:57 am (#1167 of 2955)

Well, I'm trying to learn from my last vacation and trying to keep up with the Forum, only two days and over 100 posts. I'm using my mother-in-laws PC while everyone else is asleep. So here goes..

Good Luck Ladybug!! Sorry to hear about the "Mr. Sherbie's" job possibilities. I'm sure something better is coming.

Catherine and ShelterGirl - It pains me to hear stories about people who don't respsect their animals. I'm particularly sensitive to the "hunters" who mistreat their dog. We hunters have enough unfounded, misinformed "bad press" to deal with without having "true stories" adding fuel to the fire.

Let's see, we need to develop anit-flame and anti-soap bubble charms. I'll get right on it!

I'm a cat person by the way, our newest little girl (Jasmine) is recovering from spay and declawing. Doing very well, if she could just get Tigger to stop hissing at her.

Chemyst - LOL on the legilimency comment. Maybe those wizards in the Dept. of Mysteries who are studying Muggles come disguised as cats.

Brandon and Marie - Glad to have you back, we missed you! (dodges streams of root beer from the West Coast) Also, congrats to Brandon on the job front.

So Tim wants a Hippogriff... better check with Catherine to see if anyone's turned one in to the shelter. I tend to follow the books on the Hippogriff question. I think Harry's right in preferring his broomstick. I want a Firebolt!!!!

Marye Lupin and Kowalla - Happy Birthday!! Marye, good luck on the driving test. By the way, where in Maryland do you live? I'm just outside of Bel Air.

Boop - I'm jealous, I'd love to spend a day or two in the RNR Hall of Fame. I still have to wait a couple of year before Stevie Ray Vaughan be inducted. You have to wait 25 years from your first record lease before you are eligable.

Eponine - Congrats and Happy Anniversary!!! My wife and I celebrated our 16th in June. LOL on the whole ice cream thing. I can't image any kind of seafood ice cream. I still remember the first time I saw the words "fish taco". My mind immediately flashed to a little trout laying belly up in the bottom of a hard taco shell, covered in shredded lettuce and cheese. I don't like any kind of seafood (I love to fish though), so the image in my mind was too much.

Well off to try to keep up with a couple other threads, it only took 2 hours to catch up with this one!!!

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boop - Jul 26, 2004 6:08 am (#1168 of 2955)

Kowalla and Marye, Hope you both have a great day!!!!

Lindsey, aaawww sorry your husband didn't get the job. I will keep your mom in my prayers, and she just had a birthday right?

Becca welcome back,* runs over and gives Becca a great big hug* I can't wait to hear all about camp.

Anbigin, thank you and the Zoo is set up like they are kept in their natural habitat. It’s a really nice Zoo.

Lisaren, Thank you so much. I have missed you welcome back big hugs to you.

Tim, LOL thanks for the laugh needed some stress relief. Now I will think of beer, tuna flavored ice cream, hehehe and BTW where do you want the Hippogriff delivered when I locate one?

Eponine, Happy 1st Anniversary!!!!

Well I am back home safe at least. I didn't have a very good ride home. I was just only about 20 miles inside the PA line when a trucker that was passing me decided to come over to my side. I got off the road as far as I could without hitting the barriers that were on the other side. We were on a bridge when this happened. I was so so scared thought for sure he was going to hit me on the side of the van. To tell you how close he was to the van, he broke my drivers door mirror. I could have reached out and touched the side of his truck. Now all I keep seeing is this truck coming over and over. I didn't stop because if I did I wouldn't have wanted to drive the rest of the way home. So when I got home I cried and cried. I was dealing with anxiety yesterday anyway, but that just made it worse. I feel a lot of anxiety today too, and I have to awful headache to deal with. I am sure it is just from stress. When I close my eyes all I see is this truck coming over and over. I have no idea how I kept from getting killed. Someone was looking out for me thats all I can think of.

I hope everyone has a nice day!!

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virgoddess1313 - Jul 26, 2004 6:11 am (#1169 of 2955)

Argh!! I am a nervous wreck this morning. Not only did I spend a lot of time last night trying to convince Will that he would live to see the end of the day on Wednesday, but I got a job offer last night. One of my friend's mother offerred me a job at the bank she works at. It's a little less money, but it’s closer to home and the work is easier. So, I guess I am going to quit today. Bit nerve wracking... I've never had to quit before.

Of course... if I can get the ever so cheap attorney's to give me a raise, they might conviunce me to stay. We'll see.

Hope everyone has a great day!!!

EDIT: Posted at the same time as you Betty... here's a big hug just for you *HUG*. I hit a guy on a motorcycle the other day, so I sort of know how you feel. It was terrifying.

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Eponine - Jul 26, 2004 6:15 am (#1170 of 2955)

Oh Boop, I am so terrified of truckers. Well, not the truckers, just the trucks. I can't imagine what that must have been like. I am glad that you are okay and did not run off the road.

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Fawkes Forever - Jul 26, 2004 6:16 am (#1171 of 2955)

Aww Betty, that sounds so scarey.... I'm just glad you're ok... and thats the way to look at it... so long as you're ok.... heres a *BIG HUG* for ya

Ladybug forgot to say in my last post.. good luck with the job, & Rebecca WELCOME BACK!

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megfox - Jul 26, 2004 6:21 am (#1172 of 2955)

When I was younger, we used to breed and show Siamese cats. I ahd my very own (his name was Astro, because his ears were so big he looked like the dog from the Jetsons). Then, we discovered that my asthma was induced by my allergies to kitties, so we had to sell most of our cats, except for the stray that decided to stay at our house, but really lived outside.

Then, my parents started in with dogs. When I was really little, we had a German Shepherd, but when I turned 12, we got a Golden Retriever, and then a miniature Daschund, and then my sister got a Beagle, then another stray (a beagle mix she rescued fro the shelter at the animal hospital she works at) then my mom just bought a Corgi. Last week, we bought a beagle puppy to live with us at our condo. Her name is Jetta Bug (Andy's family is obsessed with VWs), and she is the cutest puppy I have ever seen. And I am not one bit biased. Of course, all of these dogs and cats live amongst birds, hamsters, rabbit’s, mice, horses, and the occassional lizard. It’s like a menagerie at my parent's house, and my condo is becoming a little crowded.

Needless to say, with a sister who is (almost) a vet, and a mother who has never meet a four legged animal she didn't love, we never have to have the dogs versus cats discussion. We love them all!

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icthestrals - Jul 26, 2004 6:28 am (#1173 of 2955)

Boop, that's just great. Just what you needed, right? My partner has to deal with anxiety all the time. She is trying deep breathing to relax. Perhaps that could help you some. Flame and some other yoga folks out there could give you better information than me, I'm sure.

Marye Lupin: I'm driving stick shift so my biggest fear is that I'll cut the engine-- I know that that fails you. I still do it when I'm under stress sometimes (like at traffic lights when I have to start suddenly) and I can't think of a more stressful scenario than my driving test. It's not really fair-- the kids that drive automatic don't have to worry about this... *pouts*

I must disagree. I drove a Mercury Zephyr for my driving test and if you turned the steering wheel too sharply, the car would stall. Well, I had to do a 3 point turn around on a street and, you guessed it, I stalled the car out! I also bumped the back cone when I was parallel parking. My sister told me that they didn't test for parallel parking any more, so I didn't practice very much. I got my driver's license anyway much to my surprise. I couldn't wait to take the test when I turned 15. I was ready to hit the road!!

SarcasticGinny asked if anyone here rides. I did and would if I had the opportunity. Now I only get to announce at a local hunter/jumper horse show a few months out of the year.

About kitties vs dogs, my avatar says it for me I think.

Have a great Monday, everyone!

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septentrion - Jul 26, 2004 6:38 am (#1174 of 2955)

I'm back from a week-end in Lorraine in eastern France and, well, I just skimmed through the 136 posts I found here. I'm a cat person too but unfortunately I'm allergic to them. Gina, I used to have a cat like Fabergé 12 years ago, I mean exactly the same. She was so sweet, so lovely but she died of poison in the farm in front of my parents' house. The poison was for rats but the cat ate it, my father found her corpse.

I think I'm gonna keep my body crossed because there's always someone here who need luck and encouragements especially in this moment (sorry if I have forgotten somebody) Ladybug, Sherbie, Betty, Virgoddess...

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mollis - Jul 26, 2004 6:44 am (#1175 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 26, 2004 6:44 am

Betty - That is awful! I am so glad to hear that you are okay. I was almost run off the road by a truck myself once - no fun at all! I hope that you are able to relax today.

I too love riding horses. (Not eating horse-flavored ice cream though. Eeeewwww!) I am able to ride a friends horse from time to time, but usually not more than once or twice a year. Just too busy.

Happy Birthday to everybody who's birthday is today!

I really hope this is a good week. I have tons of work to get done, and I decided to start re-finishing the wainscotting (SP?) in my living room yesterday - so I'll be sanding wood every night this week. Hopefully I'll be able to stain the wood before the weekend, because I'd like to paint the upper walls over the weekend. So I'll be working day and night all week.

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Sherbie Lemon - Jul 26, 2004 6:58 am (#1176 of 2955)

How sweet of you to remember my mom's birthday, Betty! Yes, she turned 45 on Saturday. My father turned 53 four days before her. I'm so sorry to hear about your ordeal on the road. I know how scary that kind of thing can be. My mom and I are driving up to Cleveland in a couple weeks (it'll be about 2400 miles there and back) and I sincerely hope to avoid any situation like yours!

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 7:06 am (#1177 of 2955)

Oh, Betty! I am so sorry that happened to you! I know just how you feel, as the same thing happened to me last Wednesday, and I thought I was going to throw up and pass out! You handled it well. You didn't panic too much, and you got home safely. Take 100 points!

I was driving on a rural back road in our county with nothing around but tobacco fields and big drainage ditches. This 18 wheeler comes barreling at me from around a curve in MY lane! I kept easing over and over as far as I could without toppling into a drainage ditch (I have an Expedition, so I was afraid I could overturn). This guy in the truck would not get back in his own lane, and went WHOOSH beside me.

The reason I'm telling you this, Betty, is that I actually sat there and cried in my truck and was shaking all over and couldn't remember how to get where I was going for nearly fifteen minutes. You have definitely handled a crisis under pressure VERY well, much better than I did!

So I'll send out a "safe-driving charm" to all Forum members, and a headache cure to Betty.

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tracie1976 - Jul 26, 2004 7:07 am (#1178 of 2955)

boop I'm so glad you weren't hurt from that ordeal yesterday *hugs*

On a brighter note I now can call my computer mine. My husband has a lap top now (which I'm using right now so I can have it in the room where I'm cleaning) I'm so happy I can now go chat in the chat room in the evenings which I miss so much when hubby's on the computer.

Have a good day and hopefully I'll see you in chat tonight

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Padfoot - Jul 26, 2004 9:02 am (#1179 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 26, 2004 9:04 am

Betty, I am glad you are safe.

Welcome back from camp Acceber!

Sherbie, Sorry to hear about your husband not getting that job. And your mom finding a suspicious lump does not sound too good either. When it rains it pours! I don't believe in good/bad luck, but I am starting to wonder about all your mishaps. Things have got to turn around sooner or later. Hopefully sooner. At least you have the forum to vent. We are all here for you.

Marye Lupin Happy Birthday! Birthday I hope you do well on your driving test! I got mine after my friends all did, when I was 17.

As Padfoot will confirm, it is still raining cat and dogs here in Colorado. -Marie It's now sunny! Yea! Welcome back Marie. Sun 3

That's because the standard for the world of interior design has become a still-life. We've elevated our homes into museums and forgotten that they're there to serve us rather than us serving them. -Lupin is Lupin HEAR HEAR!!! As an Interior Designer I heartily concur. And I would never throw out anyone's books. A bookcase was the first piece of furniture I ever bought. If anyone touched my books I would kick them out of my home.

In the cat vs. dog debate, DOGS of course! Cats are Ok, they just do not do anything for me. Except I do attract every cat in the vicinity when I enter a cat person's house. Yes I have noticed some good cats (they act like dogs). I just do not want to worry about washing my hands all the time because I am allergic. I plan to have a dog one day when I have a house with a back yard. For now in my condo, I have two ferrets which I love. They are great condo/ apartment size pets that are a nice cross between cats and dogs. Only I am not allergic to them!

And in the dog versus cat debate, I like both, but prefer to live with cats! Sirius of course would be the exception! -Accio Sirius Well I should hope so!

Unfortunately my favorite breeds are Siberian Husky and Border Collie, and it will probably never be possible for me to own a dog of those breeds. They are working dogs, and need to work, or exercise a LOT, else they become cranky. -VeronikaG Our family dog (who lives out of state with my parents) is a Husky. She is a wonderful dog who needs exercise, especially when she was a puppy. She sheds like crazy and is very affectionate. She is spoiled rotten (as all pets should be), you can tell that by her name: Czarina. And she is treated as such by my mom.

Edit: Sorry this post is so long.

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Gina R Snape - Jul 26, 2004 9:39 am (#1180 of 2955)

Oh, Sleeping Beauty I love Red Dwarf! Nice avatar.

Septentrion, what a sad story. Your poor baby died by accident. It could happen to anyone. I of course live in a city flat, not on a farm. But I do not allow the exterminators into my home. On the rare occasion a critter enters (usually an errant roach or fly), Nymphadora squeaks and squeals and hunts it down.

As for cats acting like dogs...well, both Fabergé in her youth and now Nymphadora are avid fetchers.

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 9:43 am (#1181 of 2955)

As for cats acting like dogs...well, both Fabergé in her youth and now Nymphadora are avid fetchers. –Gina

Good for you, Gina. My dogs will rarely play fetch, unless they, of course, initiate the game. That's why my brother calls them "cat dogs."

I'll have to tell him about your cats!

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Ladybug220 - Jul 26, 2004 10:00 am (#1182 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 26, 2004 10:01 am

My cat Lizzie also fetches and she usually instigates the game but she will definitely play if you start it. When I give the cats those fake mice to play with, Lizzie (and Firenze too) will growl at the others when she has one and they get too close.

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Acceber - Jul 26, 2004 11:57 am (#1183 of 2955)

Thanks for the welcome backs from all y'all who gave them. I feel so very loved. Kim-you said so naively "How was camp?" This can be done in one of two ways: A few words or a twenty page paper. The first one: Awesome, amamzing, getting better every year, the best five weeks of my life, funny, tiring, side splitting from laughing so hard. If anyone really wants to see the second-well-you won't be able to because I'm not taking the time to do it .

Boop-I'm really sorry to hear what happened. I'm just glad you're OK, I (and I think a few more people who are reading this) would definitely not like to lose you.

Happy Birthday to Marye and Kowalla!

Happy Anniversary to Eponine!

And a very Happy Monday to all!

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Round Pink Spider - Jul 26, 2004 12:07 pm (#1184 of 2955)

Hi, I've never posted to the Chat thread before, so I don't really know people very well. Happy birthdays and Mondays!

I've had cats, and love them. My husband told me his father put a curse on him that he would marry an English major who had cats, and it happened. However, a lot of my family have allergies, too. And I promised my husband after my last cat passed away, we would get a dog. We now have a standard poodle, a girl, named "Stitch." (This is what you get for letting the kids name the dog.) A lot of times we call her "Snitch." Standard poodles are wonderful with kids, but they're REALLY PROTECTIVE!!! Anybody that ever tried to hurt me while I was out for a walk with her would be sooooo sorry!

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 12:14 pm (#1185 of 2955)

RPS, Hi! Nice to see you here.

I think it's a "Stitch" that your dog is named "Stitch." My kids love that movie, so I'm sure that if they had the opportunity, that's what they would've done! I didn't know Standard Poodles were so protective. I've learned a lot about animals the last few days on this chat thread! I've heard that poodles can be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

I'm sure that your hubby is not "cursed" with an English major who had cats! Sounds like a blessing to me...well, about the English major thing, anyway!

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VeronikaG - Jul 26, 2004 12:22 pm (#1186 of 2955)

Welcome back from camp, Becca. Good to see you had a great time.

Boop, I'm sorry to hear how you feel. Being nervous and depressed is horrible. It usually only happens to me when something's up, but it's bad all the same. And having a near accident doesn't make it any better. Sending a feel better charm.

Hi Aisha! Finally someone from Norway here!

I'll be 24 this Saturday (yes, I'm born on July 31th, 1980) and I don't have a drivers license yet either. I really want to drive so badly I dream about it at night. Dream that I find a car and try to drive it, and keep bumping into everything because I don't have the license. I have had about 25 driving lessons, but my teacher was not of the best, so I didn't get anywhere. I would never have gotten a driver's license before my money ran out, I'm sure. Biggest problem is that my family doesn't have a car, we're bus people, so I can't practice. I have to pester a friend of mine to take me out driving. I hope he doesn't buy a nice car for a while.

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Round Pink Spider - Jul 26, 2004 12:23 pm (#1187 of 2955)

I just met a Shih-Tzu the other day (really nice little cuddly dog, liked him a lot). Believe me, Stitch was a very appropriate name, especially at first. Now that my baby is 1 1/2, he loves to try to play with the dog. He especially loves her little stubby tail-puff! The other day, he was trying to stick his face into the puff as it was going back and forth in front of him, because it tickled.

More about Standard Poodles: Miniatures were bred down from them...they were originally bred as hunting dogs (Poodle is a corruption of the German word for puddle, because they were water dogs)...they were used in circuses, because they're one of the smartest of all dog breeds...and yes, like Shih-Tzus they have hair, so they're good for allergies, also.

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 26, 2004 12:31 pm (#1188 of 2955)

Sounds like a blessing to me...well, about the English major thing, anyway! -- Catherine Allen

HEY! Let me just say that "I dont' agree."  

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shepherdess - Jul 26, 2004 2:23 pm (#1189 of 2955)

Happy Birthday, Kowalla!! Sorry you had to work on your day.

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The giant squid - Jul 26, 2004 2:29 pm (#1190 of 2955)

  As for cats acting like dogs...well, both Fabergé in her youth and now Nymphadora are avid fetchers.



As Marie E. can attest, her cat Samantha was quite a fetcher in her day, though only with plastic soda bottle caps. Alas, age and dealing with two rambunctious children have slowed Sam down a bit...

Betty, that's awful about your trucker experience! I get anxious whenever I pass or am passed by a semi, or if I'm next to a concrete barrier. Being stuck between the two definitely gives me the heebie-jeebies...and I'm usually a pretty calm guy.

Speaking of driving, I finally got my travel itinerary for training session I have to undergo for my promotion. They're flying me to Knoxville, TN, and I get a rental car to get from the hotel to the corporate office, and around town if I feel the need. The only thing is, I hate driving in a strange town, especially if there's a deadline involved (i.e. "Be at the office by 9 AM"). The topper is I get to chauffer another guy, simply because his plane lands later than mine.

Add to that the fact that I'll be three time zones ahead, which means their 9 AM is my 6 AM, and it'll be a very interesting week. They'd better give me a really big raise for this!

--Mike

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 3:39 pm (#1191 of 2955)

Sounds like a blessing to me...well, about the English major thing, anyway! -- Catherine Allen HEY! Let me just say that "I dont' agree." pcpb --Loopy Lupin

Hmm. I guess I'm prejudiced because I was an English major and I think anyone would be lucky to be married to an English major! What was your major, Loopy? Did I say something wrong? Keep in mind that I married a chemistry major, so I can't talk. The joke I was making was about the cats!

Tim, no luck finding you a Hippogriff just yet, but you keep practicing your Disillusionment Charm just to be ready for when it comes!

Hi to everyone!

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Eponine - Jul 26, 2004 3:47 pm (#1192 of 2955)

Well, I was also an English major as is my best friend; so I would have to agree with Catherine Allen about how lucky our spouses are. My husband was a history/political science major.

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 26, 2004 3:50 pm (#1193 of 2955)

Kim-you said so naively "How was camp?" –Acceber

Naive, huh? Well, I can't remember that word ever being used to describe me, Becca. But, since I've never been to camp, I'll cede the point.

Hmm. I guess I'm prejudiced because I was an English major and I think anyone would be lucky to be married to an English major!--Catherine Allen

As an English major, I heartily agree. Except for his wife's obsession with this website, I consider my husband extremely lucky. ***quick looks around for typos***

Sherbie, if I sound out of breath, it's because I've spent the day trying to blow away that big, black cloud that's been hanging over your head.

Betty, sorry about the BST (big, scary truck). I have a friend who finds them terrifying and certainly your experience was. But it sounds like you handled it beautifully. Give yourself credit.

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Prefect Marcus - Jul 26, 2004 3:54 pm (#1194 of 2955)
Edited by Jul 26, 2004 3:58 pm

Well, my wife thinks that Engineering majors make the best spouses.

(That's her stand when I am within hearing distance, that is.)

:-D

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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Jul 26, 2004 3:57 pm (#1195 of 2955)

Well, my wife thinks that Engineering majors make the best spouses. --Prefect Marcus

Oh, Marcus. That's a whole other thread.

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 4:03 pm (#1196 of 2955)

Well, my wife thinks that Engineering majors make the best spouses. (That's her stand when I am within hearing distance, that is.)

Yes, that pesky hearing distance thing! :-)

My husband maintains, in my hearing distance, that he thinks it's good that we come from different academic disciplines. He shows me how to look at the world in a more scientific manner, and I help him proofread his grants and papers (I must love him; BIG YAWN!!). He also respects an English major's rhetorical skills, and says that I've showed him how to be a better lecturer and writer. He also doesn't tease me TOO much about spending time on the Forum, even though he thinks that is a BIG YAWN! Oh, well, somehow it works out.

We both agree about our children and our Shih-Tzus!

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 26, 2004 4:10 pm (#1197 of 2955)

Did I say something wrong? Keep in mind that I married a chemistry major, so I can't talk. The joke I was making was about the cats! -- Catherine Allen

D'oh. Well, I was an English major and, fittingly enough, I completely misread your post. LOL. Sorry 'bout that. *goes off to iron hands*

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Catherine - Jul 26, 2004 4:22 pm (#1198 of 2955)

Well, Loopy, fairly enough, it might have been a lame joke anyway. I forbid you to hurt yourself!

By the way, I always kind of assumed you WERE an English major, although I'm not sure why. It must have been the rapier-like wit! Yep, we English majors are pretty darn awesome!

*Looks around for tomatoes before darting behind cover*

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Marye Lupin - Jul 26, 2004 4:57 pm (#1199 of 2955)

I passed! It was close though-- I missed quite a few points on the parallel parking. Thanks to everyone who wished me luck. It's reassuring to know that there are others out there who didn't immediately run out to get their licenses when they were sixteen. :-)

The girl in front of me in line to take the test had the worst luck. She pulled out, got to the stop sign and failed immediately because she forgot to put her seatbelt on! I felt so sorry for her she must have been more nervous than I was (my leg was shaking so hard on the clutch during the parallel parking that I was afraid the woman testing me was going to think I was having a seizure or something... I couldn't even bring myself to talk properly for at least five minutes after she told me I had passed).

Well now I'm 18 and I have a license-- funny I don't feel any different. Maybe if I had a car... ;-)

As to the cat/dog debate: I am a dog person who pretends to be a cat person. I love cats but dogs just have this certain something they makes them so wonderful...

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Loopy Lupin - Jul 26, 2004 4:58 pm (#1200 of 2955)

It must have been the rapier-like wit! Yep, we English majors are pretty darn awesome!-- Catherine Allen

Yes, yes, the wit is a dead give-away. Yes, yes, we are, indeed, great, and it’s about time some of these engineering types around here started worshipping us.

* looks around to duck flying tomato from Marcus*

EDIT-- congrats on the license. Yay. I must say, that your test sounded harder than mine, nearly 20 years ago. (Ergh!) You didn't have to parallel park and you didn't have to test on a standard transmission.