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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Sat Feb 28, 2015 3:55 pm
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ruthlesspenguin - Apr 24, 2005 2:34 pm (#1401 of 2981) Reply
You know you have got out of bed unnaturally early when only 11 posts have been made on the chat thread since you checked it before going to bed (its usually 30+). Today is ANZAC Day in Australia (and I presume New Zealand), which marks the day when the first ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in World War 1, so I have been up since 4.30am to attend the dawn service. Having just arrived home, the sensible thing to do would be to try and get some more sleep, seeing as Uni starts again tommorrow, but, of course, I decided to check the forum instead.
Someone told me recently that at the school their cousin attends in New Zealand, the tradition is that children graduate from kindergarten into the first grade on their birthday. While this is nice in that every child has a big fuss made of them when they leave kindegarten, it can also be rather traumatic when they begin year 1, as they are expected to have the same lessons as the other children who have been there much longer than them. Are there any New Zealanders who would know if this the usual practise or if it was just this one school (or quite possibly if I somehow dreamed up the conversation myself)?
<(')
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 24, 2005 5:02 pm (#1402 of 2981) Reply
Despite my best intentions, I never got to my dawn service for ANZAC day. This year it is the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli. I took a moment to think of the sacrifice our (Aussie and New Zealanders) soldiers made in that war and to quietly thank them for it.
I did however manage to get my doggies off to the vets for a four day stay - guess who's going to be away as of tomorrow (add 24hrs to time of this post) and won't be back until Friday (add another 3x24 hrs onto the first lot). The vet only opens for boarding drop off and pick up for 1/2 hour on Public holidays and weekends so it is a close call to make it sometimes.
I am going to Sydney again as I have more training to attend. This time its specialised debriefing and additional training to build upon our first workload. I have done my Home Study Exercises and am looking forward to the time away.
On the hearing aid front, I am waiting to hear from a supplier of 2nd hand aids that may be able to tide me over until I work out what I can do. The audiologist is going to check and repair (if possible) both aids again tomorrow afternoon. I got the last vacant appointment for tomorrow so I am really lucky to have got it.
Lizzy
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Catherine - Apr 24, 2005 5:49 pm (#1403 of 2981) Reply
I'm not sure what our movie buffs on the Forum (read Loopy and Squid Mike) think about his movie, but in honor of ANZAC day, I'll say that I remember really liking Gallipoli when I watched it in college. Of course, that it featured a VERY young Mel Gibson didn't hurt.
Did anyone else see this film?
I remember being overwhelmed when I realized the sheer number of troops slaughtered in battle. Amazing and awful.
Lizzy, I will say that, for various personal reasons, I was inclined to feel sorry for myself today, but your recent posts have given me a good kick in the rear. I will endeavor to count my blessings when possible. I even promise to give thanks that I can hear my children screaming about bedtime.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 24, 2005 6:00 pm (#1404 of 2981) Reply
Oh, good luck with the hearing aids Lizzy!!! I thought of you today as I watched Lord of the Rings, Return of the King. I turned on the subtitles because a few hundred posts back you had said something about subtitles and I thought that I should give it a go because sometimes it is hard to understand what they are saying exactly. It worked.
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Steve Newton - Apr 24, 2005 6:30 pm (#1405 of 2981) Reply
I never saw the entire movie of Gallipoli but what I did see was very good.
Everyone does know the Eric Bogle song, don't they.
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Thora- Apr 24, 2005 6:55 pm (#1406 of 2981) Reply
I'm probably totally off but was Gallipoli the movie about the sprinters who carried messages? I vaugely remember them being Austrailian, that and asking my Father why the one leader from England was such a jerk....
Catherine how old are your kids? Mine are 4, 2, and 11 mos, and they make an awful din at bedtime.
Prof Sprout - love the bridesmaid dresses, what about your dress. Iis it similar? You two look so cute together too.
Count Ohio in on the dratted snow, it rained first and then a layer of snow was on top of the slush, very messy, perhaps a class action lawsuit against the weatherman is in order? The silly man WANTED to break the snowfall record!
Thora
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 24, 2005 7:06 pm (#1407 of 2981) Reply
Everyone does know the Eric Bogle song, don't they Steve
Are you thinking of "And the band played Waltzing Matilda"? A beautiful haunting song and I know all the words to it and it was one of my favourites to play one handed on the old piano when I was a teen.
And what my family thought of my out of tune singing, I will never know - at least they had the smarts not to spoil something an unhappy teen enjoyed doing.
Ydnam; I remember seeing "Finding Nemo" and I had my subtitles on. There is no way on earth I would've gotten the point of the movie, the chatting and jokes etc, if I hadn't had the subtitles on. Especially as Dory had few good lines.
Catherine: I was looking at the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) website this morning to catch up all the news and it had a lovely set up for ANZAC day. Each time I see the numbers of dead, I shudder as though a ghost has passed over me.
Enjoy your Monday everyone.
Lizzy
Thora: You cross posted with me! Gallipoli is a movie staring a very young Mel Gibson (before his Aussie accent got too smoothed out). And yes Catherine, Mel is easy on the eyes! I have seen (but not heard) parts of the movie (and didn't like it) so I can't really tell you if your guess is correct.
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Viola Intonada - Apr 24, 2005 7:43 pm (#1408 of 2981) Reply
Whoever is doing the snow dance in Cleveland can stop now. My kids are praying for a snow day tomorrow. Too bad they won't get one...unless we lose power....
As for the school talk. In the US (in Ohio at least), children must attend Kindergarten when they turn 5 (or their parents have to register, declaring they are homeschooling their children) If you want, you may send your child to preschool as early as age 3 and keep them in preschool until they are Kindergarten age. I myself am using my degree in Microbiology to be a Preschool Teacher's Aid. (Meaning that I assist the teacher) I mostly tie kids shoes and make sure no one is trying to harm anyone else with scissors and I help the children care for our classroom pets. It is a lot of fun. I get snack every school day! I took the job because I have off all the same days my children do and I only work Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. I have to say all the kids and parents are great. I haven't felt this appreciated or needed in a job since college.
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KWeldon - Apr 24, 2005 7:50 pm (#1409 of 2981) Reply
The only thing I remember about Gallipoli was bawling my head off during the movie. And Mel Gibson.
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 24, 2005 8:24 pm (#1410 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Penny and all the rest out there in the mid-west in snow and freezing rain in late April, my sympathies. We had soaking rain for the past 2 days but since we we in a bit of a drought we seemed not to mind it so much. I cleared up unexpectedly midday so I had a chance to plant so flowers.
On Gallipoli, the movie, I just remember an overwhelming sense of sadness and a terrible secret that must not be told. Somehow Mel didn't leave as much an impression on me.
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Marie E. - Apr 24, 2005 8:48 pm (#1411 of 2981) Reply
Madam Pince-please don't freak out, these are end of the year expectations. I loved everyone's kindergarten memories, especially Ms. Amanda's writing story. So, can I expect Lexie to be reading Gone With The Wind like Catherine soon?
We didn't get snow here (for once) but it's been raining all day. We need the rain, so I'm trying not to gripe.
We were at Lowe's yesterday deciding what we're going to do with our front yard now that we have no tree and a giant gaping hole where the tree used to be. I'm trying to convince him to put in a fountain. We also saw a holly bush that gave me an instant HP vibe and I wanted it very badly. Couldn't tell him it was an HP thing or else I'd have to endure the "look".
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Viola Intonada - Apr 24, 2005 8:54 pm (#1412 of 2981) Reply
LOL, I know that look Marie. I get it every now and then from my hubby.
We have over 6 inches of snow on our picnic table.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 24, 2005 9:43 pm (#1413 of 2981) Reply
Is it just me or does the main page for the forum look different? It's like there are more spaces between the threads and the font looks bigger. I haven't changed any settings on my computer...
Maybe it's just me...
edit: it's back to normal now...that was weird...
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Cornelia - Apr 25, 2005 12:26 am (#1414 of 2981) Reply
Oh, I´m glad that anybody else can see this, too. I thought something is not all right with my eyes or my computer.
Good Luck, Lizzy!
I hope everybody had a nice weekend!
We have been in Narva yesterday (it reminded me of LOTR, two castles looking at each other over the river), for the first time in my live I looked at russia! And we have seen the first storcks, juhu spring is here!!
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The giant squid - Apr 25, 2005 1:42 am (#1415 of 2981) Reply
I do wish to send any apologies to Mike if he felt we all were generally being rude to Star Wars enthusiasts.--Loopy Lupin
On the contrary, Your Loopyness...I was afraid I & my fellow freaks were annoying the rest of you.
Catherine, I'm afraid I have not seen Gallipoli. Up until 3 1/2 years ago (when I started working at the theater) my movie viewing was quite limited. If it wasn't sci-fi or comedy I probably didn't see it. I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though.
Mandy, I hope things have improved for you. Here's a hug just in case.
I don't remember kindergarten, but I do know I was reading before I got there (one benefit of having a sister two years older--I learned when she did). I know I caused a bit of trouble in first grade, though. They said I was "disruptive"...turned out I was just bored. I remember being given a book entitled Gobbledygook and the rest was history.
Marie, I know all about tree parts, too. We used to have a palm tree by the front door... It seems Mother Nature doesn't want us to landscape...the wind only picks up when we want to work outside. As soon as we give up and go inside, it calms down again. The weather forecast says it'll be nice all week then start raining again come the weekend.
--Mike
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Catherine - Apr 25, 2005 3:31 am (#1416 of 2981) Reply
I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though. --His Squidness
Mike, I'd love to see a "Kevin Bac-Off" between you and His Loopyness. Loopy claims to be the ultimate "Six Degrees" player.
Thora, my kids are 9 and 5, and they sleep upstairs and we sleep downstairs. They think we don't hear them rough-housing and generally being out of bed.
Happy Monday.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 25, 2005 4:29 am (#1417 of 2981) Reply
Ok guys, I'm off for a couple of days... See you all when I get back and don't forget to put plenty of posts up for me to read. I love to read!!
Lizzy
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 25, 2005 5:14 am (#1418 of 2981) Reply
Had to share this one. Exploding Toads Baffle Experts.
Maybe someone making sure they don't miss our toad?
...toddles off to the barn whistling...
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 25, 2005 6:01 am (#1419 of 2981) Reply
Exploding toads. Fascinating.
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Chemyst - Apr 25, 2005 7:49 am (#1420 of 2981) Reply
Hey, sometimes Kim, how is your after-school Harry Potter class going?
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Loopy Lupin - Apr 25, 2005 7:59 am (#1421 of 2981) Reply
I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though. – Mike
Oh really!? Well, as Catherine pointed out, I love that game. I must confess that some of the newer and less established celebrities (read: some girl/guy in some teen movie I never bothered to see) give me trouble. But, with "real celebrities" I'm pretty dangerous, too and even prefer "Extreme Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" which means no using JFK . (To anyone who doesn't get that, Kevin Bacon was in JFK along with a good percentage of all working actors in Hollywood in 1991; so real Six Degree players consider using that movie cheating.)
EDIT-- Yeah, Kim. How'z the class going?
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 25, 2005 8:20 am (#1422 of 2981) Reply
My first class is Wednesday. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for asking.
I had to pull an all-nighter last night due to a project I put off until the last minute. I'm really feeling the effects today. I haven't typed this slowly since college.
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Madam Pince - Apr 25, 2005 8:28 am (#1423 of 2981) Reply
Exploding toads. That can't be good. Apparently one of the first signs that something is going extremely wrong with the environment is when amphibians start doing weird things, like growing extra toes, or exploding, perhaps. Hmmmm. I think if I lived near that pond, I'd be putting my house up for sale.
Wonder if any of the toads was wearing a pink cardigan and had a bow tied on top of its head? Hope so!
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Round Pink Spider - Apr 25, 2005 10:19 am (#1424 of 2981) Reply
Boy, and to think I was feeling sorry for us in Minnesota because we had a couple of nights of subfreezing temperatures...
My profound sympathies to those of you who got snow! (All we got was the cold, and it doesn't seem to have done any damage, although I can't speak for the apple orchards yet.)
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pottermom34 - Apr 25, 2005 12:30 pm (#1425 of 2981) Reply
That's good news Penny. I work Tues, Thurs, and Sat. If you get a chance stop by the zoo. Just tell them at the admission booth your getting an application, or have an interview and they'll let you in no charge. Sneaky aren't I.
I'll be the one with the tiger name tag or I might make one with a Hedwig owl on it.
Hope to finally meet you soon.
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Thora- Apr 25, 2005 1:19 pm (#1426 of 2981) Reply
Viola Intonada- nothing stuck from the storm here in Mentor, Kirtland only got an inch or so, but someone I know in Chardon got 18 inches! It's funny how the lake effect works, if you live right on the lake it doesn't fall to much but give it 7 miles from the shore and you get hammered. Unless you live in Ashtabula, I swear they catch the worst every time. I just hope May is kind to us this year, that freak fast moving storm last year was very scarey, I was very glad I had been induced the day before and didn't have to worry about getting to the hospital in that mess.
Email me if you are interested in coming to my Release party July 15th!
Thora
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I Am Used Vlad - Apr 25, 2005 1:23 pm (#1427 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, strictly out of curiosity, how many steps does it take you to get from Kevin Bacon to Chaplin? I can get to Buster in four, and it not only uses JFK, but It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World as well.
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Lina - Apr 25, 2005 1:29 pm (#1428 of 2981) Reply
All of you who suffered losses, my condolences. I wish you could have a more cheerful Passover, Julia. Mandy, you are in my prayers even when I don't post here. I hope everything turns out well even though it is not always the best what we think is the best.
Happy belated birthdays to all who celebrated!
Prof Sprout, your wedding home page is so romantic! Whenever I see two young people in love, I think how they have no idea of what is waiting for them in the future. Fortunately.
Last Friday, my sister had a promotion (is this the right word?) into a Masters degree. Your talking about conflicts with teachers, reminded me about her episode. When she was just a law student, 13 years ago , she had a subject within which they learned logic too. The teacher gave them a statement that she didn't understand and she asked me for help. I found a mistake in the statement, two symbols just had to exchange their places for it to become logical. So, the very next class she told it to the teacher. He was very kind, she never had problems about it, he just never thought logic again. And now, at the promotion, he was the dean who gave her the diploma. And then he told her how sorry he is because she chose some other subject to do her Masters degree in, because he could really use her as a help in Logic classes. It seems to have bothered him for 13 years!
We have a really bad thunderstorm here today. I never liked thunders, anyway, but yesterday we had an earthquake so whenever I hear the thunder I wonder if this is the earthquake again... We could loose the electricity too, so I better end here.
Edit: I almost forgot - this one is for the parents: I played a game on the computer with my almost six today and it is very nice. It is called Math for kids, I think it could be interesting for kids from age of 4 until 2nd grade, and it is a freeware. It can be downloaded in 4 languages (English, Polish, Italian and French). Here is the link for those who are interested.
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Denise P. - Apr 25, 2005 1:43 pm (#1429 of 2981) Reply
Vlad, you can get to Buster in 2 steps.
Buster Keaton was in Forever and a Day (1943) with June Lockhart
June Lockhart was in Big Picture, The (1989) with Kevin Bacon
To get to Chaplin, it is 3 steps
Charles Chaplin was in Limelight (1952) with Norman Lloyd
Norman Lloyd was in Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, The (2000) with David Alan Grier
David Alan Grier was in Woodsman, The (2004) with Kevin Bacon
And yes, I used a generator to find these.... And for those curious, the HP cast members have a score of 2 (at least any of those in CoS)
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Eponine - Apr 25, 2005 1:53 pm (#1430 of 2981) Reply
Sleepers and Apollo 13 are staples for us when playing 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
I finally located the dark chocolate M&M's today. Mmmmm....
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Madam Pince - Apr 25, 2005 1:55 pm (#1431 of 2981) Reply
Prof Sprout, your wedding home page is so romantic! Whenever I see two young people in love, I think how they have no idea of what is waiting for them in the future. Fortunately. – Lina
Tee-hee, Lina. I will always remember the look the doorman at the hotel gave us when Mr. Pince and I were leaving to come home from our honeymoon. We were all starry-eyed, of course, and he asked us how our honeymoon had been, and we gushed on and on about how wonderful everything was. And then he said "Well, don't get too used to it, because the real world starts tomorrow!"
Geez, what a buzz-kill.
But, honestly, Prof. Sprout, your wedding plans look fantastic! Enjoy it, enjoy it! We had the mostest, mostest fun with our wedding -- both the planning and the actual event. It will truly be special for you and Doug as well, I know! Congratulations!
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The giant squid - Apr 25, 2005 2:39 pm (#1432 of 2981) Reply
I'm pretty dangerous, too and even prefer "Extreme Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" which means no using JFK .--Loopy Lupin
You want to go extreme, ban Diner and Animal House too. Those two & JFK count for probably 80% of Kevin Bacon connections.
--Mike
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prof sprout - Apr 25, 2005 2:45 pm (#1433 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 25, 2005 3:01 pm
Thanks for the complements on the webpage. After the wedding happens I'll post pictures, but I figure by the time I get around to it will be time for the HBP release. So I might have to wait a little longer. ;o)
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Catherine - Apr 25, 2005 2:46 pm (#1434 of 2981) Reply
Ah..weddings. Here's where I was married: http://leechapel.wlu.edu/
I had a "cute kid quote" kind of day. My five year old and four year neighbor chatted nonstop in the car on the way to ballet. The conversation centered around birthdays, and my little neighbor said, "I heard a sad story about this old lady dying on her birthday. She didn't even get to eat her cake." I was reminded of Nearly Headless Nick, and was formulating how to appropriately respond to her comment when she said, "But I bet God peeked at her presents and told her what they were."
This made me grin all the way home.
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I Am Used Vlad - Apr 25, 2005 5:24 pm (#1435 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the help, Denise. I knew Buster would be closer.
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Puck - Apr 25, 2005 8:15 pm (#1436 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, that is so sweet! I love when they say things like that!
I'm back to reality after visiting the in-laws for a week. It was nice, not being in charge of dishes and housework, having them help with the kids. I got to sit and put my feet up -absolute heaven! The weather was odd. We arrived to it being very warm for this time of year, feeling like July. Then, driving home a week later it was snowing!
The big news was from my ultra sound. I'm having a girl! That breaks the tie, and means that the women will rule the house 3 to 2! My hubby grew up with only brothers, so he'll have no idea what hit him when our girls get older!
Cheers! Kathy
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Julia. - Apr 25, 2005 8:36 pm (#1437 of 2981) Reply
Oh man, Shabbos right into a two day Yom Tov equals lots and lots of posts to read!
Mandy, I'm sorry you've had a crappy week, I'll say some Tehillim for you. Hope you're feeling better.
Prof. Sprout, I loved your wedding page! Your ring and your dress are gorgeous, and your FG dresses are very cute.
Puck, Mazel tov on your news! It's always nice when the women out number the men! *dances*
Seders here were lovely. It was pretty funny trying to fit 20 people in my living room on Saturday night. Sunday night was easier, we had only 15. I got to do a bit of the second half, which was fun. For those of you who were asking, my friend's news wasn't great, but at least he didn't do anything stupid. Thank you all again for your concern. My great uncle's funeral is tomorrow, and I'm heading back to school after that.
There was more I wanted to say here, but as I don't have any interesting kindergarden stories, and I didn't take notes as I read this thread, I have forgotten what I wanted to say. Alas, earwax.
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Elanor - Apr 25, 2005 10:18 pm (#1438 of 2981) Reply
I just pop in to say hello before going to work and sending cheering and strengthening charms to everyone needing some. **concentrating hard on the charms**
School has started again and, as I feared, the kids acted like maniacs yesterday. The weather's been awful all the holidays week long so they couldn't let off steam outside, which means they're trying to do that at school now. I've used the McGonagall eye very often yesterday and it is likely I will have to use the Snape one today if I didn't made my point then.
I had a nice surprise waiting for me to cheer me up yesterday! My brother gave me a fantastic DVD collector box, "Chihiro's journey", that I think you may know as "Spirited away", from Hayao Miyazaki. Do you know it? I love it! He wanted to thank me because I have made and printed his wedding invitations. Only he could have thought of giving me "Chihiro", he's cool!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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Lina - Apr 25, 2005 10:33 pm (#1439 of 2981) Reply
Talking about women ruling the house: My grandmother had a son and three daughters. The boy died young and her husband disappeared in the war. So she remained with those 3 daughters, her mother, her sister, her mother in law and mother in law's sister. Her sister was ill, so she had to earn for the family. My mum's sister had two sons and got divorced, so my parents took care of the boys for a while. Therefore, my dad was a bit luckier than my husband because he had 2 nephews, 2 daughters, 2 sisters in law, mother in law, her mother (my great grandmother) and, of course, the wife. My aunts did have places of their own, but we all had the lunch together (7:3). Now, my husband has 3 daughters and me, and mother in law and sister in law living next door. We have a female dog and my sister has a female dog, so he is the only man on the story!
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Catherine - Apr 26, 2005 3:56 am (#1440 of 2981) Reply
We ladies outnumber Mr. Catherine in our house. One wife, two daughters, two female dogs...you get the picture.
One more "cute kid" story from yesterday: Hayley (age 5) got a soda can from the recycling bin, and asked me to wash it out and save it for her. I asked her why, and she told me she needed to make a "money tin" to collect money from us.
Am I the only one who is reminded of Hermione and S.P.E.W. at this point? Actually, though, she is planning a fashion show, and decided to have a collection tin so that we can pay for the privilege of watching her.
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Puck - Apr 26, 2005 5:42 am (#1441 of 2981) Reply
Sounds like something my Maya will be doing in a couple of years! She got a pink dress-up hat and purse and declared her grandma needed to buy her a pink flowered dress to go with it.
My brother is destined to be surrounded by women, too. My Dad died when we were young, then we moved in with my grandmother after our Papa past. Now, he lives with his wife, 3 daughters, my mom, and, yes "even the dog's a female".
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librarian314 - Apr 26, 2005 7:22 am (#1442 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
The men in my life are also surrounded by women. At the librarian household its my daughter, husband and I (so we outnumber him, 2:1). My dad, is married and both he and my step-mom have female dogs, so there it is 3:1. When we all get together (my parents, my family, and my sister and her husband and dog (who is also female) there are three men (all human), 4 human women, and 3 girl dogs. We almost outnumber the guys 2:1 there. My dad loves every minute of it! He's surrounded by women who love him and look after him. He knows when he's got it good!
On my husband's side of the family, it's getting ready to even out again. His brother's wife is pregnant and they are having a boy so it'll be 4 and 4 once again.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Sirius Lee - Apr 26, 2005 7:56 am (#1443 of 2981) Reply
My family is quite the opposite. My poor mom is surrounded by men. I'm the only girl, and the oldest of the five children by four years. I moved out at 18 and she's since been surrounded by my step-father and four sons! And since the boys are all within 2 years of each other, friends were always at the house. Most nights, it was my mom and at least 8 men to feed. Even after one moved out, she took in two friends who had nowhere to go (One woman, 6 men). It's better now that they're a bit older and girlfriends are hanging around. She used to beg me to come visit to add some estrogen to the room, but I think she's used to it now.
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Dumbledore - Apr 26, 2005 10:40 am (#1444 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody!
It's our spring vacation here on Long Island, so I have this week off from school. However, because of snow days, we are coming back for Friday. It's really pointless, since half the school will be away for vacation and the teachers won't be able to teach with ten kids in their class. I myself will be absent, because I have a science olympiad competition in Rochester Friday and Saturday. Anybody from the forum in that area?
I really don't have any cute elementary school stories other than that I was always very bored in school, as I was always very precocious for my age. This translated into my acting like a wild child and making it seem like I was a discipline problem. Eventually, however, I just through myself into learning and reading and the rest is history.
I'm doing a persuasive research paper for English, and I'm having a lot of trouble thinking of a topic. It would be only too easy to do the standard controversial topics of abortion, death penalty, euthanasia and the like. I'm really looking for something fresh and new that people wouldn't think of, and that I could be passionate about. Any suggestions?
Puck, congratulations on your soon-to-be baby girl!
Mandy, I hope your days are looking up.
Have a great week, everybody.
Always, Lauren
P.S. Anyone hear about/watch the Franklin Roosevelt special with Kenneth Branagh as Roosevelt!? I'm not sure if it already aired, but it must be weird to think of Lockhart as our Great Depression and World War II president!
P.S.S. I just have to mention how lovely it is how picking up one of the Harry Potter books can make a day seem so much brighter. They're truly amazing.
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Madam Pince - Apr 26, 2005 12:18 pm (#1445 of 2981) Reply
****Still laughing over the "puller bear vs. pusher bear" story and the "God peeked at her presents" story.*****
Kids are so cute. The other day, we were watching "The Little Mermaid" (Disney animated version), and it was the scene where Ariel is mooning out the window of the castle, looking adoringly down at Prince Eric cavorting on the beach. I said to Baby Pince "Awwwww, look, she's in love!"
He looked up at me and rolled his eyes in disgust. "She's not in love, Mommy, she's in a castle!"
Silly me.
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Lina - Apr 26, 2005 1:11 pm (#1446 of 2981) Reply
After the last night thunderstorm, I turned on the washing (? laundry) machine this morning and it started at the end of the program (throwing out the water) instead at the beginning (taking the water). The repairman told me to turn the timer to the end of the program, let it end, then unplug the machine for few minutes. After repluging, it worked correctly. Has it ever happened to anybody of you before? The repairman assures me that they haven't installed the Windows on washing machines yet, although I'm still a bit suspicious. There was a joke about a car that didn't work, the mechanic was sure that there was something wrong with the engine, the electrician wanted to check the electricity, and the computer guy suggested to close all the windows, get out from the car, lock it, unlock it, enter again and try to start it. Well, my husband had such a car for a while that really worked on these principles, so it is not a joke any more, it becomes a nightmare...
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Steve Newton - Apr 26, 2005 1:16 pm (#1447 of 2981) Reply
You had to reboot your washing machine?!?!?
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Lina - Apr 26, 2005 1:23 pm (#1448 of 2981) Reply
Yes, you can translate it this way. It seams that there was too much electricity in the air, due to the thunderstorm and it had to be "rebooted". Ain't it cute? The repairman didn't even come to see it, he gave us the instructions on the paper. He complains that he has to repair machines with the laptop nowdays.
Where is Phoenix Song?
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pottermom34 - Apr 26, 2005 3:52 pm (#1449 of 2981) Reply
Puck, just a word of caution on the ultrasound, some friends of mine had one to find out what their baby would be and the tech. made a mistake. They were told they were having a girl and bought $300. or so worth of girl things and ended up having a boy. They said a certain part of his anatomy was hiding behind the umbilicle cord. So make sure you get a second opinion. Good Luck and Congratulations.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 26, 2005 5:43 pm (#1450 of 2981) Reply
I'm wondering if someone who's technically proficient could tell me how to get a screen shot of JKR's site. I want to use it in my class tomorrow. Could you answer this in the 'Ideas for Harry Potter Class' thread? Thanks so much. Oh and remember, I'm technically illiterate so type slowly and use small words.
ruthlesspenguin - Apr 24, 2005 2:34 pm (#1401 of 2981) Reply
You know you have got out of bed unnaturally early when only 11 posts have been made on the chat thread since you checked it before going to bed (its usually 30+). Today is ANZAC Day in Australia (and I presume New Zealand), which marks the day when the first ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corp) landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in World War 1, so I have been up since 4.30am to attend the dawn service. Having just arrived home, the sensible thing to do would be to try and get some more sleep, seeing as Uni starts again tommorrow, but, of course, I decided to check the forum instead.
Someone told me recently that at the school their cousin attends in New Zealand, the tradition is that children graduate from kindergarten into the first grade on their birthday. While this is nice in that every child has a big fuss made of them when they leave kindegarten, it can also be rather traumatic when they begin year 1, as they are expected to have the same lessons as the other children who have been there much longer than them. Are there any New Zealanders who would know if this the usual practise or if it was just this one school (or quite possibly if I somehow dreamed up the conversation myself)?
<(')
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 24, 2005 5:02 pm (#1402 of 2981) Reply
Despite my best intentions, I never got to my dawn service for ANZAC day. This year it is the 90th anniversary of Gallipoli. I took a moment to think of the sacrifice our (Aussie and New Zealanders) soldiers made in that war and to quietly thank them for it.
I did however manage to get my doggies off to the vets for a four day stay - guess who's going to be away as of tomorrow (add 24hrs to time of this post) and won't be back until Friday (add another 3x24 hrs onto the first lot). The vet only opens for boarding drop off and pick up for 1/2 hour on Public holidays and weekends so it is a close call to make it sometimes.
I am going to Sydney again as I have more training to attend. This time its specialised debriefing and additional training to build upon our first workload. I have done my Home Study Exercises and am looking forward to the time away.
On the hearing aid front, I am waiting to hear from a supplier of 2nd hand aids that may be able to tide me over until I work out what I can do. The audiologist is going to check and repair (if possible) both aids again tomorrow afternoon. I got the last vacant appointment for tomorrow so I am really lucky to have got it.
Lizzy
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Catherine - Apr 24, 2005 5:49 pm (#1403 of 2981) Reply
I'm not sure what our movie buffs on the Forum (read Loopy and Squid Mike) think about his movie, but in honor of ANZAC day, I'll say that I remember really liking Gallipoli when I watched it in college. Of course, that it featured a VERY young Mel Gibson didn't hurt.
Did anyone else see this film?
I remember being overwhelmed when I realized the sheer number of troops slaughtered in battle. Amazing and awful.
Lizzy, I will say that, for various personal reasons, I was inclined to feel sorry for myself today, but your recent posts have given me a good kick in the rear. I will endeavor to count my blessings when possible. I even promise to give thanks that I can hear my children screaming about bedtime.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 24, 2005 6:00 pm (#1404 of 2981) Reply
Oh, good luck with the hearing aids Lizzy!!! I thought of you today as I watched Lord of the Rings, Return of the King. I turned on the subtitles because a few hundred posts back you had said something about subtitles and I thought that I should give it a go because sometimes it is hard to understand what they are saying exactly. It worked.
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Steve Newton - Apr 24, 2005 6:30 pm (#1405 of 2981) Reply
I never saw the entire movie of Gallipoli but what I did see was very good.
Everyone does know the Eric Bogle song, don't they.
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Thora- Apr 24, 2005 6:55 pm (#1406 of 2981) Reply
I'm probably totally off but was Gallipoli the movie about the sprinters who carried messages? I vaugely remember them being Austrailian, that and asking my Father why the one leader from England was such a jerk....
Catherine how old are your kids? Mine are 4, 2, and 11 mos, and they make an awful din at bedtime.
Prof Sprout - love the bridesmaid dresses, what about your dress. Iis it similar? You two look so cute together too.
Count Ohio in on the dratted snow, it rained first and then a layer of snow was on top of the slush, very messy, perhaps a class action lawsuit against the weatherman is in order? The silly man WANTED to break the snowfall record!
Thora
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 24, 2005 7:06 pm (#1407 of 2981) Reply
Everyone does know the Eric Bogle song, don't they Steve
Are you thinking of "And the band played Waltzing Matilda"? A beautiful haunting song and I know all the words to it and it was one of my favourites to play one handed on the old piano when I was a teen.
And what my family thought of my out of tune singing, I will never know - at least they had the smarts not to spoil something an unhappy teen enjoyed doing.
Ydnam; I remember seeing "Finding Nemo" and I had my subtitles on. There is no way on earth I would've gotten the point of the movie, the chatting and jokes etc, if I hadn't had the subtitles on. Especially as Dory had few good lines.
Catherine: I was looking at the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) website this morning to catch up all the news and it had a lovely set up for ANZAC day. Each time I see the numbers of dead, I shudder as though a ghost has passed over me.
Enjoy your Monday everyone.
Lizzy
Thora: You cross posted with me! Gallipoli is a movie staring a very young Mel Gibson (before his Aussie accent got too smoothed out). And yes Catherine, Mel is easy on the eyes! I have seen (but not heard) parts of the movie (and didn't like it) so I can't really tell you if your guess is correct.
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Viola Intonada - Apr 24, 2005 7:43 pm (#1408 of 2981) Reply
Whoever is doing the snow dance in Cleveland can stop now. My kids are praying for a snow day tomorrow. Too bad they won't get one...unless we lose power....
As for the school talk. In the US (in Ohio at least), children must attend Kindergarten when they turn 5 (or their parents have to register, declaring they are homeschooling their children) If you want, you may send your child to preschool as early as age 3 and keep them in preschool until they are Kindergarten age. I myself am using my degree in Microbiology to be a Preschool Teacher's Aid. (Meaning that I assist the teacher) I mostly tie kids shoes and make sure no one is trying to harm anyone else with scissors and I help the children care for our classroom pets. It is a lot of fun. I get snack every school day! I took the job because I have off all the same days my children do and I only work Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. I have to say all the kids and parents are great. I haven't felt this appreciated or needed in a job since college.
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KWeldon - Apr 24, 2005 7:50 pm (#1409 of 2981) Reply
The only thing I remember about Gallipoli was bawling my head off during the movie. And Mel Gibson.
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 24, 2005 8:24 pm (#1410 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Penny and all the rest out there in the mid-west in snow and freezing rain in late April, my sympathies. We had soaking rain for the past 2 days but since we we in a bit of a drought we seemed not to mind it so much. I cleared up unexpectedly midday so I had a chance to plant so flowers.
On Gallipoli, the movie, I just remember an overwhelming sense of sadness and a terrible secret that must not be told. Somehow Mel didn't leave as much an impression on me.
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Marie E. - Apr 24, 2005 8:48 pm (#1411 of 2981) Reply
Madam Pince-please don't freak out, these are end of the year expectations. I loved everyone's kindergarten memories, especially Ms. Amanda's writing story. So, can I expect Lexie to be reading Gone With The Wind like Catherine soon?
We didn't get snow here (for once) but it's been raining all day. We need the rain, so I'm trying not to gripe.
We were at Lowe's yesterday deciding what we're going to do with our front yard now that we have no tree and a giant gaping hole where the tree used to be. I'm trying to convince him to put in a fountain. We also saw a holly bush that gave me an instant HP vibe and I wanted it very badly. Couldn't tell him it was an HP thing or else I'd have to endure the "look".
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Viola Intonada - Apr 24, 2005 8:54 pm (#1412 of 2981) Reply
LOL, I know that look Marie. I get it every now and then from my hubby.
We have over 6 inches of snow on our picnic table.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 24, 2005 9:43 pm (#1413 of 2981) Reply
Is it just me or does the main page for the forum look different? It's like there are more spaces between the threads and the font looks bigger. I haven't changed any settings on my computer...
Maybe it's just me...
edit: it's back to normal now...that was weird...
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Cornelia - Apr 25, 2005 12:26 am (#1414 of 2981) Reply
Oh, I´m glad that anybody else can see this, too. I thought something is not all right with my eyes or my computer.
Good Luck, Lizzy!
I hope everybody had a nice weekend!
We have been in Narva yesterday (it reminded me of LOTR, two castles looking at each other over the river), for the first time in my live I looked at russia! And we have seen the first storcks, juhu spring is here!!
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The giant squid - Apr 25, 2005 1:42 am (#1415 of 2981) Reply
I do wish to send any apologies to Mike if he felt we all were generally being rude to Star Wars enthusiasts.--Loopy Lupin
On the contrary, Your Loopyness...I was afraid I & my fellow freaks were annoying the rest of you.
Catherine, I'm afraid I have not seen Gallipoli. Up until 3 1/2 years ago (when I started working at the theater) my movie viewing was quite limited. If it wasn't sci-fi or comedy I probably didn't see it. I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though.
Mandy, I hope things have improved for you. Here's a hug just in case.
I don't remember kindergarten, but I do know I was reading before I got there (one benefit of having a sister two years older--I learned when she did). I know I caused a bit of trouble in first grade, though. They said I was "disruptive"...turned out I was just bored. I remember being given a book entitled Gobbledygook and the rest was history.
Marie, I know all about tree parts, too. We used to have a palm tree by the front door... It seems Mother Nature doesn't want us to landscape...the wind only picks up when we want to work outside. As soon as we give up and go inside, it calms down again. The weather forecast says it'll be nice all week then start raining again come the weekend.
--Mike
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Catherine - Apr 25, 2005 3:31 am (#1416 of 2981) Reply
I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though. --His Squidness
Mike, I'd love to see a "Kevin Bac-Off" between you and His Loopyness. Loopy claims to be the ultimate "Six Degrees" player.
Thora, my kids are 9 and 5, and they sleep upstairs and we sleep downstairs. They think we don't hear them rough-housing and generally being out of bed.
Happy Monday.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 25, 2005 4:29 am (#1417 of 2981) Reply
Ok guys, I'm off for a couple of days... See you all when I get back and don't forget to put plenty of posts up for me to read. I love to read!!
Lizzy
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 25, 2005 5:14 am (#1418 of 2981) Reply
Had to share this one. Exploding Toads Baffle Experts.
Maybe someone making sure they don't miss our toad?
...toddles off to the barn whistling...
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 25, 2005 6:01 am (#1419 of 2981) Reply
Exploding toads. Fascinating.
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Chemyst - Apr 25, 2005 7:49 am (#1420 of 2981) Reply
Hey, sometimes Kim, how is your after-school Harry Potter class going?
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Loopy Lupin - Apr 25, 2005 7:59 am (#1421 of 2981) Reply
I'm still dangerous at Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, though. – Mike
Oh really!? Well, as Catherine pointed out, I love that game. I must confess that some of the newer and less established celebrities (read: some girl/guy in some teen movie I never bothered to see) give me trouble. But, with "real celebrities" I'm pretty dangerous, too and even prefer "Extreme Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" which means no using JFK . (To anyone who doesn't get that, Kevin Bacon was in JFK along with a good percentage of all working actors in Hollywood in 1991; so real Six Degree players consider using that movie cheating.)
EDIT-- Yeah, Kim. How'z the class going?
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 25, 2005 8:20 am (#1422 of 2981) Reply
My first class is Wednesday. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks for asking.
I had to pull an all-nighter last night due to a project I put off until the last minute. I'm really feeling the effects today. I haven't typed this slowly since college.
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Madam Pince - Apr 25, 2005 8:28 am (#1423 of 2981) Reply
Exploding toads. That can't be good. Apparently one of the first signs that something is going extremely wrong with the environment is when amphibians start doing weird things, like growing extra toes, or exploding, perhaps. Hmmmm. I think if I lived near that pond, I'd be putting my house up for sale.
Wonder if any of the toads was wearing a pink cardigan and had a bow tied on top of its head? Hope so!
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Round Pink Spider - Apr 25, 2005 10:19 am (#1424 of 2981) Reply
Boy, and to think I was feeling sorry for us in Minnesota because we had a couple of nights of subfreezing temperatures...
My profound sympathies to those of you who got snow! (All we got was the cold, and it doesn't seem to have done any damage, although I can't speak for the apple orchards yet.)
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pottermom34 - Apr 25, 2005 12:30 pm (#1425 of 2981) Reply
That's good news Penny. I work Tues, Thurs, and Sat. If you get a chance stop by the zoo. Just tell them at the admission booth your getting an application, or have an interview and they'll let you in no charge. Sneaky aren't I.
I'll be the one with the tiger name tag or I might make one with a Hedwig owl on it.
Hope to finally meet you soon.
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Thora- Apr 25, 2005 1:19 pm (#1426 of 2981) Reply
Viola Intonada- nothing stuck from the storm here in Mentor, Kirtland only got an inch or so, but someone I know in Chardon got 18 inches! It's funny how the lake effect works, if you live right on the lake it doesn't fall to much but give it 7 miles from the shore and you get hammered. Unless you live in Ashtabula, I swear they catch the worst every time. I just hope May is kind to us this year, that freak fast moving storm last year was very scarey, I was very glad I had been induced the day before and didn't have to worry about getting to the hospital in that mess.
Email me if you are interested in coming to my Release party July 15th!
Thora
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I Am Used Vlad - Apr 25, 2005 1:23 pm (#1427 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, strictly out of curiosity, how many steps does it take you to get from Kevin Bacon to Chaplin? I can get to Buster in four, and it not only uses JFK, but It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World as well.
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Lina - Apr 25, 2005 1:29 pm (#1428 of 2981) Reply
All of you who suffered losses, my condolences. I wish you could have a more cheerful Passover, Julia. Mandy, you are in my prayers even when I don't post here. I hope everything turns out well even though it is not always the best what we think is the best.
Happy belated birthdays to all who celebrated!
Prof Sprout, your wedding home page is so romantic! Whenever I see two young people in love, I think how they have no idea of what is waiting for them in the future. Fortunately.
Last Friday, my sister had a promotion (is this the right word?) into a Masters degree. Your talking about conflicts with teachers, reminded me about her episode. When she was just a law student, 13 years ago , she had a subject within which they learned logic too. The teacher gave them a statement that she didn't understand and she asked me for help. I found a mistake in the statement, two symbols just had to exchange their places for it to become logical. So, the very next class she told it to the teacher. He was very kind, she never had problems about it, he just never thought logic again. And now, at the promotion, he was the dean who gave her the diploma. And then he told her how sorry he is because she chose some other subject to do her Masters degree in, because he could really use her as a help in Logic classes. It seems to have bothered him for 13 years!
We have a really bad thunderstorm here today. I never liked thunders, anyway, but yesterday we had an earthquake so whenever I hear the thunder I wonder if this is the earthquake again... We could loose the electricity too, so I better end here.
Edit: I almost forgot - this one is for the parents: I played a game on the computer with my almost six today and it is very nice. It is called Math for kids, I think it could be interesting for kids from age of 4 until 2nd grade, and it is a freeware. It can be downloaded in 4 languages (English, Polish, Italian and French). Here is the link for those who are interested.
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Denise P. - Apr 25, 2005 1:43 pm (#1429 of 2981) Reply
Vlad, you can get to Buster in 2 steps.
Buster Keaton was in Forever and a Day (1943) with June Lockhart
June Lockhart was in Big Picture, The (1989) with Kevin Bacon
To get to Chaplin, it is 3 steps
Charles Chaplin was in Limelight (1952) with Norman Lloyd
Norman Lloyd was in Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle, The (2000) with David Alan Grier
David Alan Grier was in Woodsman, The (2004) with Kevin Bacon
And yes, I used a generator to find these.... And for those curious, the HP cast members have a score of 2 (at least any of those in CoS)
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Eponine - Apr 25, 2005 1:53 pm (#1430 of 2981) Reply
Sleepers and Apollo 13 are staples for us when playing 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon.
I finally located the dark chocolate M&M's today. Mmmmm....
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Madam Pince - Apr 25, 2005 1:55 pm (#1431 of 2981) Reply
Prof Sprout, your wedding home page is so romantic! Whenever I see two young people in love, I think how they have no idea of what is waiting for them in the future. Fortunately. – Lina
Tee-hee, Lina. I will always remember the look the doorman at the hotel gave us when Mr. Pince and I were leaving to come home from our honeymoon. We were all starry-eyed, of course, and he asked us how our honeymoon had been, and we gushed on and on about how wonderful everything was. And then he said "Well, don't get too used to it, because the real world starts tomorrow!"
Geez, what a buzz-kill.
But, honestly, Prof. Sprout, your wedding plans look fantastic! Enjoy it, enjoy it! We had the mostest, mostest fun with our wedding -- both the planning and the actual event. It will truly be special for you and Doug as well, I know! Congratulations!
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The giant squid - Apr 25, 2005 2:39 pm (#1432 of 2981) Reply
I'm pretty dangerous, too and even prefer "Extreme Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" which means no using JFK .--Loopy Lupin
You want to go extreme, ban Diner and Animal House too. Those two & JFK count for probably 80% of Kevin Bacon connections.
--Mike
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prof sprout - Apr 25, 2005 2:45 pm (#1433 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 25, 2005 3:01 pm
Thanks for the complements on the webpage. After the wedding happens I'll post pictures, but I figure by the time I get around to it will be time for the HBP release. So I might have to wait a little longer. ;o)
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Catherine - Apr 25, 2005 2:46 pm (#1434 of 2981) Reply
Ah..weddings. Here's where I was married: http://leechapel.wlu.edu/
I had a "cute kid quote" kind of day. My five year old and four year neighbor chatted nonstop in the car on the way to ballet. The conversation centered around birthdays, and my little neighbor said, "I heard a sad story about this old lady dying on her birthday. She didn't even get to eat her cake." I was reminded of Nearly Headless Nick, and was formulating how to appropriately respond to her comment when she said, "But I bet God peeked at her presents and told her what they were."
This made me grin all the way home.
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I Am Used Vlad - Apr 25, 2005 5:24 pm (#1435 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the help, Denise. I knew Buster would be closer.
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Puck - Apr 25, 2005 8:15 pm (#1436 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, that is so sweet! I love when they say things like that!
I'm back to reality after visiting the in-laws for a week. It was nice, not being in charge of dishes and housework, having them help with the kids. I got to sit and put my feet up -absolute heaven! The weather was odd. We arrived to it being very warm for this time of year, feeling like July. Then, driving home a week later it was snowing!
The big news was from my ultra sound. I'm having a girl! That breaks the tie, and means that the women will rule the house 3 to 2! My hubby grew up with only brothers, so he'll have no idea what hit him when our girls get older!
Cheers! Kathy
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Julia. - Apr 25, 2005 8:36 pm (#1437 of 2981) Reply
Oh man, Shabbos right into a two day Yom Tov equals lots and lots of posts to read!
Mandy, I'm sorry you've had a crappy week, I'll say some Tehillim for you. Hope you're feeling better.
Prof. Sprout, I loved your wedding page! Your ring and your dress are gorgeous, and your FG dresses are very cute.
Puck, Mazel tov on your news! It's always nice when the women out number the men! *dances*
Seders here were lovely. It was pretty funny trying to fit 20 people in my living room on Saturday night. Sunday night was easier, we had only 15. I got to do a bit of the second half, which was fun. For those of you who were asking, my friend's news wasn't great, but at least he didn't do anything stupid. Thank you all again for your concern. My great uncle's funeral is tomorrow, and I'm heading back to school after that.
There was more I wanted to say here, but as I don't have any interesting kindergarden stories, and I didn't take notes as I read this thread, I have forgotten what I wanted to say. Alas, earwax.
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Elanor - Apr 25, 2005 10:18 pm (#1438 of 2981) Reply
I just pop in to say hello before going to work and sending cheering and strengthening charms to everyone needing some. **concentrating hard on the charms**
School has started again and, as I feared, the kids acted like maniacs yesterday. The weather's been awful all the holidays week long so they couldn't let off steam outside, which means they're trying to do that at school now. I've used the McGonagall eye very often yesterday and it is likely I will have to use the Snape one today if I didn't made my point then.
I had a nice surprise waiting for me to cheer me up yesterday! My brother gave me a fantastic DVD collector box, "Chihiro's journey", that I think you may know as "Spirited away", from Hayao Miyazaki. Do you know it? I love it! He wanted to thank me because I have made and printed his wedding invitations. Only he could have thought of giving me "Chihiro", he's cool!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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Lina - Apr 25, 2005 10:33 pm (#1439 of 2981) Reply
Talking about women ruling the house: My grandmother had a son and three daughters. The boy died young and her husband disappeared in the war. So she remained with those 3 daughters, her mother, her sister, her mother in law and mother in law's sister. Her sister was ill, so she had to earn for the family. My mum's sister had two sons and got divorced, so my parents took care of the boys for a while. Therefore, my dad was a bit luckier than my husband because he had 2 nephews, 2 daughters, 2 sisters in law, mother in law, her mother (my great grandmother) and, of course, the wife. My aunts did have places of their own, but we all had the lunch together (7:3). Now, my husband has 3 daughters and me, and mother in law and sister in law living next door. We have a female dog and my sister has a female dog, so he is the only man on the story!
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Catherine - Apr 26, 2005 3:56 am (#1440 of 2981) Reply
We ladies outnumber Mr. Catherine in our house. One wife, two daughters, two female dogs...you get the picture.
One more "cute kid" story from yesterday: Hayley (age 5) got a soda can from the recycling bin, and asked me to wash it out and save it for her. I asked her why, and she told me she needed to make a "money tin" to collect money from us.
Am I the only one who is reminded of Hermione and S.P.E.W. at this point? Actually, though, she is planning a fashion show, and decided to have a collection tin so that we can pay for the privilege of watching her.
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Puck - Apr 26, 2005 5:42 am (#1441 of 2981) Reply
Sounds like something my Maya will be doing in a couple of years! She got a pink dress-up hat and purse and declared her grandma needed to buy her a pink flowered dress to go with it.
My brother is destined to be surrounded by women, too. My Dad died when we were young, then we moved in with my grandmother after our Papa past. Now, he lives with his wife, 3 daughters, my mom, and, yes "even the dog's a female".
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librarian314 - Apr 26, 2005 7:22 am (#1442 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
The men in my life are also surrounded by women. At the librarian household its my daughter, husband and I (so we outnumber him, 2:1). My dad, is married and both he and my step-mom have female dogs, so there it is 3:1. When we all get together (my parents, my family, and my sister and her husband and dog (who is also female) there are three men (all human), 4 human women, and 3 girl dogs. We almost outnumber the guys 2:1 there. My dad loves every minute of it! He's surrounded by women who love him and look after him. He knows when he's got it good!
On my husband's side of the family, it's getting ready to even out again. His brother's wife is pregnant and they are having a boy so it'll be 4 and 4 once again.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Sirius Lee - Apr 26, 2005 7:56 am (#1443 of 2981) Reply
My family is quite the opposite. My poor mom is surrounded by men. I'm the only girl, and the oldest of the five children by four years. I moved out at 18 and she's since been surrounded by my step-father and four sons! And since the boys are all within 2 years of each other, friends were always at the house. Most nights, it was my mom and at least 8 men to feed. Even after one moved out, she took in two friends who had nowhere to go (One woman, 6 men). It's better now that they're a bit older and girlfriends are hanging around. She used to beg me to come visit to add some estrogen to the room, but I think she's used to it now.
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Dumbledore - Apr 26, 2005 10:40 am (#1444 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody!
It's our spring vacation here on Long Island, so I have this week off from school. However, because of snow days, we are coming back for Friday. It's really pointless, since half the school will be away for vacation and the teachers won't be able to teach with ten kids in their class. I myself will be absent, because I have a science olympiad competition in Rochester Friday and Saturday. Anybody from the forum in that area?
I really don't have any cute elementary school stories other than that I was always very bored in school, as I was always very precocious for my age. This translated into my acting like a wild child and making it seem like I was a discipline problem. Eventually, however, I just through myself into learning and reading and the rest is history.
I'm doing a persuasive research paper for English, and I'm having a lot of trouble thinking of a topic. It would be only too easy to do the standard controversial topics of abortion, death penalty, euthanasia and the like. I'm really looking for something fresh and new that people wouldn't think of, and that I could be passionate about. Any suggestions?
Puck, congratulations on your soon-to-be baby girl!
Mandy, I hope your days are looking up.
Have a great week, everybody.
Always, Lauren
P.S. Anyone hear about/watch the Franklin Roosevelt special with Kenneth Branagh as Roosevelt!? I'm not sure if it already aired, but it must be weird to think of Lockhart as our Great Depression and World War II president!
P.S.S. I just have to mention how lovely it is how picking up one of the Harry Potter books can make a day seem so much brighter. They're truly amazing.
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Madam Pince - Apr 26, 2005 12:18 pm (#1445 of 2981) Reply
****Still laughing over the "puller bear vs. pusher bear" story and the "God peeked at her presents" story.*****
Kids are so cute. The other day, we were watching "The Little Mermaid" (Disney animated version), and it was the scene where Ariel is mooning out the window of the castle, looking adoringly down at Prince Eric cavorting on the beach. I said to Baby Pince "Awwwww, look, she's in love!"
He looked up at me and rolled his eyes in disgust. "She's not in love, Mommy, she's in a castle!"
Silly me.
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Lina - Apr 26, 2005 1:11 pm (#1446 of 2981) Reply
After the last night thunderstorm, I turned on the washing (? laundry) machine this morning and it started at the end of the program (throwing out the water) instead at the beginning (taking the water). The repairman told me to turn the timer to the end of the program, let it end, then unplug the machine for few minutes. After repluging, it worked correctly. Has it ever happened to anybody of you before? The repairman assures me that they haven't installed the Windows on washing machines yet, although I'm still a bit suspicious. There was a joke about a car that didn't work, the mechanic was sure that there was something wrong with the engine, the electrician wanted to check the electricity, and the computer guy suggested to close all the windows, get out from the car, lock it, unlock it, enter again and try to start it. Well, my husband had such a car for a while that really worked on these principles, so it is not a joke any more, it becomes a nightmare...
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Steve Newton - Apr 26, 2005 1:16 pm (#1447 of 2981) Reply
You had to reboot your washing machine?!?!?
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Lina - Apr 26, 2005 1:23 pm (#1448 of 2981) Reply
Yes, you can translate it this way. It seams that there was too much electricity in the air, due to the thunderstorm and it had to be "rebooted". Ain't it cute? The repairman didn't even come to see it, he gave us the instructions on the paper. He complains that he has to repair machines with the laptop nowdays.
Where is Phoenix Song?
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pottermom34 - Apr 26, 2005 3:52 pm (#1449 of 2981) Reply
Puck, just a word of caution on the ultrasound, some friends of mine had one to find out what their baby would be and the tech. made a mistake. They were told they were having a girl and bought $300. or so worth of girl things and ended up having a boy. They said a certain part of his anatomy was hiding behind the umbilicle cord. So make sure you get a second opinion. Good Luck and Congratulations.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 26, 2005 5:43 pm (#1450 of 2981) Reply
I'm wondering if someone who's technically proficient could tell me how to get a screen shot of JKR's site. I want to use it in my class tomorrow. Could you answer this in the 'Ideas for Harry Potter Class' thread? Thanks so much. Oh and remember, I'm technically illiterate so type slowly and use small words.
Last edited by Lady Arabella on Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
Lady Arabella- Prefect
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
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Catherine - Apr 26, 2005 5:54 pm (#1451 of 2981) Reply
Oh and remember, I'm technically illiterate so type slowly and use small words. --Sometimes Kim
Yes. I'm really worried about Kim's use of language.
Have a great class, Sometimes Kim; I'm doing annoying cheerleader stuff here that you can't see complete with pyramids and backflips. All for your success.
Did I mention that you and your kids in the class will do awesome stuff that will make you smile later?
Oh, about the screen thingy...I'm hopelessly illiterate.
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Denise P. - Apr 26, 2005 6:01 pm (#1452 of 2981) Reply
Kim, I posted directions over there for you, using simple words
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 26, 2005 6:36 pm (#1453 of 2981) Reply
Denise I have another question about this. I'll post it over on the 'How do you' thread.
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Pinky - Apr 26, 2005 7:53 pm (#1454 of 2981) Reply
Dumbledore, try picking a subject that you don't believe in. In college, we had to do something similar with a persuasive speech. I picked trying to prove that monarchy was better than democracy. What a hoot! I almost got a one-way ticket out of the US from my class! While I personally prefer democracy, it can be very stretching and educational for you to try defending something that you normally would not. It forces you to think through your arguments more than if you already believe in it. For example, you could pick the subject of arranged marriages versus marrying for love. And incidentally, as a resource for my monarchy speech, I called up a really cute Canadian guy on campus for technical help. We ended up getting married the next year....
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Puck - Apr 26, 2005 8:19 pm (#1455 of 2981) Reply
That's so sweet, about calling for help and getting a husband, but I don't think we need to marry Lauren off just yet!
Does the topic have to serious? I mean can you do cats vs. dogs? Some people are very passionate about that one. (my kitty climbing on my laptop for attention as I type.) I once had to write a "How to" essay and I wrote about the proper way to eat an Oreo cookie. Got an "A", and Sr. Mary even read it out loud to the class.
Oh, thanks Pottermom. Since I have both boy and girl clothes stored away, I figure I won't donate the boy stuff until after baby's born, just in case. Last time we were told a girl, but I kept tags on clothes and held receipts, just in case. Pretty sure this time. It's not just about what they don't see, but what they do see, and we got a good view. (Of course, when they were trying to check out the heart, she was highly uncooperative, so much like my first daughter.)
Off to check a few favorite threads!
Kathy
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Denise P. - Apr 26, 2005 8:24 pm (#1456 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Pinky Apr 27, 2005 4:51 am
Denise, I edited your post. Please try not to use abbreviations (u/s) that others may not know. *evil grin* **ducks and runs** ~Pinky
I have a 9 year old boy that we were told on 2 separate ultrasounds (in different countries, no less!) was a girl. He is most certainly a boy. I have always been told to take it as a fact if they say boy but be prepared for anything when they say girl. Good thing we had a boy name....just in case! We know gender on this babe but will still have an alternate name....just in case
<---- They were correct about this one
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Ydnam96 - Apr 26, 2005 11:09 pm (#1457 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, good wishes. Things are going better. I'm almost afraid to say that though...but for now it does seem to be okay. I do really appreciate the community we have here!
Dumbledore, you should think of something you are interested in and use that as a starting point. For instance, you like Harry Potter. You could do a position paper on what the educational benefits are of reading the books are for young students vs. the fact that it is banned in many schools (per religious reasons mostly I believe). I have a book by Granger, very well thought out and argued, called "Finding God in Harry Potter" that might be helpful if you went that route. If you wanted to use another topic though, you could do something like politics (immigration laws/policies are a big thing here in California), social issues (save the trees, forest, lakes), or whatever really. The trick is to pick something you are already interested. I had to write a paper on ethnicity in counseling which really didn't sound like fun (it's a rather broad topic) but I'm kind of passionate about Native Americans, so I wrote a paper about what their special needs are in the mental health field based on their current position in society, economy, and decline of their culture. (I'm a bit Native American myself, not a whole lot it's like 8 generations back, but it's enough to make me interested). Anyway, you get my point.
I hope I didn't bore you.
Denise, I was just saying to a friend at work today that I'm going to laugh if their baby ends up a girl, as they have purchased all "boy" things and have named him already. In fact, they have had him named since the first sonogram.
Anyway. I'm super tired. I'm heading to bed. Night all.
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boop - Apr 27, 2005 3:42 am (#1458 of 2981) Reply
Good Morning Everyone!!!! Have a great day!!!
Happy Birthday to Sarcastic Ginny and Weasley Wanna B !!!!!!! On your special day have a wonderful day!!
**** Waves to Mike***
Hugs Always
boop
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librarian314 - Apr 27, 2005 6:51 am (#1459 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Hope all is well with you and yours!
We're having our annual pink "snow storm" in our neighborhood. The developers planted these lovely trees that have frothy, pink blossoms (rather reminds me of something Umbridge might wear). As the petals fall, it looks like a dusting of snow. The kids have petal fights (they hurl handfuls at each other) and we get drifts of at least 6 inches. I'm glad it doesn't melt and refreeze or need shoveling. I'd rather have this kind of snow, any day!
I've found another movie candidate for my 6 degrees of Harry Potter. The upcoming "Kingdom of Heaven" has both David Thewlis (Prof. Lupin) and Brendan Gleeson (Mad-Eye). From what I've seen, it looks to be really good. We get to see David Thewlis as a blonde!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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pottermom34 - Apr 27, 2005 7:16 am (#1460 of 2981) Reply
Here are a couple of funny things my kids said:
Boop, I want you to know, my 3 year old was reading posts with me and pointed your avatar and said "I like that baby." Then said “who's that guy and that guy” to it also.
Yesterday, we were on our way to the babysitters, and my oldest mentioned the car is getting messy again. I said well whose mess is it? Then my 3yr old said "Whose driving this car anyway?!" Don't ask where that came from cause I don't know. Oh well as they say out of the mouths of babes.
birthday wishes and happy charms to all.
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Thora- Apr 27, 2005 8:03 am (#1461 of 2981) Reply
"I'm a bit Native American myself, not a whole lot it's like 8 generations back, but it's enough to make me interested."- Ydnam96
Hey me too! I once went to "The festival of the Great American West" and a man who sculpted Native American faces out of wood stopped me and said "You’re of the people aren't you?" Kind of nice to know my cheek bones and face shape count while my red hair and ghost white skin trick most people. I just wish I knew what tribe I was related to.
Thora
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Ticker - Apr 27, 2005 8:43 am (#1462 of 2981) Reply
It's snowing this am in sunny South Dakota. We'll take any moisture we can get.
I am also part Native American. My brother in UT, where they have phenomenal geneology records, says we are either Choctaw or Chickasaw. Some day I'd like to research this some more myself.
Aria (age 1 & 1/2) also likes the kids in the avatars. She pointed at Denise P.'s and yelled "Boy! Boy! Boy!" until I scrolled back to it. Same with Marie E.'s little girl, except remarkably she managed to say "Gihl! Gihl!". She doesn't always get gender straight. She always says "Baby, awwwwwwww, baby..." when she sees one too. Thanks to all these wonderful avatars, I can stay on the Forum for at least 45 seconds longer than without.
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Phoenix song - Apr 27, 2005 10:34 am (#1463 of 2981) Reply
Hello Everybody! **Waves to Lina!!** I'm over here!! It's so nice to have been missed.
I haven't been posting in a while because I had been overwhelmed with some much needed home improvement projects. You should've seen me working with skill saws, drills and other assorted power tools. What a funny sight! I had to complete the construction alone, since the husband was away earning some "bacon". I couldn't wait for him to return since the weather was so pleasant. Around here, it pays to work when it's not raining and the humidity is below 95%. (Wouldn't you agree TBE?)
I surprised even myself with the results, but I'm afraid that it cut into my forum time. I've missed you all, though. How have you been?
By the way, for anyone that hasn't tried them, I just ADORE the dark chocolate M&M's. I'm not even a dark chocolate fan, but these things are even better than the milk chocolate ones. I hope that they are planning on continuing to produce them after the promotional period is completed.
Barbie
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Elanor - Apr 27, 2005 12:12 pm (#1464 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! Happy birthdays!
It's so good to hear from you again Barbie! **waving**
It's been a very frustrating day here for me, or at least the morning was, and I'm very happy to find some time at last for posting today. This morning I had to go to a "training course" for teachers, which meant I had to get up at 6.30, drive 50 km and spend 3 hours listening to a lecture about spelling, exciting, isn't it?. I let you imagine how happy I was about that...
So, this teacher, certainly brilliant and from a great university, explained us over and over again that we did all wrong about teaching spelling. First, we should not make the kids write some dictations and, if we could not restrain ourselves from doing it, we should NEVER call it a dictation (silly of us to do that really!). We should call it "assessment tests" because the only word "dictation" traumatizes those poor kids (it is well known that the first skill needed to be a teacher is sadism and that our day is not good if we didn't write with red ink all over the kids' notebooks!). I'll try that sometime, but I'm not sure the kids will like the exercise better if I call it "assessment test", actually I fear it will be worse since they're likely to make mistakes only writing "assessment test"! LOL! To think I got up at 6.30 for hearing that...
Well, I know we're far from being perfect and there are some things that we could definitely improve but what really got on my nerves is that, if she did a great job pointing what was wrong, she carefully avoided to tell us what we should do instead! But she never forgot to remind us every 10 minutes that all the tools we should need were in her new book that was conveniently sold just outside the conference room... That kind of teacher really makes my inner-Snape resurface and wish I could tell her what I really think about that!
Sorry for the rant! I didn't mean to bother you, please forgive me if I did.
Have a great day/night everybody!
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The giant squid - Apr 27, 2005 12:59 pm (#1465 of 2981) Reply
You had to reboot your washing machine?!?!?
Welcome to the 21st century... This is how it starts. Next thing you know there'll be cyborgs controlled by a satellite AI being sent back in time to kill the mother of the resistance leader.
Hey, that'd make a great movie...
Michelle, some of my coworkers saw a preview cut of Kingdom of Heaven and loved it (even the ones who don't drool over Orlando Bloom). My theater, naturally, won't be getting it; they're keeping the field clear for Star Wars.
***waves to Betty***
--Mike
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Catherine - Apr 27, 2005 1:16 pm (#1466 of 2981) Reply
Michelle, some of my coworkers saw a preview cut of Kingdom of Heaven and loved it (even the ones who don't drool over Orlando Bloom). –Mike
Ooh. I thought Orlando Bloom the movie looked good. I'll look forward to it.
Good to see you pop in, Phoenix Song. Sounds like you could host a home improvement show now that you have tool experience. I hope Mr. Phoenix Song and the little Phoenix Songs remember this come Mother's Day!
I wonder if Kim is teaching her class now?
Elanor, I hate "education speak" and mandatory teacher education classes. Ick. A former assistant principal Claire had a few years ago is someone that I joke about. She had a deep smoker's rasp, and she talked "educationalese." An example: "We need to seriously consider assessing outcomes for the best pedagogical effect here." Imagine this in a voice like Patty or Selma from The Simpsons and you have an idea. Gives me the collywobbles.
See you all around. I may be unable to log on to the Forum for a few days if my parent's computer is wonky. I'll be in Richmond to help my mom after her spinal surgery. The fun part is that I'll get to see how their rescued shih-tzu "Belle" is doing these days. My parents say she has just blossomed and become the most loving, delightful little thing. Yay!
See you all around!
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Madam Pince - Apr 27, 2005 1:23 pm (#1467 of 2981) Reply
Ticker, I know what you mean about kids and the avatars on the Forum. Baby Pince likes to look at the smiley faces too. Sometimes it's all I can do to keep him off the keyboard as he's leaning up to the monitor to point them all out to me. So any of my posts that have been totally ridiculous (let's see.... Mark Evans, maybe?) well, that wasn't really my post -- it was just Baby Pince accidentally pushing down the keys.
Elanor, those people who hold seminars and then just tell you that all your problems will be solved if you just buy their book..... it drives me nuts! I hope you were able to have a nice relaxing evening at home after such a yucky day.
Happy Wednesday everyone! The weekend's almost here!
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Thora- Apr 27, 2005 4:15 pm (#1468 of 2981) Reply
Well in defence of the presenter (feel free to throw vegetables), I once worked as an assistant to the developer of a reading program. The state was holding a para-educator conference and asked her to present our program but billed it as a general teaching method on the hand bill. So the comment cards we got back said either "I love your program, it's working wonders at my school" or "It sounded more like you were trying to sell a program than teach a method." Ah well the t-shirt was cool, I guess it was worth putting together about 200 kits all on my lonesome. *sigh* Ah for the days of making a recognised contribution to society... not that I would trade, I'd miss the kids to much.
Thora
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Chemyst - Apr 27, 2005 4:27 pm (#1469 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday to Sarcastic Ginny, (and Weasley Wanna B, pleased to make your acquaintance.) Good to see you posting Barbie. (By the way, From Venus reports being busy too, but is fine.) Speedy recovery to Mother Catherine.
Elanor, I found your rant to be funny because, not that long ago, I was reading about how one of the mistakes of modern education is that we've gotten away from using dictation. ( I should point out the author was talking about dictating a paragraph of prose, not a list of words.) Dictation of fine literature for the students to write is supposed to integrate the learning of spelling, vocabulary and grammar. I will let others judge that claim, but it is a very good technique for keeping dawdlers and daydreamers focused.
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Catherine - Apr 27, 2005 4:38 pm (#1470 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, I do agree with your "dictation" (even if we don't call it that) point.
As for me, about mandatory teacher education, see my rant post from January: http://wc6.worldcrossing.comwebx?13@@.1ddebee3/1563
That was really too much. My "mentoring" teacher gave me dark looks the entire time we were treated to this woman's "metamorphasis."
Mostly, as I hadn't been an employed teacher before, it was unfair. I didn't deserve this particular "caterpillar's" rant.
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Puck - Apr 27, 2005 5:51 pm (#1471 of 2981) Reply
Personally, I think dictation sounds much less scary than the word "test". It's been a few years since I went to such a thing. Been home with kids and out of the classroom for 5 years now. So many of us teachers!
Pottermom, I can relate. My son told me one day that I shouldn't be allowed to watch TV, because my room was messy. I admit, It's the worst in the house, but I just never seem to get that far. I told him that I had cleaned other rooms, and fed him, so it would be okay for me to watch.
Off to work on that quilt. I re-sewed the same side for the third time today. Think I finally got it right!
Cheers! Kathy
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Ladybug220 - Apr 27, 2005 6:40 pm (#1472 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 27, 2005 6:41 pm
Puck, I wish I had thought of that when I was growing up. But I am sure that it wouldn't have worked with my parents either.
Catherine, your doggies are really cute!
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Ydnam96 - Apr 27, 2005 7:21 pm (#1473 of 2981) Reply
Thora: I just wish I knew what tribe I was related to.
I do know, I'm related to Cheif Sitting Bull!! My mom is into geneaology and she's found out tons of stuff. Plus, it's kinda cool, so it's been passed down from generation to generation. Mom has found that I am (you won't believe it) in order of highest concentration: English, German, French (who emigrated to Canada then to USA), Scottish (Campbell clan), Native American (Souix), and maybe some Polish/Russian and Irish. I'm like a mutt.
Sorry to all in the Education field!
I was an Ed. Major but gave it up. I have NO patience. You all put up with so much. That is also why I will not ever be a parent.
It's been a long day. I'm gonna eat chocolate and lay on my couch
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Gina R Snape - Apr 27, 2005 7:50 pm (#1474 of 2981) Reply
Well, colour me surprised. I received an email birthday greeting from JKR via Bloomsbury, and a day early no less. For the life of me, I cannot recall leaving my birthday on their website! Heh.
http://www.bloomsbury.com/bdayowl.asp?id=667
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Viola Intonada - Apr 27, 2005 8:05 pm (#1475 of 2981) Reply
I love being a teacher's aid. I don't have to attend workshops, I don't have to make up lesson plans and I get to follow the teacher's example for classroom discipline. I'm a happy little worker bee.
I agree I love the new dark chocolate M&M's better than the milk chocolate, and believe me, that is saying a lot. In college I used to be able to sit down an eat an entire one pound bag.
Bloodline wise, I am an All-American mutt. I always wished that I was all Irish, but I am a little bit of everything, including Native American. My great great great great grandmother was a Cherokee. (I'm also Irish, English, German and Scottish) I used to be able to stay out in the sun all summer long, use no sunscreen and not sunburn. Unfortunately, as I age, that is not true anymore.
I hope you don't get too much snow Ticker. As Thora said, there were areas that received as much as 18 inches of snow. We had more than six inches of wet, heavy snow on the ground. Lots of people were without electricity. Monday morning, my school had a snow day due to no electricity, but my children still had school. They were not happy about it. Of course, their immature mother didn't help matters any by dancing around the house singing "I have a snow day. I have a snow day."
Has anyone reserved their copy of HBP yet? I have been waiting for our school's book fair. I'm feeling like a rather deliquent HP fan by not having it reserved yet.
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Viola Intonada - Apr 27, 2005 8:17 pm (#1476 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina! Wow, what a birthday present. Snape must have tipped her off.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 27, 2005 9:04 pm (#1477 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Mrs. Snape!!!!!
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Elanor - Apr 27, 2005 10:17 pm (#1478 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Gina!!! I love your new avatar!
Thanks for your support everybody, I knew you would understand.
Chemist "I was reading about how one of the mistakes of modern education is that we've gotten away from using dictation. ( I should point out the author was talking about dictating a paragraph of prose, not a list of words.)" The funny thing is that the same thing is often said here! As for the word dictation (dictée in French), I was indeed meaning dictating a paragraph, from the 2nd year in elementary school, as I didn't know exactly how you called this exercise in English (sorry ).
Talking about "dictations", each year there is a big contest called "Bernard Pivot's dictation" here, during which thousands of people write a long and VERY tricky "dictation" (and French can be very tricky, believe me!). Everyone can take part in it and the finale is shown on TV. It is a very popular contest, and funnier than the title let foreshadow. Which just goes to show that not everybody was traumatized by the exercise in school!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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septentrion - Apr 28, 2005 12:34 am (#1479 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Gina !
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Cornelia - Apr 28, 2005 1:29 am (#1480 of 2981) Reply
Gina - Palju ônne sünnipäevaks! (Happy Birthday)
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 2:19 am (#1481 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm wow...finally through. Happy birthday to everyone to whom it pertains!
Lets see, kindegarten. My parents wanted me to start at the local public school the September before I turned 5. I was 11 days too young, as my birthday is on December 10, and the cutoff day is December 1st. SO, they took me to the Catholic school across the street, and they tested me. I remember knowing everything except for whether twenty was 02 or 20. They le tme in. I don't remember learning to read, by the time I started first grade, I knew, and was in the highest group, but I don' think I actually learned how in kindergarten.
As for tying my shoes, the only thing I know is that I could tie my shoes before i knew the difference between left and right. I had punky Brewster sneakers, which had laces. THose shoes (one was pink and the other turquoise) taught me which was which, for shoes, at least.
My brother-in-law and his wife had a baby two years ago (wow, has it really been that long?!), and they were told through 2 or 3 ultrasounds that it would be a girl. It wasn't. Its a good thingthe quilt I made was simply bright, primary colors.
Kingdon of Heaven looks awesome! One of the girls in my history class at MSU knows the historian that was consulted to make the movie. Apparently, he was very upset about some of the things they did, as they didn't listen to him...
On the Geneaology front, I am Irish, Scottish, ENglish, German, Polish, and Swedish...I don't actually know the percentages of any, however, as it is difficult to research my family tree. My father was adopted (he knows his biological family) as was my maternal grandmother (who doesn't). Its the traditions of family that count more though, right?
Okay, now off to work on the reason why I had over 200 posts to catch up on...week and one day til graduation...week and one day...week and one day...week and one day...
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boop - Apr 28, 2005 4:09 am (#1482 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!!!!Have a wonderful special day!!!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 28, 2005 4:32 am (#1483 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
Good to see you back Barbie! ***Waves from the back of my lawnmower*** Wonderful weather! LOL
...toddles off to read the other threads. Silly horses think they should eat BEFORE I finish reading...
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Catherine - Apr 28, 2005 4:33 am (#1484 of 2981) Reply
Well, Mr. Catherine had to eat crow last night. We heard a ruckus down in the basement. Guess what was there? Not Mama Possum, but a youngster. I told him that possum got in the house! Ick! I couldn't sleep the rest of the night. The average number of babies in a possum litter is 9, so I'm trying not to think about it.
Thank goodness I leave in just a bit for Richmond. I made sure Mr. Catherine had all the numbers for the Wildlife Coordinator, and informed him that this house better be 'possum-free when I return.
Happy Birthday to Gina.
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 5:05 am (#1485 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina!
Possums, ick is right. We caught one, when I was younger, in a skunk trap. It was not a nice thing to see. Good luck to Mr. Catherine.
Was just wondering. If anyone watches American Idol, have you spotted the Harry Potter character look alike this season? Does anyone else, besides myself and my mother-in-law, think Anthony looks like a blond Harry Potter?
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Thora- Apr 28, 2005 5:51 am (#1486 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
As for Geneology I'd have to check with my mom, they might have figured it out and forgotten to mention it when they got all excited over the possible "The Gascon" connection. Imagine being related to a musketeer, though I don't even know if any of that story is factual. I have french aristocracy and Native American from the same marriage. German and Jewish from the same marriage. Danish, English, Scottish... well I too am a good old American Mutt (funny I was going to use that phrase in my other post but worried it wouldn't fly.)
Thora
EDIT: Could someone post the name of SS in french? I want to make sure I get the right language off of Amazon for my brother's birthday. Thanks.
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 6:27 am (#1487 of 2981) Reply
I don't know about the Harry Potter thing, but was anyone else devastated by Constantine being voted off? I almost cried. We all know that Paula did.
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librarian314 - Apr 28, 2005 6:39 am (#1488 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Genealogy is sort of a family past-time here. I am half German/half Scots-Irish/English. My husband is mostly Scottish and English with a touch of Seminole. His mom loves to do research and has connected them back to King John of England (my husband's ancestor was one of his many children born out of wedlock). I keep waiting for my daughter throw a full scale hissy fit so I can say to her, "I will not put up with that Angevin temper." She's generally well behaved so I may never get to do it.
A funny little story in how tiny the world sometimes is...after my husband's grandmother died, we were going through her things and found her guest register for her wedding. I recognized one of the names. It turns out that my uncle (husband of my maternal grandfather's sister) and my grandmother-in-law were from the same home town and had even dated when they were kids.
Happy Birthday, Gina! Hope your hubby has something nice planned for you ;-)
Take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 6:51 am (#1489 of 2981) Reply
Thanks, everyone!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 7:08 am (#1490 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
Well, I finally registered my car here in NC and I decided to get a vanity plate that reads: LUMOS! So Catherine, Eponine, and John should be on the lookout for me.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 7:39 am (#1491 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 28, 2005 8:11 am
So, I was going to post last night, but my internet just decided to stop working. Things here are going well, nothing particularly interesting to report. Last day of classes is tomorrow, and instead of being thrilled to death, I'm actually pretty sad about it. I have this Shakespeare professor, and I love her to pieces. I've had her 2 semesters in a row now, and I'm really going to miss her when the year is over. *cries*
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you!
Gina, I love your avatar! You and Severus make such a nice couple!
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Phoenix song - Apr 28, 2005 9:00 am (#1492 of 2981) Reply
Gina, Have a very "Harry"... um... "Snappy Snape-y" Birthday? As usual, I absolutely love your avatar! And they said that vampires didn't photograph well! **ducks the throwing of rotten vegetables from Gina, and side-steps the furiously hissing snake that she's just conjured** Just kidding! I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Catherine, you have my sincerest sympathies on your possum situation. At least you were given the satisfaction of proving that you were right and Mr. Catherine was wrong.
**Waves enthusiastically to Twinkling Blue Eyes on that back on her tractor and promises to be joining later on upon my own** Our weather is beautiful, isn't it? I've been taking advantage of it to get some things done before it gets so hot that it feels as if my face melts off each time that I step outside of my door. If this weather keeps up, I'm actually in danger of having my yard becoming 100% dry! (It's been a wet, wet winter, folks!)
Ladybug, I love your license plate! I've been thinking about one day (when I actually own a car that's nice enough to personalize) having a HP themed personalized plate myself. I haven't yet decided what incantation that I'd use, though. Still, it gives me something to ponder when I'm trying to get out of performing actual work!
I'll talk to you all later. I've got many, many miles to go today and I've barely begun my daily marathon.
Barbie
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 9:48 am (#1493 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, kabloink!, I completely agree. I was completely astonished to see Constantine go. When it came down to him and Anthony, I said to my husband, "There is something wrong with America." I didn't vote, but I can never get through. But I'm really gonna try from now on. I can't believe Constatine went. I had him pegged to win it all. Now I have no idea. I'd say Anthony, but he's always in the bottom, so I can't imagine him making it, but who knows.
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Sirius Lee - Apr 28, 2005 9:52 am (#1494 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!! Hope to meet up with you tomorrow.
So sad Constantine is gone! Been a fan of his since auditions. Should Bo or Carrie go, I'll stop watching. And for the record, how in Dumbledore's name is Scott STILL on the show?!?!?
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 10:47 am (#1495 of 2981) Reply
*gingerly stuffs wand back up sleeve* Thank you, Phoenix Song.
Sirius Lee, it'll be great to see you tomorrow. Hope you can make it. If it does look like the film is too early for you, be sure to give me a ring and let me know if you can meet up with us at Mars 2112 afterwards.
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 10:53 am (#1496 of 2981) Reply
SIrius Lee, I wasn't going to say it first, but I completely agree. I could NOT believe that he was safe and Constantine went. I liked COnstantine all along, but once he made it into the finals, I thought BO would beat him. THe past couple of weeks, though, he has been AMAZING. After Bohemian Rhapsody I was sold. *sniffle* I also agree with if Bo or Carrie go to stop watching. I had thought that the top three would be Nadia, Bo, and COnstantine, with Carrie or Vonzel bring up the top five.
Ok enough Idol talk-back to 20 page research paper...
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Puck - Apr 28, 2005 11:23 am (#1497 of 2981) Reply
Gina, what a great surprise you had! Well happy birthday from here, too, though it must seem meager in comparison.
Okay, you all have me a bit worried about that pink baby quilt I'm planning to make. Well, if it turns out to be a boy I guess I can donate it to project Linus. (they collect homemade quilts for underpriveleged children.)
Okay, I know it's spring because I am once again fighting the battle of the ants! I'm practically following the children around with the vacuum to keep crumbs of the ground, and actually doing dishes after each meal. I guess I do have time to clean, at least when motivated by bugs!
Off to do some Yoga. Really helps my back when I'm pregnant.
Kathy
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Elanor - Apr 28, 2005 11:37 am (#1498 of 2981) Reply
Thora: "Could someone post the name of SS in french? Sounds feasible... It is: "Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers".
It must be funny to have people from a lot of different origins in your family tree! I'm afraid I have only French ancestors, as far as I know. My mother's family seems to have lived in this region for centuries (in Burgundy. Remember Dijon Hagrid talked about? Well, it is not very far south from Dijon) but my father's family is more "exotic" since my grand-father came from Alsace (the region near the German border) so I may have German ancestors as well, or at least German-speaking ones. I'm afraid I am hopeless in German, which is a shame since I have a germanic surname!
Catherine, I hope you will take some pictures of the whole possum family, you may miss them afterwards... Too bad I live that far, I would have adopted it with joy!
Barbie and TBE, enjoy your dry weather, you really deserved some nice days! Here, it has been a perfect day as for the weather: sunny, with a mild wind and about 25°C (77°F) and forecast says the weekend should be sunny and even warmer, about 27°C, 80°F, I can't wait!
Gina, I hope you're having a wonderful birthday!
Have a great day everybody!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 1:39 pm (#1499 of 2981) Reply
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you!---Julia
Julia, how about just getting your driver's license? Remember, baby steps.
Happy Birthday Gina.
As for all this Constantine mourning...was I the only one who whooped in joy when he got the boot? Last night during his encore, he was still singing that song out of tune. But I will say, I am AMAZED that Scott is still in the running. Who, exactly, is voting for him?
Puck, I sympathize with your ant problem. They drive me insane (I know, I know, short trip) every year. I drag out the vacuum cleaner, too. But I'm usually vacuuming up the ants.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 2:10 pm (#1500 of 2981) Reply
You know Kim, I have a mother to nag me!
Catherine - Apr 26, 2005 5:54 pm (#1451 of 2981) Reply
Oh and remember, I'm technically illiterate so type slowly and use small words. --Sometimes Kim
Yes. I'm really worried about Kim's use of language.
Have a great class, Sometimes Kim; I'm doing annoying cheerleader stuff here that you can't see complete with pyramids and backflips. All for your success.
Did I mention that you and your kids in the class will do awesome stuff that will make you smile later?
Oh, about the screen thingy...I'm hopelessly illiterate.
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Denise P. - Apr 26, 2005 6:01 pm (#1452 of 2981) Reply
Kim, I posted directions over there for you, using simple words
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 26, 2005 6:36 pm (#1453 of 2981) Reply
Denise I have another question about this. I'll post it over on the 'How do you' thread.
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Pinky - Apr 26, 2005 7:53 pm (#1454 of 2981) Reply
Dumbledore, try picking a subject that you don't believe in. In college, we had to do something similar with a persuasive speech. I picked trying to prove that monarchy was better than democracy. What a hoot! I almost got a one-way ticket out of the US from my class! While I personally prefer democracy, it can be very stretching and educational for you to try defending something that you normally would not. It forces you to think through your arguments more than if you already believe in it. For example, you could pick the subject of arranged marriages versus marrying for love. And incidentally, as a resource for my monarchy speech, I called up a really cute Canadian guy on campus for technical help. We ended up getting married the next year....
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Puck - Apr 26, 2005 8:19 pm (#1455 of 2981) Reply
That's so sweet, about calling for help and getting a husband, but I don't think we need to marry Lauren off just yet!
Does the topic have to serious? I mean can you do cats vs. dogs? Some people are very passionate about that one. (my kitty climbing on my laptop for attention as I type.) I once had to write a "How to" essay and I wrote about the proper way to eat an Oreo cookie. Got an "A", and Sr. Mary even read it out loud to the class.
Oh, thanks Pottermom. Since I have both boy and girl clothes stored away, I figure I won't donate the boy stuff until after baby's born, just in case. Last time we were told a girl, but I kept tags on clothes and held receipts, just in case. Pretty sure this time. It's not just about what they don't see, but what they do see, and we got a good view. (Of course, when they were trying to check out the heart, she was highly uncooperative, so much like my first daughter.)
Off to check a few favorite threads!
Kathy
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Denise P. - Apr 26, 2005 8:24 pm (#1456 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Pinky Apr 27, 2005 4:51 am
Denise, I edited your post. Please try not to use abbreviations (u/s) that others may not know. *evil grin* **ducks and runs** ~Pinky
I have a 9 year old boy that we were told on 2 separate ultrasounds (in different countries, no less!) was a girl. He is most certainly a boy. I have always been told to take it as a fact if they say boy but be prepared for anything when they say girl. Good thing we had a boy name....just in case! We know gender on this babe but will still have an alternate name....just in case
<---- They were correct about this one
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Ydnam96 - Apr 26, 2005 11:09 pm (#1457 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, good wishes. Things are going better. I'm almost afraid to say that though...but for now it does seem to be okay. I do really appreciate the community we have here!
Dumbledore, you should think of something you are interested in and use that as a starting point. For instance, you like Harry Potter. You could do a position paper on what the educational benefits are of reading the books are for young students vs. the fact that it is banned in many schools (per religious reasons mostly I believe). I have a book by Granger, very well thought out and argued, called "Finding God in Harry Potter" that might be helpful if you went that route. If you wanted to use another topic though, you could do something like politics (immigration laws/policies are a big thing here in California), social issues (save the trees, forest, lakes), or whatever really. The trick is to pick something you are already interested. I had to write a paper on ethnicity in counseling which really didn't sound like fun (it's a rather broad topic) but I'm kind of passionate about Native Americans, so I wrote a paper about what their special needs are in the mental health field based on their current position in society, economy, and decline of their culture. (I'm a bit Native American myself, not a whole lot it's like 8 generations back, but it's enough to make me interested). Anyway, you get my point.
I hope I didn't bore you.
Denise, I was just saying to a friend at work today that I'm going to laugh if their baby ends up a girl, as they have purchased all "boy" things and have named him already. In fact, they have had him named since the first sonogram.
Anyway. I'm super tired. I'm heading to bed. Night all.
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boop - Apr 27, 2005 3:42 am (#1458 of 2981) Reply
Good Morning Everyone!!!! Have a great day!!!
Happy Birthday to Sarcastic Ginny and Weasley Wanna B !!!!!!! On your special day have a wonderful day!!
**** Waves to Mike***
Hugs Always
boop
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librarian314 - Apr 27, 2005 6:51 am (#1459 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Hope all is well with you and yours!
We're having our annual pink "snow storm" in our neighborhood. The developers planted these lovely trees that have frothy, pink blossoms (rather reminds me of something Umbridge might wear). As the petals fall, it looks like a dusting of snow. The kids have petal fights (they hurl handfuls at each other) and we get drifts of at least 6 inches. I'm glad it doesn't melt and refreeze or need shoveling. I'd rather have this kind of snow, any day!
I've found another movie candidate for my 6 degrees of Harry Potter. The upcoming "Kingdom of Heaven" has both David Thewlis (Prof. Lupin) and Brendan Gleeson (Mad-Eye). From what I've seen, it looks to be really good. We get to see David Thewlis as a blonde!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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pottermom34 - Apr 27, 2005 7:16 am (#1460 of 2981) Reply
Here are a couple of funny things my kids said:
Boop, I want you to know, my 3 year old was reading posts with me and pointed your avatar and said "I like that baby." Then said “who's that guy and that guy” to it also.
Yesterday, we were on our way to the babysitters, and my oldest mentioned the car is getting messy again. I said well whose mess is it? Then my 3yr old said "Whose driving this car anyway?!" Don't ask where that came from cause I don't know. Oh well as they say out of the mouths of babes.
birthday wishes and happy charms to all.
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Thora- Apr 27, 2005 8:03 am (#1461 of 2981) Reply
"I'm a bit Native American myself, not a whole lot it's like 8 generations back, but it's enough to make me interested."- Ydnam96
Hey me too! I once went to "The festival of the Great American West" and a man who sculpted Native American faces out of wood stopped me and said "You’re of the people aren't you?" Kind of nice to know my cheek bones and face shape count while my red hair and ghost white skin trick most people. I just wish I knew what tribe I was related to.
Thora
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Ticker - Apr 27, 2005 8:43 am (#1462 of 2981) Reply
It's snowing this am in sunny South Dakota. We'll take any moisture we can get.
I am also part Native American. My brother in UT, where they have phenomenal geneology records, says we are either Choctaw or Chickasaw. Some day I'd like to research this some more myself.
Aria (age 1 & 1/2) also likes the kids in the avatars. She pointed at Denise P.'s and yelled "Boy! Boy! Boy!" until I scrolled back to it. Same with Marie E.'s little girl, except remarkably she managed to say "Gihl! Gihl!". She doesn't always get gender straight. She always says "Baby, awwwwwwww, baby..." when she sees one too. Thanks to all these wonderful avatars, I can stay on the Forum for at least 45 seconds longer than without.
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Phoenix song - Apr 27, 2005 10:34 am (#1463 of 2981) Reply
Hello Everybody! **Waves to Lina!!** I'm over here!! It's so nice to have been missed.
I haven't been posting in a while because I had been overwhelmed with some much needed home improvement projects. You should've seen me working with skill saws, drills and other assorted power tools. What a funny sight! I had to complete the construction alone, since the husband was away earning some "bacon". I couldn't wait for him to return since the weather was so pleasant. Around here, it pays to work when it's not raining and the humidity is below 95%. (Wouldn't you agree TBE?)
I surprised even myself with the results, but I'm afraid that it cut into my forum time. I've missed you all, though. How have you been?
By the way, for anyone that hasn't tried them, I just ADORE the dark chocolate M&M's. I'm not even a dark chocolate fan, but these things are even better than the milk chocolate ones. I hope that they are planning on continuing to produce them after the promotional period is completed.
Barbie
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Elanor - Apr 27, 2005 12:12 pm (#1464 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! Happy birthdays!
It's so good to hear from you again Barbie! **waving**
It's been a very frustrating day here for me, or at least the morning was, and I'm very happy to find some time at last for posting today. This morning I had to go to a "training course" for teachers, which meant I had to get up at 6.30, drive 50 km and spend 3 hours listening to a lecture about spelling, exciting, isn't it?. I let you imagine how happy I was about that...
So, this teacher, certainly brilliant and from a great university, explained us over and over again that we did all wrong about teaching spelling. First, we should not make the kids write some dictations and, if we could not restrain ourselves from doing it, we should NEVER call it a dictation (silly of us to do that really!). We should call it "assessment tests" because the only word "dictation" traumatizes those poor kids (it is well known that the first skill needed to be a teacher is sadism and that our day is not good if we didn't write with red ink all over the kids' notebooks!). I'll try that sometime, but I'm not sure the kids will like the exercise better if I call it "assessment test", actually I fear it will be worse since they're likely to make mistakes only writing "assessment test"! LOL! To think I got up at 6.30 for hearing that...
Well, I know we're far from being perfect and there are some things that we could definitely improve but what really got on my nerves is that, if she did a great job pointing what was wrong, she carefully avoided to tell us what we should do instead! But she never forgot to remind us every 10 minutes that all the tools we should need were in her new book that was conveniently sold just outside the conference room... That kind of teacher really makes my inner-Snape resurface and wish I could tell her what I really think about that!
Sorry for the rant! I didn't mean to bother you, please forgive me if I did.
Have a great day/night everybody!
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The giant squid - Apr 27, 2005 12:59 pm (#1465 of 2981) Reply
You had to reboot your washing machine?!?!?
Welcome to the 21st century... This is how it starts. Next thing you know there'll be cyborgs controlled by a satellite AI being sent back in time to kill the mother of the resistance leader.
Hey, that'd make a great movie...
Michelle, some of my coworkers saw a preview cut of Kingdom of Heaven and loved it (even the ones who don't drool over Orlando Bloom). My theater, naturally, won't be getting it; they're keeping the field clear for Star Wars.
***waves to Betty***
--Mike
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Catherine - Apr 27, 2005 1:16 pm (#1466 of 2981) Reply
Michelle, some of my coworkers saw a preview cut of Kingdom of Heaven and loved it (even the ones who don't drool over Orlando Bloom). –Mike
Ooh. I thought Orlando Bloom the movie looked good. I'll look forward to it.
Good to see you pop in, Phoenix Song. Sounds like you could host a home improvement show now that you have tool experience. I hope Mr. Phoenix Song and the little Phoenix Songs remember this come Mother's Day!
I wonder if Kim is teaching her class now?
Elanor, I hate "education speak" and mandatory teacher education classes. Ick. A former assistant principal Claire had a few years ago is someone that I joke about. She had a deep smoker's rasp, and she talked "educationalese." An example: "We need to seriously consider assessing outcomes for the best pedagogical effect here." Imagine this in a voice like Patty or Selma from The Simpsons and you have an idea. Gives me the collywobbles.
See you all around. I may be unable to log on to the Forum for a few days if my parent's computer is wonky. I'll be in Richmond to help my mom after her spinal surgery. The fun part is that I'll get to see how their rescued shih-tzu "Belle" is doing these days. My parents say she has just blossomed and become the most loving, delightful little thing. Yay!
See you all around!
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Madam Pince - Apr 27, 2005 1:23 pm (#1467 of 2981) Reply
Ticker, I know what you mean about kids and the avatars on the Forum. Baby Pince likes to look at the smiley faces too. Sometimes it's all I can do to keep him off the keyboard as he's leaning up to the monitor to point them all out to me. So any of my posts that have been totally ridiculous (let's see.... Mark Evans, maybe?) well, that wasn't really my post -- it was just Baby Pince accidentally pushing down the keys.
Elanor, those people who hold seminars and then just tell you that all your problems will be solved if you just buy their book..... it drives me nuts! I hope you were able to have a nice relaxing evening at home after such a yucky day.
Happy Wednesday everyone! The weekend's almost here!
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Thora- Apr 27, 2005 4:15 pm (#1468 of 2981) Reply
Well in defence of the presenter (feel free to throw vegetables), I once worked as an assistant to the developer of a reading program. The state was holding a para-educator conference and asked her to present our program but billed it as a general teaching method on the hand bill. So the comment cards we got back said either "I love your program, it's working wonders at my school" or "It sounded more like you were trying to sell a program than teach a method." Ah well the t-shirt was cool, I guess it was worth putting together about 200 kits all on my lonesome. *sigh* Ah for the days of making a recognised contribution to society... not that I would trade, I'd miss the kids to much.
Thora
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Chemyst - Apr 27, 2005 4:27 pm (#1469 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday to Sarcastic Ginny, (and Weasley Wanna B, pleased to make your acquaintance.) Good to see you posting Barbie. (By the way, From Venus reports being busy too, but is fine.) Speedy recovery to Mother Catherine.
Elanor, I found your rant to be funny because, not that long ago, I was reading about how one of the mistakes of modern education is that we've gotten away from using dictation. ( I should point out the author was talking about dictating a paragraph of prose, not a list of words.) Dictation of fine literature for the students to write is supposed to integrate the learning of spelling, vocabulary and grammar. I will let others judge that claim, but it is a very good technique for keeping dawdlers and daydreamers focused.
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Catherine - Apr 27, 2005 4:38 pm (#1470 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, I do agree with your "dictation" (even if we don't call it that) point.
As for me, about mandatory teacher education, see my rant post from January: http://wc6.worldcrossing.comwebx?13@@.1ddebee3/1563
That was really too much. My "mentoring" teacher gave me dark looks the entire time we were treated to this woman's "metamorphasis."
Mostly, as I hadn't been an employed teacher before, it was unfair. I didn't deserve this particular "caterpillar's" rant.
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Puck - Apr 27, 2005 5:51 pm (#1471 of 2981) Reply
Personally, I think dictation sounds much less scary than the word "test". It's been a few years since I went to such a thing. Been home with kids and out of the classroom for 5 years now. So many of us teachers!
Pottermom, I can relate. My son told me one day that I shouldn't be allowed to watch TV, because my room was messy. I admit, It's the worst in the house, but I just never seem to get that far. I told him that I had cleaned other rooms, and fed him, so it would be okay for me to watch.
Off to work on that quilt. I re-sewed the same side for the third time today. Think I finally got it right!
Cheers! Kathy
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Ladybug220 - Apr 27, 2005 6:40 pm (#1472 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 27, 2005 6:41 pm
Puck, I wish I had thought of that when I was growing up. But I am sure that it wouldn't have worked with my parents either.
Catherine, your doggies are really cute!
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Ydnam96 - Apr 27, 2005 7:21 pm (#1473 of 2981) Reply
Thora: I just wish I knew what tribe I was related to.
I do know, I'm related to Cheif Sitting Bull!! My mom is into geneaology and she's found out tons of stuff. Plus, it's kinda cool, so it's been passed down from generation to generation. Mom has found that I am (you won't believe it) in order of highest concentration: English, German, French (who emigrated to Canada then to USA), Scottish (Campbell clan), Native American (Souix), and maybe some Polish/Russian and Irish. I'm like a mutt.
Sorry to all in the Education field!
I was an Ed. Major but gave it up. I have NO patience. You all put up with so much. That is also why I will not ever be a parent.It's been a long day. I'm gonna eat chocolate and lay on my couch
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Gina R Snape - Apr 27, 2005 7:50 pm (#1474 of 2981) Reply
Well, colour me surprised. I received an email birthday greeting from JKR via Bloomsbury, and a day early no less. For the life of me, I cannot recall leaving my birthday on their website! Heh.
http://www.bloomsbury.com/bdayowl.asp?id=667
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Viola Intonada - Apr 27, 2005 8:05 pm (#1475 of 2981) Reply
I love being a teacher's aid. I don't have to attend workshops, I don't have to make up lesson plans and I get to follow the teacher's example for classroom discipline. I'm a happy little worker bee.
I agree I love the new dark chocolate M&M's better than the milk chocolate, and believe me, that is saying a lot. In college I used to be able to sit down an eat an entire one pound bag.
Bloodline wise, I am an All-American mutt. I always wished that I was all Irish, but I am a little bit of everything, including Native American. My great great great great grandmother was a Cherokee. (I'm also Irish, English, German and Scottish) I used to be able to stay out in the sun all summer long, use no sunscreen and not sunburn. Unfortunately, as I age, that is not true anymore.
I hope you don't get too much snow Ticker. As Thora said, there were areas that received as much as 18 inches of snow. We had more than six inches of wet, heavy snow on the ground. Lots of people were without electricity. Monday morning, my school had a snow day due to no electricity, but my children still had school. They were not happy about it. Of course, their immature mother didn't help matters any by dancing around the house singing "I have a snow day. I have a snow day."
Has anyone reserved their copy of HBP yet? I have been waiting for our school's book fair. I'm feeling like a rather deliquent HP fan by not having it reserved yet.
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Viola Intonada - Apr 27, 2005 8:17 pm (#1476 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina! Wow, what a birthday present. Snape must have tipped her off.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 27, 2005 9:04 pm (#1477 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Mrs. Snape!!!!!
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Elanor - Apr 27, 2005 10:17 pm (#1478 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Gina!!! I love your new avatar!
Thanks for your support everybody, I knew you would understand.
Chemist "I was reading about how one of the mistakes of modern education is that we've gotten away from using dictation. ( I should point out the author was talking about dictating a paragraph of prose, not a list of words.)" The funny thing is that the same thing is often said here! As for the word dictation (dictée in French), I was indeed meaning dictating a paragraph, from the 2nd year in elementary school, as I didn't know exactly how you called this exercise in English (sorry ).
Talking about "dictations", each year there is a big contest called "Bernard Pivot's dictation" here, during which thousands of people write a long and VERY tricky "dictation" (and French can be very tricky, believe me!). Everyone can take part in it and the finale is shown on TV. It is a very popular contest, and funnier than the title let foreshadow. Which just goes to show that not everybody was traumatized by the exercise in school!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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septentrion - Apr 28, 2005 12:34 am (#1479 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Gina !
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Cornelia - Apr 28, 2005 1:29 am (#1480 of 2981) Reply
Gina - Palju ônne sünnipäevaks! (Happy Birthday)
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 2:19 am (#1481 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm wow...finally through. Happy birthday to everyone to whom it pertains!
Lets see, kindegarten. My parents wanted me to start at the local public school the September before I turned 5. I was 11 days too young, as my birthday is on December 10, and the cutoff day is December 1st. SO, they took me to the Catholic school across the street, and they tested me. I remember knowing everything except for whether twenty was 02 or 20. They le tme in. I don't remember learning to read, by the time I started first grade, I knew, and was in the highest group, but I don' think I actually learned how in kindergarten.
As for tying my shoes, the only thing I know is that I could tie my shoes before i knew the difference between left and right. I had punky Brewster sneakers, which had laces. THose shoes (one was pink and the other turquoise) taught me which was which, for shoes, at least.
My brother-in-law and his wife had a baby two years ago (wow, has it really been that long?!), and they were told through 2 or 3 ultrasounds that it would be a girl. It wasn't. Its a good thingthe quilt I made was simply bright, primary colors.
Kingdon of Heaven looks awesome! One of the girls in my history class at MSU knows the historian that was consulted to make the movie. Apparently, he was very upset about some of the things they did, as they didn't listen to him...
On the Geneaology front, I am Irish, Scottish, ENglish, German, Polish, and Swedish...I don't actually know the percentages of any, however, as it is difficult to research my family tree. My father was adopted (he knows his biological family) as was my maternal grandmother (who doesn't). Its the traditions of family that count more though, right?
Okay, now off to work on the reason why I had over 200 posts to catch up on...week and one day til graduation...week and one day...week and one day...week and one day...
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boop - Apr 28, 2005 4:09 am (#1482 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!!!!Have a wonderful special day!!!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 28, 2005 4:32 am (#1483 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
Good to see you back Barbie! ***Waves from the back of my lawnmower*** Wonderful weather! LOL
...toddles off to read the other threads. Silly horses think they should eat BEFORE I finish reading...
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Catherine - Apr 28, 2005 4:33 am (#1484 of 2981) Reply
Well, Mr. Catherine had to eat crow last night. We heard a ruckus down in the basement. Guess what was there? Not Mama Possum, but a youngster. I told him that possum got in the house! Ick! I couldn't sleep the rest of the night. The average number of babies in a possum litter is 9, so I'm trying not to think about it.
Thank goodness I leave in just a bit for Richmond. I made sure Mr. Catherine had all the numbers for the Wildlife Coordinator, and informed him that this house better be 'possum-free when I return.
Happy Birthday to Gina.
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 5:05 am (#1485 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina!
Possums, ick is right. We caught one, when I was younger, in a skunk trap. It was not a nice thing to see. Good luck to Mr. Catherine.
Was just wondering. If anyone watches American Idol, have you spotted the Harry Potter character look alike this season? Does anyone else, besides myself and my mother-in-law, think Anthony looks like a blond Harry Potter?
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Thora- Apr 28, 2005 5:51 am (#1486 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
As for Geneology I'd have to check with my mom, they might have figured it out and forgotten to mention it when they got all excited over the possible "The Gascon" connection. Imagine being related to a musketeer, though I don't even know if any of that story is factual. I have french aristocracy and Native American from the same marriage. German and Jewish from the same marriage. Danish, English, Scottish... well I too am a good old American Mutt (funny I was going to use that phrase in my other post but worried it wouldn't fly.)
Thora
EDIT: Could someone post the name of SS in french? I want to make sure I get the right language off of Amazon for my brother's birthday. Thanks.
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 6:27 am (#1487 of 2981) Reply
I don't know about the Harry Potter thing, but was anyone else devastated by Constantine being voted off? I almost cried. We all know that Paula did.
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librarian314 - Apr 28, 2005 6:39 am (#1488 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Genealogy is sort of a family past-time here. I am half German/half Scots-Irish/English. My husband is mostly Scottish and English with a touch of Seminole. His mom loves to do research and has connected them back to King John of England (my husband's ancestor was one of his many children born out of wedlock). I keep waiting for my daughter throw a full scale hissy fit so I can say to her, "I will not put up with that Angevin temper." She's generally well behaved so I may never get to do it.
A funny little story in how tiny the world sometimes is...after my husband's grandmother died, we were going through her things and found her guest register for her wedding. I recognized one of the names. It turns out that my uncle (husband of my maternal grandfather's sister) and my grandmother-in-law were from the same home town and had even dated when they were kids.
Happy Birthday, Gina! Hope your hubby has something nice planned for you ;-)
Take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 6:51 am (#1489 of 2981) Reply
Thanks, everyone!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 7:08 am (#1490 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!
Well, I finally registered my car here in NC and I decided to get a vanity plate that reads: LUMOS! So Catherine, Eponine, and John should be on the lookout for me.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 7:39 am (#1491 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 28, 2005 8:11 am
So, I was going to post last night, but my internet just decided to stop working. Things here are going well, nothing particularly interesting to report. Last day of classes is tomorrow, and instead of being thrilled to death, I'm actually pretty sad about it. I have this Shakespeare professor, and I love her to pieces. I've had her 2 semesters in a row now, and I'm really going to miss her when the year is over. *cries*
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you!
Gina, I love your avatar! You and Severus make such a nice couple!
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Phoenix song - Apr 28, 2005 9:00 am (#1492 of 2981) Reply
Gina, Have a very "Harry"... um... "Snappy Snape-y" Birthday? As usual, I absolutely love your avatar! And they said that vampires didn't photograph well! **ducks the throwing of rotten vegetables from Gina, and side-steps the furiously hissing snake that she's just conjured** Just kidding! I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Catherine, you have my sincerest sympathies on your possum situation. At least you were given the satisfaction of proving that you were right and Mr. Catherine was wrong.
**Waves enthusiastically to Twinkling Blue Eyes on that back on her tractor and promises to be joining later on upon my own** Our weather is beautiful, isn't it? I've been taking advantage of it to get some things done before it gets so hot that it feels as if my face melts off each time that I step outside of my door. If this weather keeps up, I'm actually in danger of having my yard becoming 100% dry! (It's been a wet, wet winter, folks!)
Ladybug, I love your license plate! I've been thinking about one day (when I actually own a car that's nice enough to personalize) having a HP themed personalized plate myself. I haven't yet decided what incantation that I'd use, though. Still, it gives me something to ponder when I'm trying to get out of performing actual work!
I'll talk to you all later. I've got many, many miles to go today and I've barely begun my daily marathon.
Barbie
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 9:48 am (#1493 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, kabloink!, I completely agree. I was completely astonished to see Constantine go. When it came down to him and Anthony, I said to my husband, "There is something wrong with America." I didn't vote, but I can never get through. But I'm really gonna try from now on. I can't believe Constatine went. I had him pegged to win it all. Now I have no idea. I'd say Anthony, but he's always in the bottom, so I can't imagine him making it, but who knows.
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Sirius Lee - Apr 28, 2005 9:52 am (#1494 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina!! Hope to meet up with you tomorrow.
So sad Constantine is gone! Been a fan of his since auditions. Should Bo or Carrie go, I'll stop watching. And for the record, how in Dumbledore's name is Scott STILL on the show?!?!?
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 10:47 am (#1495 of 2981) Reply
*gingerly stuffs wand back up sleeve* Thank you, Phoenix Song.
Sirius Lee, it'll be great to see you tomorrow. Hope you can make it. If it does look like the film is too early for you, be sure to give me a ring and let me know if you can meet up with us at Mars 2112 afterwards.
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 10:53 am (#1496 of 2981) Reply
SIrius Lee, I wasn't going to say it first, but I completely agree. I could NOT believe that he was safe and Constantine went. I liked COnstantine all along, but once he made it into the finals, I thought BO would beat him. THe past couple of weeks, though, he has been AMAZING. After Bohemian Rhapsody I was sold. *sniffle* I also agree with if Bo or Carrie go to stop watching. I had thought that the top three would be Nadia, Bo, and COnstantine, with Carrie or Vonzel bring up the top five.
Ok enough Idol talk-back to 20 page research paper...
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Puck - Apr 28, 2005 11:23 am (#1497 of 2981) Reply
Gina, what a great surprise you had! Well happy birthday from here, too, though it must seem meager in comparison.
Okay, you all have me a bit worried about that pink baby quilt I'm planning to make. Well, if it turns out to be a boy I guess I can donate it to project Linus. (they collect homemade quilts for underpriveleged children.)
Okay, I know it's spring because I am once again fighting the battle of the ants! I'm practically following the children around with the vacuum to keep crumbs of the ground, and actually doing dishes after each meal. I guess I do have time to clean, at least when motivated by bugs!
Off to do some Yoga. Really helps my back when I'm pregnant.
Kathy
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Elanor - Apr 28, 2005 11:37 am (#1498 of 2981) Reply
Thora: "Could someone post the name of SS in french? Sounds feasible... It is: "Harry Potter à l'école des sorciers".
It must be funny to have people from a lot of different origins in your family tree! I'm afraid I have only French ancestors, as far as I know. My mother's family seems to have lived in this region for centuries (in Burgundy. Remember Dijon Hagrid talked about? Well, it is not very far south from Dijon) but my father's family is more "exotic" since my grand-father came from Alsace (the region near the German border) so I may have German ancestors as well, or at least German-speaking ones. I'm afraid I am hopeless in German, which is a shame since I have a germanic surname!
Catherine, I hope you will take some pictures of the whole possum family, you may miss them afterwards... Too bad I live that far, I would have adopted it with joy!
Barbie and TBE, enjoy your dry weather, you really deserved some nice days! Here, it has been a perfect day as for the weather: sunny, with a mild wind and about 25°C (77°F) and forecast says the weekend should be sunny and even warmer, about 27°C, 80°F, I can't wait!
Gina, I hope you're having a wonderful birthday!
Have a great day everybody!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 1:39 pm (#1499 of 2981) Reply
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you!---Julia
Julia, how about just getting your driver's license? Remember, baby steps.
Happy Birthday Gina.
As for all this Constantine mourning...was I the only one who whooped in joy when he got the boot? Last night during his encore, he was still singing that song out of tune. But I will say, I am AMAZED that Scott is still in the running. Who, exactly, is voting for him?
Puck, I sympathize with your ant problem. They drive me insane (I know, I know, short trip) every year. I drag out the vacuum cleaner, too. But I'm usually vacuuming up the ants.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 2:10 pm (#1500 of 2981) Reply
You know Kim, I have a mother to nag me!
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:04 pm
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Lina - Apr 28, 2005 2:23 pm (#1501 of 2981) Reply
Nice to "see" you Phoenix Song! I'm glad that you are satisfied with the results of the reasons of your absence! ***waving back***
Happy birthday, Gina. Never mind how did they come to your birth date, it is some great present, isn't it? Although it would be even better if they sent you an early copy of HBP... BTW, I like your avatar very much, too.
Elanor: Here, it has been a perfect day as for the weather: sunny, with a mild wind and about 25°C (77°F) Same here. I copied part of your post because of the C/F conversion which I'm very bad in. It was so nice and warm here that I started considering cooling my apartment. I'm the summer liking person, so there is no rush. I'll let myself enjoy the worm weather for as long as it lasts. Just thinking about the bad storm few days ago...
We celebrate our (16th) anniversary tomorrow. I asked my daughter for a present of not bringing home her friends who need help in mathematics and doing homework. It started with one friend, it grew up to two friends two days ago, I'm afraid it might even grow up more...
I have an opinion about dictations and tests and a stress they cause to the children - I think that stress is healthy, at least up to some point. I think that actual pedagogy is trying to avoid stress to much. Children grow up, then insist on removal of tests because they are too stressfull and expect the college to be a game in the same way that kindergarten is. Then they grow up more and expect their job not to be stressfull. Then they get divorced because family is too stressfull too, and so on. They have to get used to stress since their childhood and have to find their ways of overcoming it, as well as Harry.
Oh, I hope I was not too boring. Waves to everybody!
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Marè- Apr 28, 2005 2:26 pm (#1502 of 2981) Reply
I'm afraid I am hopeless in German, which is a shame since I have a germanic surname!
Me too! So most likely I have some german in me, but I really don't know... I find it very funny to read all these Americans "I'm one quarter Scottish and 1/8 Taiwanees", etc.
You guys would love European royalty, they are everything but the Nationality of the nation they "rule"...
And happy birthday Gina!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 2:28 pm (#1503 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 3:55 pm
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you! –Julia
You better tell me that you are coming so we can have a HP meeting for everyone in the area!
I can't wait for my tag to arrive!
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 2:33 pm (#1504 of 2981) Reply
Lupin is Lupin, you'll be glad to know that my husband also hooted when Constantine got the boot. I think he was anti-Constantine, but he was also glad the Anthony was off. There was just something about Constantine the past few weeks that got to me. He really connected. I don't think we've heard the last of him. So, who is your prediction to win? He was mine, so I'll have to reevaluate.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 2:34 pm (#1505 of 2981) Reply
You know Kim, I have a mother to nag me!---Julia
But you still don't have your license, do you?
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Marè- Apr 28, 2005 2:37 pm (#1506 of 2981) Reply
But you still don't have your license, do you?
Ooooh Definately below the belt!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 2:46 pm (#1507 of 2981) Reply
Ooooh Definately below the belt!---Mare
Yeah. Seatbelt.
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boop - Apr 28, 2005 2:50 pm (#1508 of 2981) Reply
As for Constantine being voted off, Scott should have gone instead. I sure hope Scott goes next week. I would like to see Bo win! I like his voice and his music choices. I feel Carrie is a good country singer. They had singing contest on the Nashville station, she should have been on it instead.
hugs always
boop
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Phoenix song - Apr 28, 2005 3:01 pm (#1509 of 2981) Reply
Hello Lina! **waves like mad** Happy "Sweet 16" Anniversary tomorrow! I hope that you have a great one! Maybe your daughter will give you a special treat by not bringing home any of her friends tomorrow and giving you guys just "family" time. It's sweet of you to host the study group, though.
I have to admit that not only were we "hooting" at our house when Constantine got the "boot", we were yelling and carrying on like crazy. I was SO afraid that Anthony was about to be voted off, and I really like him a lot. {Shhh!! Don't tell anybody... but the truth is, he kind of reminds me of a blonde Daniel Radcliff.}
I know that there are many that like Constantine, but I really didn't. Everytime I saw him I was wanting to yell, "Wash you hair and for goodness sake shave!" It was the mother coming out in me, I'm afraid.
I am flabbergasted as well that Scott has lasted so long. I like Scott, and he's a decent singer, but I feel that he's way out of his league now. He's a "good" singer, but there have been some truly excellent singers have left the show while he stays on. Who is voting for him so much that he's not even in the bottom three out of six?
Barbie
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Madam Pince - Apr 28, 2005 3:02 pm (#1510 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina, and Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Lina! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!
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Chemyst - Apr 28, 2005 3:06 pm (#1511 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina. ...that is, if you are allowed to experience true happiness in your household; otherwise, celebrate with fervor.
Happy Anniversary, Lina!
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 4:23 pm (#1512 of 2981) Reply
???? Of course I am allowed to experience true happiness!
And, just had to say it...Lina's soapbox statement about experiencing stress so you learn how to deal with it is both something I agree with and something I think Severus would be likely to say.
Happy Anniversary.
Oh, and my avatar was made by a very sneaky, very crafty online friend of mine who has a lot of talent!
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Ponine - Apr 28, 2005 6:47 pm (#1513 of 2981) Reply
Hey everyone! My week has been CRAP! I was visiting on Saturday, and ended up with boiling gravy pouring all over my hand, which, after twelve hours in cold water (it hurt too much to take it out) STILL blistered between and around my fingers. Then, on Monday, I sprained my ankle. AND it is not a good time of the month for me generally. I have not been a happy camper. Particularly as my bad hand (mouse hand) and my stupid leg has kept me from being on the computer, in addition to everything else. I am sorry for whining - all done.
I actually wrote things down as I read all the posts, because there were so many!
First - Dumbledore - I agree with Mandy - I was going to suggest censorship in schools and libraries as well. Between the recent thinking in Alabama, Harry Potter and a while back, Judy Blume, I think you could put together a very interesting paper, particularly as this is all in a country that prides itself in having freedom of speech.
Pinky - I must admit that I was a little confused when I read your post about democracy and monarchy - were you thinking that the two cannot be combined? Or were you thinking more along the lines of republic vs. monarchy? Because, my country is certainly a democracy, but we also have a Royal family that is very much alive and kicking, and I hope that we are not perceived as non-democratic because of it.
Mandy - Sitting Bull was Hunkpapa Lakota ('Sioux' is largely considered less than ideal, and a very broad/vague term), and if you are related to him, it should be a small feat to trace your family and to find relatives. Sitting Bull is buried at Standing Rock, a Lakota reservation in ND/SD, close to the tiny town Wakpala.
Lina - I could not agree with you more, as far as kids today. I must admit that I think we are doing kids a disfavor by leaving them with the expectancy that they ought to win every time, they should never be bored, and that they should not feel pressure. My sister, who is only five years younger than I am, was always encouraged to write stories and be creative during the six (nine) first years of school. The end result: She really struggled her first year in nursing school, because her writing was atrocious; very informal, horrid grammar and no sentence structure. It seems we can never find the right balance, but always sway too far in either direction.
Gina - LOVE your picture!! The more I look at it, the more impressed I am. And happy belated!
Good to see you again, Phoenix!
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 6:55 pm (#1514 of 2981) Reply
Ponine,
Sounds like your week has been about the same as mine. If customers aren't griping, servers are crashing, and if that isn't enough, I am asked to haul a 15 foot tower up a crooked ladder and secure it to a building. Anyways, I have not been a regular poster, I am more of an observer, but I notice that shepherdess (mom-in-law) has been doing too much working and not enough Lexicon activities. She hasn't had a job in years, and seems to be enjoying work now, but I know where her heart lies. Hopefully my posting in here will spark her enthusiasm and passion back to the forum! Thanks for hearing me out, and have a better END of the week tomorrow. I know I am going to try to!
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 7:03 pm (#1515 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Ponine. You poor dear. Sorry to hear!
Phreaker, is that you in your avatar? Didn't you used to have a cartoon guy in front of a hundred monitors? Or was that someone else?
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 7:15 pm (#1516 of 2981) Reply
Pheonix Song, I am also glad that Anthony is still on. He's great and I'm from the Philly area, so I'm a bit sentimental. I did post a few one the "You know you're a Harry Potter fan when.." about Anthony. Check them out. Both my mother-in-law and my mother agree with me that he is a blond Harry Potter, especially with his glasses. I'm glad someone else on the Lexicon picked up on it.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 7:21 pm (#1517 of 2981) Reply
Wow, you guys really are your family! I can't believe you're nagging me! Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you!
Ponine, I'm so sorry you've had a bad week. At least it's almost over and next week will be better. Cheer up darling/
Gina, do forgive me for not having wished you a happy birthday earlier. For some reason I thought your birthday was tomorrow. Thus, I shall make up for this now. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA!! *hands Gina butterbeer* I hope you've had a great day and will have an awesome year!
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 7:23 pm (#1518 of 2981) Reply
Yes, that's me in the avatar...when I had long hair. Wow, someone actually remembers me. Thank you! Yes, your avatar inspired me to do something more creative than my other one, (it was just a picture I found on google) so I'm sorry if I stole your general idea.
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Puck - Apr 28, 2005 7:25 pm (#1519 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, sending healing charms your way. Hope they work quickly!
Catherine, my Mom once had a raccoon enter through the cat door. She found it lounging on her couch. Not sure who to call, she phoned the police. They stood in the doorway afraid to go in the room. Eventually, they somehow managed to get it to go back outside.
Kim, oh I vacuum the ants as well, but I just keep hoping if I don't leave them food they'll go away. It's the water table, really. A snowy winter followed by a rainy spring, so they're flooded out of the ground.
Am I the only one who doesn't watch American Idol?
Oh, and to those who feel like bad fans for not doing so, I haven't preordered my book yet, either. I mentioned it, and my husband had the nerve to say that if I didn't get one I could easily wait an extra month to get a copy!
Kathy
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prof sprout - Apr 28, 2005 7:38 pm (#1520 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 7:40 pm
Lets see my genealogy is my mom is 100% German. My dad is part Scottish, we do not know anything about his mom's side.
I had a small rant, ignore if you do not want to read it. I get an email from the airline that we booked honeymoon. This email stated that our flight has changed (again). I call because the other couple that is going with us, lost their seats. Let me mention that as soon as we were able to book our seats we did. The husband of the other couple was in a bad car accident a year ago, and is a little slow moving, very understandable, he shattered his left side. Anyway, I called, and they informed me that with the flight change (which they did not me), that I wouldn't be able to sit with my (future) husband. I was not happy, I told them this was NOT acceptable, and so forth. After being on the phone for 30 minutes, everything finally got straightened up. Rant over.
Talking about today's education, I heard they wanted to get rid of red ink pens, because it is too traumatic for kids. They want to change it to a purple color. Great my favorite color is going to traumatize kids.
)
Also, I just read in Women's World Magazine, that a good way to keep out ants is put baby powder where they come in, they won't cross it. It the same mag, it said put peppermint leaves from tea bags down, it does the same thing.
Happy Birthday Gina.
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 7:43 pm (#1521 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, you are not the only one who doesn't watch AI. I don't even watch any of the regular stations and I don't have cable. The only channels that I would want to watch are A&E, Discovery, TLC, HGTV, and the History Channel and it is not worth it to pay more than $50/month just for 5 channels. Hence, I am on the computer a lot and have a subscription to Netflix (which I highly recommend).
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 7:58 pm (#1522 of 2981) Reply
WOW. Thanks, Julia!
Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday today. I've had a mellow evening. I'll be doing my main celebrating tomorrow...
Phreaker, you didn't steal my idea. Loads of people do stuff like that. My avatar, like I said, was made for me by a friend. She saw a picture I'd snapped of myself with the camera on my mobile, posted up on my livejournal, and stole it to make this avatar. Heeee. Such a clever girl.
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 8:09 pm (#1523 of 2981) Reply
Gina: Well then, you were simply the inspiration for me to play in Photoshop for a bit this evening rather than have a couple beers Either way, I like it, and I haven't seen anyone do that. But I haven't been on the forum in...too long. I don't watch AI either, but we have every channel on earth because NASCAR is a must for me, (GO #29!!) as is our broadband cable connection. Cannot function properly without that. Our cable bill runs $100 a month, but that includes over 400 channels and 3 Meg worth of internet for my network. The ladies of the house watch various annoying programs, which include What not to Wear, Trading Spaces, and Nanny 911. This week has been so long that I feel it has already lasted 9 days. I hope it really ends tomorrow at 5, and that there are no surprises.
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 8:21 pm (#1524 of 2981) Reply
Wow. That's a lot of baaaaad tv.
I have basic cable. but Severus has done something special to it so I can see things ordinary muggles cannot see with basic cable.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 28, 2005 8:24 pm (#1525 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina
I really like your avatar too. Clever!
I had a lovely 3 days in Sydney. This time I restrained myself and only shopped in bookshops. I still managed to come home with 11 more books. Fortunately they were the ones I have been searching for. They were finally re-published and I just picked them up and bought them. I was so pleased to see them, I didn't even look at the prices.
Patience is rewarded sometimes .
I'm not sure if we have American idol on Aussie free to air. I know we get it, but I doubt it airs at the same time and it would be highly edited too I would think. I do not have pay-TV. At AUD$40 per month and a one person household, it is not a justifiable expense - yet!
I hope you all have a great Friday. And for those who are having a "ruff" week, I hope you get a better week next week.
Lizzy
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 8:30 pm (#1526 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy,
Who is the young one in your picture, if you don't mind my asking?
That's a cute little munshkin!
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Ticker - Apr 28, 2005 8:49 pm (#1527 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 8:51 pm
Frohliche Geburtstag Gina! I'll just put your present of "100 Nearly Impossible Potion Ingerdients to Come By" (well, that's what the add said, but was anyone really looking for powdered yak drool?) in your room at St. Mungo's.
Happy Anniversary Lina! Hope your next 16 are full of wonder & joy!
Ponine, hope you heal quickly. Would you like to borrow my lucky socks?
Apparently several of us don't watch American Idol. How about this: Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV?
Viola, thanks for making me chuckle about the snow-day. I only wish we had one...
Mandy - if you'd like to learn more 1st hand about your Hunkpapa "Sioux" heritage, you'd be welcome to visit me in SD. Family connections are very strong among the Native Americans here & I'm sure we could help you find some of your family. Mitakuye Oasin is a very important saying in Lakota (another "Sioux" tribe) meaning "All My Relatives".
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 28, 2005 10:18 pm (#1528 of 2981) Reply
Did any of you see ER tonight? That nerdy resident Morris, his name I think, was doing a presentation and using a slide projector. Instead of stepping to the side and using the pointer, he stood right in the middle of the screen. He looked just how Harry must have when Moody did that disillusionment charm on him in the Dursley's kitchen. I kept laughing at the scene and my husband looked at me as if, "it's not that funny!"
Happy birthday Gina and to everyone else I've missed.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 28, 2005 11:03 pm (#1529 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, I'm soo sorry. Sounds like you had a rough week. I totally understand the ankle thing, I turned mine few weeks ago and turns out I did damage to my ligament or something...I hope you heal quickly. And burns are very very painful, be sure to keep it clean! Thanks for the info on the Hunkpapa Lakota thing. That's awesome. I've never had time to really look into it really. My mom has a book, but I never had the chance to read it.
Ticker thanks, if I'm ever in the area I will let you know! I would love love love to connect with that part of my heritage...although it is so far back in my family's history I'm only like a teeny bit Native American, we did the math once, I can't remember- 8 generations.
It's so funny that someone else knows about the babypowder ant trick! I learned that this year from our Safety Manager at the Univeristy I work at. She was telling us about ways to take care of household pests without using poisons. I've tried it. It works. I wonder if it clogs up their little lungs????
Well, it's been a long day. Off to catch up on a few threads then off to bed. Thanks to all who have sent me good wishes and prayers in the last week, I have been so appreciative!
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 11:23 pm (#1530 of 2981) Reply
Hmmmm, I'm still procrastinating on this paper..it's getting down to crunch time. Oh well, just another night without sleep. WHy not? In any case, I'm going to have to try that ant thing with the baby powder. What about carpenter ants, though, that just decide to show randomly in the upstairs bathroom? OH well, off to write about Steve Biko...
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 28, 2005 11:54 pm (#1531 of 2981) Reply
Phreaker:
The cute little munchkin in the photo is me. Taken when I was 3 or 4.
Lizzy
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Detail Seeker - Apr 29, 2005 12:44 am (#1532 of 2981) Reply
No, Ticker, you are not the only one without TV. I got rid of that pest some 10 years ago.
Belated "Happy Birthday" to you, Gina, and everybody else, who celebrated and good recovery to all those suffering.
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Lina - Apr 29, 2005 1:29 am (#1533 of 2981) Reply
Thank you all for your nice wishes. We don't plan any special celebration, just a peaceful afternoon at home with a cake. We spent our honeymoon in Assisi (Italy) and we were planning to go back there for our 10th anniversary. But I was pregnant at the time and Assisi had a bad earthquake, so we had at least two reasons not to do it. Now I remembered it and I'm thinking about realizing it for the 20th...
I'm sorry to read about your bad luck Ponine and Phreaker. I hope you heal soon, Ponine and without scars. I totally agree with your statement It seems we can never find the right balance, but always sway too far in either direction. The right balance is something very hard to get. There is the advice here in the preschool that children shouldn't be forced to do anything they don't want to do - like painting, playing this or that game and so on. It ended up that my daughter used to spend there the whole working time without eating anything, because she just doesn't like to eat, so she doesn't have to. I moved her to another preschool and the teacher there thought that she was inventing when she told her that nobody forced her to eat in the preschool before.
Julia: Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you! Oh, I like this threat! I always teach my children to punish kids, who did something wrong to them, with a kiss. They rarely listen to me, but it always works.
Ticker: Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV? Actually, I have a friend who hates tv. And I have a husband who admits to be a tv addict and a daughter who I often call Dudley - she knows all the tv programs by heart. When we went to visit this friend of mine and her husband, they showed us their new apartment. After we went through all the rooms of the apartment, my "Dudley" asked : "Do these people have no tv?" It was something just too perceptible. A home without a tv!
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librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 4:43 am (#1534 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Ponine - Hope your weekend is better than your week. Culinary related burns are no fun. I burned my foot (splashed boiling water on it) a few years ago and it got a huge blister (about the size of my thumb). The scar finally faded about a year ago or so.
We have two tvs in the house but they are primarily used for watching DVDs and videos. We also have cable but that was because it was only like 10$ more a month to add cable tv to our cable modem and that's what we really wanted. My husband and I don't watch a lot of tv because it's hard to find things we really want to watch at a time we want to watch it, that are kid appropriate. We can go for days without turning it on.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 4:44 am (#1535 of 2981) Reply
Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you!---Julia
I'm not too worried, Julia. I can always get in my car and drive away from you.
EDIT: By the way, Julia. Full points for being a good sport. I really like that about you.
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 29, 2005 4:58 am (#1536 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I, too, like your new avatar. I may be new to the chat thread, but I've seen you on a lot of other threads. I must admit that I've said I don't quite trust Snape yet, but putting yourself with him in that pic makes him quite sexy. Good job, I just may have to become por-Snape yet. Although, I absolutely love Alan Rickman.
Phreaker, have you been watching the NASCAR poker? Very interesting and comincal. Don't know if Kevin will be on, but there's a nice smattering of others. And I must put this in, GO 20!!!!! Can't root for 29, my hubby does. Also, did you catch any of the NASCAR 360 last year? Kevin and Delana were a scream. Can't wait till it starts this year again. Good luck at Talladega this weekend.
I wouldn't own a tv either, but I couldn't last long without my BBC America. Its a good thing I don't live in England, or all I would do is sit in front of the tv.
Mrs. Sirius, did not catch ER. I am sorry I missed it. But that's one for the "You know your a HP fan when..." thread. I'll have to go and see if you posted it.
Thanks for the ant tips. We seem to have them at various times all year round. I'm going to try the baby powder thing. I'll let you know if it works.
Well, I'm really enjoying reading and posting on here. Hope you all have a great weekend. Ponine and Phreaker, hope its MUCH better for both of you. Phreaker, maybe I'll root for Kevin just a bit this weekend seeing as how you've had a tough week. Take care, all.
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Marè- Apr 29, 2005 5:35 am (#1537 of 2981) Reply
Hugs to Ponine! Eat lots of chocolate!
Pinky - I must admit that I was a little confused when I read your post about democracy and monarchy - were you thinking that the two cannot be combined? Or were you thinking more along the lines of republic vs. monarchy? Because, my country is certainly a democracy, but we also have a Royal family that is very much alive and kicking, and I hope that we are not perceived as non-democratic because of it.
I'm curious about this as well, because many monarchies are more democratic than lots of so called "democracies".
I do hope it was either republic versus monarchy or dictatorship versus democracy.
Monarchies have its positive sides! Tomorrow it is "Queens day" here, meaning the entire country celebrates the birthday of our queen (actually this is the birthday of her mother, but they didn't change the date because april is sunnier than februari) and the fact that she has been queen for 25 years.
So lots of people will be dressed in orange with inflated orange crowns on their heads. It's only just a bit weird... (We have been having orange dessert for a few days as well)
Hugs to Phreaker too! And it's great to hear that shepherdess is enjoying her work, but please do hint her back to the forum. she has been missed!
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Marie E. - Apr 29, 2005 5:49 am (#1538 of 2981) Reply
Just one word: SNOW! We had traffic-stopping fog yesterday, which was bad, but I woke up this morning to about two inches on the ground and 5 degree wind chill. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Sunday the first of May? *sigh* We had a spring like this the year Lexie was born ('99) and we ended up having a very wet June and July. I guess this is good for our drought but...grrrr!
I sprained my left wrist on Wednesday in a very embarrassing incident. I had just picked up a busload of kids from school and we were just walking on the sidewalk to our center's front door. For absolutely no reason at all I tripped, stumbled, tried to catch myself, and ended up sprawled out on the sidewalk with 14 kids staring down at me. One fifth grader helped me and said sagely, "that looked like it hurt". Great wit, that one. I tore a hole in the knee of my pants, banged my elbow on the ground, and sprained my wrist and thumb. I wore a brace yesterday and now it feels a little better. I still can't put any weight on it.
Happy Birthday, Gina!!
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Ponine - Apr 29, 2005 6:05 am (#1539 of 2981) Reply
Thank you for cheering me up! I appreciate all charms and lucky socks - unfortunately, (and unwisely, according to Madam Pomfrey) I have sworn off chocolate for six days out of the week, and it makes time go by soooo sloooooow.... Even all the dark chocolate M&Ms sound good to me at this point... And I don't like dark chocolate OR M&Ms (well, actually, they are not so bad with peanutbutter....) Tomorrow however, I will oblige Marè's sounds advice and have lots of chocolate (for medicinal purposes only, of course.)
Have a great weekend, and thanks again for your kind words Anyone going to chat this weekend?
Marie - that sounds awful - I had to laugh at your little fifth grade sage though - I could just picture it.. I hope you feel better, have some chocolate with me tomorrow!!
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The giant squid - Apr 29, 2005 6:09 am (#1540 of 2981) Reply
Hey everyone! My week has been CRAP!—Ponine
*Hands Ponine chocolate and slowly backs out of the room*
I sprained my left wrist on Wednesday...I still can't put any weight on it.--Marie E.
What are you doing putting your weight on your wrist anyway? Why is it that you always trip over nothing & fall flat on your face when there are people watching? When you're alone you always manage to catch yourself...
TV: We have four in the house right now...one in the living room, one in the master bedroom & one in each of the guest rooms. We have what's known out here as "Expanded Basic" cable, giving us around 75 channels...only 7 of which are worth watching (but you need the "expanded" to get 5 of them). I'm resisting the urge to get the Digital Cable package which would give me over 400 channels...only 12 of which are worth watching. I would love to have a cable "a la carte" service, where you only pay for the channels you want. That would allow me to drop all the sports networks, all the Spanish channels, the home shopping networks... I'd cut my monthly bill drastically, which probably explains why the cable company doesn't offer this logical and customer-friendly service.
--Mike
EDIT: cross-posted with Ponine. If I'd known you were swearing off chocolate, I wouldn't have offered it. You can save mine for next week.
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Ponine - Apr 29, 2005 6:13 am (#1541 of 2981) Reply
Mike - NO, PLEASE - GIMME!!!
(I - NEED - CHOCOLATE!!)
(It's gotta be Saturday somewhere by now, right?)
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Loopy Lupin - Apr 29, 2005 7:37 am (#1542 of 2981) Reply
You want to go extreme, ban Diner and Animal House too. Those two & JFK count for probably 80% of Kevin Bacon connections.
--Mike
Eeek. Let's not get crazy here. Something tells me that I might find myself quite out of my league.
Vlad, I couldn't, myself, link Bacon to Chaplin. (Actually, I didn't try cuz it made my head hurt.) However, a website I found made the following connection: Kevin Bacon was in JFK **waves to Mike** with Kevin Costner who was in Field of Dreams with Burt Lancaster who was in From Here to Eternity with Montgomery Clift who was in Lonelyhearts with Jackie Coogan who was in The Kid with Charlie Chaplin.
Hey, Kim, I saw Once More with Feeling this morning.
Hello to Catherine as well. I'm off to see the 'rents and the dogs this weekend. Have a great day all.
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Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 7:43 am (#1543 of 2981) Reply
Oh, if only it were Saturday here...ee gods.
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Phoenix song - Apr 29, 2005 7:44 am (#1544 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, I am so sorry about your rough week. Here's hoping that it is going to improve exponentially! And so you know when it gets around to your "chocolate eating" day, the dark chocolate M&M's are really super yummy. I really don't like dark chocolate at all, but these I like!! At least give 'em a try before you skip them altogether.
Lina, I hope that your day is extra-special. Taking a trip on the 20th anniversary sounds like a good idea. I hope one of these days that my husband and I can take a trip to Europe. But who am I kidding? We can't even seem to successfully plan a trip to Florida, and that would be a one-day drive for us! Have a good day!
Gina, it really did look as if you planned your avatar so that your pictures would "match". The hair and angle of both of your faces seem to be purposefully designed to compliment one another. Your friend must be quite good!
Well, I'd like to spend the day chatting away, but I've got two acres worth of ant-piles that I need to tackle. I haven't seen so many ant piles on my property since we first moved here 8 years ago! My daughter is highly allergic to the little beasts, so it's a must to get them under control. I'm afraid that I'm not as nice as you guys are with only trying to deter them. I'm out for the kill. Sorry if that sounds too mean on my part, but I can't stand ants!
Have a good day!
Barbie
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Ticker - Apr 29, 2005 8:31 am (#1545 of 2981) Reply
Man, Phreaker, I haven't heard that phrase since Toys with Robin Williams (1992)- er I think it was that movie... did a quick search & found Gambon's name in the cast too - Wow! everything does relate to HP within 6 degrees...
Aria would like to wish all of your assorted "owies" to get better soon. But I have to go now & help her put a "banket" on Baby "Donah".
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 8:36 am (#1546 of 2981) Reply
Hey, Kim, I saw Once More with Feeling this morning.---Loopy Lupin
Excellent! I saw it myself just last week or so. Buffy rules!
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Madam Pince - Apr 29, 2005 9:06 am (#1547 of 2981) Reply
Puck and Ladybug220, I'm glad to hear that you guys don't watch "American Idol" either. I was beginning to feel like I was the only person in the country who doesn't watch it. When I was young, I lived back in the "sticks" and we could only get two radio stations, so I did not grow up with a great appreciation of music, unfortunately. That has persisted to this day -- I just hardly ever listen to music. I occasionally turn on the radio in my car, but I'd rather have silence mostly. (Or my "Eagles" or "Jimmy Buffet" tapes. ) The sad part about that is that practically the only songs I know the words to are either hymns or Christmas carols.....
Because of everyone's posts lately, I did look up their website just to see what this Constantine guy was all about, and I noticed in the "Recap Of Episodes" that the author mentioned that Anthony was a Harry Potter look-alike. So that observation is even officially on their site!
We have four TVs in our house -- living room, den, our bedroom, and guest bedroom. The only ones that are ever on are the living room and our bedroom, though. I had not been a big TV watcher except for Thursday nights, though, until this past year -- I tend not to watch sitcoms much since "Frasier" and "Friends" went off. However, this season there seem to be a lot of really good drama shows on, (which have been sorely lacking recently, in my opinion.) I have become addicted to "Revelations" (mini-series, actually), and while I haven't been watching "Lost" or "Alias" because I missed out on the earlier episodes, I just recently watched a "catch-up" summarization of "Lost" and now am hooked. So now here's my new list of "Try-To-See-TV" (as opposed to "Must-See-TV", because really there shouldn't be any such thing, should there? ):
"Survivor" (yes, I know, I know, but I can't help it.); "Desperate Housewives" (ditto); "Mystery!" (the new Miss Marple ones); "Amazing Race"; "Lost"; "Revelations".
Hmmmmm. Looks like I can't resist a mystery, doesn't it?
Ones I will watch if nothing else urgent is going on, but aren't crucial: "Numbers" (even though I hate math); "Eyes" (Tim Daly is really having fun with his role); "ER" (classic standby, but not like it used to be); "The Contender" (I only watch the actual boxing match, though.); "Whose Line is it Anyway?" (re-runs, but I love this show! So funny!)
I am still resisting watching "Alias" although I am sure I would love it if I ever watched it -- I just refuse to get attached to any more!
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Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 9:16 am (#1548 of 2981) Reply
Music I am into. I believe I have about 20 Gig of MP3s total, and while that doesn't hold a candle to my sister's music obsession, it's enough to keep up a huge variety. Although, the women folk in the house do not appreciate rap and 80's rock as much as I do, so sometimes I have to keep it down.
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Accio Sirius - Apr 29, 2005 9:54 am (#1549 of 2981) Reply
Hi everyone! It's been a while. Just thought I would drop by and see how everyone is. Ponine, please be kind to yourself this weekend. I agree with the Giant Squid--chocolate is in order and lots of it.
Happy belated birthday Gina! Love the avatar.
Just took the kiddies for check ups and both are fine, although our little guy has to stay inside because the tree pollen count--it's outrageous. Marie, I can't believe you are dealing with snow!
This past weekend I got to have some time to myself for the first time in FOUR YEARS!!! It was great. Took the train up to NYC and had a fabulous visit with a friend I hadn't seen in seven years. There was very little sleeping, delicious food, lots of walking and managed to shop and take in a show. Pretty much all the non-Harry Potter fun you can have. It was a lot to cram in, but I was trying to make up for lost time. Hope everyone is well! See you on the threads.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 10:16 am (#1550 of 2981) Reply
Accio Sirius?!?! Wow! It has been a while. Nice to see you back and very happy you got to take some time for yourself. I look forward to seeing you around.
Lina - Apr 28, 2005 2:23 pm (#1501 of 2981) Reply
Nice to "see" you Phoenix Song! I'm glad that you are satisfied with the results of the reasons of your absence! ***waving back***
Happy birthday, Gina. Never mind how did they come to your birth date, it is some great present, isn't it? Although it would be even better if they sent you an early copy of HBP... BTW, I like your avatar very much, too.
Elanor: Here, it has been a perfect day as for the weather: sunny, with a mild wind and about 25°C (77°F) Same here. I copied part of your post because of the C/F conversion which I'm very bad in. It was so nice and warm here that I started considering cooling my apartment. I'm the summer liking person, so there is no rush. I'll let myself enjoy the worm weather for as long as it lasts. Just thinking about the bad storm few days ago...
We celebrate our (16th) anniversary tomorrow. I asked my daughter for a present of not bringing home her friends who need help in mathematics and doing homework. It started with one friend, it grew up to two friends two days ago, I'm afraid it might even grow up more...
I have an opinion about dictations and tests and a stress they cause to the children - I think that stress is healthy, at least up to some point. I think that actual pedagogy is trying to avoid stress to much. Children grow up, then insist on removal of tests because they are too stressfull and expect the college to be a game in the same way that kindergarten is. Then they grow up more and expect their job not to be stressfull. Then they get divorced because family is too stressfull too, and so on. They have to get used to stress since their childhood and have to find their ways of overcoming it, as well as Harry.
Oh, I hope I was not too boring. Waves to everybody!
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Marè- Apr 28, 2005 2:26 pm (#1502 of 2981) Reply
I'm afraid I am hopeless in German, which is a shame since I have a germanic surname!
Me too! So most likely I have some german in me, but I really don't know... I find it very funny to read all these Americans "I'm one quarter Scottish and 1/8 Taiwanees", etc.
You guys would love European royalty, they are everything but the Nationality of the nation they "rule"...
And happy birthday Gina!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 2:28 pm (#1503 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 3:55 pm
Ladybug, I'm jealous! I want a lisence plate that says Lumous! If I'm ever in NC I'll look for you! –Julia
You better tell me that you are coming so we can have a HP meeting for everyone in the area!
I can't wait for my tag to arrive!
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 2:33 pm (#1504 of 2981) Reply
Lupin is Lupin, you'll be glad to know that my husband also hooted when Constantine got the boot. I think he was anti-Constantine, but he was also glad the Anthony was off. There was just something about Constantine the past few weeks that got to me. He really connected. I don't think we've heard the last of him. So, who is your prediction to win? He was mine, so I'll have to reevaluate.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 2:34 pm (#1505 of 2981) Reply
You know Kim, I have a mother to nag me!---Julia
But you still don't have your license, do you?
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Marè- Apr 28, 2005 2:37 pm (#1506 of 2981) Reply
But you still don't have your license, do you?
Ooooh Definately below the belt!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 28, 2005 2:46 pm (#1507 of 2981) Reply
Ooooh Definately below the belt!---Mare
Yeah. Seatbelt.
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boop - Apr 28, 2005 2:50 pm (#1508 of 2981) Reply
As for Constantine being voted off, Scott should have gone instead. I sure hope Scott goes next week. I would like to see Bo win! I like his voice and his music choices. I feel Carrie is a good country singer. They had singing contest on the Nashville station, she should have been on it instead.
hugs always
boop
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Phoenix song - Apr 28, 2005 3:01 pm (#1509 of 2981) Reply
Hello Lina! **waves like mad** Happy "Sweet 16" Anniversary tomorrow! I hope that you have a great one! Maybe your daughter will give you a special treat by not bringing home any of her friends tomorrow and giving you guys just "family" time. It's sweet of you to host the study group, though.
I have to admit that not only were we "hooting" at our house when Constantine got the "boot", we were yelling and carrying on like crazy. I was SO afraid that Anthony was about to be voted off, and I really like him a lot. {Shhh!! Don't tell anybody... but the truth is, he kind of reminds me of a blonde Daniel Radcliff.}
I know that there are many that like Constantine, but I really didn't. Everytime I saw him I was wanting to yell, "Wash you hair and for goodness sake shave!" It was the mother coming out in me, I'm afraid.
I am flabbergasted as well that Scott has lasted so long. I like Scott, and he's a decent singer, but I feel that he's way out of his league now. He's a "good" singer, but there have been some truly excellent singers have left the show while he stays on. Who is voting for him so much that he's not even in the bottom three out of six?
Barbie
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Madam Pince - Apr 28, 2005 3:02 pm (#1510 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina, and Happy Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Lina! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!
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Chemyst - Apr 28, 2005 3:06 pm (#1511 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Gina. ...that is, if you are allowed to experience true happiness in your household; otherwise, celebrate with fervor.
Happy Anniversary, Lina!
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 4:23 pm (#1512 of 2981) Reply
???? Of course I am allowed to experience true happiness!
And, just had to say it...Lina's soapbox statement about experiencing stress so you learn how to deal with it is both something I agree with and something I think Severus would be likely to say.
Happy Anniversary.
Oh, and my avatar was made by a very sneaky, very crafty online friend of mine who has a lot of talent!
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Ponine - Apr 28, 2005 6:47 pm (#1513 of 2981) Reply
Hey everyone! My week has been CRAP! I was visiting on Saturday, and ended up with boiling gravy pouring all over my hand, which, after twelve hours in cold water (it hurt too much to take it out) STILL blistered between and around my fingers. Then, on Monday, I sprained my ankle. AND it is not a good time of the month for me generally. I have not been a happy camper. Particularly as my bad hand (mouse hand) and my stupid leg has kept me from being on the computer, in addition to everything else. I am sorry for whining - all done.
I actually wrote things down as I read all the posts, because there were so many!
First - Dumbledore - I agree with Mandy - I was going to suggest censorship in schools and libraries as well. Between the recent thinking in Alabama, Harry Potter and a while back, Judy Blume, I think you could put together a very interesting paper, particularly as this is all in a country that prides itself in having freedom of speech.
Pinky - I must admit that I was a little confused when I read your post about democracy and monarchy - were you thinking that the two cannot be combined? Or were you thinking more along the lines of republic vs. monarchy? Because, my country is certainly a democracy, but we also have a Royal family that is very much alive and kicking, and I hope that we are not perceived as non-democratic because of it.
Mandy - Sitting Bull was Hunkpapa Lakota ('Sioux' is largely considered less than ideal, and a very broad/vague term), and if you are related to him, it should be a small feat to trace your family and to find relatives. Sitting Bull is buried at Standing Rock, a Lakota reservation in ND/SD, close to the tiny town Wakpala.
Lina - I could not agree with you more, as far as kids today. I must admit that I think we are doing kids a disfavor by leaving them with the expectancy that they ought to win every time, they should never be bored, and that they should not feel pressure. My sister, who is only five years younger than I am, was always encouraged to write stories and be creative during the six (nine) first years of school. The end result: She really struggled her first year in nursing school, because her writing was atrocious; very informal, horrid grammar and no sentence structure. It seems we can never find the right balance, but always sway too far in either direction.
Gina - LOVE your picture!! The more I look at it, the more impressed I am. And happy belated!
Good to see you again, Phoenix!
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 6:55 pm (#1514 of 2981) Reply
Ponine,
Sounds like your week has been about the same as mine. If customers aren't griping, servers are crashing, and if that isn't enough, I am asked to haul a 15 foot tower up a crooked ladder and secure it to a building. Anyways, I have not been a regular poster, I am more of an observer, but I notice that shepherdess (mom-in-law) has been doing too much working and not enough Lexicon activities. She hasn't had a job in years, and seems to be enjoying work now, but I know where her heart lies. Hopefully my posting in here will spark her enthusiasm and passion back to the forum! Thanks for hearing me out, and have a better END of the week tomorrow. I know I am going to try to!
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 7:03 pm (#1515 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Ponine. You poor dear. Sorry to hear!
Phreaker, is that you in your avatar? Didn't you used to have a cartoon guy in front of a hundred monitors? Or was that someone else?
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 28, 2005 7:15 pm (#1516 of 2981) Reply
Pheonix Song, I am also glad that Anthony is still on. He's great and I'm from the Philly area, so I'm a bit sentimental. I did post a few one the "You know you're a Harry Potter fan when.." about Anthony. Check them out. Both my mother-in-law and my mother agree with me that he is a blond Harry Potter, especially with his glasses. I'm glad someone else on the Lexicon picked up on it.
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Julia. - Apr 28, 2005 7:21 pm (#1517 of 2981) Reply
Wow, you guys really are your family! I can't believe you're nagging me! Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you!
Ponine, I'm so sorry you've had a bad week. At least it's almost over and next week will be better. Cheer up darling/
Gina, do forgive me for not having wished you a happy birthday earlier. For some reason I thought your birthday was tomorrow. Thus, I shall make up for this now. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GINA!! *hands Gina butterbeer* I hope you've had a great day and will have an awesome year!
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 7:23 pm (#1518 of 2981) Reply
Yes, that's me in the avatar...when I had long hair. Wow, someone actually remembers me. Thank you! Yes, your avatar inspired me to do something more creative than my other one, (it was just a picture I found on google) so I'm sorry if I stole your general idea.
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Puck - Apr 28, 2005 7:25 pm (#1519 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, sending healing charms your way. Hope they work quickly!
Catherine, my Mom once had a raccoon enter through the cat door. She found it lounging on her couch. Not sure who to call, she phoned the police. They stood in the doorway afraid to go in the room. Eventually, they somehow managed to get it to go back outside.
Kim, oh I vacuum the ants as well, but I just keep hoping if I don't leave them food they'll go away. It's the water table, really. A snowy winter followed by a rainy spring, so they're flooded out of the ground.
Am I the only one who doesn't watch American Idol?
Oh, and to those who feel like bad fans for not doing so, I haven't preordered my book yet, either. I mentioned it, and my husband had the nerve to say that if I didn't get one I could easily wait an extra month to get a copy!
Kathy
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prof sprout - Apr 28, 2005 7:38 pm (#1520 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 7:40 pm
Lets see my genealogy is my mom is 100% German. My dad is part Scottish, we do not know anything about his mom's side.
I had a small rant, ignore if you do not want to read it. I get an email from the airline that we booked honeymoon. This email stated that our flight has changed (again). I call because the other couple that is going with us, lost their seats. Let me mention that as soon as we were able to book our seats we did. The husband of the other couple was in a bad car accident a year ago, and is a little slow moving, very understandable, he shattered his left side. Anyway, I called, and they informed me that with the flight change (which they did not me), that I wouldn't be able to sit with my (future) husband. I was not happy, I told them this was NOT acceptable, and so forth. After being on the phone for 30 minutes, everything finally got straightened up. Rant over.
Talking about today's education, I heard they wanted to get rid of red ink pens, because it is too traumatic for kids. They want to change it to a purple color. Great my favorite color is going to traumatize kids.
)Also, I just read in Women's World Magazine, that a good way to keep out ants is put baby powder where they come in, they won't cross it. It the same mag, it said put peppermint leaves from tea bags down, it does the same thing.
Happy Birthday Gina.
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Ladybug220 - Apr 28, 2005 7:43 pm (#1521 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, you are not the only one who doesn't watch AI. I don't even watch any of the regular stations and I don't have cable. The only channels that I would want to watch are A&E, Discovery, TLC, HGTV, and the History Channel and it is not worth it to pay more than $50/month just for 5 channels. Hence, I am on the computer a lot and have a subscription to Netflix (which I highly recommend).
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Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 7:58 pm (#1522 of 2981) Reply
WOW. Thanks, Julia!
Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday today. I've had a mellow evening. I'll be doing my main celebrating tomorrow...
Phreaker, you didn't steal my idea. Loads of people do stuff like that. My avatar, like I said, was made for me by a friend. She saw a picture I'd snapped of myself with the camera on my mobile, posted up on my livejournal, and stole it to make this avatar. Heeee. Such a clever girl.
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 8:09 pm (#1523 of 2981) Reply
Gina: Well then, you were simply the inspiration for me to play in Photoshop for a bit this evening rather than have a couple beers
Either way, I like it, and I haven't seen anyone do that. But I haven't been on the forum in...too long. I don't watch AI either, but we have every channel on earth because NASCAR is a must for me, (GO #29!!) as is our broadband cable connection. Cannot function properly without that. Our cable bill runs $100 a month, but that includes over 400 channels and 3 Meg worth of internet for my network. The ladies of the house watch various annoying programs, which include What not to Wear, Trading Spaces, and Nanny 911. This week has been so long that I feel it has already lasted 9 days. I hope it really ends tomorrow at 5, and that there are no surprises._____________________________________
Gina R Snape - Apr 28, 2005 8:21 pm (#1524 of 2981) Reply
Wow. That's a lot of baaaaad tv.
I have basic cable. but Severus has done something special to it so I can see things ordinary muggles cannot see with basic cable.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 28, 2005 8:24 pm (#1525 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Gina
I really like your avatar too. Clever!
I had a lovely 3 days in Sydney. This time I restrained myself and only shopped in bookshops. I still managed to come home with 11 more books. Fortunately they were the ones I have been searching for. They were finally re-published and I just picked them up and bought them. I was so pleased to see them, I didn't even look at the prices.
Patience is rewarded sometimes .
I'm not sure if we have American idol on Aussie free to air. I know we get it, but I doubt it airs at the same time and it would be highly edited too I would think. I do not have pay-TV. At AUD$40 per month and a one person household, it is not a justifiable expense - yet!
I hope you all have a great Friday. And for those who are having a "ruff" week, I hope you get a better week next week.
Lizzy
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Phreaker - Apr 28, 2005 8:30 pm (#1526 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy,
Who is the young one in your picture, if you don't mind my asking?
That's a cute little munshkin!
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Ticker - Apr 28, 2005 8:49 pm (#1527 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 28, 2005 8:51 pm
Frohliche Geburtstag Gina! I'll just put your present of "100 Nearly Impossible Potion Ingerdients to Come By" (well, that's what the add said, but was anyone really looking for powdered yak drool?) in your room at St. Mungo's.
Happy Anniversary Lina! Hope your next 16 are full of wonder & joy!
Ponine, hope you heal quickly. Would you like to borrow my lucky socks?
Apparently several of us don't watch American Idol. How about this: Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV?
Viola, thanks for making me chuckle about the snow-day. I only wish we had one...
Mandy - if you'd like to learn more 1st hand about your Hunkpapa "Sioux" heritage, you'd be welcome to visit me in SD. Family connections are very strong among the Native Americans here & I'm sure we could help you find some of your family. Mitakuye Oasin is a very important saying in Lakota (another "Sioux" tribe) meaning "All My Relatives".
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 28, 2005 10:18 pm (#1528 of 2981) Reply
Did any of you see ER tonight? That nerdy resident Morris, his name I think, was doing a presentation and using a slide projector. Instead of stepping to the side and using the pointer, he stood right in the middle of the screen. He looked just how Harry must have when Moody did that disillusionment charm on him in the Dursley's kitchen. I kept laughing at the scene and my husband looked at me as if, "it's not that funny!"
Happy birthday Gina and to everyone else I've missed.
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Ydnam96 - Apr 28, 2005 11:03 pm (#1529 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, I'm soo sorry. Sounds like you had a rough week. I totally understand the ankle thing, I turned mine few weeks ago and turns out I did damage to my ligament or something...I hope you heal quickly. And burns are very very painful, be sure to keep it clean! Thanks for the info on the Hunkpapa Lakota thing. That's awesome. I've never had time to really look into it really. My mom has a book, but I never had the chance to read it.
Ticker thanks, if I'm ever in the area I will let you know! I would love love love to connect with that part of my heritage...although it is so far back in my family's history I'm only like a teeny bit Native American, we did the math once, I can't remember- 8 generations.
It's so funny that someone else knows about the babypowder ant trick! I learned that this year from our Safety Manager at the Univeristy I work at. She was telling us about ways to take care of household pests without using poisons. I've tried it. It works. I wonder if it clogs up their little lungs????
Well, it's been a long day. Off to catch up on a few threads then off to bed. Thanks to all who have sent me good wishes and prayers in the last week, I have been so appreciative!
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kabloink! - Apr 28, 2005 11:23 pm (#1530 of 2981) Reply
Hmmmm, I'm still procrastinating on this paper..it's getting down to crunch time. Oh well, just another night without sleep. WHy not? In any case, I'm going to have to try that ant thing with the baby powder. What about carpenter ants, though, that just decide to show randomly in the upstairs bathroom? OH well, off to write about Steve Biko...
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 28, 2005 11:54 pm (#1531 of 2981) Reply
Phreaker:
The cute little munchkin in the photo is me. Taken when I was 3 or 4.
Lizzy
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Detail Seeker - Apr 29, 2005 12:44 am (#1532 of 2981) Reply
No, Ticker, you are not the only one without TV. I got rid of that pest some 10 years ago.
Belated "Happy Birthday" to you, Gina, and everybody else, who celebrated and good recovery to all those suffering.
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Lina - Apr 29, 2005 1:29 am (#1533 of 2981) Reply
Thank you all for your nice wishes. We don't plan any special celebration, just a peaceful afternoon at home with a cake. We spent our honeymoon in Assisi (Italy) and we were planning to go back there for our 10th anniversary. But I was pregnant at the time and Assisi had a bad earthquake, so we had at least two reasons not to do it. Now I remembered it and I'm thinking about realizing it for the 20th...
I'm sorry to read about your bad luck Ponine and Phreaker. I hope you heal soon, Ponine and without scars. I totally agree with your statement It seems we can never find the right balance, but always sway too far in either direction. The right balance is something very hard to get. There is the advice here in the preschool that children shouldn't be forced to do anything they don't want to do - like painting, playing this or that game and so on. It ended up that my daughter used to spend there the whole working time without eating anything, because she just doesn't like to eat, so she doesn't have to. I moved her to another preschool and the teacher there thought that she was inventing when she told her that nobody forced her to eat in the preschool before.
Julia: Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you! Oh, I like this threat! I always teach my children to punish kids, who did something wrong to them, with a kiss. They rarely listen to me, but it always works.
Ticker: Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV? Actually, I have a friend who hates tv. And I have a husband who admits to be a tv addict and a daughter who I often call Dudley - she knows all the tv programs by heart. When we went to visit this friend of mine and her husband, they showed us their new apartment. After we went through all the rooms of the apartment, my "Dudley" asked : "Do these people have no tv?" It was something just too perceptible. A home without a tv!
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librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 4:43 am (#1534 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Ponine - Hope your weekend is better than your week. Culinary related burns are no fun. I burned my foot (splashed boiling water on it) a few years ago and it got a huge blister (about the size of my thumb). The scar finally faded about a year ago or so.
We have two tvs in the house but they are primarily used for watching DVDs and videos. We also have cable but that was because it was only like 10$ more a month to add cable tv to our cable modem and that's what we really wanted. My husband and I don't watch a lot of tv because it's hard to find things we really want to watch at a time we want to watch it, that are kid appropriate. We can go for days without turning it on.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 4:44 am (#1535 of 2981) Reply
Better look out Kim, or I'll hug you!---Julia
I'm not too worried, Julia. I can always get in my car and drive away from you.
EDIT: By the way, Julia. Full points for being a good sport. I really like that about you.
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fleur-de-lys - Apr 29, 2005 4:58 am (#1536 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I, too, like your new avatar. I may be new to the chat thread, but I've seen you on a lot of other threads. I must admit that I've said I don't quite trust Snape yet, but putting yourself with him in that pic makes him quite sexy. Good job, I just may have to become por-Snape yet. Although, I absolutely love Alan Rickman.
Phreaker, have you been watching the NASCAR poker? Very interesting and comincal. Don't know if Kevin will be on, but there's a nice smattering of others. And I must put this in, GO 20!!!!! Can't root for 29, my hubby does. Also, did you catch any of the NASCAR 360 last year? Kevin and Delana were a scream. Can't wait till it starts this year again. Good luck at Talladega this weekend.
I wouldn't own a tv either, but I couldn't last long without my BBC America. Its a good thing I don't live in England, or all I would do is sit in front of the tv.
Mrs. Sirius, did not catch ER. I am sorry I missed it. But that's one for the "You know your a HP fan when..." thread. I'll have to go and see if you posted it.
Thanks for the ant tips. We seem to have them at various times all year round. I'm going to try the baby powder thing. I'll let you know if it works.
Well, I'm really enjoying reading and posting on here. Hope you all have a great weekend. Ponine and Phreaker, hope its MUCH better for both of you. Phreaker, maybe I'll root for Kevin just a bit this weekend seeing as how you've had a tough week. Take care, all.
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Marè- Apr 29, 2005 5:35 am (#1537 of 2981) Reply
Hugs to Ponine! Eat lots of chocolate!
Pinky - I must admit that I was a little confused when I read your post about democracy and monarchy - were you thinking that the two cannot be combined? Or were you thinking more along the lines of republic vs. monarchy? Because, my country is certainly a democracy, but we also have a Royal family that is very much alive and kicking, and I hope that we are not perceived as non-democratic because of it.
I'm curious about this as well, because many monarchies are more democratic than lots of so called "democracies".
I do hope it was either republic versus monarchy or dictatorship versus democracy.
Monarchies have its positive sides! Tomorrow it is "Queens day" here, meaning the entire country celebrates the birthday of our queen (actually this is the birthday of her mother, but they didn't change the date because april is sunnier than februari) and the fact that she has been queen for 25 years.
So lots of people will be dressed in orange with inflated orange crowns on their heads. It's only just a bit weird... (We have been having orange dessert for a few days as well)
Hugs to Phreaker too! And it's great to hear that shepherdess is enjoying her work, but please do hint her back to the forum. she has been missed!
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Marie E. - Apr 29, 2005 5:49 am (#1538 of 2981) Reply
Just one word: SNOW! We had traffic-stopping fog yesterday, which was bad, but I woke up this morning to about two inches on the ground and 5 degree wind chill. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Sunday the first of May? *sigh* We had a spring like this the year Lexie was born ('99) and we ended up having a very wet June and July. I guess this is good for our drought but...grrrr!
I sprained my left wrist on Wednesday in a very embarrassing incident. I had just picked up a busload of kids from school and we were just walking on the sidewalk to our center's front door. For absolutely no reason at all I tripped, stumbled, tried to catch myself, and ended up sprawled out on the sidewalk with 14 kids staring down at me. One fifth grader helped me and said sagely, "that looked like it hurt". Great wit, that one. I tore a hole in the knee of my pants, banged my elbow on the ground, and sprained my wrist and thumb. I wore a brace yesterday and now it feels a little better. I still can't put any weight on it.
Happy Birthday, Gina!!
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Ponine - Apr 29, 2005 6:05 am (#1539 of 2981) Reply
Thank you for cheering me up! I appreciate all charms and lucky socks - unfortunately, (and unwisely, according to Madam Pomfrey) I have sworn off chocolate for six days out of the week, and it makes time go by soooo sloooooow.... Even all the dark chocolate M&Ms sound good to me at this point... And I don't like dark chocolate OR M&Ms (well, actually, they are not so bad with peanutbutter....) Tomorrow however, I will oblige Marè's sounds advice and have lots of chocolate (for medicinal purposes only, of course.)
Have a great weekend, and thanks again for your kind words
Anyone going to chat this weekend?Marie - that sounds awful - I had to laugh at your little fifth grade sage though - I could just picture it.. I hope you feel better, have some chocolate with me tomorrow!!
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The giant squid - Apr 29, 2005 6:09 am (#1540 of 2981) Reply
Hey everyone! My week has been CRAP!—Ponine
*Hands Ponine chocolate and slowly backs out of the room*
I sprained my left wrist on Wednesday...I still can't put any weight on it.--Marie E.
What are you doing putting your weight on your wrist anyway? Why is it that you always trip over nothing & fall flat on your face when there are people watching? When you're alone you always manage to catch yourself...
TV: We have four in the house right now...one in the living room, one in the master bedroom & one in each of the guest rooms. We have what's known out here as "Expanded Basic" cable, giving us around 75 channels...only 7 of which are worth watching (but you need the "expanded" to get 5 of them). I'm resisting the urge to get the Digital Cable package which would give me over 400 channels...only 12 of which are worth watching. I would love to have a cable "a la carte" service, where you only pay for the channels you want. That would allow me to drop all the sports networks, all the Spanish channels, the home shopping networks... I'd cut my monthly bill drastically, which probably explains why the cable company doesn't offer this logical and customer-friendly service.
--Mike
EDIT: cross-posted with Ponine. If I'd known you were swearing off chocolate, I wouldn't have offered it. You can save mine for next week.
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Ponine - Apr 29, 2005 6:13 am (#1541 of 2981) Reply
Mike - NO, PLEASE - GIMME!!!
(I - NEED - CHOCOLATE!!)
(It's gotta be Saturday somewhere by now, right?)
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Loopy Lupin - Apr 29, 2005 7:37 am (#1542 of 2981) Reply
You want to go extreme, ban Diner and Animal House too. Those two & JFK count for probably 80% of Kevin Bacon connections.
--Mike
Eeek. Let's not get crazy here. Something tells me that I might find myself quite out of my league.
Vlad, I couldn't, myself, link Bacon to Chaplin. (Actually, I didn't try cuz it made my head hurt.) However, a website I found made the following connection: Kevin Bacon was in JFK **waves to Mike** with Kevin Costner who was in Field of Dreams with Burt Lancaster who was in From Here to Eternity with Montgomery Clift who was in Lonelyhearts with Jackie Coogan who was in The Kid with Charlie Chaplin.
Hey, Kim, I saw Once More with Feeling this morning.
Hello to Catherine as well.
I'm off to see the 'rents and the dogs this weekend. Have a great day all._____________________________________
Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 7:43 am (#1543 of 2981) Reply
Oh, if only it were Saturday here...ee gods.
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Phoenix song - Apr 29, 2005 7:44 am (#1544 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, I am so sorry about your rough week. Here's hoping that it is going to improve exponentially! And so you know when it gets around to your "chocolate eating" day, the dark chocolate M&M's are really super yummy. I really don't like dark chocolate at all, but these I like!! At least give 'em a try before you skip them altogether.
Lina, I hope that your day is extra-special. Taking a trip on the 20th anniversary sounds like a good idea. I hope one of these days that my husband and I can take a trip to Europe. But who am I kidding? We can't even seem to successfully plan a trip to Florida, and that would be a one-day drive for us! Have a good day!
Gina, it really did look as if you planned your avatar so that your pictures would "match". The hair and angle of both of your faces seem to be purposefully designed to compliment one another. Your friend must be quite good!
Well, I'd like to spend the day chatting away, but I've got two acres worth of ant-piles that I need to tackle. I haven't seen so many ant piles on my property since we first moved here 8 years ago! My daughter is highly allergic to the little beasts, so it's a must to get them under control. I'm afraid that I'm not as nice as you guys are with only trying to deter them. I'm out for the kill. Sorry if that sounds too mean on my part, but I can't stand ants!
Have a good day!
Barbie
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Ticker - Apr 29, 2005 8:31 am (#1545 of 2981) Reply
Man, Phreaker, I haven't heard that phrase since Toys with Robin Williams (1992)- er I think it was that movie... did a quick search & found Gambon's name in the cast too - Wow! everything does relate to HP within 6 degrees...
Aria would like to wish all of your assorted "owies" to get better soon. But I have to go now & help her put a "banket" on Baby "Donah".
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 8:36 am (#1546 of 2981) Reply
Hey, Kim, I saw Once More with Feeling this morning.
---Loopy LupinExcellent! I saw it myself just last week or so. Buffy rules!
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Madam Pince - Apr 29, 2005 9:06 am (#1547 of 2981) Reply
Puck and Ladybug220, I'm glad to hear that you guys don't watch "American Idol" either. I was beginning to feel like I was the only person in the country who doesn't watch it. When I was young, I lived back in the "sticks" and we could only get two radio stations, so I did not grow up with a great appreciation of music, unfortunately. That has persisted to this day -- I just hardly ever listen to music. I occasionally turn on the radio in my car, but I'd rather have silence mostly. (Or my "Eagles" or "Jimmy Buffet" tapes. ) The sad part about that is that practically the only songs I know the words to are either hymns or Christmas carols.....
Because of everyone's posts lately, I did look up their website just to see what this Constantine guy was all about, and I noticed in the "Recap Of Episodes" that the author mentioned that Anthony was a Harry Potter look-alike. So that observation is even officially on their site!
We have four TVs in our house -- living room, den, our bedroom, and guest bedroom. The only ones that are ever on are the living room and our bedroom, though. I had not been a big TV watcher except for Thursday nights, though, until this past year -- I tend not to watch sitcoms much since "Frasier" and "Friends" went off. However, this season there seem to be a lot of really good drama shows on, (which have been sorely lacking recently, in my opinion.) I have become addicted to "Revelations" (mini-series, actually), and while I haven't been watching "Lost" or "Alias" because I missed out on the earlier episodes, I just recently watched a "catch-up" summarization of "Lost" and now am hooked. So now here's my new list of "Try-To-See-TV" (as opposed to "Must-See-TV", because really there shouldn't be any such thing, should there? ):
"Survivor" (yes, I know, I know, but I can't help it.); "Desperate Housewives" (ditto); "Mystery!" (the new Miss Marple ones); "Amazing Race"; "Lost"; "Revelations".
Hmmmmm. Looks like I can't resist a mystery, doesn't it?
Ones I will watch if nothing else urgent is going on, but aren't crucial: "Numbers" (even though I hate math); "Eyes" (Tim Daly is really having fun with his role); "ER" (classic standby, but not like it used to be); "The Contender" (I only watch the actual boxing match, though.); "Whose Line is it Anyway?" (re-runs, but I love this show! So funny!)
I am still resisting watching "Alias" although I am sure I would love it if I ever watched it -- I just refuse to get attached to any more!
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Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 9:16 am (#1548 of 2981) Reply
Music I am into. I believe I have about 20 Gig of MP3s total, and while that doesn't hold a candle to my sister's music obsession, it's enough to keep up a huge variety. Although, the women folk in the house do not appreciate rap and 80's rock as much as I do, so sometimes I have to keep it down.
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Accio Sirius - Apr 29, 2005 9:54 am (#1549 of 2981) Reply
Hi everyone! It's been a while. Just thought I would drop by and see how everyone is. Ponine, please be kind to yourself this weekend. I agree with the Giant Squid--chocolate is in order and lots of it.
Happy belated birthday Gina! Love the avatar.
Just took the kiddies for check ups and both are fine, although our little guy has to stay inside because the tree pollen count--it's outrageous. Marie, I can't believe you are dealing with snow!
This past weekend I got to have some time to myself for the first time in FOUR YEARS!!! It was great. Took the train up to NYC and had a fabulous visit with a friend I hadn't seen in seven years. There was very little sleeping, delicious food, lots of walking and managed to shop and take in a show. Pretty much all the non-Harry Potter fun you can have. It was a lot to cram in, but I was trying to make up for lost time. Hope everyone is well! See you on the threads.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - Apr 29, 2005 10:16 am (#1550 of 2981) Reply
Accio Sirius?!?! Wow! It has been a while. Nice to see you back and very happy you got to take some time for yourself. I look forward to seeing you around.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Sat Feb 28, 2015 4:08 pm
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librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 11:34 am (#1551 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
I survived a field trip with over fifty kindergartners/first graders (I think; I only know the class my daughter is in and the one next to her). I was an emergency, replacement chaperone. I was there to make certain none of the kids wandered off. We went to a nature center and saw snakes, turtles, bugs, and a screech owl that I thought looked like Pigwidgeon. There was also a really cool mosaic with shells, rocks, and fossils.
It's amazing how tiring little kids can be. I am so glad I'm not a teacher for the little ones. I can handle about 10 or fewer (I run craft classes regularly) but not all day, every day. Hugs to all those elementary school teachers out there that manage to do this without going crazy!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Elanor - Apr 29, 2005 12:29 pm (#1552 of 2981) Reply
"Hugs to all those elementary school teachers out there that manage to do this without going crazy!"
Thanks Michelle , and congratulations for surviving the trip! Actually, today, it was close... The day has been warm, sunny, very summer-like, the first one in a very long time, and a Friday what's more, and the kids were feeling like doing a lot of things but the last one was working...
In short, my day was: repeating, and re-repeating, instructions **breathing deeply**, putting dressings on grazed knees and other elbows that were seeing the sun again (and the ground) eventually, stopping the bickerings, **breathing deeply**, preventing some kids from flooding the toilets, **breathing deeply**, while managing to remain unfazed (though inside, I was like this: ) phew!. And the physio I saw after school was wondering why I nearly fell asleep on his table, even with some ice on my poor ankle!
I send cheering and healing charms to the ones who need them, I do sympathize! And I recommend chocolate too, it always works!
Happy anniversary Lina! Have a great day everybody! Here, weekend has started, yipeeh!
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Acceber - Apr 29, 2005 1:34 pm (#1553 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 29, 2005 2:55 pm
Am I the only one who doesn't watch American Idol?-Kathy (Puck) about 50 posts ago.
Nope. I don't, and I probably never will. I'm already addicted to another TV show that airs every weekday, so I have to watch the taped version every night, and I don't have time for other shows.
Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV?-Ticker, a few posts after Kathy's.
My aunt and uncle don't and haven't in the limits of my memory.
Happy Belated Birthday Gina!
Happy Anniversary Lina!
Hmmmm....let's see....what can I talk about... I'll just say I'm so glad it's the weekend. The first week back from vacation is the worst, with the possible exception of the week before vacation. Only 39 more days of school. I can't wait for it to end and summer to come!
Two of my friends have been listing all the musicals they can think of on a piece of paper. They have about 105 so far. Knowing there are some culture buffs here, I am asking all of you for existence or Name of the oddest, most obscure musical(s) you can think of. They have all the obvious ones (Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, West Side Story, etc.), as well as most of the ones that are on Broadway now.
I have to go catch up on the rest of the threads. Must....not....dream...about...BREAD!!!
EDIT: Almost forgot this bit about precocious people. I could read when I was three and read the Ramona Quimby books in kindergarten. I kind of skipped the Easy Reader phase and went straight to chapter books. Also, I coined a quote that probably pertains to most people on this Forum: You know you're a bookworm when you've A. read one book twice in the same day or B. read more than one book in one day. I've done both.
EDIT II: Thanks for those two Michelle. I'll write them down. Kathy--Into the Woods wasn't overlooked, as it was our school musical for the year. I think it was the second one on the list, right after Cabaret. And Lina--of course Croatian musicals count! Bring 'em on!
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librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 2:07 pm (#1554 of 2981) Reply
You asked for weird, obscure musicals, here's one...
Revenge of the Atomic Zombie Things from Hell - I saw this one in London, Fall 1989. It played in the back room of a pub/restaurant. It was hilarious! It was a take-off of all the 1950s, bad, sci-fi, B-movies. It was black and white (all the characters wore costumes that were black, white, or shades of grey; the scenery was painted in grey-scale, and the make-up was done similarly) and the "special effects" consisted of pie tins on fishing line. To top it all off, it was a musical. There were several songs scattered throughout, though I only remember the tune to the title track. I laughed so hard I nearly wet myself. This still counts as one of the best plays I've ever seen.
If it's not on the list, don't forget "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as well. It started off as a stage show first.
**michelle the librarian**
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Pinky - Apr 29, 2005 2:28 pm (#1555 of 2981) Reply
Ok, I knew I would get into trouble with the democracy thing. What I meant, was the difference between having a hereditary monarch who reigns for a lifetime, versus a president who serves a limited elected term. I didn't even touch Congress, Parliament, etc. It seems as though I've heard that there are very few "true" monarchies left. Most countries have moved to a democratic style of government, even if they still retain their royal families. I shan't give my personal opinion as to the best style of government, as I think that there is more than one model that works perfectly fine -- and besides - I'd have to moderate myself if I started talking politics!
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Julia. - Apr 29, 2005 2:42 pm (#1556 of 2981) Reply
Wow Michelle, I'm impressed. Congrats on surviving your trip
Well, I've had my last class of the year. Strangely enough, I'm not jumping for joy, I'm actually quite sad. My last class was Shakespeare, and I love that class. My classmates rock and my professor is amazing, not to mention that I'm currently dating Will Shakespeare (if he were alive and Jewish of course ), it's been a wonderful class, and I'm really sad to see it end. But I did get a hug from my professor, which made me slightly happier.
Well, it's nearly Shabbos, so I'm off! See you on Saturday night.
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Puck - Apr 29, 2005 2:50 pm (#1557 of 2981) Reply
Into the Woods isn't that obscure, but may have been overlooked.
Thanks for the ant tips. They are a bit better today. We have this spray that is supposed to be safe for kids/pets, but I do have some mint tea and baby powder around if need be!
I lived for years without cable, quite happily. Then, I got married. Now a have a huge screen, a dish on the roof, surround sound and TiVo. (must admit, I love the TiVo. Skip commercials, and hubby no longer tempted to watch news during dinner.) I have managed to limit it to the one TV. My cousin finds it appalling that we live with just one. I admit, I have the kids watch a movie now. We were out during the day, thus the rooms are clean, and I really don't want them making a mess. Lazy mom move, but, hey, I'm tired and pregnant. And now, I'm off to make dinner!
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Lina - Apr 29, 2005 2:51 pm (#1558 of 2981) Reply
Chocolate, oh, chocolate! Ain't it really the best treat after Dementor's visit? Oh, I do like the way JKR described Dementors, I can feel them so close, sometimes. And the first thought that comes to my mind at that moments is CHOCOLATE! I envy you Ponine, the way you can resist it. I can't, even for much smaller problems that you had lately. Well, I know it has consequences. I had to run several test to check if melanoma has spread in my body, and all the tests show too much fat and cellulitis. No traces of the tumor, fortunately, but what has fat to do with it, why they have to talk about fat, it is not the reason I came to them! I am afraid to run more tests just not to find more fat! I should go back to work.
Madam Pince, I like the sound of silence, too. We have one tv. Too much for me (half would be enough). My Dudley daughter wishes the second one, so that she could watch something else when her dad watches politics or sports. But I think it is good for her to train abstinence. When my husband has to travel, some days I don't turn the tv on at all.
Well, Acceber, I could start naming some Croatian musicals but I'm afraid they don't count, do they?
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Thora- Apr 29, 2005 2:57 pm (#1559 of 2981) Reply
Happy Anniversary, Lina! Hugs for all the medical stuff.
TV: For me it's Lost and I don't bother with the rest.
Musicals: 12 Dancing Princesses (that was sooo much fun to do).
Elanor: Thanks, the book is on it's way to him thanks to you!
M. Pince: I LOVE the Eagles.
Thora
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Ms Amanda - Apr 29, 2005 3:12 pm (#1560 of 2981) Reply
Ohhh. About the ants, I'm dealing with them at the daycare I work in. They are everywhere! We use bleach to clean and then vinegar water to drown the little beasties. The only ants that survive are the ones that swim VERY WELL.
On the bright side, the children know "The Ants Go Marching" all by themselves, and we don't need to buy an ant farm! Also, it's been fun to do camping themes and do paintings that the kids call "stamped bugs!"
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 29, 2005 3:58 pm (#1561 of 2981) Reply
After being overrun by ants earlier this year, I found that bi-carb soda is a good (but not perfect) substitute for baby powder. I also found that wiping over my sink and stove and bench with a vinegar/water mix also helps to keep the beasties away. I also found rinsing the dishes in rinse water containing vinegar also kept them off my dishes while they were drying.
Musical: Can't remember the name but the theme song is "Everybody needs a superhero" it was a musical at our school one year.
Oh it is Saturday morning here. A lovely morning spoilt by the fact something got burnt down last night and the pong is hanging around. It means I can't open my windows for an airing and hang the washing outside. I hope the barely existent breeze picks up and clears the air for me soon.
Enjoy your weekend everybody
Lizzy
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kabloink! - Apr 29, 2005 5:39 pm (#1562 of 2981) Reply
Hmm obscure musicals. Well, I always thought Sweeney TOdd was rather odd, if not obscure. I think its popular because of its content, though. There's also Martin Guerre. Done by the same guys as Les Mis and Miss Saigon, I got to see it for my 17th bday in Detroit-it never did make it to Braodway. Hmmm, Titanic, the Musical? Anything by Johnathan Larson that ISN"T Rent...there are a couple I believe, or so Rhapsody tells me. Ok off for a long, hot bath.....and a book, a fun book, just for tonight...
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Puck - Apr 29, 2005 7:16 pm (#1563 of 2981) Reply
What about "Menopause the Musical"? Plus, isn't there a new one based on Billy Joel's music? "Moving Up", perhaps?
I was thinking of you all watch the news tonight. A piece on Indiana, where they voted that next year the whole state will turn the clocks back. Currently, parts of the state does, parts don't. There is a place where people on one side of the street change clocks, the other side doesn't. So, when you book a 9am dentist appointment, better know what side of the street they are on!
Lizzy, what's "pong"? Smoke, I'm guessing. Never heard the term.
The kids and ants; My 2 year old claim to be a superhero. Told me HER super power is squashing ants! Usually, I teach kindness to creatures, but when it comes to bugs in my house...Squash away!
Before gping I guess that I should admit that I, too, and hooked on Survivior, and I love "What not to Wear." (Hey, I'm over 30 and drive a mini-van, I need help to avoid the frump!)
Have a great night!
Kathy
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Daioma Dumbledore - Apr 29, 2005 7:51 pm (#1564 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy, what's "pong"? Smoke, I'm guessing. Never heard the term.
As a fellow aussie, I can tell you that pong means smell. Ie: that bloke hasn't washed in a week, he really pongs!
Hi Everyone, I've finally made it back into the world of Harry Potter!! My computer did something weird & I couldn't get into the forum & then I got all caught up with work (how very annoying that was!) and was also flat out helping a friend organise her wedding plus begin planning my own which Ben & I where planning on having in February next year, but we are now putting it back to April, to give me time to get back into shape after HAVING OUR BABY!!! in December!!!
Yes you heard/read right, I'm pregnant with our first little one!! We are both over the moon, I'm not meant to say too much yet, I'm almost 9 weeks, and feeling fantastic, other than getting absolutely exhausted & going up a cup size I'd hardly even know I was pregnant!
This is a little bit earlier than we where planning (like a year earlier!!) but, if it's meant to be then it's meant to be. We just can't wait.
Hope everyone else is feeling as wonderful as I am, and if not I'm sending you some of my good vibrations to cheer you up!
Great to be back in potter-world!!!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 29, 2005 7:55 pm (#1565 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 29, 2005 8:26 pm
Congrats Daioma! Hmmmm...there seems to be an epidemic among the ladies of the forum......
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 29, 2005 8:59 pm (#1566 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 29, 2005 9:52 pm
Congrats to all who made it through another week! By the skin of your teeth, by the seat of your pants... however :-)
Got horse show tomorrow so wish us luck! LotzaRustySpotz and I are a team so us is correct! (waves at Catherine!)
Try and catch up tomorrow night. Will be at Churchhill on Lapalco by the golf course Barbie if you get a chance, ride by! Blue 4 horse trailer, one lepord sp(leopard)App, one Arab-Paint, one red Quarter Horse mare, and the hoss's, hmm, rearend will be me! :-)
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pottermom34 - Apr 29, 2005 9:08 pm (#1567 of 2981) Reply
Happy Anniversary to Lina, Happy Birthday to Gina. Congrats to Daioma
I don't watch American Idol, I don't care much for the reality shows. They just aren't real to me. Although they are sometimes good for a laugh when they say or do stupid things. I can believe some of the plot on fictional shows better than those.
Unfortunately thanks to the presidential speech I missed ER watched CSI instead. I blame the speech cause CBS ran all their shows an hour late which made CSI on the same time as ER. Iwanted to see both but ER usually does a short recap of important things. There's always next week.
As for ants I've used aerosol hairspray on them, or pump works good too. They get all stuck together or run or get drowned by it, it's fun to watch. We've been having problems with wasps, no matter how much we spray them or try to get rid of them they keep coming back. The snow we had last week didn't even seem to affect them. They always seem to make a nest right by the front door too. Such a pain. They're very mean too.
There seems to be an epidemic among the ladies on the forum --Ladybug220
Hmm... Must be something in the butterbeer!or the potions.
I can happily say after 2 (3 if you count mr.pottermom) I'm done. Knock on wood (I'm doing that now).
Happy baby-days to all the moms to be. weekend to everyone else.
Michelle
P.s. Did anyone see Hitchhikers guide yet, let us (forumfolk) know how it was.
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Gina R Snape - Apr 29, 2005 10:13 pm (#1568 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back, Daioma!
I saw Hitchhikers! Just got home, in fact, from an evening's outing. It was fun. Well, if you saw PoA and felt like it was 'too fast' the first time round, but could keep up from the second viewing on, this would be the feeling you'd get with H2G2. Some of the best lines weren't there, but then some of the best lines were there. Everyone was very well cast---especially Zaphod Beeblebrox and Slartibartfast. Marvin was well done. The visuals were spot on--especially one point during the Heart of Gold's turn round the improbability drive when everyone was made out of yarn. Sheer genius, that bit!
If you're not expecting a line-by-line read-through, you stand the chance of being reasonably entertained. But I do agree with the critics who felt some of the scenes were not pieced together as well as they might have been from someone who has done more feature films.
9 out of 10, for coolness, I'd say (to quote Zaphod).
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 29, 2005 10:31 pm (#1569 of 2981) Reply
G'day Daioma!!!!
Thank you for answering the question about "pong" - another excellent descriptive word that appears too shy to leave our shores
That is wonderful news for you and Ben, hope all is OK now and for the rest of the long wait...
Based on Gina's review, I think I will catch up with the movie, just to see what it is like.
But perhaps I had better read the books first...
Lizzy
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Phoenix song - Apr 29, 2005 10:47 pm (#1570 of 2981) Reply
Daioma: "Congratulations" on the wonderful surprise that you're expecting. I wish you all of the best! Confidentially, things will never be the same again, but different can be good!
As for our recent epidemic of membership "expectations", I can confidently say that I will not be bringing any more "wee ones" into the world. For me, though, three was definitely enough... and sometimes too much!
TBE: I'm so sorry that I won't be able to meet you tomorrow! I'm swamped with tons of stuff to get done that I've been neglecting. **sigh, sigh** I wish you and "Rusty" LOTZA luck tomorrow, though. Please be sure to let us know how many awards that you're able to bring home!
Pottermom, I know that this is going to sound weird, but give it a try anyway! I use WD-40 on wasp nests. It's cheaper than traditional wasp sprays and seems to work much better. There must be something about it that wasps just don't like. I never have a problem with re-infestation in the same area. And if you're needing to reach a high area, just use the little straw things that are attached to the sides of the can.
Oh, the many, many uses of WD-40 and a big old roll of Gray Duct Tape. My dear departed father heartily believed in the generous use of both. And yes, for anyone that's wondering, I'm just about as "red-neck" as they come and proud of it!
Talk to you all in the morning!
Barbie
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Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 11:01 pm (#1571 of 2981) Reply
Well, my weekend is off with a bang, as my NASCAR driver has been blessed with the pole qualifying position! HURRAY!
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Lina - Apr 30, 2005 1:34 am (#1572 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Daioma, Hello and congratulations!
Ladybug220: Congrats Daioma! Hmmmm...there seems to be an epidemic among the ladies of the forum......
Well, I just hope it doesn't catch me. We were delaying our first child successfully for a while, then we started trying to get it for a year. At that time I wished we had a surprize baby before because then I would have the baby and this way I was not sure if I would ever become a mummy. There is a saying : be careful with your wishes because they might realize. So my wish came true two times after that. Not that I would ever stop at one child, but I never got the chance to plan the baby again.
Good luck, TBE, as if you need it.
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 30, 2005 2:15 am (#1573 of 2981) Reply
Thank you Barbie and Lina! Believe me I need it. The competition out there is tough!
Barbie, brake cleaning fluid works even better! Sprays farther, longer, faster knockdown, and cheaper! From one redneck to another, LOL!
Added note to self: Got to try the baby powder on the ants (aunts?) HemHem...
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Ponine - Apr 30, 2005 3:43 am (#1574 of 2981) Reply
Hey yall!! Guess what I am doing?!?! You got it - CHOCOLATE!! It sure does perk one up.. I am waiting for the ultimate ant tip, as my great aunt (80) has an ant problem that she can't seem to kick. So far, I think I will suggest the white vinegar for tables and counters (they get in the house..creepy), but some of the other ideas involve stuff that we do not have here... :/ Are there any other household items or supplies that work? (these are small black ants, by the way).
Oh - Twinklingblueeyes - have fun and kick butt!
Pinky - as far as I know - at least in Europe, no monarch has any real power at all. In Norway, they are merely symbolic heads of the armed forces and parliament (blushing - I think that it is it). We have had a LOT of commotion for a few years, because our crown prince - our king-to be - married (gasp) a single mother!! With a (QUITE colorful) past!! Oh well - a second royal heir on its way and all is well in the kingdom of Norway
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Chemyst - Apr 30, 2005 6:00 am (#1575 of 2981) Reply
Bad news TBE, you may not be a real redneck! According to Jeff Foxworthy, rednecks think a quarter horse is a ride out in front of the Wal-mart. Or another recent forum-topic definition is "You may be a redneck if You think Possum is 'The Other White Meat'". So, you may not qualify as 100% true blue redneck.
I was checking posts on this thundery stormy morning and started wondering how common the term "redneck" is outside the US. So I checked an online dictionary to see what they'd say about it and was surprised to find the Internet Content Rating Association has this on their list of taboo words for its 'political incorrectness' and the definition they did give was not all that accurate. (Some people at the ICRA apparently take things way too seriously!) At least around where I live, it is more of a we-can-laugh-at-ourselves kind of word that pokes fun at some of the quirks and foibles of Southern culture – or lack thereof.
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Madame Pomfrey - Apr 30, 2005 6:39 am (#1576 of 2981) Reply
LoL Chemyst.I might be considered a redneck by some. I live in the boonies of Lockhart,Tx (I pour boiling water on my ant beds, by the way!) Barbie, I agree with your father’s uses of duct tape. I fix everything with a butter knife, super glue and duct tape. Well..I just wanted to say goodmorning to all. I don’t chat much mainly because I'm raising my two grandbabies and they don’t let me. I sometimes wish I had a computer in the bathroom because its the only place I get any privacy-and yes, I do sneak my HP books in there with me sometimes.
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 6:52 am (#1577 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Pinky Apr 30, 2005 12:27 pm
I edited one sentence to make it Forum appropriate, and sent Thora an e-mail. ~Pinky
Well, when you think about it, Redneck is one of those terms that while used loosely by the American caucasian middle-class, it is not a term that would be appropriately used by anyone else, because then it can be seen as derogatory.
Oh and the American word for pongs is stinks, just in case anyone is still confuesd on that.
I also had a thought for those of you who need subjects for research papers, why not do one on adult HP fans? All redneck jokes aside, I think there are fewer adult Lexiconers without an advanced education than with one. Radio DJs think they can poke fun at us because we've never held up evidence that their community college education (at the most, some states don't even require that) doesn't compare at all to all the degrees on here. Naturally I don't have one so I can't get offended for myself, but we hufflepuffs get miffed when someone is being unfair, and I really think statements that adult HP fans are losers are particularly horrid.
Just a thought.
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 30, 2005 7:00 am (#1578 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 30, 2005 7:38 am
I'd like to add my 2 knuts on annoying bugs and how to get rid of them:
1. wasps sometimes build their nests underground so if you see wasps and can't understand where they are coming from, look for an underground opening.
2. if you get an infestation of some critter in the house like the food pantry, and you think it would be a good idea to set off a bug bomb in that room (with the door closed) DON'T-IT'S NOT a good idea. :-)
We are done, too! My doctor said if spontaneous triplets happen once, they can happen again. So yes, we are done, we are blessed with 4, we need no more.
A big congratulations to the moms-to-be.
Edit: Thora my experience is that adult HP fans are well above average. At least in my very limited world most of the HP fans, have undergraduate degrees, advanced degrees, or have finished high school and have responsible jobs.
Edit2: I tend to avoid the whole PC name thing but here in New England certain folks call themselves, Swamp Yankees (Swomp Yankis).
Edit3: Thanks MP, my triplets are now 6. They keep us busy!
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Madame Pomfrey - Apr 30, 2005 7:12 am (#1579 of 2981) Reply
Congrats on the triplets Mrs.Sirius! How old are they? I don’t even know anyone with twins-except the Weasleys.
Triplets must be a great accomplishment. Its hard enough to raise them one at a time. Thora,there does seem to be alot of well educated people on the forum. However, I know people without degrees who are absolutely brilliant because they read so much.
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boop - Apr 30, 2005 7:41 am (#1580 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma great news.
TBE- Sending you good luck
Good to see you Madame Pomfrey!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!
hugs always
boop
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Madam Pince - Apr 30, 2005 7:45 am (#1581 of 2981) Reply
I remember we had a discussion about ant infestations a while ago, and my only suggestion is to try some stuff called "Terro." It's mainly for controlling sweet-eating ants (I think they're the little tiny tiny ones.) It's this super-concentrated sticky liquid stuff -- you put just a tiny drop on a piece of cardboard and place it in the area where you've seen ants. Then the ants actually begin to swarm around the Terro, and here's where the important thing kicks in: you must RESIST the temptation to just squash the whole bunch of them while they're handily in front of you. You must let them eat the Terro and carry it back to their nest, where within a day or so it will eliminate the whole colony. (Bwah-ha-ha-ha!)
You can get Terro (that's just one brand-name, there's probably more) at hardware stores, etc. in the U.S. I don't know if it's available internationally. I've had great success with it. I talked to a professional bug guy, and he said it's impossible to eliminate ants permanently, so you will have to re-do the whole scenario probably twice a year or whenever the ants come back. Seems like I do it about every six months -- somebody said earlier that it has to do with the water table and I agree that whenever my back yard gets super-saturated is when they seem to show up in droves. *****peers out the window at the rain-soaked back yard****
Congratulations to all "expectant" Forum members! Happy Weekend to everyone!
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Ticker - Apr 30, 2005 8:11 am (#1582 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma! Best wishes for the next 31 or so weeks!
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kabloink! - Apr 30, 2005 8:24 am (#1583 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to all expectant forumers! I am very happy for all of you. Kinda wishing the epidemic would swing my way, but I guess I probably have a little while before I should think too much about that. Oh well, off to enjoy my afternoon before I have to close at work.
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mike miller - Apr 30, 2005 8:34 am (#1584 of 2981) Reply
Sorry for my long absence from this thread, work has been "off the hook" of late and time is in short supply. I hope that in the weeks ahead things will ease a bit.
My apologies to all the birthdays, congratulations, anniversaries and other significant events that I've missed; and, I hope all are well.
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 8:52 am (#1585 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to everyone who needs it!
I spent the past few days finishing up with school and moving back to my parents house for the summer. While it's not the best arrangement, at least I dont have to pay rent. Also, I get to spend the summer with my cat, whom I missed dearly over the last year. Granted, a night of howling and fake mouse chasing was enough quality time for me...
As for American Idol (a gazillon posts back) I don't watch either - but my parents do. Thankfully, they have TiFaux, so I won't miss "Lost". Some of my friends don't have TV at all, and I used to not watch TV at all. I watch a lot of "TV on DVD" though, does that still count? BTW, Futurama? best. cartoon. ever.
I haven't a clue what to do about ants or wasps. We had a yard person who took care of that when we lived in our old house, and now we rent... maybe I should figure it out *sees troop of ants moving ominously toward door*
Cute Kid Storys: I was in Target and I heard this kid shout "Sexy chicks momma, sexy chicks!!" I cracked up, but realized he meant SQUISHY chicks (Peeps). Oh of course I had to buy some of the slightly stale, dollar a package, Peeps. Thanks random child.
I need to take a shower and go to work now, so Ta-Ta for now.
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boop - Apr 30, 2005 10:56 am (#1586 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Mike, I have missed you *Hugs Mike*
Penny, LOL that was cute story. Penny no finals to take? Penn State students move out next weekend, but some of them are starting to move now. This coming week is finals week.
This is my last weekend off for next 2 weeks. I don't have a day off until May 21. Lots of overtime, taking out very heavy trash, helping students and parents.
hugs always
boop
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Ydnam96 - Apr 30, 2005 11:11 am (#1587 of 2981) Reply
Boop, I didn't realize you worked in the housing office at Penn! I am a resident director at a univ. out here in California. Our student's start checkout this week, as soon as they are due with finals. I totally understand I'll be doing the same thing!
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 12:14 pm (#1588 of 2981) Reply
Boop, our finals started a week and a half ago. I'm completely done, and in another week I'll be refreshed and ready to start a new term. Unfortunately, I have to wait until August. *pouts*
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John Bumbledore - Apr 30, 2005 2:56 pm (#1589 of 2981) Reply
214 post! Alas, earwax! I cannot read that fast, so I am sorry for skipping right to the reply button. 3.141 592 653 589 796 Is what I can now remember of Pi and no longer the 25 decimal places I once learned.
Have you ever heard of Penrose tiles? Taking two different sized diamond shapes and filling an infinite plain without holes.
Did I mention I am a sl o w . . . r e a d e r ? Well enough for now. Hello everone! **waves**
Lizzy thanks for the crossword! Do ya know? I just have not had time to try it, but it is on my list and look so neat and professional, I may frame it instead. And good luck with the ear whistles erm, hearing aids.
Well, last Sunday night I was coughing and ended up in the emergency room. Turns out I have allergy induced asthma. I'm fine now that as my neighbor said, I no longer look cadaverish and have my color back. But, I am fine and just carry an inhaler (micro crystaline albuterol aerosol makes me jittery) with me now. Oh, I did change allergy medicine (makes me tired). (for Chemyst, chlorpheniramine.) So together, I do seem to balance out. I have had better productivity this past week with no afternoon drowsyness even with cutting back to two cups of coffee (half-caffeinated half-decaf.) for my morning commute.
<)B^D= (John) Bumbledore.
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ruthlesspenguin - Apr 30, 2005 4:36 pm (#1590 of 2981) Reply
Well, I'm shocked to find out that 'pong' is only used in Australia. To think that when a non-australian writer decides to name a character Pongo, they are not implying that if a really bad smell is suddenly detected you can be 99% sure they are the source. I have misinterpreted so many books and films.
I've got my first soccer game of the season today, and we are playing the team that won our division last year. As most of the members of my team have only just started playing, this is not the match I would have chosen to start the season, however fingers crossed it goes ok.
Good luck to everyone who needs it, and congratulations to the new members of the lexicon expectant mothers club.
<(')
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 4:36 pm (#1591 of 2981) Reply
Okay so call me an idiot but I just barely put together that John's advatar makes a picture of DD. I'd say I need sleep but I just got up from a nap, so I'll say I need my pre-kids brain back.
My sympathies to all housing workers who will be working non-stop.
Thora
Edit: Pongo! The daddy dalmation, nope I'm betting he didn't stink. Ah culture differences.
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Amilia Smith - Apr 30, 2005 5:35 pm (#1592 of 2981) Reply
Well, I was all set to move to Detroit. Last day of work yesterday. Last dance class today. Said good-bye to everyone. Registered for classes. Booked a hotel for the half-way point of the Long Drive. Was planning of loading up my little hatchback Monday, and heading out Tuesday.
And guess what came in the mail today? An acceptance letter to University of Hawai'i. :-)
I'm seriously thinking of rearranging all of my plans now. Tuition at UH is about $10,000 less than Wayne State, and it's located in Hawaii! You can't pass up Hawaii, can you?
Mills.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 30, 2005 6:17 pm (#1593 of 2981) Reply
Uh oh Mills. Talk about just in time letters.
But then if Hawaii Uni is cheaper and you are able to determine it is no more expensive to live there than in Detroit, then give it some serious thought. $10 grand in anyone's money is hard to come by and it is not something you want knock back too quickly!!.
How much time do you have to make decisions etc? And are you OK with flying? I've got my fingers crossed for you.
Lizzy
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Julia. - Apr 30, 2005 6:27 pm (#1594 of 2981) Reply
Wee! Just got back from a very long, but restful Shabbos. I have absolutely nothing of interest to report, so I will say...
MAZEL TOV DIAOMA!!
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Ydnam96 - Apr 30, 2005 6:29 pm (#1595 of 2981) Reply
Mills, that is amazing. Ten thousand cheaper!!! I would love to have ten thousand a year less in loans!!! Plus, you are right. Hawaii. Can't say no to that. Congrats Congrats!!
Congrats also to Diamoa on the new "surprise"
Back to my Alias watching.
edited cause I can't spell
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Phreaker - Apr 30, 2005 6:54 pm (#1596 of 2981) Reply
Amilia,
My wife is turning green with envy! She wants to VISIT Hawaii. Living there or going to school there would be a dream come true for her.
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Puck - Apr 30, 2005 7:15 pm (#1597 of 2981) Reply
Mills, you need to go - just so we can live vicariously! I've tried to talk my husband into taking me for our 10th anniversary. That gives me another 3 1/2 years to convince him. The only question would be, could you actually focus on studies, or be tempted by the beach?
Diaoma, congrats! I, too am expecting. This is number 3 for us. We were deciding whether we should have another, thought maybe in a year we'd try. Well, it was a happy surprise, as is yours.
My quilt is finished! The shower is tomorrow. Think that's the first time I finished one without staying up until midnight the night before finishing.
Had a nice day. Took the kids swimming at the community center as they were bouncing off the walls on this rainy Saturday. Spent my afternoon reading. Has anyone tried Harlan Coben books? This is my first. Pretty good so far. Grisham disappointed me. Too many loose ends. I'm used to JKR where every word has a purpose. Now I hate reading a book that throws extra stuff in. At the end it's like "Why was I told that if it wasn't going anywhere?" Hate that lack of closure.
Good luck tomorrow TBE.
Thanks to the Aussie's for explaining the whole "Pong" thing.
Kathy
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The giant squid - Apr 30, 2005 8:19 pm (#1598 of 2981) Reply
Okay, Ponine, you can have the chocolate now (he says after she's been gnawing on it for hours )
I'll second Gina's good review of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Like she said, it's not a word-for-word adaptation, but I figure every version so far (novel, TV, radio, comic book) has been different so why change? Besides, they were all written by Douglas Adams, so technically they're all canon even when they contradict. The only things I was disappointed about were the Zaphod effects (his second head & third arm spend most of the time hidden) and the Arthur/Trillian storyline being beefed up. Other than that, it was great. I laughed my zarking head off.
Congrats, Daioma! I'd say there's something in the water, but all the moms-to-be (or just-are) are too far apart for that. Cosmic rays, maybe?
To me, "pong" is the original, cheesy video game with two paddles & a "ball". One of those amazing things that was both innovative and pathetic at the same time. The time span between "that's cool!" and "that's it?" was frighteningly small.
Loopy, for the record I haven't played Six Degrees without Diner or Animal House either. I just figured if you're gonna make it hard, make it hard. I do hold the record for obscure actors though, for connecting Wendy O. Williams (lead singer of punk group the Plasmatics) to Kevin in 6 steps. I can't remember all the steps anymore, though.
--Mike
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Eponine - Apr 30, 2005 8:27 pm (#1599 of 2981) Reply
I'm looking forward to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I've only read the first book, and it was a while ago, so I don't think I'm going to be overly concerned with it sticking closely to the book.
Daioma, congratulations! I certainly hope there is nothing in the water. I'm not ready for that yet.
The doctor's office where I used to work definitely had something in the water. For the first two years that I worked there, there was always someone pregnant. Just before someone had a baby, someone else would announce they were pregnant. This wasn't a big office either. 25-30 employees tops. Lots of baby showers.
I hope everyone's having a great day!
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pottermom34 - Apr 30, 2005 8:46 pm (#1600 of 2981) Reply
Thora, you are not an idiot, I've been wondering what it was for a while but was too chicken to ask. Slap me silly and call me stupid.
Glad to see you got back to GR safely Penny Lane. Where are you working?
Did everyone catch Sorceror's Stone on ABC tonight? I did but wasn't happy with it, as I was watching I noticed they cut some of the scenes short by taking a line out here and there. Did anyone else notice that? Gee, we go form movie contamination to TV contamination. I hope they don't screw up CoS.
Well tomorrow's May 1 that means 2 months and 15 days til HBP, WOO HOO! Have a good day everyone
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 9:12 pm (#1601 of 2981) Reply
I thought that was next week! Nooooo! Did I miss movie sneak peeks?
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Julia. - Apr 30, 2005 9:14 pm (#1602 of 2981) Reply
No worries Thora. SS was on tonight, CoS is on next week. And yes Pottermom, I too was annoyed with the edits. Granted I was only half paying attention, but they still got to me. They always do.
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pottermom34 - Apr 30, 2005 9:15 pm (#1603 of 2981) Reply
Next week is CoS. They will be showing sneak peeks of GoF during that. It starts at 7 est.
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 10:04 pm (#1604 of 2981) Reply
Pottermom: I work at the arena and at 5/3rd Ballpark. I take tickets and other random things. Sometimes I sell drinks, sometimes I wander around with Griff (the Hockey mascot) and throw stuff at the stands. It's an okay job. I am hoping to work somewhere a bit more lucrative with steady hours though... So, if you know anywhere that is hiring :-) *nudge*
I really want to see the "hitchhiker" movie. I played the text adventure game, and it was always funny...
TV edits ALWAYS annoy me, so I tend to not watch movies when they are shown. Recently, I've found out that the Family Channel edits the TV shows as well, and I've been watching syndicated shows on there forever. (mostly Smallville and Gilmore Girls... sometimes 7th Heaven)
Amilie: Go to Hawaii. That's where they film "Lost", and they have better weather. In fact, if you decide to go to Detroit over Hawaii, I might just never meet you on principal. Seriously. ;-)
librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 11:34 am (#1551 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
I survived a field trip with over fifty kindergartners/first graders (I think; I only know the class my daughter is in and the one next to her). I was an emergency, replacement chaperone. I was there to make certain none of the kids wandered off. We went to a nature center and saw snakes, turtles, bugs, and a screech owl that I thought looked like Pigwidgeon. There was also a really cool mosaic with shells, rocks, and fossils.
It's amazing how tiring little kids can be. I am so glad I'm not a teacher for the little ones. I can handle about 10 or fewer (I run craft classes regularly) but not all day, every day. Hugs to all those elementary school teachers out there that manage to do this without going crazy!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Elanor - Apr 29, 2005 12:29 pm (#1552 of 2981) Reply
"Hugs to all those elementary school teachers out there that manage to do this without going crazy!"
Thanks Michelle , and congratulations for surviving the trip! Actually, today, it was close... The day has been warm, sunny, very summer-like, the first one in a very long time, and a Friday what's more, and the kids were feeling like doing a lot of things but the last one was working...
In short, my day was: repeating, and re-repeating, instructions **breathing deeply**, putting dressings on grazed knees and other elbows that were seeing the sun again (and the ground) eventually, stopping the bickerings, **breathing deeply**, preventing some kids from flooding the toilets, **breathing deeply**, while managing to remain unfazed (though inside, I was like this: ) phew!. And the physio I saw after school was wondering why I nearly fell asleep on his table, even with some ice on my poor ankle!
I send cheering and healing charms to the ones who need them, I do sympathize! And I recommend chocolate too, it always works!
Happy anniversary Lina! Have a great day everybody! Here, weekend has started, yipeeh!
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Acceber - Apr 29, 2005 1:34 pm (#1553 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 29, 2005 2:55 pm
Am I the only one who doesn't watch American Idol?-Kathy (Puck) about 50 posts ago.
Nope. I don't, and I probably never will. I'm already addicted to another TV show that airs every weekday, so I have to watch the taped version every night, and I don't have time for other shows.
Am I the only one who doesn't have a TV?-Ticker, a few posts after Kathy's.
My aunt and uncle don't and haven't in the limits of my memory.
Happy Belated Birthday Gina!
Happy Anniversary Lina!
Hmmmm....let's see....what can I talk about... I'll just say I'm so glad it's the weekend. The first week back from vacation is the worst, with the possible exception of the week before vacation. Only 39 more days of school. I can't wait for it to end and summer to come!
Two of my friends have been listing all the musicals they can think of on a piece of paper. They have about 105 so far. Knowing there are some culture buffs here, I am asking all of you for existence or Name of the oddest, most obscure musical(s) you can think of. They have all the obvious ones (Wizard of Oz, Sound of Music, Oklahoma, West Side Story, etc.), as well as most of the ones that are on Broadway now.
I have to go catch up on the rest of the threads. Must....not....dream...about...BREAD!!!
EDIT: Almost forgot this bit about precocious people. I could read when I was three and read the Ramona Quimby books in kindergarten. I kind of skipped the Easy Reader phase and went straight to chapter books. Also, I coined a quote that probably pertains to most people on this Forum: You know you're a bookworm when you've A. read one book twice in the same day or B. read more than one book in one day. I've done both.
EDIT II: Thanks for those two Michelle. I'll write them down. Kathy--Into the Woods wasn't overlooked, as it was our school musical for the year. I think it was the second one on the list, right after Cabaret. And Lina--of course Croatian musicals count! Bring 'em on!
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librarian314 - Apr 29, 2005 2:07 pm (#1554 of 2981) Reply
You asked for weird, obscure musicals, here's one...
Revenge of the Atomic Zombie Things from Hell - I saw this one in London, Fall 1989. It played in the back room of a pub/restaurant. It was hilarious! It was a take-off of all the 1950s, bad, sci-fi, B-movies. It was black and white (all the characters wore costumes that were black, white, or shades of grey; the scenery was painted in grey-scale, and the make-up was done similarly) and the "special effects" consisted of pie tins on fishing line. To top it all off, it was a musical. There were several songs scattered throughout, though I only remember the tune to the title track. I laughed so hard I nearly wet myself. This still counts as one of the best plays I've ever seen.
If it's not on the list, don't forget "Rocky Horror Picture Show" as well. It started off as a stage show first.
**michelle the librarian**
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Pinky - Apr 29, 2005 2:28 pm (#1555 of 2981) Reply
Ok, I knew I would get into trouble with the democracy thing. What I meant, was the difference between having a hereditary monarch who reigns for a lifetime, versus a president who serves a limited elected term. I didn't even touch Congress, Parliament, etc. It seems as though I've heard that there are very few "true" monarchies left. Most countries have moved to a democratic style of government, even if they still retain their royal families. I shan't give my personal opinion as to the best style of government, as I think that there is more than one model that works perfectly fine -- and besides - I'd have to moderate myself if I started talking politics!
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Julia. - Apr 29, 2005 2:42 pm (#1556 of 2981) Reply
Wow Michelle, I'm impressed. Congrats on surviving your trip
Well, I've had my last class of the year. Strangely enough, I'm not jumping for joy, I'm actually quite sad. My last class was Shakespeare, and I love that class. My classmates rock and my professor is amazing, not to mention that I'm currently dating Will Shakespeare (if he were alive and Jewish of course ), it's been a wonderful class, and I'm really sad to see it end. But I did get a hug from my professor, which made me slightly happier.
Well, it's nearly Shabbos, so I'm off! See you on Saturday night.
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Puck - Apr 29, 2005 2:50 pm (#1557 of 2981) Reply
Into the Woods isn't that obscure, but may have been overlooked.
Thanks for the ant tips. They are a bit better today. We have this spray that is supposed to be safe for kids/pets, but I do have some mint tea and baby powder around if need be!
I lived for years without cable, quite happily. Then, I got married. Now a have a huge screen, a dish on the roof, surround sound and TiVo. (must admit, I love the TiVo. Skip commercials, and hubby no longer tempted to watch news during dinner.) I have managed to limit it to the one TV. My cousin finds it appalling that we live with just one. I admit, I have the kids watch a movie now. We were out during the day, thus the rooms are clean, and I really don't want them making a mess. Lazy mom move, but, hey, I'm tired and pregnant. And now, I'm off to make dinner!
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Lina - Apr 29, 2005 2:51 pm (#1558 of 2981) Reply
Chocolate, oh, chocolate! Ain't it really the best treat after Dementor's visit? Oh, I do like the way JKR described Dementors, I can feel them so close, sometimes. And the first thought that comes to my mind at that moments is CHOCOLATE! I envy you Ponine, the way you can resist it. I can't, even for much smaller problems that you had lately. Well, I know it has consequences. I had to run several test to check if melanoma has spread in my body, and all the tests show too much fat and cellulitis. No traces of the tumor, fortunately, but what has fat to do with it, why they have to talk about fat, it is not the reason I came to them! I am afraid to run more tests just not to find more fat! I should go back to work.
Madam Pince, I like the sound of silence, too. We have one tv. Too much for me (half would be enough). My Dudley daughter wishes the second one, so that she could watch something else when her dad watches politics or sports. But I think it is good for her to train abstinence. When my husband has to travel, some days I don't turn the tv on at all.
Well, Acceber, I could start naming some Croatian musicals but I'm afraid they don't count, do they?
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Thora- Apr 29, 2005 2:57 pm (#1559 of 2981) Reply
Happy Anniversary, Lina! Hugs for all the medical stuff.
TV: For me it's Lost and I don't bother with the rest.
Musicals: 12 Dancing Princesses (that was sooo much fun to do).
Elanor: Thanks, the book is on it's way to him thanks to you!
M. Pince: I LOVE the Eagles.
Thora
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Ms Amanda - Apr 29, 2005 3:12 pm (#1560 of 2981) Reply
Ohhh. About the ants, I'm dealing with them at the daycare I work in. They are everywhere! We use bleach to clean and then vinegar water to drown the little beasties. The only ants that survive are the ones that swim VERY WELL.
On the bright side, the children know "The Ants Go Marching" all by themselves, and we don't need to buy an ant farm! Also, it's been fun to do camping themes and do paintings that the kids call "stamped bugs!"
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 29, 2005 3:58 pm (#1561 of 2981) Reply
After being overrun by ants earlier this year, I found that bi-carb soda is a good (but not perfect) substitute for baby powder. I also found that wiping over my sink and stove and bench with a vinegar/water mix also helps to keep the beasties away. I also found rinsing the dishes in rinse water containing vinegar also kept them off my dishes while they were drying.
Musical: Can't remember the name but the theme song is "Everybody needs a superhero" it was a musical at our school one year.
Oh it is Saturday morning here. A lovely morning spoilt by the fact something got burnt down last night and the pong is hanging around. It means I can't open my windows for an airing and hang the washing outside. I hope the barely existent breeze picks up and clears the air for me soon.
Enjoy your weekend everybody
Lizzy
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kabloink! - Apr 29, 2005 5:39 pm (#1562 of 2981) Reply
Hmm obscure musicals. Well, I always thought Sweeney TOdd was rather odd, if not obscure. I think its popular because of its content, though. There's also Martin Guerre. Done by the same guys as Les Mis and Miss Saigon, I got to see it for my 17th bday in Detroit-it never did make it to Braodway. Hmmm, Titanic, the Musical? Anything by Johnathan Larson that ISN"T Rent...there are a couple I believe, or so Rhapsody tells me. Ok off for a long, hot bath.....and a book, a fun book, just for tonight...
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Puck - Apr 29, 2005 7:16 pm (#1563 of 2981) Reply
What about "Menopause the Musical"? Plus, isn't there a new one based on Billy Joel's music? "Moving Up", perhaps?
I was thinking of you all watch the news tonight. A piece on Indiana, where they voted that next year the whole state will turn the clocks back. Currently, parts of the state does, parts don't. There is a place where people on one side of the street change clocks, the other side doesn't. So, when you book a 9am dentist appointment, better know what side of the street they are on!
Lizzy, what's "pong"? Smoke, I'm guessing. Never heard the term.
The kids and ants; My 2 year old claim to be a superhero. Told me HER super power is squashing ants! Usually, I teach kindness to creatures, but when it comes to bugs in my house...Squash away!
Before gping I guess that I should admit that I, too, and hooked on Survivior, and I love "What not to Wear." (Hey, I'm over 30 and drive a mini-van, I need help to avoid the frump!)
Have a great night!
Kathy
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Daioma Dumbledore - Apr 29, 2005 7:51 pm (#1564 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy, what's "pong"? Smoke, I'm guessing. Never heard the term.
As a fellow aussie, I can tell you that pong means smell. Ie: that bloke hasn't washed in a week, he really pongs!
Hi Everyone, I've finally made it back into the world of Harry Potter!! My computer did something weird & I couldn't get into the forum & then I got all caught up with work (how very annoying that was!) and was also flat out helping a friend organise her wedding plus begin planning my own which Ben & I where planning on having in February next year, but we are now putting it back to April, to give me time to get back into shape after HAVING OUR BABY!!! in December!!!
Yes you heard/read right, I'm pregnant with our first little one!! We are both over the moon, I'm not meant to say too much yet, I'm almost 9 weeks, and feeling fantastic, other than getting absolutely exhausted & going up a cup size I'd hardly even know I was pregnant!
This is a little bit earlier than we where planning (like a year earlier!!) but, if it's meant to be then it's meant to be. We just can't wait.
Hope everyone else is feeling as wonderful as I am, and if not I'm sending you some of my good vibrations to cheer you up!
Great to be back in potter-world!!!
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Ladybug220 - Apr 29, 2005 7:55 pm (#1565 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Apr 29, 2005 8:26 pm
Congrats Daioma! Hmmmm...there seems to be an epidemic among the ladies of the forum......
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 29, 2005 8:59 pm (#1566 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 29, 2005 9:52 pm
Congrats to all who made it through another week! By the skin of your teeth, by the seat of your pants... however :-)
Got horse show tomorrow so wish us luck! LotzaRustySpotz and I are a team so us is correct! (waves at Catherine!)
Try and catch up tomorrow night. Will be at Churchhill on Lapalco by the golf course Barbie if you get a chance, ride by! Blue 4 horse trailer, one lepord sp(leopard)App, one Arab-Paint, one red Quarter Horse mare, and the hoss's, hmm, rearend will be me! :-)
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pottermom34 - Apr 29, 2005 9:08 pm (#1567 of 2981) Reply
Happy Anniversary to Lina, Happy Birthday to Gina. Congrats to Daioma
I don't watch American Idol, I don't care much for the reality shows. They just aren't real to me. Although they are sometimes good for a laugh when they say or do stupid things. I can believe some of the plot on fictional shows better than those.
Unfortunately thanks to the presidential speech I missed ER watched CSI instead. I blame the speech cause CBS ran all their shows an hour late which made CSI on the same time as ER. Iwanted to see both but ER usually does a short recap of important things. There's always next week.
As for ants I've used aerosol hairspray on them, or pump works good too. They get all stuck together or run or get drowned by it, it's fun to watch. We've been having problems with wasps, no matter how much we spray them or try to get rid of them they keep coming back. The snow we had last week didn't even seem to affect them. They always seem to make a nest right by the front door too. Such a pain. They're very mean too.
There seems to be an epidemic among the ladies on the forum --Ladybug220
Hmm... Must be something in the butterbeer!or the potions.
I can happily say after 2 (3 if you count mr.pottermom) I'm done. Knock on wood (I'm doing that now).
Happy baby-days to all the moms to be. weekend to everyone else.
Michelle
P.s. Did anyone see Hitchhikers guide yet, let us (forumfolk) know how it was.
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Gina R Snape - Apr 29, 2005 10:13 pm (#1568 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back, Daioma!
I saw Hitchhikers! Just got home, in fact, from an evening's outing. It was fun. Well, if you saw PoA and felt like it was 'too fast' the first time round, but could keep up from the second viewing on, this would be the feeling you'd get with H2G2. Some of the best lines weren't there, but then some of the best lines were there. Everyone was very well cast---especially Zaphod Beeblebrox and Slartibartfast. Marvin was well done. The visuals were spot on--especially one point during the Heart of Gold's turn round the improbability drive when everyone was made out of yarn. Sheer genius, that bit!
If you're not expecting a line-by-line read-through, you stand the chance of being reasonably entertained. But I do agree with the critics who felt some of the scenes were not pieced together as well as they might have been from someone who has done more feature films.
9 out of 10, for coolness, I'd say (to quote Zaphod).
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 29, 2005 10:31 pm (#1569 of 2981) Reply
G'day Daioma!!!!
Thank you for answering the question about "pong" - another excellent descriptive word that appears too shy to leave our shores
That is wonderful news for you and Ben, hope all is OK now and for the rest of the long wait...
Based on Gina's review, I think I will catch up with the movie, just to see what it is like.
But perhaps I had better read the books first...
Lizzy
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Phoenix song - Apr 29, 2005 10:47 pm (#1570 of 2981) Reply
Daioma: "Congratulations" on the wonderful surprise that you're expecting. I wish you all of the best! Confidentially, things will never be the same again, but different can be good!
As for our recent epidemic of membership "expectations", I can confidently say that I will not be bringing any more "wee ones" into the world. For me, though, three was definitely enough... and sometimes too much!
TBE: I'm so sorry that I won't be able to meet you tomorrow! I'm swamped with tons of stuff to get done that I've been neglecting. **sigh, sigh** I wish you and "Rusty" LOTZA luck tomorrow, though. Please be sure to let us know how many awards that you're able to bring home!
Pottermom, I know that this is going to sound weird, but give it a try anyway! I use WD-40 on wasp nests. It's cheaper than traditional wasp sprays and seems to work much better. There must be something about it that wasps just don't like. I never have a problem with re-infestation in the same area. And if you're needing to reach a high area, just use the little straw things that are attached to the sides of the can.
Oh, the many, many uses of WD-40 and a big old roll of Gray Duct Tape. My dear departed father heartily believed in the generous use of both. And yes, for anyone that's wondering, I'm just about as "red-neck" as they come and proud of it!
Talk to you all in the morning!
Barbie
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Phreaker - Apr 29, 2005 11:01 pm (#1571 of 2981) Reply
Well, my weekend is off with a bang, as my NASCAR driver has been blessed with the pole qualifying position! HURRAY!
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Lina - Apr 30, 2005 1:34 am (#1572 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Daioma, Hello and congratulations!
Ladybug220: Congrats Daioma! Hmmmm...there seems to be an epidemic among the ladies of the forum......
Well, I just hope it doesn't catch me. We were delaying our first child successfully for a while, then we started trying to get it for a year. At that time I wished we had a surprize baby before because then I would have the baby and this way I was not sure if I would ever become a mummy. There is a saying : be careful with your wishes because they might realize. So my wish came true two times after that. Not that I would ever stop at one child, but I never got the chance to plan the baby again.
Good luck, TBE, as if you need it.
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TwinklingBlueEyes - Apr 30, 2005 2:15 am (#1573 of 2981) Reply
Thank you Barbie and Lina! Believe me I need it. The competition out there is tough!
Barbie, brake cleaning fluid works even better! Sprays farther, longer, faster knockdown, and cheaper! From one redneck to another, LOL!
Added note to self: Got to try the baby powder on the ants (aunts?) HemHem...
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Ponine - Apr 30, 2005 3:43 am (#1574 of 2981) Reply
Hey yall!! Guess what I am doing?!?! You got it - CHOCOLATE!! It sure does perk one up..
I am waiting for the ultimate ant tip, as my great aunt (80) has an ant problem that she can't seem to kick. So far, I think I will suggest the white vinegar for tables and counters (they get in the house..creepy), but some of the other ideas involve stuff that we do not have here... :/ Are there any other household items or supplies that work? (these are small black ants, by the way).Oh - Twinklingblueeyes - have fun and kick butt!
Pinky - as far as I know - at least in Europe, no monarch has any real power at all. In Norway, they are merely symbolic heads of the armed forces and parliament (blushing - I think that it is it). We have had a LOT of commotion for a few years, because our crown prince - our king-to be - married (gasp) a single mother!! With a (QUITE colorful) past!! Oh well - a second royal heir on its way and all is well in the kingdom of Norway
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Chemyst - Apr 30, 2005 6:00 am (#1575 of 2981) Reply
Bad news TBE, you may not be a real redneck! According to Jeff Foxworthy, rednecks think a quarter horse is a ride out in front of the Wal-mart. Or another recent forum-topic definition is "You may be a redneck if You think Possum is 'The Other White Meat'". So, you may not qualify as 100% true blue redneck.
I was checking posts on this thundery stormy morning and started wondering how common the term "redneck" is outside the US. So I checked an online dictionary to see what they'd say about it and was surprised to find the Internet Content Rating Association has this on their list of taboo words for its 'political incorrectness' and the definition they did give was not all that accurate. (Some people at the ICRA apparently take things way too seriously!) At least around where I live, it is more of a we-can-laugh-at-ourselves kind of word that pokes fun at some of the quirks and foibles of Southern culture – or lack thereof.
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Madame Pomfrey - Apr 30, 2005 6:39 am (#1576 of 2981) Reply
LoL Chemyst.I might be considered a redneck by some. I live in the boonies of Lockhart,Tx (I pour boiling water on my ant beds, by the way!) Barbie, I agree with your father’s uses of duct tape. I fix everything with a butter knife, super glue and duct tape. Well..I just wanted to say goodmorning to all. I don’t chat much mainly because I'm raising my two grandbabies and they don’t let me. I sometimes wish I had a computer in the bathroom because its the only place I get any privacy-and yes, I do sneak my HP books in there with me sometimes.
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 6:52 am (#1577 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Pinky Apr 30, 2005 12:27 pm
I edited one sentence to make it Forum appropriate, and sent Thora an e-mail. ~Pinky
Well, when you think about it, Redneck is one of those terms that while used loosely by the American caucasian middle-class, it is not a term that would be appropriately used by anyone else, because then it can be seen as derogatory.
Oh and the American word for pongs is stinks, just in case anyone is still confuesd on that.
I also had a thought for those of you who need subjects for research papers, why not do one on adult HP fans? All redneck jokes aside, I think there are fewer adult Lexiconers without an advanced education than with one. Radio DJs think they can poke fun at us because we've never held up evidence that their community college education (at the most, some states don't even require that) doesn't compare at all to all the degrees on here. Naturally I don't have one so I can't get offended for myself, but we hufflepuffs get miffed when someone is being unfair, and I really think statements that adult HP fans are losers are particularly horrid.
Just a thought.
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Mrs. Sirius - Apr 30, 2005 7:00 am (#1578 of 2981) Reply
Edited Apr 30, 2005 7:38 am
I'd like to add my 2 knuts on annoying bugs and how to get rid of them:
1. wasps sometimes build their nests underground so if you see wasps and can't understand where they are coming from, look for an underground opening.
2. if you get an infestation of some critter in the house like the food pantry, and you think it would be a good idea to set off a bug bomb in that room (with the door closed) DON'T-IT'S NOT a good idea. :-)
We are done, too! My doctor said if spontaneous triplets happen once, they can happen again. So yes, we are done, we are blessed with 4, we need no more.
A big congratulations to the moms-to-be.
Edit: Thora my experience is that adult HP fans are well above average. At least in my very limited world most of the HP fans, have undergraduate degrees, advanced degrees, or have finished high school and have responsible jobs.
Edit2: I tend to avoid the whole PC name thing but here in New England certain folks call themselves, Swamp Yankees (Swomp Yankis).
Edit3: Thanks MP, my triplets are now 6. They keep us busy!
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Madame Pomfrey - Apr 30, 2005 7:12 am (#1579 of 2981) Reply
Congrats on the triplets Mrs.Sirius! How old are they? I don’t even know anyone with twins-except the Weasleys.
Triplets must be a great accomplishment. Its hard enough to raise them one at a time. Thora,there does seem to be alot of well educated people on the forum. However, I know people without degrees who are absolutely brilliant because they read so much._____________________________________
boop - Apr 30, 2005 7:41 am (#1580 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma great news.
TBE- Sending you good luck
Good to see you Madame Pomfrey!!
Have a great weekend everyone!!
hugs always
boop
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Madam Pince - Apr 30, 2005 7:45 am (#1581 of 2981) Reply
I remember we had a discussion about ant infestations a while ago, and my only suggestion is to try some stuff called "Terro." It's mainly for controlling sweet-eating ants (I think they're the little tiny tiny ones.) It's this super-concentrated sticky liquid stuff -- you put just a tiny drop on a piece of cardboard and place it in the area where you've seen ants. Then the ants actually begin to swarm around the Terro, and here's where the important thing kicks in: you must RESIST the temptation to just squash the whole bunch of them while they're handily in front of you. You must let them eat the Terro and carry it back to their nest, where within a day or so it will eliminate the whole colony. (Bwah-ha-ha-ha!)
You can get Terro (that's just one brand-name, there's probably more) at hardware stores, etc. in the U.S. I don't know if it's available internationally. I've had great success with it. I talked to a professional bug guy, and he said it's impossible to eliminate ants permanently, so you will have to re-do the whole scenario probably twice a year or whenever the ants come back. Seems like I do it about every six months -- somebody said earlier that it has to do with the water table and I agree that whenever my back yard gets super-saturated is when they seem to show up in droves. *****peers out the window at the rain-soaked back yard****
Congratulations to all "expectant" Forum members! Happy Weekend to everyone!
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Ticker - Apr 30, 2005 8:11 am (#1582 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma! Best wishes for the next 31 or so weeks!
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kabloink! - Apr 30, 2005 8:24 am (#1583 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to all expectant forumers! I am very happy for all of you. Kinda wishing the epidemic would swing my way, but I guess I probably have a little while before I should think too much about that. Oh well, off to enjoy my afternoon before I have to close at work.
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mike miller - Apr 30, 2005 8:34 am (#1584 of 2981) Reply
Sorry for my long absence from this thread, work has been "off the hook" of late and time is in short supply. I hope that in the weeks ahead things will ease a bit.
My apologies to all the birthdays, congratulations, anniversaries and other significant events that I've missed; and, I hope all are well.
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 8:52 am (#1585 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to everyone who needs it!
I spent the past few days finishing up with school and moving back to my parents house for the summer. While it's not the best arrangement, at least I dont have to pay rent. Also, I get to spend the summer with my cat, whom I missed dearly over the last year. Granted, a night of howling and fake mouse chasing was enough quality time for me...
As for American Idol (a gazillon posts back) I don't watch either - but my parents do. Thankfully, they have TiFaux, so I won't miss "Lost". Some of my friends don't have TV at all, and I used to not watch TV at all. I watch a lot of "TV on DVD" though, does that still count? BTW, Futurama? best. cartoon. ever.
I haven't a clue what to do about ants or wasps. We had a yard person who took care of that when we lived in our old house, and now we rent... maybe I should figure it out *sees troop of ants moving ominously toward door*
Cute Kid Storys: I was in Target and I heard this kid shout "Sexy chicks momma, sexy chicks!!" I cracked up, but realized he meant SQUISHY chicks (Peeps). Oh of course I had to buy some of the slightly stale, dollar a package, Peeps. Thanks random child.
I need to take a shower and go to work now, so Ta-Ta for now.
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boop - Apr 30, 2005 10:56 am (#1586 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Mike, I have missed you *Hugs Mike*
Penny, LOL that was cute story. Penny no finals to take? Penn State students move out next weekend, but some of them are starting to move now. This coming week is finals week.
This is my last weekend off for next 2 weeks. I don't have a day off until May 21. Lots of overtime, taking out very heavy trash, helping students and parents.
hugs always
boop
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Ydnam96 - Apr 30, 2005 11:11 am (#1587 of 2981) Reply
Boop, I didn't realize you worked in the housing office at Penn! I am a resident director at a univ. out here in California. Our student's start checkout this week, as soon as they are due with finals. I totally understand
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 12:14 pm (#1588 of 2981) Reply
Boop, our finals started a week and a half ago. I'm completely done, and in another week I'll be refreshed and ready to start a new term. Unfortunately, I have to wait until August. *pouts*
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John Bumbledore - Apr 30, 2005 2:56 pm (#1589 of 2981) Reply
214 post! Alas, earwax! I cannot read that fast, so I am sorry for skipping right to the reply button. 3.141 592 653 589 796 Is what I can now remember of Pi and no longer the 25 decimal places I once learned.
Have you ever heard of Penrose tiles? Taking two different sized diamond shapes and filling an infinite plain without holes.
Did I mention I am a sl o w . . . r e a d e r ? Well enough for now. Hello everone! **waves**
Lizzy thanks for the crossword! Do ya know? I just have not had time to try it, but it is on my list and look so neat and professional, I may frame it instead.
And good luck with the ear whistles erm, hearing aids.Well, last Sunday night I was coughing and ended up in the emergency room. Turns out I have allergy induced asthma. I'm fine now that as my neighbor said, I no longer look cadaverish and have my color back. But, I am fine and just carry an inhaler (micro crystaline albuterol aerosol makes me jittery) with me now. Oh, I did change allergy medicine (makes me tired). (for Chemyst, chlorpheniramine.) So together, I do seem to balance out. I have had better productivity this past week with no afternoon drowsyness even with cutting back to two cups of coffee (half-caffeinated half-decaf.) for my morning commute.
<)B^D= (John) Bumbledore.
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ruthlesspenguin - Apr 30, 2005 4:36 pm (#1590 of 2981) Reply
Well, I'm shocked to find out that 'pong' is only used in Australia. To think that when a non-australian writer decides to name a character Pongo, they are not implying that if a really bad smell is suddenly detected you can be 99% sure they are the source. I have misinterpreted so many books and films.
I've got my first soccer game of the season today, and we are playing the team that won our division last year. As most of the members of my team have only just started playing, this is not the match I would have chosen to start the season, however fingers crossed it goes ok.
Good luck to everyone who needs it, and congratulations to the new members of the lexicon expectant mothers club.
<(')
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 4:36 pm (#1591 of 2981) Reply
Okay so call me an idiot but I just barely put together that John's advatar makes a picture of DD. I'd say I need sleep but I just got up from a nap, so I'll say I need my pre-kids brain back.
My sympathies to all housing workers who will be working non-stop.
Thora
Edit: Pongo! The daddy dalmation, nope I'm betting he didn't stink.
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Amilia Smith - Apr 30, 2005 5:35 pm (#1592 of 2981) Reply
Well, I was all set to move to Detroit. Last day of work yesterday. Last dance class today. Said good-bye to everyone. Registered for classes. Booked a hotel for the half-way point of the Long Drive. Was planning of loading up my little hatchback Monday, and heading out Tuesday.
And guess what came in the mail today? An acceptance letter to University of Hawai'i. :-)
I'm seriously thinking of rearranging all of my plans now. Tuition at UH is about $10,000 less than Wayne State, and it's located in Hawaii! You can't pass up Hawaii, can you?
Mills.
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dizzy lizzy - Apr 30, 2005 6:17 pm (#1593 of 2981) Reply
Uh oh Mills. Talk about just in time letters.
But then if Hawaii Uni is cheaper and you are able to determine it is no more expensive to live there than in Detroit, then give it some serious thought. $10 grand in anyone's money is hard to come by and it is not something you want knock back too quickly!!.
How much time do you have to make decisions etc? And are you OK with flying? I've got my fingers crossed for you.
Lizzy
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Julia. - Apr 30, 2005 6:27 pm (#1594 of 2981) Reply
Wee! Just got back from a very long, but restful Shabbos. I have absolutely nothing of interest to report, so I will say...
MAZEL TOV DIAOMA!!
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Ydnam96 - Apr 30, 2005 6:29 pm (#1595 of 2981) Reply
Mills, that is amazing. Ten thousand cheaper!!! I would love to have ten thousand a year less in loans!!! Plus, you are right. Hawaii. Can't say no to that. Congrats Congrats!!
Congrats also to Diamoa on the new "surprise"
Back to my Alias watching.
edited cause I can't spell
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Phreaker - Apr 30, 2005 6:54 pm (#1596 of 2981) Reply
Amilia,
My wife is turning green with envy! She wants to VISIT Hawaii. Living there or going to school there would be a dream come true for her.
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Puck - Apr 30, 2005 7:15 pm (#1597 of 2981) Reply
Mills, you need to go - just so we can live vicariously! I've tried to talk my husband into taking me for our 10th anniversary. That gives me another 3 1/2 years to convince him. The only question would be, could you actually focus on studies, or be tempted by the beach?
Diaoma, congrats! I, too am expecting. This is number 3 for us. We were deciding whether we should have another, thought maybe in a year we'd try. Well, it was a happy surprise, as is yours.
My quilt is finished! The shower is tomorrow. Think that's the first time I finished one without staying up until midnight the night before finishing.
Had a nice day. Took the kids swimming at the community center as they were bouncing off the walls on this rainy Saturday. Spent my afternoon reading. Has anyone tried Harlan Coben books? This is my first. Pretty good so far. Grisham disappointed me. Too many loose ends. I'm used to JKR where every word has a purpose. Now I hate reading a book that throws extra stuff in. At the end it's like "Why was I told that if it wasn't going anywhere?" Hate that lack of closure.
Good luck tomorrow TBE.
Thanks to the Aussie's for explaining the whole "Pong" thing.
Kathy
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The giant squid - Apr 30, 2005 8:19 pm (#1598 of 2981) Reply
Okay, Ponine, you can have the chocolate now (he says after she's been gnawing on it for hours )
I'll second Gina's good review of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Like she said, it's not a word-for-word adaptation, but I figure every version so far (novel, TV, radio, comic book) has been different so why change? Besides, they were all written by Douglas Adams, so technically they're all canon even when they contradict. The only things I was disappointed about were the Zaphod effects (his second head & third arm spend most of the time hidden) and the Arthur/Trillian storyline being beefed up. Other than that, it was great. I laughed my zarking head off.
Congrats, Daioma! I'd say there's something in the water, but all the moms-to-be (or just-are) are too far apart for that. Cosmic rays, maybe?
To me, "pong" is the original, cheesy video game with two paddles & a "ball". One of those amazing things that was both innovative and pathetic at the same time. The time span between "that's cool!" and "that's it?" was frighteningly small.
Loopy, for the record I haven't played Six Degrees without Diner or Animal House either. I just figured if you're gonna make it hard, make it hard. I do hold the record for obscure actors though, for connecting Wendy O. Williams (lead singer of punk group the Plasmatics) to Kevin in 6 steps. I can't remember all the steps anymore, though.
--Mike
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Eponine - Apr 30, 2005 8:27 pm (#1599 of 2981) Reply
I'm looking forward to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I've only read the first book, and it was a while ago, so I don't think I'm going to be overly concerned with it sticking closely to the book.
Daioma, congratulations! I certainly hope there is nothing in the water. I'm not ready for that yet.
The doctor's office where I used to work definitely had something in the water. For the first two years that I worked there, there was always someone pregnant. Just before someone had a baby, someone else would announce they were pregnant. This wasn't a big office either. 25-30 employees tops. Lots of baby showers.
I hope everyone's having a great day!
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pottermom34 - Apr 30, 2005 8:46 pm (#1600 of 2981) Reply
Thora, you are not an idiot, I've been wondering what it was for a while but was too chicken to ask. Slap me silly and call me stupid.
Glad to see you got back to GR safely Penny Lane. Where are you working?
Did everyone catch Sorceror's Stone on ABC tonight? I did but wasn't happy with it, as I was watching I noticed they cut some of the scenes short by taking a line out here and there. Did anyone else notice that? Gee, we go form movie contamination to TV contamination. I hope they don't screw up CoS.
Well tomorrow's May 1 that means 2 months and 15 days til HBP, WOO HOO! Have a good day everyone
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Thora- Apr 30, 2005 9:12 pm (#1601 of 2981) Reply
I thought that was next week! Nooooo! Did I miss movie sneak peeks?
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Julia. - Apr 30, 2005 9:14 pm (#1602 of 2981) Reply
No worries Thora. SS was on tonight, CoS is on next week. And yes Pottermom, I too was annoyed with the edits. Granted I was only half paying attention, but they still got to me. They always do.
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pottermom34 - Apr 30, 2005 9:15 pm (#1603 of 2981) Reply
Next week is CoS. They will be showing sneak peeks of GoF during that. It starts at 7 est.
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Penny Lane. - Apr 30, 2005 10:04 pm (#1604 of 2981) Reply
Pottermom: I work at the arena and at 5/3rd Ballpark. I take tickets and other random things. Sometimes I sell drinks, sometimes I wander around with Griff (the Hockey mascot) and throw stuff at the stands. It's an okay job. I am hoping to work somewhere a bit more lucrative with steady hours though... So, if you know anywhere that is hiring :-) *nudge*
I really want to see the "hitchhiker" movie. I played the text adventure game, and it was always funny...
TV edits ALWAYS annoy me, so I tend to not watch movies when they are shown. Recently, I've found out that the Family Channel edits the TV shows as well, and I've been watching syndicated shows on there forever. (mostly Smallville and Gilmore Girls... sometimes 7th Heaven)
Amilie: Go to Hawaii. That's where they film "Lost", and they have better weather. In fact, if you decide to go to Detroit over Hawaii, I might just never meet you on principal. Seriously. ;-)
Lady Arabella- Prefect
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Pinky - May 1, 2005 3:45 am (#1605 of 2981) Reply
Penny, have you tried "Starship Titanic"? It's a Douglas Adams computer game. I've started it, but it's one of those really linear games. You can't do anything at all unless you do step 2. Then step 3, and only step 3 is available to do -- assuming you can figure out what step 3 is. It is very Douglas Adamsy though. Luckily, I got a book to go along with it to help me figure out what step to do next. And just because the book suggests disarming the bomb at the beginning of the game, don't do it! It may sound like a good thing to do, but believe you me, Adams can twist even the disarmament of a bomb into something strange and weird.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 1, 2005 5:23 am (#1606 of 2981) Reply
Detroit vs. Hawaii. Detroit vs. Hawaii. Detroit vs. Hawaii. ***makes odd balancing gesture with hands*** There's a choice?
Pack the bikini and throw in the sunscreen. Oh, and don't forget your shades.
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Gina R Snape - May 1, 2005 7:05 am (#1607 of 2981) Reply
I tried to play Starship Titanic, but found it ultimately too frustrating. I didn't get very far, even with a guide book!
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 7:46 am (#1608 of 2981) Reply
I happened upon the "Ebert and Roeper" (film critics) show last night, and they gave "Hitchhikers" two thumbs down (not that that means anything really.) Their reasoning was that the story was extremely difficult to follow if you didn't have prior knowledge of the series or the books.
I need my pre-kids brain back. -- Thora. LOL! I have noticed that phenomenon, too! I wasn't sure whether to blame it on advancing age or the arrival of Baby Pince. I'm pretty sure it must be Baby Pince, though, because I have ceased to advance in age as of a couple birthdays ago.
Congratulations on the acceptance letter, Mills! I've gotta agree with Kim -- it wouldn't be much of a choice for me. But then again, I'm always cold, so tropic weather is a plus and Detroit's snow would be a real downer. I remember thinking that two friends of mine were very astute when they made the decision to go live in Hawaii for a year. They both postponed starting "real" jobs (of course, her Dad owned the company so it wasn't like they were really passing up anything crucial because the job was waiting for her) and went to live in Oahu and worked in a t-shirt shop or something. Just made enough money to barely live on, and just enjoyed Hawaii for a year, then came back to the Mainland and started work and got married and had a baby, etc...etc... I always thought that was a really nice start to life (coming from someone who bought a house almost as soon as I got out of college and so immediately had a mortgage and responsibilities...bleah.)
Let's see, I'm assuming that both schools would equally meet your educational needs or else you wouldn't have applied there, so what are the pros and cons of just the two different locales?
Cons for Hawaii: living expenses are high; it's a long plane trip so harder to come home for holidays; it is rainy all the time on certain very specific parts of the islands (where is UH?); there's that pesky risk of sunburn.
Pros for Hawaii: it's $10,000 cheaper in tuition (which would cover a lot of living expenses); it's a whole new learning experience just in culture, flora, and fauna; lovely warm weather on most parts of the islands for all four seasons; the fresh pineapple and fresh fish are divine and make it easy to eat healthy; the weather and available watersports make it easy to exercise as you should; dance classes could now include hula; I would imagine there are lots of fun part-time jobs available due to the tourist industry; the people are nice and I haven't heard much about them having a huge crime problem; Tom Selleck has a house there and so you might see him sometime (may not do anything for you but it would for me); and it's $10,000 cheaper. And in fifteen years, it will be a lot more fun to go to a college reunion in Hawaii than to go to one in Detroit, I'm thinking.
Cons for Detroit: Popularly known as one of the crime capitals of the U.S., although this may be a fallacy; costs $10,000 more; winters are cold/ice/snow/slush; annnnndddd.....that's all I know about Detroit. Except it costs $10,000 more. And they build cars there.
Pros for Detroit: Hmmmmmmm...... ****sound of crickets chirping****
But, it's entirely up to you! How wonderful to be able to have a choice! Good luck!
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kabloink! - May 1, 2005 7:59 am (#1609 of 2981) Reply
Ummmm, well we do have the Red Wings....oh wait, that's only IF there's hockey this next year....
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 1, 2005 8:06 am (#1610 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 1, 2005 8:48 am
it's a long plane trip so harder to come home for holidays---Madam Pince
Shoot. I guess she'll just have to spend Christmas in Hawaii. I hate it when that happens.
EDIT: Speaking of holidays....Happy Easter to all for whom it applies. My husband and kids made me a cake that's decorated with the Greek cross and the words "Christos Anesti". What a riot.
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Chemyst - May 1, 2005 11:04 am (#1611 of 2981) Reply
Cons for Detroit: that motown thing kinda fizzled. oh wait, that might be a pro.
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mischa fan - May 1, 2005 12:26 pm (#1612 of 2981) Reply
I have been gone for awhile, does anyone have any clue when the next Harry Potter book is suppose to come out, I hope it is soon.
Ladybug220 - May 1, 2005 12:56 pm (#1613 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Jim! HBP is not coming soon enough - July 16th is just too far away!
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 1:00 pm (#1614 of 2981) Reply
****waves at Jim!**** We wondered where you were! Welcome back!
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Julia. - May 1, 2005 2:02 pm (#1615 of 2981) Reply
JIM!!!!!!!!! *runs in and bearhugs Jim* *bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother* Welcome back! If I hadn't talked to you on AIM last week I would have thought you'd fallen off the face of the earth!
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Lina - May 1, 2005 2:46 pm (#1616 of 2981) Reply
Happy Easter to all who celebrate it today!
My daughter had her first trip abroad yesterday. Trieste (Italy again - well it is not so far from here as it might seem, it is closer to my town than the capital of my country and there are many people in my town who speak Italian as their second or even first language, we even have several Italian schools here).
When I was a little girl, as my daughters are now, we used to go to Trieste regularly, to do shopping, or would it be better to say supply? At that time, there were so many things that we couldn't find in our stores, so we went to Italy to buy them. Later, there were more and more things in our stores, but they were much cheaper in Italy, so we continued to buy them there. Now the things have changed. Only few things left that you can find in Italy and not here, like the liquid my sister uses for her contacts, and the prizes became alike, so we go to Italy very rarely. My husband says he wasn't there for 7 years. I'm really not sure, but it is not impossible.
My sister goes there once in 3 months and she always returns with a new pair of shoes. So yesterday they took our eldest because she is the only our child with passport. She came home quite enthusiastic. She says that my sister is much more woman than I am, because she likes shopping and she likes shoes and I'm not a fan of any of these things. We should work on passports for the other two girls...
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Amilia Smith - May 1, 2005 3:06 pm (#1617 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the good wishes, everyone. I sent UH (which is in Honolulu, btw) an email this morning stating my Intent to Register. There really wasn't much of a decision to make, as you all pointed out. Although, just for the record, Detroit did have several pros: be able to get HBP four hours earlier, be near lots of Scottish-American activities, be near lots of forumers. But the main reason I was in such a dither last night was the Change. I had actually made a Decision, made Plans. And you have to know me to know how hard making decisions is for me ("All of the sudden and out of the blue, you know what your decision is, which is not to decide." **waves to Acceber**) to know how traumatic it is when plans change. But today I am feeling great! And I am going to live in Hawaii!
OK, brag time. My genius little brother just this week got the scores back for his ACT test. Guess what he got? A 34. For those of you unfamiliar with the ACT (don't remember what the initials stand for, sorry), it is one of the tests you can take before you enter college. The schools use your test scores as well as your highschool grades to determine whether or not to admit you, and if you deserve a scholarship. A perfect ACT score is 36, high twentys are good scores, and anything over 30 is a great score.
Welcome back Jim. You probably don't remember me, but I remember you.
Congratulations Diaoma!
I saw Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and enjoyed it thoroughly. I had never read the books, but found it easy enough to follow. However, I was not completely ignorant of the Hitchhiker universe, as I have two brothers who have read the books several times, and talk about them in my presence.
Is it too late to post my favorite semi-obscure musicals? None of them are really obscure, so you may very well already have them on your list, Acceber, but they are not really big either, so they could have been missed.
Assassins. Stephen Sondheim wrote both the words and the music, and it is absolutely incredible. My favorite CD to listen to when I am having a bad day. It is about all the people who have ever killed, or tried to kill, the President of the United States. It explores what happens when the American Dream collides with reality. To quote one of John Wilkes Booth's lines: "You know what that is, outside that window? That's America. The Land Where Any Kid Can Grow Up to Be President. The Shining City, Lee. It shines so bright you have to shade your eyes. But in here, this is America, too. 'The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.' An American said that. And he was right." And it's Sondheim, so you've got all of the fun rhythms and interweaving melodies.
Bells are Ringing. This is an old movie musical (although I think it was on Broadway first) staring Judy Holiday and Dean Martin. Just darling. Judy is a telephone operator who is in love with Dean's voice. But he thinks she is a little old lady because they have never actually met, and she uses a little old lady voice when she talks to him. Fun romantic comedy with several very enjoyable musical numbers.
The Pajama Game. Another old movie musical, this time staring Doris Day and (?). Workers in a pajama factory go on strike for a 7 1/2 cent raise. There is a very memorable song where Doris adds up how much 7 1/2 cents turns out to be when you calculate it over time. Doesn't sound fun from my description, but I enjoyed it.
Flower Drum Song. This is my favorite Rogers and Hammerstein musical. It is set in San Francisco's China Town and deals with the internal conflict between East and West, generational misunderstandings, and, of course, love. Several likable characters and many memorable songs, including "I Enjoy Being a Girl."
Mills.
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Acceber - May 1, 2005 3:21 pm (#1618 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the musicals everyone! My friends will wonder how I got so many in the space of one weekend. Mills-I don't think we have any of those, thanks for the descriptions as well.
WELCOME BACK JIM!!!!! I've missed you in the chat room and all of your sarcasm .
Wow, what a short post. Maybe I should check the Forum more often.
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 3:25 pm (#1619 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, Mills! Hawaii! That will be so wonderful! Enjoy every minute of it! I had actually made a Decision, made Plans. And you have to know me to know how hard making decisions is for me. -- I can soooooo relate to that. It takes me hours and hours (sometimes days) just to buy a pair of jeans, for pity's sake. I can imagine how difficult it was, once you thought you had everything all settled, to just toss it out the window and go with something new. But, it was obviously meant to be!
The fact that the letter arrived just in time makes me sure that it's fate. Years ago, I was feeling restless in my "big corporate job" but didn't know what to do about it. I got my weekly copy of my hometown newspaper in the mail, and therein was listed a job opening for something that sounded interesting to me, and the deadline for resumes was the next day. Thing was, usually the mail delivery of my hometown paper is as much as a week late -- so if I'd gotten my newspaper on the day I normally would've received it, I would've already been too late for a resume submission, and I would've just said "Oh well!" and forgotten about it. But because this arrived just in time, it actually made me stop and think that maybe there was a Reason for this. Anyway, long story short, I sent the resume, got the job, quit my other job, moved, met Mr. Pince, and lived happily ever after.
Yay for Mills! Fated to four years in Hawaii! Yippee!
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 3:46 pm (#1620 of 2981) Reply
I'm so excited for you Mills! And totally jealous.
And I LOVE Flower Drum Song, we watched it a lot as a child. It's funny because lately there has been a Gap commercial with the song I enjoy being a girl in it and no one believed me when I said it was from a musical called Flower Drum Song. Silly muggles
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Accio Sirius - May 1, 2005 3:52 pm (#1621 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma! That's great news.
And four years in Hawaii doesn't sound like a bad way to go. A good friend of mine lives there and works as a massage therapist. He's been bugging me to come out there and I'm starting to think seriously about it!
On another note--I took my 8-year-old daughter to the local high school carnival today and she won four gold fish by tossing pennies into a cup. Without any prompting from me she announced she was naming them James, Sirius, Remus and Peter. :smile” Peter was the small runty looking one of course. It was a proud moment. I'm looking forward to seeing CoS next weekend with the GoF footage. I just recently deleted the version of SS in my TiVo library which included the PoA stuff.
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timrew - May 1, 2005 4:18 pm (#1622 of 2981) Reply
First of all, welcome back, Jim.........and Happy Birthday, Gina!
Sorry it's all so belated, but I've been away for a week to the Lake District (Cumbria). It's a long time since I've been there, and it's amazing how you forget you have such a beautiful place on your doorstep!
This time we stayed just outside Keswick, at an incredibly gorgeous place called Applethwaite. Took in the time to visit Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere, and also his house, Dove Cottage. First time I've seen them - and quite moving.......
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Gina R Snape - May 1, 2005 4:34 pm (#1623 of 2981) Reply
Yes, welcome back Jim.
Thanks, Tim. And, I have to laugh Tim because you were in the Lake District and forgot its beauty...yet your avatar is of you on a lake! Ok, feeble irony, but irony nonetheless.
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pottermom34 - May 1, 2005 4:53 pm (#1624 of 2981) Reply
Penny, I think we're still taking applications, we only have 7 or 8 people working in gifts, or you could work in concessions I think they are still looking also. Hey if you worked with me, I would have someone to talk about potter stuff to. We'd have something to talk about on slow days.
Amelia, sorry you won't be joining the Michigan Potters, but I don't blame you a bit for going to Hawaii. My brother-in-law is stationed there, he's in the Air Force. Loves to call when we get snow and "complain" about how "hot" he is. Anyway enjoy Hawaii. Keep in mind if a volcano blows, Detroit is still here..
Thanks for all the good words about Hitchhiker's Guide, maybe I'll take my daughter to see it, is it kid friendly? We need a mommy daughter day she's been really cranky lately and that's being nice. Can 5 year olds have PMS. I swear she has it. We need better weather so she can play outside or something.
Oh well of to read more posts.
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boop - May 1, 2005 5:00 pm (#1625 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to you Mills, going to school in Hawaii. That is a state I want to visit someday. Enjoy your time in Hawaii, then come here and tell us all about it.
JIM!!!!!!! *Big Hugs* to you. I have missed you on the forum and chat room.
Hugs Always
boop
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Catherine - May 1, 2005 5:28 pm (#1626 of 2981) Reply
I'm a bit overwhelmed with the welcome given to the Forum oldtimers
It's great to to see Jim posting, and Tim...well...you know your special wit made me stick around, even without any Aragog web-slinging. I think I named you the "King of Spew" or something like.
My mum is doing much better, though she has as many staples in her back as the tracks for Hogwarts Express. She isn't very happy, and I daresay that I have much more respect for Madame Pomfrey at the moment than I did before.
I'm just saying hello, and that I miss you all. Hope you are all well, and strong.
It's great to see Accio Sirius and Phoenix Song come back to post after a little break. **waves**
Cheers to everyone...
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I Am Used Vlad - May 1, 2005 6:02 pm (#1627 of 2981) Reply
Overall, I did not like the Hitchhiker's Guide movie. Alan Rickman was excellent as Marvin, and the whale sequence alone was worth the price of admission, but too many funny lines or happenings were either left out or only alluded to, and I didn't like the changes to the story at all. Not that I'm saying I won't watch it again.
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Puck - May 1, 2005 6:20 pm (#1628 of 2981) Reply
Ooooh, I hadn't heard about the sneak peaks to GoF! It pays to come to this site! So, next Saturday, what channel? If I do TiVo I can skip right to the previews. My hubby did that a few weeks back. I thought it was really strange that he decided to record The "OC". Then, he jumped to the end for a Star Wars trailor, and it all made sense.
Thora and Pince, my friends and I refer to that as "Pregnancy Brain" All the blood rushes to your stomach, depriving the brain of oxygen. We swear you don't ever fully recover from this.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
Kathy
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 7:00 pm (#1629 of 2981) Reply
Public Service Announcement: do not eat Sour cream and Onion ruffles with citrus soda and chocolate bars- in any close time proximity to each other. Your tummy will NOT be happy!
Yes, I was the silly one who ate this unhappy combo and it's painful let me tell you!
My best friend is pregnant. She has not said anything yet about the "pregnancy brain" yet. But she has developed a large distaste of saltines (or soda crackers as some may call them).
I think I have had Pregnancy Brain, but without the pregnancy part. Sometimes I think my brain has fallen out of my head...
Anyway, Happy Sunday, and Easter for all Eastern Orthodox Forumers!
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Ponine - May 1, 2005 7:03 pm (#1630 of 2981) Reply
I have a question - I have seen a few people wishing others a happy Easter - could someone explain that to me?
*Clueless in Norway*
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Puck - May 1, 2005 7:05 pm (#1631 of 2981) Reply
Orhtodox Easter was this weekend. I know only because it was a headline in part of my Sunday paper.
Kathy
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Ponine - May 1, 2005 7:12 pm (#1632 of 2981) Reply
Oh. hm. Thank you, Kathy - It truly is amazing how much you can learn on this forum...
*trots off to look it up online.* PS - Happy Easter to those who celebrates it!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 1, 2005 8:00 pm (#1633 of 2981) Reply
Boop and Jim told me to check out this thread to get to know people better. I've read a few of the messages, it seems like this is the spot where people get to know each other alot better. I've met Jim, Betty, Julia, and Kim in the chat room, they are all extremely nice.
I'm new to Lexicon, only joined about a month ago, and I must say, if one could hand out Masters of Harry Potter degrees there would be a slew to be passed out here.
As for me, it's pretty simple..born and raised in Northern Ontario where moose and bears are common place and your more likely to meet a bear then a mugger when walking at night. In fact my grandmother was well known for attacking bears with a broom when she found them in her garbage....I'm not kidding!
I'm 33, married (have been with my husband for 18 years..high school sweethearts), and we have two kids. I'm proud to say that my son was born on July 31st, but alas, I did not name him Harry. This is also the land where hockey is a religion and if you have a son it is either named after it's father or it's father's favorite hockey players....my son received the latter.
Hopefully I am following this thread correctly, alas I am new, thus I ask that you excuse my rookiness!
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Denise P. - May 1, 2005 8:08 pm (#1634 of 2981) Reply
She has not said anything yet about the "pregnancy brain" yet.
You know, this is actually a fact...pregnant women are prone to being more forgetful. Even knowing it is coming doesn't help. Usually the forgetfulness is worst in the first and last part of the pregnancy. My family laughs now when they see me write everything down. Seriously, when I go to the store now, if it is not on my list written down, I will totally zone that is the main reason I went to the store.
After pregnancy brain, then you develop mama brain because the kids suck the active brain cells out of you
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 1, 2005 9:01 pm (#1635 of 2981) Reply
Thank you to everyone for your well wishes!! It's greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the other expectant mothers on the forum, we can add my sister (my only sister) to the list as well, although she's further along than me, she's due in July, it's nice knowing our kids are going to be so close in age & our parents can't believe the only 2 girls out of 8 children are pregnant at the same time.
I can understand the pregnant brain thing already, I'm finding that I'm not so much forgetful as vague. I can be having a conversation with someone on the phone & then I just vague out and have to ask them to repeat themselves! Very strange phenomenon
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Mrs. Sirius - May 1, 2005 9:05 pm (#1636 of 2981) Reply
Definitely Denise! The pregnancy brain is just the "mother of kids" brain in training. Once the kids come you can actually feel the brain cells dying.
Amelia, my husband went to graduate school at UH at Honolulu and he just loved it. It was a great way to stay healthy, the food is incredible it's so easy to enjoy the outdoors. The rainy season was a minor annoyance, but do be aware of the eternal sun your first days in it. He was burnt right thru his shirt!
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Julia. - May 1, 2005 10:02 pm (#1637 of 2981) Reply
Sorry to ruin a perfectly civil conversation, but I just need to tell you guys what happened in my neck of the woods this evening. I got a call from the Hillel directer telling me to get down there, ASAP. So me and four of my friends hurried over to find that one of our Torah Scrolls was missing. Yes, you read that correctly, one of the Torah Scrolls was missing. We turned over every corner of the building looking for it, and nothing. We called the cops, but there was nothing they could do. So now we're short a Torah. We're thinking that one of the members of the congregation we share the building with took it and didn't tell us. But it's weird, because we have two, and they only took one. I don't know, either way it's not very comforting to think that a Torah Scroll is currently sitting on someone's coffee table, people probally eating over it, touching it and doing G-d knows what. Sorry, didn't meant to just unload like that, but wow.
Ok, I'm going to attempt to go back to studying for my first final now.
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 10:34 pm (#1638 of 2981) Reply
So someone stole a Torah scroll? That's just stupid! I'm sorry about that Juila. I hope you all are able to recover it.
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Susan Bones - May 1, 2005 11:56 pm (#1639 of 2981) Reply
I guess I shouldn't stay up this late to read the Forum, but after the kids are in bed and a few last jobs done, I like to relax for a few minutes with something fun and I get sucked in! The "few minutes" turns into too long.
I'm looking forward to Wednesday when Mr. Bones gets back from his 3-week trip. It sure is easier to run the household with a partner around.
Recalling Catherine's adventure with the possums a while back, a raccoon came in our cat/dog door. I was nearly asleep and thought I heard the cat come in, but then realized that the cat was on the bed the whole time. A little nervous, I checked it out and saw what I thought was the tail of a gray cat going out the door. I peered out the window in the door and saw a raccoon peering back. It was probably after the cat food. I put the food in another room for a while and the raccoon has not been back. My mother-in-law thought I was too casual about it when I told her. She's heard they can be pretty vicious and it would be bad for the cat or dog to tangle with it.
At least it wasn't a skunk. We had one of those come in the pet door several years ago -- no spraying, fortunately.
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dizzy lizzy - May 1, 2005 11:56 pm (#1640 of 2981) Reply
Welcome to the chat thread Shannon. Perhaps I should tell you I am a little stunned at the moment. One of my good friends from Uni is currently working as a geologist out of Thunder Bay at the moment. No idea which company or working arrangements or anything like that.
The catch is that we are both from Australia...amazing the people you meet through Harry Potter. Can we play six degrees of Harry Potter???
Small world
Julia: I hope your Torah comes back safe and sound. It is not just a stupid thing to do, but sad . I could say more, but I would stray into territory that would earn me a kipendo and I don't need one of them right now.
Lizzy
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The giant squid - May 2, 2005 12:53 am (#1641 of 2981) Reply
Welcome, Shannon! This is the place to feed your Potter obsession (we know you have one) and this thread in particular is to blather about your non-Potter thoughts & stuff. Feel free to jump in with both feet--the water's fine.
I forgot to mention a musical in my last post--has anyone here heard of “Cannibal: The Musical?” It's written, directed by & starring the creators of the South Park cartoon, and if you think SP is irreverent...
How very interesting...there have been 42 posts since my last one, and the first one I saw tonight was in reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Coincidence? Well, yeah, probably, but fun anyway.
Julia, is it okay if a gentile prays for the safe return of your Torah? I just don't understand people; even being one doesn't help.
--Mike
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septentrion - May 2, 2005 1:29 am (#1642 of 2981) Reply
Hello all ! I had to skip the 100 and lot more posts of these last days, so happy birthday, congrats and hugs for those who deserve/need it.
Back at work today after a blissful week of vacation. And the weather is dull as well.
Off to catch up on work !
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boop - May 2, 2005 3:21 am (#1643 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Flame!!! Have a wonderful day!
Everyone have a good day!
Welcome to this thread Shannon.
Hugs Always
boop
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timrew - May 2, 2005 3:26 am (#1644 of 2981) Reply
Gina, the lake I'm on in the avatar is in Scotland - and it's actually a sea-loch, although it looks calm enough to be a lake! It was a nice day.
I suppose it is a bit ironic, me forgetting how gorgeous the Lake District is, seeing as I only live about 70 miles from it! I could go there for the day if I wanted!
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Catherine - May 2, 2005 4:09 am (#1645 of 2981) Reply
After pregnancy brain, then you develop mama brain because the kids suck the active brain cells out of you--Denise P.
Um....I forgot what I was going to say.
*crickets chirping*
Happy Monday.
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Eponine - May 2, 2005 5:47 am (#1646 of 2981) Reply
Julia, how awful. I hope the Torah scroll is returned to you soon.
Shannon, welcome to the chat thread. This is a great place to get to know everyone.
My sister and her kids are coming to visit me in a week, and I'm quite excited about it since I don't get to see them that often. We're supposed to go to the beach, but if it doesn't warm up soon, I'm not sure what we're going to do.
I went to go see the play Noises Off yesterday. I went by myself since Mr. Eponine was working, and it's quite enjoyable to go to a play alone. I had caught the last 45 minutes or so of the movie on television a few years ago and had wanted to see the play ever since. It was funny, but I felt the ending was too sudden.
Anyway, I hope everyone's having a lovely Monday.
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librarian314 - May 2, 2005 6:09 am (#1647 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Congrats Daioma! Welcome to the sisterhood of motherhood! Hope your pregnancy goes well with no complications.
Julia - I really hope your Torah comes home safely!
Welcome, Shannon!
Congrats, Mills, on going to school in Hawaii! My dad was born there. (He was a Navy brat and his dad was stationed there three times between the late 1940s and 1960.)
I, too, saw Hitchhiker's Guide this weekend and it was great! It's been over a decade since I read the books, so I didn't really remember all that much. (More people and places, than plot).
I thought that it was extremely kid friendly! There was only one obvious explicative. (I think it was the F word, it went by rather quickly. Arthur says it when thoroughly freaked out by something. It seemed an appropriate thing for a grown man to say, in such a situation, so it didn't seem terribly gratuitous.) The violence was cartoony and the sexual content was minimal. (Trillian thinking whilst in the shower and a sweet kiss are all that I can remember.) I thought that I would have no problem with my 6 year old seeing the movie.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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pottermom34 - May 2, 2005 6:31 am (#1648 of 2981) Reply
I know the pregnancy brain all too well, and the mama brain which also goes along well with the wife with kids and husband brain.
It's a really sad thing when things get stolen from religious organizations. Hope you find the Torah soon, Julia. We just had a church robbing a few weeks ago. It's just low when a person has to stoop to that.
So,Timrew, have you ever seen Nessie? Ok had to ask being that you live in Scotland.
Happy Monday all.
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Cornelia - May 2, 2005 6:48 am (#1649 of 2981) Reply
So many posts again to read over the weekend!
Julia- I hope the Torah will return quick, safe and well!
Just read today that Alan Rickman will play in The Parfum! It is one of my favorite books, so I don´t know if I will go and see the film.
About the mama-brain, is it getting better when the kids grow up?
Have a nice monday!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 2, 2005 7:48 am (#1650 of 2981) Reply
Thank you everyone for your warm welcome's; I feel like I've walked into a very warm little community here. I started writing down everyone's names to thank them for the warm welcome but I'd received so many that I decided to stop writing and just say a general Hi and thank you!
Dizzy Lizzy; you have a friend working here from Australia in geology; that's amazing! He's definitely in the right place. This area is very rich in poladium, gold, silver, and a few other raw materials of value. I'm wondering if he is researching the new gold and poladium bodies that I've been hearing a buzz about, there supposed to be right on the edge of the city.
Boop, thanks again for telling me about this thread, and I must say that I'd really enjoyed talking to you in the chat room last night.
Julia, if you don't mind my asking, what is a torah, it sounds like an object of great monetary/historical/sentimental value? I'm sorry that it was taken none the less and hope that it is recovered safe and sound.
Pinky - May 1, 2005 3:45 am (#1605 of 2981) Reply
Penny, have you tried "Starship Titanic"? It's a Douglas Adams computer game. I've started it, but it's one of those really linear games. You can't do anything at all unless you do step 2. Then step 3, and only step 3 is available to do -- assuming you can figure out what step 3 is. It is very Douglas Adamsy though. Luckily, I got a book to go along with it to help me figure out what step to do next. And just because the book suggests disarming the bomb at the beginning of the game, don't do it! It may sound like a good thing to do, but believe you me, Adams can twist even the disarmament of a bomb into something strange and weird.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 1, 2005 5:23 am (#1606 of 2981) Reply
Detroit vs. Hawaii. Detroit vs. Hawaii. Detroit vs. Hawaii. ***makes odd balancing gesture with hands*** There's a choice?
Pack the bikini and throw in the sunscreen. Oh, and don't forget your shades.
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Gina R Snape - May 1, 2005 7:05 am (#1607 of 2981) Reply
I tried to play Starship Titanic, but found it ultimately too frustrating. I didn't get very far, even with a guide book!
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 7:46 am (#1608 of 2981) Reply
I happened upon the "Ebert and Roeper" (film critics) show last night, and they gave "Hitchhikers" two thumbs down (not that that means anything really.) Their reasoning was that the story was extremely difficult to follow if you didn't have prior knowledge of the series or the books.
I need my pre-kids brain back. -- Thora. LOL! I have noticed that phenomenon, too! I wasn't sure whether to blame it on advancing age or the arrival of Baby Pince. I'm pretty sure it must be Baby Pince, though, because I have ceased to advance in age as of a couple birthdays ago.
Congratulations on the acceptance letter, Mills! I've gotta agree with Kim -- it wouldn't be much of a choice for me. But then again, I'm always cold, so tropic weather is a plus and Detroit's snow would be a real downer. I remember thinking that two friends of mine were very astute when they made the decision to go live in Hawaii for a year. They both postponed starting "real" jobs (of course, her Dad owned the company so it wasn't like they were really passing up anything crucial because the job was waiting for her) and went to live in Oahu and worked in a t-shirt shop or something. Just made enough money to barely live on, and just enjoyed Hawaii for a year, then came back to the Mainland and started work and got married and had a baby, etc...etc... I always thought that was a really nice start to life (coming from someone who bought a house almost as soon as I got out of college and so immediately had a mortgage and responsibilities...bleah.)
Let's see, I'm assuming that both schools would equally meet your educational needs or else you wouldn't have applied there, so what are the pros and cons of just the two different locales?
Cons for Hawaii: living expenses are high; it's a long plane trip so harder to come home for holidays; it is rainy all the time on certain very specific parts of the islands (where is UH?); there's that pesky risk of sunburn.
Pros for Hawaii: it's $10,000 cheaper in tuition (which would cover a lot of living expenses); it's a whole new learning experience just in culture, flora, and fauna; lovely warm weather on most parts of the islands for all four seasons; the fresh pineapple and fresh fish are divine and make it easy to eat healthy; the weather and available watersports make it easy to exercise as you should; dance classes could now include hula; I would imagine there are lots of fun part-time jobs available due to the tourist industry; the people are nice and I haven't heard much about them having a huge crime problem; Tom Selleck has a house there and so you might see him sometime (may not do anything for you but it would for me); and it's $10,000 cheaper. And in fifteen years, it will be a lot more fun to go to a college reunion in Hawaii than to go to one in Detroit, I'm thinking.
Cons for Detroit: Popularly known as one of the crime capitals of the U.S., although this may be a fallacy; costs $10,000 more; winters are cold/ice/snow/slush; annnnndddd.....that's all I know about Detroit. Except it costs $10,000 more. And they build cars there.
Pros for Detroit: Hmmmmmmm...... ****sound of crickets chirping****
But, it's entirely up to you! How wonderful to be able to have a choice! Good luck!
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kabloink! - May 1, 2005 7:59 am (#1609 of 2981) Reply
Ummmm, well we do have the Red Wings....oh wait, that's only IF there's hockey this next year....
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 1, 2005 8:06 am (#1610 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 1, 2005 8:48 am
it's a long plane trip so harder to come home for holidays---Madam Pince
Shoot. I guess she'll just have to spend Christmas in Hawaii. I hate it when that happens.
EDIT: Speaking of holidays....Happy Easter to all for whom it applies. My husband and kids made me a cake that's decorated with the Greek cross and the words "Christos Anesti". What a riot.
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Chemyst - May 1, 2005 11:04 am (#1611 of 2981) Reply
Cons for Detroit: that motown thing kinda fizzled. oh wait, that might be a pro.
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mischa fan - May 1, 2005 12:26 pm (#1612 of 2981) Reply
I have been gone for awhile, does anyone have any clue when the next Harry Potter book is suppose to come out, I hope it is soon.
Ladybug220 - May 1, 2005 12:56 pm (#1613 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Jim! HBP is not coming soon enough - July 16th is just too far away!
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 1:00 pm (#1614 of 2981) Reply
****waves at Jim!**** We wondered where you were! Welcome back!
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Julia. - May 1, 2005 2:02 pm (#1615 of 2981) Reply
JIM!!!!!!!!! *runs in and bearhugs Jim* *bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother bother* Welcome back! If I hadn't talked to you on AIM last week I would have thought you'd fallen off the face of the earth!
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Lina - May 1, 2005 2:46 pm (#1616 of 2981) Reply
Happy Easter to all who celebrate it today!
My daughter had her first trip abroad yesterday. Trieste (Italy again - well it is not so far from here as it might seem, it is closer to my town than the capital of my country and there are many people in my town who speak Italian as their second or even first language, we even have several Italian schools here).
When I was a little girl, as my daughters are now, we used to go to Trieste regularly, to do shopping, or would it be better to say supply? At that time, there were so many things that we couldn't find in our stores, so we went to Italy to buy them. Later, there were more and more things in our stores, but they were much cheaper in Italy, so we continued to buy them there. Now the things have changed. Only few things left that you can find in Italy and not here, like the liquid my sister uses for her contacts, and the prizes became alike, so we go to Italy very rarely. My husband says he wasn't there for 7 years. I'm really not sure, but it is not impossible.
My sister goes there once in 3 months and she always returns with a new pair of shoes. So yesterday they took our eldest because she is the only our child with passport. She came home quite enthusiastic. She says that my sister is much more woman than I am, because she likes shopping and she likes shoes and I'm not a fan of any of these things. We should work on passports for the other two girls...
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Amilia Smith - May 1, 2005 3:06 pm (#1617 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the good wishes, everyone. I sent UH (which is in Honolulu, btw) an email this morning stating my Intent to Register. There really wasn't much of a decision to make, as you all pointed out. Although, just for the record, Detroit did have several pros: be able to get HBP four hours earlier, be near lots of Scottish-American activities, be near lots of forumers. But the main reason I was in such a dither last night was the Change. I had actually made a Decision, made Plans. And you have to know me to know how hard making decisions is for me ("All of the sudden and out of the blue, you know what your decision is, which is not to decide." **waves to Acceber**) to know how traumatic it is when plans change. But today I am feeling great! And I am going to live in Hawaii!
OK, brag time. My genius little brother just this week got the scores back for his ACT test. Guess what he got? A 34. For those of you unfamiliar with the ACT (don't remember what the initials stand for, sorry), it is one of the tests you can take before you enter college. The schools use your test scores as well as your highschool grades to determine whether or not to admit you, and if you deserve a scholarship. A perfect ACT score is 36, high twentys are good scores, and anything over 30 is a great score.
Welcome back Jim. You probably don't remember me, but I remember you.
Congratulations Diaoma!
I saw Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and enjoyed it thoroughly. I had never read the books, but found it easy enough to follow. However, I was not completely ignorant of the Hitchhiker universe, as I have two brothers who have read the books several times, and talk about them in my presence.
Is it too late to post my favorite semi-obscure musicals? None of them are really obscure, so you may very well already have them on your list, Acceber, but they are not really big either, so they could have been missed.
Assassins. Stephen Sondheim wrote both the words and the music, and it is absolutely incredible. My favorite CD to listen to when I am having a bad day. It is about all the people who have ever killed, or tried to kill, the President of the United States. It explores what happens when the American Dream collides with reality. To quote one of John Wilkes Booth's lines: "You know what that is, outside that window? That's America. The Land Where Any Kid Can Grow Up to Be President. The Shining City, Lee. It shines so bright you have to shade your eyes. But in here, this is America, too. 'The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.' An American said that. And he was right." And it's Sondheim, so you've got all of the fun rhythms and interweaving melodies.
Bells are Ringing. This is an old movie musical (although I think it was on Broadway first) staring Judy Holiday and Dean Martin. Just darling. Judy is a telephone operator who is in love with Dean's voice. But he thinks she is a little old lady because they have never actually met, and she uses a little old lady voice when she talks to him. Fun romantic comedy with several very enjoyable musical numbers.
The Pajama Game. Another old movie musical, this time staring Doris Day and (?). Workers in a pajama factory go on strike for a 7 1/2 cent raise. There is a very memorable song where Doris adds up how much 7 1/2 cents turns out to be when you calculate it over time. Doesn't sound fun from my description, but I enjoyed it.
Flower Drum Song. This is my favorite Rogers and Hammerstein musical. It is set in San Francisco's China Town and deals with the internal conflict between East and West, generational misunderstandings, and, of course, love. Several likable characters and many memorable songs, including "I Enjoy Being a Girl."
Mills.
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Acceber - May 1, 2005 3:21 pm (#1618 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the musicals everyone! My friends will wonder how I got so many in the space of one weekend. Mills-I don't think we have any of those, thanks for the descriptions as well.
WELCOME BACK JIM!!!!! I've missed you in the chat room and all of your sarcasm .
Wow, what a short post. Maybe I should check the Forum more often.
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Madam Pince - May 1, 2005 3:25 pm (#1619 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, Mills! Hawaii! That will be so wonderful! Enjoy every minute of it! I had actually made a Decision, made Plans. And you have to know me to know how hard making decisions is for me. -- I can soooooo relate to that. It takes me hours and hours (sometimes days) just to buy a pair of jeans, for pity's sake. I can imagine how difficult it was, once you thought you had everything all settled, to just toss it out the window and go with something new. But, it was obviously meant to be!
The fact that the letter arrived just in time makes me sure that it's fate. Years ago, I was feeling restless in my "big corporate job" but didn't know what to do about it. I got my weekly copy of my hometown newspaper in the mail, and therein was listed a job opening for something that sounded interesting to me, and the deadline for resumes was the next day. Thing was, usually the mail delivery of my hometown paper is as much as a week late -- so if I'd gotten my newspaper on the day I normally would've received it, I would've already been too late for a resume submission, and I would've just said "Oh well!" and forgotten about it. But because this arrived just in time, it actually made me stop and think that maybe there was a Reason for this. Anyway, long story short, I sent the resume, got the job, quit my other job, moved, met Mr. Pince, and lived happily ever after.
Yay for Mills! Fated to four years in Hawaii! Yippee!
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 3:46 pm (#1620 of 2981) Reply
I'm so excited for you Mills! And totally jealous.
And I LOVE Flower Drum Song, we watched it a lot as a child. It's funny because lately there has been a Gap commercial with the song I enjoy being a girl in it and no one believed me when I said it was from a musical called Flower Drum Song. Silly muggles
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Accio Sirius - May 1, 2005 3:52 pm (#1621 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Daioma! That's great news.
And four years in Hawaii doesn't sound like a bad way to go. A good friend of mine lives there and works as a massage therapist. He's been bugging me to come out there and I'm starting to think seriously about it!
On another note--I took my 8-year-old daughter to the local high school carnival today and she won four gold fish by tossing pennies into a cup. Without any prompting from me she announced she was naming them James, Sirius, Remus and Peter. :smile” Peter was the small runty looking one of course. It was a proud moment. I'm looking forward to seeing CoS next weekend with the GoF footage. I just recently deleted the version of SS in my TiVo library which included the PoA stuff.
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timrew - May 1, 2005 4:18 pm (#1622 of 2981) Reply
First of all, welcome back, Jim.........and Happy Birthday, Gina!
Sorry it's all so belated, but I've been away for a week to the Lake District (Cumbria). It's a long time since I've been there, and it's amazing how you forget you have such a beautiful place on your doorstep!
This time we stayed just outside Keswick, at an incredibly gorgeous place called Applethwaite. Took in the time to visit Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere, and also his house, Dove Cottage. First time I've seen them - and quite moving.......
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Gina R Snape - May 1, 2005 4:34 pm (#1623 of 2981) Reply
Yes, welcome back Jim.
Thanks, Tim. And, I have to laugh Tim because you were in the Lake District and forgot its beauty...yet your avatar is of you on a lake! Ok, feeble irony, but irony nonetheless.
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pottermom34 - May 1, 2005 4:53 pm (#1624 of 2981) Reply
Penny, I think we're still taking applications, we only have 7 or 8 people working in gifts, or you could work in concessions I think they are still looking also. Hey if you worked with me, I would have someone to talk about potter stuff to. We'd have something to talk about on slow days.
Amelia, sorry you won't be joining the Michigan Potters, but I don't blame you a bit for going to Hawaii. My brother-in-law is stationed there, he's in the Air Force. Loves to call when we get snow and "complain" about how "hot" he is. Anyway enjoy Hawaii. Keep in mind if a volcano blows, Detroit is still here..
Thanks for all the good words about Hitchhiker's Guide, maybe I'll take my daughter to see it, is it kid friendly? We need a mommy daughter day she's been really cranky lately and that's being nice. Can 5 year olds have PMS. I swear she has it. We need better weather so she can play outside or something.
Oh well of to read more posts.
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boop - May 1, 2005 5:00 pm (#1625 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to you Mills, going to school in Hawaii. That is a state I want to visit someday. Enjoy your time in Hawaii, then come here and tell us all about it.
JIM!!!!!!! *Big Hugs* to you. I have missed you on the forum and chat room.
Hugs Always
boop
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Catherine - May 1, 2005 5:28 pm (#1626 of 2981) Reply
I'm a bit overwhelmed with the welcome given to the Forum oldtimers
It's great to to see Jim posting, and Tim...well...you know your special wit made me stick around, even without any Aragog web-slinging. I think I named you the "King of Spew" or something like.
My mum is doing much better, though she has as many staples in her back as the tracks for Hogwarts Express. She isn't very happy, and I daresay that I have much more respect for Madame Pomfrey at the moment than I did before.
I'm just saying hello, and that I miss you all. Hope you are all well, and strong.
It's great to see Accio Sirius and Phoenix Song come back to post after a little break. **waves**
Cheers to everyone...
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I Am Used Vlad - May 1, 2005 6:02 pm (#1627 of 2981) Reply
Overall, I did not like the Hitchhiker's Guide movie. Alan Rickman was excellent as Marvin, and the whale sequence alone was worth the price of admission, but too many funny lines or happenings were either left out or only alluded to, and I didn't like the changes to the story at all. Not that I'm saying I won't watch it again.
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Puck - May 1, 2005 6:20 pm (#1628 of 2981) Reply
Ooooh, I hadn't heard about the sneak peaks to GoF! It pays to come to this site! So, next Saturday, what channel? If I do TiVo I can skip right to the previews. My hubby did that a few weeks back. I thought it was really strange that he decided to record The "OC". Then, he jumped to the end for a Star Wars trailor, and it all made sense.
Thora and Pince, my friends and I refer to that as "Pregnancy Brain" All the blood rushes to your stomach, depriving the brain of oxygen. We swear you don't ever fully recover from this.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend.
Kathy
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 7:00 pm (#1629 of 2981) Reply
Public Service Announcement: do not eat Sour cream and Onion ruffles with citrus soda and chocolate bars- in any close time proximity to each other. Your tummy will NOT be happy!
Yes, I was the silly one who ate this unhappy combo and it's painful let me tell you!
My best friend is pregnant. She has not said anything yet about the "pregnancy brain" yet. But she has developed a large distaste of saltines (or soda crackers as some may call them).
I think I have had Pregnancy Brain, but without the pregnancy part. Sometimes I think my brain has fallen out of my head...
Anyway, Happy Sunday, and Easter for all Eastern Orthodox Forumers!
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Ponine - May 1, 2005 7:03 pm (#1630 of 2981) Reply
I have a question - I have seen a few people wishing others a happy Easter - could someone explain that to me?
*Clueless in Norway*
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Puck - May 1, 2005 7:05 pm (#1631 of 2981) Reply
Orhtodox Easter was this weekend. I know only because it was a headline in part of my Sunday paper.
Kathy
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Ponine - May 1, 2005 7:12 pm (#1632 of 2981) Reply
Oh. hm. Thank you, Kathy - It truly is amazing how much you can learn on this forum...
*trots off to look it up online.* PS - Happy Easter to those who celebrates it!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 1, 2005 8:00 pm (#1633 of 2981) Reply
Boop and Jim told me to check out this thread to get to know people better. I've read a few of the messages, it seems like this is the spot where people get to know each other alot better. I've met Jim, Betty, Julia, and Kim in the chat room, they are all extremely nice.
I'm new to Lexicon, only joined about a month ago, and I must say, if one could hand out Masters of Harry Potter degrees there would be a slew to be passed out here.
As for me, it's pretty simple..born and raised in Northern Ontario where moose and bears are common place and your more likely to meet a bear then a mugger when walking at night. In fact my grandmother was well known for attacking bears with a broom when she found them in her garbage....I'm not kidding!
I'm 33, married (have been with my husband for 18 years..high school sweethearts), and we have two kids. I'm proud to say that my son was born on July 31st, but alas, I did not name him Harry. This is also the land where hockey is a religion and if you have a son it is either named after it's father or it's father's favorite hockey players....my son received the latter.
Hopefully I am following this thread correctly, alas I am new, thus I ask that you excuse my rookiness!
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Denise P. - May 1, 2005 8:08 pm (#1634 of 2981) Reply
She has not said anything yet about the "pregnancy brain" yet.
You know, this is actually a fact...pregnant women are prone to being more forgetful. Even knowing it is coming doesn't help. Usually the forgetfulness is worst in the first and last part of the pregnancy. My family laughs now when they see me write everything down. Seriously, when I go to the store now, if it is not on my list written down, I will totally zone that is the main reason I went to the store.
After pregnancy brain, then you develop mama brain because the kids suck the active brain cells out of you
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 1, 2005 9:01 pm (#1635 of 2981) Reply
Thank you to everyone for your well wishes!! It's greatly appreciated. Congratulations to all the other expectant mothers on the forum, we can add my sister (my only sister) to the list as well, although she's further along than me, she's due in July, it's nice knowing our kids are going to be so close in age & our parents can't believe the only 2 girls out of 8 children are pregnant at the same time.
I can understand the pregnant brain thing already, I'm finding that I'm not so much forgetful as vague. I can be having a conversation with someone on the phone & then I just vague out and have to ask them to repeat themselves! Very strange phenomenon
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Mrs. Sirius - May 1, 2005 9:05 pm (#1636 of 2981) Reply
Definitely Denise! The pregnancy brain is just the "mother of kids" brain in training. Once the kids come you can actually feel the brain cells dying.
Amelia, my husband went to graduate school at UH at Honolulu and he just loved it. It was a great way to stay healthy, the food is incredible it's so easy to enjoy the outdoors. The rainy season was a minor annoyance, but do be aware of the eternal sun your first days in it. He was burnt right thru his shirt!
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Julia. - May 1, 2005 10:02 pm (#1637 of 2981) Reply
Sorry to ruin a perfectly civil conversation, but I just need to tell you guys what happened in my neck of the woods this evening. I got a call from the Hillel directer telling me to get down there, ASAP. So me and four of my friends hurried over to find that one of our Torah Scrolls was missing. Yes, you read that correctly, one of the Torah Scrolls was missing. We turned over every corner of the building looking for it, and nothing. We called the cops, but there was nothing they could do. So now we're short a Torah. We're thinking that one of the members of the congregation we share the building with took it and didn't tell us. But it's weird, because we have two, and they only took one. I don't know, either way it's not very comforting to think that a Torah Scroll is currently sitting on someone's coffee table, people probally eating over it, touching it and doing G-d knows what. Sorry, didn't meant to just unload like that, but wow.
Ok, I'm going to attempt to go back to studying for my first final now.
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Ydnam96 - May 1, 2005 10:34 pm (#1638 of 2981) Reply
So someone stole a Torah scroll? That's just stupid! I'm sorry about that Juila. I hope you all are able to recover it.
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Susan Bones - May 1, 2005 11:56 pm (#1639 of 2981) Reply
I guess I shouldn't stay up this late to read the Forum, but after the kids are in bed and a few last jobs done, I like to relax for a few minutes with something fun and I get sucked in! The "few minutes" turns into too long.
I'm looking forward to Wednesday when Mr. Bones gets back from his 3-week trip. It sure is easier to run the household with a partner around.
Recalling Catherine's adventure with the possums a while back, a raccoon came in our cat/dog door. I was nearly asleep and thought I heard the cat come in, but then realized that the cat was on the bed the whole time. A little nervous, I checked it out and saw what I thought was the tail of a gray cat going out the door. I peered out the window in the door and saw a raccoon peering back. It was probably after the cat food. I put the food in another room for a while and the raccoon has not been back. My mother-in-law thought I was too casual about it when I told her. She's heard they can be pretty vicious and it would be bad for the cat or dog to tangle with it.
At least it wasn't a skunk. We had one of those come in the pet door several years ago -- no spraying, fortunately.
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dizzy lizzy - May 1, 2005 11:56 pm (#1640 of 2981) Reply
Welcome to the chat thread Shannon. Perhaps I should tell you I am a little stunned at the moment. One of my good friends from Uni is currently working as a geologist out of Thunder Bay at the moment. No idea which company or working arrangements or anything like that.
The catch is that we are both from Australia...amazing the people you meet through Harry Potter. Can we play six degrees of Harry Potter???
Small world
Julia: I hope your Torah comes back safe and sound. It is not just a stupid thing to do, but sad . I could say more, but I would stray into territory that would earn me a kipendo and I don't need one of them right now.
Lizzy
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The giant squid - May 2, 2005 12:53 am (#1641 of 2981) Reply
Welcome, Shannon! This is the place to feed your Potter obsession (we know you have one) and this thread in particular is to blather about your non-Potter thoughts & stuff. Feel free to jump in with both feet--the water's fine.
I forgot to mention a musical in my last post--has anyone here heard of “Cannibal: The Musical?” It's written, directed by & starring the creators of the South Park cartoon, and if you think SP is irreverent...
How very interesting...there have been 42 posts since my last one, and the first one I saw tonight was in reference to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Coincidence? Well, yeah, probably, but fun anyway.
Julia, is it okay if a gentile prays for the safe return of your Torah? I just don't understand people; even being one doesn't help.
--Mike
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septentrion - May 2, 2005 1:29 am (#1642 of 2981) Reply
Hello all ! I had to skip the 100 and lot more posts of these last days, so happy birthday, congrats and hugs for those who deserve/need it.
Back at work today after a blissful week of vacation. And the weather is dull as well.
Off to catch up on work !
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boop - May 2, 2005 3:21 am (#1643 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Flame!!! Have a wonderful day!
Everyone have a good day!
Welcome to this thread Shannon.
Hugs Always
boop
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timrew - May 2, 2005 3:26 am (#1644 of 2981) Reply
Gina, the lake I'm on in the avatar is in Scotland - and it's actually a sea-loch, although it looks calm enough to be a lake! It was a nice day.
I suppose it is a bit ironic, me forgetting how gorgeous the Lake District is, seeing as I only live about 70 miles from it! I could go there for the day if I wanted!
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Catherine - May 2, 2005 4:09 am (#1645 of 2981) Reply
After pregnancy brain, then you develop mama brain because the kids suck the active brain cells out of you--Denise P.
Um....I forgot what I was going to say.
*crickets chirping*
Happy Monday.
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Eponine - May 2, 2005 5:47 am (#1646 of 2981) Reply
Julia, how awful. I hope the Torah scroll is returned to you soon.
Shannon, welcome to the chat thread. This is a great place to get to know everyone.
My sister and her kids are coming to visit me in a week, and I'm quite excited about it since I don't get to see them that often. We're supposed to go to the beach, but if it doesn't warm up soon, I'm not sure what we're going to do.
I went to go see the play Noises Off yesterday. I went by myself since Mr. Eponine was working, and it's quite enjoyable to go to a play alone. I had caught the last 45 minutes or so of the movie on television a few years ago and had wanted to see the play ever since. It was funny, but I felt the ending was too sudden.
Anyway, I hope everyone's having a lovely Monday.
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librarian314 - May 2, 2005 6:09 am (#1647 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Congrats Daioma! Welcome to the sisterhood of motherhood! Hope your pregnancy goes well with no complications.
Julia - I really hope your Torah comes home safely!
Welcome, Shannon!
Congrats, Mills, on going to school in Hawaii! My dad was born there. (He was a Navy brat and his dad was stationed there three times between the late 1940s and 1960.)
I, too, saw Hitchhiker's Guide this weekend and it was great! It's been over a decade since I read the books, so I didn't really remember all that much. (More people and places, than plot).
I thought that it was extremely kid friendly! There was only one obvious explicative. (I think it was the F word, it went by rather quickly. Arthur says it when thoroughly freaked out by something. It seemed an appropriate thing for a grown man to say, in such a situation, so it didn't seem terribly gratuitous.) The violence was cartoony and the sexual content was minimal. (Trillian thinking whilst in the shower and a sweet kiss are all that I can remember.) I thought that I would have no problem with my 6 year old seeing the movie.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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pottermom34 - May 2, 2005 6:31 am (#1648 of 2981) Reply
I know the pregnancy brain all too well, and the mama brain which also goes along well with the wife with kids and husband brain.
It's a really sad thing when things get stolen from religious organizations. Hope you find the Torah soon, Julia. We just had a church robbing a few weeks ago. It's just low when a person has to stoop to that.
So,Timrew, have you ever seen Nessie? Ok had to ask being that you live in Scotland.
Happy Monday all.
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Cornelia - May 2, 2005 6:48 am (#1649 of 2981) Reply
So many posts again to read over the weekend!
Julia- I hope the Torah will return quick, safe and well!
Just read today that Alan Rickman will play in The Parfum! It is one of my favorite books, so I don´t know if I will go and see the film.
About the mama-brain, is it getting better when the kids grow up?
Have a nice monday!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 2, 2005 7:48 am (#1650 of 2981) Reply
Thank you everyone for your warm welcome's; I feel like I've walked into a very warm little community here. I started writing down everyone's names to thank them for the warm welcome but I'd received so many that I decided to stop writing and just say a general Hi and thank you!
Dizzy Lizzy; you have a friend working here from Australia in geology; that's amazing! He's definitely in the right place. This area is very rich in poladium, gold, silver, and a few other raw materials of value. I'm wondering if he is researching the new gold and poladium bodies that I've been hearing a buzz about, there supposed to be right on the edge of the city.
Boop, thanks again for telling me about this thread, and I must say that I'd really enjoyed talking to you in the chat room last night.
Julia, if you don't mind my asking, what is a torah, it sounds like an object of great monetary/historical/sentimental value? I'm sorry that it was taken none the less and hope that it is recovered safe and sound.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:16 pm
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kabloink! - May 2, 2005 8:07 am (#1651 of 2981) Reply
Susan Bones, I would highly recommend getting a live trap from your local animal control. We had a racoon in our basement for a few months before realising it, and we think he might have killed our cat. The cat got out and never came back, which was very uncharacteristic for him. it was shortly after he disappeared that we noticed the coon. Please be careful, I would not want anyone else to go through that.
Julia, I hope your Torah Scroll is returned safe and sound.
Okay, off to study-I swear I have pregnancy brain, and I'm not even pregnant!
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Loopy Lupin - May 2, 2005 8:26 am (#1652 of 2981) Reply
Hello everyone. Catherine I hope your Mom feels better soon. Helloooooooo to Tim and Jim. I've missed ya both. ****waves to Kim****
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Elanor - May 2, 2005 12:24 pm (#1653 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! Congratulations and best wishes to the ones with good news, cheering charms to the ones who need some too.
Julia, I do hope everything will work out all right soon!
Here, it has been a very hot weekend (about 30°C, 86°F) but forecast says it won't last, though I would love that early summer to stay some more days here. Thanks to Ascension day (a day off here), we have a 4 days weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, and I'm going to spend it on the Atlantic coast, near the town of La Rochelle.
It is a beautiful region with lovely beaches and very interesting pieces of architecture to see. There are a lot of forts on the coast, most of them from the 17th century, including Fort Boyard you may have heard about, and Fort Lupin (my new avatar). I always thought it would make a great refuge for our dear Remus during the full moon, nobody would bother him there!
Actually, I went there nearly each year since I was a little kid so I think I will not visit a lot but above all enjoy the beach and the ocean, reading and relaxing, maybe even fishing a bit (the friends I go with are "surfcasting" enthusiasts and rollers are always beautiful there). I can't wait! Two more school days and then... ocean, here I come!
Have a great Monday!
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Ticker - May 2, 2005 12:53 pm (#1654 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 2, 2005 12:54 pm
"does anyone have any clue when the next Harry Potter book is suppose to come out..." – *snort* - too funny Jim.
Julia - I'm joining you in an "Ack! Ack!" & double gasp!!!! Grrrrr..... the nerve.... May it be found soon & safe.
Catherine, I echo your "Pregnancy Brain" sentiments. I too would have had something terribly clever to say about that. (After 10 minutes of staring at the parchment background to the side of the message box, I've decided I really don't have anything else to offer on this subject...) Darn kid.
Edit: Oooooh - sign me up for a visit to Fort Lupin!
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Julia. - May 2, 2005 12:53 pm (#1655 of 2981) Reply
This is a Torah Scroll. The Torah is the Five Books of Moses, and Jewish theology is based largely on these five books, along with a few others. A Torah Scroll is, you guessed it, the Torah written on a scroll. It's a special kind of parchment, made with sheep skin. Torah's are very expensive and hard to get, and also a very holy object which must be handled with the appropriate respect and care. Needless to say we were not happy to find one of ours missing. It turns out that one of the members of the congregation we share the building with took it. Apparently he was just borrowing it, and he has been sternly told that he is never to do that again. It's not back in our possession yet, so we have no idea what kind of condition it's in, but at least we know where it is.
One exam down, four to go...
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Lina - May 2, 2005 1:32 pm (#1656 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, I can agree with you that we have a warm community here, but I wouldn't really call it little. Not that it is offending, just talking about facts. But I really love it. It doesn't mean that I always understand what are some members talking about (like the American Idol), but I still feel comfortable.
kabloink!: I swear I have pregnancy brain, and I'm not even pregnant!
This I understand. Maybe you are just wishing a surprize?
I read a book my daughter had to read for school and there is a very interesting name: Alchibiad! Elanor, you might like it since it sounds as if it is related to alchemy. It just reminded me the name discussion we had a while ago.
And Julia, I've always "loved" this kind of people who think that they are allowed to do anything they wish. I just hope you get your Torah Scroll back soon and in good condition. And good luck on the exams!
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Penny Lane. - May 2, 2005 1:57 pm (#1657 of 2981) Reply
Lina: American Idol is a "reality" television show here in the states. "Contestants" sing karoke songs on tv and we call in and vote... Supposedly our votes are counted and the person with the least amount of votes is kicked off the show. I guess it's a way to break into show business, but I never really understood the craze.
It's more about who looks the cutest then who sings the best, and I can't figure out for the life of me why they pick such horrible songs. Also, they have this host called Ryan Seacrest who many people think is the most annoying person to ever be a host.
But I guess it's entertaining. And yes. I watched the first season and voted, for the girl with the hot pink hair.
Is it Wednesday yet? These "Lost" commercials are driving me mad.
We do have a nice community, although it's not very small. I like how I don't have to wade through a plethora of "me too" post that are written in yellow to get information.
Good luck on your exams Julia!
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haymoni - May 2, 2005 3:30 pm (#1658 of 2981) Reply
Lina - I don't think that you are missing out on very much when it comes to "American Idol".
But then, who am I to talk???
I was glued to the TV last night watching "The Contender".
(It's a boxing reality show, Lina.)
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mischa fan - May 2, 2005 3:44 pm (#1659 of 2981) Reply
Julia. I am glad that your Torah Scroll is back, and hopefully it is safe and sound. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me back.
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Catherine - May 2, 2005 3:58 pm (#1660 of 2981) Reply
Julia, I'm pleased that the Torah scroll is one its way home. For a while, I wondered if it had been the victim of mischief. It's good to know that it was a misunderstanding.
I got to peek at the costumes for my two girls' ballet production. So cute! Their ballet school is putting on a spring production of "Alice in Wonderland" and the younger girls get to be flowers and bees and birds in the meadow.
I see that you changed your avatar, Loopy (thanks for the good "Mum" wishes) and somehow I pictured you with more hair. Spooky.
On the critter front: the trap remains empty. So the opossum (I call it "Blossom" now) has thus far eluded our snares. I told Mr. Catherine not to bait the trap with dog food, but did he listen? Maybe we'll try hot dogs next.
Oh, and on the subject of reality TV, my mom watched A LOT of television this weekend. Something we found VERY entertaining was a show on the Bravo channel about "Show Dog Moms and Dads." It was like Best in Show, only about real people. Some of it was absolutely hilarious.
Truth really is stranger than fiction.
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dizzy lizzy - May 2, 2005 4:00 pm (#1661 of 2981) Reply
Good to hear the news this morning Julia.
I have been emailed an offer of a part time job that is on Fridays only. I would have to move some of my "main" part-time job around to fit this one in, but that is OK. The offer is conditional on an interview today or tomorrow, so I will have to leave the threads for now and go have a shower and make myself nice and pretty .
Also I have more Freelancing to do. I have a 63 page document that needs re-formatting; and at the same time, to create a template so that future documents of this type can be typed in the template and come out nice and correct.
The work is coming in. Now all I have to do is convince the Pay Office of my "main" job to pay me on time and correctly and everything will be OK.
Lizzy
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Ponine - May 2, 2005 4:09 pm (#1662 of 2981) Reply
I have a question that I hope some of you can help me with... I am in the midst of changing careers... VERY scary...
and I have my heart set on writing and translating. I am wondering how many of you freelance for a living, and how hard that is to do. I am just scared witless right now about the prospect of never knowing where next month's rent is going to come from...
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Viola Intonada - May 2, 2005 5:46 pm (#1663 of 2981) Reply
Jim, welcome back. And by the way, you can stop doing the snow dance now. I think we have had quite enough now. (It has been snowing every now and then for the past two days here)
Congrats to all of the expecting Moms on the Forum. (Note to self: Don't drink the water on the forum.)
Julia, glad to hear you have partial good news. Hope the rest of the news is good too.
Good luck to everyone taking finals this week!
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Madam Pince - May 2, 2005 6:13 pm (#1664 of 2981) Reply
Blossom the Opossum! **snort!**
Haymoni, I watched "The Contender" too. Kind of cool that it was the first one that went down to a split decision. That was a tough one to call! I think if Joey had gotten to finish the fight he might have pulled it out. Wasn't his sister the funniest thing -- air-boxing over on the sidelines? She cracked me up!
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The giant squid - May 3, 2005 12:03 am (#1665 of 2981) Reply
Welcome to the sisterhood of motherhood!
Would that be the aunthood?
Catherine beat me to it, but I have to comment on Loopy's new avatar as well. My first reaction, too, was that I expected him to look...a bit differently. Then again who am I to talk, with my tentacles hanging out over here...
--Mike
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shepherdess - May 3, 2005 12:28 am (#1666 of 2981) Reply
If I may briefly pause this thread and take you backwards for a moment, apparently, about a couple hundred or so messages ago, someone was trying to get my attention. It's true that I have started a new job and been quite busy trying to cram a full college course into my head in three weeks’ time, and another three weeks learning how to remember and apply all that new found knowledge.
However, don't make the mistake of thinking because I haven't posted anything recently, that I'm very far from my beloved forum (that would be like trying to live without oxygen).
Now, I grew up in the Detroit area, and I lived in Hawaii for three years. Trust me on this-you want Hawaii. However, allow me to give you some advice, if I may. Have you ever heard of "cabin fever"? Howlies (people who were not born and raised in Hawaii) sometimes get "island fever". That's when you've seen everything on the island, and wish you could just jump in your car and drive to another state (something I wouldn't advise trying unless your car can swim). But if you go with the understanding that there's only so much there and take your time to savor it little by little, it can be a wonderful experience, and you'll have unbeatable memories to last a lifetime. And of course it helps if you can get off the island occasionally whether it's to visit home, or just another island.
Musicals? Do you have "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"?
And a special thank you to phreaker for his time and patience in teaching me about nascar.
I now return you to your current topics of discussion. Have a wonderful day.
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kabloink! - May 3, 2005 1:39 am (#1667 of 2981) Reply
I truly think any more of the all-nighters is going to kill me. At least I don't have to work tomorrow. Can you become addicted to Red Bull, and other such energy drinks? Because I think I am getting there.
Another obscure musical would be "TIck TIck BOOM!" this is one of the Jonathan Larson musicals that I was trying to remember before.
Does anyone know of anybody (anywhere) looking for an entry-level editor or proof-reader, or anything of the like? I know I've been griping about my lack of direction for awhile, but my husband and I have decided that we're willing to relocate anywhere, if need be, so if anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate them!
Okay off to finish this paper and get some sleep. You guys rock for putting up with my middle of the night rambles....
EDIT: Thanks Lizzy, I have always known the addictive properties of caffeine-I never attempted to doubt my addiction to that, it is the other goodies in these energy drinks, such as taurine and very high levels of B vitamins, etc. The reason why I drink them is typically not to stay awake, but because they help me to focus, which makes me question other problems I might have lurking beneath the surface of burned-out college student.
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 1:43 am (#1668 of 2981) Reply
I have a question that I hope some of you can help me with... I am in the midst of changing careers... VERY scary... and I have my heart set on writing and translating. I am wondering how many of you freelance for a living, and how hard that is to do. Ponine.
Two words:
Start Slowly.
Always have another source of income for a while. And google for what it is worth to get all the information you need to become a "sole trader/self employed person" that complies with your tax laws. Very important - it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Also do what you can to find out about going rates so you don't sell yourself short and perhaps find a mentor to give you some guidance in the advertising stakes.
Get a website up and running. Keep it (website) Simple and Sweet.
I freelance part-time because that is where the work was for me to do - just fell into it. It is not much, but what I earn goes in my emergency account and I live on my other Part-Time job.
Lizzy
EDIT: Kabloink, Caffiene is an addictive stimulant drug - withdrawal symptoms can occur - enough said. Besides you can talk to me, its only 6.45pm here and the night is still young
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 5:34 am (#1669 of 2981) Reply
Something we found VERY entertaining was a show on the Bravo channel about "Show Dog Moms and Dads." – Catherine
I've seen that show before. It is very entertaining, fabulous even.
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak.
Well, I hope everyone has a lovely day.
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Thora- May 3, 2005 5:37 am (#1670 of 2981) Reply
Julia, that must not have been fun taking a final while feeling sick about the missing Torah Scroll, I'm shocked someone would just borrow it, I hope it comes back in good condition. Although I got a good double take out of reading someone's typo-ed well wishes for MY safe return. I guess I need to take the similarity under advisement and re-read it, I've started it several times and get lost somewhere in Numbers I think.
I spent most of yesterday working on my green and purple HBP gown, I must say I've never done one as well as this one. The bodice is a 12 panel one so I was worried, then the worry compounded when I noticed the name of the company that made the ribbon was OFFRAY! I think if the first curve had not turned out I'd have had to throw it all way because it was obviously jinxed! Although I'm talking about it before it's finished so it still might be, oops
I read an article once about pregnancy/mommy brain and it's a documented phenomenon, so I can do a search for the article if anyone would like to thrust it in their dear-always-sensitive-husband's face, eh-hem, not that I needed to (HA!). The article did say we get restored to our previous intelligence once the kids are grown and we start getting a little more sleep, and eating more than what the toddlers have left behind, but I'm reserving judgment on that point, I'm fairly certain some things are gone forever from MY brain.
Thora
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Puck - May 3, 2005 5:54 am (#1671 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Thora, you can sew a gown! I can handle my quilts, but clothes are so much harder! I stick to Halloween costumes for the kids, since they don't have to be perfect. Is this gown for a special occasion?
I'm here on a lazy morning, my son finally waking up (it's almost 9am) It's not a school day for him, so I figured it was good to let him rest as long as needed. I was up late last night finishing a book, Harlen Coben's "Gone of Good." Not bad. I definitely got sucked in, and it had plenty of twists and turns. I would read another, but should wait a few weeks. I have a tendency to get so involved in a book that the laundry, dishes, sleep, etc.... all go to the side until I'm finished. My husband already knows that I'm going to be useless for a bit near the middle of July.
Got to go get organized. Going shopping for my boy's birthday party. He'll be five a week from today. Sigh.
Cheers to you! Kathy
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Thora- May 3, 2005 5:58 am (#1672 of 2981) Reply
Kathy- It's for my release party in July, I might bring it to the Gathering too, any excuse to have another gown you know, but won't I look spiffy coordinating with my book as I read in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble at 1 am?
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Chemyst - May 3, 2005 6:13 am (#1673 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak. ~ Loopy Lupin
Oh, Loopy, I never thought that was the face you use in the courtroom, but Catherine and the Squid have me nearly convinced it is the true inner you.
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 6:45 am (#1674 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak. ~ Loopy Lupin
And here I was admiring those evil eyebrows....
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 7:09 am (#1675 of 2981) Reply
And here I was admiring those evil eyebrows.... – Ladybug
Well, in real life, I only have one eyebrow, so two, evil or not, would be an improvement. ***giggles***
kabloink! - May 2, 2005 8:07 am (#1651 of 2981) Reply
Susan Bones, I would highly recommend getting a live trap from your local animal control. We had a racoon in our basement for a few months before realising it, and we think he might have killed our cat. The cat got out and never came back, which was very uncharacteristic for him. it was shortly after he disappeared that we noticed the coon. Please be careful, I would not want anyone else to go through that.
Julia, I hope your Torah Scroll is returned safe and sound.
Okay, off to study-I swear I have pregnancy brain, and I'm not even pregnant!
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Loopy Lupin - May 2, 2005 8:26 am (#1652 of 2981) Reply
Hello everyone. Catherine I hope your Mom feels better soon. Helloooooooo to Tim and Jim. I've missed ya both. ****waves to Kim****
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Elanor - May 2, 2005 12:24 pm (#1653 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! Congratulations and best wishes to the ones with good news, cheering charms to the ones who need some too.
Julia, I do hope everything will work out all right soon!
Here, it has been a very hot weekend (about 30°C, 86°F) but forecast says it won't last, though I would love that early summer to stay some more days here. Thanks to Ascension day (a day off here), we have a 4 days weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, and I'm going to spend it on the Atlantic coast, near the town of La Rochelle.
It is a beautiful region with lovely beaches and very interesting pieces of architecture to see. There are a lot of forts on the coast, most of them from the 17th century, including Fort Boyard you may have heard about, and Fort Lupin (my new avatar). I always thought it would make a great refuge for our dear Remus during the full moon, nobody would bother him there!
Actually, I went there nearly each year since I was a little kid so I think I will not visit a lot but above all enjoy the beach and the ocean, reading and relaxing, maybe even fishing a bit (the friends I go with are "surfcasting" enthusiasts and rollers are always beautiful there). I can't wait! Two more school days and then... ocean, here I come!
Have a great Monday!
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Ticker - May 2, 2005 12:53 pm (#1654 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 2, 2005 12:54 pm
"does anyone have any clue when the next Harry Potter book is suppose to come out..." – *snort* - too funny Jim.
Julia - I'm joining you in an "Ack! Ack!" & double gasp!!!! Grrrrr..... the nerve.... May it be found soon & safe.
Catherine, I echo your "Pregnancy Brain" sentiments. I too would have had something terribly clever to say about that. (After 10 minutes of staring at the parchment background to the side of the message box, I've decided I really don't have anything else to offer on this subject...) Darn kid.
Edit: Oooooh - sign me up for a visit to Fort Lupin!
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Julia. - May 2, 2005 12:53 pm (#1655 of 2981) Reply
This is a Torah Scroll. The Torah is the Five Books of Moses, and Jewish theology is based largely on these five books, along with a few others. A Torah Scroll is, you guessed it, the Torah written on a scroll. It's a special kind of parchment, made with sheep skin. Torah's are very expensive and hard to get, and also a very holy object which must be handled with the appropriate respect and care. Needless to say we were not happy to find one of ours missing. It turns out that one of the members of the congregation we share the building with took it. Apparently he was just borrowing it, and he has been sternly told that he is never to do that again. It's not back in our possession yet, so we have no idea what kind of condition it's in, but at least we know where it is.
One exam down, four to go...
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Lina - May 2, 2005 1:32 pm (#1656 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, I can agree with you that we have a warm community here, but I wouldn't really call it little. Not that it is offending, just talking about facts. But I really love it. It doesn't mean that I always understand what are some members talking about (like the American Idol), but I still feel comfortable.
kabloink!: I swear I have pregnancy brain, and I'm not even pregnant!
This I understand. Maybe you are just wishing a surprize?
I read a book my daughter had to read for school and there is a very interesting name: Alchibiad! Elanor, you might like it since it sounds as if it is related to alchemy. It just reminded me the name discussion we had a while ago.
And Julia, I've always "loved" this kind of people who think that they are allowed to do anything they wish. I just hope you get your Torah Scroll back soon and in good condition. And good luck on the exams!
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Penny Lane. - May 2, 2005 1:57 pm (#1657 of 2981) Reply
Lina: American Idol is a "reality" television show here in the states. "Contestants" sing karoke songs on tv and we call in and vote... Supposedly our votes are counted and the person with the least amount of votes is kicked off the show. I guess it's a way to break into show business, but I never really understood the craze.
It's more about who looks the cutest then who sings the best, and I can't figure out for the life of me why they pick such horrible songs. Also, they have this host called Ryan Seacrest who many people think is the most annoying person to ever be a host.
But I guess it's entertaining. And yes. I watched the first season and voted, for the girl with the hot pink hair.
Is it Wednesday yet? These "Lost" commercials are driving me mad.
We do have a nice community, although it's not very small. I like how I don't have to wade through a plethora of "me too" post that are written in yellow to get information.
Good luck on your exams Julia!
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haymoni - May 2, 2005 3:30 pm (#1658 of 2981) Reply
Lina - I don't think that you are missing out on very much when it comes to "American Idol".
But then, who am I to talk???
I was glued to the TV last night watching "The Contender".
(It's a boxing reality show, Lina.)
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mischa fan - May 2, 2005 3:44 pm (#1659 of 2981) Reply
Julia. I am glad that your Torah Scroll is back, and hopefully it is safe and sound. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me back.
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Catherine - May 2, 2005 3:58 pm (#1660 of 2981) Reply
Julia, I'm pleased that the Torah scroll is one its way home. For a while, I wondered if it had been the victim of mischief. It's good to know that it was a misunderstanding.
I got to peek at the costumes for my two girls' ballet production. So cute! Their ballet school is putting on a spring production of "Alice in Wonderland" and the younger girls get to be flowers and bees and birds in the meadow.
I see that you changed your avatar, Loopy (thanks for the good "Mum" wishes) and somehow I pictured you with more hair. Spooky.
On the critter front: the trap remains empty. So the opossum (I call it "Blossom" now) has thus far eluded our snares. I told Mr. Catherine not to bait the trap with dog food, but did he listen? Maybe we'll try hot dogs next.
Oh, and on the subject of reality TV, my mom watched A LOT of television this weekend. Something we found VERY entertaining was a show on the Bravo channel about "Show Dog Moms and Dads." It was like Best in Show, only about real people. Some of it was absolutely hilarious.
Truth really is stranger than fiction.
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dizzy lizzy - May 2, 2005 4:00 pm (#1661 of 2981) Reply
Good to hear the news this morning Julia.
I have been emailed an offer of a part time job that is on Fridays only. I would have to move some of my "main" part-time job around to fit this one in, but that is OK. The offer is conditional on an interview today or tomorrow, so I will have to leave the threads for now and go have a shower and make myself nice and pretty .
Also I have more Freelancing to do. I have a 63 page document that needs re-formatting; and at the same time, to create a template so that future documents of this type can be typed in the template and come out nice and correct.
The work is coming in. Now all I have to do is convince the Pay Office of my "main" job to pay me on time and correctly and everything will be OK.
Lizzy
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Ponine - May 2, 2005 4:09 pm (#1662 of 2981) Reply
I have a question that I hope some of you can help me with... I am in the midst of changing careers... VERY scary...
and I have my heart set on writing and translating. I am wondering how many of you freelance for a living, and how hard that is to do. I am just scared witless right now about the prospect of never knowing where next month's rent is going to come from... _____________________________________
Viola Intonada - May 2, 2005 5:46 pm (#1663 of 2981) Reply
Jim, welcome back. And by the way, you can stop doing the snow dance now. I think we have had quite enough now. (It has been snowing every now and then for the past two days here)
Congrats to all of the expecting Moms on the Forum. (Note to self: Don't drink the water on the forum.)
Julia, glad to hear you have partial good news. Hope the rest of the news is good too.
Good luck to everyone taking finals this week!
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Madam Pince - May 2, 2005 6:13 pm (#1664 of 2981) Reply
Blossom the Opossum! **snort!**
Haymoni, I watched "The Contender" too. Kind of cool that it was the first one that went down to a split decision. That was a tough one to call! I think if Joey had gotten to finish the fight he might have pulled it out. Wasn't his sister the funniest thing -- air-boxing over on the sidelines? She cracked me up!
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The giant squid - May 3, 2005 12:03 am (#1665 of 2981) Reply
Welcome to the sisterhood of motherhood!
Would that be the aunthood?
Catherine beat me to it, but I have to comment on Loopy's new avatar as well. My first reaction, too, was that I expected him to look...a bit differently. Then again who am I to talk, with my tentacles hanging out over here...
--Mike
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shepherdess - May 3, 2005 12:28 am (#1666 of 2981) Reply
If I may briefly pause this thread and take you backwards for a moment, apparently, about a couple hundred or so messages ago, someone was trying to get my attention. It's true that I have started a new job and been quite busy trying to cram a full college course into my head in three weeks’ time, and another three weeks learning how to remember and apply all that new found knowledge.
However, don't make the mistake of thinking because I haven't posted anything recently, that I'm very far from my beloved forum (that would be like trying to live without oxygen).
Now, I grew up in the Detroit area, and I lived in Hawaii for three years. Trust me on this-you want Hawaii. However, allow me to give you some advice, if I may. Have you ever heard of "cabin fever"? Howlies (people who were not born and raised in Hawaii) sometimes get "island fever". That's when you've seen everything on the island, and wish you could just jump in your car and drive to another state (something I wouldn't advise trying unless your car can swim). But if you go with the understanding that there's only so much there and take your time to savor it little by little, it can be a wonderful experience, and you'll have unbeatable memories to last a lifetime. And of course it helps if you can get off the island occasionally whether it's to visit home, or just another island.
Musicals? Do you have "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"?
And a special thank you to phreaker for his time and patience in teaching me about nascar.
I now return you to your current topics of discussion. Have a wonderful day.
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kabloink! - May 3, 2005 1:39 am (#1667 of 2981) Reply
I truly think any more of the all-nighters is going to kill me. At least I don't have to work tomorrow. Can you become addicted to Red Bull, and other such energy drinks? Because I think I am getting there.
Another obscure musical would be "TIck TIck BOOM!" this is one of the Jonathan Larson musicals that I was trying to remember before.
Does anyone know of anybody (anywhere) looking for an entry-level editor or proof-reader, or anything of the like? I know I've been griping about my lack of direction for awhile, but my husband and I have decided that we're willing to relocate anywhere, if need be, so if anyone has any tips, I'd appreciate them!
Okay off to finish this paper and get some sleep. You guys rock for putting up with my middle of the night rambles....
EDIT: Thanks Lizzy, I have always known the addictive properties of caffeine-I never attempted to doubt my addiction to that, it is the other goodies in these energy drinks, such as taurine and very high levels of B vitamins, etc. The reason why I drink them is typically not to stay awake, but because they help me to focus, which makes me question other problems I might have lurking beneath the surface of burned-out college student.
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 1:43 am (#1668 of 2981) Reply
I have a question that I hope some of you can help me with... I am in the midst of changing careers... VERY scary...
and I have my heart set on writing and translating. I am wondering how many of you freelance for a living, and how hard that is to do. Ponine.Two words:
Start Slowly.
Always have another source of income for a while. And google for what it is worth to get all the information you need to become a "sole trader/self employed person" that complies with your tax laws. Very important - it will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Also do what you can to find out about going rates so you don't sell yourself short and perhaps find a mentor to give you some guidance in the advertising stakes.
Get a website up and running. Keep it (website) Simple and Sweet.
I freelance part-time because that is where the work was for me to do - just fell into it. It is not much, but what I earn goes in my emergency account and I live on my other Part-Time job.
Lizzy
EDIT: Kabloink, Caffiene is an addictive stimulant drug - withdrawal symptoms can occur - enough said. Besides you can talk to me, its only 6.45pm here and the night is still young
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 5:34 am (#1669 of 2981) Reply
Something we found VERY entertaining was a show on the Bravo channel about "Show Dog Moms and Dads." – Catherine
I've seen that show before. It is very entertaining, fabulous even.
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak.
Well, I hope everyone has a lovely day.
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Thora- May 3, 2005 5:37 am (#1670 of 2981) Reply
Julia, that must not have been fun taking a final while feeling sick about the missing Torah Scroll, I'm shocked someone would just borrow it, I hope it comes back in good condition. Although I got a good double take out of reading someone's typo-ed well wishes for MY safe return. I guess I need to take the similarity under advisement and re-read it, I've started it several times and get lost somewhere in Numbers I think.
I spent most of yesterday working on my green and purple HBP gown, I must say I've never done one as well as this one. The bodice is a 12 panel one so I was worried, then the worry compounded when I noticed the name of the company that made the ribbon was OFFRAY! I think if the first curve had not turned out I'd have had to throw it all way because it was obviously jinxed! Although I'm talking about it before it's finished so it still might be, oops
I read an article once about pregnancy/mommy brain and it's a documented phenomenon, so I can do a search for the article if anyone would like to thrust it in their dear-always-sensitive-husband's face, eh-hem, not that I needed to (HA!). The article did say we get restored to our previous intelligence once the kids are grown and we start getting a little more sleep, and eating more than what the toddlers have left behind, but I'm reserving judgment on that point, I'm fairly certain some things are gone forever from MY brain.
Thora
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Puck - May 3, 2005 5:54 am (#1671 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Thora, you can sew a gown! I can handle my quilts, but clothes are so much harder! I stick to Halloween costumes for the kids, since they don't have to be perfect. Is this gown for a special occasion?
I'm here on a lazy morning, my son finally waking up (it's almost 9am) It's not a school day for him, so I figured it was good to let him rest as long as needed. I was up late last night finishing a book, Harlen Coben's "Gone of Good." Not bad. I definitely got sucked in, and it had plenty of twists and turns. I would read another, but should wait a few weeks. I have a tendency to get so involved in a book that the laundry, dishes, sleep, etc.... all go to the side until I'm finished. My husband already knows that I'm going to be useless for a bit near the middle of July.
Got to go get organized. Going shopping for my boy's birthday party. He'll be five a week from today. Sigh.
Cheers to you! Kathy
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Thora- May 3, 2005 5:58 am (#1672 of 2981) Reply
Kathy- It's for my release party in July, I might bring it to the Gathering too, any excuse to have another gown you know, but won't I look spiffy coordinating with my book as I read in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble at 1 am?
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Chemyst - May 3, 2005 6:13 am (#1673 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak. ~ Loopy Lupin
Oh, Loopy, I never thought that was the face you use in the courtroom, but Catherine and the Squid have me nearly convinced it is the true inner you.
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 6:45 am (#1674 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and my new avatar is not a picture of me for God's sake, so to speak. ~ Loopy Lupin
And here I was admiring those evil eyebrows....
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 7:09 am (#1675 of 2981) Reply
And here I was admiring those evil eyebrows.... – Ladybug
Well, in real life, I only have one eyebrow, so two, evil or not, would be an improvement. ***giggles***
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:18 pm
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Puck - May 3, 2005 7:23 am (#1676 of 2981) Reply
Yes, while running today's errands I must remember to preorder my book! Last time my hubby didn't like the idea of me going out alone at midnight, so I had to wait until the next day! Torture! This time likely to happen again. If if I get the book, I'm likely to have to put off reading, as it is my daughter's birthday that weekend. I'll be up to my ears in MY Little Pony and won't have time until the 3 year olds go home! Well, good thing it's not coming out in September. I can see myself trying to read between contractions, "Can't go to the hospital yet, this is a good part!"
Kathy
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fleur-de-lys - May 3, 2005 9:20 am (#1677 of 2981) Reply
Puck, you need to put that on the "You know you're a HP fan when..." thread. I can see it now. "Give me a stinking epidural so I can concentrate on HBP. NO...no drugs! I want to remember this...not the birth, the book!" Tee hee. We are rather silly. Having a son of my own (3 in June), and being an HP fanatic, I can relate to the dilemma of childbirth or Harry Potter.
Question...I've been debating whether to preorder my book online or at the local bookstore. Many of the online distributers are guaranteeing delivery of the book on July 16th. Do we think this is really a possibility? I'd love to have the book delivered directly to my doorstep, but I'm terrified it won't really get here till July 17 or 18th. What is the general consensus of this intelligent and insightful forum?
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Marè- May 3, 2005 9:23 am (#1678 of 2981) Reply
"island fever". That's when you've seen everything on the island
Mills: Go get your diving certification! Oahu has at least 20 shore dive locations... Not even speaking where you could go with a boat.
If you don't like diving, at least bring a snork and some fins... The sites should be awesome in hawaii.. I'm so jealous of you!
And Kabloink (Kim) I'm pulling some allnighters as well. So we could telepathically do it together! (Except, when it's night here, it's not nesecarilly night where you are... hmmm)
Good luck, anyway.
And Shannon welcome to the chat thread!
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 9:24 am (#1679 of 2981) Reply
Fleur, I ordered GOF through Amazon for my sis-in-law and they had the same garantee. They did deliver it on that Sat and it was about midday/early afternoon when she got it. I bought it at a local shop at midnight and had it read by the time she got hers. So naturally, I had to rub it in.
Loopy, what's this about having only 1 eyebrow?
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 9:26 am (#1680 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Loopy, I never thought that was the face you use in the courtroom, but Catherine and the Squid have me nearly convinced it is the true inner you.—Chemyst
SPEW!
Well, in real life, I only have one eyebrow, so two, evil or not, would be an improvement.--Loopy Lupin
That's why God invented tweezers.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 3, 2005 9:28 am (#1681 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, what's this about having only 1 eyebrow?---Ladybug220
You know, Loopy, they've come out with these nifty, narrow razors for the bikini line. They could probably take care of that one eyebrow problem in a jiffy. And then you really would look fabulous.
EDIT: Cross-posted with Catherine. **waves to Catherine, and Loopy, too**
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 9:53 am (#1682 of 2981) Reply
So who is it in Loopy's avatar, then? It almost looks like Mr. Spock's evil twin, but not quite.
Oh, and by the way, which eye is your eyebrow over? (Somebody had to say it.....)
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Accio Sirius - May 3, 2005 9:54 am (#1683 of 2981) Reply
**wave back to Catherine** Thanks for the e-mail. It's nice to be missed!
As for trimming the eyebrows, I too was thinking of some nifty "as seen on TV" type item. But as someone who once nearly shaved off an entire eyebrow as a teenager during a misguided trim attempt, I would urge extreme caution.
As for pregnancy brain, Mr. Accio Sirius clipped some article that claimed women who are expecting only use a small percentage of their brain, thinking I would be amused. As I was pregnant at the time, it made me cry and it took a lot of Klondikes before he was forgiven.
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 9:55 am (#1684 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, ladies who are expecting are very rarely amused. It's wise to exhibit caution.
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 10:03 am (#1685 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and by the way, which eye is your eyebrow over?--Madame Pince
Oh, were we assuming that Loopy has two eyes?
Kim and Accio Sirius, you think those nifty gadgets would work on my handlebar mustache?
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 10:04 am (#1686 of 2981) Reply
Hey, I am expecting and I am easily amused (as long as my pregnant self is not the target)!
So Loopy, when are you going to shape your unibrow more like your avatars rather unique brows?
Catherine, you may be right...that could be why he has the unibrow to begin with...he is a cyclops!
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 10:14 am (#1687 of 2981) Reply
Now, now, we musn't be so intolerant. We "uni's" are people too!
Edit-- I must ask, Denise, if there is a reason why Ryan is known as "the Rockhead." As I live close to D.C., the name carries various connotations which I am positive do not apply here.
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 10:19 am (#1688 of 2981) Reply
Yes, but Denise, you don't count.... you've been expecting for most of your adult life, haven't you? If you were never amused when expecting, you would be a real pain in the tushie. Glad you're a cheerful expectant lady!
I was lucky during my one experience; everything went smoothly and no morning sickness or whatever. If I ever did feel that my "pregnant self" was a target, though, I could deliver a real piercing glare accompanied by a "So what exactly is your point?" or something similar.
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fleur-de-lys - May 3, 2005 10:28 am (#1689 of 2981) Reply
Ladygub220, thanks for the info. If I go that way, please to laugh at me in the middle of the night, I'll probably be too tired to appreciate it.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 10:29 am (#1690 of 2981) Reply
Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome.
Sorry Luna for using the word small, I realize that over 2752 members is definitely not small. I guess what I should have said is that this place has that small town feeling (like the one I grew up in..Ignace, Ontario). There, everyone knew everybody, all the kids played together, when you went up town you knew everyone in the grocery stores, it was one big happy family...I'd just meant that this felt so much like that, very warm and friendly!
Thanks for showing me the link to the Torah Julia, and I must say I am so glad for you that it was returned unharmed. Something of such great value would be tragic to have lost.
So, you guys are American Idol fans. Sorry, I'm a die hard Survivor nut myself, must say I was very upset when Stephanie was voted off last week though, I was really rooting for her. As for American Idol I only watch it when it first begins and you get to see the good, bad, and the downright hilarious!
As for me I'm so glad to have this forum to help keep my sanity while I'm off from work on sick leave from my surgery..it's great that I can still keep in contact with the outside world. I find it so fascinating to be able to talk to so many people from around the world.
Have a good day all... Shannon
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 10:41 am (#1691 of 2981) Reply
Ryan is known as a rockhead because he is the most stubborn, obstinate boy I know. Once he has his path in mind, you cannot sway him from it. When he gets upset, he works himself into hysteria to the point where he can't even remember why he was upset in the first place. His head is also like granite, literally. I think I could actually drop him on in his head with no ill effects. As you can see from his picture, this child also has incredibly beautiful brown eyes, thick, curly lashes and dimples deep enough to plant tulips in but good grief! He is such a rockhead (and we say that with the greatest of love)
Each of our kids seem to have different roles too. We have the peacemaker, the rockhead, the sensitive soul, the flutterbrain, the wild one and the loving one.
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shepherdess - May 3, 2005 10:44 am (#1692 of 2981) Reply
"As for me I'm so glad to have this forum to help keep my sanity"
I hope that's true for all our forum members, but as a host approaching the release of a new book, I find that "keep my sanity" part debatable. LOL
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 11:02 am (#1693 of 2981) Reply
Shepherdess - so wonderful to talk to you again..I'd really enjoyed our talk in the chat room and your helping me with my "chat room etiquette"...as for the sanity thing, I cannot wait for the sixth book, I've even booked holidays to coincide with it's release.
Denise, very adorable little man you have there. Ah boys...what is the deal with those hard heads, my daughter had a hard head to come to think of it. And my son finds it funny to head butt me ever once in a while.
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Ydnam96 - May 3, 2005 11:09 am (#1694 of 2981) Reply
So I totally hit a car today in a parking lot. Well, it was more of pulling out of one of those slanted parking spots and he wasn't parked all in his stall. It's my fault. But it sucks. He wasn't there and they couldn't find him...so now I'm just waiting. Bleh.
Plus, I've been dealing with some anxiety issues lately. So this doesn't help.
I should be at work...but I took a little break, I guess that is an advantage of living where you work.
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Ticker - May 3, 2005 11:46 am (#1695 of 2981) Reply
Ugh - so sorry, Ydnam. My tummy gives a twist in sympathy for you. I hate waiting - especially if it's for something I'd rather not deal with. Hang in there though. It won't be long til this is completely behind you.
Shannon, I've meant to say, "Welcome" to you but it feels a bit weird since I'm only occasionally on this thread. But Welcome anyway and if things get too weird for you here, you can always come & visit St. Mungo's on the Fan Fiction Thread where things are well,.. . . .. . .. . .. . . . . .. . . much weirder. (Waves at other fellow in-mates...)
Denise P. - congratulations on your current pregnancy. I think of you often & with great admiration. I often find myself thinking things like, "If Denise can do it with 8..." (i.e. cloth diapers, surviving childhood illnesses & beyond, keeping up with at least some part of the Forum,...) Now I'll just have to change my mantra to "If Denise can do it with 9..."
Fleur - I ordered OotP from Amazon & was happy to be able to (in a small way) support the Lexicon. The day arrived & I kept waiting (& waiting, & waiting...) for Brown to come by & found, to my surprise, the USPS postman with The Box. Unfortunately, he didn't come til late afternoon and, had it not been for my husband, I would have run to a local store & bought another copy. This year, I'm getting it at Borders because my HP addiction has gotten much worse & I break out in a cold sweat just thinking of waiting for the mailman when I could be reading HBP instead.
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Gina R Snape - May 3, 2005 12:46 pm (#1696 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Ydnam! How dreadful.
Say, you forumers in Australia...how cold does it get in July, in Queensland?
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 1:01 pm (#1697 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, that "unibrow" avatar is too funny.
I changed my avatar back to the possum. Blossom has returned. I discovered this a while ago when Daisy started sniffing at the basement door. I didn't take this too seriously, as we all know that Shih-tzus are not exactly bloodhounds. Or even dogs, for that matter.
I had been assured by Mr. Catherine and the Animal Control officer that the possum had moved on, and was nowhere to be found. I believed them (first mistake). I opened the basement door (second mistake) in case Mr. Catherine had spilled food on the stairs when removing the trap. I turned on the light (third mistake) and lo and behold, Blossom sat on the top step blinking up at me. I screamed in shock and slammed the door.
I admit to having an extreme girlie reaction to this, but ICK! What's funny is that Daisy has taken to growling and barking at the basement door. I'd never heard her growl before, so she must think she's protecting me from Blossom.
Naturally, when I tried to show the Animal Control officer that Blossom was back, she had hidden herself. All the gold in Harry's vault couldn't make me touch that door again.
EDIT: Ydnam, sorry that you had a bad experience. I've managed to hit two cars in my day, both of them parked in my own driveway.
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Lina - May 3, 2005 2:23 pm (#1698 of 2981) Reply
Penny Lane, thank you for explaining me the American Idol. Not that I didn't know what it is, I just was clueless when some members started to throw names and I couldn't understand where do they come from. Well, it doesn't mean that it was not interesting to read, anyway. But "The Contender", that's something I've never heard about. I do agree that some reality shows sometimes are charming.
Dizzy Lizzy, I hope you get the second job and that things go better for you.
Ponine, I can understand you. It's not an easy choice. My husband was working for one company that was not working well. He used to get his pay very occasionally, but he thought that it was a secure job and was afraid to start a job on his own. At first he started it as a second job, but at some moment we realized that the "second" job earns more and that the "first" job is just stopping him from developing his own business. So he quit the "first" job. It is hard at the beginning, you can never be sure how much will you earn next month and you don't know how long your earnings have to last. You know, when JKR brought HP and PS/SS to the editor, they advised her not to quit her job yet. My advice would be, at least for translating, to find some regular source of assignments. And maybe start getting your customers before you quit the actual job.
Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear that Blossom is back even though I still don't understand you. The point is that I don't mind mice and rats either. Well, I don't let them home because I know they do damage, but I still find them cute. When I was 6 or so, I found a dying rat at the street. I thought he was cold, so I took my mum's furry collar (I hope this will be understood even if I picked the wrong words) to make him warm and when he finally died, we (the kids) arranged him a funeral. Somehow, my mum didn't want to touch that collar any more and threw it away.
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 3:48 pm (#1699 of 2981) Reply
Gina: Queensland doesn't get snow at all. Not one bit. It is the dry season for far North Queensland (Townsville, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Barrier Reef etc) with nice daytime temperatures and lower humidity than summer. Jeans and shirt weather, possibly shorts.
Swimming and snorkelling and scuba diving are possible (you can't do them in the summer - too much poisonous jelly fish) in winter/July.
For the southern Half of Queensland, it is not as warm and suffers from the cold winds, but the nights are relatively mild (with some frosts depending on where you are) and the days are good. Generally temperatures would range in the 2deg Cel. to 20deg Cel. Basically Southern Queensland is jeans, shirt and jacket/jumper weather with occasional cold snaps.
Queensland tourism has a great site, but I can't remember the name for it.
Yesterday, Tuesday, was a shocker of a day for me. Today will be better (I hope!!!!).
Lizzy
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 5:05 pm (#1700 of 2981) Reply
Ydnam, what a yucky day. Hope it gets better! At least I'm glad to hear that neither you nor anybody else got injured -- cars can always be repaired.
Lina, "The Contender" is a fairly bad reality show here in the U.S. which just started this year. It is about some unknown young boxers (humans, not the Ripper the Dog kind) who are competing amongst themselves for a chance at a $1 million prize and a chance for "name recognition" in the sport of boxing. Two of them box at the end of each episode, and one is eliminated. This week was the first time the match came down to a split decision rather than being unanimously agreed upon by the judges, so it was a bit exciting.
I am cracking up laughing just picturing Catherine's scenario at the top of the basement steps. It reminds me of a chapter in one of Robert Fulghum's books (he wrote "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" etc.) The story was about a lady all dressed up to go to work, business suit, nylons, heels, hair in a bun, silk scarf, the whole works. Distracted by planning her day, she walks unsuspectingly into a spider web stretched across her front steps, complete with spider. She screams and goes into wild hysterics, naturally. Then the story switches to the spider's perspective -- here I am, just sitting here swaying gently in the breeze, waiting for a little fly to come along to tea, when all of a sudden WHAM! earthquake! shattering noise! web destroyed! ACK! ACK! Mayday! 23-19! 23-19! Help!
Poor little Blossom......
Puck - May 3, 2005 7:23 am (#1676 of 2981) Reply
Yes, while running today's errands I must remember to preorder my book! Last time my hubby didn't like the idea of me going out alone at midnight, so I had to wait until the next day! Torture! This time likely to happen again. If if I get the book, I'm likely to have to put off reading, as it is my daughter's birthday that weekend. I'll be up to my ears in MY Little Pony and won't have time until the 3 year olds go home! Well, good thing it's not coming out in September. I can see myself trying to read between contractions, "Can't go to the hospital yet, this is a good part!"
Kathy
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fleur-de-lys - May 3, 2005 9:20 am (#1677 of 2981) Reply
Puck, you need to put that on the "You know you're a HP fan when..." thread. I can see it now. "Give me a stinking epidural so I can concentrate on HBP. NO...no drugs! I want to remember this...not the birth, the book!" Tee hee. We are rather silly. Having a son of my own (3 in June), and being an HP fanatic, I can relate to the dilemma of childbirth or Harry Potter.
Question...I've been debating whether to preorder my book online or at the local bookstore. Many of the online distributers are guaranteeing delivery of the book on July 16th. Do we think this is really a possibility? I'd love to have the book delivered directly to my doorstep, but I'm terrified it won't really get here till July 17 or 18th. What is the general consensus of this intelligent and insightful forum?
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Marè- May 3, 2005 9:23 am (#1678 of 2981) Reply
"island fever". That's when you've seen everything on the island
Mills: Go get your diving certification! Oahu has at least 20 shore dive locations... Not even speaking where you could go with a boat.
If you don't like diving, at least bring a snork and some fins... The sites should be awesome in hawaii.. I'm so jealous of you!
And Kabloink (Kim) I'm pulling some allnighters as well. So we could telepathically do it together! (Except, when it's night here, it's not nesecarilly night where you are... hmmm)
Good luck, anyway.
And Shannon welcome to the chat thread!
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 9:24 am (#1679 of 2981) Reply
Fleur, I ordered GOF through Amazon for my sis-in-law and they had the same garantee. They did deliver it on that Sat and it was about midday/early afternoon when she got it. I bought it at a local shop at midnight and had it read by the time she got hers. So naturally, I had to rub it in.
Loopy, what's this about having only 1 eyebrow?
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 9:26 am (#1680 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Loopy, I never thought that was the face you use in the courtroom, but Catherine and the Squid have me nearly convinced it is the true inner you.—Chemyst
SPEW!
Well, in real life, I only have one eyebrow, so two, evil or not, would be an improvement.--Loopy Lupin
That's why God invented tweezers.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 3, 2005 9:28 am (#1681 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, what's this about having only 1 eyebrow?---Ladybug220
You know, Loopy, they've come out with these nifty, narrow razors for the bikini line. They could probably take care of that one eyebrow problem in a jiffy. And then you really would look fabulous.
EDIT: Cross-posted with Catherine. **waves to Catherine, and Loopy, too**
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 9:53 am (#1682 of 2981) Reply
So who is it in Loopy's avatar, then? It almost looks like Mr. Spock's evil twin, but not quite.
Oh, and by the way, which eye is your eyebrow over? (Somebody had to say it.....)
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Accio Sirius - May 3, 2005 9:54 am (#1683 of 2981) Reply
**wave back to Catherine** Thanks for the e-mail. It's nice to be missed!
As for trimming the eyebrows, I too was thinking of some nifty "as seen on TV" type item. But as someone who once nearly shaved off an entire eyebrow as a teenager during a misguided trim attempt, I would urge extreme caution.
As for pregnancy brain, Mr. Accio Sirius clipped some article that claimed women who are expecting only use a small percentage of their brain, thinking I would be amused. As I was pregnant at the time, it made me cry and it took a lot of Klondikes before he was forgiven.
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 9:55 am (#1684 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, ladies who are expecting are very rarely amused. It's wise to exhibit caution.
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 10:03 am (#1685 of 2981) Reply
Oh, and by the way, which eye is your eyebrow over?--Madame Pince
Oh, were we assuming that Loopy has two eyes?
Kim and Accio Sirius, you think those nifty gadgets would work on my handlebar mustache?
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 10:04 am (#1686 of 2981) Reply
Hey, I am expecting and I am easily amused (as long as my pregnant self is not the target)!
So Loopy, when are you going to shape your unibrow more like your avatars rather unique brows?
Catherine, you may be right...that could be why he has the unibrow to begin with...he is a cyclops!
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Loopy Lupin - May 3, 2005 10:14 am (#1687 of 2981) Reply
Now, now, we musn't be so intolerant. We "uni's" are people too!
Edit-- I must ask, Denise, if there is a reason why Ryan is known as "the Rockhead." As I live close to D.C., the name carries various connotations which I am positive do not apply here.
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 10:19 am (#1688 of 2981) Reply
Yes, but Denise, you don't count.... you've been expecting for most of your adult life, haven't you? If you were never amused when expecting, you would be a real pain in the tushie. Glad you're a cheerful expectant lady!
I was lucky during my one experience; everything went smoothly and no morning sickness or whatever. If I ever did feel that my "pregnant self" was a target, though, I could deliver a real piercing glare accompanied by a "So what exactly is your point?" or something similar.
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fleur-de-lys - May 3, 2005 10:28 am (#1689 of 2981) Reply
Ladygub220, thanks for the info. If I go that way, please to laugh at me in the middle of the night, I'll probably be too tired to appreciate it.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 10:29 am (#1690 of 2981) Reply
Thanks again to everyone for the warm welcome.
Sorry Luna for using the word small, I realize that over 2752 members is definitely not small. I guess what I should have said is that this place has that small town feeling (like the one I grew up in..Ignace, Ontario). There, everyone knew everybody, all the kids played together, when you went up town you knew everyone in the grocery stores, it was one big happy family...I'd just meant that this felt so much like that, very warm and friendly!
Thanks for showing me the link to the Torah Julia, and I must say I am so glad for you that it was returned unharmed. Something of such great value would be tragic to have lost.
So, you guys are American Idol fans. Sorry, I'm a die hard Survivor nut myself, must say I was very upset when Stephanie was voted off last week though, I was really rooting for her. As for American Idol I only watch it when it first begins and you get to see the good, bad, and the downright hilarious!
As for me I'm so glad to have this forum to help keep my sanity while I'm off from work on sick leave from my surgery..it's great that I can still keep in contact with the outside world. I find it so fascinating to be able to talk to so many people from around the world.
Have a good day all... Shannon
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 10:41 am (#1691 of 2981) Reply
Ryan is known as a rockhead because he is the most stubborn, obstinate boy I know. Once he has his path in mind, you cannot sway him from it. When he gets upset, he works himself into hysteria to the point where he can't even remember why he was upset in the first place. His head is also like granite, literally. I think I could actually drop him on in his head with no ill effects. As you can see from his picture, this child also has incredibly beautiful brown eyes, thick, curly lashes and dimples deep enough to plant tulips in but good grief! He is such a rockhead (and we say that with the greatest of love)
Each of our kids seem to have different roles too. We have the peacemaker, the rockhead, the sensitive soul, the flutterbrain, the wild one and the loving one.
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shepherdess - May 3, 2005 10:44 am (#1692 of 2981) Reply
"As for me I'm so glad to have this forum to help keep my sanity"
I hope that's true for all our forum members, but as a host approaching the release of a new book, I find that "keep my sanity" part debatable. LOL
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 11:02 am (#1693 of 2981) Reply
Shepherdess - so wonderful to talk to you again..I'd really enjoyed our talk in the chat room and your helping me with my "chat room etiquette"...as for the sanity thing, I cannot wait for the sixth book, I've even booked holidays to coincide with it's release.
Denise, very adorable little man you have there. Ah boys...what is the deal with those hard heads, my daughter had a hard head to come to think of it. And my son finds it funny to head butt me ever once in a while.
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Ydnam96 - May 3, 2005 11:09 am (#1694 of 2981) Reply
So I totally hit a car today in a parking lot. Well, it was more of pulling out of one of those slanted parking spots and he wasn't parked all in his stall. It's my fault. But it sucks. He wasn't there and they couldn't find him...so now I'm just waiting. Bleh.
Plus, I've been dealing with some anxiety issues lately. So this doesn't help.
I should be at work...but I took a little break, I guess that is an advantage of living where you work.
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Ticker - May 3, 2005 11:46 am (#1695 of 2981) Reply
Ugh - so sorry, Ydnam. My tummy gives a twist in sympathy for you. I hate waiting - especially if it's for something I'd rather not deal with. Hang in there though. It won't be long til this is completely behind you.
Shannon, I've meant to say, "Welcome" to you but it feels a bit weird since I'm only occasionally on this thread. But Welcome anyway and if things get too weird for you here, you can always come & visit St. Mungo's on the Fan Fiction Thread where things are well,.. . . .. . .. . .. . . . . .. . . much weirder. (Waves at other fellow in-mates...)
Denise P. - congratulations on your current pregnancy. I think of you often & with great admiration. I often find myself thinking things like, "If Denise can do it with 8..." (i.e. cloth diapers, surviving childhood illnesses & beyond, keeping up with at least some part of the Forum,...) Now I'll just have to change my mantra to "If Denise can do it with 9..."
Fleur - I ordered OotP from Amazon & was happy to be able to (in a small way) support the Lexicon. The day arrived & I kept waiting (& waiting, & waiting...) for Brown to come by & found, to my surprise, the USPS postman with The Box. Unfortunately, he didn't come til late afternoon and, had it not been for my husband, I would have run to a local store & bought another copy. This year, I'm getting it at Borders because my HP addiction has gotten much worse & I break out in a cold sweat just thinking of waiting for the mailman when I could be reading HBP instead.
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Gina R Snape - May 3, 2005 12:46 pm (#1696 of 2981) Reply
Oh, Ydnam! How dreadful.
Say, you forumers in Australia...how cold does it get in July, in Queensland?
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 1:01 pm (#1697 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, that "unibrow" avatar is too funny.
I changed my avatar back to the possum. Blossom has returned. I discovered this a while ago when Daisy started sniffing at the basement door. I didn't take this too seriously, as we all know that Shih-tzus are not exactly bloodhounds. Or even dogs, for that matter.
I had been assured by Mr. Catherine and the Animal Control officer that the possum had moved on, and was nowhere to be found. I believed them (first mistake). I opened the basement door (second mistake) in case Mr. Catherine had spilled food on the stairs when removing the trap. I turned on the light (third mistake) and lo and behold, Blossom sat on the top step blinking up at me. I screamed in shock and slammed the door.
I admit to having an extreme girlie reaction to this, but ICK! What's funny is that Daisy has taken to growling and barking at the basement door. I'd never heard her growl before, so she must think she's protecting me from Blossom.
Naturally, when I tried to show the Animal Control officer that Blossom was back, she had hidden herself. All the gold in Harry's vault couldn't make me touch that door again.
EDIT: Ydnam, sorry that you had a bad experience. I've managed to hit two cars in my day, both of them parked in my own driveway.
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Lina - May 3, 2005 2:23 pm (#1698 of 2981) Reply
Penny Lane, thank you for explaining me the American Idol. Not that I didn't know what it is, I just was clueless when some members started to throw names and I couldn't understand where do they come from. Well, it doesn't mean that it was not interesting to read, anyway. But "The Contender", that's something I've never heard about. I do agree that some reality shows sometimes are charming.
Dizzy Lizzy, I hope you get the second job and that things go better for you.
Ponine, I can understand you. It's not an easy choice. My husband was working for one company that was not working well. He used to get his pay very occasionally, but he thought that it was a secure job and was afraid to start a job on his own. At first he started it as a second job, but at some moment we realized that the "second" job earns more and that the "first" job is just stopping him from developing his own business. So he quit the "first" job. It is hard at the beginning, you can never be sure how much will you earn next month and you don't know how long your earnings have to last. You know, when JKR brought HP and PS/SS to the editor, they advised her not to quit her job yet. My advice would be, at least for translating, to find some regular source of assignments. And maybe start getting your customers before you quit the actual job.
Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear that Blossom is back even though I still don't understand you. The point is that I don't mind mice and rats either. Well, I don't let them home because I know they do damage, but I still find them cute. When I was 6 or so, I found a dying rat at the street. I thought he was cold, so I took my mum's furry collar (I hope this will be understood even if I picked the wrong words) to make him warm and when he finally died, we (the kids) arranged him a funeral. Somehow, my mum didn't want to touch that collar any more and threw it away.
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 3:48 pm (#1699 of 2981) Reply
Gina: Queensland doesn't get snow at all. Not one bit. It is the dry season for far North Queensland (Townsville, Cairns, Whitsunday Islands, Barrier Reef etc) with nice daytime temperatures and lower humidity than summer. Jeans and shirt weather, possibly shorts.
Swimming and snorkelling and scuba diving are possible (you can't do them in the summer - too much poisonous jelly fish) in winter/July.
For the southern Half of Queensland, it is not as warm and suffers from the cold winds, but the nights are relatively mild (with some frosts depending on where you are) and the days are good. Generally temperatures would range in the 2deg Cel. to 20deg Cel. Basically Southern Queensland is jeans, shirt and jacket/jumper weather with occasional cold snaps.
Queensland tourism has a great site, but I can't remember the name for it.
Yesterday, Tuesday, was a shocker of a day for me. Today will be better (I hope!!!!).
Lizzy
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Madam Pince - May 3, 2005 5:05 pm (#1700 of 2981) Reply
Ydnam, what a yucky day. Hope it gets better! At least I'm glad to hear that neither you nor anybody else got injured -- cars can always be repaired.
Lina, "The Contender" is a fairly bad reality show here in the U.S. which just started this year. It is about some unknown young boxers (humans, not the Ripper the Dog kind) who are competing amongst themselves for a chance at a $1 million prize and a chance for "name recognition" in the sport of boxing. Two of them box at the end of each episode, and one is eliminated. This week was the first time the match came down to a split decision rather than being unanimously agreed upon by the judges, so it was a bit exciting.
I am cracking up laughing just picturing Catherine's scenario at the top of the basement steps. It reminds me of a chapter in one of Robert Fulghum's books (he wrote "All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" etc.) The story was about a lady all dressed up to go to work, business suit, nylons, heels, hair in a bun, silk scarf, the whole works. Distracted by planning her day, she walks unsuspectingly into a spider web stretched across her front steps, complete with spider. She screams and goes into wild hysterics, naturally. Then the story switches to the spider's perspective -- here I am, just sitting here swaying gently in the breeze, waiting for a little fly to come along to tea, when all of a sudden WHAM! earthquake! shattering noise! web destroyed! ACK! ACK! Mayday! 23-19! 23-19! Help!
Poor little Blossom......
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 5:20 pm
Poor little Blossom......
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Ponine - May 3, 2005 5:14 pm (#1701 of 2981) Reply
Thanks Lina and Lizzy for good and practical advice!
Lizzy - I hope I am not offending you in any way by asking you this, I do not mean to generalize or anything like that, and please forgive me if I am out of line. I am wondering if you can read (on) lips or not? The reason I ask is partially due to you sharing the issues you have had with your hearing aids, but also because there has been some debate about what exactly Lily says in the scene right before she gets killed. And then for a spilt second I wondered if perhaps you might be able to tell better than most. Again, I hope I have not been out of line.
And Shannon - You are from Ignace?? How big of a town is that? I used to know someone from there?!?! (As all she ate up until college supposedly was moose meat, I for some reason figured it was pretty small..) Oh, and of course - welcome!!
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 5:20 pm (#1702 of 2981) Reply
For all the concerned Forum members:
Blossom is offered bite-size Kielbasa bits. She is "styling" in a way that few opossums can claim. Once captured, I know that the Wildllife Rehabilitator (named "Marti") will do her proud. To achieve this end, our local Animal Control Officer is overseeing our efforts.
Feel free to email me further, but I don't really wish to have any more "possum problems," thanks very much.
Blossum treasures her privacy.
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Ydnam96 - May 3, 2005 5:24 pm (#1703 of 2981) Reply
Thanks everyone for the encouragements...Still nothing from the person I had the "run in" with (as I really didn't hit him – it was more of slid along a portion of his car with my car...my car is fine...his is not). Anyway. He left campus and never called campus safety even though they left him a note. So just waiting. Maybe he won't ever call???
I love Kielbasa, Blossum is a lucky opossum (hey did you name her that because it rhymes?). Catherine. I do not blame you for never wanting to open the basement door again. I had a racoon under my apartment and thought it was going to scratch it's way up through the floor. He was under the bathroom and I was always afraid to go in there! At least he never made it IN my house. Good luck!!
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 7:08 pm (#1704 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, you are not being out of line by asking me a question like that. I can't lipread very well, I use it to make sure I am hearing some words right. I never thought of asking a lipreader to watch the movie and see if they could pick up what Lily is saying in that scene. Sure would answer the questions eh?
Catherine: I have enough problems coping with mice, let alone possums in my house. Given that the conditions are ripe for a mice plague of sorts, I'm not looking forward to winter/spring.
It looks as though the area I live in (most of the state to be honest) is about to slip back into drought again We never really got out of it and the land really needs some rain.
On the baby front, my cousin is due any day now. It was her wedding I attended in January. I thought she looked suspiciously "plump" and the dress didn't do much for her "bump".
My mum laughed last night after she told me about the impending birth and I told her how I deduced the pregnancy back in January. And her comment was, didn't we tell you she was pregnant???
Urrrgggghhh. I really hate it when people (including my family) assume I pick up the latest gossip by osmosis. Memo to family: If you want a deaf person to know something, tell them. Don't assume gossip will do the trick!!!!
Off to check the threads and do my budget ($$$$).
Lizzy
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 7:39 pm (#1705 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy, I have my hearing and I still am out of the family loop some. I also get the "Didn't we tell you ___________ ?" No, you didn't and you didn't send it to me in an email either. Sigh, it does get annoying....
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Amilia Smith - May 3, 2005 7:55 pm (#1706 of 2981) Reply
I live at home and still don't get the news. My cousin is getting married, and the first I heard of was when my mother asked my brother (who does not live at home) if he had heard the news. I also tend to miss family get togethers as no one bothers to tell me, although that has gotten better since I moved back home.
Mills.
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Puck - May 3, 2005 8:01 pm (#1707 of 2981) Reply
Denise, wow! I didn't realize you had such a larger family! Hats off to you. With #3 on the way are already worried about being out numbered. So when are you due to have this one?
Shannon, I too and die hard about Survivor, and was sad to see Stephanie go. I think it would be real interesting if one season they make a rule against discussing your votes. Just to see what would happen.
Real weird to have Lizzy referring to Tuesday as yesterday, as it is still Tuesday here!
Loopy, waxing is a good fix, and it only hurts for a couple of seconds (honest).
and yes, I finally ordered my book. Of course, I still won't get to start reading until the night of the 17th, as I must get through Maya's festivities first.
Kathy
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 8:16 pm (#1708 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, I am not due until August so I have the beautiful, hot, humid and miserable southern summer to suffer through I am just at 24 weeks right now.
I like Survivor (Go Katie!) and was bummed to see Steph go. I think the tribe should have taken Tom out while they had the chance.
The reality show I really like at the moment is The Amazing Race. Woo hoo! Go Romber! Rob was my guy during Survivor: All-Stars and I didn't much like him. He eventually won me $10 by coming in second and for TAR, I really, really like him and Amber. I want to see them win.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 8:31 pm (#1709 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Denise I don't know many other people with that many children in their family, I come from a family of 8 kids (I'm number 8!) I like to think my parents stopped when they got it right! sillygrin:
I think I'll be hoping on here and asking you lots of questions when I need to as I go along in my first of many (hopefully) pregnancy, I'm not going to have as many as you, but I think if we can handle it, 4 would be lovely.
So when are the other pregnant mums due? I'm not due until December 8, so I'll have a summer baby, so I'm hoping we have a mild summer this year.
I am a survivor fan also & was really upset seeing Stephanie booted, I think they made a big mistake!! I also love The Amazing Race but we are slightly behind you & the new season (with Rob & Amber) is about to start on tomorrow (Thursday) but I won't be able to watch it as tomorrow is my birthday (I'm 30!!!!!!eek!!) And I'll be out with the fam celebrating.
Catherine, don't be too concerned about the possum, we have heaps at my mums place, they sound horrible but there alright, now if it was a dirty big spider that would be something else!
Lizzy, good luck on the job front!!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 3, 2005 9:41 pm (#1710 of 2981) Reply
Julia, glad you located the scrolls. I hope you get them back in the condition that they disappeared. Galling how inconsiderate some people can be.
Kim, I believe The-Leaky-Calderon is looking for an editor. The deadline for submission is soon though.
I can't say I had a great sense of humor while I was pregnant, but since I weaned the triplets, I have been in serious need of a "sense of humor transplant". Or perhaps I need to shop for one. I have been looking in all the shops I can't find a sense of humor for sale anywhere. I've gotten so desperate lately I've offered pay full price, I who never pay full price for anything!
Daiama Happy 30th now you'll pick up speed.
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ruthlesspenguin - May 3, 2005 9:47 pm (#1711 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I'm not a Queenslander, so I can't add much to what lizzy posted, other than suggesting the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website is a good place to get information (it came up first when I used google). Also, when reading average temperatures you should keep in mind that many Australian houses are not designed for cold weather. I recently visited a friend who lives in Ippswich (which is in the south of Queensland), and I can now understand why she refers to July being cold, as far as I could tell her family's house has no capacity for retaining heat whatsoever.
<(')
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 9:48 pm (#1712 of 2981) Reply
Wow Triplets!!! Mrs Sirius that's amazing! And here I am worrying that my surprise pregnancy is going to be twins (there's a very high possibility)!! TRIPLETS!
So far my sense of humour is still intact, well I think so anyway but Ben might have something else to say since being only 9 weeks I am still in the very emotional stages and spend quite a bit of time just spontaneously bursting into tears or changing my mind about things and then getting upset, such as telling Ben I didn't want to do much for my 30th & then getting upset because "he didn't care enough to organise a party!" Oh the joys of the hormonal mood swing
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 9:55 pm (#1713 of 2981) Reply
I see I wasn't the only one that loved Stephanie on Survivor, and yes I hope Tom and Greg never get that million dollars!!!!
Ponine - You actually know someone else from Ignace? I must say I'm a bit shocked, you see Ignace is about the size of the end of a needle in an ever ending expanse of forest and lakes. The Trans Canada highway runs through it but, like they say, if you blink you're going to miss it...that being said I still go there alot and have many fond memories. The population is a little over 1200 the last time I checked. If you don't mind my asking who is it that you know from there?
Mrs. Sirius; you have triplets...........I am now on my knees praising you, you are a saint of saints!
So DD is this your first child?
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Elanor - May 3, 2005 10:04 pm (#1714 of 2981) Reply
I just pop in to say hello before I go to work! Class ends at 4.30 and at 5.30 p.m. I should be in my brother's car, heading for the ocean!
It is only a 4 days trip but it is likely that I will be experiencing forum withdrawal symptoms... You will never guess what I've put in my bag... This time, it is GoF! It should be great to read it on the beach!
Have a great week everybody, see you soon! **sending cheering and comforting charms to everyone needing some**
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 10:05 pm (#1715 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, yes this is my first baby, Ben & I got engaged on Christmas day and have been planning a January/February Wedding for next year and were planning on starting our family after that, but someone else had other ideas! We are now thinking we will get married about April, that gives me time to get the baby settled as well as work on my after baby body a bit!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 10:57 pm (#1716 of 2981) Reply
DD...first babies are wonderful, and you know when they say, "sleep when the baby sleeps.." that is very true. And the smell of a new baby, it's the most beautiful smell, I don't know what it is but if somebody could bottle it they'd make millions!
Congratulations on the new baby and the upcoming nuptials.
Takes me back to when I got married almost eight years ago, actually it was on one of those dates that everybody knew where they were. I got married on August 30th, 1997. I'd found out at 10pm at night from one of my bridesmaids that Princess Diana had been in a car accident (it was August 30th in Canada when she'd died).
I also loved and still love Princess Diana! Sorry....got a little on the doom and gloom there..my wedding was wonderful.
You have got to be in one of the most thrilling parts of your life right now with a baby on the way and a wedding/marriage as well. Good luck with it all! Have you put together any details for your wedding yet; big/small, colours, flowers, all that fun stuff!
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 11:45 pm (#1717 of 2981) Reply
I have lots of ideas of things we want to do for the wedding, things like, lots of Elvis music (we are both Elvis fans!), we'll be dancing to Elvis singing The Wonder Of You & when I leave the church we'll be playing Elvis again, singing Won't You Wear My Ring, and when our bridal party joins us after our bridal waltz the music is going straight from a beautiful love song as mentioned above into Hunk Hunk O Burnin Love! Yes it is a little cheesey but it will be loads of fun and thats what we want, we want people to leave saying gee that was good fun! Another little silly thing we are doing, again with the music, is at the reception when the families are walking in, as Ben's italian parents walk in we are going to play the Godfather theme, they will kill themselves laughing but his mum will also love it as she tells me it's actually a beautiful italian love song.
My bridesmaid will be wearing pink, a soft pink of some sort, as I am a pink freak, and Ben will be wearing a White dinner jacket, white shirt, black vest & black pants with a black hankie tucked in the jacket pocket, he will look fantastic, with this dark dark italian looks against the white jacket. As for me, I have no idea!!! My dress ideas have changed now that I'm going to be a mum when I get married, so it's back to the drawing board.
Sorry for the long post!!!
One more things, I too have to say that the smell of babies is one of the best in the world, I loved cuddling my nieces & nephews in tight while they were tiny, now I just can't wait to do it to my own, oh no, here I go, the tears are starting, see what I mean about the hormones!!!!
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The giant squid - May 4, 2005 12:19 am (#1718 of 2981) Reply
Ponine/Dizzy Lizzy--that's a neat idea, getting a lipreader to check what Lily's saying, but don't get your hopes up. A lot of times when the writer or director knows a person will be seen talking but not heard they aren't given any actual lines. They're just told, "make something up, look scared/angry/whatever emotion is required." I just thought I'd give you a heads-up so you aren't trying to figure out the significance of the actress reciting her grocery list.
--Mike
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Ticker - May 4, 2005 2:27 am (#1719 of 2981) Reply
Mrs. Sirius- you certainly have made me smile. I must say though, thinking of weaning my 1 child sucks any good humor out of me. "They" say I'll know when the time is right. "They" also wonder why I haven't done it yet. Whatever.
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boop - May 4, 2005 3:52 am (#1720 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES for Daioma and Padfoot!!! Have a wonderful day!!
Everybody have a great Day!!
***Waves to Ticker***
hugs always
boop
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 4:05 am (#1721 of 2981) Reply
Denise, I admit that I've been watching The Amazing Race this season also.
Rob and Amber are my favs to win, although I was impressed when Joyce shaved her head. I must say that Gretchen needs to be quiet when poor Meredith is doing all the hard work and quit her squawking.
Well, off to the real world. See you all around.
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Ponine - May 4, 2005 4:19 am (#1722 of 2981) Reply
Ponine - You actually know someone else from Ignace? I must say I'm a bit shocked, you see Ignace is about the size of the end of a needle in an ever ending expanse of forest and lakes. The Trans Canada highway runs through it but, like they say, if you blink you're going to miss it...that being said I still go there alot and have many fond memories. The population is a little over 1200 the last time I checked. If you don't mind my asking who is it that you know from there?
- That is why I am so amazed!! Uhm, I don't want to flat out say her full name, but maybe this will help you; She goes by a double first name, i.e. Xxxxxx-Lynn. Her last initial is the same as her first. She is quite small, but rather steely in nature. She is about 30-32 today, and lives, as far as I know, in OH. Know who I am talking about yet????
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 5:33 am (#1723 of 2981) Reply
Howdy Catherine. Go Blossom! Poor thing.
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 5:45 am (#1724 of 2981) Reply
Poor thing. --Loopy Lupin
I hope the sympathy is for me, not Blossom!
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pottermom34 - May 4, 2005 6:22 am (#1725 of 2981) Reply
I must say as nasty as possums are that is a cute avatar though Catherine. Is that Blossum or just a picture of a possum you found? For some reason ever since we started talking about possums and other little animals it seems like I've been seeing a lot more road kill.
Just a note, while we're talking about sneaky critters, if anyone here are campers, raccoons know how to get into tupperware and coolers. We went camping once in the Porcupine Mts. and a raccoon got into my moms cooler and opened the tupperware containing the lunchmeat. Sneaky little buggers. It also got into the camper through the refrigeration vent in the back ( it was an old camper)
I actually felt bad for it it was only a young-un. It's momma wasn't happy she climbed on top of the canopy and peed all over it. That was a long night, as this happened around 2 in the am. My mom was loud enough to wake the whole campground, and my sister's boyfriend, thinking he was tough although he wasn't any braver than Malfoy,was runing around our site trying to get it with a hockey stick. He was unsuccessful(idiot too).
Then as we thought we were on our way to sleep, a bear strolled through the campground. Too bad my sister's idiot didn't go after the bear with the hockey stick.(I know that wasn't nice but he was a jerk, made Malfoy look nice). Needless to say we didn't sleep much that night. Ok I'm done rambling about sneaky critters.
Happy Birthday to all the birthday folk.
I'm staring to feel like kids when traveling when it comes to HBP. Is it here yet?, Is it here yet?, Is it here yet?
Off to read more posts.
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Snuffles - May 4, 2005 6:45 am (#1726 of 2981) Reply
I have to agree with Pottermom34, that possum does look cute. We just don't have any interesting critters in the UK! The only thing i'm likely to find in my garden are ants or wood lice!!
I'm never sure about posting here as everyone seems to know everyone else but Happy birthday to everyone it applies to and cheering charms to everyone who needs them.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Julie
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 7:15 am (#1727 of 2981) Reply
I'm never sure about posting here as everyone seems to know everyone else but Happy birthday to everyone it applies to and cheering charms to everyone who needs them. – Snuffles
Post away, Snuffles. That's how we all got to know one another. I'm sure Blossom appreciates the cheering charms.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 4, 2005 8:16 am (#1728 of 2981) Reply
Good morning Everyone!!!
Ponine - I bet I know exactly who you're talking about...the blank is Brandi, her mom was a kindergarten school teacher. I was in the same class with her older sister and I was in gymnastics with both her and her older sister! That's got to be who it is! Oh my God! Tell her it's the Shannon that her sister went to school with that lived on the same road as the school, she'll know who I am. Tell her I say hi if you're talking to her! What a small world....in fact my husband also used to hang around with her eldest brother and her next door neighbour, the three of them were inseparable for years.
DD - The wedding plans sound amazing, I love the part with the Godfather theme. It's nice too that you and your husband to be are throwing both your ideas as well as some humor into it. During my wedding at the church my father was so busy trying not to step on my train (everyone had freaked him out about it)to get back to his seat that he never heard the minister ask "who gives this bride"...we were all waiting for him to answer and he had no idea. I finally had to turn around and say, "Daddy?" He looked around and realized and hurridley said, "Oh..I do, I do" My husband made some noise like, "Phew" then the whole church broke out in laughter. It broke the tension beautifully and is one of my fondest memories.
Welcome Snuffles! I'm pretty new too so you're not alone. I just read the previous threads then jump in with a comment and throw in a little bit about moi and there we go. So, you're from Australia I believe. I love the Australian accent; unfortunately being from Canada and not being from French Canada the only accent I have is the blessed, "Hey" which I happen to be fluent in! What part of Australia are you from? What's it like?
By the way, Catherine I empathize with your possum problem, we have skunk problems in the summer and I got the wits scared out of me by one one night when I'd ventured outside late at night....it was huge!
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Puck - May 4, 2005 10:39 am (#1729 of 2981) Reply
Denise, I will be right there with you, as I am due in September. My last was a July babe. I must admit, being pregnant in hot weather is easier than nursing during a heat wave.
Daioma, I understand the tears. Everynight I find myself welling up over some silly TV show. If your back starts to hurt I recommend prenatal Yoga. It really helps. Happy 30th!
Hey, I actually like Tom Survivor. He's worked hard. Plus, as he's one of the firefighters from 911, I have a bit of a soft spot.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 11:05 am (#1730 of 2981) Reply
Hallo all!
Today I visited a friend and she was babysitting her godson. I was just reminded on how good babies smell and how soft they are! I agree the person who could bottle the babysmell would get rich!
And I would like to tell all the three-and-more moms how much I admire them! We have two and are to cowardly for a third one.
Ahem, could anybody be so kind and tell me what TiVo is?? I´m not even sure if I have spelled it right, about 75 posts ago it was mentioned together with CoS on TV and something with jumping to the star wars trailer...
Eveybody who has one: Have a nice long weekend!
To everybody else: Have a nice Wednesday/Thursday!
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Marie E. - May 4, 2005 11:11 am (#1731 of 2981) Reply
Not only is there something in the forum water, but it has filtered down to the water at work. One lady just delivered two weeks ago and two more just found out their expecting. I am walking a very fine tightrope, and bringing bottled water to work.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 11:23 am (#1732 of 2981) Reply
Is there a job-guaranty for mothers in the US and all the other countries the forummers come from?
In Germany you are not allowed to work six weeks before and eight weeks after birth with more or less full payment. After that you can take three years of parenting-time per child and your company has to keep a job clear for you (at least this says the law).
In Estonia you can stay at home one year. The state will pay you your salary or, if you haven´t worked before the average income for one year. In Germany you also get money during the first year, but less than your salary. I can´t remember how much exactly.
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Eponine - May 4, 2005 11:35 am (#1733 of 2981) Reply
Cornelia, TiVo is wonderful. It's a digital video recorder for your television. Basically, it's like a VCR, but without a tape and all the hassle. It's this little box, and you use your remote to decide which programs you want to record. You can pause live TV if you need to run to the bathroom or if you want to get something to eat. It's also extremely easy to fast forward something you've already recorded. You can record two things at once. It just makes things easier if you're not going to be home to see your favorite program. You just push a button, and you're done. No tapes to worry about, no frustrating VCR set-up.
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Accio Sirius - May 4, 2005 11:41 am (#1734 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 4, 2005 11:43 am
Wow, that sounds like a nice deal, Cornelia. When I was pregnant with my first child, my boss was horrible. The further along I got, the more work he heaped on me and kept sending me on cross-country plane trips well into my eight month. I guess he was panicking that I wouldn't come back (which I did) and I like to think he was generally clueless and not evil, but he wasn't much better after my daughter was born. Her first Christmas, he made me work super late on Christmas Eve for something completely inconsequential. I don't work with him anymore. and sort of carried around that anger for a while and then I saw him a few weeks ago in the local Borders/Starbucks. He was sort of a sad sack. It was very liberating to let any animosity go.
Catherine, sorry about the Possum problem. Not my favorite creatures either, but we don't get that many in our neighborhood--it's fairly urban. We did have a scare with rabid raccoons a few summers back.
Congrats Denise. I've been away and missed the news you were expecting. A Leo no less! I also wanted to ask you if you had any experience building ramps for your guinea pigs. Ours is a little too tubby and needs some diversions.
EDIT: I LOVE my TiVo. By the time the kids get to bed, I have too much work to do to watch TV, so I can watch stuff whenever I need too. By the way--is anyone else into Veronica Mars? How about all of those juicy secrets last night? I must gasped at least three or four times.
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Thora- May 4, 2005 11:49 am (#1735 of 2981) Reply
Alas, America is not as kind as some other countries when it comes to having babies. I believe the maternity leave laws vary by state, but I have never heard of the government paying you anything if you do take it. We have private healthcare, or corporate healthcare through our jobs (or our husband's jobs) so the state doesn't help out with much if you get above poverty level. There are lots of programs out there to help the poor but they look at income amount and how many people are in the household before they will help. We do get income tax breaks for having kids, in fact between having 3 kids and a home mortgage we got it all back this year from the federal government, and most of it from the state. The local income tax authority didn't give us a break, but they do plow my street, so who am I to gripe.
Money in America 101 there... sorry.
Thora
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Madam Pince - May 4, 2005 12:00 pm (#1736 of 2981) Reply
Puck, thank goodness there's somebody else who likes Tom on "Survivor!" I was beginning to think I was the only one. I liked Stephanie, too, and for the same reasons -- they both work hard, carried their team, and could likely survive on their own if need be, so to me either of them deserves to win. Naturally, since that's not how this game works, neither of them will actually win, of course. Denise, I know you have Katie in your Survivor Pool, but I really hope she doesn't win. I have no tolerance for those players who just drift along and don't do any work or contribute in any way, and then manage to scoot into the finals just because they haven't "offended" anybody too much. Caryn and Jennifer both fall into that category too, I think. Far too Jenna-ish. Bleah.
As for "Amazing Race," (white-out to avoid spoiling for Daioma & others, or those who just hate reality shows...) I like Rob and Amber too, although I am very disappointed in Rob that he didn't at least pull over and check on the situation when the car accident happened. That was pretty cold. It wasn't too smart of Lynn & Alex to stop and just stand around doing nothing, but it would've at least been considerate of Romber to stop and inquire. I hope Uchenna and Joyce win, though -- they have impressed me with their never-wavering support of each other. Ron and Kelly are irritating and sooooooo do not belong together; likewise with Ray and Deana, although apparently they are now engaged. Bad decision on Deana's part; I fear she is destined to be a doormat! Meredith and Gretchen live about a half-hour from me (I don't know them personally, though) -- I have been similarly impressed with their supportiveness, but I agree with Catherine that Gretchen talks too much! Good on them, though, for getting as far as they did at their ages! I was so afraid Meredith was going to have a heart attack or something doing those physical challenges!
OK, enough of that stuff. Happy Wednesday, everybody!
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 12:02 pm (#1737 of 2981) Reply
I am walking a very fine tightrope, and bringing bottled water to work. --Marie E.
**joins Marie in the bottled water**
Two's aplenty for our family. When I started having goo-goo baby feelings, Mr. Catherine let me get a puppy. So far, it's worked.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 12:07 pm (#1738 of 2981) Reply
Catherine-Thank you for making me laugh!
edit: about the TiVO, I´m jealous! I could need it too! Sometimes I think we live here on the wrong side of the moon (if you can translate it like this)
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 12:10 pm (#1739 of 2981) Reply
Thora, no doubt America is not on par with other countries. I cannot speak for all 50 states, but the Family Medical Leave Act, a federal statute, allows anyone who works for an employer who falls within the ambit of the statute (that is, an employer who has a certain number of employees which number escapes me at the moment)to take up to 12 weeks of leave for medical conditions. Pregnancy is defined as a medical condition. If you have paid leave, your employer can require that to count as part of your 12 weeks. Otherwise, the employer is not required to pay you anything, but just let you have the time off. You have to have worked for the employer for a certain amount of time before you, as an employee, are entitled to this leave. The government does not pay you anything during this time.
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b]Catherine[/b] - May 4, 2005 12:57 pm (#1740 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, I liked your unibrow avatar better!
Folks who work for smaller companies definitely don't get to take advantage of the Family Leave Act, which is too bad.
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Good Evans - May 4, 2005 12:58 pm (#1741 of 2981) Reply
kabloink! from a million posts ago - I completely agree. Can you do me a favour though. WE don’t get idol in the UK until friday night. Please don’t post (unless you white it out) who gets the boot!!! I couldn't believe constantine went before Scott. My money has to be on Scott to go tonight (well Friday for me) - but then I thought he was gone two weeks ago, he has the luck (or votes)of old nick!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 4, 2005 12:59 pm (#1742 of 2981) Reply
I must say that the programs in Canada are really great when it comes to maternity. Three years ago they extended maternity leave from six months to one year. The government pays you 55 or 65% of your wages while your off for an entire year now and your employer is required by law to keep your position.
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fleur-de-lys - May 4, 2005 1:05 pm (#1743 of 2981) Reply
Good Evans II, do you just get the results of Idol on Friday, or is that when you see the performance too? We watch the performance on Tuesday...I won't say anything just in case...and the results on Wednesday. The whole suspense thing for the advertisers...it gets people to watch. I don't know if I even want to watch tonite. If I had known or thought Constantine was leaving last week, I wouldn't have watched. Oh well.
Also, there have been some great chat groups going on in the chat room lately. Anyone available Thrusday nite, anytime after 5 o'clock Eastern Standard time? I'll be in there just waiting for some fun to happen. I'll post this on the chat thread too, but wanted to post it here for anyone who misses that thread. Hope to see ya'll tomorrow nite. TA--Lori
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Chemyst - May 4, 2005 1:22 pm (#1744 of 2981) Reply
Gosh, I hope I didn't accidently hit anyone with that big drop of sweat I just wiped off my brows, but... Whew! The civic group where I'm a board member just had our annual breakfast this morning to a near sell-out crowd. We were able to award five scholarships. That part sounds hunky-dory but our original speaker fell through, then our back-up speaker fell through, and our third one was not confirmed until just two weeks ago; and worse, as of last Friday, only a third of the tickets had been sold; which is critical because this is our main fund-raiser for the year. (I'm glad I'm not a nail-biter because if I were, I would have raw stumps instead of fingers on my hands.) But a lot of folks bought tickets at the last minute and as they say, "All's well that ends well;" and this did well.
Anyway, reading about rodents (and their point of view, assuming they have one) surely puts things in a new perspective. Lina, you must have had a very understanding mother to let you have a funeral for a rat.
Elanor, I've enjoyed your Ft. Lupin avatar. Mandy, if the other car's owner does call, please accept this insurance red-tape slicing charm.
Sometimes I think we live here on the wrong side of the moon (if you can translate it like this) ~ Cornelia Yes, I love that about this forum; translations often come off in a very unique, but illuminating way.
Happy birthdays!
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Denise P. - May 4, 2005 1:29 pm (#1745 of 2981) Reply
I also wanted to ask you if you had any experience building ramps for your guinea pigs. Ours is a little too tubby and needs some diversions.
I made a staircase using pencilboxes for my piggies to get to the second level. A plain ole board with footholds work too. They will be very wary of going up or down the ramp so you have to give them incentive. I put all food and water on the second floor while they get used to the stairs and anytime I walk by, I would put them up. They went down before they went up. I also put carrot slices or another yummy treat on the ramp to encourage them to use it.
Now, they zip up and down the stairs with no problems.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 4, 2005 1:41 pm (#1746 of 2981) Reply
In Denise's spare time, she spins straw into gold.
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Ponine - Apr 8, 2005 11:24 am (#1747 of 2981) Reply
Shannon - You are absolutely right, that would indeed be the one Wow. *It's a small world aaafter all, it's a small world aaafter all...* Sorry. But it is! I mean - What are the odds... I don't keep in touch with her anymore, last I heard, she was pregnant and looked like a stick with a bowling ball on the middle, but she should have a toddler by now... If you talk to her, tell her I said hi!
Being happily single at present time, this is NOT completely canon, but semi-canon for sure.. ;)Here in Norway, if you are employed, your 'family' gets maternity leave of a year. This means that the father (if there is one, of course) is required to use at least four of those weeks (otherwise I think they are lost). Mom can stay at home for 42 weeks with full salary or 52 weeks with 80% salary. Additionally, you get child benefits (about 175$ a month per child up until the age of 18). Furthermore, you get another 500 - 600 $ a month until the child is three, should you opt to be a stay at home mother while the baby is a toddler. Thus, if you were to have - say - three year old twins and an infant, you would get a little over 2000 dollars a month in child benefits... Want to be Potties in Norway with me??
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Detail Seeker - May 4, 2005 1:47 pm (#1748 of 2981) Reply
Denise has spare time ??
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Puck - May 4, 2005 1:50 pm (#1749 of 2981) Reply
Wow! Paid maternity leave? I had to use sick days. Off course, I had no intention of going back. The salary of a preschool teacher minus taxes and child care wouldn't have been worth leaving my babe. Plus, the baby had a heart arrythmia, so there were lots of doctors’ appointments, and his meds 4x a day, and the dose kept changing with his weight. I wouldn't have entrusted that to anyone else.
I have a friend who just adopted a girl from Russia. She took 2 months unpaid leave and is not due to go back to work until June, to give the child and herself time to adjust. However, her boss keeps calling with assignments. At first he wanted her to just do the work, even though she's not currently on the payroll. She finally worked it out that she'll do a few things for him, but he has to actually pay her for her work. Honestly, I can't believe his nerve, asking her to push the child aside, and not even offering to pay her until she insisted.
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Snuffles - May 4, 2005 2:10 pm (#1750 of 2981) Reply
Maternity leave in the UK at the moment is 26 weeks paid. I think you get 100% of your wages for 4 weeks then it goes down to 80% for another 6 weeks then then basic maternity pay which I think is about £100 per week for the rest. You are entitled to take and extra 25 weeks off unpaid and the job left open for you but I don't think many people can afford that option! When I had my daughter 2 years ago, my husband had to use a week’s holiday but now they have introduced 2 weeks paid paternity.
I did mention to hubby about another child but I had hardly finished my sentence when the door slammed and he disappeared down the street. (was it something I said?!!!)
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Ponine - May 3, 2005 5:14 pm (#1701 of 2981) Reply
Thanks Lina and Lizzy for good and practical advice!
Lizzy - I hope I am not offending you in any way by asking you this, I do not mean to generalize or anything like that, and please forgive me if I am out of line. I am wondering if you can read (on) lips or not? The reason I ask is partially due to you sharing the issues you have had with your hearing aids, but also because there has been some debate about what exactly Lily says in the scene right before she gets killed. And then for a spilt second I wondered if perhaps you might be able to tell better than most. Again, I hope I have not been out of line.
And Shannon - You are from Ignace?? How big of a town is that? I used to know someone from there?!?! (As all she ate up until college supposedly was moose meat, I for some reason figured it was pretty small..) Oh, and of course - welcome!!
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Catherine - May 3, 2005 5:20 pm (#1702 of 2981) Reply
For all the concerned Forum members:
Blossom is offered bite-size Kielbasa bits. She is "styling" in a way that few opossums can claim. Once captured, I know that the Wildllife Rehabilitator (named "Marti") will do her proud. To achieve this end, our local Animal Control Officer is overseeing our efforts.
Feel free to email me further, but I don't really wish to have any more "possum problems," thanks very much.
Blossum treasures her privacy.
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Ydnam96 - May 3, 2005 5:24 pm (#1703 of 2981) Reply
Thanks everyone for the encouragements...Still nothing from the person I had the "run in" with (as I really didn't hit him – it was more of slid along a portion of his car with my car...my car is fine...his is not). Anyway. He left campus and never called campus safety even though they left him a note. So just waiting. Maybe he won't ever call???
I love Kielbasa, Blossum is a lucky opossum (hey did you name her that because it rhymes?). Catherine. I do not blame you for never wanting to open the basement door again. I had a racoon under my apartment and thought it was going to scratch it's way up through the floor. He was under the bathroom and I was always afraid to go in there! At least he never made it IN my house. Good luck!!
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dizzy lizzy - May 3, 2005 7:08 pm (#1704 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, you are not being out of line by asking me a question like that. I can't lipread very well, I use it to make sure I am hearing some words right. I never thought of asking a lipreader to watch the movie and see if they could pick up what Lily is saying in that scene. Sure would answer the questions eh?
Catherine: I have enough problems coping with mice, let alone possums in my house. Given that the conditions are ripe for a mice plague of sorts, I'm not looking forward to winter/spring.
It looks as though the area I live in (most of the state to be honest) is about to slip back into drought again We never really got out of it and the land really needs some rain.
On the baby front, my cousin is due any day now. It was her wedding I attended in January. I thought she looked suspiciously "plump" and the dress didn't do much for her "bump".
My mum laughed last night after she told me about the impending birth and I told her how I deduced the pregnancy back in January. And her comment was, didn't we tell you she was pregnant???
Urrrgggghhh. I really hate it when people (including my family) assume I pick up the latest gossip by osmosis. Memo to family: If you want a deaf person to know something, tell them. Don't assume gossip will do the trick!!!!
Off to check the threads and do my budget ($$$$).
Lizzy
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Ladybug220 - May 3, 2005 7:39 pm (#1705 of 2981) Reply
Lizzy, I have my hearing and I still am out of the family loop some. I also get the "Didn't we tell you ___________ ?" No, you didn't and you didn't send it to me in an email either. Sigh, it does get annoying....
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Amilia Smith - May 3, 2005 7:55 pm (#1706 of 2981) Reply
I live at home and still don't get the news. My cousin is getting married, and the first I heard of was when my mother asked my brother (who does not live at home) if he had heard the news. I also tend to miss family get togethers as no one bothers to tell me, although that has gotten better since I moved back home.
Mills.
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Puck - May 3, 2005 8:01 pm (#1707 of 2981) Reply
Denise, wow! I didn't realize you had such a larger family! Hats off to you. With #3 on the way are already worried about being out numbered. So when are you due to have this one?
Shannon, I too and die hard about Survivor, and was sad to see Stephanie go. I think it would be real interesting if one season they make a rule against discussing your votes. Just to see what would happen.
Real weird to have Lizzy referring to Tuesday as yesterday, as it is still Tuesday here!
Loopy, waxing is a good fix, and it only hurts for a couple of seconds (honest).
and yes, I finally ordered my book. Of course, I still won't get to start reading until the night of the 17th, as I must get through Maya's festivities first.
Kathy
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Denise P. - May 3, 2005 8:16 pm (#1708 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, I am not due until August so I have the beautiful, hot, humid and miserable southern summer to suffer through
I am just at 24 weeks right now.I like Survivor (Go Katie!) and was bummed to see Steph go. I think the tribe should have taken Tom out while they had the chance.
The reality show I really like at the moment is The Amazing Race. Woo hoo! Go Romber! Rob was my guy during Survivor: All-Stars and I didn't much like him. He eventually won me $10 by coming in second and for TAR, I really, really like him and Amber. I want to see them win.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 8:31 pm (#1709 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Denise I don't know many other people with that many children in their family, I come from a family of 8 kids (I'm number 8!) I like to think my parents stopped when they got it right! sillygrin:
I think I'll be hoping on here and asking you lots of questions when I need to as I go along in my first of many (hopefully) pregnancy, I'm not going to have as many as you, but I think if we can handle it, 4 would be lovely.
So when are the other pregnant mums due? I'm not due until December 8, so I'll have a summer baby, so I'm hoping we have a mild summer this year.
I am a survivor fan also & was really upset seeing Stephanie booted, I think they made a big mistake!! I also love The Amazing Race but we are slightly behind you & the new season (with Rob & Amber) is about to start on tomorrow (Thursday) but I won't be able to watch it as tomorrow is my birthday (I'm 30!!!!!!eek!!) And I'll be out with the fam celebrating.
Catherine, don't be too concerned about the possum, we have heaps at my mums place, they sound horrible but there alright, now if it was a dirty big spider that would be something else!
Lizzy, good luck on the job front!!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 3, 2005 9:41 pm (#1710 of 2981) Reply
Julia, glad you located the scrolls. I hope you get them back in the condition that they disappeared. Galling how inconsiderate some people can be.
Kim, I believe The-Leaky-Calderon is looking for an editor. The deadline for submission is soon though.
I can't say I had a great sense of humor while I was pregnant, but since I weaned the triplets, I have been in serious need of a "sense of humor transplant". Or perhaps I need to shop for one. I have been looking in all the shops I can't find a sense of humor for sale anywhere. I've gotten so desperate lately I've offered pay full price, I who never pay full price for anything!
Daiama Happy 30th now you'll pick up speed.
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ruthlesspenguin - May 3, 2005 9:47 pm (#1711 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I'm not a Queenslander, so I can't add much to what lizzy posted, other than suggesting the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website is a good place to get information (it came up first when I used google). Also, when reading average temperatures you should keep in mind that many Australian houses are not designed for cold weather. I recently visited a friend who lives in Ippswich (which is in the south of Queensland), and I can now understand why she refers to July being cold, as far as I could tell her family's house has no capacity for retaining heat whatsoever.
<(')
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 9:48 pm (#1712 of 2981) Reply
Wow Triplets!!! Mrs Sirius that's amazing! And here I am worrying that my surprise pregnancy is going to be twins (there's a very high possibility)!! TRIPLETS!
So far my sense of humour is still intact, well I think so anyway but Ben might have something else to say since being only 9 weeks I am still in the very emotional stages and spend quite a bit of time just spontaneously bursting into tears or changing my mind about things and then getting upset, such as telling Ben I didn't want to do much for my 30th & then getting upset because "he didn't care enough to organise a party!" Oh the joys of the hormonal mood swing
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 9:55 pm (#1713 of 2981) Reply
I see I wasn't the only one that loved Stephanie on Survivor, and yes I hope Tom and Greg never get that million dollars!!!!
Ponine - You actually know someone else from Ignace? I must say I'm a bit shocked, you see Ignace is about the size of the end of a needle in an ever ending expanse of forest and lakes. The Trans Canada highway runs through it but, like they say, if you blink you're going to miss it...that being said I still go there alot and have many fond memories. The population is a little over 1200 the last time I checked. If you don't mind my asking who is it that you know from there?
Mrs. Sirius; you have triplets...........I am now on my knees praising you, you are a saint of saints!
So DD is this your first child?
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Elanor - May 3, 2005 10:04 pm (#1714 of 2981) Reply
I just pop in to say hello before I go to work! Class ends at 4.30 and at 5.30 p.m. I should be in my brother's car, heading for the ocean!
It is only a 4 days trip but it is likely that I will be experiencing forum withdrawal symptoms... You will never guess what I've put in my bag... This time, it is GoF! It should be great to read it on the beach!
Have a great week everybody, see you soon! **sending cheering and comforting charms to everyone needing some**
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 10:05 pm (#1715 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, yes this is my first baby, Ben & I got engaged on Christmas day and have been planning a January/February Wedding for next year and were planning on starting our family after that, but someone else had other ideas! We are now thinking we will get married about April, that gives me time to get the baby settled as well as work on my after baby body a bit!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 3, 2005 10:57 pm (#1716 of 2981) Reply
DD...first babies are wonderful, and you know when they say, "sleep when the baby sleeps.." that is very true. And the smell of a new baby, it's the most beautiful smell, I don't know what it is but if somebody could bottle it they'd make millions!
Congratulations on the new baby and the upcoming nuptials.
Takes me back to when I got married almost eight years ago, actually it was on one of those dates that everybody knew where they were. I got married on August 30th, 1997. I'd found out at 10pm at night from one of my bridesmaids that Princess Diana had been in a car accident (it was August 30th in Canada when she'd died).
I also loved and still love Princess Diana! Sorry....got a little on the doom and gloom there..my wedding was wonderful.
You have got to be in one of the most thrilling parts of your life right now with a baby on the way and a wedding/marriage as well. Good luck with it all! Have you put together any details for your wedding yet; big/small, colours, flowers, all that fun stuff!
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 3, 2005 11:45 pm (#1717 of 2981) Reply
I have lots of ideas of things we want to do for the wedding, things like, lots of Elvis music (we are both Elvis fans!), we'll be dancing to Elvis singing The Wonder Of You & when I leave the church we'll be playing Elvis again, singing Won't You Wear My Ring, and when our bridal party joins us after our bridal waltz the music is going straight from a beautiful love song as mentioned above into Hunk Hunk O Burnin Love! Yes it is a little cheesey but it will be loads of fun and thats what we want, we want people to leave saying gee that was good fun! Another little silly thing we are doing, again with the music, is at the reception when the families are walking in, as Ben's italian parents walk in we are going to play the Godfather theme, they will kill themselves laughing but his mum will also love it as she tells me it's actually a beautiful italian love song.
My bridesmaid will be wearing pink, a soft pink of some sort, as I am a pink freak, and Ben will be wearing a White dinner jacket, white shirt, black vest & black pants with a black hankie tucked in the jacket pocket, he will look fantastic, with this dark dark italian looks against the white jacket. As for me, I have no idea!!! My dress ideas have changed now that I'm going to be a mum when I get married, so it's back to the drawing board.
Sorry for the long post!!!
One more things, I too have to say that the smell of babies is one of the best in the world, I loved cuddling my nieces & nephews in tight while they were tiny, now I just can't wait to do it to my own, oh no, here I go, the tears are starting, see what I mean about the hormones!!!!
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The giant squid - May 4, 2005 12:19 am (#1718 of 2981) Reply
Ponine/Dizzy Lizzy--that's a neat idea, getting a lipreader to check what Lily's saying, but don't get your hopes up. A lot of times when the writer or director knows a person will be seen talking but not heard they aren't given any actual lines. They're just told, "make something up, look scared/angry/whatever emotion is required." I just thought I'd give you a heads-up so you aren't trying to figure out the significance of the actress reciting her grocery list.
--Mike
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Ticker - May 4, 2005 2:27 am (#1719 of 2981) Reply
Mrs. Sirius- you certainly have made me smile. I must say though, thinking of weaning my 1 child sucks any good humor out of me. "They" say I'll know when the time is right. "They" also wonder why I haven't done it yet. Whatever.
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boop - May 4, 2005 3:52 am (#1720 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES for Daioma and Padfoot!!! Have a wonderful day!!
Everybody have a great Day!!
***Waves to Ticker***
hugs always
boop
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 4:05 am (#1721 of 2981) Reply
Denise, I admit that I've been watching The Amazing Race this season also.
Rob and Amber are my favs to win, although I was impressed when Joyce shaved her head. I must say that Gretchen needs to be quiet when poor Meredith is doing all the hard work and quit her squawking.
Well, off to the real world. See you all around.
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Ponine - May 4, 2005 4:19 am (#1722 of 2981) Reply
Ponine - You actually know someone else from Ignace? I must say I'm a bit shocked, you see Ignace is about the size of the end of a needle in an ever ending expanse of forest and lakes. The Trans Canada highway runs through it but, like they say, if you blink you're going to miss it...that being said I still go there alot and have many fond memories. The population is a little over 1200 the last time I checked. If you don't mind my asking who is it that you know from there?
- That is why I am so amazed!! Uhm, I don't want to flat out say her full name, but maybe this will help you; She goes by a double first name, i.e. Xxxxxx-Lynn. Her last initial is the same as her first. She is quite small, but rather steely in nature. She is about 30-32 today, and lives, as far as I know, in OH. Know who I am talking about yet????
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 5:33 am (#1723 of 2981) Reply
Howdy Catherine. Go Blossom! Poor thing.
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 5:45 am (#1724 of 2981) Reply
Poor thing. --Loopy Lupin
I hope the sympathy is for me, not Blossom!
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pottermom34 - May 4, 2005 6:22 am (#1725 of 2981) Reply
I must say as nasty as possums are that is a cute avatar though Catherine. Is that Blossum or just a picture of a possum you found? For some reason ever since we started talking about possums and other little animals it seems like I've been seeing a lot more road kill.
Just a note, while we're talking about sneaky critters, if anyone here are campers, raccoons know how to get into tupperware and coolers. We went camping once in the Porcupine Mts. and a raccoon got into my moms cooler and opened the tupperware containing the lunchmeat. Sneaky little buggers. It also got into the camper through the refrigeration vent in the back ( it was an old camper)
I actually felt bad for it it was only a young-un. It's momma wasn't happy she climbed on top of the canopy and peed all over it. That was a long night, as this happened around 2 in the am. My mom was loud enough to wake the whole campground, and my sister's boyfriend, thinking he was tough although he wasn't any braver than Malfoy,was runing around our site trying to get it with a hockey stick. He was unsuccessful(idiot too).
Then as we thought we were on our way to sleep, a bear strolled through the campground. Too bad my sister's idiot didn't go after the bear with the hockey stick.(I know that wasn't nice but he was a jerk, made Malfoy look nice). Needless to say we didn't sleep much that night. Ok I'm done rambling about sneaky critters.
Happy Birthday to all the birthday folk.
I'm staring to feel like kids when traveling when it comes to HBP. Is it here yet?, Is it here yet?, Is it here yet?
Off to read more posts.
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Snuffles - May 4, 2005 6:45 am (#1726 of 2981) Reply
I have to agree with Pottermom34, that possum does look cute. We just don't have any interesting critters in the UK! The only thing i'm likely to find in my garden are ants or wood lice!!
I'm never sure about posting here as everyone seems to know everyone else but Happy birthday to everyone it applies to and cheering charms to everyone who needs them.
Hope everyone has a great day.
Julie
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 7:15 am (#1727 of 2981) Reply
I'm never sure about posting here as everyone seems to know everyone else but Happy birthday to everyone it applies to and cheering charms to everyone who needs them. – Snuffles
Post away, Snuffles. That's how we all got to know one another. I'm sure Blossom appreciates the cheering charms.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 4, 2005 8:16 am (#1728 of 2981) Reply
Good morning Everyone!!!
Ponine - I bet I know exactly who you're talking about...the blank is Brandi, her mom was a kindergarten school teacher. I was in the same class with her older sister and I was in gymnastics with both her and her older sister! That's got to be who it is! Oh my God! Tell her it's the Shannon that her sister went to school with that lived on the same road as the school, she'll know who I am. Tell her I say hi if you're talking to her! What a small world....in fact my husband also used to hang around with her eldest brother and her next door neighbour, the three of them were inseparable for years.
DD - The wedding plans sound amazing, I love the part with the Godfather theme. It's nice too that you and your husband to be are throwing both your ideas as well as some humor into it. During my wedding at the church my father was so busy trying not to step on my train (everyone had freaked him out about it)to get back to his seat that he never heard the minister ask "who gives this bride"...we were all waiting for him to answer and he had no idea. I finally had to turn around and say, "Daddy?" He looked around and realized and hurridley said, "Oh..I do, I do" My husband made some noise like, "Phew" then the whole church broke out in laughter. It broke the tension beautifully and is one of my fondest memories.
Welcome Snuffles! I'm pretty new too so you're not alone. I just read the previous threads then jump in with a comment and throw in a little bit about moi and there we go. So, you're from Australia I believe. I love the Australian accent; unfortunately being from Canada and not being from French Canada the only accent I have is the blessed, "Hey" which I happen to be fluent in! What part of Australia are you from? What's it like?
By the way, Catherine I empathize with your possum problem, we have skunk problems in the summer and I got the wits scared out of me by one one night when I'd ventured outside late at night....it was huge!
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Puck - May 4, 2005 10:39 am (#1729 of 2981) Reply
Denise, I will be right there with you, as I am due in September. My last was a July babe. I must admit, being pregnant in hot weather is easier than nursing during a heat wave.
Daioma, I understand the tears. Everynight I find myself welling up over some silly TV show. If your back starts to hurt I recommend prenatal Yoga. It really helps. Happy 30th!
Hey, I actually like Tom Survivor. He's worked hard. Plus, as he's one of the firefighters from 911, I have a bit of a soft spot.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 11:05 am (#1730 of 2981) Reply
Hallo all!
Today I visited a friend and she was babysitting her godson. I was just reminded on how good babies smell and how soft they are! I agree the person who could bottle the babysmell would get rich!
And I would like to tell all the three-and-more moms how much I admire them! We have two and are to cowardly for a third one.
Ahem, could anybody be so kind and tell me what TiVo is?? I´m not even sure if I have spelled it right, about 75 posts ago it was mentioned together with CoS on TV and something with jumping to the star wars trailer...
Eveybody who has one: Have a nice long weekend!
To everybody else: Have a nice Wednesday/Thursday!
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Marie E. - May 4, 2005 11:11 am (#1731 of 2981) Reply
Not only is there something in the forum water, but it has filtered down to the water at work. One lady just delivered two weeks ago and two more just found out their expecting. I am walking a very fine tightrope, and bringing bottled water to work.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 11:23 am (#1732 of 2981) Reply
Is there a job-guaranty for mothers in the US and all the other countries the forummers come from?
In Germany you are not allowed to work six weeks before and eight weeks after birth with more or less full payment. After that you can take three years of parenting-time per child and your company has to keep a job clear for you (at least this says the law).
In Estonia you can stay at home one year. The state will pay you your salary or, if you haven´t worked before the average income for one year. In Germany you also get money during the first year, but less than your salary. I can´t remember how much exactly.
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Eponine - May 4, 2005 11:35 am (#1733 of 2981) Reply
Cornelia, TiVo is wonderful. It's a digital video recorder for your television. Basically, it's like a VCR, but without a tape and all the hassle. It's this little box, and you use your remote to decide which programs you want to record. You can pause live TV if you need to run to the bathroom or if you want to get something to eat. It's also extremely easy to fast forward something you've already recorded. You can record two things at once. It just makes things easier if you're not going to be home to see your favorite program. You just push a button, and you're done. No tapes to worry about, no frustrating VCR set-up.
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Accio Sirius - May 4, 2005 11:41 am (#1734 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 4, 2005 11:43 am
Wow, that sounds like a nice deal, Cornelia. When I was pregnant with my first child, my boss was horrible. The further along I got, the more work he heaped on me and kept sending me on cross-country plane trips well into my eight month. I guess he was panicking that I wouldn't come back (which I did) and I like to think he was generally clueless and not evil, but he wasn't much better after my daughter was born. Her first Christmas, he made me work super late on Christmas Eve for something completely inconsequential. I don't work with him anymore. and sort of carried around that anger for a while and then I saw him a few weeks ago in the local Borders/Starbucks. He was sort of a sad sack. It was very liberating to let any animosity go.
Catherine, sorry about the Possum problem. Not my favorite creatures either, but we don't get that many in our neighborhood--it's fairly urban. We did have a scare with rabid raccoons a few summers back.
Congrats Denise. I've been away and missed the news you were expecting. A Leo no less! I also wanted to ask you if you had any experience building ramps for your guinea pigs. Ours is a little too tubby and needs some diversions.
EDIT: I LOVE my TiVo. By the time the kids get to bed, I have too much work to do to watch TV, so I can watch stuff whenever I need too. By the way--is anyone else into Veronica Mars? How about all of those juicy secrets last night? I must gasped at least three or four times.
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Thora- May 4, 2005 11:49 am (#1735 of 2981) Reply
Alas, America is not as kind as some other countries when it comes to having babies. I believe the maternity leave laws vary by state, but I have never heard of the government paying you anything if you do take it. We have private healthcare, or corporate healthcare through our jobs (or our husband's jobs) so the state doesn't help out with much if you get above poverty level. There are lots of programs out there to help the poor but they look at income amount and how many people are in the household before they will help. We do get income tax breaks for having kids, in fact between having 3 kids and a home mortgage we got it all back this year from the federal government, and most of it from the state. The local income tax authority didn't give us a break, but they do plow my street, so who am I to gripe.
Money in America 101 there... sorry.
Thora
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Madam Pince - May 4, 2005 12:00 pm (#1736 of 2981) Reply
Puck, thank goodness there's somebody else who likes Tom on "Survivor!" I was beginning to think I was the only one. I liked Stephanie, too, and for the same reasons -- they both work hard, carried their team, and could likely survive on their own if need be, so to me either of them deserves to win. Naturally, since that's not how this game works, neither of them will actually win, of course. Denise, I know you have Katie in your Survivor Pool, but I really hope she doesn't win. I have no tolerance for those players who just drift along and don't do any work or contribute in any way, and then manage to scoot into the finals just because they haven't "offended" anybody too much. Caryn and Jennifer both fall into that category too, I think. Far too Jenna-ish. Bleah.
As for "Amazing Race," (white-out to avoid spoiling for Daioma & others, or those who just hate reality shows...) I like Rob and Amber too, although I am very disappointed in Rob that he didn't at least pull over and check on the situation when the car accident happened. That was pretty cold. It wasn't too smart of Lynn & Alex to stop and just stand around doing nothing, but it would've at least been considerate of Romber to stop and inquire. I hope Uchenna and Joyce win, though -- they have impressed me with their never-wavering support of each other. Ron and Kelly are irritating and sooooooo do not belong together; likewise with Ray and Deana, although apparently they are now engaged. Bad decision on Deana's part; I fear she is destined to be a doormat! Meredith and Gretchen live about a half-hour from me (I don't know them personally, though) -- I have been similarly impressed with their supportiveness, but I agree with Catherine that Gretchen talks too much! Good on them, though, for getting as far as they did at their ages! I was so afraid Meredith was going to have a heart attack or something doing those physical challenges!
OK, enough of that stuff. Happy Wednesday, everybody!
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Catherine - May 4, 2005 12:02 pm (#1737 of 2981) Reply
I am walking a very fine tightrope, and bringing bottled water to work. --Marie E.
**joins Marie in the bottled water**
Two's aplenty for our family. When I started having goo-goo baby feelings, Mr. Catherine let me get a puppy. So far, it's worked.
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Cornelia - May 4, 2005 12:07 pm (#1738 of 2981) Reply
Catherine-Thank you for making me laugh!
edit: about the TiVO, I´m jealous! I could need it too! Sometimes I think we live here on the wrong side of the moon (if you can translate it like this)
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Loopy Lupin - May 4, 2005 12:10 pm (#1739 of 2981) Reply
Thora, no doubt America is not on par with other countries. I cannot speak for all 50 states, but the Family Medical Leave Act, a federal statute, allows anyone who works for an employer who falls within the ambit of the statute (that is, an employer who has a certain number of employees which number escapes me at the moment)to take up to 12 weeks of leave for medical conditions. Pregnancy is defined as a medical condition. If you have paid leave, your employer can require that to count as part of your 12 weeks. Otherwise, the employer is not required to pay you anything, but just let you have the time off. You have to have worked for the employer for a certain amount of time before you, as an employee, are entitled to this leave. The government does not pay you anything during this time.
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b]Catherine[/b] - May 4, 2005 12:57 pm (#1740 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, I liked your unibrow avatar better!
Folks who work for smaller companies definitely don't get to take advantage of the Family Leave Act, which is too bad.
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Good Evans - May 4, 2005 12:58 pm (#1741 of 2981) Reply
kabloink! from a million posts ago - I completely agree. Can you do me a favour though. WE don’t get idol in the UK until friday night. Please don’t post (unless you white it out) who gets the boot!!! I couldn't believe constantine went before Scott. My money has to be on Scott to go tonight (well Friday for me) - but then I thought he was gone two weeks ago, he has the luck (or votes)of old nick!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 4, 2005 12:59 pm (#1742 of 2981) Reply
I must say that the programs in Canada are really great when it comes to maternity. Three years ago they extended maternity leave from six months to one year. The government pays you 55 or 65% of your wages while your off for an entire year now and your employer is required by law to keep your position.
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fleur-de-lys - May 4, 2005 1:05 pm (#1743 of 2981) Reply
Good Evans II, do you just get the results of Idol on Friday, or is that when you see the performance too? We watch the performance on Tuesday...I won't say anything just in case...and the results on Wednesday. The whole suspense thing for the advertisers...it gets people to watch. I don't know if I even want to watch tonite. If I had known or thought Constantine was leaving last week, I wouldn't have watched. Oh well.
Also, there have been some great chat groups going on in the chat room lately. Anyone available Thrusday nite, anytime after 5 o'clock Eastern Standard time? I'll be in there just waiting for some fun to happen. I'll post this on the chat thread too, but wanted to post it here for anyone who misses that thread. Hope to see ya'll tomorrow nite. TA--Lori
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Chemyst - May 4, 2005 1:22 pm (#1744 of 2981) Reply
Gosh, I hope I didn't accidently hit anyone with that big drop of sweat I just wiped off my brows, but... Whew! The civic group where I'm a board member just had our annual breakfast this morning to a near sell-out crowd. We were able to award five scholarships. That part sounds hunky-dory but our original speaker fell through, then our back-up speaker fell through, and our third one was not confirmed until just two weeks ago; and worse, as of last Friday, only a third of the tickets had been sold; which is critical because this is our main fund-raiser for the year. (I'm glad I'm not a nail-biter because if I were, I would have raw stumps instead of fingers on my hands.) But a lot of folks bought tickets at the last minute and as they say, "All's well that ends well;" and this did well.
Anyway, reading about rodents (and their point of view, assuming they have one) surely puts things in a new perspective. Lina, you must have had a very understanding mother to let you have a funeral for a rat.
Elanor, I've enjoyed your Ft. Lupin avatar. Mandy, if the other car's owner does call, please accept this insurance red-tape slicing charm.
Sometimes I think we live here on the wrong side of the moon (if you can translate it like this) ~ Cornelia Yes, I love that about this forum; translations often come off in a very unique, but illuminating way.
Happy birthdays!
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Denise P. - May 4, 2005 1:29 pm (#1745 of 2981) Reply
I also wanted to ask you if you had any experience building ramps for your guinea pigs. Ours is a little too tubby and needs some diversions.
I made a staircase using pencilboxes for my piggies to get to the second level. A plain ole board with footholds work too. They will be very wary of going up or down the ramp so you have to give them incentive. I put all food and water on the second floor while they get used to the stairs and anytime I walk by, I would put them up. They went down before they went up. I also put carrot slices or another yummy treat on the ramp to encourage them to use it.
Now, they zip up and down the stairs with no problems.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 4, 2005 1:41 pm (#1746 of 2981) Reply
In Denise's spare time, she spins straw into gold.
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Ponine - Apr 8, 2005 11:24 am (#1747 of 2981) Reply
Shannon - You are absolutely right, that would indeed be the one
Wow. *It's a small world aaafter all, it's a small world aaafter all...* Sorry. But it is! I mean - What are the odds... I don't keep in touch with her anymore, last I heard, she was pregnant and looked like a stick with a bowling ball on the middle, but she should have a toddler by now... If you talk to her, tell her I said hi!Being happily single at present time, this is NOT completely canon, but semi-canon for sure.. ;)Here in Norway, if you are employed, your 'family' gets maternity leave of a year. This means that the father (if there is one, of course) is required to use at least four of those weeks (otherwise I think they are lost). Mom can stay at home for 42 weeks with full salary or 52 weeks with 80% salary. Additionally, you get child benefits (about 175$ a month per child up until the age of 18). Furthermore, you get another 500 - 600 $ a month until the child is three, should you opt to be a stay at home mother while the baby is a toddler. Thus, if you were to have - say - three year old twins and an infant, you would get a little over 2000 dollars a month in child benefits... Want to be Potties in Norway with me??
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Detail Seeker - May 4, 2005 1:47 pm (#1748 of 2981) Reply
Denise has spare time ??
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Puck - May 4, 2005 1:50 pm (#1749 of 2981) Reply
Wow! Paid maternity leave? I had to use sick days. Off course, I had no intention of going back. The salary of a preschool teacher minus taxes and child care wouldn't have been worth leaving my babe. Plus, the baby had a heart arrythmia, so there were lots of doctors’ appointments, and his meds 4x a day, and the dose kept changing with his weight. I wouldn't have entrusted that to anyone else.
I have a friend who just adopted a girl from Russia. She took 2 months unpaid leave and is not due to go back to work until June, to give the child and herself time to adjust. However, her boss keeps calling with assignments. At first he wanted her to just do the work, even though she's not currently on the payroll. She finally worked it out that she'll do a few things for him, but he has to actually pay her for her work. Honestly, I can't believe his nerve, asking her to push the child aside, and not even offering to pay her until she insisted.
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Snuffles - May 4, 2005 2:10 pm (#1750 of 2981) Reply
Maternity leave in the UK at the moment is 26 weeks paid. I think you get 100% of your wages for 4 weeks then it goes down to 80% for another 6 weeks then then basic maternity pay which I think is about £100 per week for the rest. You are entitled to take and extra 25 weeks off unpaid and the job left open for you but I don't think many people can afford that option! When I had my daughter 2 years ago, my husband had to use a week’s holiday but now they have introduced 2 weeks paid paternity.
I did mention to hubby about another child but I had hardly finished my sentence when the door slammed and he disappeared down the street. (was it something I said?!!!)
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:45 pm
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Lina - May 4, 2005 2:37 pm (#1751 of 2981) Reply
Mrs. Sirius, a friend of my sister is expecting triplets (and she is told that all three of them are going to be girls), so I just wondered - how long did your triplet pregnancy last?
Daioma, happy birthday, even if it is too late!
I cry so easily, and it just gets easier as I get older. The other night, I was all in tears watching a local tv series and I assure you, I AM NOT PREGNANT!
About having more than two children, you need to have the third to find out that it is not so bad as it seems. I was just too old when I discovered it to go further. I remember when my husband and I were considering the third, I met a couple who already had three daughters. I felt I was not capable to raise those two I had, where the third could have fit in? I asked them how it is to have three children, and their answer was: "If we were not afraid to have the forth, why would you doubt about the third?" When my husband and I were dating, we planned to have 3 or 5 children (we are slightly superstitious about the number 4, it is totally personal), but after having the first two, we suddenly forgot about our plans, we really felt exhausted and the most important thing was not to have an only child, so two seemed enough. As I said before, the third came as a real surprise and now we are so happy to have her. I feel as though our lives would be much more sad and gray if she didn't come.
In Croatia, the employer pays just the first 42 days of sick leave and the longer leaves is payed by the state (The National Health Assurance), for pregnancy it's the full wage and for other reasons it gets to 75%(if you are not married) or 80%. For the first two kids you get a year of maternity leave, first six months full wage, the rest is within certain amounts that are changeable. You can take another two years without being payed but have your job waiting for you. For the third or any further child or the twins, you get three years of payed leave, again only first six months of full wage. This stuff about job waiting apply, though, only to those with permanent jobs. Those with temporary jobs easily get their contracts not prolonged, but the state pay to those and to unemployed parents a year or three years of the minimum amount (around 300$ a month). When I had my first child, I went back to work when she was 8 months because it was the inflation at that time and the pay was extremely little although it was 100% of something average. With my second girl, the pay on leave was even greater then if I went to work (tax free) so I took the whole year. With my third I was afraid that I could lose the job and the pay was very little after the first six months, so I came back to work when she was 6 months. But my husband took a maternity leave for the next 2 and half years.
Sorry for the long post, I hope I haven't bored you too much. And if you think that Croatia is a heaven for mothers, just think twice. I don't know if all this laws are the reason why I meat so many mothers with three and more children lately, but I know it wasn't a reason for me.
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Denise P. - May 4, 2005 2:52 pm (#1752 of 2981) Reply
I have always maintained that 3 children is the hardest number to deal with. Once you have mastered keeping track of more children than you have hands to grab them with, it is easy enough to add another (and another and another....)
Lost! is on tonight...wheee!
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Penny Lane. - May 4, 2005 6:39 pm (#1753 of 2981) Reply
LOST was... disappointing. Maybe it was just the long wait for a new episode, but I was expecting more.
My parents have TiFaux, and I love it. (That's my term for the non-name brand TiVo) I no longer have to search far and wide for a videotape every Wednesday night, nor do I go "OMG, I FORGOT TO SET THE VCR!!!" and make frantic phone calls to everyone I know at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
I have no idea how family leave works in the US. Never affected me.. I did, however, work with a girl who gave birth on Friday after her shift, and was back waitressing on Monday. I thought that was rather gross, as she was "kind" enough to share all the icky details.
Speaking of Lost - I went to a LOST chatroom today, and they were talking about Harry Potter. .. Hmmm.
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Viola Intonada - May 4, 2005 7:25 pm (#1754 of 2981) Reply
Denise, have you found a way to clone yourself or do you just not require any sleep?
Hubby and I agreed, even before we were married, that we would only have two children. I don't see how families with more children than licensed drivers in the household make it to every place they have to be when they have to be there. Hubby was out-of-town for a few days and I am exhausted!!!!! He's stuck with me no matter what, poor guy. I don't see how single parents do it.
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Ydnam96 - May 4, 2005 7:57 pm (#1755 of 2981) Reply
Denise! Lost is about to start! I'm also excited. Now, you have young ones, so I would imagine that Lost is not a family activity, but do you watch with your older children? Or just by yourself as a treat? Do you also watch Alias? Wednesday nights are my favorite!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 4, 2005 8:42 pm (#1756 of 2981) Reply
Lina, good luck to your friend. The girls came at a very good age. I had to go on bed rest at 20 weeks, then the doctor wanted me on supervised bed rest at 28 weeks, (two of the girls were monoamniotic). I resisted because of my 2 year old and went in at nearly 29 weeks. The doctors wanted to deliver at 34 weeks but I fought them (what's the rush, let them come when they are ready) we made it to just over 35 weeks.
We were very fortunate and the girls were in the hospital only 13 days after birth so I had them at home at two weeks. I weaned the girls very soon after their first birthday because I was on sensory overload. I hadn't weaned my son before I learned I was having the girls, he was nearly 2!
Sadly Lina, there are no benefits offered by any governments to families for having children here. If you are lucky your employer may offer some benefits, but that varies widely. I was lucky enough to work for a touchy-feely-PC company that offered financial disability benefits for 6 weeks, and then they permitted me to use up my remaining sick-vacation time. There are no guarantees for job security. Once you have children, you may take tax deduction at the end of the year which is helpful. Also if you child is born with some disabilities there might be some help available depending on the level of disability and you financial need.
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dizzy lizzy - May 4, 2005 11:46 pm (#1757 of 2981) Reply
About a day or so ago, boop let us know it was your birthday, Diaoma.
Happy Birthday Sorry I'm so late but I got waylaid trying to do the maths on my budget.
I've never paid much attention to the maternity leave provisions in Australia - suffice to say the job has to be held for you while you are on leave and it has to be the same position or one of equal standing when you get back. I know there is paid leave, but it has been changing so much - for the better over the past two years - that I am not even going to try and guess.
I've been spending the last two days trying to do my freelance assignment. Basically I have to format a 168 page document and make sure it makes sense. The formatting of the document sent to me was so bad, I ended up removing all the formatting and starting again. When I told the employer this morning they laughed, cause this was what they had intended me to do and hadn't got around to telling me.
As this Document is a legal document written in plain English it needs all its clauses and sub-clauses in. That is tonight's job. So it will be another late night or a very early morning tomorrow.
Enjoy your Thursday
Lizzy
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Lina - May 5, 2005 12:12 am (#1758 of 2981) Reply
Congratulation, Mrs. Sirius, more than 35 weeks! That's great. I wish this friend to be able to get that far. And breast-feeding the triplets, that's something I've never heard of before. I guess it has something to do with letting them come out when they are ready and not listening blindly to the doctors. I weaned my children much earlier, the first when she was 6 months because I discovered I was pregnant, the second after she bit me, when she was 5 months, and the third when she was 3 months because there was nothing left.
Well, we do have some benefits for having children, because there is that issue of low natural increase, something like - in 200 years, there will be no Croatian left. But we do not have any benefits for growing children up, so this benefits don't help to the increase of the population. The fact is, when I was gong to school, there was around 100 to 120 children in each generation going to school, 10 years later, there were even more children, and nowdays, if they reach 70 children in one generation is like winning the lottery. And I live in the same building I grew up in, so we are talking about the same school. I do see much more families with more then two children than I did when I was a child (at that time, there were many families with an only child, and the apartments were built the way that you couldn't put in more then one child), but much more people without children as well.
I like much better the way they handle the parenthood in Norway, and I think in Netherlands they have something similar. I would just like to have the choice to stay at home which I feel I don't have. Although I know the woman that quits her job as soon as she notices her children have problems at school and gets the social help for unemployed. I couldn't do that - getting help while I can work.
Oh, my dear, a long post again. I will ban myself for a while.
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The giant squid - May 5, 2005 1:25 am (#1759 of 2981) Reply
I made a staircase using pencilboxes for my piggies to get to the second level. A plain ole board with footholds work too. They will be very wary of going up or down the ramp so you have to give them incentive. I put all food and water on the second floor while they get used to the stairs and anytime I walk by, I would put them up. They went down before they went up. I also put carrot slices or another yummy treat on the ramp to encourage them to use it.--Denise P.
In Denise's spare time, she spins straw into gold.--Lupin is Lupin
Denise has also been known to formulate cold fusion, foster peace in the Middle East and bake really really yummy cookies...unfortunately she got "pregnancy brain" and forgot everything but the cookies.
--Mike
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dizzy lizzy - May 5, 2005 4:40 am (#1760 of 2981) Reply
Well it is 9.37pm here now and I have finally got the document emailed to my employer. I daresay they will ring me when they get it and ask me to change things. I am fairly happy with how it turned out, given the condition I got it in.
Mike, I am a really happy person when I remember to make some Biscuits (cookies)and I definitely don't have "mummy brain".
Memo to self: Make some bikkies tomorrow...
Lizzy
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Julia. - May 5, 2005 4:54 am (#1761 of 2981) Reply
Oh man, this morning is not getting off to a good start. It's usually a bad thing when four days after Passover and the only thing you have in your room to eat is matzah. I'm up at 7:50 in the morning finishing an exam that I was supposed to have turned in yesterday. Seems I wrote the date down wrong or something, but thank G-d my professor was understanding and is allowing me to turn it in this morning. *sigh* must get back to it.
Happy birthday Diaoma!
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Chemyst - May 5, 2005 4:54 am (#1762 of 2981) Reply
Can You Connect The Dots?
· I don't see how families with more children than licensed drivers in the household make it to every place they have to be when they have to be there. ~ Viola
·I have always maintained that 3 children is the hardest number to deal with. Once you have mastered keeping track of more children than you have hands to grab them with, it is easy enough to add another (and another and another....) ~ Denise
· I was on sensory overload. ~ Mrs. Sirius
·...unfortunately she got "pregnancy brain" and forgot everything but the cookies. ~ Mike
·Just do it. ~ Nike
I have tried to keep out of this topic for the past two days, but... let me now reveal the Great Universal Enigma: Child #3 is the cure for the so-called pregnancy brain. The third one comes with a sink-or-swim "you are going to get yourself organized" mandate. The secret truth is that people who have never been pregnant, and that includes most men, are deluded into thinking they are doing fine when in actuality, there is a lot of sloppiness in the utilization of their brain-cell allotment. The first pregnancy does not cause this forgetfulness; it only exposes the inefficiency. The third child is the cure.
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Thora- May 5, 2005 6:27 am (#1763 of 2981) Reply
I have to admit going from 1 to 2 was more difficult than 2 to 3, granted I only have 2 hands, but I think I just knew I could do it. But then My mother had 6 of her own and each of my parents has 6 step-kids so I always counted on having at least 8. My husband came from a family of 2, and they were about 7 years apart, so 3 is plenty for him, and tells me if I want more I'll have to get then elsewhere. I console myself with the knowledge that Mother of 3 at least sounds hard. I do get very baby hungry though and being done at 25 was a huge adjustment to make to planning on being pregnant or nursing until at least 35.
So funny thing happened, my mother-in-law called to ask my husband if he remembered the guy on idol. So we flip to it after lost was over and sure enough there stood his best friend from 5th grade. Talk about small worlds.
I agree about learning efficiency with the third, who would have known I could clean for an hour a day and spend the rest of my cleaning time on the internet!
Thora
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 6:56 am (#1764 of 2981) Reply
I agree about learning efficiency with the third, who would have known I could clean for an hour a day and spend the rest of my cleaning time on the internet! ~ Thora
You clean for a whole hour?
I will agree with Chemyst that having children does expose one's organizational flaws. My sister-in-law was pregnant and watching me bustle around preparing to pack up Hayley (aged 15 months at the time) for a day-long trip and said, "I never knew you were so organized." I replied, "That's because I'm not!" But then I realized that I had, in fact, become much more efficient without even noticing it.
Blossom the opossum remains "at large" and untrapped.
Have a good day, everyone.
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Thora- May 5, 2005 7:15 am (#1765 of 2981) Reply
Well you know 10 minutes each in the kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom and 20 min to tidy the 3 bedrooms I'm in charge of. That has folding laundry built into my room as I dump it all on the bed and fold several loads at once. Not that I clean every day, after all a HP obsession of this level takes a lot of time.
I'm just lucky I learned how to watch the 3 munchkins from the computer chair.
Thora
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Madam Pince - May 5, 2005 7:23 am (#1766 of 2981) Reply
Excellent job on the gum-wrappers avatar, Thora! I think you've proven beyond a shadow that JKR chews Orbit!
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Ladybug220 - May 5, 2005 7:47 am (#1767 of 2981) Reply
Andrew, please tell me those are just fish....
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Ponine - May 5, 2005 7:56 am (#1768 of 2981) Reply
So here I can say HI Marilyn!!! Welcome to Springtime's daughter - I look forward to visiting with you in the chat room! ponine
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 5, 2005 9:27 am (#1769 of 2981) Reply
Ponine - So I was right about the mystery "Igacian" lol; I haven't seen her or her sister in a while but I run into their mom whenever I venture home, so I'll make a note of asking her how they're doing the next time I'm home.
D - Happy belated Birthday!
For all those survivor fans, tonight is the night....so who do you think will be kicked off next; I saw a preview in which Ian is fearing that he is the next to go.......... paranoia is setting in!!!
Gotta go check out Days of Our Lives (Hope's going to give Billie a shot to the chomps today).
What can I say, when your home stuck in the house for going on seven weeks now it's amazing what you'll watch! Thank goodness I have the Lexicon or I might start watching Passions!
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 9:48 am (#1770 of 2981) Reply
Tsk... trust me, it doesn't always happen. My brother has children, and he's just as disorganized and forgetful now as he was before they were born. --Andrew Buchanan
Keyword here is “he.”
Mr. Catherine doesn't have a clue what the girls' schedules are. When I went away last week, I had to write everything down because he kept getting confused. Between ballet, tutoring, and gymnastics, and the fact that they attend two different schools (and don't ride the bus), he couldn't keep things straight in his mind.
The other day he was annoyed because I had left the stamps in the car, and he couldn't find them. He was confused as to why I would keep stamps in the car, and I said, "Duh...because you don't just sit in the car doing carpool, you write checks and pay bills and fill out forms while you wait."
Sheesh.
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Loopy Lupin - May 5, 2005 11:28 am (#1771 of 2981) Reply
Between ballet, tutoring, and gymnastics, and the fact that they attend two different schools (and don't ride the bus), he couldn't keep things straight in his mind. – Catherine
I have a hysterical vision of children being taken to the wrong activity and the girls alternating schools. One would likely be delighted to have been promoted a couple of grades with the other quite disgruntled at being stepped back.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 5, 2005 12:43 pm (#1772 of 2981) Reply
You think that's bad, all my husband had to remember to do was pick up my daughter from the sitters on the way home from work, and he'd forgotten, not once but twice. Both times he was almost home and had to turn around and go back!
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Accio Sirius - May 5, 2005 2:53 pm (#1773 of 2981) Reply
Wow, you are good Catherine!
I went away for the weekend for the first time in a very long time just recently, so the hubbie was in charge. He did okay--a few extra stains in the carpet, two broken plates but the best was the lunch he packed for our daughter. I don't know if you ever noticed they sell chicken broth in handy little 1 cup boxes. Granted, if you aren't paying attention, they look like juice boxes and well, that's what he sent in her school lunch (along with far too much sugar IMHO). She was not happy! All in all, it was still a successful weekend.
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 3:02 pm (#1774 of 2981) Reply
LOL about the "drink box," Accio Sirius!
I heard lots of complaints about the lunches that Mr. Catherine packed in my absence. Apparently, he forgot the cookies for dessert one day, and another day, didn't include any Goldfish crackers or Chex mix as a crunchy snack. But if you have a child with autism, and you--GASP-vary the routine by even a trifle, you are in trouble.
When I came back, Claire said (right in front of him), "Mommy, will you please tell Daddy that I need Oreos in my lunch and that it makes me sad when I don't get any snacks like Goldfish or Chex?"
I think he got the point loud and clear without my addding a word. Little things mean a lot.
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GryffEndora - May 5, 2005 3:21 pm (#1775 of 2981) Reply
Well, 400 posts have passed since I last checked in on this thread, so please forgive me for not reading them all. A week ago I got an infection that resulted in my running a fever for 5 days vacillating between ice bone chills and sweats, and nausea that had me barely keeping liquids down for the last week. I'm finally getting real food in me again and getting my strength back. I checked in on a few threads while I've been sick but I've even found reading exhausting lately. Being sick and living alone really sucks! I send well wishes to those who need them, congratulations to those deserving and greetings again to everyone who I have not seen in the past week. I have to say the return of the opossum avatars are making me smile!
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Puck - May 5, 2005 7:20 pm (#1776 of 2981) Reply
OOh, GryffEndora, I'm glad you're on the mend. Did you have to go to the hospital?
Chemyst, nice to know that in just 4 months I will be cured of my organizational problems! How many do I have to have before I cure my husband? :goofygrin:
I was quite pleased about Survivor. Will say no more for those who haven't watched yet.
hey, do you all have some good cookie recipes? Snickerdoodles are a favorite around my house, or molasses cookies. anyone have anything unique and yummy to share?
Kathy
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Thora- May 5, 2005 7:55 pm (#1777 of 2981) Reply
If you crush up chocolate mint cookies you can press them with a little butter into a no bake pie shell for chocolate pudding pie.
(Okay I'm admitting it, I can't bake cookies to save my life, in fact if it involves flour and an oven I will ruin it, so cookies at my house all have the words "Girl Scouts" on them or come ready to bake.)
Thora
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dizzy lizzy - May 5, 2005 8:17 pm (#1778 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, what are snickerdoodles??
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 5, 2005 8:25 pm (#1779 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, nice to know that in just 4 months I will be cured of my organizational problems! How many do I have to have before I cure my husband? ~ Puck
Er, um, ... I may have been hasty. In four months you will have the opportunity to accelerate the organizational process. The final cure may not come until potty training is completed. But as for husbands, sorry. I must refer you back to Catherine's post #1771. Men are seldom cured.
By the way, Catherine is a quick study, she got that keep-stamps-in-the-car thing with only two.
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Viola Intonada - May 5, 2005 8:36 pm (#1780 of 2981) Reply
GryffEndora, very sorry to hear of your recent illness. Hope you feel in tiptop shape soon.
Dizzy, snickerdoodles have cinnammon. You roll a ball of cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking. They are soooo good.
Kathy, I love to bake (but only because I looovvvee eating) cookies. I have lots of delicious recipes. What strikes your fancy? I have great recipes for sugar cookies; peanut butter blossoms; one with peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&M's; and chocolate drop cookies that taste like little chocolate cakes. E-mail me and I will send along which ever you would like to try.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 5, 2005 9:07 pm (#1781 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes! Much appreciated, I woke up feeling very blah yesterday, knowing I was no longer in my 20's, but I got over it & went shopping!! I bought myself a lovely outfit to go with the beautiful earrings Ben bought me, plus it's one that should be able to grow with me a bit! Went out for dinner last night with some of mine & Bens families & had a lovely time & are going out with friends on Saturday night. I do love it when birthdays go for longer than one day!!!
GryffEndora, sorry to hear you were feeling so poorly, hope you're feeling alot better now.
I'm not too sure about the maternity leave detail for here in Oz, as Lizzy said, they've changed alot lately, plus I'm not intending on taking maternity leave, I'm just leaving work & taking on a job I've been longing for, stay at home mum! The only thing I do know is that here in Oz we get a $3000 bonus for having a child, as our population isn't growing quickly enough they are trying to encourage people to have babies, I'm personally don't agree with this, but that's what they've done.
Hope everyone is great, I'm looking forward to a lovely week-end, and all you fellow Aussies on here don't forget your Mums on Sunday (Mothers’ Day)!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 5, 2005 9:55 pm (#1782 of 2981) Reply
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
GryffEndora sorry you were so ill, hope you're mending well.
While I'll never make claims to being organized, I must say that the transition from DINK (Double Income No Kids) to family of 3 was much harder than from family of 3 to family of six. When my son was born my whole world was turned upside. Getting dressed, showered, breakfasting, never mind cleaning the house, all took a far back seat to getting the baby fed, changed, dressed. Often my husband came home at 5pm, I was still not dressed or showered. When the girls came along I had a stride, I knew my priorities and I could get those things into my day. I learned to automate, prioritize, work like on an assembly line. Have more children definatly changes you.
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Susan Bones - May 5, 2005 11:10 pm (#1783 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink, thanks for the advice on the raccoon (several days and 130 posts ago). It came back again last night, but we are going to close the pet door at night for a while and hopefully that will discourage it. I just hope the dog doesn't need to get out in the early morning. She takes any excuse to pee inside.
Congratulations to all the expectant moms. I think each of my two pregnancies were some of the most extraordinary times of my life, very special (in spite of the morning sickness).
My first baby had her 13th birthday today, so she's officially a teenager, I guess . So far she's been an easy-going kid for the most part. We'll see how it goes the next few years...
I'm in the two-feels-like-all-I-can-handle camp. I was told by parents of 4 that after 3 it's "pretty much all the same", but I'm not sure I believe it. I'm still mighty impressed, Denise.
GryffEndora, so sorry you've been sick. I hope you're on the mend.
DD -- hope the wedding planning goes well.
Shannon -- I loved the story about your dad at your wedding.
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septentrion - May 6, 2005 12:48 am (#1784 of 2981) Reply
Hello all !
Happy belated birthday, Daioma !
Congratulations to all the future mums ! It seems I've missed a lot these last days.
Everyone have a good day !
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Verschwinden Sie - May 6, 2005 1:25 am (#1785 of 2981) Reply
I am also a he.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 6, 2005 1:55 am (#1786 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, I also loved the story about your dad! I can only imagine the stories that are going to come from my big day, I have visions of no-one being able to be heard over my mums sobbing and of me getting squashed as I walk down the aisle as I intend to have my dad & my step-dad both give me away (my step dad has been with me since I was 3 & is the most wonderful man in the world!!) I'm also wondering what things are going to come out of my brother Daniels mouth as he's intellectually disabled and is known to blurt out very inappropriate things at very inappropriate, yet really funny, times!
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dizzy lizzy - May 6, 2005 2:13 am (#1787 of 2981) Reply
Sounds as though you have all the ingredients for a great day there Diaoma.
Lizzy
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Ponine - May 6, 2005 3:47 am (#1788 of 2981) Reply
I got in to grad school, I got in to grad school.... Going to the US and I am, goooing to get an education.... Going to the US this fall..... Yey
Happy happy joy joy!!
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Ladybug220 - May 6, 2005 3:54 am (#1789 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Ponine! Where will you be going?
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The giant squid - May 6, 2005 4:40 am (#1790 of 2981) Reply
Men are seldom cured.—Chemyst
Ah, but you seem to be under the assumption that we want to be cured.... Yes, most men are, by and large, horribly disorganized. But we always seem to know where the really important things are. Like Chris Knight said in Real Genius, "All of my filth is in alphabetical order; for instance, this was under 'H' for 'toy'."
Congratulations, Ponine! Things will vary depending on where you're going, but I'm sure all of us "Crazy Americans" will be willing to help you out with anything you might need.
Welcome back, GryffEndora. Nothing like chills & fever to make you re-evaluate your priorities, eh? Some people may think food is needed every day; you've discovered otherwise.
--Mike
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librarian314 - May 6, 2005 5:11 am (#1791 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Sorry to hear that you've been ill, Gryffendora! I had an infection back in Nov. (sounds horribly similar to what I had, fever, chills, nausea); no fun. The only good thing about being sick then was that it was the day after I picked up PoA on DVD and I spent the day, when I was conscious enough, watching the movie. It was sort of surreal.
Congrats to all the expecting moms! This really is turning out to be the summer of Love and Babies!
Happy birthday to anyone I've forgotten! Daioma, don't worry about not being in your twenties any longer. I'm a far happier 30-something than I was a twenty something. Not that my twenties were bad, but I feel more able to be who I want to be than who others (parents, friends, etc.) want me to be. I also feel like I have a better handle on life. I've gotten over worrying if I'm doing "it" (whatever "it" is) correctly and am just happy to be doing "it".
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 6, 2005 5:15 am (#1792 of 2981) Reply
I woke up feeling very blah yesterday, knowing I was no longer in my 20's---Daioma Dumbledore
What is this 20's you speak of? I know no 20's.
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KWeldon - May 6, 2005 5:17 am (#1793 of 2981) Reply
Forgive me if this has been discussed, but can one of the British members tell me why if a prime minister wins an election but not by a landslide that he may have to step down before his term is up? Why would he do that if he won outright? Feel free to keep it in hypotheticals so the powers that be hopefully will allow this question to be answered.
Just curious and fascinated with everything British....thanks!
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fleur-de-lys - May 6, 2005 6:05 am (#1794 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to all the moms-to-be. Just remember, when someone (especially your significant other) asks you what you did today, tell them "Oh, not much. Just produced a few billion more cells in the tiny human being I'm creating inside my uterus."--taken from Baby Blues, Never a Dry Moment.
Ponine, I'm so excited for you. Where in the states are you coming to? Hopefully near Philly, we could go see GoF together in November! I was gonna ask you if you thought you'd ever get to the states again soon. How exciting!
OOOOOOOOO a recipe exchange. I love cooking and baking, so I'm looking forward to seeing some new cookie recipes. Kathy (Puck), here's an easy recipe. Its not exactly cookies, but a yummy snack-M & M Kissed Pretzels. Place some miniature pretzels on a cookie sheet and place an unwrapped Hershey's kiss on each one. Bake them in the oven for 3 minutes at 275 degrees, just enough to soften the kisses. The, immediately, place one M & M on top of each kiss pressing it ever so slightly into the chocolate. Allow to cool and harden completely. These are neat to do at holidays when the special colors of M & Ms are out. Enjoy.
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Madam Pince - May 6, 2005 6:06 am (#1795 of 2981) Reply
Ah, but you seem to be under the assumption that we want to be cured.... -- Giant Squid
Yes, here we hit upon the crux of the matter, methinks. If one doesn't want to be and therefore is not cured, then one frequently gets out of things like "lunch-packing duty." (See Bill Cosby's stand-up routine -- "Breakfast? But where are the pans? Do we have any pans?") Like Hermione, we Moms too often just say "Oh, MOVE OVER!" It's quicker and quieter, usually. Still doesn't make it right, however!
GryffEndora, you have my sympathies in your recent illness. It is yucky to be sick, and even yuckier if you don't have someone to fluff your pillows and bring you chicken soup and Kool-Aid, etc. I hope you're feeling all better now.
Puck, I too was very pleased with last night's "Survivor." I love it when a plan comes together!
We're off today for a week at Grandma's house, so I'll be facing a zillion posts when I come back. Sigh.... I'll miss all the discussion about the preview of GoF movie after Saturday's debut!
Gotta run -- I just heard a "clinking" noise which tells me Baby Pince is sticking his finger in the sugar bowl again.....
Edit: Cross posted with Fleur-de-lys....I LOVE that line! Whenever you're expecting yet feeling like you had an unproductive day, just think to yourself "Well, today I made a human kidney (or whatever your current body part is) -- so what did YOU do today?"
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fleur-de-lys - May 6, 2005 6:13 am (#1796 of 2981) Reply
Madam Pince, glad you like the line. I love the comic strip Baby Blues and recommend every mom, expecting or not, to read it. It can really help you to relax, take things as they come and not get too overworked about things that, in the end, are a bit trivial anyway. It really puts quite a bit of humor into parenting and the whole process. Don't know if those outside the US can get this strip so I'll have to see if there's a Baby Blues website.
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Cornelia - May 6, 2005 6:20 am (#1797 of 2981) Reply
Ponine- Congrats!!!
Have a nice weekend everybody!
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Snuffles - May 6, 2005 6:21 am (#1798 of 2981) Reply
K Weldon, I'm from the UK and I couldn't tell you why he may have to stand down before the term, I will try and find out and post back. I've never been that interested with what the politicians do, they all seem to say one thing and do another. The only good thing about watching party political broadcasts near bed time is they cure insomnia!!
Hope everyone has a good day. Julie
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Phoenix song - May 6, 2005 8:02 am (#1799 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! I hope that you are all well and happy. It's nearly the weekend, and that should help!
I love all of the stories about the "joys" and sacrifices of Motherhood versus the blissful ignorance of Fatherhood. There are times that I'm just dumbfounded when my husband doesn't know the simplest things about the order of our home and the care of our children. I think: "We've been married for 12 years and you don't know where I keep the clean sheets?" Then I remember the truth, it's not that he doesn't know where these things are, it's the he doesn't want to know where they are. Admitting that he knew where they were kept just might make him responsible for changing them! He might be expected to step up if he admitted that he knew that it was a lot of work to raise 3 kids and keep the house going!
I'm reminded of what Bill Cosby said regarding fatherhood. He said that he used to think that his father was the dumbest person in the world because he never knew anything, could successfully accomplish nothing, and was so totally inept that his mother had to do it all. He now knows that his father was actually brilliant. Whenever he was absolutely confronted by his wife to perform a family task, he would completely mess it up and be such a nuisance that his mother would step in, perform the job herself, and never ask him to do it again. Ah hah! Therein lies the genius. He's gotten her to do the work, not ask him for help in the future, and he's not at blame because he was simply "clueless".
My husband really is a great guy, a great husband, and a great father. But he has admitted to me that he's utilized that same thought process in the past.
Well, I unfortunately have tons of work that awaits me. I'm not allowed to profess ignorance and confusion! Have a good day everybody!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 6, 2005 8:03 am (#1800 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, congrats!!
Giant Squid, Real Genius is one of my favorite movies! Haha.
It's Friday. Yay. Although, it's move out weekend here at the university so I will be working all weekend. But, at least it still feels like a Friday.[/i]
Lina - May 4, 2005 2:37 pm (#1751 of 2981) Reply
Mrs. Sirius, a friend of my sister is expecting triplets (and she is told that all three of them are going to be girls), so I just wondered - how long did your triplet pregnancy last?
Daioma, happy birthday, even if it is too late!
I cry so easily, and it just gets easier as I get older. The other night, I was all in tears watching a local tv series and I assure you, I AM NOT PREGNANT!
About having more than two children, you need to have the third to find out that it is not so bad as it seems. I was just too old when I discovered it to go further. I remember when my husband and I were considering the third, I met a couple who already had three daughters. I felt I was not capable to raise those two I had, where the third could have fit in? I asked them how it is to have three children, and their answer was: "If we were not afraid to have the forth, why would you doubt about the third?" When my husband and I were dating, we planned to have 3 or 5 children (we are slightly superstitious about the number 4, it is totally personal), but after having the first two, we suddenly forgot about our plans, we really felt exhausted and the most important thing was not to have an only child, so two seemed enough. As I said before, the third came as a real surprise and now we are so happy to have her. I feel as though our lives would be much more sad and gray if she didn't come.
In Croatia, the employer pays just the first 42 days of sick leave and the longer leaves is payed by the state (The National Health Assurance), for pregnancy it's the full wage and for other reasons it gets to 75%(if you are not married) or 80%. For the first two kids you get a year of maternity leave, first six months full wage, the rest is within certain amounts that are changeable. You can take another two years without being payed but have your job waiting for you. For the third or any further child or the twins, you get three years of payed leave, again only first six months of full wage. This stuff about job waiting apply, though, only to those with permanent jobs. Those with temporary jobs easily get their contracts not prolonged, but the state pay to those and to unemployed parents a year or three years of the minimum amount (around 300$ a month). When I had my first child, I went back to work when she was 8 months because it was the inflation at that time and the pay was extremely little although it was 100% of something average. With my second girl, the pay on leave was even greater then if I went to work (tax free) so I took the whole year. With my third I was afraid that I could lose the job and the pay was very little after the first six months, so I came back to work when she was 6 months. But my husband took a maternity leave for the next 2 and half years.
Sorry for the long post, I hope I haven't bored you too much. And if you think that Croatia is a heaven for mothers, just think twice. I don't know if all this laws are the reason why I meat so many mothers with three and more children lately, but I know it wasn't a reason for me.
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Denise P. - May 4, 2005 2:52 pm (#1752 of 2981) Reply
I have always maintained that 3 children is the hardest number to deal with. Once you have mastered keeping track of more children than you have hands to grab them with, it is easy enough to add another (and another and another....)
Lost! is on tonight...wheee!
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Penny Lane. - May 4, 2005 6:39 pm (#1753 of 2981) Reply
LOST was... disappointing. Maybe it was just the long wait for a new episode, but I was expecting more.
My parents have TiFaux, and I love it. (That's my term for the non-name brand TiVo) I no longer have to search far and wide for a videotape every Wednesday night, nor do I go "OMG, I FORGOT TO SET THE VCR!!!" and make frantic phone calls to everyone I know at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays.
I have no idea how family leave works in the US. Never affected me.. I did, however, work with a girl who gave birth on Friday after her shift, and was back waitressing on Monday. I thought that was rather gross, as she was "kind" enough to share all the icky details.
Speaking of Lost - I went to a LOST chatroom today, and they were talking about Harry Potter. .. Hmmm.
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Viola Intonada - May 4, 2005 7:25 pm (#1754 of 2981) Reply
Denise, have you found a way to clone yourself or do you just not require any sleep?
Hubby and I agreed, even before we were married, that we would only have two children. I don't see how families with more children than licensed drivers in the household make it to every place they have to be when they have to be there. Hubby was out-of-town for a few days and I am exhausted!!!!! He's stuck with me no matter what, poor guy. I don't see how single parents do it.
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Ydnam96 - May 4, 2005 7:57 pm (#1755 of 2981) Reply
Denise! Lost is about to start! I'm also excited. Now, you have young ones, so I would imagine that Lost is not a family activity, but do you watch with your older children? Or just by yourself as a treat? Do you also watch Alias? Wednesday nights are my favorite!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 4, 2005 8:42 pm (#1756 of 2981) Reply
Lina, good luck to your friend. The girls came at a very good age. I had to go on bed rest at 20 weeks, then the doctor wanted me on supervised bed rest at 28 weeks, (two of the girls were monoamniotic). I resisted because of my 2 year old and went in at nearly 29 weeks. The doctors wanted to deliver at 34 weeks but I fought them (what's the rush, let them come when they are ready) we made it to just over 35 weeks.
We were very fortunate and the girls were in the hospital only 13 days after birth so I had them at home at two weeks. I weaned the girls very soon after their first birthday because I was on sensory overload. I hadn't weaned my son before I learned I was having the girls, he was nearly 2!
Sadly Lina, there are no benefits offered by any governments to families for having children here. If you are lucky your employer may offer some benefits, but that varies widely. I was lucky enough to work for a touchy-feely-PC company that offered financial disability benefits for 6 weeks, and then they permitted me to use up my remaining sick-vacation time. There are no guarantees for job security. Once you have children, you may take tax deduction at the end of the year which is helpful. Also if you child is born with some disabilities there might be some help available depending on the level of disability and you financial need.
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dizzy lizzy - May 4, 2005 11:46 pm (#1757 of 2981) Reply
About a day or so ago, boop let us know it was your birthday, Diaoma.
Happy Birthday Sorry I'm so late but I got waylaid trying to do the maths on my budget.
I've never paid much attention to the maternity leave provisions in Australia - suffice to say the job has to be held for you while you are on leave and it has to be the same position or one of equal standing when you get back. I know there is paid leave, but it has been changing so much - for the better over the past two years - that I am not even going to try and guess.
I've been spending the last two days trying to do my freelance assignment. Basically I have to format a 168 page document and make sure it makes sense. The formatting of the document sent to me was so bad, I ended up removing all the formatting and starting again. When I told the employer this morning they laughed, cause this was what they had intended me to do and hadn't got around to telling me.
As this Document is a legal document written in plain English it needs all its clauses and sub-clauses in. That is tonight's job. So it will be another late night or a very early morning tomorrow.
Enjoy your Thursday
Lizzy
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Lina - May 5, 2005 12:12 am (#1758 of 2981) Reply
Congratulation, Mrs. Sirius, more than 35 weeks! That's great. I wish this friend to be able to get that far. And breast-feeding the triplets, that's something I've never heard of before. I guess it has something to do with letting them come out when they are ready and not listening blindly to the doctors. I weaned my children much earlier, the first when she was 6 months because I discovered I was pregnant, the second after she bit me, when she was 5 months, and the third when she was 3 months because there was nothing left.
Well, we do have some benefits for having children, because there is that issue of low natural increase, something like - in 200 years, there will be no Croatian left. But we do not have any benefits for growing children up, so this benefits don't help to the increase of the population. The fact is, when I was gong to school, there was around 100 to 120 children in each generation going to school, 10 years later, there were even more children, and nowdays, if they reach 70 children in one generation is like winning the lottery. And I live in the same building I grew up in, so we are talking about the same school. I do see much more families with more then two children than I did when I was a child (at that time, there were many families with an only child, and the apartments were built the way that you couldn't put in more then one child), but much more people without children as well.
I like much better the way they handle the parenthood in Norway, and I think in Netherlands they have something similar. I would just like to have the choice to stay at home which I feel I don't have. Although I know the woman that quits her job as soon as she notices her children have problems at school and gets the social help for unemployed. I couldn't do that - getting help while I can work.
Oh, my dear, a long post again. I will ban myself for a while.
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The giant squid - May 5, 2005 1:25 am (#1759 of 2981) Reply
I made a staircase using pencilboxes for my piggies to get to the second level. A plain ole board with footholds work too. They will be very wary of going up or down the ramp so you have to give them incentive. I put all food and water on the second floor while they get used to the stairs and anytime I walk by, I would put them up. They went down before they went up. I also put carrot slices or another yummy treat on the ramp to encourage them to use it.--Denise P.
In Denise's spare time, she spins straw into gold.--Lupin is Lupin
Denise has also been known to formulate cold fusion, foster peace in the Middle East and bake really really yummy cookies...unfortunately she got "pregnancy brain" and forgot everything but the cookies.
--Mike
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dizzy lizzy - May 5, 2005 4:40 am (#1760 of 2981) Reply
Well it is 9.37pm here now and I have finally got the document emailed to my employer. I daresay they will ring me when they get it and ask me to change things. I am fairly happy with how it turned out, given the condition I got it in.
Mike, I am a really happy person when I remember to make some Biscuits (cookies)and I definitely don't have "mummy brain".
Memo to self: Make some bikkies tomorrow...
Lizzy
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Julia. - May 5, 2005 4:54 am (#1761 of 2981) Reply
Oh man, this morning is not getting off to a good start. It's usually a bad thing when four days after Passover and the only thing you have in your room to eat is matzah. I'm up at 7:50 in the morning finishing an exam that I was supposed to have turned in yesterday. Seems I wrote the date down wrong or something, but thank G-d my professor was understanding and is allowing me to turn it in this morning. *sigh* must get back to it.
Happy birthday Diaoma!
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Chemyst - May 5, 2005 4:54 am (#1762 of 2981) Reply
Can You Connect The Dots?
· I don't see how families with more children than licensed drivers in the household make it to every place they have to be when they have to be there. ~ Viola
·I have always maintained that 3 children is the hardest number to deal with. Once you have mastered keeping track of more children than you have hands to grab them with, it is easy enough to add another (and another and another....) ~ Denise
· I was on sensory overload. ~ Mrs. Sirius
·...unfortunately she got "pregnancy brain" and forgot everything but the cookies. ~ Mike
·Just do it. ~ Nike
I have tried to keep out of this topic for the past two days, but... let me now reveal the Great Universal Enigma: Child #3 is the cure for the so-called pregnancy brain. The third one comes with a sink-or-swim "you are going to get yourself organized" mandate. The secret truth is that people who have never been pregnant, and that includes most men, are deluded into thinking they are doing fine when in actuality, there is a lot of sloppiness in the utilization of their brain-cell allotment. The first pregnancy does not cause this forgetfulness; it only exposes the inefficiency. The third child is the cure.
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Thora- May 5, 2005 6:27 am (#1763 of 2981) Reply
I have to admit going from 1 to 2 was more difficult than 2 to 3, granted I only have 2 hands, but I think I just knew I could do it. But then My mother had 6 of her own and each of my parents has 6 step-kids so I always counted on having at least 8. My husband came from a family of 2, and they were about 7 years apart, so 3 is plenty for him, and tells me if I want more I'll have to get then elsewhere. I console myself with the knowledge that Mother of 3 at least sounds hard. I do get very baby hungry though and being done at 25 was a huge adjustment to make to planning on being pregnant or nursing until at least 35.
So funny thing happened, my mother-in-law called to ask my husband if he remembered the guy on idol. So we flip to it after lost was over and sure enough there stood his best friend from 5th grade. Talk about small worlds.
I agree about learning efficiency with the third, who would have known I could clean for an hour a day and spend the rest of my cleaning time on the internet!
Thora
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 6:56 am (#1764 of 2981) Reply
I agree about learning efficiency with the third, who would have known I could clean for an hour a day and spend the rest of my cleaning time on the internet! ~ Thora
You clean for a whole hour?
I will agree with Chemyst that having children does expose one's organizational flaws. My sister-in-law was pregnant and watching me bustle around preparing to pack up Hayley (aged 15 months at the time) for a day-long trip and said, "I never knew you were so organized." I replied, "That's because I'm not!" But then I realized that I had, in fact, become much more efficient without even noticing it.
Blossom the opossum remains "at large" and untrapped.
Have a good day, everyone.
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Thora- May 5, 2005 7:15 am (#1765 of 2981) Reply
Well you know 10 minutes each in the kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom and 20 min to tidy the 3 bedrooms I'm in charge of. That has folding laundry built into my room as I dump it all on the bed and fold several loads at once. Not that I clean every day, after all a HP obsession of this level takes a lot of time.
I'm just lucky I learned how to watch the 3 munchkins from the computer chair.
Thora
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Madam Pince - May 5, 2005 7:23 am (#1766 of 2981) Reply
Excellent job on the gum-wrappers avatar, Thora! I think you've proven beyond a shadow that JKR chews Orbit!
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Ladybug220 - May 5, 2005 7:47 am (#1767 of 2981) Reply
Andrew, please tell me those are just fish....
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Ponine - May 5, 2005 7:56 am (#1768 of 2981) Reply
So here I can say HI Marilyn!!! Welcome to Springtime's daughter - I look forward to visiting with you in the chat room!
ponine_____________________________________
Shannon aka Brammwell - May 5, 2005 9:27 am (#1769 of 2981) Reply
Ponine - So I was right about the mystery "Igacian" lol; I haven't seen her or her sister in a while but I run into their mom whenever I venture home, so I'll make a note of asking her how they're doing the next time I'm home.
D - Happy belated Birthday!
For all those survivor fans, tonight is the night....so who do you think will be kicked off next; I saw a preview in which Ian is fearing that he is the next to go.......... paranoia is setting in!!!
Gotta go check out Days of Our Lives (Hope's going to give Billie a shot to the chomps today).
What can I say, when your home stuck in the house for going on seven weeks now it's amazing what you'll watch! Thank goodness I have the Lexicon or I might start watching Passions!
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 9:48 am (#1770 of 2981) Reply
Tsk... trust me, it doesn't always happen. My brother has children, and he's just as disorganized and forgetful now as he was before they were born. --Andrew Buchanan
Keyword here is “he.”
Mr. Catherine doesn't have a clue what the girls' schedules are. When I went away last week, I had to write everything down because he kept getting confused. Between ballet, tutoring, and gymnastics, and the fact that they attend two different schools (and don't ride the bus), he couldn't keep things straight in his mind.
The other day he was annoyed because I had left the stamps in the car, and he couldn't find them. He was confused as to why I would keep stamps in the car, and I said, "Duh...because you don't just sit in the car doing carpool, you write checks and pay bills and fill out forms while you wait."
Sheesh.
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Loopy Lupin - May 5, 2005 11:28 am (#1771 of 2981) Reply
Between ballet, tutoring, and gymnastics, and the fact that they attend two different schools (and don't ride the bus), he couldn't keep things straight in his mind. – Catherine
I have a hysterical vision of children being taken to the wrong activity and the girls alternating schools. One would likely be delighted to have been promoted a couple of grades with the other quite disgruntled at being stepped back.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 5, 2005 12:43 pm (#1772 of 2981) Reply
You think that's bad, all my husband had to remember to do was pick up my daughter from the sitters on the way home from work, and he'd forgotten, not once but twice. Both times he was almost home and had to turn around and go back!
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Accio Sirius - May 5, 2005 2:53 pm (#1773 of 2981) Reply
Wow, you are good Catherine!
I went away for the weekend for the first time in a very long time just recently, so the hubbie was in charge. He did okay--a few extra stains in the carpet, two broken plates but the best was the lunch he packed for our daughter. I don't know if you ever noticed they sell chicken broth in handy little 1 cup boxes. Granted, if you aren't paying attention, they look like juice boxes and well, that's what he sent in her school lunch (along with far too much sugar IMHO). She was not happy! All in all, it was still a successful weekend.
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Catherine - May 5, 2005 3:02 pm (#1774 of 2981) Reply
LOL about the "drink box," Accio Sirius!
I heard lots of complaints about the lunches that Mr. Catherine packed in my absence. Apparently, he forgot the cookies for dessert one day, and another day, didn't include any Goldfish crackers or Chex mix as a crunchy snack. But if you have a child with autism, and you--GASP-vary the routine by even a trifle, you are in trouble.
When I came back, Claire said (right in front of him), "Mommy, will you please tell Daddy that I need Oreos in my lunch and that it makes me sad when I don't get any snacks like Goldfish or Chex?"
I think he got the point loud and clear without my addding a word. Little things mean a lot.
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GryffEndora - May 5, 2005 3:21 pm (#1775 of 2981) Reply
Well, 400 posts have passed since I last checked in on this thread, so please forgive me for not reading them all. A week ago I got an infection that resulted in my running a fever for 5 days vacillating between ice bone chills and sweats, and nausea that had me barely keeping liquids down for the last week. I'm finally getting real food in me again and getting my strength back. I checked in on a few threads while I've been sick but I've even found reading exhausting lately. Being sick and living alone really sucks! I send well wishes to those who need them, congratulations to those deserving and greetings again to everyone who I have not seen in the past week. I have to say the return of the opossum avatars are making me smile!
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Puck - May 5, 2005 7:20 pm (#1776 of 2981) Reply
OOh, GryffEndora, I'm glad you're on the mend. Did you have to go to the hospital?
Chemyst, nice to know that in just 4 months I will be cured of my organizational problems! How many do I have to have before I cure my husband? :goofygrin:
I was quite pleased about Survivor. Will say no more for those who haven't watched yet.
hey, do you all have some good cookie recipes? Snickerdoodles are a favorite around my house, or molasses cookies. anyone have anything unique and yummy to share?
Kathy
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Thora- May 5, 2005 7:55 pm (#1777 of 2981) Reply
If you crush up chocolate mint cookies you can press them with a little butter into a no bake pie shell for chocolate pudding pie.
(Okay I'm admitting it, I can't bake cookies to save my life, in fact if it involves flour and an oven I will ruin it, so cookies at my house all have the words "Girl Scouts" on them or come ready to bake.)
Thora
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dizzy lizzy - May 5, 2005 8:17 pm (#1778 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, what are snickerdoodles??
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 5, 2005 8:25 pm (#1779 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, nice to know that in just 4 months I will be cured of my organizational problems! How many do I have to have before I cure my husband? ~ Puck
Er, um, ... I may have been hasty. In four months you will have the opportunity to accelerate the organizational process. The final cure may not come until potty training is completed. But as for husbands, sorry. I must refer you back to Catherine's post #1771. Men are seldom cured.
By the way, Catherine is a quick study, she got that keep-stamps-in-the-car thing with only two.
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Viola Intonada - May 5, 2005 8:36 pm (#1780 of 2981) Reply
GryffEndora, very sorry to hear of your recent illness. Hope you feel in tiptop shape soon.
Dizzy, snickerdoodles have cinnammon. You roll a ball of cookie dough in cinnamon sugar before baking. They are soooo good.
Kathy, I love to bake (but only because I looovvvee eating) cookies. I have lots of delicious recipes. What strikes your fancy? I have great recipes for sugar cookies; peanut butter blossoms; one with peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&M's; and chocolate drop cookies that taste like little chocolate cakes. E-mail me and I will send along which ever you would like to try.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 5, 2005 9:07 pm (#1781 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for all the happy birthday wishes! Much appreciated, I woke up feeling very blah yesterday, knowing I was no longer in my 20's, but I got over it & went shopping!! I bought myself a lovely outfit to go with the beautiful earrings Ben bought me, plus it's one that should be able to grow with me a bit! Went out for dinner last night with some of mine & Bens families & had a lovely time & are going out with friends on Saturday night. I do love it when birthdays go for longer than one day!!!
GryffEndora, sorry to hear you were feeling so poorly, hope you're feeling alot better now.
I'm not too sure about the maternity leave detail for here in Oz, as Lizzy said, they've changed alot lately, plus I'm not intending on taking maternity leave, I'm just leaving work & taking on a job I've been longing for, stay at home mum! The only thing I do know is that here in Oz we get a $3000 bonus for having a child, as our population isn't growing quickly enough they are trying to encourage people to have babies, I'm personally don't agree with this, but that's what they've done.
Hope everyone is great, I'm looking forward to a lovely week-end, and all you fellow Aussies on here don't forget your Mums on Sunday (Mothers’ Day)!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 5, 2005 9:55 pm (#1782 of 2981) Reply
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
GryffEndora sorry you were so ill, hope you're mending well.
While I'll never make claims to being organized, I must say that the transition from DINK (Double Income No Kids) to family of 3 was much harder than from family of 3 to family of six. When my son was born my whole world was turned upside. Getting dressed, showered, breakfasting, never mind cleaning the house, all took a far back seat to getting the baby fed, changed, dressed. Often my husband came home at 5pm, I was still not dressed or showered. When the girls came along I had a stride, I knew my priorities and I could get those things into my day. I learned to automate, prioritize, work like on an assembly line. Have more children definatly changes you.
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Susan Bones - May 5, 2005 11:10 pm (#1783 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink, thanks for the advice on the raccoon (several days and 130 posts ago). It came back again last night, but we are going to close the pet door at night for a while and hopefully that will discourage it. I just hope the dog doesn't need to get out in the early morning. She takes any excuse to pee inside.
Congratulations to all the expectant moms. I think each of my two pregnancies were some of the most extraordinary times of my life, very special (in spite of the morning sickness).
My first baby had her 13th birthday today, so she's officially a teenager, I guess . So far she's been an easy-going kid for the most part. We'll see how it goes the next few years...
I'm in the two-feels-like-all-I-can-handle camp. I was told by parents of 4 that after 3 it's "pretty much all the same", but I'm not sure I believe it. I'm still mighty impressed, Denise.
GryffEndora, so sorry you've been sick. I hope you're on the mend.
DD -- hope the wedding planning goes well.
Shannon -- I loved the story about your dad at your wedding.
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septentrion - May 6, 2005 12:48 am (#1784 of 2981) Reply
Hello all !
Happy belated birthday, Daioma !
Congratulations to all the future mums ! It seems I've missed a lot these last days.
Everyone have a good day !
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Verschwinden Sie - May 6, 2005 1:25 am (#1785 of 2981) Reply
I am also a he.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 6, 2005 1:55 am (#1786 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, I also loved the story about your dad! I can only imagine the stories that are going to come from my big day, I have visions of no-one being able to be heard over my mums sobbing and of me getting squashed as I walk down the aisle as I intend to have my dad & my step-dad both give me away (my step dad has been with me since I was 3 & is the most wonderful man in the world!!) I'm also wondering what things are going to come out of my brother Daniels mouth as he's intellectually disabled and is known to blurt out very inappropriate things at very inappropriate, yet really funny, times!
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dizzy lizzy - May 6, 2005 2:13 am (#1787 of 2981) Reply
Sounds as though you have all the ingredients for a great day there Diaoma.
Lizzy
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Ponine - May 6, 2005 3:47 am (#1788 of 2981) Reply
I got in to grad school, I got in to grad school.... Going to the US and I am, goooing to get an education.... Going to the US this fall..... Yey
Happy happy joy joy!!
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Ladybug220 - May 6, 2005 3:54 am (#1789 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Ponine! Where will you be going?
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The giant squid - May 6, 2005 4:40 am (#1790 of 2981) Reply
Men are seldom cured.—Chemyst
Ah, but you seem to be under the assumption that we want to be cured.... Yes, most men are, by and large, horribly disorganized. But we always seem to know where the really important things are. Like Chris Knight said in Real Genius, "All of my filth is in alphabetical order; for instance, this was under 'H' for 'toy'."
Congratulations, Ponine! Things will vary depending on where you're going, but I'm sure all of us "Crazy Americans" will be willing to help you out with anything you might need.
Welcome back, GryffEndora. Nothing like chills & fever to make you re-evaluate your priorities, eh? Some people may think food is needed every day; you've discovered otherwise.
--Mike
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librarian314 - May 6, 2005 5:11 am (#1791 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Sorry to hear that you've been ill, Gryffendora! I had an infection back in Nov. (sounds horribly similar to what I had, fever, chills, nausea); no fun. The only good thing about being sick then was that it was the day after I picked up PoA on DVD and I spent the day, when I was conscious enough, watching the movie. It was sort of surreal.
Congrats to all the expecting moms! This really is turning out to be the summer of Love and Babies!
Happy birthday to anyone I've forgotten! Daioma, don't worry about not being in your twenties any longer. I'm a far happier 30-something than I was a twenty something. Not that my twenties were bad, but I feel more able to be who I want to be than who others (parents, friends, etc.) want me to be. I also feel like I have a better handle on life. I've gotten over worrying if I'm doing "it" (whatever "it" is) correctly and am just happy to be doing "it".
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 6, 2005 5:15 am (#1792 of 2981) Reply
I woke up feeling very blah yesterday, knowing I was no longer in my 20's---Daioma Dumbledore
What is this 20's you speak of? I know no 20's.
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KWeldon - May 6, 2005 5:17 am (#1793 of 2981) Reply
Forgive me if this has been discussed, but can one of the British members tell me why if a prime minister wins an election but not by a landslide that he may have to step down before his term is up? Why would he do that if he won outright? Feel free to keep it in hypotheticals so the powers that be hopefully will allow this question to be answered.
Just curious and fascinated with everything British....thanks!
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fleur-de-lys - May 6, 2005 6:05 am (#1794 of 2981) Reply
Congrats to all the moms-to-be. Just remember, when someone (especially your significant other) asks you what you did today, tell them "Oh, not much. Just produced a few billion more cells in the tiny human being I'm creating inside my uterus."--taken from Baby Blues, Never a Dry Moment.
Ponine, I'm so excited for you. Where in the states are you coming to? Hopefully near Philly, we could go see GoF together in November! I was gonna ask you if you thought you'd ever get to the states again soon. How exciting!
OOOOOOOOO a recipe exchange. I love cooking and baking, so I'm looking forward to seeing some new cookie recipes. Kathy (Puck), here's an easy recipe. Its not exactly cookies, but a yummy snack-M & M Kissed Pretzels. Place some miniature pretzels on a cookie sheet and place an unwrapped Hershey's kiss on each one. Bake them in the oven for 3 minutes at 275 degrees, just enough to soften the kisses. The, immediately, place one M & M on top of each kiss pressing it ever so slightly into the chocolate. Allow to cool and harden completely. These are neat to do at holidays when the special colors of M & Ms are out. Enjoy.
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Madam Pince - May 6, 2005 6:06 am (#1795 of 2981) Reply
Ah, but you seem to be under the assumption that we want to be cured.... -- Giant Squid
Yes, here we hit upon the crux of the matter, methinks. If one doesn't want to be and therefore is not cured, then one frequently gets out of things like "lunch-packing duty." (See Bill Cosby's stand-up routine -- "Breakfast? But where are the pans? Do we have any pans?") Like Hermione, we Moms too often just say "Oh, MOVE OVER!" It's quicker and quieter, usually. Still doesn't make it right, however!
GryffEndora, you have my sympathies in your recent illness. It is yucky to be sick, and even yuckier if you don't have someone to fluff your pillows and bring you chicken soup and Kool-Aid, etc. I hope you're feeling all better now.
Puck, I too was very pleased with last night's "Survivor." I love it when a plan comes together!
We're off today for a week at Grandma's house, so I'll be facing a zillion posts when I come back. Sigh.... I'll miss all the discussion about the preview of GoF movie after Saturday's debut!
Gotta run -- I just heard a "clinking" noise which tells me Baby Pince is sticking his finger in the sugar bowl again.....
Edit: Cross posted with Fleur-de-lys....I LOVE that line! Whenever you're expecting yet feeling like you had an unproductive day, just think to yourself "Well, today I made a human kidney (or whatever your current body part is) -- so what did YOU do today?"
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fleur-de-lys - May 6, 2005 6:13 am (#1796 of 2981) Reply
Madam Pince, glad you like the line. I love the comic strip Baby Blues and recommend every mom, expecting or not, to read it. It can really help you to relax, take things as they come and not get too overworked about things that, in the end, are a bit trivial anyway. It really puts quite a bit of humor into parenting and the whole process. Don't know if those outside the US can get this strip so I'll have to see if there's a Baby Blues website.
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Cornelia - May 6, 2005 6:20 am (#1797 of 2981) Reply
Ponine- Congrats!!!
Have a nice weekend everybody!
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Snuffles - May 6, 2005 6:21 am (#1798 of 2981) Reply
K Weldon, I'm from the UK and I couldn't tell you why he may have to stand down before the term, I will try and find out and post back. I've never been that interested with what the politicians do, they all seem to say one thing and do another. The only good thing about watching party political broadcasts near bed time is they cure insomnia!!
Hope everyone has a good day. Julie
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Phoenix song - May 6, 2005 8:02 am (#1799 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! I hope that you are all well and happy. It's nearly the weekend, and that should help!
I love all of the stories about the "joys" and sacrifices of Motherhood versus the blissful ignorance of Fatherhood. There are times that I'm just dumbfounded when my husband doesn't know the simplest things about the order of our home and the care of our children. I think: "We've been married for 12 years and you don't know where I keep the clean sheets?" Then I remember the truth, it's not that he doesn't know where these things are, it's the he doesn't want to know where they are. Admitting that he knew where they were kept just might make him responsible for changing them! He might be expected to step up if he admitted that he knew that it was a lot of work to raise 3 kids and keep the house going!
I'm reminded of what Bill Cosby said regarding fatherhood. He said that he used to think that his father was the dumbest person in the world because he never knew anything, could successfully accomplish nothing, and was so totally inept that his mother had to do it all. He now knows that his father was actually brilliant. Whenever he was absolutely confronted by his wife to perform a family task, he would completely mess it up and be such a nuisance that his mother would step in, perform the job herself, and never ask him to do it again. Ah hah! Therein lies the genius. He's gotten her to do the work, not ask him for help in the future, and he's not at blame because he was simply "clueless".
My husband really is a great guy, a great husband, and a great father. But he has admitted to me that he's utilized that same thought process in the past.
Well, I unfortunately have tons of work that awaits me. I'm not allowed to profess ignorance and confusion! Have a good day everybody!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 6, 2005 8:03 am (#1800 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, congrats!!
Giant Squid, Real Genius is one of my favorite movies!
Haha.It's Friday. Yay. Although, it's move out weekend here at the university so I will be working all weekend. But, at least it still feels like a Friday.[/i]
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:50 pm
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GryffEndora - May 6, 2005 8:59 am (#1801 of 2981) Reply
Thank you everyone for the well wishes! I'm definitely on the mend.
Congrats to the new moms-to-be!
Way to go Ponine! If you end up near Minnesota let me know!
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Amilia Smith - May 6, 2005 9:30 am (#1802 of 2981) Reply
I was in the chat room with Jim Mischafan for a little while last night when I had to leave the computer. My computer is not actually up and working yet, so I toggle between everyone else's computers . . . whoever is not using theirs at the moment. So I'd like to apologize for leaving so abruptly. My mother needed her computer back. I was planning to log back on from my brother's computer, but Life intervened.
Does anyone know why several of Andrew's posts have been deleted? I've been trying to catch up on some of the threads, and their absence makes things rather difficult to read. Especially as I am missing what appear to be very interesting and thought provoking posts which sparked animated discussions. Grumble, grumble, grumble . . .
Mills.
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Kip Carter - May 6, 2005 10:04 am (#1803 of 2981) Reply
Amilia Smith, this morning Andrew Buchanan apparently changed his username to Verschwinden Sie and in the process, he deleted his email address. Presently his status has been changed to Moderated being that our Hosts do not have a valid email address with which to contact him.
As soon as he furnishes a valid email address, I will change his status back to Participant. Normally I would not post this type of message on a thread, but the email I sent to Andrew was returned by the Mailer-Daemon@aol.com.
Once this situation is cleared up, I will delete or edit this post.
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Accio Sirius - May 6, 2005 10:12 am (#1804 of 2981) Reply
Daioma--I'll see your 20 and raise you 20!
Phoenix Song--Very funny post! I had to label the linen closet shelves because my husband would always be forcing the wrong size sheets on the different beds. Mind you, he is an academic and one of the smartest people I know, but watching him unload the dishwasher is like watching a tourist in a foreign country--he picks up the object, ponders it for several minutes and just stares blankly at the cupboards!
Giant Squid--Did you really just quote Real Genius?
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Catherine - May 6, 2005 10:28 am (#1805 of 2981) Reply
I will confess to having pulled the "clueless" act myself, so it's not just the guys who do it.
I made sure that it took forever to start the lawnmower, asked a million questions about whether it was really working properly, cut the grass in swerving "lines" and left tufts of unmown grass everywhere. Afterwards, I emphasized how badly my allergies were bothering me.
For some reason, I have never been asked to mow the grass again. :goffygrin:
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Ladybug220 - May 6, 2005 12:22 pm (#1806 of 2981) Reply
Funny how that works, Catherine. My father never understood why I couldn't mow in a straight line so he had to do it himself.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Lina - May 6, 2005 1:03 pm (#1807 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Kip Carter May 6, 2005 1:40 pm
Congratulations, Ponine!
Griffendora, I hope you are feeling better!
And Julia, did you get your Torah scroll back?
I will join to the Catherine's confession. Once we looked at a vacuum cleaner. It seemed like a really good one but expensive. I wanted to wait, to see if we could find a cheaper one but he was in a hurry and decided to buy this one. So I proclaimed that I don't know how to work with this vacuum cleaner and since then, he does the most of the vacuuming. Of course, I did it several times too, but I try to make him doing it - before he forgets.
And, Kip, wouldn't it be good if you posted the same post to the "What happened to my post" thread?
Added Edit by Kip Carter: Lina, I followed your suggestion and posted the message concerning Andrew Buchanan (Verschwinden Sie) to the What Happened to My Post? thread.
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librarian314 - May 6, 2005 1:03 pm (#1808 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Congrats, Ponine! Hope you have a fun time at grad school, here in the States. May you have competent professors that realize you have a life beyond their class and that you still like your subject by the time you finish. (I've known some people who've had some pretty awful grad school experiences, my dear hubby suffered through an abysmal program for two years until he realized he could do something better.)
Just got back from seeing "Kingdom of Heaven". I highly recommend it! If you like men in chain mail and tabbards, then this one's for you. Be warned this is a Ripley Scott flick, so it gets a bits graphically violent at times. I just squinched my eyes shut until the music sounded less violent and that worked well enough for me.
I'm going to wish all the moms "Happy Moms' Day" now, as the next couple of days are pretty busy for me. (I'm going to Crown Tourney tomorrow and Maryland Sheep and Wool festival on Sunday, so I don't know if I'll get to the list before Monday.)
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Puck - May 6, 2005 1:20 pm (#1809 of 2981) Reply
Michelle, I agree with you about the 20's thing. After 30 and motherhood hit, I suddenly realized I could do things my own way and not my mother's. She's not thrilled with this, but I'm fine with it. :brighteyes:
Lori, that is a great line, for often I have days where I feel like I did nothing. Oh, thanks for the recipe! Will have to try it.
Viola, anything that tastes like chocolate cake is great! And if the peanut butter ones aren't dry, that may be good. Hard to find a peanut butter cookie recipe that isn't way too dry.
Lizzy, will find you that snickerdoodle recipe.
This weekend I'm hosting a party for my boy's 5th birthday. Weather isn't going to cooperate, so we will be inside. And I picked a project that involves painting!
When getting married my hubby and I agreed that I would never do the bills to his satisfaction, and he would never clean the bathrooms to mine. And I admit to never having mowed a lawn in my life, and have no intention on starting.
Happy Mother's Day.
Kathy
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Loopy Lupin - May 6, 2005 1:37 pm (#1810 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS!
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Acceber - May 6, 2005 2:25 pm (#1811 of 2981) Reply
I don't have much to report on from my area of the country. It's normal spring weather here in Boston. School is hectic as usual.
After searching the Forum, I realized I haven't updated the chat thread with news about what my school's drama program is doing now. Let me rant: We finished Into the Woods, which was a great hit, and wanted to do something smaller for the middle school drama festival, which is tomorrow. We chose Christopher Durang's version of Medea. This short play is the tragedy-turned-comedy. A lot of the lines (and added lines) are really funny. The only problem is, we had our dress rehearsal yesterday and no one laughed. I think it's very funny. When Medea mentions Jason, her husband who has been cheating on her, we (the chorus) all say, "Jason??" in a scandalized tone of voice. Then, we inhale air and spit over our shoulders. You kind of have to see it to laugh; nineteen people in sheets-turned-togas on gray painted cubes, bathed in red light, and spitting. So, our performance is tomorrow and we're all extremely excited. It really is a competition, not a festival, but because we're in middle school, they can't call it a competition. There are awards for Merlin's sake!
Today Globe's crossword puzzle features the six degrees game that had been discussed in length a week or so ago on this thread. I'd only heard of it through the Forum . I also got three out of six actors, a wonderful achievement for someone who is movie clueless.
Thanks for the musicals everyone.
Happy happy's to all who apply!
Off to savor the feeling of the Y****** (baseball team from New York City) being in last place in the American League East, and finish the threads. heh, heh, heh. :evil grin:
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Ponine - May 6, 2005 2:48 pm (#1812 of 2981) Reply
Thank you all!!! I am thoroughly excited, I must admit... And high hopes of an excellent faculty, I must admit... The department fits me really well, it seems... I will be pretty darn close to Minnesota, Gryffendora, as a matter of fact only about five minutes away And RPS - and anyone (Mike?) I wanna get together and REALLY talk HP - for the first time in my life... Yey!! (and tomorrow is chocolate day - could life be much better?!?! Kisses and hugs from Ponine
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Catherine - May 6, 2005 5:52 pm (#1813 of 2981) Reply
Today has been fairly eventful. Embarrassing, but eventful.
Hayley and I attended a Mother's Day breakfast at her preschool, which is always loads of fun. The kids have filled out a questionnaire about "Mom" and the answers, though usually unflattering and erroneous, are hilarious. For example, Hayley said this year that my favorite thing to do is to "run the vacuum." At least she didn't say, "She spends too much time on the HP Lexicon Forum and chatting with her friends."
The downside of today was that last year, on this day, Hayley and I went to a strawberry farm to pick berries. This year, the weather went to a downright chilly 55 degrees (normally it's about 75-82) and a downpour of rain. So no "just-picked" berries this year to make strawberry shortcake. Oh, well.
Blossom the Opossum remains at large. While I was in the bathroom changing clothes today, Hayley let the animal control officer in (we've since had a serious chat about NEVER letting ANYONE into the house). Let's just say that I didn't know he was in the hall when I popped out of the bedroom half-dressed.
Eeek! I'm sure the poor man needed to wash his eyeballs. Before I even knew it was him, I called him "Sweetie," as I had heard Hayley outside the door and was asking her what she was doing opening the basement door. Except that it wasn't her, it was HIM. Alas.
Imagine his astonishment when a half-dressed housewife addresses him as "Sweetie!"
Imagine my embarrassment the next time I have to go to the local Animal Shelter.
EDIT: For those who do not know, I work with our local Humane Society, so trips out to the municipal shelter do happen on a regular basis.
If only I really could "Obliviate" the officer in question....
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Chemyst - May 6, 2005 5:53 pm (#1814 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, PLEASE end our suspense. What grad school are you going to? For me, five minutes from Minnesota could mean anywhere from Canada to Iowa.
Catherine, I think Sherbie still has you beat in the embarrassing encounter department.
But seriously, you picked strawberries at this time last year? Ours are in full bloom but still a weeks away from picking.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 6, 2005 6:19 pm (#1815 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I'm sorry to hear you were so embarrassed, but that story is hilarious!!!
I'm not thoroughly over my depression about turning 30, especially after my eldest brother turned around and laughed at me and mockingly said "you old thing!! 30 & pregnant!! hahaha" to which I replied, "that's ok, I may be 30, but next year, you, my dear brother, will be 40!!" to which he stared back in shock because Christopher just can't bear the thought of getting older! So after that I felt much better!
About the Baby Blues strip (please excuse me if I got the name wrong, it was a few posts back) we don't get it here so if someone knows a web address or anything could they please let me know, it sounds great. I've been looking up a web site here which lets me see what's happening week by week, so at week 9, my baby now has elbows and toes!! How exciting, I love getting on each week and reading about what's happening.
I used to try the old, play dumb routine to get out of jobs trick, but with all of my brothers it wasn't allowed, I still remember when I'd just got my driver’s license & my car got a flat tyre, at home, in my driveway, none of my brothers, I'll remind you, I have 6 of them, would help me change it, instead they all stood around and watched me do it & yelled directions from the side lines! And I learnt how to drive a manual car (stick shift) by mowing the lawns on my dad’s ride on lawn mower!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 6, 2005 6:47 pm (#1816 of 2981) Reply
Today Globe's crossword puzzle features the six degrees game that had been discussed in length a week or so ago on this thread.---Acceber
It does? I'm looking at the Globe and I don't see anything about six degrees. Are you talking "Globe" as in Boston or "Globe" as in National Enquirer?
EDIT: Catherine, this is for you. What can I say? You're like a muse.
There once was a possum named Blossom.
People 'round here thought she was quite awesome.
But Catherine demurred, shouting "Get rid of that cur!"
And that's when the Animal Control Officer saw some.
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Puck - May 6, 2005 8:16 pm (#1817 of 2981) Reply
Lupin, thanks for the laugh! I was already chuckling at Catherine's story, but you've got me right tickled!
Daioma, those are brothers, it works differently with husbands. Tire blow out on the highway, call hubby. Find a deceased animal on the property, call hubby. Find a live animal on the property, flash animal control. (Sorry, had to throw that in). Oh, and the baby is quite handy. I've been either pregnant or inside with a baby, so have gotten out of shoveling since we had the house. After a while, it just becomes ingrained in him that it's his job. This works for raking, mowing and other yard work as well.
Acceber, you're in Boston! I'm a Massachusetts girl myself! Got my education degree from Bridgewater and did my graduate work at Tufts. Moved farther west now, as it is much too expensive that close to the city to buy a house.
Off to get some sleep. First must hide my cake from the ants! (Well, it is a Spiderman cake, so maybe he can catch them.)
Kathy
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Thora- May 6, 2005 8:28 pm (#1818 of 2981) Reply
Daioma, is it Babycenter you've been looking up the fetal development on? I love babycenter, my baby is a year old and I still post on a few boards there. I met my dear friend in England there too and she sent me yummy british chocolate.... mmmmmmm chocolate.
Oh and speaking of the best stuff on earth, I didn't like the dark chocolate m&m's, nor the chocolate frog, but the Hagrid card made the trip to the toy store worthwhile. (Then I snorted at the lady who asked if I wanted to reserve HBP that day, hello, they aren't even having a party!)
Catherine, priceless, just priceless.
Thora
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 6, 2005 9:05 pm (#1819 of 2981) Reply
Ooh, so many posts to read, where to begin"
1) Ponine - congratulation on getting into Grad School; what field will you be studying in? 2)Phoenix Song - I loved the Bill Cosby quote - Now I know who my husband’s mentor is! I truly didn't think it was possible to make folding towels appear to be such an impossible task (now I know why) 3) GryffEndora - I hope your feeling better; that infection sounded dreadful 4) Catherine - I must say that your possum stories are truly entertaining; as for your embarrassment, I feel for you, but that was really funny 5) Daioma/Librarian 314 - glad you liked the story about dad at my wedding; it's one of my fondest memories of that day.
Daioma - As for turning 30 my girlfriends and I went through that 3/4 years ago; let's just say that the desire to still feel young resulted in a couple tattoo's and a few belly button piercings..I myself went for the tattoo on the ankle as I have mysteriously lost my belly button after having two children! I actually find 30 much more enjoyable then the 20's, not as much drama!!!
And to one and all, Happy Mothers Day!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 6, 2005 10:04 pm (#1820 of 2981) Reply
Daioma, for each of my pregnancies I had a pregnancy diary. (I will have to dig it out of the basement to give you the exact publisher.) For each week of the pregnancy it gave 4 pages. On the first page there is an illustration and a short breakdown of happens in gestational development that week and health tips. For instance for week 5 of gestation there is considerable brain development going on. The brain need fats and oils so it recommends eating lean meats and fish. The other pages are blank for writing your thoughts. I am extremely impatient so I loved this diary because I knew that today I am growing the digestive track, or kidney or whatever.
Oh Catherine that's a great story, that's why we have children! Kids are neat!!! (background: back in college when my husband and I were dating a girl in my dorm said that he and I should have children, I asked why should we have children. She said it would be neat! I didn't know much about kids back then, but I knew enough that kids were anything but neat! Anytime the kids do something my husband and I say "kids are neat")
Rebecca, break a leg with your performances. I always found that you can't really judge a show on one performance in front of one audience. It seemed that we had alternating show responses. If the dress rehearsal was slow and plodding and didn't really get the laughs we expected, then the next performance was great. The matinee was slow and lack luster but then the evening performance would really get a great response. Sometimes a line would get huge responses on the Saturday evening performance and the Sunday audience wouldn't even chuckle. This was true not just for college performances but also with professional shows. So take heart.
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kabloink! - May 7, 2005 1:30 am (#1821 of 2981) Reply
Well, everyone, I have officially "graduated." I went through all the motions of the ceremony yesterday, and now I'm just waiting to see how my exams went to know whether or not I have my bachelor's. It doesn't really matter, though, as I can't afford anymore school for at least a year, so if I didn't pass, I still have some time off. I maxed out my federal aid with this past semester (it was my 12th). I'm sure I could get the funding from somewhere, but as I am burned out beyond belief, I am PRAYING that I passed everything.
Speaking of sick. My husband has been sick since Tuesday, and now, on the day of my graduation party, guess who is sick now? Yep, me! And I have to work for five hours before my party-from 5am-10am. We seriously need to increase the size of our management staff. No self-respecting college student should have to work at 5am the day after graduation. Oops, sorry-rant over. I have to go get ready for work, anyway.
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Catherine - May 7, 2005 5:17 am (#1822 of 2981) Reply
Kim,
I tip my hat to your rhyming of "awesome" and "saw some." I'm flattered that I could inspire you so. What a brilliant tribute. Now my heroic struggle against household critters and chronic embarrassment has been immortalized. Thanks!
Maybe you should teach HP-themed limericks in your class; JKR does her "songs" in the books, after all.
Happy Graduations and Get Wells to All.
Happy Mother's Day!
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Accio Sirius - May 7, 2005 6:05 am (#1823 of 2981) Reply
Great poem Kim! I bet the Animal Control officer was singing to himself all day..."Hayley's Mom Has Got it Going On!"
I'm a big Fountains of Wayne fan and that's a take on their very popular Stacey's Mom song (It's currently featured in a Diet Dr. Pepper commercial)!
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Eponine - May 7, 2005 6:15 am (#1824 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, Ponine! What are you going to be studying?
Congratulations, Kabloink! I know how wonderful it feels to finally finish.
Catherine, I hope Blossom leaves very soon. We don't want you to have any more, um...wardrobe malfunctions around the animal control officers.
My sister and her kids are coming to see me in two days, and I'm so excited. We're going for a quick beach visit, and I'm hoping for good weather.
I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!
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Dumbledore - May 7, 2005 8:32 am (#1825 of 2981) Reply
Happy Early Mother's Day, everybody!!
Aah..it's been another short forum hiatus and I have 332 messages on the chat thread to wade through.
I finally decided what to do with my English persuasive research paper, and I chose to do why Harry Potter isn't anti-religious, focusing on the positive role it has had on society. I think I was leaning to that from the start, and truthfully I can't think I would be able to pick a more enjoyable topic to do it on! If anyone has any suggestions or would like to make a statement or something of the sort that I could use in my paper, I would appreciate any help at all! My e-mail address and screen name are in my profile
Yup, so the Yankees are in last place. It's OK though, true fans will pull through this one (waves to Julia). We still got a long season to go!
We won our first track meet! I did the 400 meters, 200 meters, and long jump. I placed fourth out of about 24 girls for the long jump, won my 400 meter race, and then did poorly on the 200.
Congratulations Kabloink on graduating!
Catherine, that story was really amusing, and of course Kim, your poem was really clever!
Always, Lauren
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septentrion - May 7, 2005 10:55 am (#1826 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Kabloink for your graduation !
Ponine, congrats to you too. I guess we won't meet you at accio then.
Have a good week-end !
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Ydnam96 - May 7, 2005 11:27 am (#1827 of 2981) Reply
Well, it's move out day here at the University. It's a mess of trash, cars, and cleaning supplies.
By Monday all the "normal" students will be gone and all my summer residents moved in. Hopefully the summer will be less hectic than the last few weeks have been.
Yay for the weekend, I'm taking a break and watching my tape of this week's Lost.
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Catherine - May 7, 2005 11:33 am (#1828 of 2981) Reply
I got an interesting offer today, but I'm unsure what I think about it, so I'll post this here and see what advice you all can give me.
I applied as an instructor at a local community college to teach English Composition--in person, traditionally. Today the director of distance learning called me and asked if I would be interested in teaching an online literature course? (Early American Lit, which to me is not as interesting as British Literature of the same period, alas earwax).
My college days were back in the Cretaceous period, so I have no idea what these classes are like. Does anyone in the Forum have experience with these kinds of classes? If so, please email me privately and give me your thoughts. I'd really appreciate it.
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Lina - May 7, 2005 11:38 am (#1829 of 2981) Reply
Acceber, I wish you success on the competition!
Catherine, I see you changed again your avatar, so it must be a good sign. Or you just decided not to call Animal Control ever again even if you find Blossom walking through your dining room?
My almost six year old said that she is going to be a witch when she grows up.
I think that aging starts just with having children, it doesn't matter if you are 20 or 40 at the time. But I can say that i find my 40's even more pleasant than my 30's. Especially at job, now I am an elder (wise) woman who everybody have to listen to, while only 2 years ago, everybody could have sent me to buy the matches (that's just a common expression translated in English).
Congratulations, kabloink!
Lauren, I can see that your English persuasive research paper is going to be great. And congratulations on your athletic results!
I read a book (for children, of course) recently. I couldn't recommend it to you because I doubt it was translated yet. But I liked it and I wanted to buy it for my friend. The title translated would be something like "Dogs are not allowed to enter". It is an unknown author and this is her first and only book for now, so it wasn't easy to find the book in the book shops, but I succeeded at the end. The interesting part is that at one book shop a vendor was so happy to offer me a sticker with the sign of a stroked dog.
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Good Evans - May 7, 2005 12:05 pm (#1830 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations both kabloink and Ponine. Well done both of you.
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fleur-de-lys - Idol - yes in UK we get the performances and the results on Friday - no cliff hanging here!!!
I wasn't sad to see the back of Scott, as for Anthony, although I don’t think he will win, I thought his second song was good and it would have been unfair to bung him out on his birthday!
Have you all seen the interviews with Dan, Rupert and Emma re the new movie? not much given away but there was a bit around the filming of the first task - looks energetic! They have definitely left the falling out of Ron and Harry in the movie, I was concerned they might drop it because it wasn't directly central to the plot.
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Penny Lane. - May 7, 2005 12:58 pm (#1831 of 2981) Reply
Catherine - I have taken a few online classes, and I emailed you what I thought of them.
Kabloink - I already told you this, but congrats on graduation.
Ponine - congrats on Grad school, and I hope I can meet you sometime to talk Buffy Harry!
To everyone moving out - good luck. I moved out of the dorms a few weeks ago, and I really miss it. I've been taking classes year round for the past 3 years so I don't quite know what to do with myself.
I recently finished "Life of Pi" and have to tell everyone that it was fabulous. I'm now reading a book that I found on my shelf called "The Mirror" and it's really weird. It's about this girl who, in 1978, switched bodies with her grandmother and ended up living her grandmothers life. Creepy. Anyone read it?
Well, I have to go figure out a Mother's Day gift. See everyone later!
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Good Evans - May 7, 2005 1:18 pm (#1832 of 2981) Reply
Penny Lane - the best mother's day present has to be the pre order of half blood prince??????
It’s what I got and I was delighted! (UK mothers day was back in March) for those of you this weekend, have a lovely day
Julie
PS - Demonic Kitty - how do you pronounce your home town (Tecumseh)? its a new one on me and I'm curious.
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kabloink! - May 7, 2005 3:20 pm (#1833 of 2981) Reply
OH! I meant to post this awhile ago, but I'm sorry for the American Idol spoilers last week Good Evans-I will be more careful from now on.
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fleur-de-lys - May 7, 2005 6:13 pm (#1834 of 2981) Reply
Ok, its Saturday, I can say it...ANTHONY'S SAFE and SCOTT IS GOING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEE HAW. Sorry to those of you who aren't Idol fans, but I had to say it. I was so nervous Wednesday night. I jumped out of my chair and hollered more than I did for the Eagles in the Superbowl, and I'm from Philly. Ok, I'm done. No more Idol chat from me (tee hee) unless Anthony wins it all.
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Puck - May 7, 2005 7:18 pm (#1835 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, it's Staurday, did you enjoy some chocolate?
Kabloink, Hurrah for you! It's an odd feeling, isn't it? Happy to be done, yet you miss it somehow.
A big storm here (rain, not snow, thankfully), so all the kids were in my house for the party. Hardest part was keeping them from running wild throughout the house. I had some toys and activities out, but the all had rainy day energy, 5 year old style.
Welcome back Lauren! I was wondering about you.
I read some Harlan Coben recently. I liked the book, but it was a bit graphic with the violence, so definitely not for youngsters.
Okay, I have Chamber on now. So far I've caught 2 promos. Anyone no how many I'm looking for? (I've fast forwarded a bit, as I watched my DVD version just a couple of weeks ago.)
30 didn't hit me as hard as 32/ By then there were 2 kids, but what put me over the top was the minivan. I didn't mind being a thirty-something mimivan Mom, but I don't want to look like one! Fot the first time in my life I wear make-up on a regular basis, because what seemed casual and carefree in my younger days now just comes off as frumpy.
Kathy
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dizzy lizzy - May 7, 2005 8:00 pm (#1836 of 2981) Reply
Well I rang my Mum to wish her happy mother's day. First time in four years I have remembered.
Today’s job has been to clean out the study etc and organise it a bit better. I was getting swamped with paper etc. I have 2 desks, two filing cabinets (2 drawer) a Bookcase and an easy chair (for watching DVD's on my computer in comfort) in a space 2.5 metres wide and 3.6 metres long.
One desk is my personal desk and the other is the work desk as I had to have a home office with a separate phone line set up.
So it is now cramped. And after I get back from another week away I am going to drag everything out and put it all back in again in a better order. So now I feel really good at having thrown out two laundry baskets full of junk and the study is just that little bit tidier.
Have a lovely day!
Lizzy
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Ticker - May 7, 2005 10:46 pm (#1837 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 7, 2005 10:47 pm
Mike - Real Genius was one of my all-time favorite movies back in the day. I must have seen it 40 or 50 times. My husband cannot understand this obsessive tendency I have, but I think I'm in good company on this forum.
...you picked strawberries at this time last year? Ours are in full bloom but still a weeks away from picking. – Chemyst
You have green plants? ????
We just got green grass - but that hardly counts when some of it didn't even brown over winter. 
Also, if you don't mind, I'm not going to connect the dots - yikes! I just enjoy being selfish & sloven too much - thanks anyway.
Marie E. - (slowly waving a watch...) You're getting very thirsty...
--(Waves back to Betty!!!)--
Happy Mother's Day, ya'll! Even if you're not a mom, I hope you enjoy the day.
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Julia. - May 7, 2005 11:04 pm (#1838 of 2981) Reply
Well, the horror of exams are over and I'm back at home now. *is very happy not to have exams to worry about again*
I watched CoS tonight. I was very excited to see the new GoF clips. I even got on the phone with Kasse and we had a fan-girl moment. That was fun.
Mazel tov Kim on graduating!! Have a butterbeer on me. *hands Kim butterbeer*
Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies on the Forum! And a special happy Mother's Day to Betty, or Forum Mom!
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Good Evans - May 8, 2005 1:55 am (#1839 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink! - no apology needed, I know you didn't know, but I was so glad I hadn't been on the forum between tuesday and friday night, or I would have had the spoiler. Strange as it may be we don’t have pop idol over here any more so its only American Idol to fulfill our need for singing talent contests. I actually think the talent on AI is better than PI anyway (but then you are a bit bigger than us to pull the auditionees from!!)
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fleur-de-lys - you go girl !!!
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septentrion - May 8, 2005 2:04 am (#1840 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's day to those who are concerned !
I've got a four-day training this week, so I won't be able to be here a lot. Everyone have a good week !
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Dumbledore - May 8, 2005 6:46 am (#1841 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day, everybody!!!
On a bit of a sad night, yesterday we had to put my dog of probably eight years to sleep. He was 14 years old, and was the most magnificent dog I could've asked for. He was so much a part of the family and so healthy even in his old age. However, this past year he just deteriorated physically so much. He could barely walk, hear, or see, and it was truly heartbreaking trying to see him get up. I cried more than I think I ever had yesterday, and had the worst piano lesson of my life because I was trying to fight back tears. Although I can't stand the idea of putting a dog to sleep, the vet agreed that this probably the most humane thing to do at the time so I guess I have to accept it.
I have this little tradition on Mother's Day of always writing my mother a poem, so that's what I did this year. My mom and I have always had a really special bond. We truly are quite a winning pair.
I starting watching the Chamber of Secrets special last night about halfway through. I really enjoyed the extra scenes because I had never seen them before. I only caught the promo with the Yule Ball as I was flicking to other channels during the commercials because I didn't know they would have anything about the new movie.
Congratulations on finishing exams, Julia!
I, too, was extremely happy that Scott got voted off. I am a true Idol junkie, and I have not liked him since the beginning.
Ponine, mazel tov on grad school (I think I forgot to say that in my last post).
To all the moms out there in general, happy Mother's Day. The word would be lost without great moms (as my own often reminds me).
Always, Lauren
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Ladybug220 - May 8, 2005 6:54 am (#1842 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I am sorry to hear about your dog.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms and moms-to-be here on the forum. I hope you have very special days!
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Catherine - May 8, 2005 6:59 am (#1843 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, your family did an unselfish, loving, and humane service for your ailing dog. What a wonderful example of doing what is right, not what is easy.
Mr. Catherine and the girls allowed me to sleep late, cooked breakfast, and allowed me to read the paper in peace. Heaven!
Hope all the Moms, expecting Moms, and Mom figures have a nice Sunday.
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Ydnam96 - May 8, 2005 7:54 am (#1844 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I know how hard that is, I'm very sorry for the loss of a loved family member!
Today's another full day of work for me, and I'm running late.
Happy Mother's Day to all Even our Forumers who have already celebrated once this year, because it's a holiday that could use repeating.
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Good Evans - May 8, 2005 8:51 am (#1845 of 2981) Reply
Lauren
I have just given my dog a big hug from you, and she send you big licks back. There can be little more heartbreaking than making that decision with a canine pal. I know you will treasure your memories.
my love to you.
Julie x
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Phoenix song - May 8, 2005 8:58 am (#1846 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's day to all of the Moms out there! Unfortunately for me, today is going to be another ordinary working day. I still plan on enjoying it, though.
Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is a horrible thing. It can be like losing your most steadfast friend and your most constant companion. Dogs can be just the most wonderful, loving beings that we humans were ever blessed with. They never care if you're having a bad hairday; if you're feeling a bit blue or grumpy; if you didn't get the promotion that you were hoping to receive--or make the "A" that you were working so hard for; it doesn't matter to them if you've gained 10 pounds or if you're not as wealthy as "Mr. and Mrs. Next Door". They just love you with an enthusiasm and totality that we humans can never quite match.
I hope that you will be comforted with the memories of your loved one and the knowledge that you have saved him a lot of suffering.
Barbie
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GryffEndora - May 8, 2005 9:32 am (#1847 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms & moms-to-be out there!
Congratulations to everyone who has finished their exams and a special Congrats to Kabloink for graduating!
Lauren, I'm so sorry for your loss. You made a loving but difficult decision. I followed Good Evans II's example and gave my dog a big hug. She sends you many loving licks as well.
I was truly happy to see Scott leave AI since there is an on-line campaign to vote for the worst and he was their poster boy! I won't comment on who I want to go next because I don't want to offend anyone.
The GoF clips last night were fun but was anyone else miffed about the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students dancing into the great hall? Also why were all the Durmstrangs boys and the Beauxbatons girls? we know for a fact that there were Beauxbaton boys in attendance because Parvarti and Padma went off and danced with them. I'm sure many people will soon be complaining about Hermione's pink dress, it is after all supposed to be blue dress ROBES, but I have a feeling that the fact that it is pink will be the most offensive point to many fans. Over all I'm excited to see GoF but did you catch the Narnia trailer, that looks awesome too!
Much love to everyone on the Forum today! Enjoy this day, you wouldn't be able to, if not for your Mom!
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Helen Potterfan - May 8, 2005 10:21 am (#1848 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 8, 2005 11:42 am
Hi All, I've been swamped lately, so this is my first post in some time. I did stay in the chat room last night for 3 hours and talked to at least 10 different forumers, so that was a great way to get back into things. GryffEndora, it wasn't just the pink (though that's something), it was all those ruffles. I know this is the point where Harry and Ron realize she's a girl, but that didn't mean she had to be dressed in pink ruffles!!! I'm quite upset at the scene where the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students dance into the hall. Not only is the dancing unnecessary, the costumes and types of dancing are problematic for me. Oh, well. Everything else looked great! I won't say more for people who want to avoid spoilers.
Since I've been away, I have catching up to do, so:
Congrats on grad school Ponine!
I'm sorry for your loss, Lauren. It's one of the hardest things to do to end a pet's suffering, but it's also the right thing to do. **hugs**
Congratulations to all of the graduates, and to everyone finishing exams!
and, finally
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the forum moms.
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Thora- May 8, 2005 11:36 am (#1849 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm sending a big hug... I'm so sorry for your pain.
To all the Aunts, Teachers, Neighbors and others who love kids not thier own, Happy Mothers day, thanks for loving children and being who you are. (And Happy Mother's Day to all the Mummies out there too.)
I'm one of the ones miffed by the pink frills, since when was periwinkle PINK?! How dare they exclude one of the best colors in the spectrum from it's proper place in this scene! Grrrrrrr.
Thora
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Julia. - May 8, 2005 11:49 am (#1850 of 2981) Reply
Perhaps the costume people thought Miss Watson would not look good in periwinkle? I'm miffed by that as well. I happen to love periwinkle, and it really irks me that the movie makers have decided to change something else. Oh, and what was with making Beauxbatons an all girls school?!
Lauren I'm so sorry about your dog. *hugs* It certianly seems like he lived a good long life and was very loyal to you and your family. Anything I can do be sure to let me know.
Oh man, Yankees are one game out of the cellar. Things are not good in Yankee land, but I'm not going anywhere! *waves to Lauren*
I booked my hotel for the Gathering this morning. I can't wait to meet some of you, and it looks like I'm bringing a friend. OK, off to watch the game and go to Staples.
GryffEndora - May 6, 2005 8:59 am (#1801 of 2981) Reply
Thank you everyone for the well wishes! I'm definitely on the mend.
Congrats to the new moms-to-be!
Way to go Ponine! If you end up near Minnesota let me know!
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Amilia Smith - May 6, 2005 9:30 am (#1802 of 2981) Reply
I was in the chat room with Jim Mischafan for a little while last night when I had to leave the computer. My computer is not actually up and working yet, so I toggle between everyone else's computers . . . whoever is not using theirs at the moment. So I'd like to apologize for leaving so abruptly. My mother needed her computer back. I was planning to log back on from my brother's computer, but Life intervened.
Does anyone know why several of Andrew's posts have been deleted? I've been trying to catch up on some of the threads, and their absence makes things rather difficult to read. Especially as I am missing what appear to be very interesting and thought provoking posts which sparked animated discussions. Grumble, grumble, grumble . . .
Mills.
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Kip Carter - May 6, 2005 10:04 am (#1803 of 2981) Reply
Amilia Smith, this morning Andrew Buchanan apparently changed his username to Verschwinden Sie and in the process, he deleted his email address. Presently his status has been changed to Moderated being that our Hosts do not have a valid email address with which to contact him.
As soon as he furnishes a valid email address, I will change his status back to Participant. Normally I would not post this type of message on a thread, but the email I sent to Andrew was returned by the Mailer-Daemon@aol.com.
Once this situation is cleared up, I will delete or edit this post.
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Accio Sirius - May 6, 2005 10:12 am (#1804 of 2981) Reply
Daioma--I'll see your 20 and raise you 20!
Phoenix Song--Very funny post! I had to label the linen closet shelves because my husband would always be forcing the wrong size sheets on the different beds. Mind you, he is an academic and one of the smartest people I know, but watching him unload the dishwasher is like watching a tourist in a foreign country--he picks up the object, ponders it for several minutes and just stares blankly at the cupboards!
Giant Squid--Did you really just quote Real Genius?
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Catherine - May 6, 2005 10:28 am (#1805 of 2981) Reply
I will confess to having pulled the "clueless" act myself, so it's not just the guys who do it.
I made sure that it took forever to start the lawnmower, asked a million questions about whether it was really working properly, cut the grass in swerving "lines" and left tufts of unmown grass everywhere. Afterwards, I emphasized how badly my allergies were bothering me.
For some reason, I have never been asked to mow the grass again. :goffygrin:
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Ladybug220 - May 6, 2005 12:22 pm (#1806 of 2981) Reply
Funny how that works, Catherine. My father never understood why I couldn't mow in a straight line so he had to do it himself.
Have a great weekend everyone!
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Lina - May 6, 2005 1:03 pm (#1807 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Kip Carter May 6, 2005 1:40 pm
Congratulations, Ponine!
Griffendora, I hope you are feeling better!
And Julia, did you get your Torah scroll back?
I will join to the Catherine's confession. Once we looked at a vacuum cleaner. It seemed like a really good one but expensive. I wanted to wait, to see if we could find a cheaper one but he was in a hurry and decided to buy this one. So I proclaimed that I don't know how to work with this vacuum cleaner and since then, he does the most of the vacuuming. Of course, I did it several times too, but I try to make him doing it - before he forgets.
And, Kip, wouldn't it be good if you posted the same post to the "What happened to my post" thread?
Added Edit by Kip Carter: Lina, I followed your suggestion and posted the message concerning Andrew Buchanan (Verschwinden Sie) to the What Happened to My Post? thread.
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librarian314 - May 6, 2005 1:03 pm (#1808 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Congrats, Ponine! Hope you have a fun time at grad school, here in the States. May you have competent professors that realize you have a life beyond their class and that you still like your subject by the time you finish. (I've known some people who've had some pretty awful grad school experiences, my dear hubby suffered through an abysmal program for two years until he realized he could do something better.)
Just got back from seeing "Kingdom of Heaven". I highly recommend it! If you like men in chain mail and tabbards, then this one's for you. Be warned this is a Ripley Scott flick, so it gets a bits graphically violent at times. I just squinched my eyes shut until the music sounded less violent and that worked well enough for me.
I'm going to wish all the moms "Happy Moms' Day" now, as the next couple of days are pretty busy for me. (I'm going to Crown Tourney tomorrow and Maryland Sheep and Wool festival on Sunday, so I don't know if I'll get to the list before Monday.)
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Puck - May 6, 2005 1:20 pm (#1809 of 2981) Reply
Michelle, I agree with you about the 20's thing. After 30 and motherhood hit, I suddenly realized I could do things my own way and not my mother's. She's not thrilled with this, but I'm fine with it. :brighteyes:
Lori, that is a great line, for often I have days where I feel like I did nothing. Oh, thanks for the recipe! Will have to try it.
Viola, anything that tastes like chocolate cake is great! And if the peanut butter ones aren't dry, that may be good. Hard to find a peanut butter cookie recipe that isn't way too dry.
Lizzy, will find you that snickerdoodle recipe.
This weekend I'm hosting a party for my boy's 5th birthday. Weather isn't going to cooperate, so we will be inside. And I picked a project that involves painting!
When getting married my hubby and I agreed that I would never do the bills to his satisfaction, and he would never clean the bathrooms to mine. And I admit to never having mowed a lawn in my life, and have no intention on starting.
Happy Mother's Day.
Kathy
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Loopy Lupin - May 6, 2005 1:37 pm (#1810 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS!
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Acceber - May 6, 2005 2:25 pm (#1811 of 2981) Reply
I don't have much to report on from my area of the country. It's normal spring weather here in Boston. School is hectic as usual.
After searching the Forum, I realized I haven't updated the chat thread with news about what my school's drama program is doing now. Let me rant: We finished Into the Woods, which was a great hit, and wanted to do something smaller for the middle school drama festival, which is tomorrow. We chose Christopher Durang's version of Medea. This short play is the tragedy-turned-comedy. A lot of the lines (and added lines) are really funny. The only problem is, we had our dress rehearsal yesterday and no one laughed. I think it's very funny. When Medea mentions Jason, her husband who has been cheating on her, we (the chorus) all say, "Jason??" in a scandalized tone of voice. Then, we inhale air and spit over our shoulders. You kind of have to see it to laugh; nineteen people in sheets-turned-togas on gray painted cubes, bathed in red light, and spitting. So, our performance is tomorrow and we're all extremely excited. It really is a competition, not a festival, but because we're in middle school, they can't call it a competition. There are awards for Merlin's sake!
Today Globe's crossword puzzle features the six degrees game that had been discussed in length a week or so ago on this thread. I'd only heard of it through the Forum . I also got three out of six actors, a wonderful achievement for someone who is movie clueless.
Thanks for the musicals everyone.
Happy happy's to all who apply!
Off to savor the feeling of the Y****** (baseball team from New York City) being in last place in the American League East, and finish the threads. heh, heh, heh. :evil grin:
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Ponine - May 6, 2005 2:48 pm (#1812 of 2981) Reply
Thank you all!!! I am thoroughly excited, I must admit... And high hopes of an excellent faculty, I must admit... The department fits me really well, it seems... I will be pretty darn close to Minnesota, Gryffendora, as a matter of fact only about five minutes away
And RPS - and anyone (Mike?) I wanna get together and REALLY talk HP - for the first time in my life... Yey!! (and tomorrow is chocolate day - could life be much better?!?! Kisses and hugs from Ponine_____________________________________
Catherine - May 6, 2005 5:52 pm (#1813 of 2981) Reply
Today has been fairly eventful. Embarrassing, but eventful.
Hayley and I attended a Mother's Day breakfast at her preschool, which is always loads of fun. The kids have filled out a questionnaire about "Mom" and the answers, though usually unflattering and erroneous, are hilarious. For example, Hayley said this year that my favorite thing to do is to "run the vacuum." At least she didn't say, "She spends too much time on the HP Lexicon Forum and chatting with her friends."
The downside of today was that last year, on this day, Hayley and I went to a strawberry farm to pick berries. This year, the weather went to a downright chilly 55 degrees (normally it's about 75-82) and a downpour of rain. So no "just-picked" berries this year to make strawberry shortcake. Oh, well.
Blossom the Opossum remains at large. While I was in the bathroom changing clothes today, Hayley let the animal control officer in (we've since had a serious chat about NEVER letting ANYONE into the house). Let's just say that I didn't know he was in the hall when I popped out of the bedroom half-dressed.
Eeek! I'm sure the poor man needed to wash his eyeballs. Before I even knew it was him, I called him "Sweetie," as I had heard Hayley outside the door and was asking her what she was doing opening the basement door. Except that it wasn't her, it was HIM. Alas.
Imagine his astonishment when a half-dressed housewife addresses him as "Sweetie!"
Imagine my embarrassment the next time I have to go to the local Animal Shelter.
EDIT: For those who do not know, I work with our local Humane Society, so trips out to the municipal shelter do happen on a regular basis.
If only I really could "Obliviate" the officer in question....
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Chemyst - May 6, 2005 5:53 pm (#1814 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, PLEASE end our suspense. What grad school are you going to? For me, five minutes from Minnesota could mean anywhere from Canada to Iowa.
Catherine, I think Sherbie still has you beat in the embarrassing encounter department.
But seriously, you picked strawberries at this time last year? Ours are in full bloom but still a weeks away from picking.
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 6, 2005 6:19 pm (#1815 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I'm sorry to hear you were so embarrassed, but that story is hilarious!!!
I'm not thoroughly over my depression about turning 30, especially after my eldest brother turned around and laughed at me and mockingly said "you old thing!! 30 & pregnant!! hahaha" to which I replied, "that's ok, I may be 30, but next year, you, my dear brother, will be 40!!" to which he stared back in shock because Christopher just can't bear the thought of getting older! So after that I felt much better!
About the Baby Blues strip (please excuse me if I got the name wrong, it was a few posts back) we don't get it here so if someone knows a web address or anything could they please let me know, it sounds great. I've been looking up a web site here which lets me see what's happening week by week, so at week 9, my baby now has elbows and toes!! How exciting, I love getting on each week and reading about what's happening.
I used to try the old, play dumb routine to get out of jobs trick, but with all of my brothers it wasn't allowed, I still remember when I'd just got my driver’s license & my car got a flat tyre, at home, in my driveway, none of my brothers, I'll remind you, I have 6 of them, would help me change it, instead they all stood around and watched me do it & yelled directions from the side lines! And I learnt how to drive a manual car (stick shift) by mowing the lawns on my dad’s ride on lawn mower!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 6, 2005 6:47 pm (#1816 of 2981) Reply
Today Globe's crossword puzzle features the six degrees game that had been discussed in length a week or so ago on this thread.---Acceber
It does? I'm looking at the Globe and I don't see anything about six degrees. Are you talking "Globe" as in Boston or "Globe" as in National Enquirer?
EDIT: Catherine, this is for you. What can I say? You're like a muse.
There once was a possum named Blossom.
People 'round here thought she was quite awesome.
But Catherine demurred, shouting "Get rid of that cur!"
And that's when the Animal Control Officer saw some.
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Puck - May 6, 2005 8:16 pm (#1817 of 2981) Reply
Lupin, thanks for the laugh! I was already chuckling at Catherine's story, but you've got me right tickled!
Daioma, those are brothers, it works differently with husbands. Tire blow out on the highway, call hubby. Find a deceased animal on the property, call hubby. Find a live animal on the property, flash animal control. (Sorry, had to throw that in). Oh, and the baby is quite handy. I've been either pregnant or inside with a baby, so have gotten out of shoveling since we had the house. After a while, it just becomes ingrained in him that it's his job. This works for raking, mowing and other yard work as well.
Acceber, you're in Boston! I'm a Massachusetts girl myself! Got my education degree from Bridgewater and did my graduate work at Tufts. Moved farther west now, as it is much too expensive that close to the city to buy a house.
Off to get some sleep. First must hide my cake from the ants! (Well, it is a Spiderman cake, so maybe he can catch them.)
Kathy
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Thora- May 6, 2005 8:28 pm (#1818 of 2981) Reply
Daioma, is it Babycenter you've been looking up the fetal development on? I love babycenter, my baby is a year old and I still post on a few boards there. I met my dear friend in England there too and she sent me yummy british chocolate.... mmmmmmm chocolate.
Oh and speaking of the best stuff on earth, I didn't like the dark chocolate m&m's, nor the chocolate frog, but the Hagrid card made the trip to the toy store worthwhile. (Then I snorted at the lady who asked if I wanted to reserve HBP that day, hello, they aren't even having a party!)
Catherine, priceless, just priceless.
Thora
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 6, 2005 9:05 pm (#1819 of 2981) Reply
Ooh, so many posts to read, where to begin"
1) Ponine - congratulation on getting into Grad School; what field will you be studying in? 2)Phoenix Song - I loved the Bill Cosby quote - Now I know who my husband’s mentor is! I truly didn't think it was possible to make folding towels appear to be such an impossible task (now I know why) 3) GryffEndora - I hope your feeling better; that infection sounded dreadful 4) Catherine - I must say that your possum stories are truly entertaining; as for your embarrassment, I feel for you, but that was really funny 5) Daioma/Librarian 314 - glad you liked the story about dad at my wedding; it's one of my fondest memories of that day.
Daioma - As for turning 30 my girlfriends and I went through that 3/4 years ago; let's just say that the desire to still feel young resulted in a couple tattoo's and a few belly button piercings..I myself went for the tattoo on the ankle as I have mysteriously lost my belly button after having two children! I actually find 30 much more enjoyable then the 20's, not as much drama!!!
And to one and all, Happy Mothers Day!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 6, 2005 10:04 pm (#1820 of 2981) Reply
Daioma, for each of my pregnancies I had a pregnancy diary. (I will have to dig it out of the basement to give you the exact publisher.) For each week of the pregnancy it gave 4 pages. On the first page there is an illustration and a short breakdown of happens in gestational development that week and health tips. For instance for week 5 of gestation there is considerable brain development going on. The brain need fats and oils so it recommends eating lean meats and fish. The other pages are blank for writing your thoughts. I am extremely impatient so I loved this diary because I knew that today I am growing the digestive track, or kidney or whatever.
Oh Catherine that's a great story, that's why we have children! Kids are neat!!! (background: back in college when my husband and I were dating a girl in my dorm said that he and I should have children, I asked why should we have children. She said it would be neat! I didn't know much about kids back then, but I knew enough that kids were anything but neat! Anytime the kids do something my husband and I say "kids are neat")
Rebecca, break a leg with your performances. I always found that you can't really judge a show on one performance in front of one audience. It seemed that we had alternating show responses. If the dress rehearsal was slow and plodding and didn't really get the laughs we expected, then the next performance was great. The matinee was slow and lack luster but then the evening performance would really get a great response. Sometimes a line would get huge responses on the Saturday evening performance and the Sunday audience wouldn't even chuckle. This was true not just for college performances but also with professional shows. So take heart.
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kabloink! - May 7, 2005 1:30 am (#1821 of 2981) Reply
Well, everyone, I have officially "graduated." I went through all the motions of the ceremony yesterday, and now I'm just waiting to see how my exams went to know whether or not I have my bachelor's. It doesn't really matter, though, as I can't afford anymore school for at least a year, so if I didn't pass, I still have some time off. I maxed out my federal aid with this past semester (it was my 12th). I'm sure I could get the funding from somewhere, but as I am burned out beyond belief, I am PRAYING that I passed everything.
Speaking of sick. My husband has been sick since Tuesday, and now, on the day of my graduation party, guess who is sick now? Yep, me! And I have to work for five hours before my party-from 5am-10am. We seriously need to increase the size of our management staff. No self-respecting college student should have to work at 5am the day after graduation. Oops, sorry-rant over. I have to go get ready for work, anyway.
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Catherine - May 7, 2005 5:17 am (#1822 of 2981) Reply
Kim,
I tip my hat to your rhyming of "awesome" and "saw some." I'm flattered that I could inspire you so. What a brilliant tribute. Now my heroic struggle against household critters and chronic embarrassment has been immortalized. Thanks!
Maybe you should teach HP-themed limericks in your class; JKR does her "songs" in the books, after all.
Happy Graduations and Get Wells to All.
Happy Mother's Day!
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Accio Sirius - May 7, 2005 6:05 am (#1823 of 2981) Reply
Great poem Kim! I bet the Animal Control officer was singing to himself all day..."Hayley's Mom Has Got it Going On!"
I'm a big Fountains of Wayne fan and that's a take on their very popular Stacey's Mom song (It's currently featured in a Diet Dr. Pepper commercial)!
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Eponine - May 7, 2005 6:15 am (#1824 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, Ponine! What are you going to be studying?
Congratulations, Kabloink! I know how wonderful it feels to finally finish.
Catherine, I hope Blossom leaves very soon. We don't want you to have any more, um...wardrobe malfunctions around the animal control officers.
My sister and her kids are coming to see me in two days, and I'm so excited. We're going for a quick beach visit, and I'm hoping for good weather.
I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!
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Dumbledore - May 7, 2005 8:32 am (#1825 of 2981) Reply
Happy Early Mother's Day, everybody!!
Aah..it's been another short forum hiatus and I have 332 messages on the chat thread to wade through.
I finally decided what to do with my English persuasive research paper, and I chose to do why Harry Potter isn't anti-religious, focusing on the positive role it has had on society. I think I was leaning to that from the start, and truthfully I can't think I would be able to pick a more enjoyable topic to do it on! If anyone has any suggestions or would like to make a statement or something of the sort that I could use in my paper, I would appreciate any help at all! My e-mail address and screen name are in my profile
Yup, so the Yankees are in last place. It's OK though, true fans will pull through this one (waves to Julia). We still got a long season to go!
We won our first track meet! I did the 400 meters, 200 meters, and long jump. I placed fourth out of about 24 girls for the long jump, won my 400 meter race, and then did poorly on the 200.
Congratulations Kabloink on graduating!
Catherine, that story was really amusing, and of course Kim, your poem was really clever!
Always, Lauren
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septentrion - May 7, 2005 10:55 am (#1826 of 2981) Reply
Congrats Kabloink for your graduation !
Ponine, congrats to you too. I guess we won't meet you at accio then.
Have a good week-end !
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Ydnam96 - May 7, 2005 11:27 am (#1827 of 2981) Reply
Well, it's move out day here at the University. It's a mess of trash, cars, and cleaning supplies.
By Monday all the "normal" students will be gone and all my summer residents moved in. Hopefully the summer will be less hectic than the last few weeks have been.
Yay for the weekend, I'm taking a break and watching my tape of this week's Lost.
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Catherine - May 7, 2005 11:33 am (#1828 of 2981) Reply
I got an interesting offer today, but I'm unsure what I think about it, so I'll post this here and see what advice you all can give me.
I applied as an instructor at a local community college to teach English Composition--in person, traditionally. Today the director of distance learning called me and asked if I would be interested in teaching an online literature course? (Early American Lit, which to me is not as interesting as British Literature of the same period, alas earwax).
My college days were back in the Cretaceous period, so I have no idea what these classes are like. Does anyone in the Forum have experience with these kinds of classes? If so, please email me privately and give me your thoughts. I'd really appreciate it.
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Lina - May 7, 2005 11:38 am (#1829 of 2981) Reply
Acceber, I wish you success on the competition!
Catherine, I see you changed again your avatar, so it must be a good sign. Or you just decided not to call Animal Control ever again even if you find Blossom walking through your dining room?
My almost six year old said that she is going to be a witch when she grows up.
I think that aging starts just with having children, it doesn't matter if you are 20 or 40 at the time. But I can say that i find my 40's even more pleasant than my 30's. Especially at job, now I am an elder (wise) woman who everybody have to listen to, while only 2 years ago, everybody could have sent me to buy the matches (that's just a common expression translated in English).
Congratulations, kabloink!
Lauren, I can see that your English persuasive research paper is going to be great. And congratulations on your athletic results!
I read a book (for children, of course) recently. I couldn't recommend it to you because I doubt it was translated yet. But I liked it and I wanted to buy it for my friend. The title translated would be something like "Dogs are not allowed to enter". It is an unknown author and this is her first and only book for now, so it wasn't easy to find the book in the book shops, but I succeeded at the end. The interesting part is that at one book shop a vendor was so happy to offer me a sticker with the sign of a stroked dog.
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Good Evans - May 7, 2005 12:05 pm (#1830 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations both kabloink and Ponine. Well done both of you.
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fleur-de-lys - Idol - yes in UK we get the performances and the results on Friday - no cliff hanging here!!!
I wasn't sad to see the back of Scott, as for Anthony, although I don’t think he will win, I thought his second song was good and it would have been unfair to bung him out on his birthday!
Have you all seen the interviews with Dan, Rupert and Emma re the new movie? not much given away but there was a bit around the filming of the first task - looks energetic! They have definitely left the falling out of Ron and Harry in the movie, I was concerned they might drop it because it wasn't directly central to the plot.
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Penny Lane. - May 7, 2005 12:58 pm (#1831 of 2981) Reply
Catherine - I have taken a few online classes, and I emailed you what I thought of them.
Kabloink - I already told you this, but congrats on graduation.
Ponine - congrats on Grad school, and I hope I can meet you sometime to talk Buffy Harry!
To everyone moving out - good luck. I moved out of the dorms a few weeks ago, and I really miss it. I've been taking classes year round for the past 3 years so I don't quite know what to do with myself.
I recently finished "Life of Pi" and have to tell everyone that it was fabulous. I'm now reading a book that I found on my shelf called "The Mirror" and it's really weird. It's about this girl who, in 1978, switched bodies with her grandmother and ended up living her grandmothers life. Creepy. Anyone read it?
Well, I have to go figure out a Mother's Day gift. See everyone later!
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Good Evans - May 7, 2005 1:18 pm (#1832 of 2981) Reply
Penny Lane - the best mother's day present has to be the pre order of half blood prince??????
It’s what I got and I was delighted! (UK mothers day was back in March) for those of you this weekend, have a lovely day
Julie
PS - Demonic Kitty - how do you pronounce your home town (Tecumseh)? its a new one on me and I'm curious.
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kabloink! - May 7, 2005 3:20 pm (#1833 of 2981) Reply
OH! I meant to post this awhile ago, but I'm sorry for the American Idol spoilers last week Good Evans-I will be more careful from now on.
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fleur-de-lys - May 7, 2005 6:13 pm (#1834 of 2981) Reply
Ok, its Saturday, I can say it...ANTHONY'S SAFE and SCOTT IS GOING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEE HAW. Sorry to those of you who aren't Idol fans, but I had to say it. I was so nervous Wednesday night. I jumped out of my chair and hollered more than I did for the Eagles in the Superbowl, and I'm from Philly. Ok, I'm done. No more Idol chat from me (tee hee) unless Anthony wins it all.
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Puck - May 7, 2005 7:18 pm (#1835 of 2981) Reply
Ponine, it's Staurday, did you enjoy some chocolate?
Kabloink, Hurrah for you! It's an odd feeling, isn't it? Happy to be done, yet you miss it somehow.
A big storm here (rain, not snow, thankfully), so all the kids were in my house for the party. Hardest part was keeping them from running wild throughout the house. I had some toys and activities out, but the all had rainy day energy, 5 year old style.
Welcome back Lauren! I was wondering about you.
I read some Harlan Coben recently. I liked the book, but it was a bit graphic with the violence, so definitely not for youngsters.
Okay, I have Chamber on now. So far I've caught 2 promos. Anyone no how many I'm looking for? (I've fast forwarded a bit, as I watched my DVD version just a couple of weeks ago.)
30 didn't hit me as hard as 32/ By then there were 2 kids, but what put me over the top was the minivan. I didn't mind being a thirty-something mimivan Mom, but I don't want to look like one! Fot the first time in my life I wear make-up on a regular basis, because what seemed casual and carefree in my younger days now just comes off as frumpy.
Kathy
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dizzy lizzy - May 7, 2005 8:00 pm (#1836 of 2981) Reply
Well I rang my Mum to wish her happy mother's day. First time in four years I have remembered.
Today’s job has been to clean out the study etc and organise it a bit better. I was getting swamped with paper etc. I have 2 desks, two filing cabinets (2 drawer) a Bookcase and an easy chair (for watching DVD's on my computer in comfort) in a space 2.5 metres wide and 3.6 metres long.
One desk is my personal desk and the other is the work desk as I had to have a home office with a separate phone line set up.
So it is now cramped. And after I get back from another week away I am going to drag everything out and put it all back in again in a better order. So now I feel really good at having thrown out two laundry baskets full of junk and the study is just that little bit tidier.
Have a lovely day!
Lizzy
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Ticker - May 7, 2005 10:46 pm (#1837 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 7, 2005 10:47 pm
Mike - Real Genius was one of my all-time favorite movies back in the day. I must have seen it 40 or 50 times. My husband cannot understand this obsessive tendency I have, but I think I'm in good company on this forum.
...you picked strawberries at this time last year? Ours are in full bloom but still a weeks away from picking. – Chemyst
You have green plants? ????
We just got green grass - but that hardly counts when some of it didn't even brown over winter. Also, if you don't mind, I'm not going to connect the dots - yikes! I just enjoy being selfish & sloven too much - thanks anyway.Marie E. - (slowly waving a watch...) You're getting very thirsty...
--(Waves back to Betty!!!)--
Happy Mother's Day, ya'll! Even if you're not a mom, I hope you enjoy the day.
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Julia. - May 7, 2005 11:04 pm (#1838 of 2981) Reply
Well, the horror of exams are over and I'm back at home now. *is very happy not to have exams to worry about again*
I watched CoS tonight. I was very excited to see the new GoF clips. I even got on the phone with Kasse and we had a fan-girl moment. That was fun.
Mazel tov Kim on graduating!! Have a butterbeer on me. *hands Kim butterbeer*
Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies on the Forum! And a special happy Mother's Day to Betty, or Forum Mom!
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Good Evans - May 8, 2005 1:55 am (#1839 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink! - no apology needed, I know you didn't know, but I was so glad I hadn't been on the forum between tuesday and friday night, or I would have had the spoiler. Strange as it may be we don’t have pop idol over here any more so its only American Idol to fulfill our need for singing talent contests. I actually think the talent on AI is better than PI anyway (but then you are a bit bigger than us to pull the auditionees from!!)
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fleur-de-lys - you go girl !!!
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septentrion - May 8, 2005 2:04 am (#1840 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's day to those who are concerned !
I've got a four-day training this week, so I won't be able to be here a lot. Everyone have a good week !
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Dumbledore - May 8, 2005 6:46 am (#1841 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day, everybody!!!
On a bit of a sad night, yesterday we had to put my dog of probably eight years to sleep. He was 14 years old, and was the most magnificent dog I could've asked for. He was so much a part of the family and so healthy even in his old age. However, this past year he just deteriorated physically so much. He could barely walk, hear, or see, and it was truly heartbreaking trying to see him get up. I cried more than I think I ever had yesterday, and had the worst piano lesson of my life because I was trying to fight back tears. Although I can't stand the idea of putting a dog to sleep, the vet agreed that this probably the most humane thing to do at the time so I guess I have to accept it.
I have this little tradition on Mother's Day of always writing my mother a poem, so that's what I did this year. My mom and I have always had a really special bond. We truly are quite a winning pair.
I starting watching the Chamber of Secrets special last night about halfway through. I really enjoyed the extra scenes because I had never seen them before. I only caught the promo with the Yule Ball as I was flicking to other channels during the commercials because I didn't know they would have anything about the new movie.
Congratulations on finishing exams, Julia!
I, too, was extremely happy that Scott got voted off. I am a true Idol junkie, and I have not liked him since the beginning.
Ponine, mazel tov on grad school (I think I forgot to say that in my last post).
To all the moms out there in general, happy Mother's Day. The word would be lost without great moms (as my own often reminds me).
Always, Lauren
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Ladybug220 - May 8, 2005 6:54 am (#1842 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I am sorry to hear about your dog.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms and moms-to-be here on the forum. I hope you have very special days!
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Catherine - May 8, 2005 6:59 am (#1843 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, your family did an unselfish, loving, and humane service for your ailing dog. What a wonderful example of doing what is right, not what is easy.
Mr. Catherine and the girls allowed me to sleep late, cooked breakfast, and allowed me to read the paper in peace. Heaven!
Hope all the Moms, expecting Moms, and Mom figures have a nice Sunday.
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Ydnam96 - May 8, 2005 7:54 am (#1844 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I know how hard that is, I'm very sorry for the loss of a loved family member!
Today's another full day of work for me, and I'm running late.
Happy Mother's Day to all
Even our Forumers who have already celebrated once this year, because it's a holiday that could use repeating._____________________________________
Good Evans - May 8, 2005 8:51 am (#1845 of 2981) Reply
Lauren
I have just given my dog a big hug from you, and she send you big licks back. There can be little more heartbreaking than making that decision with a canine pal. I know you will treasure your memories.
my love to you.
Julie x
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Phoenix song - May 8, 2005 8:58 am (#1846 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's day to all of the Moms out there! Unfortunately for me, today is going to be another ordinary working day. I still plan on enjoying it, though.
Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is a horrible thing. It can be like losing your most steadfast friend and your most constant companion. Dogs can be just the most wonderful, loving beings that we humans were ever blessed with. They never care if you're having a bad hairday; if you're feeling a bit blue or grumpy; if you didn't get the promotion that you were hoping to receive--or make the "A" that you were working so hard for; it doesn't matter to them if you've gained 10 pounds or if you're not as wealthy as "Mr. and Mrs. Next Door". They just love you with an enthusiasm and totality that we humans can never quite match.
I hope that you will be comforted with the memories of your loved one and the knowledge that you have saved him a lot of suffering.
Barbie
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GryffEndora - May 8, 2005 9:32 am (#1847 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms & moms-to-be out there!
Congratulations to everyone who has finished their exams and a special Congrats to Kabloink for graduating!
Lauren, I'm so sorry for your loss. You made a loving but difficult decision. I followed Good Evans II's example and gave my dog a big hug. She sends you many loving licks as well.
I was truly happy to see Scott leave AI since there is an on-line campaign to vote for the worst and he was their poster boy! I won't comment on who I want to go next because I don't want to offend anyone.
The GoF clips last night were fun but was anyone else miffed about the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students dancing into the great hall? Also why were all the Durmstrangs boys and the Beauxbatons girls? we know for a fact that there were Beauxbaton boys in attendance because Parvarti and Padma went off and danced with them. I'm sure many people will soon be complaining about Hermione's pink dress, it is after all supposed to be blue dress ROBES, but I have a feeling that the fact that it is pink will be the most offensive point to many fans. Over all I'm excited to see GoF but did you catch the Narnia trailer, that looks awesome too!
Much love to everyone on the Forum today! Enjoy this day, you wouldn't be able to, if not for your Mom!
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Helen Potterfan - May 8, 2005 10:21 am (#1848 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 8, 2005 11:42 am
Hi All, I've been swamped lately, so this is my first post in some time. I did stay in the chat room last night for 3 hours and talked to at least 10 different forumers, so that was a great way to get back into things. GryffEndora, it wasn't just the pink (though that's something), it was all those ruffles. I know this is the point where Harry and Ron realize she's a girl, but that didn't mean she had to be dressed in pink ruffles!!! I'm quite upset at the scene where the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students dance into the hall. Not only is the dancing unnecessary, the costumes and types of dancing are problematic for me. Oh, well. Everything else looked great! I won't say more for people who want to avoid spoilers.
Since I've been away, I have catching up to do, so:
Congrats on grad school Ponine!
I'm sorry for your loss, Lauren. It's one of the hardest things to do to end a pet's suffering, but it's also the right thing to do. **hugs**
Congratulations to all of the graduates, and to everyone finishing exams!
and, finally
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the forum moms.
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Thora- May 8, 2005 11:36 am (#1849 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm sending a big hug... I'm so sorry for your pain.
To all the Aunts, Teachers, Neighbors and others who love kids not thier own, Happy Mothers day, thanks for loving children and being who you are. (And Happy Mother's Day to all the Mummies out there too.)
I'm one of the ones miffed by the pink frills, since when was periwinkle PINK?! How dare they exclude one of the best colors in the spectrum from it's proper place in this scene! Grrrrrrr.
Thora
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Julia. - May 8, 2005 11:49 am (#1850 of 2981) Reply
Perhaps the costume people thought Miss Watson would not look good in periwinkle? I'm miffed by that as well. I happen to love periwinkle, and it really irks me that the movie makers have decided to change something else. Oh, and what was with making Beauxbatons an all girls school?!
Lauren I'm so sorry about your dog. *hugs* It certianly seems like he lived a good long life and was very loyal to you and your family. Anything I can do be sure to let me know.
Oh man, Yankees are one game out of the cellar. Things are not good in Yankee land, but I'm not going anywhere! *waves to Lauren*
I booked my hotel for the Gathering this morning. I can't wait to meet some of you, and it looks like I'm bringing a friend. OK, off to watch the game and go to Staples.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
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Join date : 2011-02-22
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:53 pm
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Helen Potterfan - May 8, 2005 11:53 am (#1851 of 2981) Reply
Sorry to post again so soon, but I just have to. The WB has launched the GoF web site, so everyone who missed the trailers last night can see the trailer there. They also have the official movie poster up. If you click on it you will see that Harry is wearing a jersey-like warm-up suit, complete with stripes on the arms and legs and the number 4!!!! I think this is horrible! Why are these directors trying so hard to muggleize the students?!!?!! This is the worst WB HP poster I've seen. If you want to see, you can find it here .
EDIT: I watched the trailer again, and it appears that Harry is competing in a uniform, complete with a cape-like jacket (big sleeves) over a red shirt with yellow stripes, as well as the Hogwarts crest on the chest. On the back is his name and number. I'm really miffed!! BTW, if you type gobletoffire.com, you also go to the official movie site.
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azi - May 8, 2005 12:41 pm (#1852 of 2981) Reply
Accio HBP - if that poster is really official I will be more ashamed of the movies than I am now. Basically because Harry Potter is now what me and most people in my area call 'chavs'. What he's wearing is foul! Besides, they didn't have a uniform when they were competing in the book anyway! Ok...*breathes deep breaths*...rant over. Grrrr
Lauren, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Big hug along with everyone else!
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haymoni - May 8, 2005 1:23 pm (#1853 of 2981) Reply
I'm guessing that pink is being used because Ron finally sees Hermione as a girl.
I guess they figured he wouldn't have been able to catch on if she was wearing periwinkle.
Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.
I'll be watching "The Contender" tonight.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 8, 2005 1:32 pm (#1854 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, at least you were able to spend eight wonderful years with him. It isn't much solice but at least you will have cherished memories.
I watched CoS in Canada last night and thanks to the CBC (Canadian Broadcast Network) they took full advantage of the situation and instead of allowing us to see the previews and interviews I got to see current flicks of a special that they are making on the famed Canada/Russia Hockey series of 72. The joy of living in Canada,non stop hockey, strike or not. I unfortunately know more about hockey then I'd ever desired to know.........blah, blah, it's like getting a vomit flavored Bott's Every Flavored Bean in my mouth!
I must say the wait for book 6 is excruciating and I am running out of fresh reading material. Can anyone recommend some Harry Potteresque type books that might be a good read? I'd heard about one author in the US who'd written about a book wich a school and a sport very similar to HP world, and a second about the last two wizards in London (but unfortunately didn't think to write down the titles). Your suggestions would be wonderful.....Thanks!
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pottermom34 - May 8, 2005 1:34 pm (#1855 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and future moms.
My girls got me 2 potted roses they are full of buds. I'm going to plant them tomorrow they are huge.
What did everyone else get for their moms or from their kids?
Congrats to all graduates and exam finishers.
I tell you this has been a long week, I'm glad it's finally over! *knocks on wood* It started out with me falling at work on Sunday, I didn't get hurt except maybe my pride, luckily no one saw it. My kids and husband have all been brats this week.
Thursday I broke a plate in my kitchen it shattered into a million pieces. And the service engine soon light came on in my van. Turned out to be a blown head gasket. There goes $1300.
Friday started out good, My daughter's class had a "muffins with Mom" day in which I got to go to her class and have muffins and juice and the kids sang songs and each told why their mom was special. It was nice but then my girls turned into monsters.
Then, on Saturday I was working at the camel rides and the baby camel figured out how to untie himself from the post so I had to go and try to catch him. Luckily he ran straight to the guy in charge of them (Joe). But Joe was giving a ride on one of the other camels. So I had to hold the baby until Joe was done and then the poor people on the other camel had to get down by themselves. Luckily they were adults so they didn't need any help. To top it off that was the first day of the girl working the cash register. So I couldn't expect her to do anything, she couldn't leave the register anyway. At least she didn't have a boring first day! The camel behaved well for me which was good considering it didn't know me. He was pretty slick too. I went one way and he went another. I had to run through a sand pit full of poo and didn't get any on me. Thank God.
I say if it wasn't for bad luck I would have none at all! My Mother's Day was good though. My daughter and I planted some flowers.
What did everyone think of the added scenes to CoS I thought most were pretty good, they helped piece it together better. I wonder if they'll come out with an extended version of SS and CoS on DVD or tape. That would be nice.
I don't think we should get too bent out of shape over some of the scenes we've seen, I mean it's expected that not all things are canon. Is there anything in the book that says anything about a uniform during the competition? If not, just because it doesn't say he wore one, doesn't mean he didn't we have to use our imagination to some degree when we read. I just think we sometimes tend to get too nit picky. I'm sure if JKR didn't like what they were doing she'd change it. Sorry if this sounded crabby, I'm just venting.
Michelle
P.S. Sorry this is long but I haven't been here in a couple days so had to make up for lost time.
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Lina - May 8, 2005 2:36 pm (#1856 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, sorry to hear about your dog. Sending you cheering charms.
The Mother Day is almost over here, but I guess it's not too late to wish a Happy Mothers day to all mums and all who feel like mums.
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mischa fan - May 8, 2005 3:46 pm (#1857 of 2981) Reply
I guess I am kind of late, but Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers here. Lauren, sorry to hear about your dog. GoF looks like it will be a good movie, despite the changes. The only thing that really bugged me was the dragon scene, Harry was supposed to do that challenge on his broom, but they show him on the ground.
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Acceber - May 8, 2005 4:39 pm (#1858 of 2981) Reply
Are you talking "Globe" as in Boston or "Globe" as in National Enquirer?-Lupin Kim.
That's the Boston Globe, sorry. I actually got one more actor after I posted that message, so I got four out of six and I was very proud of myself.
Happy Mothers' Day to all who fall into that category or will in a few months!
Hugs Lauren. I've never lost a pet personally, but my friend's puppy was run over by a car about a month ago, so I can relate.
~*waves to Puck* I love "meeting" fellow Massachusettsians.
Thank you to everyone who wished me well on my drama festival! We were loads of times better than we were in any dress rehearsal. The crowd laughed at all the right moments (and some wrong ones) and it was hard for us as actors to keep straight faces. By the end 'number,' a weird little dance routine, I was laughing uncontrollably and trying to dance at the same time. That's one of the reasons we got the silver medal instead of gold. There were seven schools competing and one gold, three silvers, and three bronzes to give out. We also got the award for Best Ensemble, which we'd been hoping for. I'm so proud of us and I can't wait to discuss what we're doing as our next show at drama club tomorrow.
If you're wondering, I know the deadline for the Writing Challenge on the FFF is up and I know I have to congratulate all the writers and judge the pieces , but I need my mum to read the posts and she's not home at the moment.
I probably should go read now. Talk to you all soon!
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Pinky - May 8, 2005 7:20 pm (#1859 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, if you scroll waaaay down on the forum, there is a section titled "Opinions on all things Harry Potter", and a thread within that called "Recommended Reading." That might be a good place for you to start.
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Puck - May 8, 2005 7:31 pm (#1860 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, so sorry. My Mom had to put my dog to sleep this fall. (I had moved out of the house years ago, but in my heart he was still mine.) I understand how hard it is to watch them struggle to get off the floor. It's a hard thing to do, you did the right thing to end his suffering. Hugs to you.
I had a quiet Mother's Day, as I wanted. Take out for dinner, bubbles in the tub, reading, quilting, even painted my nails. Daddy took the kids to the store for a bit, so for a while I had the house to myself!
I noticed the pink, but figured it likely showed better on camera. I think they are going for the main plot line, and unless JKR insists on something, take license with the details.
What were the added CoS scenes? Are they different from the ones in the "deleted scenes" section of the DVD. I admit, I basically fast forwarded through most of it to get to the trailers.
Have a great week everyone! Good job Acceber!
Kathy
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Julia. - May 8, 2005 7:40 pm (#1861 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, the added CoS scenes were the deleted scenes from the DVD. A few of them I wondered why they cut them in the first place, so it was nice to see them in the context of the movie.
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Ydnam96 - May 8, 2005 7:42 pm (#1862 of 2981) Reply
Oh, my. I had to work last night so I didn't get to see the GoF trailer or the other things ABC showed with CoS. I just heard that Disney and Weta (who did Lord of the Rings) are doing the Chronicles of Narnia!!!! That made my day! JRR Tolkien, JKR, and CS Lewis are my favorite authors!!!!
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kabloink! - May 8, 2005 9:48 pm (#1863 of 2981) Reply
Went online tonight to see the GoF trailer, I'm still grumbling about how they are continually putting Hermione in pink. I think the only combination of her and pink was her fluffy pink bathrobe in SS. SOmehow I had always imagined that as a gift from her parents, and she would have preferred a different color, or perhaps that sleepwear just doesn't count in the importance of color...oh well
Arg. I hate my job. I'm just not cut out for it. I have nothing against restaurant managers, my husband is a great one, but its just not for me. I really hope that I passed all of my classes and will thus be able to apply for "any bachelors degree" jobs...
Happy MOther's Day to everyone, a few hours late. I am not a mom myself, but my mother and grnadmother had been over all weekend for graduation festivities, and my husband made us all (my dad, too) egg mcmuffins for breakfast. I have a great hubby!
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dizzy lizzy - May 9, 2005 12:56 am (#1864 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm sorry to hear the news about your dog. And many thanks to Phoenix song for putting it all into words.
I've had an OK day today. I did my telephone interviewing part of my workload and I am a lot tireder than normal with a bad headache.
My black dog, Sami, was so scared by something last night, he found a way to get underneath the house. How he did it I don't know, even little lucy wouldn't have managed it. Needless to say it took me 20 mins with a torch at 8.30pm at night to find the right section of boards to remove so he could be let out. He now has two nasty gashes on his belly, not deep and had stopped bleeding by the time he got released and a small open wound where the wire got him, which had also stopped bleeding by the time I got to him.
So it's salt water bathing and antibiotic cream (on vets advice) until tomorrow morning, when the 3 of them go to the vets for boarding for a week. They will look at it then and decide what to do, if anything. So today has been interesting, even if I don't feel interesting at the moment.
I'll see you all in a weeks’ time and have a great week everyone.
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 9, 2005 4:26 am (#1865 of 2981) Reply
Happy Brand New Week.
Perhaps the costume people thought Miss Watson would not look good in periwinkle? ~Julia
I guess they figured he wouldn't have been able to catch on (to her being a girl) if she was wearing periwinkle.~ Haymoni.
LOL Haymoni, subtlety was lost on the costume designers too. Add me to the list of those who are dissatisfied with the GoF costuming. Hermione's gown was just ugly and would have been bad in any color, but there was no excuse for going with pinkish mauve. Periwinkle is supposed to be one of the few universal colors that no one looks bad in, having a balance of yellow and blue undertones.
And maroon is a color that most redheads don't look good in, but did we see a trace of Ron's old lace? Or Malfoy as the Vicar? JKR went into so much detail describing the who-wore-what at the Yule Ball; the costume designers should have their artistic license revoked. It is like they tried to write a sonnet in free verse, you won't have a sonnet anymore.
As for the athletic stuff, I'll just keep my imagination memories, (which were a little more akin to Robin Hood in tights) for the dragon fight. With costuming this poor, can an Emmy nomination be far behind?
On a brighter side, Chronicles of Narnia looked better than I'd hoped.
Sympathies on the loss of your dog, Lauren.
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fleur-de-lys - May 9, 2005 5:24 am (#1866 of 2981) Reply
First, Happy Belated Mother's Day to all mothers and mother-to=be out there. I wanted to get on yesterday, but was told to put my feet up, so I did just that and read the day away. Wish it was HBP. But for those who were in the chat room Saturday nite, I finished that book, so its back to GoF.
Laruen, I am also sorry to hear about your dog. I have a kitty who's 11 and I don't know what I'll do when its her time. I've her longer than I've had my husband. Life just won't be the same. Its nice to know how many sympathetic and caring people are here on this forum.
Now, at the risk of many flying and flaming dungbombs, I would like to know what is this aversion everyone has with pink. I understand the book said her gown for the ball was blue, but can't Hermione be a tiny bit of a girl who likes to get dressed up and wear ruffles and bows and pink or purple? I'll admit it wasn't the most attractive dress style-wise, but I wouldn't have been surpurised to see it on the red carpet at the Oscar's. Oh well, I think its nice that Hermione gets to wear some pink girly things, nothing wrong with that. Also, I think the kids wearing more muggle clothes really brings the wizarding world and the muggle world together and helps the real-life muggles, who are out there enjoying the movies, to get a sense that these kids may be magical but they are also human just like them. All this should probably be on the movie thread, but its being discussed here, so there's M2K.
**awaiting flying dungbombs for liking pink**
PS: How many crockpots do you have? Electric ones, that is.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 9, 2005 5:25 am (#1867 of 2981) Reply
I had no idea they were making a Chronicles of Narnia movie. I'd better read those books. Tout de suite.
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Springtime - May 9, 2005 5:48 am (#1868 of 2981) Reply
Hi everyone I hope all mother's had a great day yesterday. I did even if it was spent cleaning up after my husband's surprise birthday party. it went of without a hitch. everyone had a great time and he was very surprised. I also spent the evening watching my son play ball hockey which his team won! (now to put up my feet and have a delayed mothers day with a quiet house:)
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Cornelia - May 9, 2005 6:21 am (#1869 of 2981) Reply
Lauren- I am really sorry to hear about your dog. *hands over a big cup of strong sweet tea*
I can remember how terrible it was when our dog was put to sleep two years ago. That is the main reason why I don´t want to have a dog again (beside our constant moves).
I´m wondering if there is an old Narnia film? Or is the one you are talking about the first one?
Elanor- How was your holiday? Nice? Weather and food fine? Good holiday reading?
Tomorrow we´ll have dinner with a new fellow worker. They move here from Brasilia in summer. I´m eager to get to know them, they have little kids like we. I´ll ask him if he has ever met a certain Boa Constrictor...
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Denise P. - May 9, 2005 6:35 am (#1870 of 2981) Reply
The trailer for Narnia looks good. I know there was an animated version of Narnia years ago, actually a fairly good one. I seem to recall a live version, with people but I am not sure I remember it correctly.
Yay! The sickies seem to have left my house, everyone is at school today and I can get all the errands I didn't get done last week finally done.
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Penny Lane. - May 9, 2005 6:56 am (#1871 of 2981) Reply
There was also a "Live Action" version of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" that I recall renting from my library when I was young. I think it was made for TV, and was pretty horrid. I think they made the whole series as well, but I only saw "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and part of either "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" or "Prince Caspian". Of course, they could have combined them. *runs off to imdb*
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Fawkes Forever - May 9, 2005 7:39 am (#1872 of 2981) Reply
Hey Guys,
'Tis nice to be back amongst my fellow potties
It's been far too long. Unfortunately there are far too many posts to catch up on here (about 700), so I'm sorry for not reading through them.
I had a bit of a major family crisis over the last few weeks, so I wasn't able to call in (or even function properly). Without boring you with all the details, it was that a cousin of mine went missing without a trace. We were all beside ourselves with worry, and run off our feet trying to coordinate searches, & work with two sets of Police Forces (North & South of Ireland). That & dealing with members of the press. I've met so many potential Rita Skeeters over the past few weeks to do me a lifetime. Thankfully my cousin has now been found safe, and we are all so relieved. So I'm now playing catchup with my life, work & of course the forum!
Delighted to see that the teaser trailer has been released, & I'm on such a high today anyways, that I'm thinking things are just getting better & better. Anyways, better get back to work (just wanted to say hi). The Dementors have been extremely understanding these past few weeks, even assisting with the missing campaign, that perhaps they have a little soul left in them after all *looks over shoulder & has another sneaky peek at the trailer* Talking of the trailer & the extra bits of 'behind the scenes' footage, whats with Hermiones 'frilly pink pansy'eske' dress? Hmmm, better keep that rant for another thread....
TTFN ~ Fawkes
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Ydnam96 - May 9, 2005 7:59 am (#1873 of 2981) Reply
Yes, there were some live action Narnia movies made for the BBC years ago. Their quality is, well, rather lacking.
These movies on the other hand look like they will be amazing. Of course I am biased as they used WETA and I am a Lord of the Rings fanatic and loved the work WETA did for those movies. I am hoping that they do all 7 movies!!!!!
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librarian314 - May 9, 2005 8:05 am (#1874 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Lauren--so sorry about your pet! I had to put my bunny of 7 years to sleep the week after I gave birth to my daughter. I was a wreck! Even after 6 years, I still miss Hasenpfeffer (Yes, I named her after the German rabbit dish. My family has a tendency for oddly named pets. The dog named my grandparents' cat Ralph, I named a gerbil Squirrel, and my father has had "Dog" and "J.D." (Just Dog))
Acceber -- Congrats on the silver medal at the drama festival!
I had a great Mothers' Day. I put a dress I'm hand stitching, with hand spun thread in a competition and it won in the category of best garment. My daughter made me a really great card that talked about "Harey Poter". (I imagine a brown rabbit with a white lightning bolt on his forehead :-) ) I spent the day at Maryland Sheep and Wool festival and got a really cool broom. (To see a photo of my new broom and the card from my daughter click here ==> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bunwynna/my_photos and then click on New Harry Potter Stuff). I had one person tell me that they thought it looked like a witch's broom, which was why I picked it ;-). I wore my Mrs. Weasley sweater and got lots of compliments and I got to hang out with my darling hubby, daughter, and in-laws. Overall, it was a great day.
As a former costume designer (one of my majors in college was theatrical costuming), the costumes are not entirely in the hands of the costume designer. One of the reasons I did not pursue costume design as a career is that I had one too many run-ins with directors that had “ideas” on what the costumes should be and wouldn’t let me pursue my vision of what they should be. (One of the worst hissy fits I’ve ever had was over costumes for Henry V; I was spitting mad and that’s not somewhere I get to easily. People are regularly surprised when I pull out my stern mommy voice.) Designers work in tandem with directors, but it is the directors that approve the designs.
I looked at a screen capture of Hermione’s dress and thought it looked appropriate for a prom type of dance. Periwinkle, while a lovely color, (I’m fond of it myself) is often used for little old lady dresses and dresses for mothers of the bride/groom, not for beautiful young women who are the cusp of womanhood. The muted hot pink chosen for the dress symbolizes both the purity of her youth (pink is often associated with maidenhood) but also her impending adulthood, thus the more vibrant rather than pastel shade.
The cut looked similar to a dress I made for my trousseau in 1991. It had short, flutter style sleeves and a similarly flared skirt (but without the tiers). Hopefully the designers looked at what had been popular in the early mid 1990s and based the design on that.
Y’all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Catherine - May 9, 2005 8:07 am (#1875 of 2981) Reply
Hmm. Maybe Hermione is in a pink dress in GoF because she's going to get all of Pansy's lines, too! I wonder if this will affect the 'Ship Uniting the Houses thread?
Thanks for the info on the Narnia films being made. Ooh, goody! ::claps hands in delight::
Happy Monday.
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Julia. - May 9, 2005 9:23 am (#1876 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, I have a thing about periwinkle. It's not that I object to pink, I think pink is a lovely color and I myelf have been known to wear it. My objection to the dress is mostly in that pink is such a stretch from periwinkle. I also agree with whoever it was who said that putting the kids in muggle cloths makes them seem more like muggles so that the non Potties seeing it can identify more with the characters. That's my problem. These are wizards we're talking about, not muggles, and the fact that these wonderful books are essentially being 'dummed down' offends me. Subtlety is completely lost on the movie makers, and that's really what bothers me.
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 9:46 am (#1877 of 2981) Reply
Julia, I think the use of "muggle" clothing is meant to make the characters more approachable and understandable. These books have been so condensed to fit all of the ideas into a short period of time. Costuming can help tell who a person is, how they are feeling, how they relate to their environment, their social status etc... By, using "muggle" shorthand in the costuming, the designers and director are, in my opinion, trying to get the mostly "muggle" audience in on what is going on easier so they can focus on the story. This is one reason why I believe the boys dress robes look more like tuxes. We visually understand all the meanings and context of a teenage boy in a tux much easier than understanding teenage boys in frilly, colorful "choir robes". I think the use of "muggle" clothing is a good choice on the part of the design team. They are showing that these children are becoming more independent from school even though they are in the middle of the school. They are having social interactions and adventures that have nothing to do with formal education and the absence of school uniforms helps clarify that distinction. While we potties may understand and desire to see real dress robes I think it's possible that that choice could alienate some of the audience and using a clothing language they already understand helps them relate more. As for Hermione and pink, I am not bothered by it either. I know there are many fans who will hate Hermione frilly and feminine, but she is a 15 year old girl who spends all of her time around boys. I think it is understandable that she would want something girly, and honestly she isn't in lace and cabbage roses ala Laura Ashley, it could be worse. Besides the reasons librarian314 listed I also think the pink could be a nod to the Gryffindor colors, using a softer lighter red instead of a Ravenclaw blue or Slytherin green etc... So those are my thoughts.
Fawkes Forever - I am so happy to hear that your cousin was found safe and that things are settling back down to normal for you. I wish you oodles and oodles of normal to make up for all of the extraordinary you've had lately.
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Elanor - May 9, 2005 9:48 am (#1878 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! I hope you'll forgive me but I just skimmed through the numerous posts that have been written since I went on holidays. I'm sending cheering charms to all of you who need some (Gryffendora, Lauren, Fawkes and everyone else who needs some! ).
Those days at the seaside were great (thanks Cornelia!), though the weather was not that good, cloudy with some bright intervals and a rather cold invigorating wind. Well, I thought I would buy some T-shirts there (they're always great in sailor's clothes shops) but I bought a fleece sweatshirt instead (they make them great too!). But we had a lot of fun! My brother had brought the old family boat (a kind of Zodiac), some of us walked a lot but not me since my ankle can't make it, especially on the sand, so I stayed with the ones who were doing some surfcasting fishing and we took some basses, small but tasty. Everytime I am on the "wild coast", watching the rollers dying on the sand I feel as if I hadn't breath properly during the last months!
We also visited some nice villages and did justice to the local specialties, beginning with fish and sea food (the most famous French oisters - Marennes-Oléron- are produced there) but also a local "potion" called "Pineau des Charentes", made of grape fruit and Cognac (also produced there), really delicious. If you ever have the chance of tasting some (and you're "of age"!), don't hesitate!
The only good thing in the come back is that I could visit the forum again. I missed you all! I was smiling when I had "HP moments" there, thinking that I will have to post them on the "you know you're a HP/lex fan when..." thread (which I did!).
So, I have seen the GoF trailer too and, well, I'm kind of a bit disappointed. The maze looks great and I rather liked the Beauxbatons' girls costumes, though what I saw of Madame Maxime reminded me more of Cruella DeVil than of Madame Maxime and I wish there would be Beauxbaton boys as well. I didn't like Hermione's dress either. But what bothered me the most was the first task: where is "the gigantic black" Hungarian Horntail??? I had seen some "pictures" of it before but I was hoping some special effects would turn that Jurassic Park escapee into a proper first task dragon, but alas, earwax! Well, at least we have some time to get used to it till november!
Sorry for the long post! Have a great Monday everybody!
Edit: **waving to GryffEndora** I hope you feel better!
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Loopy Lupin - May 9, 2005 9:58 am (#1879 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 9, 2005 10:46 am
These are wizards we're talking about, not muggles, and the fact that these wonderful books are essentiaily being 'dummed down' offends me. – Julia
Well....
On these types of questions, I would refer everyone to JKR's answer to the question of what she thought about the Marauder's backstory being left out of POA. She was fine with it and understands that different issues and considerations come into play when one is making a film adaptation. If she's fine with these things, we probably should try to make peace with them ourselves.
EDIT-- Oh yes. And here's wishing Catherine luck in her tasks for today.
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 10:02 am (#1880 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Elanor! *waves excitedly to Elanor* I am feeling much better, thanks for the cheering charms! I'm glad you had a great holiday and happy to have you back.
Loopy Lupin, that is excellent advice, I'll do my best!
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Detail Seeker - May 9, 2005 11:29 am (#1881 of 2981) Reply
Good to hear, Fawkes, that your cousin reappeared. I hope you all can cure the background behind the disappearing.
After watching the trailer, I just ask myself, why they had to give Ron such an ugly hair (non-)cut - especially as we learned in GoF, that Mrs. Weasley does not approve of long hair. I also agree about it being a bad idea, if they really made Beauxbatons an all girls school.
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kabloink! - May 9, 2005 11:58 am (#1882 of 2981) Reply
I have several comments on the pink thing, but I'm going to post them on a more appropriate thread.
Fawkes, I'm very glad that your cousin was foud safe and sound.
Lauren I am very sorry to hear about you dog.
I was so looking forward to having time off, and now I'm sick and bored-on my first day of freedom! Happy Monday everyone!
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The giant squid - May 9, 2005 1:04 pm (#1883 of 2981) Reply
Giant Squid--Did you really just quote Real Genius?--Accio Sirius
I did. I really did. Real Genius is one of my favorite movies (Hi, Ticker!). I like the sharp wit and underlying air of sarcasm. And I hate popcorn.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies on the Forum! And a special happy Mother's Day to Betty, or Forum Mom!—Julia
See, that's exactly what I intended to say yesterday. Unfortunately, betwen Mother's Day activities and a friend's spur-of-the-moment wedding (in Vegas? That never happens!) I was away from my computer all day. The horrors!
Welcome back to everyone who's been away, condolences who need them and best wishes to all the rest.
--Mike
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I Am Used Vlad - May 9, 2005 2:11 pm (#1884 of 2981) Reply
I actually have VHS copies of the BBC's movie adaptations of the first three Narnia books. I don't know if they did the whole series, but from what I saw of the ones I have, they're pretty bad. The trailer for the new version looks good, though, and it will give me a reason to finally reread all the books.
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Dumbledore - May 9, 2005 3:06 pm (#1885 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the well-wishes on my dog everybody. I was feeling really down about the whole situation and you guys not only helped me get my spirits up, but to feel better about the whole process as well, and I really appreciate that.
Hope you had a great time on vacation, Elanor.
Fawkes, glad your cousin was found. And yes, I agree that there are too many Rita Skeeter types in the world.
Catherine, Loopy Lupin wished you luck with your tasks. Whatever they are, I wish you the best as well.
Acceber, congrats on the play!
I have some good news! In school we take the National French Exam (it's actually called Le Grand Concours), but not only did I come in first place for my county, but fifth place out of the 103,614 kids who took it in the whole nation! :-D I know it sounds like I'm boasting, but I'm truly happy about this one.
Have an excellent week, everybody.
Always, Lauren
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Accio Sirius - May 9, 2005 3:17 pm (#1886 of 2981) Reply
Lauren,
I don't think you were boasting, but you have every right to--Congrats!
Mike, Real Genius does have one of the most creative uses for popcorn of any movie I've seen. BTW, doesn't your hatred of popcorn create a conflict of interest at your job? ; ) RG is one of those movies that I just can't resist tuning in to when I see it on. I guess it's what you call a guilty pleasure. Don't Tell Mom the Baby sitter's Dead is another one, mainly for the hilarious clothes and a baby-faced David Duchovny! I am actually ashamed to admit to that one!
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 3:18 pm (#1887 of 2981) Reply
Wow! Way to Go Lauren! That's awesome! I definitely think you deserve a pat on the back! *Hands Lauren a Butterbeer*
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Denise P. - May 9, 2005 3:43 pm (#1888 of 2981) Reply
Don't Tell Mom the Baby sitter's Dead is another one, mainly for the hilarious clothes and a baby-faced David Duchovny! I am actually ashamed to admit to that one!
Oh, a totally cheesy movie that is so fun to watch is Night of the Comet. We actually saw this in the theater and will stop to watch it if we pass it, it is just so silly. A death comet goes over Los Angeles and pretty much the only ones who survive are a couple of Valley Girl sisters. Naturally, some other bad guys and a few hunks but still....total silliness.
When my daughter was about 12, she had a sleepover. Her friends wanted a scary movie (we had rented Milo and Otis for them) and all we had that even came close to a scary movie was Night of the Comet. They wanted Jason, Freddy and that kind of scary! Eeek! Even then, my 12 year didn't watch that stuff. She is now 23 and she still doesn't watch them. Me either, for that matter.
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Eponine - May 9, 2005 5:16 pm (#1889 of 2981) Reply
When I was younger, our standard scary sleepover movie was Watcher in the Woods, a Disney 'scary' movie. It scared us all out of our wits, we screamed and had a good time with it. I re-watched it several years ago and couldn't believe how funny it really is. Age makes quite a difference.
Lauren, congratulations! You definitely earned some bragging rights with that!
We're off to the beach for a couple of days, so if anyone wants to send some good weather charms our way, I'd be greatly appreciative.
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Julia. - May 9, 2005 8:07 pm (#1890 of 2981) Reply
Good evening everyone.
Fawkes, I'm so glad your cousin has returned safely. I'm quite sure your whole family was sick with worry, and I'm quite relieved for you that you can now stop worrying.
Lauren, mazel tov on your French exam! I had friends who used to take that exam, and I don't think they ever did that well! *hands Lauren butterbeer*
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Amilia Smith - May 9, 2005 11:24 pm (#1891 of 2981) Reply
Well, I went back to work today. Apparently two of my former coworkers got into a huge fight with the new manager, and either quit or were fired. I'm not quite sure. But the upshot is, they are now short handed, and so called me up Saturday and asked if I would be willing to come back to work for the week before I leave (for Hawaii!!!! yah!).
I am also excited about the trailer for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I know the old BBC version went at least to The Silver Chair, but I don't know if they did the last 3 books or not. And yes, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader were combined.
Shannon: I would like to recommend Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next books. I rave on and on about them over in the Recommended Reading thread Pinky pointed you to. The first one is The Eyre Affair.
A while back, someone (Diaoma?) asked for a link to the Baby Blues website. They are a hoot. I hope you enjoy them. I started reading them back when Wanda (the mom) was expecting Zoe (the first). The oldest archive available on the website, though, is from when Zoe was a toddler learning how to speak. I like the way the kids grow up over time. The Family Circus kids just stayed the same age forever, but we get to watch the Baby Blues kids grow up.
Also from a few days ago, KWeldon asked British forumers why if a prime minister wins an election but not by a landslide that he may have to step down before his term is up? Well, I'm not British, and I don't really know the answer, but this is what I remember about the British political system from my History of Modern Britain class. (Please correct me if I say anything that is wrong. I am going from memory here; couldn't even find my lecture notes on the subject.) The Prime Minister can call a general election at any time he or she chooses, provided he does not let more than 5 years elapse between elections. Therefore, it is in the PM's interest to call an election when things are going really well, and his popularity is high. If there never is such a time, he must call elections at the 5 year mark. If something goes drastically wrong under his watch, or a scandal breaks involving the PM, he is expected to hand in his resignation. I think that is just an unwritten rule, the way things are done, but not really set in stone.
Well . . . that's what I get for trying to answer a question I really know next to nothing about. :-)
Mills.
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The giant squid - May 10, 2005 12:10 am (#1892 of 2981) Reply
doesn't your hatred of popcorn create a conflict of interest at your job?--Accio Sirius
Actually, the job contributed to it. Getting all the popcorn you can eat sounds great, but it wears off quickly--especially since theaters are notoriously tight on the payroll & the free popcorn is all you can afford to eat some days! Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 10, 2005 4:12 am (#1893 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, Loopy Lupin wished you luck with your tasks. Whatever they are, I wish you the best as well.
Thanks!
Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food. --Squid Mike
Ooh, like Junior Mints, Reese Cups, and M&Ms?
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Loopy Lupin - May 10, 2005 5:25 am (#1894 of 2981) Reply
Hello all. I hope everyone has a good Tuesday.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 10, 2005 6:03 am (#1895 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I'm looking forward to hearing how your Monday went.
Loopy, if you'd stay on MSN for more than 30 seconds I could respond to your messages. **throws Loopy a mildly frustrated look**
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Thora- May 10, 2005 7:33 am (#1896 of 2981) Reply
Go Lauren!!!!!!!!
Don't worry you can brag all you want, that's what "Hopelessly addicted to Harry Potter" support groups are all about, supporting each other.
Thora
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Demonic Kitty - May 10, 2005 3:24 pm (#1897 of 2981) Reply
Good Evans II-PS - Demonic Kitty - how do you pronounce your home town (Tecumseh)? its a new one on me and I'm curious
It's pronounced Teh-COME-suh. It's really a township not a town (which annoys me) and ya. Could go into more ranting detail but afraid to bore people.
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boop - May 10, 2005 4:11 pm (#1898 of 2981) Reply
Sorry About The late Birthday Post: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIP!!!!!
Only 30 more hours of work then I have 2 days off. I lose track of days with the 11 ten hour days. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Hug Always
boop
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The giant squid - May 10, 2005 5:31 pm (#1899 of 2981) Reply
Okay, I know I've been on the Forum for over a year now, because I remember Kip's birthday last year. Happy Birthday, O Moderator Maximus!
Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food. --Me
Ooh, like Junior Mints, Reese Cups, and M&Ms?—Catherine
Sadly, of those three items the only one offered by Regal theaters is M&Ms. We don't have Junior mints, Good & Plenty, Raisinets...you know, "movie theater candy". We do, however, sell Skwinkles Sour Straws--the #1 selling candy in Mexico.
Wow, it's been a slow day. Seventeen and a half hours since my last post & only 8 posts! I'm pretty sure that's a record...
(((hugs boop)))
--Mike
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Steve Newton - May 10, 2005 5:50 pm (#1900 of 2981) Reply
Boop, apologies for leaving you in the chat room the other night. I got called away and neglected to let you know.[/i][/i]
Helen Potterfan - May 8, 2005 11:53 am (#1851 of 2981) Reply
Sorry to post again so soon, but I just have to. The WB has launched the GoF web site, so everyone who missed the trailers last night can see the trailer there. They also have the official movie poster up. If you click on it you will see that Harry is wearing a jersey-like warm-up suit, complete with stripes on the arms and legs and the number 4!!!! I think this is horrible! Why are these directors trying so hard to muggleize the students?!!?!! This is the worst WB HP poster I've seen. If you want to see, you can find it here .
EDIT: I watched the trailer again, and it appears that Harry is competing in a uniform, complete with a cape-like jacket (big sleeves) over a red shirt with yellow stripes, as well as the Hogwarts crest on the chest. On the back is his name and number. I'm really miffed!! BTW, if you type gobletoffire.com, you also go to the official movie site.
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azi - May 8, 2005 12:41 pm (#1852 of 2981) Reply
Accio HBP - if that poster is really official I will be more ashamed of the movies than I am now. Basically because Harry Potter is now what me and most people in my area call 'chavs'. What he's wearing is foul! Besides, they didn't have a uniform when they were competing in the book anyway! Ok...*breathes deep breaths*...rant over. Grrrr
Lauren, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Big hug along with everyone else!
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haymoni - May 8, 2005 1:23 pm (#1853 of 2981) Reply
I'm guessing that pink is being used because Ron finally sees Hermione as a girl.
I guess they figured he wouldn't have been able to catch on if she was wearing periwinkle.
Hope everyone had a great Mother's Day.
I'll be watching "The Contender" tonight.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 8, 2005 1:32 pm (#1854 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, at least you were able to spend eight wonderful years with him. It isn't much solice but at least you will have cherished memories.
I watched CoS in Canada last night and thanks to the CBC (Canadian Broadcast Network) they took full advantage of the situation and instead of allowing us to see the previews and interviews I got to see current flicks of a special that they are making on the famed Canada/Russia Hockey series of 72. The joy of living in Canada,non stop hockey, strike or not. I unfortunately know more about hockey then I'd ever desired to know.........blah, blah, it's like getting a vomit flavored Bott's Every Flavored Bean in my mouth!
I must say the wait for book 6 is excruciating and I am running out of fresh reading material. Can anyone recommend some Harry Potteresque type books that might be a good read? I'd heard about one author in the US who'd written about a book wich a school and a sport very similar to HP world, and a second about the last two wizards in London (but unfortunately didn't think to write down the titles). Your suggestions would be wonderful.....Thanks!
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pottermom34 - May 8, 2005 1:34 pm (#1855 of 2981) Reply
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and future moms.
My girls got me 2 potted roses they are full of buds. I'm going to plant them tomorrow they are huge.
What did everyone else get for their moms or from their kids?
Congrats to all graduates and exam finishers.
I tell you this has been a long week, I'm glad it's finally over! *knocks on wood* It started out with me falling at work on Sunday, I didn't get hurt except maybe my pride, luckily no one saw it. My kids and husband have all been brats this week.
Thursday I broke a plate in my kitchen it shattered into a million pieces. And the service engine soon light came on in my van. Turned out to be a blown head gasket. There goes $1300.
Friday started out good, My daughter's class had a "muffins with Mom" day in which I got to go to her class and have muffins and juice and the kids sang songs and each told why their mom was special. It was nice but then my girls turned into monsters.
Then, on Saturday I was working at the camel rides and the baby camel figured out how to untie himself from the post so I had to go and try to catch him. Luckily he ran straight to the guy in charge of them (Joe). But Joe was giving a ride on one of the other camels. So I had to hold the baby until Joe was done and then the poor people on the other camel had to get down by themselves. Luckily they were adults so they didn't need any help. To top it off that was the first day of the girl working the cash register. So I couldn't expect her to do anything, she couldn't leave the register anyway. At least she didn't have a boring first day! The camel behaved well for me which was good considering it didn't know me. He was pretty slick too. I went one way and he went another. I had to run through a sand pit full of poo and didn't get any on me. Thank God.
I say if it wasn't for bad luck I would have none at all! My Mother's Day was good though. My daughter and I planted some flowers.
What did everyone think of the added scenes to CoS I thought most were pretty good, they helped piece it together better. I wonder if they'll come out with an extended version of SS and CoS on DVD or tape. That would be nice.
I don't think we should get too bent out of shape over some of the scenes we've seen, I mean it's expected that not all things are canon. Is there anything in the book that says anything about a uniform during the competition? If not, just because it doesn't say he wore one, doesn't mean he didn't we have to use our imagination to some degree when we read. I just think we sometimes tend to get too nit picky. I'm sure if JKR didn't like what they were doing she'd change it. Sorry if this sounded crabby, I'm just venting.
Michelle
P.S. Sorry this is long but I haven't been here in a couple days so had to make up for lost time.
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Lina - May 8, 2005 2:36 pm (#1856 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, sorry to hear about your dog. Sending you cheering charms.
The Mother Day is almost over here, but I guess it's not too late to wish a Happy Mothers day to all mums and all who feel like mums.
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mischa fan - May 8, 2005 3:46 pm (#1857 of 2981) Reply
I guess I am kind of late, but Happy Mother's Day to all our mothers here. Lauren, sorry to hear about your dog. GoF looks like it will be a good movie, despite the changes. The only thing that really bugged me was the dragon scene, Harry was supposed to do that challenge on his broom, but they show him on the ground.
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Acceber - May 8, 2005 4:39 pm (#1858 of 2981) Reply
Are you talking "Globe" as in Boston or "Globe" as in National Enquirer?-Lupin Kim.
That's the Boston Globe, sorry. I actually got one more actor after I posted that message, so I got four out of six and I was very proud of myself.
Happy Mothers' Day to all who fall into that category or will in a few months!
Hugs Lauren. I've never lost a pet personally, but my friend's puppy was run over by a car about a month ago, so I can relate.
~*waves to Puck* I love "meeting" fellow Massachusettsians.
Thank you to everyone who wished me well on my drama festival! We were loads of times better than we were in any dress rehearsal. The crowd laughed at all the right moments (and some wrong ones) and it was hard for us as actors to keep straight faces. By the end 'number,' a weird little dance routine, I was laughing uncontrollably and trying to dance at the same time. That's one of the reasons we got the silver medal instead of gold. There were seven schools competing and one gold, three silvers, and three bronzes to give out. We also got the award for Best Ensemble, which we'd been hoping for. I'm so proud of us and I can't wait to discuss what we're doing as our next show at drama club tomorrow.
If you're wondering, I know the deadline for the Writing Challenge on the FFF is up and I know I have to congratulate all the writers and judge the pieces , but I need my mum to read the posts and she's not home at the moment.
I probably should go read now. Talk to you all soon!
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Pinky - May 8, 2005 7:20 pm (#1859 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, if you scroll waaaay down on the forum, there is a section titled "Opinions on all things Harry Potter", and a thread within that called "Recommended Reading." That might be a good place for you to start.
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Puck - May 8, 2005 7:31 pm (#1860 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, so sorry. My Mom had to put my dog to sleep this fall. (I had moved out of the house years ago, but in my heart he was still mine.) I understand how hard it is to watch them struggle to get off the floor. It's a hard thing to do, you did the right thing to end his suffering. Hugs to you.
I had a quiet Mother's Day, as I wanted. Take out for dinner, bubbles in the tub, reading, quilting, even painted my nails. Daddy took the kids to the store for a bit, so for a while I had the house to myself!
I noticed the pink, but figured it likely showed better on camera. I think they are going for the main plot line, and unless JKR insists on something, take license with the details.
What were the added CoS scenes? Are they different from the ones in the "deleted scenes" section of the DVD. I admit, I basically fast forwarded through most of it to get to the trailers.
Have a great week everyone! Good job Acceber!
Kathy
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Julia. - May 8, 2005 7:40 pm (#1861 of 2981) Reply
Kathy, the added CoS scenes were the deleted scenes from the DVD. A few of them I wondered why they cut them in the first place, so it was nice to see them in the context of the movie.
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Ydnam96 - May 8, 2005 7:42 pm (#1862 of 2981) Reply
Oh, my. I had to work last night so I didn't get to see the GoF trailer or the other things ABC showed with CoS. I just heard that Disney and Weta (who did Lord of the Rings) are doing the Chronicles of Narnia!!!! That made my day! JRR Tolkien, JKR, and CS Lewis are my favorite authors!!!!
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kabloink! - May 8, 2005 9:48 pm (#1863 of 2981) Reply
Went online tonight to see the GoF trailer, I'm still grumbling about how they are continually putting Hermione in pink. I think the only combination of her and pink was her fluffy pink bathrobe in SS. SOmehow I had always imagined that as a gift from her parents, and she would have preferred a different color, or perhaps that sleepwear just doesn't count in the importance of color...oh well
Arg. I hate my job. I'm just not cut out for it. I have nothing against restaurant managers, my husband is a great one, but its just not for me. I really hope that I passed all of my classes and will thus be able to apply for "any bachelors degree" jobs...
Happy MOther's Day to everyone, a few hours late. I am not a mom myself, but my mother and grnadmother had been over all weekend for graduation festivities, and my husband made us all (my dad, too) egg mcmuffins for breakfast. I have a great hubby!
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dizzy lizzy - May 9, 2005 12:56 am (#1864 of 2981) Reply
Lauren, I'm sorry to hear the news about your dog. And many thanks to Phoenix song for putting it all into words.
I've had an OK day today. I did my telephone interviewing part of my workload and I am a lot tireder than normal with a bad headache.
My black dog, Sami, was so scared by something last night, he found a way to get underneath the house. How he did it I don't know, even little lucy wouldn't have managed it. Needless to say it took me 20 mins with a torch at 8.30pm at night to find the right section of boards to remove so he could be let out. He now has two nasty gashes on his belly, not deep and had stopped bleeding by the time he got released and a small open wound where the wire got him, which had also stopped bleeding by the time I got to him.
So it's salt water bathing and antibiotic cream (on vets advice) until tomorrow morning, when the 3 of them go to the vets for boarding for a week. They will look at it then and decide what to do, if anything. So today has been interesting, even if I don't feel interesting at the moment.
I'll see you all in a weeks’ time and have a great week everyone.
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 9, 2005 4:26 am (#1865 of 2981) Reply
Happy Brand New Week.
Perhaps the costume people thought Miss Watson would not look good in periwinkle? ~Julia
I guess they figured he wouldn't have been able to catch on (to her being a girl) if she was wearing periwinkle.~ Haymoni.
LOL Haymoni, subtlety was lost on the costume designers too. Add me to the list of those who are dissatisfied with the GoF costuming. Hermione's gown was just ugly and would have been bad in any color, but there was no excuse for going with pinkish mauve. Periwinkle is supposed to be one of the few universal colors that no one looks bad in, having a balance of yellow and blue undertones.
And maroon is a color that most redheads don't look good in, but did we see a trace of Ron's old lace? Or Malfoy as the Vicar? JKR went into so much detail describing the who-wore-what at the Yule Ball; the costume designers should have their artistic license revoked. It is like they tried to write a sonnet in free verse, you won't have a sonnet anymore.
As for the athletic stuff, I'll just keep my imagination memories, (which were a little more akin to Robin Hood in tights) for the dragon fight. With costuming this poor, can an Emmy nomination be far behind?
On a brighter side, Chronicles of Narnia looked better than I'd hoped.
Sympathies on the loss of your dog, Lauren.
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fleur-de-lys - May 9, 2005 5:24 am (#1866 of 2981) Reply
First, Happy Belated Mother's Day to all mothers and mother-to=be out there. I wanted to get on yesterday, but was told to put my feet up, so I did just that and read the day away. Wish it was HBP. But for those who were in the chat room Saturday nite, I finished that book, so its back to GoF.
Laruen, I am also sorry to hear about your dog. I have a kitty who's 11 and I don't know what I'll do when its her time. I've her longer than I've had my husband. Life just won't be the same. Its nice to know how many sympathetic and caring people are here on this forum.
Now, at the risk of many flying and flaming dungbombs, I would like to know what is this aversion everyone has with pink. I understand the book said her gown for the ball was blue, but can't Hermione be a tiny bit of a girl who likes to get dressed up and wear ruffles and bows and pink or purple? I'll admit it wasn't the most attractive dress style-wise, but I wouldn't have been surpurised to see it on the red carpet at the Oscar's. Oh well, I think its nice that Hermione gets to wear some pink girly things, nothing wrong with that. Also, I think the kids wearing more muggle clothes really brings the wizarding world and the muggle world together and helps the real-life muggles, who are out there enjoying the movies, to get a sense that these kids may be magical but they are also human just like them. All this should probably be on the movie thread, but its being discussed here, so there's M2K.
**awaiting flying dungbombs for liking pink**
PS: How many crockpots do you have? Electric ones, that is.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 9, 2005 5:25 am (#1867 of 2981) Reply
I had no idea they were making a Chronicles of Narnia movie. I'd better read those books. Tout de suite.
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Springtime - May 9, 2005 5:48 am (#1868 of 2981) Reply
Hi everyone I hope all mother's had a great day yesterday. I did even if it was spent cleaning up after my husband's surprise birthday party. it went of without a hitch. everyone had a great time and he was very surprised. I also spent the evening watching my son play ball hockey which his team won! (now to put up my feet and have a delayed mothers day with a quiet house:)
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Cornelia - May 9, 2005 6:21 am (#1869 of 2981) Reply
Lauren- I am really sorry to hear about your dog. *hands over a big cup of strong sweet tea*
I can remember how terrible it was when our dog was put to sleep two years ago. That is the main reason why I don´t want to have a dog again (beside our constant moves).
I´m wondering if there is an old Narnia film? Or is the one you are talking about the first one?
Elanor- How was your holiday? Nice? Weather and food fine? Good holiday reading?
Tomorrow we´ll have dinner with a new fellow worker. They move here from Brasilia in summer. I´m eager to get to know them, they have little kids like we. I´ll ask him if he has ever met a certain Boa Constrictor...
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Denise P. - May 9, 2005 6:35 am (#1870 of 2981) Reply
The trailer for Narnia looks good. I know there was an animated version of Narnia years ago, actually a fairly good one. I seem to recall a live version, with people but I am not sure I remember it correctly.
Yay! The sickies seem to have left my house, everyone is at school today and I can get all the errands I didn't get done last week finally done.
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Penny Lane. - May 9, 2005 6:56 am (#1871 of 2981) Reply
There was also a "Live Action" version of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" that I recall renting from my library when I was young. I think it was made for TV, and was pretty horrid. I think they made the whole series as well, but I only saw "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and part of either "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" or "Prince Caspian". Of course, they could have combined them. *runs off to imdb*
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Fawkes Forever - May 9, 2005 7:39 am (#1872 of 2981) Reply
Hey Guys,
'Tis nice to be back amongst my fellow potties
It's been far too long. Unfortunately there are far too many posts to catch up on here (about 700), so I'm sorry for not reading through them.
I had a bit of a major family crisis over the last few weeks, so I wasn't able to call in (or even function properly). Without boring you with all the details, it was that a cousin of mine went missing without a trace. We were all beside ourselves with worry, and run off our feet trying to coordinate searches, & work with two sets of Police Forces (North & South of Ireland). That & dealing with members of the press. I've met so many potential Rita Skeeters over the past few weeks to do me a lifetime. Thankfully my cousin has now been found safe, and we are all so relieved. So I'm now playing catchup with my life, work & of course the forum!
Delighted to see that the teaser trailer has been released, & I'm on such a high today anyways, that I'm thinking things are just getting better & better. Anyways, better get back to work (just wanted to say hi). The Dementors have been extremely understanding these past few weeks, even assisting with the missing campaign, that perhaps they have a little soul left in them after all *looks over shoulder & has another sneaky peek at the trailer* Talking of the trailer & the extra bits of 'behind the scenes' footage, whats with Hermiones 'frilly pink pansy'eske' dress? Hmmm, better keep that rant for another thread....
TTFN ~ Fawkes
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Ydnam96 - May 9, 2005 7:59 am (#1873 of 2981) Reply
Yes, there were some live action Narnia movies made for the BBC years ago. Their quality is, well, rather lacking.
These movies on the other hand look like they will be amazing. Of course I am biased as they used WETA and I am a Lord of the Rings fanatic and loved the work WETA did for those movies. I am hoping that they do all 7 movies!!!!!
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librarian314 - May 9, 2005 8:05 am (#1874 of 2981) Reply
Hey all!
Lauren--so sorry about your pet! I had to put my bunny of 7 years to sleep the week after I gave birth to my daughter. I was a wreck! Even after 6 years, I still miss Hasenpfeffer (Yes, I named her after the German rabbit dish. My family has a tendency for oddly named pets. The dog named my grandparents' cat Ralph, I named a gerbil Squirrel, and my father has had "Dog" and "J.D." (Just Dog))
Acceber -- Congrats on the silver medal at the drama festival!
I had a great Mothers' Day. I put a dress I'm hand stitching, with hand spun thread in a competition and it won in the category of best garment. My daughter made me a really great card that talked about "Harey Poter". (I imagine a brown rabbit with a white lightning bolt on his forehead :-) ) I spent the day at Maryland Sheep and Wool festival and got a really cool broom. (To see a photo of my new broom and the card from my daughter click here ==> http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bunwynna/my_photos and then click on New Harry Potter Stuff). I had one person tell me that they thought it looked like a witch's broom, which was why I picked it ;-). I wore my Mrs. Weasley sweater and got lots of compliments and I got to hang out with my darling hubby, daughter, and in-laws. Overall, it was a great day.
As a former costume designer (one of my majors in college was theatrical costuming), the costumes are not entirely in the hands of the costume designer. One of the reasons I did not pursue costume design as a career is that I had one too many run-ins with directors that had “ideas” on what the costumes should be and wouldn’t let me pursue my vision of what they should be. (One of the worst hissy fits I’ve ever had was over costumes for Henry V; I was spitting mad and that’s not somewhere I get to easily. People are regularly surprised when I pull out my stern mommy voice.) Designers work in tandem with directors, but it is the directors that approve the designs.
I looked at a screen capture of Hermione’s dress and thought it looked appropriate for a prom type of dance. Periwinkle, while a lovely color, (I’m fond of it myself) is often used for little old lady dresses and dresses for mothers of the bride/groom, not for beautiful young women who are the cusp of womanhood. The muted hot pink chosen for the dress symbolizes both the purity of her youth (pink is often associated with maidenhood) but also her impending adulthood, thus the more vibrant rather than pastel shade.
The cut looked similar to a dress I made for my trousseau in 1991. It had short, flutter style sleeves and a similarly flared skirt (but without the tiers). Hopefully the designers looked at what had been popular in the early mid 1990s and based the design on that.
Y’all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Catherine - May 9, 2005 8:07 am (#1875 of 2981) Reply
Hmm. Maybe Hermione is in a pink dress in GoF because she's going to get all of Pansy's lines, too! I wonder if this will affect the 'Ship Uniting the Houses thread?
Thanks for the info on the Narnia films being made. Ooh, goody! ::claps hands in delight::
Happy Monday.
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Julia. - May 9, 2005 9:23 am (#1876 of 2981) Reply
Yeah, I have a thing about periwinkle. It's not that I object to pink, I think pink is a lovely color and I myelf have been known to wear it. My objection to the dress is mostly in that pink is such a stretch from periwinkle. I also agree with whoever it was who said that putting the kids in muggle cloths makes them seem more like muggles so that the non Potties seeing it can identify more with the characters. That's my problem. These are wizards we're talking about, not muggles, and the fact that these wonderful books are essentially being 'dummed down' offends me. Subtlety is completely lost on the movie makers, and that's really what bothers me.
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 9:46 am (#1877 of 2981) Reply
Julia, I think the use of "muggle" clothing is meant to make the characters more approachable and understandable. These books have been so condensed to fit all of the ideas into a short period of time. Costuming can help tell who a person is, how they are feeling, how they relate to their environment, their social status etc... By, using "muggle" shorthand in the costuming, the designers and director are, in my opinion, trying to get the mostly "muggle" audience in on what is going on easier so they can focus on the story. This is one reason why I believe the boys dress robes look more like tuxes. We visually understand all the meanings and context of a teenage boy in a tux much easier than understanding teenage boys in frilly, colorful "choir robes". I think the use of "muggle" clothing is a good choice on the part of the design team. They are showing that these children are becoming more independent from school even though they are in the middle of the school. They are having social interactions and adventures that have nothing to do with formal education and the absence of school uniforms helps clarify that distinction. While we potties may understand and desire to see real dress robes I think it's possible that that choice could alienate some of the audience and using a clothing language they already understand helps them relate more. As for Hermione and pink, I am not bothered by it either. I know there are many fans who will hate Hermione frilly and feminine, but she is a 15 year old girl who spends all of her time around boys. I think it is understandable that she would want something girly, and honestly she isn't in lace and cabbage roses ala Laura Ashley, it could be worse. Besides the reasons librarian314 listed I also think the pink could be a nod to the Gryffindor colors, using a softer lighter red instead of a Ravenclaw blue or Slytherin green etc... So those are my thoughts.
Fawkes Forever - I am so happy to hear that your cousin was found safe and that things are settling back down to normal for you. I wish you oodles and oodles of normal to make up for all of the extraordinary you've had lately.
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Elanor - May 9, 2005 9:48 am (#1878 of 2981) Reply
Hello everybody! I hope you'll forgive me but I just skimmed through the numerous posts that have been written since I went on holidays. I'm sending cheering charms to all of you who need some (Gryffendora, Lauren, Fawkes and everyone else who needs some! ).
Those days at the seaside were great (thanks Cornelia!), though the weather was not that good, cloudy with some bright intervals and a rather cold invigorating wind. Well, I thought I would buy some T-shirts there (they're always great in sailor's clothes shops) but I bought a fleece sweatshirt instead (they make them great too!). But we had a lot of fun! My brother had brought the old family boat (a kind of Zodiac), some of us walked a lot but not me since my ankle can't make it, especially on the sand, so I stayed with the ones who were doing some surfcasting fishing and we took some basses, small but tasty. Everytime I am on the "wild coast", watching the rollers dying on the sand I feel as if I hadn't breath properly during the last months!
We also visited some nice villages and did justice to the local specialties, beginning with fish and sea food (the most famous French oisters - Marennes-Oléron- are produced there) but also a local "potion" called "Pineau des Charentes", made of grape fruit and Cognac (also produced there), really delicious. If you ever have the chance of tasting some (and you're "of age"!), don't hesitate!
The only good thing in the come back is that I could visit the forum again. I missed you all! I was smiling when I had "HP moments" there, thinking that I will have to post them on the "you know you're a HP/lex fan when..." thread (which I did!).
So, I have seen the GoF trailer too and, well, I'm kind of a bit disappointed. The maze looks great and I rather liked the Beauxbatons' girls costumes, though what I saw of Madame Maxime reminded me more of Cruella DeVil than of Madame Maxime and I wish there would be Beauxbaton boys as well. I didn't like Hermione's dress either. But what bothered me the most was the first task: where is "the gigantic black" Hungarian Horntail??? I had seen some "pictures" of it before but I was hoping some special effects would turn that Jurassic Park escapee into a proper first task dragon, but alas, earwax! Well, at least we have some time to get used to it till november!
Sorry for the long post! Have a great Monday everybody!
Edit: **waving to GryffEndora** I hope you feel better!
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Loopy Lupin - May 9, 2005 9:58 am (#1879 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 9, 2005 10:46 am
These are wizards we're talking about, not muggles, and the fact that these wonderful books are essentiaily being 'dummed down' offends me. – Julia
Well....
On these types of questions, I would refer everyone to JKR's answer to the question of what she thought about the Marauder's backstory being left out of POA. She was fine with it and understands that different issues and considerations come into play when one is making a film adaptation. If she's fine with these things, we probably should try to make peace with them ourselves.
EDIT-- Oh yes. And here's wishing Catherine luck in her tasks for today.
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 10:02 am (#1880 of 2981) Reply
Welcome back Elanor! *waves excitedly to Elanor* I am feeling much better, thanks for the cheering charms! I'm glad you had a great holiday and happy to have you back.
Loopy Lupin, that is excellent advice, I'll do my best!
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Detail Seeker - May 9, 2005 11:29 am (#1881 of 2981) Reply
Good to hear, Fawkes, that your cousin reappeared. I hope you all can cure the background behind the disappearing.
After watching the trailer, I just ask myself, why they had to give Ron such an ugly hair (non-)cut - especially as we learned in GoF, that Mrs. Weasley does not approve of long hair. I also agree about it being a bad idea, if they really made Beauxbatons an all girls school.
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kabloink! - May 9, 2005 11:58 am (#1882 of 2981) Reply
I have several comments on the pink thing, but I'm going to post them on a more appropriate thread.
Fawkes, I'm very glad that your cousin was foud safe and sound.
Lauren I am very sorry to hear about you dog.
I was so looking forward to having time off, and now I'm sick and bored-on my first day of freedom! Happy Monday everyone!
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The giant squid - May 9, 2005 1:04 pm (#1883 of 2981) Reply
Giant Squid--Did you really just quote Real Genius?--Accio Sirius
I did. I really did. Real Genius is one of my favorite movies (Hi, Ticker!). I like the sharp wit and underlying air of sarcasm. And I hate popcorn.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies on the Forum! And a special happy Mother's Day to Betty, or Forum Mom!—Julia
See, that's exactly what I intended to say yesterday. Unfortunately, betwen Mother's Day activities and a friend's spur-of-the-moment wedding (in Vegas? That never happens!) I was away from my computer all day. The horrors!
Welcome back to everyone who's been away, condolences who need them and best wishes to all the rest.
--Mike
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I Am Used Vlad - May 9, 2005 2:11 pm (#1884 of 2981) Reply
I actually have VHS copies of the BBC's movie adaptations of the first three Narnia books. I don't know if they did the whole series, but from what I saw of the ones I have, they're pretty bad. The trailer for the new version looks good, though, and it will give me a reason to finally reread all the books.
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Dumbledore - May 9, 2005 3:06 pm (#1885 of 2981) Reply
Thanks for the well-wishes on my dog everybody. I was feeling really down about the whole situation and you guys not only helped me get my spirits up, but to feel better about the whole process as well, and I really appreciate that.
Hope you had a great time on vacation, Elanor.
Fawkes, glad your cousin was found. And yes, I agree that there are too many Rita Skeeter types in the world.
Catherine, Loopy Lupin wished you luck with your tasks. Whatever they are, I wish you the best as well.
Acceber, congrats on the play!
I have some good news! In school we take the National French Exam (it's actually called Le Grand Concours), but not only did I come in first place for my county, but fifth place out of the 103,614 kids who took it in the whole nation! :-D I know it sounds like I'm boasting, but I'm truly happy about this one.
Have an excellent week, everybody.
Always, Lauren
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Accio Sirius - May 9, 2005 3:17 pm (#1886 of 2981) Reply
Lauren,
I don't think you were boasting, but you have every right to--Congrats!
Mike, Real Genius does have one of the most creative uses for popcorn of any movie I've seen. BTW, doesn't your hatred of popcorn create a conflict of interest at your job? ; ) RG is one of those movies that I just can't resist tuning in to when I see it on. I guess it's what you call a guilty pleasure. Don't Tell Mom the Baby sitter's Dead is another one, mainly for the hilarious clothes and a baby-faced David Duchovny! I am actually ashamed to admit to that one!
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GryffEndora - May 9, 2005 3:18 pm (#1887 of 2981) Reply
Wow! Way to Go Lauren! That's awesome! I definitely think you deserve a pat on the back! *Hands Lauren a Butterbeer*
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Denise P. - May 9, 2005 3:43 pm (#1888 of 2981) Reply
Don't Tell Mom the Baby sitter's Dead is another one, mainly for the hilarious clothes and a baby-faced David Duchovny! I am actually ashamed to admit to that one!
Oh, a totally cheesy movie that is so fun to watch is Night of the Comet. We actually saw this in the theater and will stop to watch it if we pass it, it is just so silly. A death comet goes over Los Angeles and pretty much the only ones who survive are a couple of Valley Girl sisters. Naturally, some other bad guys and a few hunks but still....total silliness.
When my daughter was about 12, she had a sleepover. Her friends wanted a scary movie (we had rented Milo and Otis for them) and all we had that even came close to a scary movie was Night of the Comet. They wanted Jason, Freddy and that kind of scary! Eeek! Even then, my 12 year didn't watch that stuff. She is now 23 and she still doesn't watch them. Me either, for that matter.
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Eponine - May 9, 2005 5:16 pm (#1889 of 2981) Reply
When I was younger, our standard scary sleepover movie was Watcher in the Woods, a Disney 'scary' movie. It scared us all out of our wits, we screamed and had a good time with it. I re-watched it several years ago and couldn't believe how funny it really is. Age makes quite a difference.
Lauren, congratulations! You definitely earned some bragging rights with that!
We're off to the beach for a couple of days, so if anyone wants to send some good weather charms our way, I'd be greatly appreciative.
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Julia. - May 9, 2005 8:07 pm (#1890 of 2981) Reply
Good evening everyone.
Fawkes, I'm so glad your cousin has returned safely. I'm quite sure your whole family was sick with worry, and I'm quite relieved for you that you can now stop worrying.
Lauren, mazel tov on your French exam! I had friends who used to take that exam, and I don't think they ever did that well! *hands Lauren butterbeer*
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Amilia Smith - May 9, 2005 11:24 pm (#1891 of 2981) Reply
Well, I went back to work today. Apparently two of my former coworkers got into a huge fight with the new manager, and either quit or were fired. I'm not quite sure. But the upshot is, they are now short handed, and so called me up Saturday and asked if I would be willing to come back to work for the week before I leave (for Hawaii!!!! yah!).
I am also excited about the trailer for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I know the old BBC version went at least to The Silver Chair, but I don't know if they did the last 3 books or not. And yes, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader were combined.
Shannon: I would like to recommend Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next books. I rave on and on about them over in the Recommended Reading thread Pinky pointed you to. The first one is The Eyre Affair.
A while back, someone (Diaoma?) asked for a link to the Baby Blues website. They are a hoot. I hope you enjoy them. I started reading them back when Wanda (the mom) was expecting Zoe (the first). The oldest archive available on the website, though, is from when Zoe was a toddler learning how to speak. I like the way the kids grow up over time. The Family Circus kids just stayed the same age forever, but we get to watch the Baby Blues kids grow up.
Also from a few days ago, KWeldon asked British forumers why if a prime minister wins an election but not by a landslide that he may have to step down before his term is up? Well, I'm not British, and I don't really know the answer, but this is what I remember about the British political system from my History of Modern Britain class. (Please correct me if I say anything that is wrong. I am going from memory here; couldn't even find my lecture notes on the subject.) The Prime Minister can call a general election at any time he or she chooses, provided he does not let more than 5 years elapse between elections. Therefore, it is in the PM's interest to call an election when things are going really well, and his popularity is high. If there never is such a time, he must call elections at the 5 year mark. If something goes drastically wrong under his watch, or a scandal breaks involving the PM, he is expected to hand in his resignation. I think that is just an unwritten rule, the way things are done, but not really set in stone.
Well . . . that's what I get for trying to answer a question I really know next to nothing about. :-)
Mills.
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The giant squid - May 10, 2005 12:10 am (#1892 of 2981) Reply
doesn't your hatred of popcorn create a conflict of interest at your job?--Accio Sirius
Actually, the job contributed to it. Getting all the popcorn you can eat sounds great, but it wears off quickly--especially since theaters are notoriously tight on the payroll & the free popcorn is all you can afford to eat some days! Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 10, 2005 4:12 am (#1893 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, Loopy Lupin wished you luck with your tasks. Whatever they are, I wish you the best as well.
Thanks!
Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food. --Squid Mike
Ooh, like Junior Mints, Reese Cups, and M&Ms?
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Loopy Lupin - May 10, 2005 5:25 am (#1894 of 2981) Reply
Hello all. I hope everyone has a good Tuesday.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 10, 2005 6:03 am (#1895 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I'm looking forward to hearing how your Monday went.
Loopy, if you'd stay on MSN for more than 30 seconds I could respond to your messages. **throws Loopy a mildly frustrated look**
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Thora- May 10, 2005 7:33 am (#1896 of 2981) Reply
Go Lauren!!!!!!!!
Don't worry you can brag all you want, that's what "Hopelessly addicted to Harry Potter" support groups are all about, supporting each other.
Thora
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Demonic Kitty - May 10, 2005 3:24 pm (#1897 of 2981) Reply
Good Evans II-PS - Demonic Kitty - how do you pronounce your home town (Tecumseh)? its a new one on me and I'm curious
It's pronounced Teh-COME-suh. It's really a township not a town (which annoys me) and ya. Could go into more ranting detail but afraid to bore people.
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boop - May 10, 2005 4:11 pm (#1898 of 2981) Reply
Sorry About The late Birthday Post: HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIP!!!!!
Only 30 more hours of work then I have 2 days off. I lose track of days with the 11 ten hour days. Hope everyone is having a great week.
Hug Always
boop
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The giant squid - May 10, 2005 5:31 pm (#1899 of 2981) Reply
Okay, I know I've been on the Forum for over a year now, because I remember Kip's birthday last year. Happy Birthday, O Moderator Maximus!
Thankfully, I've moved past that point and can occasionally purchase real food. --Me
Ooh, like Junior Mints, Reese Cups, and M&Ms?—Catherine
Sadly, of those three items the only one offered by Regal theaters is M&Ms. We don't have Junior mints, Good & Plenty, Raisinets...you know, "movie theater candy". We do, however, sell Skwinkles Sour Straws--the #1 selling candy in Mexico.
Wow, it's been a slow day. Seventeen and a half hours since my last post & only 8 posts! I'm pretty sure that's a record...
(((hugs boop)))
--Mike
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Steve Newton - May 10, 2005 5:50 pm (#1900 of 2981) Reply
Boop, apologies for leaving you in the chat room the other night. I got called away and neglected to let you know.[/i][/i]
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 6:57 pm
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I Am Used Vlad - May 10, 2005 6:00 pm (#1901 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, Kip.
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Catherine - May 10, 2005 6:09 pm (#1902 of 2981) Reply
Sadly, of those three items the only one offered by Regal theaters is M&Ms. We don't have Junior mints, Good & Plenty, Raisinets...you know, "movie theater candy". We do, however, sell Skwinkles Sour Straws--the #1 selling candy in Mexico.--Squid Mike
No wonder Mike is skinny! Give the man some Junior Mints and Reese Cups, stat!
More importantly, however, is to wish Kip Happy Birthday, and to say that the Forum is lucky to have such a wizard so dedicated to its welfare.
On a completely unrelated topic, the animal control officer came back with another trap. I made sure that I waved to him as he dropped off the trap. My Humane Society friends think the entire situation is amusing, as they know this officer on a first name basis. They keep making jokes that he and I are even better acquainted now!
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GryffEndora - May 10, 2005 6:19 pm (#1903 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip! Thanks for helping keep this forum the best place to discuss all things Harry Potter and a safe haven for all us Potties!
Catherine, I hope you are getting at least a few chuckles out of this situation since you seem to be giving many people laughs galore at your expense.
Hope everyone had a happy Tuesday!
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Gina R Snape - May 10, 2005 6:22 pm (#1904 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, Kip!
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kabloink! - May 10, 2005 7:06 pm (#1905 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip!
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Ponine - May 10, 2005 7:09 pm (#1906 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Kip
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Ydnam96 - May 10, 2005 7:12 pm (#1907 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip!!!!
Busy busy day at work today. I'm about ready to go to bed and it's only 7pm here. But, the finale of the Amazing Race is on tonight (I think) so I'm gonna try and stay up for that.
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prof sprout - May 10, 2005 7:26 pm (#1908 of 2981) Reply
Kip Happy Birthday, and that means my birthday is next. :p
I have a small rant. Ignore if you would like.
As many of you know, I'm getting married in just over 30 days. Because of recent news articles about a certain runaway bride. I've been asked at least 50 times (no joke it could be more) "Are you going to hop a greyhound?" It is driving me insane, I might have to stop volunteering at St. Mungos and check myself in. What would they do, I'm one of the only chaperones there). So Public Service Announcement to anyone who knows someone that is getting married DO NOT ask if they are hopping on a bus to New Mexico. You'll save the bride’s sanity.( Rant over)
Again happy birthday to all.
Love, Prof Sprout
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Julia. - May 10, 2005 7:30 pm (#1909 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIP! *hands Kip butterbeer* hope you have a great day and an amazing year.
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Phreaker - May 10, 2005 8:06 pm (#1910 of 2981) Reply
happy birthday kip, from myself, kowalla, and shepherdess.
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Kip Carter - May 10, 2005 9:35 pm (#1911 of 2981) Reply
I thank each of you who wished me a Happy Birthday. I am both honored and humbled by your thoughtfulness. I wish I could say more; however I need to be brief being that I have a deadline to complete before 5:00am my time (that's approximately four and one half hours from now) and time is running out.
I explained earlier this evening my tightness of time on the new St. Mungo's thread of the Harry Potter Lexicon FanFiction Forum where there was a birthday party in progress.
Again, thanks to each of you for the Happy Birthday wishes!
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Lina - May 10, 2005 10:55 pm (#1912 of 2981) Reply
A very happy belated birthday, Kip !
I'm sorry to see that your friends have a very weird sense of humor, Prof Sprout. They are just jealous. Just take some chocolate (not too much, so that you can fit the wedding dress) and ignore them. I hope you will have a great weather, because the weather right now is not promising. I know I'm on the other side of the world (still north half), but it is snowing in the mountains and it is almost half of May...
My daughter has discovered that laughing is very healthy, so we pronounce a healthy day here and there and laugh all the day. May I say that your situation sound very healthy, Catherine?
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Elanor - May 11, 2005 12:24 am (#1913 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Kip! Joyeux anniversaire!
Here, it is sunny but rather cold and fresh which, if you listen to old people and gardeners, is absolutely normal since those days (May 11th, 12th and 13th) are known here as "the Saints of Ice" (les saints de glace). The name sounds weird but it comes from the fact that those days are saints' days of St Pancrace, St Mamert and St Gervais and that, a long time ago, some particular days were known by the name of the saint celebrated on that day. So, this saints are supposed to be "of ice" because it is said that each year, during those days, the weather is suddenly colder but it is the last time it is likely to freeze in the morning too. And wise gardeners never plants things that could freeze before May 14th. Of course, this is folk wisdom and is not taken very seriously anymore but, curiously enough, some serious studies have been made about those days and statistically, it comes to be rather true!
May is also the Cannes Film Festival month here and it starts tonight. I really like watching the "climbing the stairs" each day and the red carpet show some actors can't help but make. There are always great moments! I can't wait for seeing Sunday's since the Star Wars Episode III crew will be here for the Episode III preview on that day. It should be great! I've heard that an entire pontoon in Cannes is now being adjusted "à la SW" for Lucas'press conference, it will certainly be worth seeing!
Have a great day everybody. And congratulations Lauren! Or should I say : félicitations, c'est vraiment génial!
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Fawkes Forever - May 11, 2005 1:53 am (#1914 of 2981) Reply
Oops didn't mean to start a debate on Hermiones' dress robes... apologies for the 'throw away' comment... It is a nice dress & she looks fab.
Thanks GryffEndora, Detail Seeker, Kabloink, Lauren & Julia for your kind words. *big grins*. The good news is that life is returning to normal... the bad news... I've a LOT to catch up on in the real world & the forum world (Hey I just remembered I haven't called into St Mungos in a loooong time... opps!)
Happy belated birthday Kip, I seem to remember your party over in St Mungos last year! As I recall there are quite a number of forum birthdays in the next few weeks...
*sneeze*mine*sneeze*
Congrats Lauren, & no you're not boasting... you have a right to be proud of your achievements!
Betty, here's a cheering charm to get you through those nasty 11 hour work days!
Mike - surely you've been posting longer just over a year? Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like you've always been here. I'm not suggesting that you're part of the furniture or anything... but that table lamp does look a bit like a Squid. Then again I've only been posting... umm, let me think . . . oops . . *counts on fingers* . . .a year & eight months... 'Has it.. has it really?' (Arthur Weasley Style ), wow... didn't realise that. It always seems like everyone else has been here so much longer.
I'm laughing at the chat about the BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia. I actually liked them . I remember crying during 'The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe', when Aslan... well you know (no spoilers for those who haven't read the book or seen the series). A friend of mine got the BBC versions on DVD for Christmas... must borrow them & see if they are as good as I remember (probably not). I had a look at the video cover in a store a few weeks back & the kids look so young, I remember thinking that they were ... well, not exactly old... but I never thought of them as 'ickle' people... which they look like now! Hmmmm, I'm getting old
Right, I'd better go do some work... so must make it look like I've been working for the past week!
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Cornelia - May 11, 2005 2:23 am (#1915 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 11, 2005 2:58 am
Happy belated Birthday Kip!! Thank you!
Edit: Happy Birthday Prof. Sprout!
Thank you Betty, you know the birthdays of everybody!?
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The giant squid - May 11, 2005 2:32 am (#1916 of 2981) Reply
Fawkes, you were already here when I registered, so if you've been around 1 year 8 months, I can't have been here longer than 1 year, 7 months and 29 days.
Wish me luck, folks...I found out today that two of the four PoA LEGO sets I hadn't purchased yet (Professor Lupin's Classroom and Sirius Black's Escape) are now "retired" so I had to resort to eBay. While there I also found someone auctioning off the Hagrid's Hut set from SS and bid on that as well. I was the second bidder on Lupin's classroom and the first on the other two and they all end soon, so here's hoping! :crosses fingers: Apparently the only ones still available at the retail stores (online & physical) are Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts Castle, for those that were wondering. I was hoping they'd keep the PoA ones out a few more months--you know we won't be seeing the GoF ones until at least September.
--Mike
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boop - May 11, 2005 2:53 am (#1917 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Prof. Sprout, with many more to come!! Have great day.
--Hugs Mike back--
Fawkes, thank you for the cheering charms. I am sure they will get me through the rest of the week.
Happy Wednesday Everyone. Just two more days to get through.
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Chemyst - May 11, 2005 4:40 am (#1918 of 2981) Reply
Happy-by- now-belated, birthday, Kip.
...and on time happiness for prof. sprout.
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Marie E. - May 11, 2005 5:37 am (#1919 of 2981) Reply
Hello gang, I've been incredibly busy and tired lately but I promise to catch up this weekend. We had a horrible week at work last week so we blew off some steam by getting together after our teacher appreciation bowling party and somehow I ended up getting a new tattoo. I'll tell ya'll about it later. I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that I was still alive.
Squid Mike: Thanks for the Mother's Day card.
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Loopy Lupin - May 11, 2005 5:46 am (#1920 of 2981) Reply
Happy Belated Birthday Kip! Here' wishing you many more.
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Thora- May 11, 2005 6:09 am (#1921 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip and Prof Sprout (soon).
Speaking of runaway brides... that movie came out just after we got married and watching her walk up that aisle time and again I could really identify with her, man that was scarey. Anyway, blathering again.
Marie E., I was just thinking about you yesterday, good to hear your well and having fun.
My HBP gown is almost finished, just the jewelry left to do, I can't wait to post pics, I'm so proud of how it's turned out.
Thora
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pottermom34 - May 11, 2005 6:24 am (#1922 of 2981) Reply
happy belated birthday Kip, happy birthday Prof. Sprout.
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jose043 - May 11, 2005 6:44 am (#1923 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip & Prof.Sprout.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 11, 2005 7:33 am (#1924 of 2981) Reply
Thank you so much for the book references Pinky and Amilia Smith; I will be sure to check them both out!
Julia/Mischa Fan(Jim) - sorry to disappoint Jim but it appears that I will not be joining you in Slytherin house....I'm off to Gryffindor with Julia! I did five tests; three put me in Gryffindor and two put me in Ravenclaw so Slytherin is out!
Happy Wednesday all, and belated Birthday wishes! Today will be a petty jam packed day for me...first I will be heading to my daughter's school for her mother's day tea then it's home to get my daughter ready for her big dance recital this evening at the Community Auditorium!
Have to say that I will have to start watching a little better the tasks I do and books I read before bed...I was scrap booking last night then headed to bed to read a book on British Myth's and Legends and in particular a story about Boewulf and Grendel the monster. I have very little knowledge about dreams but let's just say that a dream in which scrap booking was mixed with a battle between a hero and a fiend left me very lost and confused this morning! I think I may have been taking pictures of the battle then scrap booking it while it was going on?
Have a great day everyone!
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Springtime - May 11, 2005 7:42 am (#1925 of 2981) Reply
happy belated birthday kip and happy birthday Prof Sprout.
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kabloink! - May 11, 2005 8:51 am (#1926 of 2981) Reply
I have to share my good news with all: my grades are in and.....I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!
You are now looking (erm, in a sense, I suppose) at the proud holder of a Bachelors of Arts in History with cognates in Political Science and English language and Literature from Michigan State University.
Okay, yeah I have no idea what I'm going to do now, but hey I have a degree!
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Gina R Snape - May 11, 2005 8:52 am (#1927 of 2981) Reply
Hey, I just wanted to pop in and say I got a B+ for Experimental Design! Thanks for the help, those who checked over my paper.
Happy birthday, Prof. Sprout.
Darn, I really need to find the time to visit St. Mungo's again. If I wait to long to go back...people will start to think I've gone sane!
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Springtime - May 11, 2005 8:54 am (#1928 of 2981) Reply
congrats kabloink! (reaching out to shake your hand) hats off to you. best of luck in the furture.
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GryffEndora - May 11, 2005 9:00 am (#1929 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink - Congratulations Graduate! Now, I guess you have to grow up and get a real job. Oh well, no rush. Enjoy one achievement at a time. *hands kabloink a Butterbeer*
Gina, way to go on the paper!
Happy Belated Birthday Prof. Sprout.
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Good Evans - May 11, 2005 9:52 am (#1930 of 2981) Reply
well done kabloink! and Gina
happy belated to Kip and happy bday to Prof Sprout.
many a butterbeer all round!!
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 10:08 am (#1931 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, Welcome to the ranks of the Gryffindors!
Mazel tov to Kabloink and Gina!! *dances* Have butterbeers on me. *hands Kabloink and Gina butterbeers*
Happy Birthday Professor Sprout! *hands Prof. Sprout butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and and amazing year. (I'm not skimping on smilies, I'm on Mommy's computer which doesn't have Smiley Central)
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Good Evans - May 11, 2005 10:11 am (#1932 of 2981) Reply
All these butter beers flowing - there may well be a winky moment!! bags I, the checked table cloth!
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Loopy Lupin - May 11, 2005 11:16 am (#1933 of 2981) Reply
I wonder how Julia manages to avoid being carded for all those butterbeers she seems to have stashed around.
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The giant squid - May 11, 2005 12:19 pm (#1934 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, kabloink! Now you need to practice the phrase every possessor of a BA will use: "Do you want fries with that?"
Well, so far so good--I won the first of the three eBay auctions I mentioned in my last post. Lupin's Classroom down, Sirius Black's Escape & Hagrid's Hut to go...
Loopy--she's got them hidden under an invisibility cloak, naturally.
Marie: you're welcome. Now about this tattoo...
--Mike
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 12:44 pm (#1935 of 2981) Reply
Actually Mike, I've got them disallusioned. At the moment they look very much like the hardwood floor and dust bunnies under my bed.
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Lina - May 11, 2005 1:45 pm (#1936 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, prof. Sprout!
Congratulations kabloink! and Gina And G. Squid! Way to go!
Waves to everybody!
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Ydnam96 - May 11, 2005 3:49 pm (#1937 of 2981) Reply
Wow such happiness around. Happy Birthday Prof. Sprout.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY for Kabloink and Gina!
And my official graduation date for my Master's is this Saturday although I will not be travelling to Virginia (from Los Angeles) for the commencement exercise. I am still graduating!
I say butter beers, chocolate frogs, and some pumpkin pasties are in order for all as well as a good game of exploding snaps!
And it's Wednesday. Woooohooo.
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Thora- May 11, 2005 3:54 pm (#1938 of 2981) Reply
Just wondering has ANYONE ever gotten a true Slytherin result on one of those tests?
Congrats all around!
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fleur-de-lys - May 11, 2005 4:24 pm (#1939 of 2981) Reply
Congrats all around !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And, Ydnam96, don't forget the rock cakes and canary creams!
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Dumbledore - May 11, 2005 5:18 pm (#1940 of 2981) Reply
Congrats kabloink and Gina!!!!!!!!
Happy belated birthday Kip!!
Happy birthday Professor Sprout!!!!!!
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Puck - May 11, 2005 8:04 pm (#1941 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthdays! Kip, you share yours with a very special boy- my son!
Going out of town for a few days. Husband’s grandfather passed away suddenly, so we have to fly out for the services. I've left my kids before, but never been a thousand miles away from them. wish I could have them with me, but know it's for the best to leave them with my brother and family.
Congrats to all those with wonderful grades and graduations.
Of to pack. Trying to find something appropriate to wear from my maternity collection.
Kathy
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 9:12 pm (#1942 of 2981) Reply
Hey guys, is it weird that last night I had a dream about Pigwidgeon and Stellar Hawk's fanfic?
Kathy I'm so sorry about your husband's grand father. Loss of a family member is hard. My condolences to you and your family.
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Amilia Smith - May 11, 2005 10:16 pm (#1943 of 2981) Reply
Lina: It is snowing in the mountains here too. Down in the benches and valleys, it is just more and more rain. We are starting to get seriously worried about flooding. The snowpack is higher than it has ever been, and we keep getting more.
On a lighter note, although still related to the rain . . . how do those of you who live in places where it rains every day on a regular basis mow your lawns? Everybody here was mowing on Monday, as it was the first time in a long time we have had 2 dry days in a row. Our lawns were getting quite over grown and shabby looking -- although very green. And now the rain is back. So those who missed Monday will just have to wait. There must be some trick to it. It is like towns who never get snow have to shut down when they do get an inch or two. We don't know how to cope with all this rain.
Mills.
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Chemyst - May 12, 2005 6:06 am (#1944 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations kabloink! Now for some real-world reality: if you have federal student loans, you need to get them consolidated and locked in at the current 2-something interest rate by June. 2005 grads have the lowest interest rates in history, but speculation is that the rate will go above 4% by July.
Mills, do you live in an area where rock slides are a danger when the ground is saturated? (I'm far enough away that the storm reports we get here lump Utah and Wyoming together.) The trickiest scheduling of spring lawn care for me is not the mowing but the finding a dry spell long enough for the weed killer to work.
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 7:04 am (#1945 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, I keep getting mailings about student loan consolidation. But I am back in school. So I only pay interest on the unsubsidized loans. Is there any point for me to investigate consolidation at this point? I will likely be in school for another 5 years as I'm doing my PhD part-time.
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Ladybug220 - May 12, 2005 7:28 am (#1946 of 2981) Reply
One thing to be careful of with student loans: if you consolidate you may have to start making payments earlier. I was told to wait until my grace period was almost over; otherwise, I would have to start paying right away. However, my best friend did not have a problem consolidating at the beginning of her grace period. Just be aware of that.
Gina, you may want to at least check it out since you may be able to lock in the low rate for the loans you already have.
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kabloink! - May 12, 2005 9:30 am (#1947 of 2981) Reply
THanks for the congrats everyone, and congrats back to everyone who deserves it!
Squid Mike, I already ask that question with disgusting regularity-remember I'm a McDonald's manager! I use the skills of analysis, critical thinking, research, and writing that I have acquired over the last four years to think of new and interesting ways to ask that age old question-do you want fires with that?
Also, thanks for the advice on student loans, guys-I was kind of wondering how to manage that.
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Phoenix song - May 12, 2005 10:02 am (#1948 of 2981) Reply
Prof. Sprout: As many of you know, I'm getting married in just over 30 days. Because of recent news articles about a certain runaway bride. I've been asked at least 50 times (no joke it could be more) "Are you going to hop a greyhound?" It is driving me insane..."
My sympathies Professor Sprout. People can often say the dumbest things just to have something to say. I remember that for at least a year after getting married people would continuously ask me "How's married life treating you?" What a dumb question! I often wondered how you could possibly respond to that in a witty way. I never found a way to originally answer that question, and eventually they stopped asking. Well, it has been 12 years now.
I think that I DO have a witty, if scathing, reply to the annoying question that you're being asked, though. When they ask if you're about to hop a Greyhound bus, you should say: "Only if you jump off of the side of a cliff first."
You know, that is exactly what I would say if it was me. Looking back on it, I have to wonder if I'm not becoming a bit more "Slytherin" in my outlook on life. What do you think, Gina? If I continue on my path of Slytherin-ness can I sit beside you at lunchtimes?
Speaking of weddings, my brother-in-law is about to get married. They're having quite a nice sized wedding, and I've been "nominated" to make the wedding cake. I love decorating cakes, don't get me wrong, but I am a little bit (well, actually a lot) terrified at the thought of producing a 5-tiered wedding cake that will feed 450 people PLUS the groom cake. WHY did I ever agree to do this cake and to do it for free? I must have been delusional! OR maybe somebody managed to slip in some type of befuddling concoction into my pumpkin juice...
Barbie
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Chemyst - May 12, 2005 10:02 am (#1949 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I'm not a qualified financial advisor! Sorry, but the only reason I know about this is that my daughter is checking into what is available for undergrads. (She was accepted in a summer biology program through Cornell – which is wonderful, but also means that not only will we have to find extra $$, but she'll also have a month less to work & save this summer.) As Ladybug mentioned, yes, consolidating now may mean you have to make a couple payments before the grace period runs out, but a having a couple earlier payments up front pales in comparison with paying double the interest rate for the next thirty years.
Barbie, I have no idea what you were thinking! But I'm confident that you'll rise to the occasion and make beautiful cakes. How much sugar goes into a 450-serving cake, anyway? If I hear of a house elf who is looking for work, I'll send it your way.
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 10:53 am (#1950 of 2981) Reply
Barbie, I am sure the cake will turn out just fine. There are all kinds of books and websites (I am sure) where you could get helpful tips. Most craft places offer workshops on cake making, ask if there is someone you could speak to.
It is a beautiful day here, almost 90. We recently opened our pool and the water temp is up to 75. Less than 10 more degrees before we can actually swim without getting hypothermia.
My avatar is a 3D image of the wee one taken a few hours ago. You can see a hand was up near the eye and then the other hand is a bit below the chin. Since Baby P was not cooperative, we get to go back for some better shots. Hopefully baby will decide to not cover the face every time we tried to get a good picture.
I Am Used Vlad - May 10, 2005 6:00 pm (#1901 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, Kip.
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Catherine - May 10, 2005 6:09 pm (#1902 of 2981) Reply
Sadly, of those three items the only one offered by Regal theaters is M&Ms. We don't have Junior mints, Good & Plenty, Raisinets...you know, "movie theater candy". We do, however, sell Skwinkles Sour Straws--the #1 selling candy in Mexico.--Squid Mike
No wonder Mike is skinny! Give the man some Junior Mints and Reese Cups, stat!
More importantly, however, is to wish Kip Happy Birthday, and to say that the Forum is lucky to have such a wizard so dedicated to its welfare.
On a completely unrelated topic, the animal control officer came back with another trap. I made sure that I waved to him as he dropped off the trap. My Humane Society friends think the entire situation is amusing, as they know this officer on a first name basis. They keep making jokes that he and I are even better acquainted now!
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GryffEndora - May 10, 2005 6:19 pm (#1903 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip! Thanks for helping keep this forum the best place to discuss all things Harry Potter and a safe haven for all us Potties!
Catherine, I hope you are getting at least a few chuckles out of this situation since you seem to be giving many people laughs galore at your expense.
Hope everyone had a happy Tuesday!
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Gina R Snape - May 10, 2005 6:22 pm (#1904 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, Kip!
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kabloink! - May 10, 2005 7:06 pm (#1905 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip!
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Ponine - May 10, 2005 7:09 pm (#1906 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday, Kip
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Ydnam96 - May 10, 2005 7:12 pm (#1907 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip!!!!
Busy busy day at work today. I'm about ready to go to bed and it's only 7pm here. But, the finale of the Amazing Race is on tonight (I think) so I'm gonna try and stay up for that.
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prof sprout - May 10, 2005 7:26 pm (#1908 of 2981) Reply
Kip Happy Birthday, and that means my birthday is next. :p
I have a small rant. Ignore if you would like.
As many of you know, I'm getting married in just over 30 days. Because of recent news articles about a certain runaway bride. I've been asked at least 50 times (no joke it could be more) "Are you going to hop a greyhound?" It is driving me insane, I might have to stop volunteering at St. Mungos and check myself in. What would they do, I'm one of the only chaperones there
). So Public Service Announcement to anyone who knows someone that is getting married DO NOT ask if they are hopping on a bus to New Mexico. You'll save the bride’s sanity.( Rant over)Again happy birthday to all.
Love, Prof Sprout
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Julia. - May 10, 2005 7:30 pm (#1909 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIP! *hands Kip butterbeer* hope you have a great day and an amazing year.
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Phreaker - May 10, 2005 8:06 pm (#1910 of 2981) Reply
happy birthday kip, from myself, kowalla, and shepherdess.
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Kip Carter - May 10, 2005 9:35 pm (#1911 of 2981) Reply
I thank each of you who wished me a Happy Birthday. I am both honored and humbled by your thoughtfulness. I wish I could say more; however I need to be brief being that I have a deadline to complete before 5:00am my time (that's approximately four and one half hours from now) and time is running out.
I explained earlier this evening my tightness of time on the new St. Mungo's thread of the Harry Potter Lexicon FanFiction Forum where there was a birthday party in progress.
Again, thanks to each of you for the Happy Birthday wishes!
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Lina - May 10, 2005 10:55 pm (#1912 of 2981) Reply
A very happy belated birthday, Kip !
I'm sorry to see that your friends have a very weird sense of humor, Prof Sprout. They are just jealous. Just take some chocolate (not too much, so that you can fit the wedding dress) and ignore them. I hope you will have a great weather, because the weather right now is not promising. I know I'm on the other side of the world (still north half), but it is snowing in the mountains and it is almost half of May...
My daughter has discovered that laughing is very healthy, so we pronounce a healthy day here and there and laugh all the day. May I say that your situation sound very healthy, Catherine?
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Elanor - May 11, 2005 12:24 am (#1913 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday Kip! Joyeux anniversaire!
Here, it is sunny but rather cold and fresh which, if you listen to old people and gardeners, is absolutely normal since those days (May 11th, 12th and 13th) are known here as "the Saints of Ice" (les saints de glace). The name sounds weird but it comes from the fact that those days are saints' days of St Pancrace, St Mamert and St Gervais and that, a long time ago, some particular days were known by the name of the saint celebrated on that day. So, this saints are supposed to be "of ice" because it is said that each year, during those days, the weather is suddenly colder but it is the last time it is likely to freeze in the morning too. And wise gardeners never plants things that could freeze before May 14th. Of course, this is folk wisdom and is not taken very seriously anymore but, curiously enough, some serious studies have been made about those days and statistically, it comes to be rather true!
May is also the Cannes Film Festival month here and it starts tonight. I really like watching the "climbing the stairs" each day and the red carpet show some actors can't help but make. There are always great moments! I can't wait for seeing Sunday's since the Star Wars Episode III crew will be here for the Episode III preview on that day. It should be great! I've heard that an entire pontoon in Cannes is now being adjusted "à la SW" for Lucas'press conference, it will certainly be worth seeing!
Have a great day everybody. And congratulations Lauren! Or should I say : félicitations, c'est vraiment génial!
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Fawkes Forever - May 11, 2005 1:53 am (#1914 of 2981) Reply
Oops didn't mean to start a debate on Hermiones' dress robes... apologies for the 'throw away' comment... It is a nice dress & she looks fab.
Thanks GryffEndora, Detail Seeker, Kabloink, Lauren & Julia for your kind words. *big grins*. The good news is that life is returning to normal... the bad news... I've a LOT to catch up on in the real world & the forum world (Hey I just remembered I haven't called into St Mungos in a loooong time... opps!)
Happy belated birthday Kip, I seem to remember your party over in St Mungos last year! As I recall there are quite a number of forum birthdays in the next few weeks...
*sneeze*mine*sneeze*
Congrats Lauren, & no you're not boasting... you have a right to be proud of your achievements!
Betty, here's a cheering charm to get you through those nasty 11 hour work days!
Mike - surely you've been posting longer just over a year? Perhaps it's just me, but it seems like you've always been here. I'm not suggesting that you're part of the furniture or anything... but that table lamp does look a bit like a Squid. Then again I've only been posting... umm, let me think . . . oops . . *counts on fingers* . . .a year & eight months... 'Has it.. has it really?' (Arthur Weasley Style ), wow... didn't realise that. It always seems like everyone else has been here so much longer.
I'm laughing at the chat about the BBC version of The Chronicles of Narnia. I actually liked them . I remember crying during 'The Lion The Witch & The Wardrobe', when Aslan... well you know (no spoilers for those who haven't read the book or seen the series). A friend of mine got the BBC versions on DVD for Christmas... must borrow them & see if they are as good as I remember (probably not). I had a look at the video cover in a store a few weeks back & the kids look so young, I remember thinking that they were ... well, not exactly old... but I never thought of them as 'ickle' people... which they look like now! Hmmmm, I'm getting old
Right, I'd better go do some work... so must make it look like I've been working for the past week!
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Cornelia - May 11, 2005 2:23 am (#1915 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 11, 2005 2:58 am
Happy belated Birthday Kip!! Thank you!
Edit: Happy Birthday Prof. Sprout!
Thank you Betty, you know the birthdays of everybody!?
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The giant squid - May 11, 2005 2:32 am (#1916 of 2981) Reply
Fawkes, you were already here when I registered, so if you've been around 1 year 8 months, I can't have been here longer than 1 year, 7 months and 29 days.
Wish me luck, folks...I found out today that two of the four PoA LEGO sets I hadn't purchased yet (Professor Lupin's Classroom and Sirius Black's Escape) are now "retired" so I had to resort to eBay. While there I also found someone auctioning off the Hagrid's Hut set from SS and bid on that as well. I was the second bidder on Lupin's classroom and the first on the other two and they all end soon, so here's hoping! :crosses fingers: Apparently the only ones still available at the retail stores (online & physical) are Hogwarts Express and Hogwarts Castle, for those that were wondering. I was hoping they'd keep the PoA ones out a few more months--you know we won't be seeing the GoF ones until at least September.
--Mike
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boop - May 11, 2005 2:53 am (#1917 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Prof. Sprout, with many more to come!! Have great day.
--Hugs Mike back--
Fawkes, thank you for the cheering charms. I am sure they will get me through the rest of the week.
Happy Wednesday Everyone. Just two more days to get through.
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Chemyst - May 11, 2005 4:40 am (#1918 of 2981) Reply
Happy-by- now-belated, birthday, Kip.
...and on time happiness for prof. sprout.
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Marie E. - May 11, 2005 5:37 am (#1919 of 2981) Reply
Hello gang, I've been incredibly busy and tired lately but I promise to catch up this weekend. We had a horrible week at work last week so we blew off some steam by getting together after our teacher appreciation bowling party and somehow I ended up getting a new tattoo. I'll tell ya'll about it later. I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that I was still alive.
Squid Mike: Thanks for the Mother's Day card.
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Loopy Lupin - May 11, 2005 5:46 am (#1920 of 2981) Reply
Happy Belated Birthday Kip! Here' wishing you many more.
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Thora- May 11, 2005 6:09 am (#1921 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip and Prof Sprout (soon).
Speaking of runaway brides... that movie came out just after we got married and watching her walk up that aisle time and again I could really identify with her, man that was scarey. Anyway, blathering again.
Marie E., I was just thinking about you yesterday, good to hear your well and having fun.
My HBP gown is almost finished, just the jewelry left to do, I can't wait to post pics, I'm so proud of how it's turned out.
Thora
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pottermom34 - May 11, 2005 6:24 am (#1922 of 2981) Reply
happy belated birthday Kip, happy birthday Prof. Sprout.
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jose043 - May 11, 2005 6:44 am (#1923 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Kip & Prof.Sprout.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 11, 2005 7:33 am (#1924 of 2981) Reply
Thank you so much for the book references Pinky and Amilia Smith; I will be sure to check them both out!
Julia/Mischa Fan(Jim) - sorry to disappoint Jim but it appears that I will not be joining you in Slytherin house....I'm off to Gryffindor with Julia! I did five tests; three put me in Gryffindor and two put me in Ravenclaw so Slytherin is out!
Happy Wednesday all, and belated Birthday wishes! Today will be a petty jam packed day for me...first I will be heading to my daughter's school for her mother's day tea then it's home to get my daughter ready for her big dance recital this evening at the Community Auditorium!
Have to say that I will have to start watching a little better the tasks I do and books I read before bed...I was scrap booking last night then headed to bed to read a book on British Myth's and Legends and in particular a story about Boewulf and Grendel the monster. I have very little knowledge about dreams but let's just say that a dream in which scrap booking was mixed with a battle between a hero and a fiend left me very lost and confused this morning! I think I may have been taking pictures of the battle then scrap booking it while it was going on?
Have a great day everyone!
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Springtime - May 11, 2005 7:42 am (#1925 of 2981) Reply
happy belated birthday kip and happy birthday Prof Sprout.
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kabloink! - May 11, 2005 8:51 am (#1926 of 2981) Reply
I have to share my good news with all: my grades are in and.....I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!
You are now looking (erm, in a sense, I suppose) at the proud holder of a Bachelors of Arts in History with cognates in Political Science and English language and Literature from Michigan State University.
Okay, yeah I have no idea what I'm going to do now, but hey I have a degree!
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Gina R Snape - May 11, 2005 8:52 am (#1927 of 2981) Reply
Hey, I just wanted to pop in and say I got a B+ for Experimental Design! Thanks for the help, those who checked over my paper.
Happy birthday, Prof. Sprout.
Darn, I really need to find the time to visit St. Mungo's again. If I wait to long to go back...people will start to think I've gone sane!
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Springtime - May 11, 2005 8:54 am (#1928 of 2981) Reply
congrats kabloink! (reaching out to shake your hand) hats off to you. best of luck in the furture.
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GryffEndora - May 11, 2005 9:00 am (#1929 of 2981) Reply
Kabloink - Congratulations Graduate! Now, I guess you have to grow up and get a real job. Oh well, no rush. Enjoy one achievement at a time. *hands kabloink a Butterbeer*
Gina, way to go on the paper!
Happy Belated Birthday Prof. Sprout.
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Good Evans - May 11, 2005 9:52 am (#1930 of 2981) Reply
well done kabloink! and Gina
happy belated to Kip and happy bday to Prof Sprout.
many a butterbeer all round!!
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 10:08 am (#1931 of 2981) Reply
Shannon, Welcome to the ranks of the Gryffindors!
Mazel tov to Kabloink and Gina!! *dances* Have butterbeers on me. *hands Kabloink and Gina butterbeers*
Happy Birthday Professor Sprout! *hands Prof. Sprout butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and and amazing year. (I'm not skimping on smilies, I'm on Mommy's computer which doesn't have Smiley Central)
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Good Evans - May 11, 2005 10:11 am (#1932 of 2981) Reply
All these butter beers flowing - there may well be a winky moment!! bags I, the checked table cloth!
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Loopy Lupin - May 11, 2005 11:16 am (#1933 of 2981) Reply
I wonder how Julia manages to avoid being carded for all those butterbeers she seems to have stashed around.
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The giant squid - May 11, 2005 12:19 pm (#1934 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations, kabloink! Now you need to practice the phrase every possessor of a BA will use: "Do you want fries with that?"
Well, so far so good--I won the first of the three eBay auctions I mentioned in my last post. Lupin's Classroom down, Sirius Black's Escape & Hagrid's Hut to go...
Loopy--she's got them hidden under an invisibility cloak, naturally.
Marie: you're welcome. Now about this tattoo...
--Mike
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 12:44 pm (#1935 of 2981) Reply
Actually Mike, I've got them disallusioned. At the moment they look very much like the hardwood floor and dust bunnies under my bed.
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Lina - May 11, 2005 1:45 pm (#1936 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthday, prof. Sprout!
Congratulations kabloink! and Gina And G. Squid! Way to go!
Waves to everybody!
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Ydnam96 - May 11, 2005 3:49 pm (#1937 of 2981) Reply
Wow such happiness around. Happy Birthday Prof. Sprout.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY for Kabloink and Gina!
And my official graduation date for my Master's is this Saturday although I will not be travelling to Virginia (from Los Angeles) for the commencement exercise. I am still graduating!
I say butter beers, chocolate frogs, and some pumpkin pasties are in order for all as well as a good game of exploding snaps!
And it's Wednesday. Woooohooo.
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Thora- May 11, 2005 3:54 pm (#1938 of 2981) Reply
Just wondering has ANYONE ever gotten a true Slytherin result on one of those tests?
Congrats all around!
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fleur-de-lys - May 11, 2005 4:24 pm (#1939 of 2981) Reply
Congrats all around !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And, Ydnam96, don't forget the rock cakes and canary creams!
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Dumbledore - May 11, 2005 5:18 pm (#1940 of 2981) Reply
Congrats kabloink and Gina!!!!!!!!
Happy belated birthday Kip!!
Happy birthday Professor Sprout!!!!!!
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Puck - May 11, 2005 8:04 pm (#1941 of 2981) Reply
Happy birthdays! Kip, you share yours with a very special boy- my son!
Going out of town for a few days. Husband’s grandfather passed away suddenly, so we have to fly out for the services. I've left my kids before, but never been a thousand miles away from them. wish I could have them with me, but know it's for the best to leave them with my brother and family.
Congrats to all those with wonderful grades and graduations.
Of to pack. Trying to find something appropriate to wear from my maternity collection.
Kathy
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Julia. - May 11, 2005 9:12 pm (#1942 of 2981) Reply
Hey guys, is it weird that last night I had a dream about Pigwidgeon and Stellar Hawk's fanfic?
Kathy I'm so sorry about your husband's grand father. Loss of a family member is hard. My condolences to you and your family.
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Amilia Smith - May 11, 2005 10:16 pm (#1943 of 2981) Reply
Lina: It is snowing in the mountains here too. Down in the benches and valleys, it is just more and more rain. We are starting to get seriously worried about flooding. The snowpack is higher than it has ever been, and we keep getting more.
On a lighter note, although still related to the rain . . . how do those of you who live in places where it rains every day on a regular basis mow your lawns? Everybody here was mowing on Monday, as it was the first time in a long time we have had 2 dry days in a row. Our lawns were getting quite over grown and shabby looking -- although very green. And now the rain is back. So those who missed Monday will just have to wait. There must be some trick to it. It is like towns who never get snow have to shut down when they do get an inch or two. We don't know how to cope with all this rain.
Mills.
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Chemyst - May 12, 2005 6:06 am (#1944 of 2981) Reply
Congratulations kabloink! Now for some real-world reality: if you have federal student loans, you need to get them consolidated and locked in at the current 2-something interest rate by June. 2005 grads have the lowest interest rates in history, but speculation is that the rate will go above 4% by July.
Mills, do you live in an area where rock slides are a danger when the ground is saturated? (I'm far enough away that the storm reports we get here lump Utah and Wyoming together.) The trickiest scheduling of spring lawn care for me is not the mowing but the finding a dry spell long enough for the weed killer to work.
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 7:04 am (#1945 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst, I keep getting mailings about student loan consolidation. But I am back in school. So I only pay interest on the unsubsidized loans. Is there any point for me to investigate consolidation at this point? I will likely be in school for another 5 years as I'm doing my PhD part-time.
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Ladybug220 - May 12, 2005 7:28 am (#1946 of 2981) Reply
One thing to be careful of with student loans: if you consolidate you may have to start making payments earlier. I was told to wait until my grace period was almost over; otherwise, I would have to start paying right away. However, my best friend did not have a problem consolidating at the beginning of her grace period. Just be aware of that.
Gina, you may want to at least check it out since you may be able to lock in the low rate for the loans you already have.
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kabloink! - May 12, 2005 9:30 am (#1947 of 2981) Reply
THanks for the congrats everyone, and congrats back to everyone who deserves it!
Squid Mike, I already ask that question with disgusting regularity-remember I'm a McDonald's manager! I use the skills of analysis, critical thinking, research, and writing that I have acquired over the last four years to think of new and interesting ways to ask that age old question-do you want fires with that?
Also, thanks for the advice on student loans, guys-I was kind of wondering how to manage that.
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Phoenix song - May 12, 2005 10:02 am (#1948 of 2981) Reply
Prof. Sprout: As many of you know, I'm getting married in just over 30 days. Because of recent news articles about a certain runaway bride. I've been asked at least 50 times (no joke it could be more) "Are you going to hop a greyhound?" It is driving me insane..."
My sympathies Professor Sprout. People can often say the dumbest things just to have something to say. I remember that for at least a year after getting married people would continuously ask me "How's married life treating you?" What a dumb question! I often wondered how you could possibly respond to that in a witty way. I never found a way to originally answer that question, and eventually they stopped asking. Well, it has been 12 years now.
I think that I DO have a witty, if scathing, reply to the annoying question that you're being asked, though. When they ask if you're about to hop a Greyhound bus, you should say: "Only if you jump off of the side of a cliff first."
You know, that is exactly what I would say if it was me. Looking back on it, I have to wonder if I'm not becoming a bit more "Slytherin" in my outlook on life. What do you think, Gina? If I continue on my path of Slytherin-ness can I sit beside you at lunchtimes?
Speaking of weddings, my brother-in-law is about to get married. They're having quite a nice sized wedding, and I've been "nominated" to make the wedding cake. I love decorating cakes, don't get me wrong, but I am a little bit (well, actually a lot) terrified at the thought of producing a 5-tiered wedding cake that will feed 450 people PLUS the groom cake. WHY did I ever agree to do this cake and to do it for free? I must have been delusional! OR maybe somebody managed to slip in some type of befuddling concoction into my pumpkin juice...
Barbie
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Chemyst - May 12, 2005 10:02 am (#1949 of 2981) Reply
Gina, I'm not a qualified financial advisor! Sorry, but the only reason I know about this is that my daughter is checking into what is available for undergrads. (She was accepted in a summer biology program through Cornell – which is wonderful, but also means that not only will we have to find extra $$, but she'll also have a month less to work & save this summer.) As Ladybug mentioned, yes, consolidating now may mean you have to make a couple payments before the grace period runs out, but a having a couple earlier payments up front pales in comparison with paying double the interest rate for the next thirty years.
Barbie, I have no idea what you were thinking! But I'm confident that you'll rise to the occasion and make beautiful cakes. How much sugar goes into a 450-serving cake, anyway? If I hear of a house elf who is looking for work, I'll send it your way.
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 10:53 am (#1950 of 2981) Reply
Barbie, I am sure the cake will turn out just fine. There are all kinds of books and websites (I am sure) where you could get helpful tips. Most craft places offer workshops on cake making, ask if there is someone you could speak to.
It is a beautiful day here, almost 90. We recently opened our pool and the water temp is up to 75. Less than 10 more degrees before we can actually swim without getting hypothermia.
My avatar is a 3D image of the wee one taken a few hours ago. You can see a hand was up near the eye and then the other hand is a bit below the chin. Since Baby P was not cooperative, we get to go back for some better shots. Hopefully baby will decide to not cover the face every time we tried to get a good picture.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:07 pm
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John Bumbledore - May 12, 2005 10:54 am (#1951 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 12, 2005 11:27 am
I've only read up through Thora's post #1763, but I had to get this in, now before it is lost in the flood of information I am currently dealing with. (see previous posts mentioning my plans for home repair, job search, and relocation back to Pennsylvania with a self-imposed time limit of three months [now down to two] and did I mention this as my self- imposed madness?)
So, which of us is the writer?
"Being a mom may make you smarter" by Jeff Gammage, Knight Ridder Newspapers, May 8, 2005. "It's not that you forget to go to the grocery store. It's that you can't remember what you need once you get there." I swear that is a close paraphrase of what Denise (mother of 8, 9th on the way--I think those are the correct numbers) said here in this chat thread.
Harry Potter mentioned in other works
I suppose, I should stop reading Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" while I'm waiting for an update to Jo's site... but I did noticed that "Nicolas Famel" is listed as one of the previous Grand Masters of the Priory of Sion. And I laughed when I saw one of the characters ask if "Harry Potter is about the Holy Grail?" I made a post in the "JK Rowling Official Site" thread Ann, "Shall we try potion ingredients and magical..." by John Bumbledore
Has anyone seen other references to Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling, or her works in other novels?
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. (Any career counselors among us?) I'm thinking I should look for a new job that includes symbology or analysis. Of course I also thought this after reading about Jack Ryan in Red October, Clear and present Danger, and Patriot Games
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Catherine - May 12, 2005 12:16 pm (#1952 of 2981) Reply
Baby P, you need to cooperate with your mom when she wants to take your picture! Thanks for sharing that picture with us!
I had a Super Great Day (this will be an amusing allusion for anyone who has read the curious incident of the dog in the night-time). I went to a local private school and observed the 7th and 8th grade classes. Afterward, I was offered a temporary position for next year filling in for the teacher's maternity leave of 8 weeks at the beginning of the year next fall. I really enjoyed being in those classrooms; the classes were small, the students were engaged and advanced, and they were doing the kinds of lessons the way I think it should be done. Yay! I just might just jump on it, if a full-time position doesn't open up elsewhere.
Blossum remains a symbol of possum freedom. After the embarrassing incident of last week, the officer suggested that we set up the trap outside the basement in the backyard. So far this week, some critter (ostensibly Blossom or maybe a raccoon) has gone into the cage, eaten the bait, been "captured" by the trap, and still managed to push its way out. I wonder if someone is playing a very bizarre joke on us,
**narrows eyes and looks suspiciously at Loopy Lupin, Blossom's Forum Champion**
Have a good Thursday, everyone.
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Ydnam96 - May 12, 2005 12:39 pm (#1953 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I am so sorry that you are still being plauged by the pesky opposum. We used to have lots of raccons in our backyard because my dad had ducks, chickens, and pheasants (he showed them at fairs and such). They would come in and kill the birds. For no reason! They wouldn't eat them, just kill them. So he caught them in the live trap. He found that using old fish worked the best to catch them. Bummer he never tried to catch an opposum or I could suggest a good bait.
Denise, that is such a great picture! It's amazing what they can do with sonagrams now!!! Have you been able to determine the sex of the baby yet or are you planning on being surprised? (or did I miss you saying that somewhere?). Although, I bet it doesn't matter as you have plenty of girls and boys stuff to pass down to the new family member!
I'm in the middle of a very busy day. Too much to do and too little time. And of course, I'm spending my "free" time on the forum
Happy Thursday
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 12:56 pm (#1954 of 2981) Reply
We know the gender but since some have requested that I not share it so THEY can be surprised, I don't mention it in public. My gram is the same way, I never tell her the gender. We found out in March and it was confirmed today the exact flavor of the newest baby
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 12, 2005 1:09 pm (#1955 of 2981) Reply
Denise I love the picture (and I can't believe I cracked and asked for the baby's gender. )
Catherine, I'm thrilled about your day. My advice remains the same.
Going back to student loans: I get those notices too and frankly I always assume they're some kind of scheme. Can anyone fill me in on the mechanics of refinancing the loan with a lower interest rate? Does one refinance with the government or an outside agency? I'll admit to being financially illiterate.
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Loopy Lupin - May 12, 2005 1:17 pm (#1956 of 2981) Reply
**narrows eyes and looks suspiciously at Loopy Lupin, Blossom's Forum Champion** -- Catherine
What? Do I look like I'm a fan of Blossom's?
Ditto from me regarding Kim's advice to you.
Also, as for student loans. I refinanced my Federal Loans with Sallie Mae. Not to sound like a commercial, but I cut my payments by nearly half. I also do not claim to be a wizard at finance or student loan finance. However, I think that the propensity to get scammed is a little mitigated when it comes to student loans. As I understand it, if you were to default on the loans, the government would pay them (or pay part of them) to the lender and then the government itself would file suit against you to collect. Thus, I would think not every fly-by-night loan servicing center would be allowed to traffic in student loans. However, that's really just my understanding and I would defer to anyone who claims to have any actual knowledge about educational loans.
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timrew - May 12, 2005 2:38 pm (#1957 of 2981) Reply
Congrats kabloink and Gina on your exam results!
Happy much-belated birthday Kip! Sorry, I've not been around for a while...........
Happy belated-birthday, also, Professor Sprout!
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 3:32 pm (#1958 of 2981) Reply
Hey, Barbie. Sure you can sit near me in the Great Hall. The question is...are you savvy enough to stay there.
Thanks, Tim. The B+ was actually for the entire course. So, I'm pretty excited.
Denise, I could have sworn you already posted that it was a girl. Oh well. I guess we'll find out in due course (unless you want to tell me in a private email ).
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 4:19 pm (#1959 of 2981) Reply
Gina, nope. I have not posted gender at all on here LOL I know one person who was told the gender but on the Forum, I have been closed mouth
You have a 50/50 chance of being correct though, if you guess.
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Catherine - May 12, 2005 4:59 pm (#1960 of 2981) Reply
Gina, there's nothing wrong with a good healthy B+. Especially if you leave a swamp in which the professor might stumble.
I bring this up because I was shown a paper that a student received an unexpectedly poor grade (I had nothing to do with it, I swear!). The teacher had dinged him not on content, but on adhering to the MLA style. The problem was, the teacher was grading the student on an MLA style that was at least 5 years out of date. Oh, did I mention that I hate it when that happens?
I looked over the comments and knew that the teacher was dead wrong. Did I mention that I hate it when this happens?
So I gave the kid the short story about MLA style now, and wished him and his folks the best in fighting this dragon teacher. Hopefully, they will avail themselves of the guide and do the right thing.
In the end, it should not be about that, and I am sorry for this child that his grade was based on an outmoded style.
Off to watch Survivor, alas earwax.
Have a great night!
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 5:13 pm (#1961 of 2981) Reply
Oh, I wasn't complaining about my grade! Did you have that impression?
Well, I meant to post this before, but I bought a scratch off ticket game today. You get a series of letters and then scratch them off to see if you get any of the words. I won $5, but the point is...the words on the game were delightfully HP-themed. So I had to take a picture before cashing it in.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/ginarsnape/scratchgame.jpg
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The giant squid - May 12, 2005 5:48 pm (#1962 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, only you would dredge up a pic of Mayim Bialik just for a quick joke.
And only I would refer to her by her real name rather than the actress...geeks of a feather.
kabloink, I hadn't realized you were already a member of the McDonalds Family. My condolences. I will refrain from making any Hamburger University jokes at this time.
Catherine: MLA? I know MLB is Major League Baseball and MLS is Major League Soccer, but I can't for the life of me figure out which sport is referred to by MLA.
Two down: Just got word that I won my bid on Sirius' Escape. Now I'm just waiting for the first movie Hagrid's Hut. Oh, the antici...pation!
--Mike
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fleur-de-lys - May 12, 2005 5:53 pm (#1963 of 2981) Reply
Gina, how weird. Definitely an HP theme and you're the perfect person to get it. Congrats on the win. $5 is $5.
Catherine, I have to sympathize with your possom predicament. They are really freaky creatures in real life. We had a skunk for a groundhog that was under our small shed when I was in high school, but we caught a possum. They aren't very cuddly looking when they're in a trap and you go up to the trap and the keep opening their mouth like they're gonna bite you. We put him in the trunk and took him to my Uncle's and asked him to set him loose out behind his house where there were big fields. But I don't like him. Whenever I read one of your possum posts, I cringe in remembrance of my encounter. So, raising a butterbeer in a toast of luck in your quest to catch the beast.
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Amilia Smith - May 12, 2005 6:18 pm (#1964 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst: Our house is far enough away from the mountain (5 minutes) that it should be safe from mud/rock slides. However, I know people in the town next to us that had to be evacuated due to mud slides.
Mills.
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Thora- May 12, 2005 6:19 pm (#1965 of 2981) Reply
Wow Gina, what fate besets thee upon this spring day?
Denise, no fair making me all teary eyed, that picture is so beautiful. I got to have a 3D of my last, and I stared at it for hours. Did you get that at the doctor's or did you go to fetal fotos?
Thora
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 6:25 pm (#1966 of 2981) Reply
Fetal Fotos closed their local office but I found another commercial place near me. They actually were not pleased with the photos they got so I am going back in a few weeks for retakes. They do require you show proof of being under a doctor's care before they will do a scan though.
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Viola Intonada - May 12, 2005 7:12 pm (#1967 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Denise. It is amazing how advanced ultrasound tech is now.
Congrats, Gina! Thanks for the link, it is worth seeing the ticket.
Puck, Sorry for the delay on the cookie recipe. It has been a hectic week. This recipe is from a very old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.
Chocolate Drop Cookies
1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup shortening (or 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco works as a great substitute to both) 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 2 one ounce squares of baking chocolate (or 6 tablespoons of cocoa and 2 T of shortening) 1 3/4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream the stuff you cream then alternate additions of the powder ingredients with additions of milk. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
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Julia. - May 12, 2005 8:05 pm (#1968 of 2981) Reply
Good evening everyone.
Denise, the baby is gorgeous! How wonderful that you can see him/her/it before he/she/it's born! Hope you get good face shots next time.
Well, as of this afternoon I have a summer job. I'm working at the kosher bakery near my house. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing, but I'll probally be a waitress. If anyone wants to come visit me and get some nice kosher food you're more than welcome.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 12, 2005 8:17 pm (#1969 of 2981) Reply
Baby P. looks like a boy in that picture. But I'll wait to find out.
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dizzy lizzy - May 12, 2005 8:48 pm (#1970 of 2981) Reply
85 posts in 3 and a half days isn't bad I had fun reading them. Denise I love your avatar photo - cute.
A belated Happy Birthday to Kip and Prof. Sprout.
Congrats Kabloink and Gina on your good marks.
Julia - good to see you got a summer job. Enjoy.
Off to check the threads and have them all read by the time I fly out of here on Sunday.
Lizzy
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:19 am (#1971 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 4:20 am
There are updates to JKR's website!
I hope everyone has a good morning. I get to sit at the car dealer while my car gets a tune-up. Hopefully I can get one of my co-workers to pick me up and take me to the office.
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Catherine - May 13, 2005 4:51 am (#1972 of 2981) Reply
Woo hoo! I love updates on JKR's site.
What a great treat for Friday the 13th.
Yay!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 13, 2005 5:46 am (#1973 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Denise P. May 13, 2005 6:03 am
Yes Catherine JK's updated, best treat for us on Friday 13th. Congratulations to the Leaky!
Happy belated birthday Kip!
Yeah for Gina and Kim.
Recently I started working a for paying job. I'm liking this world of paid work. I get to get dressed every day, I talk to adults, my duties and responsibility yield immediate results, if I speak I don't have to check that sound actually came out of my mouth. And at the end of the week I GET PAID!!!! I told my husband I'm liking this I may not go back to staying home in my house in never ending need of work.
[size=10Edit: I deleted a line in this post. This forum is NOT the place to bring up political issues, no matter what side of it you may fall on. Please refrain from doing so again. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Denise denise@hp-lexicon.org[/size]
To the rest of you, have a great Friday the 13th.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 6:11 am (#1974 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 6:11 am
Well, I don't have to sit at the car dealer as they have a nice shuttle service; so that means I get to play on my computer at work.
Big congrats to Melissa at Leaky and Emerson at Mugglenet - I am so incredibly jealous!
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Loopy Lupin - May 13, 2005 8:02 am (#1975 of 2981) Reply
Oh, the antici...pation! --- Mike
Mike I take issue with your earlier statement. I am not disposed to dredging up old pics just for a quick joke.~~~~~~
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 8:30 am (#1976 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 8:32 am
Lovely pict, Loopy! So is this what you really look like?
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Loopy Lupin - May 13, 2005 8:54 am (#1977 of 2981) Reply
So is this what you really look like?-- Ladybug220
Only on Saturdays at midnight.
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GryffEndora - May 13, 2005 10:24 am (#1978 of 2981) Reply
Denise P. - Thank you for sharing that great picture with us. It's a beautiful picture even with the hand covering part of the face. I hope you get the shots your looking for next time.
Gina - cool Karma on the scratch off! Thanks for sharing the pic!
Loopy - I loved the Mayam Bialik pic! I have to say she is what I picture every time someone on the forum referred to the opossum as simply Blossom. Glad to know I'm not alone, I have you and the giant squid!
giant squid - way to go on the auctions and I hope you get the third as well!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 13, 2005 10:49 am (#1979 of 2981) Reply
Happy Friday all! I checked out JKR"s website and saw the updates, interesting bit of info on the veritasirum.
Here it has been snowing since before eight this morning. I guess the weeding that I was planning to do in my flower bed is out!
Denise P, what a beautiful picture of your baby, I love the little hand up by the face; looks like you have a keeper!
Congratulations to all the graduates. I remember when I'd graduated and the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment; best wishes to all!
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Julia. - May 13, 2005 11:17 am (#1980 of 2981) Reply
Oh Man!!!! What a lovely Friday the 13th day present!! I'm starting to think that this is a very lucky day. Thanks Jo! Congrats to our Floo Network partner TLC (perhaps I should start calling it 'Leaky'), and congrats to Melissa and Emerson on their wonderful news! I either of you are reading this, can you please ask her which house Moaning Myrtle was in?!
Well, I'm off to do some reading (OoP, nothing for school. ) and get ready for Shabbos. have a good weekend everyone!
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KWeldon - May 13, 2005 12:07 pm (#1981 of 2981) Reply
On the GOF movie thread we were discussing specifically why Star Wars Ep III is getting a PG-13 rating, when the other movies had violence and torture and only got PG. What pushed this one over the edge?
It might be the following scene that I read about, which in all likelihood must happen (and therefore is probably a true spoiler), given what we know about from the later films. SPOILER WARNING, in invisible text:
Given that they see violence frequently on TV, it may not be the violence per se that is at issue, but this image that is unacceptable for kids to see.
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Pinky - May 13, 2005 4:07 pm (#1982 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm.... what does it say about you as a host when you don't know the proper place to put something? My dear husband brought the best present home for me today. It's a little model from Reaper Minis, that is called a "Cloak Fiend." It is a perfect model for a Lethifold, particularly after being painted. I pulled a picture of the unpainted model from the manufacturer's site, so you could see it.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:15 pm (#1983 of 2981) Reply
That's cool, Pinky
My new license plate has arrived and now there is LUMOS! on the back of my car.
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Catherine - May 13, 2005 4:17 pm (#1984 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm...what does it say when you don't know what to tell a Host about her gift?
I agree, Pinky, that is quite Lethifold-like.....
On a totally unrelated topic...the Animal Control Officer "confessed" to me today that it has taken as long as SIX MONTHS! to catch household-inclined critters. I explained how this was simply unacceptable, and encouraged him to use his best creative methods to thwart Blossom.
I don't think creativity is his strong suit....and we agreed that I didn't need the trap anymore.
As I don't foresee any trips to the basement in the next 50 years, it will work out well. If I don't open the door....(think Harry here) then there is no problem.
Ah...denial...that Southern treat....
EDIT: Oooh, now that Ladybug says that "My new license plate has arrived and now there is LUMOS! on the back of my car" does that mean that I can say "NOX!" whenever I drive to Raleigh? Or perhaps, "MISCHIEF MANAGED?"
EDIT: Oooh, I love George Orwell's prose. I love getting the "1984" post.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:45 pm (#1985 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 4:47 pm
You can say it; whether or not it works is something else entirely. Nox was already taken so I couldn't use it or Oblivi8....
edit: the mischief will never be truly managed.
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Gina R Snape - May 13, 2005 7:17 pm (#1986 of 2981) Reply
I haven't got a car for a vanity plate. But I hope one day to have a telephone number that spells something!
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Gina R Snape - May 13, 2005 7:18 pm (#1987 of 2981) Reply
Oooh! Sorry for the double post. . . but not really! Had to take 1987 as that was the year I graduated high school.
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pottermom34 - May 13, 2005 8:24 pm (#1988 of 2981) Reply
At the risk of dung bombs for copying Gina...
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pottermom34 - May 13, 2005 8:26 pm (#1989 of 2981) Reply
I had to take 1989 for the same reason. *ducking dungbombs* (hey nice tongue twister, say that five times fast)
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I Am Used Vlad - May 13, 2005 8:30 pm (#1990 of 2981) Reply
I graduated in 1990.
At least this can only go on for only the next 15 posts.
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Elanor - May 13, 2005 10:49 pm (#1991 of 2981) Reply
I graduated in 1990 too! So,1991... I was studying history at the university and I LOVED that, I almost lived in the university library! My best souvenir: archeology and paleography lessons, this was some "concrete" historian work, my worst: having to know by heart the Merovingian dynasty, a nightmare!
It is Saturday morning here and time to wish you all a great weekend! I hope you will enjoy it. Here, for the moment, it is a rainy day and I hope we'll see some sun again, especially tomorrow because tomorrow will be the day of my (future!) godson's baptism. His name is Quentin and he is, of course, a wonderful baby. Everything is ready: the prayers, the sugared almonds in lovely boxes (it is the tradition here to give sugared almonds for baptisms, are you doing the same thing?)... Let's just hope I won't drop him and that he won't cry in the church! I have to say I'm a bit nervous about the ceremony.
PS: Denise, your avatar is wonderful!
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The giant squid - May 13, 2005 10:56 pm (#1992 of 2981) Reply
Vlad stole my year, too Just as well, the thought of being out of school for 15 years is unsettling, especially when I'm working with people who were born only a year before that... 1992 is the year I officially dropped out of college to pursue other interests--such as earning enough money to feed and house myself. Strangely enough, it seems to have paid off.
You're such a Hot Dog, Dr. Loopyfurter!
KWeldon, your spoiler stuff is likely what got SW III the PG-13. That and the fact that while the others have had violence and such, Revenge of the Sith has more of it and more often.
--Mike
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septentrion - May 14, 2005 1:53 am (#1993 of 2981) Reply
Hello all !
my training is over, so I'll have a little more time to hang around here.
Elanor, for once, it isn't in North France it's raining (although we have a nasty grey sky).
Happy birthday, best wishes to those who have earned it, and big hugs to those who need it.
Everyone has a great week-end !
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Dumbledore - May 14, 2005 6:17 am (#1994 of 2981) Reply
Good morning, everybody!!
After a thoroughly miserable day yesterday, I was absolutely delighted to find an update on Rowling's website. That was definitely a worthwhile silver lining for my cloud!
Hmm..post 1994..I was but a wee squalling 3 year old at that time!!
My birthday is on Monday, so this weekend I'm more or less just trying to hang out. Today is mainly a homework day, tomorrow my family and I are going into New York City probably to see a show. Gina, tomorrow night we're going to the Palm II for dinner. I'm sure you know of that place - the prime rib's fantastic!!
Denise - gorgeous picture of your baby! and mazel tov once again on number 9!
Always, Lauren
Edit: Happy birthday septenrion!!!!!!!
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boop - May 14, 2005 6:31 am (#1995 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTENTRION, have a wonderful day!!!
Everyone have a great weekend!!!
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septentrion - May 14, 2005 6:37 am (#1996 of 2981) Reply
Nice to be remembered thanks Betty and Lauren, you made better than my husband, whom I bluntly remembered of my birthday this morning ! Now I have to update my profile...
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Sirius Lee - May 14, 2005 7:07 am (#1997 of 2981) Reply
I have absolutely nothing to add, but I graduated high school in 1997, so I thought I'd keep up the trend
EDIT: Oh, I do have something share, how could I forget. So after years and years and years of saving, I'm finally going to London! I'm going over New Years, so it's not for quite a while, but I got one heck of a deal! So come winter, I'll be bugging all the Londoners on the site for tips on places to go! I'm so giddy with excitement!
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Ydnam96 - May 14, 2005 8:29 am (#1998 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Septentrion!
Let's see 1998...I was a sophmore/junior in college.
Today I graduate from Graduate School. It only took 5 years. Oh well...at least I'm done. I have to go out and shop for my party (well I wouldn't call it a party. Just a gathering of some of my friends/coworkers to eat cake) since I'm not actually going to my graduation.
Happy Saturday.
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Gina R Snape - May 14, 2005 11:40 am (#1999 of 2981) Reply
Have fun, Dumbledore. I'm afraid I don't know that restaurant as I don't eat prime rib, or any meat products from a cow. But enjoy!
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Finn BV - May 14, 2005 1:27 pm (#2000 of 2981)
W00T! POST 2000! I'm just taking it for no sake… I hope I don't disappoint anybody who graduated this year! Let me try to relate to the thread… hmm…
Gina, I am a vegetarian so I agree with your eating habits. PS I love your avatar! What scene in the movie is Rickman posed like that? Do you remember?
Anyway, so, everybody, HAPPY 2000TH POST! :-D
John Bumbledore - May 12, 2005 10:54 am (#1951 of 2981) Reply
Edited May 12, 2005 11:27 am
I've only read up through Thora's post #1763, but I had to get this in, now before it is lost in the flood of information I am currently dealing with. (see previous posts mentioning my plans for home repair, job search, and relocation back to Pennsylvania with a self-imposed time limit of three months [now down to two] and did I mention this as my self- imposed madness?)
So, which of us is the writer?
"Being a mom may make you smarter" by Jeff Gammage, Knight Ridder Newspapers, May 8, 2005. "It's not that you forget to go to the grocery store. It's that you can't remember what you need once you get there." I swear that is a close paraphrase of what Denise (mother of 8, 9th on the way--I think those are the correct numbers) said here in this chat thread.
Harry Potter mentioned in other works
I suppose, I should stop reading Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" while I'm waiting for an update to Jo's site... but I did noticed that "Nicolas Famel" is listed as one of the previous Grand Masters of the Priory of Sion. And I laughed when I saw one of the characters ask if "Harry Potter is about the Holy Grail?" I made a post in the "JK Rowling Official Site" thread Ann, "Shall we try potion ingredients and magical..." by John Bumbledore
Has anyone seen other references to Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling, or her works in other novels?
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. (Any career counselors among us?) I'm thinking I should look for a new job that includes symbology or analysis. Of course I also thought this after reading about Jack Ryan in Red October, Clear and present Danger, and Patriot Games
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Catherine - May 12, 2005 12:16 pm (#1952 of 2981) Reply
Baby P, you need to cooperate with your mom when she wants to take your picture! Thanks for sharing that picture with us!
I had a Super Great Day (this will be an amusing allusion for anyone who has read the curious incident of the dog in the night-time). I went to a local private school and observed the 7th and 8th grade classes. Afterward, I was offered a temporary position for next year filling in for the teacher's maternity leave of 8 weeks at the beginning of the year next fall. I really enjoyed being in those classrooms; the classes were small, the students were engaged and advanced, and they were doing the kinds of lessons the way I think it should be done. Yay! I just might just jump on it, if a full-time position doesn't open up elsewhere.
Blossum remains a symbol of possum freedom. After the embarrassing incident of last week, the officer suggested that we set up the trap outside the basement in the backyard. So far this week, some critter (ostensibly Blossom or maybe a raccoon) has gone into the cage, eaten the bait, been "captured" by the trap, and still managed to push its way out. I wonder if someone is playing a very bizarre joke on us,
**narrows eyes and looks suspiciously at Loopy Lupin, Blossom's Forum Champion**
Have a good Thursday, everyone.
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Ydnam96 - May 12, 2005 12:39 pm (#1953 of 2981) Reply
Catherine, I am so sorry that you are still being plauged by the pesky opposum. We used to have lots of raccons in our backyard because my dad had ducks, chickens, and pheasants (he showed them at fairs and such). They would come in and kill the birds. For no reason! They wouldn't eat them, just kill them. So he caught them in the live trap. He found that using old fish worked the best to catch them. Bummer he never tried to catch an opposum or I could suggest a good bait.
Denise, that is such a great picture! It's amazing what they can do with sonagrams now!!! Have you been able to determine the sex of the baby yet or are you planning on being surprised? (or did I miss you saying that somewhere?). Although, I bet it doesn't matter as you have plenty of girls and boys stuff to pass down to the new family member!
I'm in the middle of a very busy day. Too much to do and too little time. And of course, I'm spending my "free" time on the forum
Happy Thursday
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 12:56 pm (#1954 of 2981) Reply
We know the gender but since some have requested that I not share it so THEY can be surprised, I don't mention it in public. My gram is the same way, I never tell her the gender. We found out in March and it was confirmed today the exact flavor of the newest baby
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 12, 2005 1:09 pm (#1955 of 2981) Reply
Denise I love the picture (and I can't believe I cracked and asked for the baby's gender. )
Catherine, I'm thrilled about your day. My advice remains the same.
Going back to student loans: I get those notices too and frankly I always assume they're some kind of scheme. Can anyone fill me in on the mechanics of refinancing the loan with a lower interest rate? Does one refinance with the government or an outside agency? I'll admit to being financially illiterate.
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Loopy Lupin - May 12, 2005 1:17 pm (#1956 of 2981) Reply
**narrows eyes and looks suspiciously at Loopy Lupin, Blossom's Forum Champion** -- Catherine
What? Do I look like I'm a fan of Blossom's?
Ditto from me regarding Kim's advice to you.
Also, as for student loans. I refinanced my Federal Loans with Sallie Mae. Not to sound like a commercial, but I cut my payments by nearly half. I also do not claim to be a wizard at finance or student loan finance. However, I think that the propensity to get scammed is a little mitigated when it comes to student loans. As I understand it, if you were to default on the loans, the government would pay them (or pay part of them) to the lender and then the government itself would file suit against you to collect. Thus, I would think not every fly-by-night loan servicing center would be allowed to traffic in student loans. However, that's really just my understanding and I would defer to anyone who claims to have any actual knowledge about educational loans.
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timrew - May 12, 2005 2:38 pm (#1957 of 2981) Reply
Congrats kabloink and Gina on your exam results!
Happy much-belated birthday Kip! Sorry, I've not been around for a while...........
Happy belated-birthday, also, Professor Sprout!
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 3:32 pm (#1958 of 2981) Reply
Hey, Barbie. Sure you can sit near me in the Great Hall. The question is...are you savvy enough to stay there.
Thanks, Tim. The B+ was actually for the entire course. So, I'm pretty excited.
Denise, I could have sworn you already posted that it was a girl. Oh well. I guess we'll find out in due course (unless you want to tell me in a private email ).
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 4:19 pm (#1959 of 2981) Reply
Gina, nope. I have not posted gender at all on here LOL I know one person who was told the gender but on the Forum, I have been closed mouth
You have a 50/50 chance of being correct though, if you guess._____________________________________
Catherine - May 12, 2005 4:59 pm (#1960 of 2981) Reply
Gina, there's nothing wrong with a good healthy B+. Especially if you leave a swamp in which the professor might stumble.
I bring this up because I was shown a paper that a student received an unexpectedly poor grade (I had nothing to do with it, I swear!). The teacher had dinged him not on content, but on adhering to the MLA style. The problem was, the teacher was grading the student on an MLA style that was at least 5 years out of date. Oh, did I mention that I hate it when that happens?
I looked over the comments and knew that the teacher was dead wrong. Did I mention that I hate it when this happens?
So I gave the kid the short story about MLA style now, and wished him and his folks the best in fighting this dragon teacher. Hopefully, they will avail themselves of the guide and do the right thing.
In the end, it should not be about that, and I am sorry for this child that his grade was based on an outmoded style.
Off to watch Survivor, alas earwax.
Have a great night!
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Gina R Snape - May 12, 2005 5:13 pm (#1961 of 2981) Reply
Oh, I wasn't complaining about my grade! Did you have that impression?
Well, I meant to post this before, but I bought a scratch off ticket game today. You get a series of letters and then scratch them off to see if you get any of the words. I won $5, but the point is...the words on the game were delightfully HP-themed. So I had to take a picture before cashing it in.
https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/ginarsnape/scratchgame.jpg
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The giant squid - May 12, 2005 5:48 pm (#1962 of 2981) Reply
Loopy, only you would dredge up a pic of Mayim Bialik just for a quick joke.
And only I would refer to her by her real name rather than the actress...geeks of a feather.
kabloink, I hadn't realized you were already a member of the McDonalds Family. My condolences. I will refrain from making any Hamburger University jokes at this time.
Catherine: MLA? I know MLB is Major League Baseball and MLS is Major League Soccer, but I can't for the life of me figure out which sport is referred to by MLA.
Two down: Just got word that I won my bid on Sirius' Escape. Now I'm just waiting for the first movie Hagrid's Hut. Oh, the antici...pation!
--Mike
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fleur-de-lys - May 12, 2005 5:53 pm (#1963 of 2981) Reply
Gina, how weird. Definitely an HP theme and you're the perfect person to get it. Congrats on the win. $5 is $5.
Catherine, I have to sympathize with your possom predicament. They are really freaky creatures in real life. We had a skunk for a groundhog that was under our small shed when I was in high school, but we caught a possum. They aren't very cuddly looking when they're in a trap and you go up to the trap and the keep opening their mouth like they're gonna bite you. We put him in the trunk and took him to my Uncle's and asked him to set him loose out behind his house where there were big fields. But I don't like him. Whenever I read one of your possum posts, I cringe in remembrance of my encounter. So, raising a butterbeer in a toast of luck in your quest to catch the beast.
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Amilia Smith - May 12, 2005 6:18 pm (#1964 of 2981) Reply
Chemyst: Our house is far enough away from the mountain (5 minutes) that it should be safe from mud/rock slides. However, I know people in the town next to us that had to be evacuated due to mud slides.
Mills.
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Thora- May 12, 2005 6:19 pm (#1965 of 2981) Reply
Wow Gina, what fate besets thee upon this spring day?
Denise, no fair making me all teary eyed, that picture is so beautiful. I got to have a 3D of my last, and I stared at it for hours. Did you get that at the doctor's or did you go to fetal fotos?
Thora
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Denise P. - May 12, 2005 6:25 pm (#1966 of 2981) Reply
Fetal Fotos closed their local office but I found another commercial place near me. They actually were not pleased with the photos they got so I am going back in a few weeks for retakes. They do require you show proof of being under a doctor's care before they will do a scan though.
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Viola Intonada - May 12, 2005 7:12 pm (#1967 of 2981) Reply
Wow, Denise. It is amazing how advanced ultrasound tech is now.
Congrats, Gina! Thanks for the link, it is worth seeing the ticket.
Puck, Sorry for the delay on the cookie recipe. It has been a hectic week. This recipe is from a very old Better Homes and Gardens cookbook.
Chocolate Drop Cookies
1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup shortening (or 1/2 cup butter flavored Crisco works as a great substitute to both) 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 2 one ounce squares of baking chocolate (or 6 tablespoons of cocoa and 2 T of shortening) 1 3/4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream the stuff you cream then alternate additions of the powder ingredients with additions of milk. Drop dough onto ungreased cookie sheet bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F.
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Julia. - May 12, 2005 8:05 pm (#1968 of 2981) Reply
Good evening everyone.
Denise, the baby is gorgeous! How wonderful that you can see him/her/it before he/she/it's born! Hope you get good face shots next time.
Well, as of this afternoon I have a summer job. I'm working at the kosher bakery near my house. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing, but I'll probally be a waitress. If anyone wants to come visit me and get some nice kosher food you're more than welcome.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 12, 2005 8:17 pm (#1969 of 2981) Reply
Baby P. looks like a boy in that picture. But I'll wait to find out.
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dizzy lizzy - May 12, 2005 8:48 pm (#1970 of 2981) Reply
85 posts in 3 and a half days isn't bad
I had fun reading them. Denise I love your avatar photo - cute.A belated Happy Birthday to Kip and Prof. Sprout.
Congrats Kabloink and Gina on your good marks.
Julia - good to see you got a summer job. Enjoy.
Off to check the threads and have them all read by the time I fly out of here on Sunday.
Lizzy
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:19 am (#1971 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 4:20 am
There are updates to JKR's website!
I hope everyone has a good morning. I get to sit at the car dealer while my car gets a tune-up. Hopefully I can get one of my co-workers to pick me up and take me to the office.
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Catherine - May 13, 2005 4:51 am (#1972 of 2981) Reply
Woo hoo! I love updates on JKR's site.
What a great treat for Friday the 13th.
Yay!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 13, 2005 5:46 am (#1973 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Denise P. May 13, 2005 6:03 am
Yes Catherine JK's updated, best treat for us on Friday 13th. Congratulations to the Leaky!
Happy belated birthday Kip!
Yeah for Gina and Kim.
Recently I started working a for paying job. I'm liking this world of paid work. I get to get dressed every day, I talk to adults, my duties and responsibility yield immediate results, if I speak I don't have to check that sound actually came out of my mouth. And at the end of the week I GET PAID!!!! I told my husband I'm liking this I may not go back to staying home in my house in never ending need of work.
[size=10Edit: I deleted a line in this post. This forum is NOT the place to bring up political issues, no matter what side of it you may fall on. Please refrain from doing so again. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Denise denise@hp-lexicon.org[/size]
To the rest of you, have a great Friday the 13th.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 6:11 am (#1974 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 6:11 am
Well, I don't have to sit at the car dealer as they have a nice shuttle service; so that means I get to play on my computer at work.
Big congrats to Melissa at Leaky and Emerson at Mugglenet - I am so incredibly jealous!
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Loopy Lupin - May 13, 2005 8:02 am (#1975 of 2981) Reply
Oh, the antici...pation! --- Mike
Mike I take issue with your earlier statement. I am not disposed to dredging up old pics just for a quick joke.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 8:30 am (#1976 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 8:32 am
Lovely pict, Loopy! So is this what you really look like?
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Loopy Lupin - May 13, 2005 8:54 am (#1977 of 2981) Reply
So is this what you really look like?-- Ladybug220
Only on Saturdays at midnight.
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GryffEndora - May 13, 2005 10:24 am (#1978 of 2981) Reply
Denise P. - Thank you for sharing that great picture with us. It's a beautiful picture even with the hand covering part of the face. I hope you get the shots your looking for next time.
Gina - cool Karma on the scratch off! Thanks for sharing the pic!
Loopy - I loved the Mayam Bialik pic! I have to say she is what I picture every time someone on the forum referred to the opossum as simply Blossom. Glad to know I'm not alone, I have you and the giant squid!
giant squid - way to go on the auctions and I hope you get the third as well!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 13, 2005 10:49 am (#1979 of 2981) Reply
Happy Friday all! I checked out JKR"s website and saw the updates, interesting bit of info on the veritasirum.
Here it has been snowing since before eight this morning. I guess the weeding that I was planning to do in my flower bed is out!
Denise P, what a beautiful picture of your baby, I love the little hand up by the face; looks like you have a keeper!
Congratulations to all the graduates. I remember when I'd graduated and the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment; best wishes to all!
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Julia. - May 13, 2005 11:17 am (#1980 of 2981) Reply
Oh Man!!!! What a lovely Friday the 13th day present!! I'm starting to think that this is a very lucky day. Thanks Jo! Congrats to our Floo Network partner TLC (perhaps I should start calling it 'Leaky'), and congrats to Melissa and Emerson on their wonderful news! I either of you are reading this, can you please ask her which house Moaning Myrtle was in?!
Well, I'm off to do some reading (OoP, nothing for school. ) and get ready for Shabbos. have a good weekend everyone!
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KWeldon - May 13, 2005 12:07 pm (#1981 of 2981) Reply
On the GOF movie thread we were discussing specifically why Star Wars Ep III is getting a PG-13 rating, when the other movies had violence and torture and only got PG. What pushed this one over the edge?
It might be the following scene that I read about, which in all likelihood must happen (and therefore is probably a true spoiler), given what we know about from the later films. SPOILER WARNING, in invisible text:
- Spoiler:
Anakin slays the young Padawan jedis-in-training (the kids from Ep II)
Given that they see violence frequently on TV, it may not be the violence per se that is at issue, but this image that is unacceptable for kids to see.
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Pinky - May 13, 2005 4:07 pm (#1982 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm.... what does it say about you as a host when you don't know the proper place to put something? My dear husband brought the best present home for me today. It's a little model from Reaper Minis, that is called a "Cloak Fiend." It is a perfect model for a Lethifold, particularly after being painted. I pulled a picture of the unpainted model from the manufacturer's site, so you could see it.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:15 pm (#1983 of 2981) Reply
That's cool, Pinky
My new license plate has arrived and now there is LUMOS! on the back of my car.
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Catherine - May 13, 2005 4:17 pm (#1984 of 2981) Reply
Hmmm...what does it say when you don't know what to tell a Host about her gift?
I agree, Pinky, that is quite Lethifold-like.....
On a totally unrelated topic...the Animal Control Officer "confessed" to me today that it has taken as long as SIX MONTHS! to catch household-inclined critters. I explained how this was simply unacceptable, and encouraged him to use his best creative methods to thwart Blossom.
I don't think creativity is his strong suit....and we agreed that I didn't need the trap anymore.
As I don't foresee any trips to the basement in the next 50 years, it will work out well. If I don't open the door....(think Harry here) then there is no problem.
Ah...denial...that Southern treat....
EDIT: Oooh, now that Ladybug says that "My new license plate has arrived and now there is LUMOS! on the back of my car" does that mean that I can say "NOX!" whenever I drive to Raleigh? Or perhaps, "MISCHIEF MANAGED?"
EDIT: Oooh, I love George Orwell's prose. I love getting the "1984" post.
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Ladybug220 - May 13, 2005 4:45 pm (#1985 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 13, 2005 4:47 pm
You can say it; whether or not it works is something else entirely. Nox was already taken so I couldn't use it or Oblivi8....
edit: the mischief will never be truly managed.
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Gina R Snape - May 13, 2005 7:17 pm (#1986 of 2981) Reply
I haven't got a car for a vanity plate. But I hope one day to have a telephone number that spells something!
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Gina R Snape - May 13, 2005 7:18 pm (#1987 of 2981) Reply
Oooh! Sorry for the double post. . . but not really! Had to take 1987 as that was the year I graduated high school.
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pottermom34 - May 13, 2005 8:24 pm (#1988 of 2981) Reply
At the risk of dung bombs for copying Gina...
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pottermom34 - May 13, 2005 8:26 pm (#1989 of 2981) Reply
I had to take 1989 for the same reason. *ducking dungbombs* (hey nice tongue twister, say that five times fast)
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I Am Used Vlad - May 13, 2005 8:30 pm (#1990 of 2981) Reply
I graduated in 1990.
At least this can only go on for only the next 15 posts.
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Elanor - May 13, 2005 10:49 pm (#1991 of 2981) Reply
I graduated in 1990 too! So,1991... I was studying history at the university and I LOVED that, I almost lived in the university library! My best souvenir: archeology and paleography lessons, this was some "concrete" historian work, my worst: having to know by heart the Merovingian dynasty, a nightmare!
It is Saturday morning here and time to wish you all a great weekend! I hope you will enjoy it. Here, for the moment, it is a rainy day and I hope we'll see some sun again, especially tomorrow because tomorrow will be the day of my (future!) godson's baptism. His name is Quentin and he is, of course, a wonderful baby. Everything is ready: the prayers, the sugared almonds in lovely boxes (it is the tradition here to give sugared almonds for baptisms, are you doing the same thing?)... Let's just hope I won't drop him and that he won't cry in the church! I have to say I'm a bit nervous about the ceremony.
PS: Denise, your avatar is wonderful!
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The giant squid - May 13, 2005 10:56 pm (#1992 of 2981) Reply
Vlad stole my year, too Just as well, the thought of being out of school for 15 years is unsettling, especially when I'm working with people who were born only a year before that... 1992 is the year I officially dropped out of college to pursue other interests--such as earning enough money to feed and house myself. Strangely enough, it seems to have paid off.
You're such a Hot Dog, Dr. Loopyfurter!
KWeldon, your spoiler stuff is likely what got SW III the PG-13. That and the fact that while the others have had violence and such, Revenge of the Sith has more of it and more often.
--Mike
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septentrion - May 14, 2005 1:53 am (#1993 of 2981) Reply
Hello all !
my training is over, so I'll have a little more time to hang around here.
Elanor, for once, it isn't in North France it's raining (although we have a nasty grey sky).
Happy birthday, best wishes to those who have earned it, and big hugs to those who need it.
Everyone has a great week-end !
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Dumbledore - May 14, 2005 6:17 am (#1994 of 2981) Reply
Good morning, everybody!!
After a thoroughly miserable day yesterday, I was absolutely delighted to find an update on Rowling's website. That was definitely a worthwhile silver lining for my cloud!
Hmm..post 1994..I was but a wee squalling 3 year old at that time!!
My birthday is on Monday, so this weekend I'm more or less just trying to hang out. Today is mainly a homework day, tomorrow my family and I are going into New York City probably to see a show. Gina, tomorrow night we're going to the Palm II for dinner. I'm sure you know of that place - the prime rib's fantastic!!
Denise - gorgeous picture of your baby! and mazel tov once again on number 9!
Always, Lauren
Edit: Happy birthday septenrion!!!!!!!
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boop - May 14, 2005 6:31 am (#1995 of 2981) Reply
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTENTRION, have a wonderful day!!!
Everyone have a great weekend!!!
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septentrion - May 14, 2005 6:37 am (#1996 of 2981) Reply
Nice to be remembered thanks Betty and Lauren, you made better than my husband, whom I bluntly remembered of my birthday this morning ! Now I have to update my profile...
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Sirius Lee - May 14, 2005 7:07 am (#1997 of 2981) Reply
I have absolutely nothing to add, but I graduated high school in 1997, so I thought I'd keep up the trend
EDIT: Oh, I do have something share, how could I forget. So after years and years and years of saving, I'm finally going to London! I'm going over New Years, so it's not for quite a while, but I got one heck of a deal! So come winter, I'll be bugging all the Londoners on the site for tips on places to go! I'm so giddy with excitement!
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Ydnam96 - May 14, 2005 8:29 am (#1998 of 2981) Reply
Happy Birthday Septentrion!
Let's see 1998...I was a sophmore/junior in college.
Today I graduate from Graduate School. It only took 5 years. Oh well...at least I'm done. I have to go out and shop for my party (well I wouldn't call it a party. Just a gathering of some of my friends/coworkers to eat cake) since I'm not actually going to my graduation.
Happy Saturday.
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Gina R Snape - May 14, 2005 11:40 am (#1999 of 2981) Reply
Have fun, Dumbledore. I'm afraid I don't know that restaurant as I don't eat prime rib, or any meat products from a cow. But enjoy!
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Finn BV - May 14, 2005 1:27 pm (#2000 of 2981)
W00T! POST 2000! I'm just taking it for no sake… I hope I don't disappoint anybody who graduated this year! Let me try to relate to the thread… hmm…
Gina, I am a vegetarian so I agree with your eating habits. PS I love your avatar! What scene in the movie is Rickman posed like that? Do you remember?
Anyway, so, everybody, HAPPY 2000TH POST! :-D
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:13 pm
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librarian314 - May 14, 2005 1:37 pm (#2001 of 2981)
Hey all!
If this turns out to be the 2001st post on this list then this is the year I graduated from Library School with my MLS. Woohoo! Hard to believe I've been at my job for 4 years.
Just spent the afternoon helping a new young friend (she's almost 16) cut out some garb and talked HP. I helped her figure out how to make an outfit for the release of HBP. She's dressing up as one of the students.
Well, y'all have fun!
**michelle the librarian**
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Catherine - May 14, 2005 3:04 pm (#2002 of 2981)
Whew! I ache all over, but we redid our front beds today. We planted 6 hollies, two jasmine vines, 8 shrub roses (pink), 6 gardenias, and 15 pots of petunias (dark purple spreading). And I still underestimated the number of annuals we needed, so I'll have to go back tomorrow! **loves to go to the nursery::
Claire loved going with me today because the place we went has 10 fountains and pools installed to showcase their wares. She splashed and played while I spent way too much money. To top off the day, one woman brought her 4 month old shih-tzu puppy to the nursery, so Claire and I were delighted.
Dinner, then bed. Hope everyone else enjoyed their Saturday.
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dizzy lizzy - May 14, 2005 3:37 pm (#2003 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren.
It is a lovely chilly morning here. Just tidying up a few things prior to flying out to Sydney for my last Two days training. Yay. I will be pleased to spend 3 solid weeks staying at home. I didn't get the job interview I went for a couple of weeks ago, but I do have an appointment on Wednesday to talk to some people about some casual on call work.
Some of you may recall that a couple of months ago, the power pole outside my house was struck by lightning and started burning???
Well it was finally replaced yesterday (Saturday) and it took them 9 hours as this particular pole is on the corner of four town power grids and one grid covers the school opposite me. So it had to be done on a Saturday and it had to be done when the weather was not to hot. So yesterday I ended up walking to Macca's for brekky and didn't get a thing done in the house except to read and have a relaxing afternoon nap.
Was a rather relaxing way to top off a busy week.
Off to catch up on the threads and talk to you all next week.
Lizzy
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timrew - May 14, 2005 3:55 pm (#2004 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren! Or to Septentrion, should that be, "Joyeuse anee"! (sorry, I don't know how to do accents - hope it's okay apart from that!)
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Pinky - May 14, 2005 7:20 pm (#2005 of 2981)
I can't believe I get this one - 2005 is when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out!!!!
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Gina R Snape - May 14, 2005 7:26 pm (#2006 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren!
fbv807, the picture was actually taken from a publicity poster with Snape, Malfoy and Hermione for the PoA film.
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Julia. - May 14, 2005 8:05 pm (#2007 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTENTRION!!! *hands Sept butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and an amazing year. I actually remembered your birthday this year, because it's the same day as my dad's.
Lizzy took my graduation year, 2003. The week I graduated from high school was fun. I graduated on a Wednesday, and OoP came out Friday night/Saturday morning. I spent all of a graduation party that night currled up in a chair reading OoP and completly ignoring my friends.
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Helen Potterfan - May 14, 2005 10:16 pm (#2008 of 2981)
Gina, Sorry to reply days later (I've been busy over the last few days), but I wanted to tell you that my understanding is that consolidating/refinancing loans means that they are OUT of deferrment. When you return to school, your loans can go back into deferrment (meaning you don't have to pay them) until 6 months after you graduate. So, if money will be tight while in school, you may be better off waiting to consolidate until you finish and have to start repaying.
Happy Birthday Septentrion!
I hope to graduate from my PhD program in 2007, but since I'm post 2008...I hope to have a tenure-track job and maybe start catching up with Denise (then again, maybe one will do)
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Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 12:06 am (#2009 of 2981)
I was just over on the CoS forums and Lexicon Steve had posted on one of my most frequented threads, the Layers thread! I couldn't believe it. Lexicon Steve!
WOW. I just had to share that. Because, to me that's just about as good as seeing JKR posting on a forum!
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septentrion - May 15, 2005 1:13 am (#2010 of 2981)
Still thanks everyone for your birthday wishes ! They warm me very much !
Timrew : Or to Septentrion, should that be, "Joyeuse anee"!
I understand what you've written Tim, but I didn't know my birthday was New Year's Day ! LOL Your try with French to wish my birthday is very nice BTW. Thanks again.
Julia : I actually remembered your birthday this year, because it's the same day as my dad's.
Your father's birthday escaped my notice *oups* always thought it's cool to be born on Mya 14th. Happy birthday to your dad !
Everyone has a good Sunday !
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Good Evans - May 15, 2005 1:42 am (#2011 of 2981)
belated happy b'day Septentrion.
hope everyone has a nice sunday - off to read and post on threads.....
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timrew - May 15, 2005 2:19 am (#2012 of 2981)
Oooops! Sorry, Septentrion! But A Happy New Year, anyway! And have a nice birthday, too!
Joyeuse Noel..........no, that's wrong, too.........
Is it Joyeuse Anniversaire!.........?
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Marè - May 15, 2005 5:45 am (#2013 of 2981)
I think it is Tim, bravo! I'll stick with english though: Belated Happy Birthday Septentrion!
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Gina R Snape - May 15, 2005 6:40 am (#2014 of 2981)
Thanks, Accio. Say, are you going to join us on 5 June for pumpkin juice Starbuck's at Astor Place?
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GryffEndora - May 15, 2005 6:56 am (#2015 of 2981)
Happy Belated Birthday Septentrion!
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Good Evans - May 15, 2005 7:30 am (#2016 of 2981)
well I have had the most riveting few hours. My hubby volunteers at the local steam railway in the shop. Today he brings home a bag of scoubidous (??) saying you are good at knotts, can you run a few of these up?
anyone at all know how to make the square knot, it just floors me totally!!! thousands of bangles and keyrings later though and it is actually quite therapeutic, almost wanted to get my knitting needles out again!
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Choices - May 15, 2005 8:41 am (#2017 of 2981)
Miriam Huber ---- Hi Miriam, I just read your introduction. My oldest daughter is about your age and just got her Ph.D in Theology about a year ago. She is now a professor at a large university in the Washington, DC area. Good luck with your studies, your dissertation and your teaching. Your posts are always interesting and insightful - you are an asset to this forum. :-)
I don't know where you are in Germany, but one of my good friends lives just outside of Munich. She and her husband own and run a hotel. She and I met in a forum and have played Scrabble every day for the past couple of years.
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Miriam Huber - May 15, 2005 9:20 am (#2018 of 2981)
Oh Choices, many thanks for your post!
What a real temptation to ask you about your daughter -- I would simply LOVE to do some postdoc research abroad, for example the USA ... Well, but no abuses of the forum, and first things first: finishing the PhD.
I really envy your daughter for not having to do a "Habilitation": another large book after the PhD that is obligatory to show you are up to scholarship. That´s how it is -- still -- in Germany, so even after your PhD you are not really "scientifically adult". shhhh.
And thank you for your compliments; I have the feeling we are quite often thinking along the same lines (obviously except for our liking or not of Dan Radcliffe as Harry ).
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Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 9:58 am (#2019 of 2981)
Miriam, welcome!! I'm interested what your dissertation is about? Is it perhaps about Harry Potter? (I know, that's a long shot). I'm glad you enjoy the forum.
Happy Sunday all!
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Choices - May 15, 2005 10:30 am (#2020 of 2981)
Miriam - "obviously except for our liking or not of Dan Radcliffe as Harry"
Do we disagree - I didn't know? I love Daniel as Harry - he is exactly as I pictured Harry - maybe even cuter!! Do you not like Daniel?
My daughter is 34 (this month) and got her Ph.D at Catholic University of the Americas in DC in Theology/Philosophy. Her mentor in writing her dissertation was David Powers. She taught her first class in Theology there this past semester. She works as the assistant to the Graduate Admissions Director for Theological Studies at CUA. She and her husband are moving back to where I live next month and she hopes to get work here in the Theology Dept. of Spring Hill College. That is where she got her Master's Degree.
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Miriam Huber - May 15, 2005 11:02 am (#2021 of 2981)
Hi Ydam, hi Choices,
everybody who is not interested just skip this post (I like that about forums!), me about "my beloved theology" will go on quite a while...
Ydnam, I am not writing about Harry Potter. There are, of course, theological studies of HP, but I normally don´t even read them. ... *rest of paragraph deleted, too near topics that are not allowed in the forum* ...
By the way, I am not even sure if, as so many suggest, HP is so very successfull because of its great themes: good and evil etc. I think the "main" story/stories are rather "usual": good fights evil, college events, growing up, friendship and treachery... In my opinion (just my 2 knuts, of course), it is more the way JKR brings these themes to live: the variety and colourfulness of her characters, the detailed wizarding world, all the little clues and twists and jokes we are discussing here over and over. But I´m drifting off (is that English?)
I am writing, in fact, about the Christian Revelation. In very (!) short form: Theologians (and everyone else, of course) who speak about revelation use metaphors -- there is no other way as we cannot describe something concerning God with our human language "exactly". These metaphors are often "hidden" in abstract formulas (for example, when we talk about God´s "self-revelation" in terms of "communication". The term "communication" is normally used to describe a phenomenon between human beings). I want to look at the metaphors most often used, describe what we can and can´t see with them (because they always have some 'blind spot') and propose two more metaphors to widen the range of our view. (I mostly refer to Paul Ricoeur, a french philosopher, if someone of you knows him?)
I hope to finish this year, doctoral exams probably next year.
Choices, I am afraid I don´t know David Powers. That proves once again that, at least in Germany, our theology is stll very "continental" (mostly even "german"). New developments from other continents reach us very slowly and with much delay. Pity.
I suppose you will be very pleased to have your daughter near you again?
By the way, I don´t like Dan as Harry. Perhaps it´s in fact because I only watched PoA so that I had a fully-formed Harry already in my mind for years when I saw Dan for the first time. And I have to add that I was rather disappointed of the film in general. (But I don´t want to hurt anyone so I´d rather not elaborate.) I am not sure if I will watch GoF. I´d rather not, but on the other hand I´m curious, of course.
Well, I really should read that article lying in front of me, now...
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septentrion - May 15, 2005 11:25 am (#2022 of 2981)
Thanks again for birthday wishes, and yes Tim, joyeux anniversaire is right.
Good Evans, I thought scoubidous weren't known abroad. I did quite a few when I was younger, square and round ones. I'm not sure I'd still have enough patience to practice it.
Would you believe it ? Hubby grows impatient for HBP release, I'm even sure he'd like a HP book every week-end, not to read them, but to be able to get to the computer
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Penny Lane. - May 15, 2005 12:01 pm (#2023 of 2981)
Miriam: I think your dissertation sounds fascinating. I've always been interested in theology, but not really enough to actually go out and study it for a degree. I'm taking an intro course in the fall though for an elective.
I also didn't like PoA or Dan as Harry really. Mostly for the same reasons - I had my own "vision" of both the films and the characters. I saw a picture of Fleur for GoF, and she is COMPLETLY not what I expected.
I really wish it were July. HBP would give me something to do. I'm completely Lost without school.
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Elanor - May 15, 2005 12:10 pm (#2024 of 2981)
I hope you had a wonderful birthday Sept! "Harry birthday" again!
My Godson's baptism was great! Well, he spent most of the ceremony screaming but finally calmed down when we started making more noise than he did by singing and ringing the bells. It took place in a very small and old chapel (12th century) in the countryside and it was lovely.
BTW, Sept, did you know you were sharing your birthday with George Lucas? I've just seen an interview of him, from Cannes. The atmosphere seemed to be amazing there today, with Stormtroopers everywhere on "the Croisette", fans in costumes... I've heard on TV the first people who saw the movie there today and they were still in a state of shock, saying it was the best episode of this trilogy. Some of them also saying they couldn't help but feel sad watching it because, though it was so good, at the same time it was the last time they saw a new SW. Anyway, I know exactly where I will be on Wednesday afternoon, the official release day here...
Miriam, your subject seems fascinating! Yes, I have heard of Paul Ricoeur, though I have to say I never read his books. All I know is that he worked a lot on myths and symbolism (especially on evil I think, is that right?). I love symbolism! Actually, I don't think there is a day during which I don't consult my "Encyclopedia of symbols" (from Hans Biedermann's work) when writing on the alchemy thread.
Have a great day everybody!
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Ponine - May 15, 2005 12:20 pm (#2025 of 2981)
Hey everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say hi It has been a completely crazy week, with hospital visits, scans (I am ok, yipee:) and not even ten hours later i get cleared, my dog gets sick. And pukes. And pukes. And pukes. I am sorry to be so blunt, but now he has stopped for 24 hours, and I am cautiously hoping he is getting better. I want to say HI to Miriam, and welcome, and OH, how wonderfully interesting to dig in to your phd topics and specialties, interests - gosh... There are so many people in here I would love to actually meet and brain-pick (In the kindest, most respectful manner, of course)! Have to run, hope to see you again soon Fleur, Pinky and Dumbledore! hugs from me.
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Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 12:37 pm (#2026 of 2981)
Ponine, I'm so sorry to hear your dog is sick. I do hope he gets better. It is horrible when your pet is sick!
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Helen Potterfan - May 15, 2005 1:02 pm (#2027 of 2981)
Miriam, I also did not like the GoF movie, but I did like the earlier two and like Dan as Harry, probably because I watched the first movie before I read the books, so I see Dan in my head when I read. Other characters don't work as well for me. Neville, Ron, Hermione, and the twins aren't quite right for some reason. I have a very specific mental image of Umbridge, and can't imagine being satisfied by the film version.
Gina, I'm hoping to come on the 5th. There's a small chance that I will have houseguests that weekend. I hope to finally meet you!
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pottermom34 - May 15, 2005 1:05 pm (#2028 of 2981)
Birthday greetings to all the birthday folk. Sorry about your sick dog Ponine.
I sure wish this weather would make up its mind. I was outside all day Saturday at the zoo, waiting for people to come ride the camels and I froze my butt off. It warmed up a little in the afternoon but it was cloudy and damp most of the day.
Once again that darn baby camel got itself loose again, this time I knew it was going to happen, I saw the rope getting more and more loose. Then the stinker just stood there and waited til I got down off the ride platform, as soon as I got down he took off. I caught him when he stopped to chew on a little tree. He grumbled at me the whole time. I asked it if he was trying to train me for something. This time Joe, the owner, showed me how to tie the rope. At least I wasn't bored while I froze!
I think we are getting the weather now that we didn't get in April.
Speaking of zoos if there are any Chicago folk on here, sorry to hear about the troubles at Lincoln Park zoo, I've been there, I think it's a very nice zoo. Hope things get better for them soon.
I think the actors have done a pretty good job portraying the characters. I agree PoA wasn't the best movie in comparison to the first 2 or the books, but that isn't necessarily the actors’ fault. It was a good movie, but because I read the book first I think is was badly done.(I hope that made sense)
Well off to read more.
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Amilia Smith - May 15, 2005 5:35 pm (#2029 of 2981)
I guess I am in the minority. I loved PoA the movie. Not to worry, though, Miriam, no hard feelings. :-)
Well my last day at work (for real, this time) was Saturday. It was actually really fun. We had a Star Wars kid's day. I dressed up as Princess Leia and passed out kiddie ice cream cones to all the cute kids. However, I wore high heel boots which only had a comfort range of about 6 hours. The last 3 hours of my shift were rather painful. . . .
Utah weather update: We had 2 1/2 beautiful sunny days. Lots of lawn mowing on Saturday. :-) Then, at about 4 this afternoon, the clouds started to roll in again. The rain will start again any minute.
Hawaii update: It is quite amazing how everything has fallen into place. I think it really must be fate. I got right into the place I want to live, even though housing is supposed to be really hard to find. I fly out on Tuesday. Classes start on the 23rd.
Mills.
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Choices - May 15, 2005 6:16 pm (#2030 of 2981)
Miriam - I wrote my daughter about you and your description of the work you are doing and your dissertation topic. This is her reply.....
I understand what she is talking about. Her dissertation will be very interesting! What she is writing on is a topic of interest to me, often included under the study of hermenuetics.
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 12:58 am (#2031 of 2981)
I dressed up as Princess Leia—Mills
The white-gown, cinnamon-bun-hair Leia or the gold-bikini Leia?
My brain's doing flip-flops about the Star Wars opening--as a fan I'm overwhelmed with anticipation, but as a theater employee (whose theater will be showing SW every half hour, 24 hours a day through Sunday) I'm dreading it. It's going to be an utter madhouse. I'm just glad I'm a projectionist and can hide in the booth occasionally...
And of course, just as the buzz wears off from that, I'll have HBP to deal with. And the GoF movie after that. It's going to be a tough year for my adrenal glands!
--Mike
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Chemyst - May 16, 2005 4:26 am (#2032 of 2981)
And of course, just as the buzz wears off from that, I'll have HBP to deal with. And the GoF movie after that. It's going to be a tough year for my adrenal glands! ~ Giant Squid
Wow. I was not aware that squid could sustain buzzes for such extended periods. That does, however, jibe with research on goldfish, "(S)cientists have claimed not only that goldfish have a memory span of up to three months, but that they can also tell the time. The fish, previously believed to have a memory of just a few seconds, can distinguish between different times of day and can also be taught to follow a routine, according to research. [...] The findings add to a growing body of evidence that fish are much more sentient and intelligent than had generally been assumed." more... That telling time thing must come in handy for knowing when the commercials end and the movies really start.
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Miriam Huber - May 16, 2005 5:26 am (#2033 of 2981)
Hi everyone, wow, I am overwhelmed, really, with such a welcome!
LOL, Chemyst...
Choices, thanks for your kind remarks -- but uh oh, if I had known you posted my remarks to your daughter... well, perhaps I´ll write an English abstract when I have finished (good for practice, anyway) and send it to you, just "to elaborate a bit" (By the way, I know now why I didn´t know David Power: I have never dug really deep in liturgy.)
Ponine, hope your dog´s ok again, and very good you´re ok!
Elanor, I thought some of the Frenchs here would know Paul Ricoeur. You know, I really ADORE your language and culture. Who in Germany would know a philosopher except the other (professional) philosphers? I will never forget the young man in the bus in Paris last year, looking VERY much like a banker, reading a pocket book. I was curious... It was Marcel Proust! I believe things like that happen only in France. (No derogation of other nations intended, of course!)
I wish you a perfect house to move in, Amilia!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 16, 2005 5:31 am (#2034 of 2981)
more...---Chemyst
A link, thank goodness. I was worried you were just gonna leave me hanging.
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VeronikaG - May 16, 2005 8:50 am (#2035 of 2981)
Hi guys. I thought it was about time to say hi again. I've been so insanely busy the last few months, writing on our BA project, Harry Potter has kind of been shoved to the back of my mind.
I'm almost through school for now. Two more exams, next week and the week after, and it's over. Or not. Seems like I'll have to go back to school in the fall, and in order to ever get a job change the one year English study I signed up for to practical pedagogic. Then I can teach computering to kids and elderly. Yay. I'm so cut out for that, patience and all. *sarcasm*
I have no idea what is going on in everybody's lives right now, so hugs where they are needed, and greetings where they are in place. And off to read more theories.
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Elanor - May 16, 2005 8:53 am (#2036 of 2981)
Merci beaucoup, Miriam! Actually I have absolutely no merit in knowing Paul Ricoeur since I made history studies and was specialized in the Renaissance-17th-18th centuries social and religious history. I worked a lot on the Counter-Reformation and religious orders (hospitaller ones, "Clunisian" Benedictine order evolution) and movements as Jansenism, so I had to read about him sometime. In fact, I guess I should remember more of him than I do, LOL!
Mike: I do sympathize! Actually, I am like a cat on a hot tin roof about seeing the movie too but I do understand that as a theater employee it must be dreadful. May the Force be with you! This morning, I have heard other comments of people who were at the film preview and it seems it was amazing, with a standing ovation before the movie and afterwards and people applauding during the movie, especially when seeing the Dark Lord's armor and:
All of them thought it was the best movie of the new trilogy and, for some of them, maybe the best of the 6 films. I really can't wait now!
Have a great day everybody!
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 9:35 am (#2037 of 2981)
Well, drat. I was outbid at the last second on the Hagrid's Hut lego I was trying for on eBay. Still, like Meat Loaf said, "Two out of three ain't bad." If any of you come across one of the original Hagrid's Hut lego sets (from the first movie) Please let me know--it's the only one we're missing.
--Mike
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Loopy Lupin - May 16, 2005 10:07 am (#2038 of 2981)
Still, like Meat Loaf said, "Two out of three ain't bad." – Mike
Indeed, indeed.
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Denise P. - May 16, 2005 10:15 am (#2039 of 2981)
Mike, seriously, learn the joys of sniping. www.vrane.com Free snipe program that allows you (for free) to snipe one auction at a time. I love it!
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Accio Sirius - May 16, 2005 10:23 am (#2040 of 2981)
Denise,
I was trying to think of that exact term! Sniping. How cool that there is a program. Thanks for sharing. My daughter's school was having a silent auction and I was doing my best to get the Moon Bounce at a good price. I was planning on sniping, but alas earwax, it went way out of my budget.
Chemyst, Thanks for the info on the Goldfish. We are now down to two Marauders (sniff, just like the books). Carnival-won goldfish never seem too hardy, but we are trying to keep the last two going.
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fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 10:40 am (#2041 of 2981)
Hi, guys. I have a question for all those Brits out there. I have just started rereading OoP in anticipation of HBP and there is something that really bugs me everytime I read the first chapter. Exactly what is a budgerigar? It talks on the news of Bungy the water-skiing budgie, but I have no idea what a budgie or budgerigar is. I always try and look for clues to help me out, but I can't find any. Is there anyone out there who can finally put my mind at rest and tell me what a budgerigar is?
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Steve Newton - May 16, 2005 10:45 am (#2042 of 2981)
A budgerigar is a parakeet.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 10:48 am (#2043 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys - a budgerigar is a type of bird. Check out this link the photo gallery should help, it's under site contents.
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pottermom34 - May 16, 2005 10:59 am (#2044 of 2981)
I'm not a brit, but I can still answer, they are like Steve and Gryffendora said birds. They are also sometimes called budgies for short. We are opening up a new exhibit of them at the zoo I work at. I haven't seen them yet but am told they are cool. We're selling seed sticks to feed to them.
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Amilia Smith - May 16, 2005 11:30 am (#2045 of 2981)
Happy 2 month day, everyone!
I have always wondered how a parakeet was able to water-ski.
Back to packing.
Mills.
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Good Evans - May 16, 2005 11:32 am (#2046 of 2981)
Budgies aren't very big birds, small and living in cages, usually belonging to a maiden aunt or similar- sorry if you love your budgie!! - but the fact that JKR's had learned to water ski was hilarious if your previous acquaintance was through Percy Sugden in Coronation Street keeping one !!!!!! I forget what his was called now - probably field marshall montgomery or something.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 11:35 am (#2047 of 2981)
Amilia Smith, I wanted to say that as well but my intense joy about the FAQ being answered totally distracted me from the joy I have knowing that HBP is only 2 months away! Hooray!!
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fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 12:23 pm (#2048 of 2981)
Thank so much for the budgie info, especially the link, Gryffendora. Not I'd like to see a pic of one on waterskies.
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Catherine - May 16, 2005 12:42 pm (#2049 of 2981)
I think I'd rather see a Giant Squid with overactive adrenal glands than a waterskiing budgie, but that's just me.
About Meatloaf: Mr. Catherine experienced tragedy in the airport a few years ago. We were flying to Las Vegas, and my hubby spots this man sitting near us. Mr. Catherine identified this individual as "Meatloaf" and was about to go ask him for an autograph when we discovered that we had no pen handy. In desperation, as the gentleman left the area, Mr. Catherine walked up to him and said, "Excuse me, sir, but are you Meatloaf?"
“Yes, I am.”
For some reason, speaking to Meatloaf was a highlight of that trip for him. To this day, he laments his lack of a pen, poor guy.
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librarian314 - May 16, 2005 12:51 pm (#2050 of 2981)
Hey all!
When it dawned on me today that the release day was in fact two months away, I had one of my numerous happy little freak-outs. (Really, I'm not a spastic nut case that sits at my keyboard all day with eyes glazed and drool dribbling down my chin counting the nanoseconds 'til the release of HBP. I only play one on TV ;-) ) I was at work, so it had to be quiet.
I think by the end of the next two months, my husband is going to be so happy the book is out, because I will probably start having these "eruptions" on a much regular basis.
I've been listening to the series on audio and have enjoyed seeing where the movies and the books differ, especially who gets whose lines and how certain things have been condensed or left out all together. I also pick up different things when I listen to a story vs. read it.
I'll start my re-read in a month. I read fast enough that I've scheduled 2 weeks for the first three books, and a week each for the last two, with plenty of padding. Knowing these books I may well finish them all in two weeks but I do have other things to do besides read HP (I know, sacrilege ;-), but the family wants to eat something other than people chow ;-) )
Y'all take care now!
**michelle the librarian**
librarian314 - May 14, 2005 1:37 pm (#2001 of 2981)
Hey all!
If this turns out to be the 2001st post on this list then this is the year I graduated from Library School with my MLS. Woohoo! Hard to believe I've been at my job for 4 years.
Just spent the afternoon helping a new young friend (she's almost 16) cut out some garb and talked HP. I helped her figure out how to make an outfit for the release of HBP. She's dressing up as one of the students.
Well, y'all have fun!
**michelle the librarian**
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Catherine - May 14, 2005 3:04 pm (#2002 of 2981)
Whew! I ache all over, but we redid our front beds today. We planted 6 hollies, two jasmine vines, 8 shrub roses (pink), 6 gardenias, and 15 pots of petunias (dark purple spreading). And I still underestimated the number of annuals we needed, so I'll have to go back tomorrow! **loves to go to the nursery::
Claire loved going with me today because the place we went has 10 fountains and pools installed to showcase their wares. She splashed and played while I spent way too much money. To top off the day, one woman brought her 4 month old shih-tzu puppy to the nursery, so Claire and I were delighted.
Dinner, then bed. Hope everyone else enjoyed their Saturday.
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dizzy lizzy - May 14, 2005 3:37 pm (#2003 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren.
It is a lovely chilly morning here. Just tidying up a few things prior to flying out to Sydney for my last Two days training. Yay. I will be pleased to spend 3 solid weeks staying at home. I didn't get the job interview I went for a couple of weeks ago, but I do have an appointment on Wednesday to talk to some people about some casual on call work.
Some of you may recall that a couple of months ago, the power pole outside my house was struck by lightning and started burning???
Well it was finally replaced yesterday (Saturday) and it took them 9 hours as this particular pole is on the corner of four town power grids and one grid covers the school opposite me. So it had to be done on a Saturday and it had to be done when the weather was not to hot. So yesterday I ended up walking to Macca's for brekky and didn't get a thing done in the house except to read and have a relaxing afternoon nap.
Was a rather relaxing way to top off a busy week.
Off to catch up on the threads and talk to you all next week.
Lizzy
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timrew - May 14, 2005 3:55 pm (#2004 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren! Or to Septentrion, should that be, "Joyeuse anee"! (sorry, I don't know how to do accents - hope it's okay apart from that!)
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Pinky - May 14, 2005 7:20 pm (#2005 of 2981)
I can't believe I get this one - 2005 is when Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince comes out!!!!
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Gina R Snape - May 14, 2005 7:26 pm (#2006 of 2981)
Happy birthday Septentrion and Lauren!
fbv807, the picture was actually taken from a publicity poster with Snape, Malfoy and Hermione for the PoA film.
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Julia. - May 14, 2005 8:05 pm (#2007 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTENTRION!!! *hands Sept butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and an amazing year. I actually remembered your birthday this year, because it's the same day as my dad's.
Lizzy took my graduation year, 2003. The week I graduated from high school was fun. I graduated on a Wednesday, and OoP came out Friday night/Saturday morning. I spent all of a graduation party that night currled up in a chair reading OoP and completly ignoring my friends.
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Helen Potterfan - May 14, 2005 10:16 pm (#2008 of 2981)
Gina, Sorry to reply days later (I've been busy over the last few days), but I wanted to tell you that my understanding is that consolidating/refinancing loans means that they are OUT of deferrment. When you return to school, your loans can go back into deferrment (meaning you don't have to pay them) until 6 months after you graduate. So, if money will be tight while in school, you may be better off waiting to consolidate until you finish and have to start repaying.
Happy Birthday Septentrion!
I hope to graduate from my PhD program in 2007, but since I'm post 2008...I hope to have a tenure-track job and maybe start catching up with Denise
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Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 12:06 am (#2009 of 2981)
I was just over on the CoS forums and Lexicon Steve had posted on one of my most frequented threads, the Layers thread! I couldn't believe it. Lexicon Steve!
WOW. I just had to share that. Because, to me that's just about as good as seeing JKR posting on a forum!
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septentrion - May 15, 2005 1:13 am (#2010 of 2981)
Still thanks everyone for your birthday wishes ! They warm me very much !
Timrew : Or to Septentrion, should that be, "Joyeuse anee"!
I understand what you've written Tim, but I didn't know my birthday was New Year's Day ! LOL Your try with French to wish my birthday is very nice BTW. Thanks again.
Julia : I actually remembered your birthday this year, because it's the same day as my dad's.
Your father's birthday escaped my notice *oups* always thought it's cool to be born on Mya 14th. Happy birthday to your dad !
Everyone has a good Sunday !
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Good Evans - May 15, 2005 1:42 am (#2011 of 2981)
belated happy b'day Septentrion.
hope everyone has a nice sunday - off to read and post on threads.....
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timrew - May 15, 2005 2:19 am (#2012 of 2981)
Oooops! Sorry, Septentrion! But A Happy New Year, anyway! And have a nice birthday, too!
Joyeuse Noel..........no, that's wrong, too.........
Is it Joyeuse Anniversaire!.........?
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Marè - May 15, 2005 5:45 am (#2013 of 2981)
I think it is Tim, bravo! I'll stick with english though: Belated Happy Birthday Septentrion!
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Gina R Snape - May 15, 2005 6:40 am (#2014 of 2981)
Thanks, Accio. Say, are you going to join us on 5 June for pumpkin juice Starbuck's at Astor Place?
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GryffEndora - May 15, 2005 6:56 am (#2015 of 2981)
Happy Belated Birthday Septentrion!
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Good Evans - May 15, 2005 7:30 am (#2016 of 2981)
well I have had the most riveting few hours. My hubby volunteers at the local steam railway in the shop. Today he brings home a bag of scoubidous (??) saying you are good at knotts, can you run a few of these up?
anyone at all know how to make the square knot, it just floors me totally!!! thousands of bangles and keyrings later though and it is actually quite therapeutic, almost wanted to get my knitting needles out again!
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Choices - May 15, 2005 8:41 am (#2017 of 2981)
Miriam Huber ---- Hi Miriam, I just read your introduction. My oldest daughter is about your age and just got her Ph.D in Theology about a year ago. She is now a professor at a large university in the Washington, DC area. Good luck with your studies, your dissertation and your teaching. Your posts are always interesting and insightful - you are an asset to this forum. :-)
I don't know where you are in Germany, but one of my good friends lives just outside of Munich. She and her husband own and run a hotel. She and I met in a forum and have played Scrabble every day for the past couple of years.
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Miriam Huber - May 15, 2005 9:20 am (#2018 of 2981)
Oh Choices, many thanks for your post!
What a real temptation to ask you about your daughter -- I would simply LOVE to do some postdoc research abroad, for example the USA ... Well, but no abuses of the forum, and first things first: finishing the PhD.
I really envy your daughter for not having to do a "Habilitation": another large book after the PhD that is obligatory to show you are up to scholarship. That´s how it is -- still -- in Germany, so even after your PhD you are not really "scientifically adult". shhhh.
And thank you for your compliments; I have the feeling we are quite often thinking along the same lines (obviously except for our liking or not of Dan Radcliffe as Harry ).
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Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 9:58 am (#2019 of 2981)
Miriam, welcome!! I'm interested what your dissertation is about? Is it perhaps about Harry Potter? (I know, that's a long shot). I'm glad you enjoy the forum.
Happy Sunday all!
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Choices - May 15, 2005 10:30 am (#2020 of 2981)
Miriam - "obviously except for our liking or not of Dan Radcliffe as Harry"
Do we disagree - I didn't know? I love Daniel as Harry - he is exactly as I pictured Harry - maybe even cuter!! Do you not like Daniel?
My daughter is 34 (this month) and got her Ph.D at Catholic University of the Americas in DC in Theology/Philosophy. Her mentor in writing her dissertation was David Powers. She taught her first class in Theology there this past semester. She works as the assistant to the Graduate Admissions Director for Theological Studies at CUA. She and her husband are moving back to where I live next month and she hopes to get work here in the Theology Dept. of Spring Hill College. That is where she got her Master's Degree.
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Miriam Huber - May 15, 2005 11:02 am (#2021 of 2981)
Hi Ydam, hi Choices,
everybody who is not interested just skip this post (I like that about forums!), me about "my beloved theology" will go on quite a while...
Ydnam, I am not writing about Harry Potter. There are, of course, theological studies of HP, but I normally don´t even read them. ... *rest of paragraph deleted, too near topics that are not allowed in the forum* ...
By the way, I am not even sure if, as so many suggest, HP is so very successfull because of its great themes: good and evil etc. I think the "main" story/stories are rather "usual": good fights evil, college events, growing up, friendship and treachery... In my opinion (just my 2 knuts, of course), it is more the way JKR brings these themes to live: the variety and colourfulness of her characters, the detailed wizarding world, all the little clues and twists and jokes we are discussing here over and over. But I´m drifting off (is that English?)
I am writing, in fact, about the Christian Revelation. In very (!) short form: Theologians (and everyone else, of course) who speak about revelation use metaphors -- there is no other way as we cannot describe something concerning God with our human language "exactly". These metaphors are often "hidden" in abstract formulas (for example, when we talk about God´s "self-revelation" in terms of "communication". The term "communication" is normally used to describe a phenomenon between human beings). I want to look at the metaphors most often used, describe what we can and can´t see with them (because they always have some 'blind spot') and propose two more metaphors to widen the range of our view. (I mostly refer to Paul Ricoeur, a french philosopher, if someone of you knows him?)
I hope to finish this year, doctoral exams probably next year.
Choices, I am afraid I don´t know David Powers. That proves once again that, at least in Germany, our theology is stll very "continental" (mostly even "german"). New developments from other continents reach us very slowly and with much delay. Pity.
I suppose you will be very pleased to have your daughter near you again?
By the way, I don´t like Dan as Harry. Perhaps it´s in fact because I only watched PoA so that I had a fully-formed Harry already in my mind for years when I saw Dan for the first time. And I have to add that I was rather disappointed of the film in general. (But I don´t want to hurt anyone so I´d rather not elaborate.) I am not sure if I will watch GoF. I´d rather not, but on the other hand I´m curious, of course.
Well, I really should read that article lying in front of me, now...
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septentrion - May 15, 2005 11:25 am (#2022 of 2981)
Thanks again for birthday wishes, and yes Tim, joyeux anniversaire is right.
Good Evans, I thought scoubidous weren't known abroad. I did quite a few when I was younger, square and round ones. I'm not sure I'd still have enough patience to practice it.
Would you believe it ? Hubby grows impatient for HBP release, I'm even sure he'd like a HP book every week-end, not to read them, but to be able to get to the computer
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Penny Lane. - May 15, 2005 12:01 pm (#2023 of 2981)
Miriam: I think your dissertation sounds fascinating. I've always been interested in theology, but not really enough to actually go out and study it for a degree. I'm taking an intro course in the fall though for an elective.
I also didn't like PoA or Dan as Harry really. Mostly for the same reasons - I had my own "vision" of both the films and the characters. I saw a picture of Fleur for GoF, and she is COMPLETLY not what I expected.
I really wish it were July. HBP would give me something to do. I'm completely Lost without school.
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Elanor - May 15, 2005 12:10 pm (#2024 of 2981)
I hope you had a wonderful birthday Sept! "Harry birthday" again!
My Godson's baptism was great! Well, he spent most of the ceremony screaming but finally calmed down when we started making more noise than he did by singing and ringing the bells. It took place in a very small and old chapel (12th century) in the countryside and it was lovely.
BTW, Sept, did you know you were sharing your birthday with George Lucas? I've just seen an interview of him, from Cannes. The atmosphere seemed to be amazing there today, with Stormtroopers everywhere on "the Croisette", fans in costumes... I've heard on TV the first people who saw the movie there today and they were still in a state of shock, saying it was the best episode of this trilogy. Some of them also saying they couldn't help but feel sad watching it because, though it was so good, at the same time it was the last time they saw a new SW. Anyway, I know exactly where I will be on Wednesday afternoon, the official release day here...
Miriam, your subject seems fascinating! Yes, I have heard of Paul Ricoeur, though I have to say I never read his books. All I know is that he worked a lot on myths and symbolism (especially on evil I think, is that right?). I love symbolism! Actually, I don't think there is a day during which I don't consult my "Encyclopedia of symbols" (from Hans Biedermann's work) when writing on the alchemy thread.
Have a great day everybody!
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Ponine - May 15, 2005 12:20 pm (#2025 of 2981)
Hey everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say hi
It has been a completely crazy week, with hospital visits, scans (I am ok, yipee:) and not even ten hours later i get cleared, my dog gets sick. And pukes. And pukes. And pukes. I am sorry to be so blunt, but now he has stopped for 24 hours, and I am cautiously hoping he is getting better. I want to say HI to Miriam, and welcome, and OH, how wonderfully interesting to dig in to your phd topics and specialties, interests - gosh... There are so many people in here I would love to actually meet and brain-pick (In the kindest, most respectful manner, of course)! Have to run, hope to see you again soon Fleur, Pinky and Dumbledore! hugs from me._____________________________________
Ydnam96 - May 15, 2005 12:37 pm (#2026 of 2981)
Ponine, I'm so sorry to hear your dog is sick. I do hope he gets better. It is horrible when your pet is sick!
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Helen Potterfan - May 15, 2005 1:02 pm (#2027 of 2981)
Miriam, I also did not like the GoF movie, but I did like the earlier two and like Dan as Harry, probably because I watched the first movie before I read the books, so I see Dan in my head when I read. Other characters don't work as well for me. Neville, Ron, Hermione, and the twins aren't quite right for some reason. I have a very specific mental image of Umbridge, and can't imagine being satisfied by the film version.
Gina, I'm hoping to come on the 5th. There's a small chance that I will have houseguests that weekend. I hope to finally meet you!
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pottermom34 - May 15, 2005 1:05 pm (#2028 of 2981)
Birthday greetings to all the birthday folk. Sorry about your sick dog Ponine.
I sure wish this weather would make up its mind. I was outside all day Saturday at the zoo, waiting for people to come ride the camels and I froze my butt off. It warmed up a little in the afternoon but it was cloudy and damp most of the day.
Once again that darn baby camel got itself loose again, this time I knew it was going to happen, I saw the rope getting more and more loose. Then the stinker just stood there and waited til I got down off the ride platform, as soon as I got down he took off. I caught him when he stopped to chew on a little tree. He grumbled at me the whole time. I asked it if he was trying to train me for something. This time Joe, the owner, showed me how to tie the rope. At least I wasn't bored while I froze!
I think we are getting the weather now that we didn't get in April.
Speaking of zoos if there are any Chicago folk on here, sorry to hear about the troubles at Lincoln Park zoo, I've been there, I think it's a very nice zoo. Hope things get better for them soon.
I think the actors have done a pretty good job portraying the characters. I agree PoA wasn't the best movie in comparison to the first 2 or the books, but that isn't necessarily the actors’ fault. It was a good movie, but because I read the book first I think is was badly done.(I hope that made sense)
Well off to read more.
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Amilia Smith - May 15, 2005 5:35 pm (#2029 of 2981)
I guess I am in the minority. I loved PoA the movie. Not to worry, though, Miriam, no hard feelings. :-)
Well my last day at work (for real, this time) was Saturday. It was actually really fun. We had a Star Wars kid's day. I dressed up as Princess Leia and passed out kiddie ice cream cones to all the cute kids. However, I wore high heel boots which only had a comfort range of about 6 hours. The last 3 hours of my shift were rather painful. . . .
Utah weather update: We had 2 1/2 beautiful sunny days. Lots of lawn mowing on Saturday. :-) Then, at about 4 this afternoon, the clouds started to roll in again. The rain will start again any minute.
Hawaii update: It is quite amazing how everything has fallen into place. I think it really must be fate. I got right into the place I want to live, even though housing is supposed to be really hard to find. I fly out on Tuesday. Classes start on the 23rd.
Mills.
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Choices - May 15, 2005 6:16 pm (#2030 of 2981)
Miriam - I wrote my daughter about you and your description of the work you are doing and your dissertation topic. This is her reply.....
I understand what she is talking about. Her dissertation will be very interesting! What she is writing on is a topic of interest to me, often included under the study of hermenuetics.
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 12:58 am (#2031 of 2981)
I dressed up as Princess Leia—Mills
The white-gown, cinnamon-bun-hair Leia or the gold-bikini Leia?
My brain's doing flip-flops about the Star Wars opening--as a fan I'm overwhelmed with anticipation, but as a theater employee (whose theater will be showing SW every half hour, 24 hours a day through Sunday) I'm dreading it. It's going to be an utter madhouse. I'm just glad I'm a projectionist and can hide in the booth occasionally...
And of course, just as the buzz wears off from that, I'll have HBP to deal with. And the GoF movie after that. It's going to be a tough year for my adrenal glands!
--Mike
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Chemyst - May 16, 2005 4:26 am (#2032 of 2981)
And of course, just as the buzz wears off from that, I'll have HBP to deal with. And the GoF movie after that. It's going to be a tough year for my adrenal glands! ~ Giant Squid
Wow. I was not aware that squid could sustain buzzes for such extended periods. That does, however, jibe with research on goldfish, "(S)cientists have claimed not only that goldfish have a memory span of up to three months, but that they can also tell the time. The fish, previously believed to have a memory of just a few seconds, can distinguish between different times of day and can also be taught to follow a routine, according to research. [...] The findings add to a growing body of evidence that fish are much more sentient and intelligent than had generally been assumed." more... That telling time thing must come in handy for knowing when the commercials end and the movies really start.
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Miriam Huber - May 16, 2005 5:26 am (#2033 of 2981)
Hi everyone, wow, I am overwhelmed, really, with such a welcome!
LOL, Chemyst...
Choices, thanks for your kind remarks -- but uh oh, if I had known you posted my remarks to your daughter... well, perhaps I´ll write an English abstract when I have finished (good for practice, anyway) and send it to you, just "to elaborate a bit" (By the way, I know now why I didn´t know David Power: I have never dug really deep in liturgy.)
Ponine, hope your dog´s ok again, and very good you´re ok!
Elanor, I thought some of the Frenchs here would know Paul Ricoeur. You know, I really ADORE your language and culture. Who in Germany would know a philosopher except the other (professional) philosphers? I will never forget the young man in the bus in Paris last year, looking VERY much like a banker, reading a pocket book. I was curious... It was Marcel Proust! I believe things like that happen only in France. (No derogation of other nations intended, of course!)
I wish you a perfect house to move in, Amilia!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 16, 2005 5:31 am (#2034 of 2981)
more...---Chemyst
A link, thank goodness. I was worried you were just gonna leave me hanging.
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VeronikaG - May 16, 2005 8:50 am (#2035 of 2981)
Hi guys. I thought it was about time to say hi again. I've been so insanely busy the last few months, writing on our BA project, Harry Potter has kind of been shoved to the back of my mind.
I'm almost through school for now. Two more exams, next week and the week after, and it's over. Or not. Seems like I'll have to go back to school in the fall, and in order to ever get a job change the one year English study I signed up for to practical pedagogic. Then I can teach computering to kids and elderly. Yay. I'm so cut out for that, patience and all. *sarcasm*
I have no idea what is going on in everybody's lives right now, so hugs where they are needed, and greetings where they are in place. And off to read more theories.
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Elanor - May 16, 2005 8:53 am (#2036 of 2981)
Merci beaucoup, Miriam! Actually I have absolutely no merit in knowing Paul Ricoeur since I made history studies and was specialized in the Renaissance-17th-18th centuries social and religious history. I worked a lot on the Counter-Reformation and religious orders (hospitaller ones, "Clunisian" Benedictine order evolution) and movements as Jansenism, so I had to read about him sometime. In fact, I guess I should remember more of him than I do, LOL!
Mike: I do sympathize! Actually, I am like a cat on a hot tin roof about seeing the movie too but I do understand that as a theater employee it must be dreadful. May the Force be with you! This morning, I have heard other comments of people who were at the film preview and it seems it was amazing, with a standing ovation before the movie and afterwards and people applauding during the movie, especially when seeing the Dark Lord's armor and:
- Spoiler:
- when Yoda gets rid of two Red Guards with only a single move of his hand.
All of them thought it was the best movie of the new trilogy and, for some of them, maybe the best of the 6 films. I really can't wait now!
Have a great day everybody!
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 9:35 am (#2037 of 2981)
Well, drat. I was outbid at the last second on the Hagrid's Hut lego I was trying for on eBay. Still, like Meat Loaf said, "Two out of three ain't bad." If any of you come across one of the original Hagrid's Hut lego sets (from the first movie) Please let me know--it's the only one we're missing.
--Mike
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Loopy Lupin - May 16, 2005 10:07 am (#2038 of 2981)
Still, like Meat Loaf said, "Two out of three ain't bad." – Mike
Indeed, indeed.
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Denise P. - May 16, 2005 10:15 am (#2039 of 2981)
Mike, seriously, learn the joys of sniping. www.vrane.com Free snipe program that allows you (for free) to snipe one auction at a time. I love it!
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Accio Sirius - May 16, 2005 10:23 am (#2040 of 2981)
Denise,
I was trying to think of that exact term! Sniping. How cool that there is a program. Thanks for sharing. My daughter's school was having a silent auction and I was doing my best to get the Moon Bounce at a good price. I was planning on sniping, but alas earwax, it went way out of my budget.
Chemyst, Thanks for the info on the Goldfish. We are now down to two Marauders (sniff, just like the books). Carnival-won goldfish never seem too hardy, but we are trying to keep the last two going.
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fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 10:40 am (#2041 of 2981)
Hi, guys. I have a question for all those Brits out there. I have just started rereading OoP in anticipation of HBP and there is something that really bugs me everytime I read the first chapter. Exactly what is a budgerigar? It talks on the news of Bungy the water-skiing budgie, but I have no idea what a budgie or budgerigar is. I always try and look for clues to help me out, but I can't find any. Is there anyone out there who can finally put my mind at rest and tell me what a budgerigar is?
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Steve Newton - May 16, 2005 10:45 am (#2042 of 2981)
A budgerigar is a parakeet.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 10:48 am (#2043 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys - a budgerigar is a type of bird. Check out this link the photo gallery should help, it's under site contents.
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pottermom34 - May 16, 2005 10:59 am (#2044 of 2981)
I'm not a brit, but I can still answer, they are like Steve and Gryffendora said birds. They are also sometimes called budgies for short. We are opening up a new exhibit of them at the zoo I work at. I haven't seen them yet but am told they are cool. We're selling seed sticks to feed to them.
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Amilia Smith - May 16, 2005 11:30 am (#2045 of 2981)
Happy 2 month day, everyone!
I have always wondered how a parakeet was able to water-ski.
Back to packing.
Mills.
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Good Evans - May 16, 2005 11:32 am (#2046 of 2981)
Budgies aren't very big birds, small and living in cages, usually belonging to a maiden aunt or similar- sorry if you love your budgie!! - but the fact that JKR's had learned to water ski was hilarious if your previous acquaintance was through Percy Sugden in Coronation Street keeping one !!!!!! I forget what his was called now - probably field marshall montgomery or something.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 11:35 am (#2047 of 2981)
Amilia Smith, I wanted to say that as well but my intense joy about the FAQ being answered totally distracted me from the joy I have knowing that HBP is only 2 months away! Hooray!!
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fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 12:23 pm (#2048 of 2981)
Thank so much for the budgie info, especially the link, Gryffendora. Not I'd like to see a pic of one on waterskies.
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Catherine - May 16, 2005 12:42 pm (#2049 of 2981)
I think I'd rather see a Giant Squid with overactive adrenal glands than a waterskiing budgie, but that's just me.
About Meatloaf: Mr. Catherine experienced tragedy in the airport a few years ago. We were flying to Las Vegas, and my hubby spots this man sitting near us. Mr. Catherine identified this individual as "Meatloaf" and was about to go ask him for an autograph when we discovered that we had no pen handy. In desperation, as the gentleman left the area, Mr. Catherine walked up to him and said, "Excuse me, sir, but are you Meatloaf?"
“Yes, I am.”
For some reason, speaking to Meatloaf was a highlight of that trip for him. To this day, he laments his lack of a pen, poor guy.
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librarian314 - May 16, 2005 12:51 pm (#2050 of 2981)
Hey all!
When it dawned on me today that the release day was in fact two months away, I had one of my numerous happy little freak-outs. (Really, I'm not a spastic nut case that sits at my keyboard all day with eyes glazed and drool dribbling down my chin counting the nanoseconds 'til the release of HBP. I only play one on TV ;-) ) I was at work, so it had to be quiet.
I think by the end of the next two months, my husband is going to be so happy the book is out, because I will probably start having these "eruptions" on a much regular basis.
I've been listening to the series on audio and have enjoyed seeing where the movies and the books differ, especially who gets whose lines and how certain things have been condensed or left out all together. I also pick up different things when I listen to a story vs. read it.
I'll start my re-read in a month. I read fast enough that I've scheduled 2 weeks for the first three books, and a week each for the last two, with plenty of padding. Knowing these books I may well finish them all in two weeks but I do have other things to do besides read HP (I know, sacrilege ;-), but the family wants to eat something other than people chow ;-) )
Y'all take care now!
**michelle the librarian**
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:22 pm
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fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 1:20 pm (#2051 of 2981)
Michelle, WOW...one month for all five books?!? I'm very impressed. I think I read them that fast the first time, but now I'm taking my time and trying to piece things together that had never occurred to me before reading on the forum. My hubby says I'm reading them more slowly to look for things to add to the forum and I guess that's a bit correct too. But I'll never admit that to him. Tee hee!
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Denise P. - May 16, 2005 1:38 pm (#2052 of 2981)
Not that I have ever taught any of our budgies (when we had them) to waterski nor do my cockatiel or lovebird ski, but it really is not hard to teach them to. Generally it is a remote control boat that pulls them and all you have to do is teach the bird to not fly off. On slow news days here, we are treated to a water skiing squirrel, Twiggy
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John Bumbledore - May 16, 2005 2:07 pm (#2053 of 2981)
So, that's what a Budgie is? A small bird from Australia also called a Parakeet. I was thinking some small breed of dog... Expecting Catherine to be the first to answer… ** waves to Catherine **
I think I'd rather see a Giant Squid with overactive adrenal glands than a water-skiing budgie, but that's just me. Catherine.
Well, I remember a very old movie of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The scene where they are attacked by a sea monster, now to me that certainly looked like a giant squid with overactive adrenal glands! ** Waves to Mike **
Loopy, love your avatar from Rocky Horror! "What's for dinner?" "Meatloaf again!" Talk about a time-warp! SPEW!
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
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boop - May 16, 2005 2:46 pm (#2054 of 2981)
Sorry Late on Posting these Birthdays, but my internet was down.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY : FAWKES, PHREAKER, AND DUMBLEDORE!!!!!!Have a great day!!
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Hugs Always
boop
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Eponine - May 16, 2005 3:27 pm (#2055 of 2981)
Well, after a week of my niece and nephew and my sister, my house is once again quiet. They went home this morning, and while the silence is nice, I miss their little voices and their hugs terribly. We had a nice visit to the beach and got mightily sunburned.
On a sad note, I just got a call from the cousin who I subbed for, and one of the students I taught was killed in a car wreck today after school. He was such a good kid, and it makes me hurt for his family.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 3:39 pm (#2056 of 2981)
Oh, Eponine, I am so sorry to hear that. I will say a prayer for him & his family.
Birthday wishes to Fawkes, Phreaker & Dumbledore!
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Catherine - May 16, 2005 5:25 pm (#2057 of 2981)
On a sad note, I just got a call from the cousin who I subbed for, and one of the students I taught was killed in a car wreck today after school. He was such a good kid, and it makes me hurt for his family. –Eponine
I'm so sorry. I experienced this first-hand as a teacher, and it was awful, so I'm sorry for you, and for your cousin. I didn't go to the memorial service for my student's boyfriend, and I regret it now, because I think it would have helped her.
In my case, I was being observed by a county official right after an incident in which one of my students (who was the driver ((sober)), a survivor in a fatal crash in which her boyfriend was killed). Unfortunately, I had scheduled a poetry unit in advance, and on that day, the poems were reflections on death. This student came back to class a week early, otherwise I probably would not have scheduled these particular poems.
Let's just say that dealing with this, while being observed by an "official education person," was NOT in my master plan. Suffice to say, I played the cards that WE were dealt, and apologized to the student when she raised her hand and requested a pass to the guidance office. In the end, I got points for being "flexible" and for "covering" the lesson anyway. I still think that was a no-win game, but we were all in it together, sadly.
Best to you and your cousin, Eponine.
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Finn BV - May 16, 2005 5:57 pm (#2058 of 2981)
So sorry to hear that Eponine. I am trying to catch up in this thread (which bustles like crazy) and I was very disappointed to come across this sad news.
On a slightly different note, I am trying to become more a part of the Lexicon Family as I can be! I am enjoying the chat (thanks, boop and Pigwidgeon) and try to read this thread too! (Except when I use up that 10 post limit per day I can't write here! - and being in seventh grade I really don't have that money to cough up)
Anyway, I am making my introduction on this thread! So… hello! :-)
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pottermom34 - May 16, 2005 8:06 pm (#2059 of 2981)
Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?" --John Bumbledore.
Sadly, the only party I remember is "let's do the time warp again!" The first time I saw Filch in the movie though I thought of one of the Rocky characters I don't remember the character part though.(I hope that made sense)
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Ydnam96 - May 16, 2005 8:30 pm (#2060 of 2981)
Eponine, I am sorry that must be hard for you and your community. I hope that people are given a chance to heal from the situation.
Oh, the "Time Warp"...
I only saw that scene from the movie...and let's just say it is a movie I never finished nor do I ever care to. It's just not for me. I understand though that it has a rather large cult following. I personally do not see why, but to each his own.
It's around 8:30pm here and I just woke up from an accidental nap...and I really just want to go to bed. I feel like I'm like this 70 or 80 year old person trapped in a 26 year old body. (my great aunt used to take a 'nap' everyday right after supper then she would get up around 8ish and change into her pj's and 'go to bed.' I never understood it really, until now...It's not natural to be this tired! So to keep myself awake until a decent hour I am playing on the forum.
Here's to seeing how long I can make it before I cave in and go to bed. Does anybody have a "wake up" charm?
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 8:50 pm (#2061 of 2981)
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
Well...I'll admit it, but I won't transcribe them because there are a few that strain the boundaries of appropriate posting here on the forum.
Thanks for the link on sniping, Denise. Really, though, I'm not much of an eBay-er anyway. It was just a spur of the moment thing when I found out that those Lego sets were no longer available...I panicked. I figure if someone wants to spend the effort (and money) to make sure they're absolutely the last one to bid, more power to 'em. They clearly needed the item more than me.
--Mike
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Ydnam96 - May 16, 2005 8:51 pm (#2062 of 2981)
What is this "sniping" thing? I read through the posts earlier but I still don't understand? Is it a way to make it so you are automatically the last and highest bidder?
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Thora - May 16, 2005 11:28 pm (#2063 of 2981)
Just popping in while on vacation to say I miss you all. Take care.
Thora
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Fawkes Forever - May 17, 2005 12:12 am (#2064 of 2981)
Edited May 17, 2005 12:50 am
Thanks Betty *big hugs*
Happy belated birthday Sept, & of course to my birthday buddies, Dumbledore & Phreaker!
I took yesterday off work, it's become a bit of a tradition with me, if at all possible, don't spend your birthday at work. However, my car did decide to break down yesterday, (of all the days to do so), & it's still in the garage today. So it looks like I'll be pawning all my birthday gifts to pay for the repairs -kidding of course, but it'll be beans on toast for tea for the rest of the month . Oh well! Least it's another memorable birthday... not unlike the BBQ that fell apart last year... lol! Fingers crossed I get my car back today... I'm so lost without it!
LOL, I just read through all the 'spoilers' for Star Wars III & I realised, I have no self-control... I tried not too... honest!
Edited for spelling mistakes
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Cornelia - May 17, 2005 1:08 am (#2065 of 2981)
Happy belated Birthday to all I have missed!!
Hugs to all who need one!!
We have been in Helsinki during the weekend. It was just like jumping from one reality to another one. Tallinn and Helsinki are totally different. Helsiki is a real modern, western city with everything one needs and expects. I am now a littlebit sad to be back again in the "small-town" Tallinn (okay, to be fair, we have a wonderful medieval city-center (Reval/Tallinn was part of the Hanse), and the night-live/bars is/are really good in Tallinn [and the drinks are really cheap]). Even Star Wars will be one day earlier in the cinemas in Helsinki then in Tallinn. But I´ll stop complaining now!
If you ever come to Tallinn during the next two years, e-mail me!
Have a nice week!
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dizzy lizzy - May 17, 2005 4:09 am (#2066 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Fawkes, Dumbledore and Phreaker!
A *hug* for you Eponine.
My course was OK. The plane flight home was OK, but it was 1/2 hour late as usual. I find the course and the flight home on top of that, just wears me right out. So now I am ready to go to bed as it is 9pmish here at the moment.
Talk to you all later...
Lizzy
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librarian314 - May 17, 2005 5:36 am (#2067 of 2981)
Hey all!
Happy Birthday to those celebrating!
Eponine, I'm sorry to hear about your student. It's very hard when someone so young dies.
On to lighter things...
I, in fact do remember the Time Warp. I even used to dress up for it, though I never took part in the floor show. I didn't live near enough to any theatre showing it regularly. Just a couple of weeks ago tried to find a theatre in the metro DC area showing it and the closest I could find was either Raleigh, NC or somewhere in NJ. I was a bit disappointed. Ah well...
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Denise P. - May 17, 2005 5:37 am (#2068 of 2981)
Sniping is just a way of putting a bid on an item at the last possible moment, hopefully making it where no other bidder can get in after you. When I snipe, my bid goes in with 7 seconds left on the auction. There is not enough time at that point for me to be outbid, if I am the high bidder. If someone before me has a higher bid, I am just out of luck. When I do bid, I generally don't bid until the very end so the price is not jacked up. A lot of people truly despise snipers but my experience is, if you are not willing to snipe, you end up losing a lot and have to keep rebidding on items before you finally get it.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids. Nooo!! We want year round schooling!!
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Loopy Lupin - May 17, 2005 5:45 am (#2069 of 2981)
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
Well...I'll admit it, but I won't transcribe them because there are a few that strain the boundaries of appropriate posting here on the forum.
Ok thanks guys. Now I'm going to be walking around all day with the Time Warp in my head. ****wanders off muttering "Just a step to the riiiighht......"******
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Catherine - May 17, 2005 5:50 am (#2070 of 2981)
Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids. Nooo!! We want year round schooling!! –Denise
Thursday is Hayley's last day of preschool and Claire finishes school next week. Year round school is looking good at the moment...
I'm hosting Book Club tomorrow morning, so I need to figure out what I'm serving to eat (I've been so busy last week and this week that I threatened to get doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and arrange them decoratively on a cake stand and call it a day) and how to whip this house into "company" shape.
Have a good Tuesday, everyone!
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Ponine - May 17, 2005 5:53 am (#2071 of 2981)
Hey! I am SO not supposed to be here today, as it is our Independence Day and all (One century - free of Sweden - woo hoo!!), but I HAD to run in here and share this with you Oh, my point; I was watching (on tv this year) a military tattoo outside the Royal Castle, doing their very funky, pretty incredible thing. They were twirling their guns, marching, drumming, all kinds of things with impeccable timing and precision, and then, all of a sudden, the drums go softer and this one soldier with a - little xylophone-like thing on a harness, begins playing a beautiful little tune called Harry Potter. I swear, I am such a sucker, I almost bawled.... you know, pretty flags, children, sun, your country celebrating and Harry Potter - what could be better? Hipp hipp heisan hurra!
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septentrion - May 17, 2005 6:03 am (#2072 of 2981)
Happy birthday Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren, even if I'm a little late !
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Marè - May 17, 2005 6:46 am (#2073 of 2981)
Belated Happy birthday Fawkes,
Belated happy birthday Phreaker and
belated happy birthday Lauren!
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Fawkes Forever - May 17, 2005 7:53 am (#2074 of 2981)
Thanks Guys
The garage just rang & my car is fixed... yay! Now is the *ahem*... small matter of the bill...
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Ydnam96 - May 17, 2005 8:11 am (#2075 of 2981)
Fawkes, I'm sad and happy about your car, sad it broke happy it's fixed! I know I dread the check engine light because it just means $$$. In fact I'm due for my 18,000 mile tune/check up thing. But it's over $100 and I just don't have it. So I'm waiting. I'm just trying not to drive to much. Plus, gas here is like $1.45 a gallon so I don't want to fill up my tank either. Hopefully somehow the money will show up for you!!! Maybe someone will remember that they missed your birthday, feel guilty, and give you money????
Ponine, where do you live? I have forgotten. I love learning about history and all that so I would love to go check out (on the web) what the celebration is like there for your independence.
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Thora - May 17, 2005 9:35 am (#2076 of 2981)
$1.45 a gallon! My Land I was glad to pay only $2.09 a gallon several times crossing the country.
(Wanders off thinking about how long it's been since she paid that little, 4 years maybe...)
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fleur-de-lys - May 17, 2005 10:09 am (#2077 of 2981)
$1.45!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be a dream. Even $2.09 wouldn't be bad. It’s been coming down here, but down from $2.23. It literally hurts me to get gas these days.
Happy Independence Day, Ponine!!!!!!!!!
I'd like to post something, in hopes of getting more prayer support. While I was away this weekend, my mom was taken to the hospital with congestive heart failure. Thas was very early Sunday morning. We were called and came home right away. She's doing pretty good, but will have to make a lot of dietary and lifestyle changes. She's having a cathetarization(sp?) right now, looking for any blockages. She should be coming home tomorrow, so its not as bad as it sounds, but, to me, congestive heart failure is terrifying. Also, through this, she has found out she's diabetic. She's a widow and I'm an only child, so alot of the responsibility falls to me. I don't say burden cause she's not a burden, we're very close. But we could really use as much prayer right now as possible. She's a Harry Potter fan, though has only watched the movies. But she listens to all my HP chatter, so I appreciate her. Thanks so much in advance for the prayer support. Its very important.
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Marè - May 17, 2005 10:30 am (#2078 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, I don't pray, but I will be sending some good thoughts in your direction.
Maybe you could buy your mum the harry potter books on tape? that way she has something to listen to!
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 10:52 am (#2079 of 2981)
I can relate, fleur-de-lys; I'm also the only daughter of a widowed mother with lots of health problems. For what it's worth, heart surgery has come a _long_ way in a short time, and placing stents & opening up blockages is easier and less invasive than it used to be. If your mom is anything like mine, the hard part will be getting her to change her eating habits! I'll keep both of you in my prayers.
If you like reading aloud, consider reading the books to her yourself! (My mom loves it! Right now we're in the middle of Connie Willis's _To Say Nothing of the Dog_ while we're waiting for HBP.)
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Steve Newton - May 17, 2005 11:16 am (#2080 of 2981)
“To Say Nothing of the Dog!” What a great book. Have you read the book from which it draws its name. "Three Men in a Boat: to say nothing of the dog" by Jerome K. Jerome? I think that it is available free online.
Try here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext95/3boat10.txt
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 11:59 am (#2081 of 2981)
Yes, Steve, I have; it's also good fun, but not quite as riotous as the Willis. We've just read the part where Ned is chasing Princess Arjumand all over the island, disturbing a swan in the process...
LOTR is also really good for reading aloud. (That's the one we started with, because Mom's eyes started getting bad just around the time the first movie came out.) Tolkien's pacing is just amazing.
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librarian314 - May 17, 2005 1:31 pm (#2082 of 2981)
Hey all!
Another set of books that are fun to read aloud are any of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books. My husband has read several of them to me.
Fleur de lys - Remember, as a caregiver, to take care of yourself because you can't take care of your mom if you aren't doing well yourself. There is all sorts of caregiver support available. Everything from government monetary assistance to on-line support groups. A Google search on "caregiver support" is a good place to start. You may be an only child, but you don't have to do it alone.
Take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lina - May 17, 2005 1:45 pm (#2083 of 2981)
I had a wonderful surprize coming on the forum today: I found my (old) avatar just staring at me from one of my posts! At first, I thought it was a mistake but I was told that someone was so generous to promote me into a premium member. So, along with sharing my happiness with you, I wish to thank this person for the gift, I suspect it should be someone who frequents this thread. You made me feel much more special than I think I am (even though I know that I am special just not that much). Thank you!
It has been a lot since I have posted here, but it doesn't mean I was not reading, I just didn't feel like posting or having anything to add to the discussion. I have almost popped in to explain the term budgerigar because it was one of the first words that we learned in our English classes so many years ago, but at the time I came to the Forum it was already explained more than well.
And I missed so many birthdays that way... So, Septentrion, Lauren, Fawkes forever and Phreaker, Happy belated birthdays and a lot of happiness for you in my wishes!
Mrs. Sirius, I'm glad that you like your new job and being a working woman! Good luck!
Just hallo to VeronikaG!
fleur-de-lys, the time ahead you is not about to be easy. I pray for your strength and for your mother, for the best outcome.
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Gina R Snape - May 17, 2005 1:49 pm (#2084 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, oh I feel for you. No matter how much you love your mother, taking care of someone is not easy.
On the bright side, congestive heart failure is a disease about oxygen delivery through the blood. I've known many of my clients, not to mention my own grandfather, who lived with that condition for quite some time.
I send good wishes your way for your mother. ((((HUGS))))
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 2:47 pm (#2085 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, Michelle is spot on - take care of yourself. It's really draining to be a caregiver, so don't feel guilty about not always being your usual perky self, and make sure you get enough sleep.
Good thoughts and prayers in this direction are also much appreciated; my mom is going to try and get her driver's license back on Thursday, now that she has stronger glasses and a note from her eye doctor. She hates thinking she's a burden, and really wants to be able to do her own grocery shopping again.
She's probably going to have to undergo surgery on one eye, but I've reassured her that even if she can read again after that, I'll still read HBP to her! I feel like I'm paying a little of my enormous debt to her for reading to me so much when I was little.
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The giant squid - May 17, 2005 3:35 pm (#2086 of 2981)
Now I'm going to be walking around all day with the Time Warp in my head.--Loopy Lupin
Yes, but it keeps out the Riff-Raff... :goofygrin:
Mandy: $1.45 a gallon? Add a dollar to that & you've got the Vegas price. Hey, at least we're still cheaper than L.A.
--Mike
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timrew - May 17, 2005 3:43 pm (#2087 of 2981)
Berloody Heck!!!!!! Skewse French! We poor saps in the UK are paying about $6.00 per gallon. You Gringos can theenk yourselves lucky!!!
Badges?! We don't need no steenking badges!!!
Sorry! Stiff upper lip and all that!
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boop - May 17, 2005 4:03 pm (#2088 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys and T Brightwater, sending cheering, and healing charms your way. Get plenty of sleep. I know its alot of work taking care of someone, but your mom is worth every bit of your time.) T.Brightwater sending good luck to your mom. I too hope she can drive again real soon.
Hugs Always
boop
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Marie E. - May 17, 2005 5:36 pm (#2089 of 2981)
When do we get a picture of the new little one, Betty?
It has been just crazy busy at work lately and I've been sadly neglecting my poor forum. I sat down at the computer Sunday and just read and read. Now I'm nearly caught up and mostly cross-eyed. Our boss was promoted and we got a new director. It's been a bit stressful for everyone.
My new tattoo is of a shamrock with pink flowers on either side. It's on my right ankle, just across from the smiley face on the left ankle. Remember when we did the "how well do we know each other" quizzes and everyone thought that the tattoo sentence was the fake one?
I have another smarty-pants reader in the family. Shayla, my second grader, tested at a 3.8 level. She's never tested any higher than normal grade level so it was cool to get the results. I told her this means she has to read even harder this summer to stay at that level. I was rewarded with a lovely eyeroll.
I almost feel sorry enough for squid/mike to give him my Hagrid's Hut. But not quite.
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Pinky - May 17, 2005 5:48 pm (#2090 of 2981)
I have almost popped in to explain the term budgerigar because it was one of the first words that we learned in our English classes so many years ago, ~Lina
That was one of the first English words you learned? I would have assumed toilet, food, where, and "I don't speak English" should have been among the first. You must have had an interesting teacher!
Mandy, I'm pretty sure that Ponine lives in Norway. I should know more about Scandinavian history, but I don't.
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Ydnam96 - May 17, 2005 6:15 pm (#2091 of 2981)
Opps...Sorry everyone I feel like an idiot. I meant $2.45 (that's why I don't want to fill up my tank). If it were $1.45 I would have a party. Don't I feel like an idiot.
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ruthlesspenguin - May 17, 2005 6:45 pm (#2092 of 2981)
You better add me to the list of people who are reasonably familiar with the time warp; not because I have seen the movie, but because we used to line dance to the Time Warp in primary school. I just googled the lyrics and am surprised that none of the parents complained when they found out what their five year old was dancing to, as I think they played it at the whole school bush-dance (which was a family event) as well as during school time, and I can remember it from more than one year. Perhaps they figured we wouldn't able to listen to the lyrics and dance at the same time, or that anyone who did try and listen would come up with their own 'interpretation' of what was being said.
I see I am not the only one who reads Harry Potter to their Mum. During 2002/2003 Mum bought me the first four books in German and I translated them for her as she drove me to school. She thought she was helping me with my German, and I thought I was taking desperate measures to introduce her to Harry. I think we were both right. It did improve my German and she has recently told me we will get two copies of HBP as she couldn't wait the 6 months or so until I would let HBP out of my sight, and that she bought copies of the last three audio books without any prompting from me.
Fluer-de-lys you are in my thoughts. And Happy Birthday to everyone who recently celebrated.
<(')
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Madam Pince - May 17, 2005 7:48 pm (#2093 of 2981)
Hi everyone! We're back from a week at Grandma's house. Very fun time -- did lots of work like painting the porch, etc., but also had fun playing outside in the country, eating Grandma's good home cooking, visiting with friends from high school, and such. There were only 290+ posts on the Chat thread to catch up on, so it wasn't too bad.
Congratulations to all the very smart people who did so well on their exams and/or graduated with honors; sympathies to those who have had losses; happy birthday to those who've celebrated; and prayers to fleur-de-lys on your mother's surgery and recuperation.
Denise, the baby picture rubbing his/her eye was so precious! It is so amazing what the new sonograms look like! Baby Pince just looked rather like a shrimp, or possibly a duckling, in his first picture.
Mike, have you tried Amazon for the Hagrid's Hut Lego sets? Sometimes they have used stuff like eBay does.
Well, this is going to be short and sweet, because I have had a killer migraine headache for almost two days now, and although my meds have helped, it just wears me out. So nighty-night, all!
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Julia. - May 17, 2005 8:20 pm (#2094 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, My prayers are with you and your family. I hope your mother gets well soon.
Marie!! I missed you! Glad to see you back. Don't worry, things will settle down for you soon enough. Good news about Shayla's reading. Smart girl that one, just like her mommy.
Mar and Lizzy, I'm glad that some people around here like their new jobs! My new job as a waitress is not making me very happy. My feet hurt, my back hurts, and having to serve a whole bunch of people who all come in at the exact time is not fun. Very much looking forward to my first paycheck, and then the end of the summer when this job will be over.
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Elanor - May 17, 2005 10:23 pm (#2095 of 2981)
Happy belated birthday Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren!
Fleur-de Lys, I'm so sorry! I know what I would feel if it was my Mom. I'm sending you my prayers and please, take care of yourself as much as you take care of her.
Julia, I'm so sorry! I hope things will go better by the end of the summer!
So, for many of you the summer holidays are very close? I'm so jealous! Here, the kids have school till the beginning of July (July, 6th exactly in my region) and the last weeks are never fun when it begins to be very hot and kids don't feel like working at all.
Talking about school, this morning I have to go to another boring training course for teachers, in a school lost in the middle of nowhere, in the countryside, about one hour from here by car. You would think I'm dragging my feet this morning but not at all, actually I'm even overexcited! But not by the course of course, but by what will come just afterwards. Ladies and gentlemen, in exactly 7 hours from now, I will be sitting in a cinema, watching " A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." appearing on a screen. **jumping with anticipation** And I didn't tell you the funniest: the cinema I will go to see the Episode III is called "The Empire" (I kid you not!), I love that! I can't wait. I bet I will play the impossible kid all day long today!
Have a great day everybody!
Audrey **humming the Imperial March on her way to work**
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dizzy lizzy - May 17, 2005 10:33 pm (#2096 of 2981)
Julia, I know I like my job and the pay packet is always good to receive; but I am sure my 3 dogs are starting to feel rather upset by amount of time they have spent at the boarding kennels.
And I found out yesterday I have to spend another 2 days (in training) in Sydney in June in order to be allowed to work on the next extra survey that starts in August.
At least I have 3 straight weeks at home and with them until my next workload away from home. Staying away so much wasn't really in my plans when I got this job, but the pay is OK and I enjoy the work so...I stay put for the time being.
Hugs to all who need it and have a wonderful day today.
Lizzy
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Lina - May 18, 2005 12:09 am (#2097 of 2981)
Pinky, the first lessons went something like this: This is Jill, This is her mother, This is her father, This is her brother, He has got a budgerigar. It took me a long time to find out a difference between a budgerigar and a parrot.
Julia, I'm sorry your new job hurts so much! Maybe you should consider a pair of shoes that would be more helpful, as someone advised someone else many posts ago. Although, I know it is not funny to spend the money you earn on the job just to make the job easier. I just hope that the people who come in are being nice.
And Mandy, and everyone else who feel sleepy this spring (as well as I do), I suggest some vitamins!
Have a nice day! It is so raining here today. The kids have problems with getting out of bed and I like the peace in the house.
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 12:13 am (#2098 of 2981)
Hello everybody! Life has taken me away from the Forum once more, but I wanted to check in to say hello!
Fleur-de-lys, I've sent you an e-mail. I hope that it gets to you fine. My prayers and best wishes to you and your family!
Lina, I think that you very special indeed! How very sweet of your "Secret Santa". Of course, this far away from Christmas, I don't know if "Secret Santa" is the proper term. Since it's summer and already a scorcher,(at least where I am!), I'd say you had a "Secret Sunbeam".
Chemyst, I really appreciate your offer to help me find a house-elf to help me bake this wedding cake for my brother-in-law's wedding. (Many, many posts ago... I've been out of touch!) I'm not sure how much sugar this Monster-sized cake is going to take! My best estimate is that it will be MINIMUM 70 pounds of powdered sugar, 30 lbs of Crisco (for the icing, yucky, but true with buttercream icing), 12 dozen eggs, and 35 boxes of Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake mix. That doesn't even include the flavorings for the icing, colors for the cake, the Bavarian Cream filling and the Groom's cake. (Why, oh why is she insisting on a Groom's cake when I already have so much cake to bake and decorate?!)
The Groom's cake will be in the shape of an 18-wheeler. He and my husband (his brother) drive cross country for Schneider National Bulk. So, the bride wanted a semi-truck cake that looks like the one that they drive. Unfortunately for the poor cake, their company trucks are a bright orange color. (They are teasingly referred to as "Pumpkins" by other truck drivers.) I'm afraid that this cake is going to glow-in-the-dark next to the absolute white-white that my future sister-in-law is insisting that everything else be draped in.
Denise, thank you for your advice about cake decorating classes. I've actually already taken quite a few classes at Hobby Lobby. I use to make cakes, usually birthday ones, for other people. I found that there was just too much work involved to make a business out of it, though. I could never charge enough money to even break even! I've since decided to just do the cakes for family.
I've never attempted such a large wedding cake, though. That's what has me nervous and concerned. It's 5 layers with a combination of stacking and separation. Tricky and unstable construction at best! I'm going to try and temporary change my avatar to a picture of the Gryffindor Lion cake that I made last year so that you can see my hobby! (At least, it WAS my hobby until I discovered the Forum!)
Barbie
EDIT: YEAH! I managed to get the picture of my Gryffindor lion cake shrunk down enough to be able to post it!
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The giant squid - May 18, 2005 4:07 am (#2099 of 2981)
I almost feel sorry enough for squid/mike to give him my Hagrid's Hut. But not quite.--Marie E.
Gee, I'm almost touched.
Ladies and gentlemen, in exactly 7 hours from now, I will be sitting in a cinema, watching " A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." appearing on a screen.—Elanor
Let's see...if my calculations are correct, Elanor's got one hour to go. Having just finished screening Episode Three I can assure her as well as any other Star Wars fans that it's absolutely worth it. It even makes up for Jar-Jar. I actually "squee"-ed a couple of times. Now I just have to survive three weeks of insanity until the screaming hordes calm down...
--Mike
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Cornelia - May 18, 2005 5:18 am (#2100 of 2981)
Squid Mike - is it a very special Hagrid´s Hut you are looking for? I checked out www.my-toys.de and they have some Harry Potter Lego stuff. But the Hagrid´s Hut they sell is from PoA, I don´t know if that is the right one? (Edit: I looked up your post about the Hut and it´s not the right one, sorry.)
Our thoughts are with you fleur-de-lys!
Congrats Lina!
Have a nice day everybody!
fleur-de-lys - May 16, 2005 1:20 pm (#2051 of 2981)
Michelle, WOW...one month for all five books?!? I'm very impressed. I think I read them that fast the first time, but now I'm taking my time and trying to piece things together that had never occurred to me before reading on the forum. My hubby says I'm reading them more slowly to look for things to add to the forum and I guess that's a bit correct too. But I'll never admit that to him. Tee hee!
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Denise P. - May 16, 2005 1:38 pm (#2052 of 2981)
Not that I have ever taught any of our budgies (when we had them) to waterski nor do my cockatiel or lovebird ski, but it really is not hard to teach them to. Generally it is a remote control boat that pulls them and all you have to do is teach the bird to not fly off. On slow news days here, we are treated to a water skiing squirrel, Twiggy
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John Bumbledore - May 16, 2005 2:07 pm (#2053 of 2981)
So, that's what a Budgie is? A small bird from Australia also called a Parakeet. I was thinking some small breed of dog... Expecting Catherine to be the first to answer… ** waves to Catherine **
I think I'd rather see a Giant Squid with overactive adrenal glands than a water-skiing budgie, but that's just me. Catherine.
Well, I remember a very old movie of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The scene where they are attacked by a sea monster, now to me that certainly looked like a giant squid with overactive adrenal glands! ** Waves to Mike **
Loopy, love your avatar from Rocky Horror! "What's for dinner?" "Meatloaf again!" Talk about a time-warp! SPEW!
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
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boop - May 16, 2005 2:46 pm (#2054 of 2981)
Sorry Late on Posting these Birthdays, but my internet was down.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY : FAWKES, PHREAKER, AND DUMBLEDORE!!!!!!Have a great day!!
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Hugs Always
boop
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Eponine - May 16, 2005 3:27 pm (#2055 of 2981)
Well, after a week of my niece and nephew and my sister, my house is once again quiet. They went home this morning, and while the silence is nice, I miss their little voices and their hugs terribly. We had a nice visit to the beach and got mightily sunburned.
On a sad note, I just got a call from the cousin who I subbed for, and one of the students I taught was killed in a car wreck today after school. He was such a good kid, and it makes me hurt for his family.
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GryffEndora - May 16, 2005 3:39 pm (#2056 of 2981)
Oh, Eponine, I am so sorry to hear that. I will say a prayer for him & his family.
Birthday wishes to Fawkes, Phreaker & Dumbledore!
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Catherine - May 16, 2005 5:25 pm (#2057 of 2981)
On a sad note, I just got a call from the cousin who I subbed for, and one of the students I taught was killed in a car wreck today after school. He was such a good kid, and it makes me hurt for his family. –Eponine
I'm so sorry. I experienced this first-hand as a teacher, and it was awful, so I'm sorry for you, and for your cousin. I didn't go to the memorial service for my student's boyfriend, and I regret it now, because I think it would have helped her.
In my case, I was being observed by a county official right after an incident in which one of my students (who was the driver ((sober)), a survivor in a fatal crash in which her boyfriend was killed). Unfortunately, I had scheduled a poetry unit in advance, and on that day, the poems were reflections on death. This student came back to class a week early, otherwise I probably would not have scheduled these particular poems.
Let's just say that dealing with this, while being observed by an "official education person," was NOT in my master plan. Suffice to say, I played the cards that WE were dealt, and apologized to the student when she raised her hand and requested a pass to the guidance office. In the end, I got points for being "flexible" and for "covering" the lesson anyway. I still think that was a no-win game, but we were all in it together, sadly.
Best to you and your cousin, Eponine.
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Finn BV - May 16, 2005 5:57 pm (#2058 of 2981)
So sorry to hear that Eponine. I am trying to catch up in this thread (which bustles like crazy) and I was very disappointed to come across this sad news.
On a slightly different note, I am trying to become more a part of the Lexicon Family as I can be! I am enjoying the chat (thanks, boop and Pigwidgeon) and try to read this thread too! (Except when I use up that 10 post limit per day I can't write here! - and being in seventh grade I really don't have that money to cough up)
Anyway, I am making my introduction on this thread! So… hello! :-)
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pottermom34 - May 16, 2005 8:06 pm (#2059 of 2981)
Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?" --John Bumbledore.
Sadly, the only party I remember is "let's do the time warp again!" The first time I saw Filch in the movie though I thought of one of the Rocky characters I don't remember the character part though.(I hope that made sense)
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Ydnam96 - May 16, 2005 8:30 pm (#2060 of 2981)
Eponine, I am sorry that must be hard for you and your community. I hope that people are given a chance to heal from the situation.
Oh, the "Time Warp"...
I only saw that scene from the movie...and let's just say it is a movie I never finished nor do I ever care to. It's just not for me. I understand though that it has a rather large cult following. I personally do not see why, but to each his own.
It's around 8:30pm here and I just woke up from an accidental nap...and I really just want to go to bed. I feel like I'm like this 70 or 80 year old person trapped in a 26 year old body. (my great aunt used to take a 'nap' everyday right after supper then she would get up around 8ish and change into her pj's and 'go to bed.' I never understood it really, until now...It's not natural to be this tired! So to keep myself awake until a decent hour I am playing on the forum.
Here's to seeing how long I can make it before I cave in and go to bed. Does anybody have a "wake up" charm?
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The giant squid - May 16, 2005 8:50 pm (#2061 of 2981)
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
Well...I'll admit it, but I won't transcribe them because there are a few that strain the boundaries of appropriate posting here on the forum.
Thanks for the link on sniping, Denise. Really, though, I'm not much of an eBay-er anyway. It was just a spur of the moment thing when I found out that those Lego sets were no longer available...I panicked. I figure if someone wants to spend the effort (and money) to make sure they're absolutely the last one to bid, more power to 'em. They clearly needed the item more than me.
--Mike
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Ydnam96 - May 16, 2005 8:51 pm (#2062 of 2981)
What is this "sniping" thing? I read through the posts earlier but I still don't understand? Is it a way to make it so you are automatically the last and highest bidder?
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Thora - May 16, 2005 11:28 pm (#2063 of 2981)
Just popping in while on vacation to say I miss you all. Take care.
Thora
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Fawkes Forever - May 17, 2005 12:12 am (#2064 of 2981)
Edited May 17, 2005 12:50 am
Thanks Betty *big hugs*
Happy belated birthday Sept, & of course to my birthday buddies, Dumbledore & Phreaker!
I took yesterday off work, it's become a bit of a tradition with me, if at all possible, don't spend your birthday at work. However, my car did decide to break down yesterday, (of all the days to do so), & it's still in the garage today. So it looks like I'll be pawning all my birthday gifts to pay for the repairs -kidding of course, but it'll be beans on toast for tea for the rest of the month . Oh well! Least it's another memorable birthday... not unlike the BBQ that fell apart last year... lol! Fingers crossed I get my car back today... I'm so lost without it!
LOL, I just read through all the 'spoilers' for Star Wars III & I realised, I have no self-control... I tried not too... honest!
Edited for spelling mistakes
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Cornelia - May 17, 2005 1:08 am (#2065 of 2981)
Happy belated Birthday to all I have missed!!
Hugs to all who need one!!
We have been in Helsinki during the weekend. It was just like jumping from one reality to another one. Tallinn and Helsinki are totally different. Helsiki is a real modern, western city with everything one needs and expects. I am now a littlebit sad to be back again in the "small-town" Tallinn (okay, to be fair, we have a wonderful medieval city-center (Reval/Tallinn was part of the Hanse), and the night-live/bars is/are really good in Tallinn [and the drinks are really cheap]). Even Star Wars will be one day earlier in the cinemas in Helsinki then in Tallinn. But I´ll stop complaining now!
If you ever come to Tallinn during the next two years, e-mail me!
Have a nice week!
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dizzy lizzy - May 17, 2005 4:09 am (#2066 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Fawkes, Dumbledore and Phreaker!
A *hug* for you Eponine.
My course was OK. The plane flight home was OK, but it was 1/2 hour late as usual. I find the course and the flight home on top of that, just wears me right out. So now I am ready to go to bed as it is 9pmish here at the moment.
Talk to you all later...
Lizzy
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librarian314 - May 17, 2005 5:36 am (#2067 of 2981)
Hey all!
Happy Birthday to those celebrating!
Eponine, I'm sorry to hear about your student. It's very hard when someone so young dies.
On to lighter things...
I, in fact do remember the Time Warp. I even used to dress up for it, though I never took part in the floor show. I didn't live near enough to any theatre showing it regularly. Just a couple of weeks ago tried to find a theatre in the metro DC area showing it and the closest I could find was either Raleigh, NC or somewhere in NJ. I was a bit disappointed. Ah well...
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Denise P. - May 17, 2005 5:37 am (#2068 of 2981)
Sniping is just a way of putting a bid on an item at the last possible moment, hopefully making it where no other bidder can get in after you. When I snipe, my bid goes in with 7 seconds left on the auction. There is not enough time at that point for me to be outbid, if I am the high bidder. If someone before me has a higher bid, I am just out of luck. When I do bid, I generally don't bid until the very end so the price is not jacked up. A lot of people truly despise snipers but my experience is, if you are not willing to snipe, you end up losing a lot and have to keep rebidding on items before you finally get it.
Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids. Nooo!! We want year round schooling!!
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Loopy Lupin - May 17, 2005 5:45 am (#2069 of 2981)
P. S. Anyone care to admit that you know the lyrics to the "Time Warp?"
Well...I'll admit it, but I won't transcribe them because there are a few that strain the boundaries of appropriate posting here on the forum.
Ok thanks guys.
Now I'm going to be walking around all day with the Time Warp in my head. ****wanders off muttering "Just a step to the riiiighht......"******_____________________________________
Catherine - May 17, 2005 5:50 am (#2070 of 2981)
Tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids. Nooo!! We want year round schooling!! –Denise
Thursday is Hayley's last day of preschool and Claire finishes school next week. Year round school is looking good at the moment...
I'm hosting Book Club tomorrow morning, so I need to figure out what I'm serving to eat (I've been so busy last week and this week that I threatened to get doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and arrange them decoratively on a cake stand and call it a day) and how to whip this house into "company" shape.
Have a good Tuesday, everyone!
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Ponine - May 17, 2005 5:53 am (#2071 of 2981)
Hey! I am SO not supposed to be here today, as it is our Independence Day and all (One century - free of Sweden - woo hoo!!), but I HAD to run in here and share this with you
Oh, my point; I was watching (on tv this year) a military tattoo outside the Royal Castle, doing their very funky, pretty incredible thing. They were twirling their guns, marching, drumming, all kinds of things with impeccable timing and precision, and then, all of a sudden, the drums go softer and this one soldier with a - little xylophone-like thing on a harness, begins playing a beautiful little tune called Harry Potter. I swear, I am such a sucker, I almost bawled.... you know, pretty flags, children, sun, your country celebrating and Harry Potter - what could be better? Hipp hipp heisan hurra!_____________________________________
septentrion - May 17, 2005 6:03 am (#2072 of 2981)
Happy birthday Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren, even if I'm a little late !
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Marè - May 17, 2005 6:46 am (#2073 of 2981)
Belated Happy birthday Fawkes,
Belated happy birthday Phreaker and
belated happy birthday Lauren!
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Fawkes Forever - May 17, 2005 7:53 am (#2074 of 2981)
Thanks Guys
The garage just rang & my car is fixed... yay! Now is the *ahem*... small matter of the bill...
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Ydnam96 - May 17, 2005 8:11 am (#2075 of 2981)
Fawkes, I'm sad and happy about your car, sad it broke happy it's fixed! I know I dread the check engine light because it just means $$$. In fact I'm due for my 18,000 mile tune/check up thing. But it's over $100 and I just don't have it. So I'm waiting. I'm just trying not to drive to much. Plus, gas here is like $1.45 a gallon so I don't want to fill up my tank either. Hopefully somehow the money will show up for you!!! Maybe someone will remember that they missed your birthday, feel guilty, and give you money????
Ponine, where do you live? I have forgotten. I love learning about history and all that so I would love to go check out (on the web) what the celebration is like there for your independence.
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Thora - May 17, 2005 9:35 am (#2076 of 2981)
$1.45 a gallon! My Land I was glad to pay only $2.09 a gallon several times crossing the country.
(Wanders off thinking about how long it's been since she paid that little, 4 years maybe...)
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fleur-de-lys - May 17, 2005 10:09 am (#2077 of 2981)
$1.45!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be a dream. Even $2.09 wouldn't be bad. It’s been coming down here, but down from $2.23. It literally hurts me to get gas these days.
Happy Independence Day, Ponine!!!!!!!!!
I'd like to post something, in hopes of getting more prayer support. While I was away this weekend, my mom was taken to the hospital with congestive heart failure. Thas was very early Sunday morning. We were called and came home right away. She's doing pretty good, but will have to make a lot of dietary and lifestyle changes. She's having a cathetarization(sp?) right now, looking for any blockages. She should be coming home tomorrow, so its not as bad as it sounds, but, to me, congestive heart failure is terrifying. Also, through this, she has found out she's diabetic. She's a widow and I'm an only child, so alot of the responsibility falls to me. I don't say burden cause she's not a burden, we're very close. But we could really use as much prayer right now as possible. She's a Harry Potter fan, though has only watched the movies. But she listens to all my HP chatter, so I appreciate her. Thanks so much in advance for the prayer support. Its very important.
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Marè - May 17, 2005 10:30 am (#2078 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, I don't pray, but I will be sending some good thoughts in your direction.
Maybe you could buy your mum the harry potter books on tape? that way she has something to listen to!
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 10:52 am (#2079 of 2981)
I can relate, fleur-de-lys; I'm also the only daughter of a widowed mother with lots of health problems. For what it's worth, heart surgery has come a _long_ way in a short time, and placing stents & opening up blockages is easier and less invasive than it used to be. If your mom is anything like mine, the hard part will be getting her to change her eating habits! I'll keep both of you in my prayers.
If you like reading aloud, consider reading the books to her yourself! (My mom loves it! Right now we're in the middle of Connie Willis's _To Say Nothing of the Dog_ while we're waiting for HBP.)
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Steve Newton - May 17, 2005 11:16 am (#2080 of 2981)
“To Say Nothing of the Dog!” What a great book. Have you read the book from which it draws its name. "Three Men in a Boat: to say nothing of the dog" by Jerome K. Jerome? I think that it is available free online.
Try here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext95/3boat10.txt
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 11:59 am (#2081 of 2981)
Yes, Steve, I have; it's also good fun, but not quite as riotous as the Willis. We've just read the part where Ned is chasing Princess Arjumand all over the island, disturbing a swan in the process...
LOTR is also really good for reading aloud. (That's the one we started with, because Mom's eyes started getting bad just around the time the first movie came out.) Tolkien's pacing is just amazing.
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librarian314 - May 17, 2005 1:31 pm (#2082 of 2981)
Hey all!
Another set of books that are fun to read aloud are any of Terry Pratchett's Discworld books. My husband has read several of them to me.
Fleur de lys - Remember, as a caregiver, to take care of yourself because you can't take care of your mom if you aren't doing well yourself. There is all sorts of caregiver support available. Everything from government monetary assistance to on-line support groups. A Google search on "caregiver support" is a good place to start. You may be an only child, but you don't have to do it alone.
Take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Lina - May 17, 2005 1:45 pm (#2083 of 2981)
I had a wonderful surprize coming on the forum today: I found my (old) avatar just staring at me from one of my posts! At first, I thought it was a mistake but I was told that someone was so generous to promote me into a premium member. So, along with sharing my happiness with you, I wish to thank this person for the gift, I suspect it should be someone who frequents this thread. You made me feel much more special than I think I am (even though I know that I am special just not that much). Thank you!
It has been a lot since I have posted here, but it doesn't mean I was not reading, I just didn't feel like posting or having anything to add to the discussion. I have almost popped in to explain the term budgerigar because it was one of the first words that we learned in our English classes so many years ago, but at the time I came to the Forum it was already explained more than well.
And I missed so many birthdays that way... So, Septentrion, Lauren, Fawkes forever and Phreaker, Happy belated birthdays and a lot of happiness for you in my wishes!
Mrs. Sirius, I'm glad that you like your new job and being a working woman! Good luck!
Just hallo to VeronikaG!
fleur-de-lys, the time ahead you is not about to be easy. I pray for your strength and for your mother, for the best outcome.
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Gina R Snape - May 17, 2005 1:49 pm (#2084 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, oh I feel for you. No matter how much you love your mother, taking care of someone is not easy.
On the bright side, congestive heart failure is a disease about oxygen delivery through the blood. I've known many of my clients, not to mention my own grandfather, who lived with that condition for quite some time.
I send good wishes your way for your mother. ((((HUGS))))
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T Brightwater - May 17, 2005 2:47 pm (#2085 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, Michelle is spot on - take care of yourself. It's really draining to be a caregiver, so don't feel guilty about not always being your usual perky self, and make sure you get enough sleep.
Good thoughts and prayers in this direction are also much appreciated; my mom is going to try and get her driver's license back on Thursday, now that she has stronger glasses and a note from her eye doctor. She hates thinking she's a burden, and really wants to be able to do her own grocery shopping again.
She's probably going to have to undergo surgery on one eye, but I've reassured her that even if she can read again after that, I'll still read HBP to her! I feel like I'm paying a little of my enormous debt to her for reading to me so much when I was little.
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The giant squid - May 17, 2005 3:35 pm (#2086 of 2981)
Now I'm going to be walking around all day with the Time Warp in my head.--Loopy Lupin
Yes, but it keeps out the Riff-Raff... :goofygrin:
Mandy: $1.45 a gallon? Add a dollar to that & you've got the Vegas price. Hey, at least we're still cheaper than L.A.
--Mike
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timrew - May 17, 2005 3:43 pm (#2087 of 2981)
Berloody Heck!!!!!! Skewse French! We poor saps in the UK are paying about $6.00 per gallon. You Gringos can theenk yourselves lucky!!!
Badges?! We don't need no steenking badges!!!
Sorry! Stiff upper lip and all that!
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boop - May 17, 2005 4:03 pm (#2088 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys and T Brightwater, sending cheering, and healing charms your way. Get plenty of sleep. I know its alot of work taking care of someone, but your mom is worth every bit of your time.
) T.Brightwater sending good luck to your mom. I too hope she can drive again real soon.Hugs Always
boop
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Marie E. - May 17, 2005 5:36 pm (#2089 of 2981)
When do we get a picture of the new little one, Betty?
It has been just crazy busy at work lately and I've been sadly neglecting my poor forum. I sat down at the computer Sunday and just read and read. Now I'm nearly caught up and mostly cross-eyed. Our boss was promoted and we got a new director. It's been a bit stressful for everyone.
My new tattoo is of a shamrock with pink flowers on either side. It's on my right ankle, just across from the smiley face on the left ankle. Remember when we did the "how well do we know each other" quizzes and everyone thought that the tattoo sentence was the fake one?
I have another smarty-pants reader in the family. Shayla, my second grader, tested at a 3.8 level. She's never tested any higher than normal grade level so it was cool to get the results. I told her this means she has to read even harder this summer to stay at that level. I was rewarded with a lovely eyeroll.
I almost feel sorry enough for squid/mike to give him my Hagrid's Hut. But not quite.
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Pinky - May 17, 2005 5:48 pm (#2090 of 2981)
I have almost popped in to explain the term budgerigar because it was one of the first words that we learned in our English classes so many years ago, ~Lina
That was one of the first English words you learned? I would have assumed toilet, food, where, and "I don't speak English" should have been among the first. You must have had an interesting teacher!
Mandy, I'm pretty sure that Ponine lives in Norway. I should know more about Scandinavian history, but I don't.
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Ydnam96 - May 17, 2005 6:15 pm (#2091 of 2981)
Opps...Sorry everyone I feel like an idiot. I meant $2.45 (that's why I don't want to fill up my tank). If it were $1.45 I would have a party. Don't I feel like an idiot.
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ruthlesspenguin - May 17, 2005 6:45 pm (#2092 of 2981)
You better add me to the list of people who are reasonably familiar with the time warp; not because I have seen the movie, but because we used to line dance to the Time Warp in primary school. I just googled the lyrics and am surprised that none of the parents complained when they found out what their five year old was dancing to, as I think they played it at the whole school bush-dance (which was a family event) as well as during school time, and I can remember it from more than one year. Perhaps they figured we wouldn't able to listen to the lyrics and dance at the same time, or that anyone who did try and listen would come up with their own 'interpretation' of what was being said.
I see I am not the only one who reads Harry Potter to their Mum. During 2002/2003 Mum bought me the first four books in German and I translated them for her as she drove me to school. She thought she was helping me with my German, and I thought I was taking desperate measures to introduce her to Harry. I think we were both right. It did improve my German and she has recently told me we will get two copies of HBP as she couldn't wait the 6 months or so until I would let HBP out of my sight, and that she bought copies of the last three audio books without any prompting from me.
Fluer-de-lys you are in my thoughts. And Happy Birthday to everyone who recently celebrated.
<(')
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Madam Pince - May 17, 2005 7:48 pm (#2093 of 2981)
Hi everyone! We're back from a week at Grandma's house. Very fun time -- did lots of work like painting the porch, etc., but also had fun playing outside in the country, eating Grandma's good home cooking, visiting with friends from high school, and such. There were only 290+ posts on the Chat thread to catch up on, so it wasn't too bad.
Congratulations to all the very smart people who did so well on their exams and/or graduated with honors; sympathies to those who have had losses; happy birthday to those who've celebrated; and prayers to fleur-de-lys on your mother's surgery and recuperation.
Denise, the baby picture rubbing his/her eye was so precious! It is so amazing what the new sonograms look like! Baby Pince just looked rather like a shrimp, or possibly a duckling, in his first picture.
Mike, have you tried Amazon for the Hagrid's Hut Lego sets? Sometimes they have used stuff like eBay does.
Well, this is going to be short and sweet, because I have had a killer migraine headache for almost two days now, and although my meds have helped, it just wears me out. So nighty-night, all!
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Julia. - May 17, 2005 8:20 pm (#2094 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys, My prayers are with you and your family. I hope your mother gets well soon.
Marie!! I missed you! Glad to see you back. Don't worry, things will settle down for you soon enough. Good news about Shayla's reading. Smart girl that one, just like her mommy.
Mar and Lizzy, I'm glad that some people around here like their new jobs! My new job as a waitress is not making me very happy. My feet hurt, my back hurts, and having to serve a whole bunch of people who all come in at the exact time is not fun. Very much looking forward to my first paycheck, and then the end of the summer when this job will be over.
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Elanor - May 17, 2005 10:23 pm (#2095 of 2981)
Happy belated birthday Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren!
Fleur-de Lys, I'm so sorry! I know what I would feel if it was my Mom. I'm sending you my prayers and please, take care of yourself as much as you take care of her.
Julia, I'm so sorry! I hope things will go better by the end of the summer!
So, for many of you the summer holidays are very close? I'm so jealous! Here, the kids have school till the beginning of July (July, 6th exactly in my region) and the last weeks are never fun when it begins to be very hot and kids don't feel like working at all.
Talking about school, this morning I have to go to another boring training course for teachers, in a school lost in the middle of nowhere, in the countryside, about one hour from here by car. You would think I'm dragging my feet this morning but not at all, actually I'm even overexcited! But not by the course of course, but by what will come just afterwards. Ladies and gentlemen, in exactly 7 hours from now, I will be sitting in a cinema, watching " A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." appearing on a screen. **jumping with anticipation** And I didn't tell you the funniest: the cinema I will go to see the Episode III is called "The Empire" (I kid you not!), I love that! I can't wait. I bet I will play the impossible kid all day long today!
Have a great day everybody!
Audrey **humming the Imperial March on her way to work**
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dizzy lizzy - May 17, 2005 10:33 pm (#2096 of 2981)
Julia, I know I like my job and the pay packet is always good to receive; but I am sure my 3 dogs are starting to feel rather upset by amount of time they have spent at the boarding kennels.
And I found out yesterday I have to spend another 2 days (in training) in Sydney in June in order to be allowed to work on the next extra survey that starts in August.
At least I have 3 straight weeks at home and with them until my next workload away from home. Staying away so much wasn't really in my plans when I got this job, but the pay is OK and I enjoy the work so...I stay put for the time being.
Hugs to all who need it and have a wonderful day today.
Lizzy
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Lina - May 18, 2005 12:09 am (#2097 of 2981)
Pinky, the first lessons went something like this: This is Jill, This is her mother, This is her father, This is her brother, He has got a budgerigar. It took me a long time to find out a difference between a budgerigar and a parrot.
Julia, I'm sorry your new job hurts so much! Maybe you should consider a pair of shoes that would be more helpful, as someone advised someone else many posts ago. Although, I know it is not funny to spend the money you earn on the job just to make the job easier. I just hope that the people who come in are being nice.
And Mandy, and everyone else who feel sleepy this spring (as well as I do), I suggest some vitamins!
Have a nice day! It is so raining here today. The kids have problems with getting out of bed and I like the peace in the house.
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 12:13 am (#2098 of 2981)
Hello everybody! Life has taken me away from the Forum once more, but I wanted to check in to say hello!
Fleur-de-lys, I've sent you an e-mail. I hope that it gets to you fine. My prayers and best wishes to you and your family!
Lina, I think that you very special indeed! How very sweet of your "Secret Santa". Of course, this far away from Christmas, I don't know if "Secret Santa" is the proper term. Since it's summer and already a scorcher,(at least where I am!), I'd say you had a "Secret Sunbeam".
Chemyst, I really appreciate your offer to help me find a house-elf to help me bake this wedding cake for my brother-in-law's wedding. (Many, many posts ago... I've been out of touch!) I'm not sure how much sugar this Monster-sized cake is going to take! My best estimate is that it will be MINIMUM 70 pounds of powdered sugar, 30 lbs of Crisco (for the icing, yucky, but true with buttercream icing), 12 dozen eggs, and 35 boxes of Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake mix. That doesn't even include the flavorings for the icing, colors for the cake, the Bavarian Cream filling and the Groom's cake. (Why, oh why is she insisting on a Groom's cake when I already have so much cake to bake and decorate?!)
The Groom's cake will be in the shape of an 18-wheeler. He and my husband (his brother) drive cross country for Schneider National Bulk. So, the bride wanted a semi-truck cake that looks like the one that they drive. Unfortunately for the poor cake, their company trucks are a bright orange color. (They are teasingly referred to as "Pumpkins" by other truck drivers.) I'm afraid that this cake is going to glow-in-the-dark next to the absolute white-white that my future sister-in-law is insisting that everything else be draped in.
Denise, thank you for your advice about cake decorating classes. I've actually already taken quite a few classes at Hobby Lobby. I use to make cakes, usually birthday ones, for other people. I found that there was just too much work involved to make a business out of it, though. I could never charge enough money to even break even! I've since decided to just do the cakes for family.
I've never attempted such a large wedding cake, though. That's what has me nervous and concerned. It's 5 layers with a combination of stacking and separation. Tricky and unstable construction at best! I'm going to try and temporary change my avatar to a picture of the Gryffindor Lion cake that I made last year so that you can see my hobby! (At least, it WAS my hobby until I discovered the Forum!)
Barbie
EDIT: YEAH! I managed to get the picture of my Gryffindor lion cake shrunk down enough to be able to post it!
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The giant squid - May 18, 2005 4:07 am (#2099 of 2981)
I almost feel sorry enough for squid/mike to give him my Hagrid's Hut. But not quite.--Marie E.
Gee, I'm almost touched.
Ladies and gentlemen, in exactly 7 hours from now, I will be sitting in a cinema, watching " A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away..." appearing on a screen.—Elanor
Let's see...if my calculations are correct, Elanor's got one hour to go. Having just finished screening Episode Three I can assure her as well as any other Star Wars fans that it's absolutely worth it. It even makes up for Jar-Jar. I actually "squee"-ed a couple of times. Now I just have to survive three weeks of insanity until the screaming hordes calm down...
--Mike
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Cornelia - May 18, 2005 5:18 am (#2100 of 2981)
Squid Mike - is it a very special Hagrid´s Hut you are looking for? I checked out www.my-toys.de and they have some Harry Potter Lego stuff. But the Hagrid´s Hut they sell is from PoA, I don´t know if that is the right one? (Edit: I looked up your post about the Hut and it´s not the right one, sorry.)
Our thoughts are with you fleur-de-lys!
Congrats Lina!
Have a nice day everybody!
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:52 pm
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T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 6:01 am (#2101 of 2981)
Phoenix song, it sounds like you need the entire Hogwarts kitchen staff for that one, not to mention a Strengthening Solution, a few Cheering Charms, and a large bottle of aspirin. Yikes! How big is this wedding anyway? Is the entire trucking company coming?
Julia, I'll echo the recommendations for comfy shoes. Good luck, and I hope it gets easier for you. Obnoxious customers have to be the worst part of the job; I hope you don't have too many. (Visualize turning them into ferrets and bouncing them around a few times!)
Lina, glad to hear it! We get to read more of your great posts!
fleur-de-lys, hang in there and keep us posted.
Thanks for the recommendation, Mike. I was rather disappointed by "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," except for Alan Rickman, who does a great depressed robot. (Was he the original Marvin on the radio series, does anyone know?) Oh, yeah, the Vogons were good, too.
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 6:25 am (#2102 of 2981)
I've been so busy last week and this week that I threatened to get doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and arrange them decoratively on a cake stand and call it a day—Catherine
If that is what you are actually going to serve, can I join your book club? Mmmmm Krispy Kreme..........
Ruthlesspenguin--- We sang a lot of songs in middle school that, upon the reflection of time, seem to be rather odd choices such as all the Village People hits. I must admit, though, singing along to the Time Warp takes the cake. Mmmmm Cake...........
Also, while I'm not overwhelmed by the new Star Wars movies, I feel good for all the Star Wars goobers who must be too excited to speak. (I should disclose that I haven't seen Sith yet and Mike's review is encouraging.) In years past, this would be an opportunity for me to, perhaps, be a little snarky and have a little fun. However, since I will most likely be pushing 9 year-olds out of my way at the Barnes & Noble this coming July, I have no room to talk.
Have a good Wednesday all!
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pottermom34 - May 18, 2005 6:42 am (#2103 of 2981)
Edited May 18, 2005 7:14 am
Let's see where to start,
Well gas is finally starting to come down its been as high as 2.45 and as low as 1.98 lately. It will go from 2.05 to 2.29 within 3 days around here.
I have a co worker who is in theatre and has been doing Rocky Horror, so I mentioned the forum to him and he started singing Time Warp for me. That was fun.
Squid Mike--I think some of the stores around here still have Hagrid's Hut on the shelves, I can double check.
My high school band used to play the imperial march at graduations
Denise, my daughter still has 2 or 3 more weeks of school. when do yours start?
birthday wishes and cheering charms to all who deserve them.
Julia, just think of all the tips you'll make to ease the aches and pains of waitressing. I hear your pain about every customer coming in at once. If it makes you feel better at the zoo, this is the time of the year for school groups and we've had 300-400 kids coming in ALL AT ONCE also. I heard they were all in line at once for camel rides yesterday. And we get groups of 20 people in the gift shop all at once, and it's not a very big gift shop either. Good Luck to you, gotta love summer!
Michelle
Edit : I forgot to add ONLY 6 MORE MONTHS (from today)TIL GoF MOVIE!!!
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Chemyst - May 18, 2005 7:33 am (#2104 of 2981)
I usually read this thread with a notepad or word processor window on stand-by, but today It's just memory ...so I'll see how that goes.
Julia, the first week is always the most tiring, so take heart. You'll find your groove. And do like Lina says about the shoes; it helps.
Lina, I don't think you realize how much your Croatian-flavored comments spice up the forum, but your postings have added many bright moments to my days. And I'm probably 110% wrong on this, but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
Catherine, never feel guilty about serving doughnuts, especially for a morning meeting. I have been to meetings where the hostess's idea of proper refreshment was diced celery in jello with a dollop of mayonnaise. Trust me, doughnuts are fine.
Gina, that's a cool little southpark studio thingy. I've never had cable, (and the only thing I know about them is that, when it comes to southpark, 'potty mouth' does not refer to talking about Harry Potter,) but it's still fun to build one's own cartoon characters.
Mike, StarWars - It's nice to know it rates a couple of 'Squees" Except for the darkside M&Ms, I haven't caught the excitement, but, on your recommendation, perhaps I'll catch a matinee in a couple weeks.
Barbie, 70 pounds of powdered sugar, 30 lbs of Crisco ~ Doing the math; over a 100 pounds of icing! You are going to need the semi-truck just to transport the cake from the kitchen to the reception! (Watch for pot holes!)
Cheering charms & prayer to those facing trials, loss, and summer vacation.
To all others not mentioned by name, I did read your post!
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Sirius Lee - May 18, 2005 7:40 am (#2105 of 2981)
Mike, I feel for you, it's gonna be nuts for a while! I am on the opposite side of the film business on this one and couldn't be happier. I work for a studio that is not involved with Star Wars, and so we're all expecting to just sit around for a few weeks twiddling our thumbs (and playing with the pingpong table the big boss insisted on getting!). Our next release isn't even until June 10 because we don't want to even attempt to compete. With award season over and Cannes wrapping up, we're all looking at Star Wars as a nice break!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 8:10 am (#2106 of 2981)
Happy belated birthday to Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren! I guess we all fall under the sign of the bull as my birthday was yesterday. I had to go in and update my profile to reflect both mine and my daughter's birthdays.
A combination of work and physical therapy (PT) are continuing to make it difficult to keep up with this thread among others. I've been going to PT 3 times a week for pain in my right shoulder that was preventing me from playing softball. The situation is improving. I played last evening although did not have to make a throw that would test my arm.
Well, already late for my 11am meeting. I'll try to get back later...
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 8:11 am (#2107 of 2981)
T Brightwater: "Phoenix song, it sounds like you need the entire Hogwarts kitchen staff for that one, not to mention a Strengthening Solution, a few Cheering Charms, and a large bottle of aspirin. Yikes! How big is this wedding anyway? Is the entire trucking company coming?"
Thanks for the Cheering Charms and Strengthening Solutions. I could sure use them! The wedding is going to be moderately large, around 250 people. The cake wasn't picked according to the size of the wedding, it was picked according to the pickiness of the Bride. I've told her that the cake that she's chosen is graphed to serve around 450 people, and asked that she modify the size a bit. It was a definite no-go with her. She's very sure of what she wants and won't let facts modify her stance. (Read that she's quite stubborn and a bit selfish. **OOPS! I didn't mean to let that slip out! Sorry!** )
Her response to my telling her that she is having me bake and decorate twice as much cake as is needed is that she's currently dieting, so she'll be able to eat all of the left overs when she returns from her honeymoon. What can I possibly say to that?
Catherine, yes... about 100 pounds of icing. (Estimated of course, but according to my calculations right about spot on.) The size and weight of the cake are quite a concern for me. I'm only a semi-"professional" cake decorator, and have quite purposefully steered away from wedding cakes because they're so much bother. I'm going to have an ulcer the size of Texas before I've delivered this cake.
It doesn't help me too much that I'm hearing all of these stories from my husband, (who used to deliver wedding cakes when he was a manager at a grocery store), about how often the cake doesn't make it to the reception hall in one piece. All that I need is to spend the next month preparing this cake and have it all fall apart on me during the 15 minute drive to the church!
On a lighter (and less caloric) note, I've recently adopted two kittens. One looks so much like Professor McGonagall's Animagus form that I'd have called it Minerva if it wasn't a male. I settled on "Snitch" instead. The other kitten is black, and I was all set to name him "Snuffles" when he went ballistic and began hissing and spitting at my dog. He was so vehement and ticked off that I decided, right then and there, that only one name would ever do for him... I call him "Snape".
Have a good day everybody!
Barbie
Happy Belated Birthday to Mike and to everybody else that I've missed. I hope that you all had great ones! Mike, I hope that the PT works wonders for you!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 18, 2005 8:22 am (#2108 of 2981)
Happy Birthdays to everyone celebrating in May and Congratulations to all the graduates!
Pheonix Song - that is one amazing cake, will have to take pictures to show us all when it is done. As for the groom's cake it reminds me of Steel Magnolia's when they'd made an armadillo cake with gray icing and red velvet cake inside! Must be something about groom's cakes that they are very unique and not in form with the wedding theme?
Julia - I remember my waitressing days well and like everyone else the best suggestion that I can give is in the foot wear. If your feet are happy then the rest of you will be happy. As I am the Queen of Warts and Hobbit Feet I can empathize with sore feet.
As for me I'm finally going back to work after my surgery next Tuesday. It's been nine weeks so I'm ready to return. That and I've now scrapbooked 50 pages; next I'll be scrapbooking the cat having a nap!
Also it is my daughter's birthday tomorrow, we're having the official party on Saturday at a local pool. For all those mothers out there can somebody tell me where the time has gone, I can still remember it like it was yesterday when I'd had her and now she's six!
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 8:29 am (#2109 of 2981)
I have a 10 year old who can't believe how unreasonable his dad and I are being. Can you believe it? We will not go camp out in line to catch a midnight showing of Sith or allow him to skip school to go see it. @@ You know every other parent in the world is allowing this. We have told him that he will get the chance to see it within the next few weeks but we are not going anywhere near a theater for at least 10 days.
My kids will start back to school August 11th, if I am not mistaken. That is about the time they normally go back. It is a big switch from where I grew up in CA. We started school after Labor Day and ended in mid June.
Wow on the wedding cake! The bride sounds a bit....interesting. Twice the amount of cake she needs and she thinks she will eat it all? Yeah, okay. Even if she freezes the top portion, that sounds like a whole lotta cake!
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Eponine - May 18, 2005 8:30 am (#2110 of 2981)
My husband's aunt partially made our wedding cake in North Carolina, and then drove it to Tennessee for the wedding. She didn't fully decorate it until she got it there, but I was still very worried about the cake though. That's a lot of cake you're making. Good luck!
Edit: we're going to see Return of the Sith Thursday evening. My favorite tagline for the movie has to be 'Sith Happens'
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Marè - May 18, 2005 8:31 am (#2111 of 2981)
but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
Me too! And Fawkes looks just like Hermione, for that matter...
. . . doesn't help me too much that I'm hearing all of these stories from my husband, (who used to deliver wedding cakes when he was a manager at a grocery store), about how often the cake doesn't make it to the reception hall in one piece. All that I need is to spend the next month preparing this cake and have it all fall apart on me during the 15 minute drive to the church . . .
I know nothing about wedding cakes, sorry, but if they are made of layers, isn't it possible to move them in pieces and put them together at the destination? Anyway good luck on baking. And I'd take the bride on her word: let her eat all the leftover cake! I remember an episode of Friends about that, they made Joey eat a very big turkey I think...
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 9:02 am (#2112 of 2981)
We have told him that he will get the chance to see it within the next few weeks but we are not going anywhere near a theater for at least 10 days. – Denise
Awwwww. You're no fun.
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:08 am (#2113 of 2981)
Darn right I am no fun! I recall standing in line for 90 minutes to see Episode I. The theater was jam packed and 10 minutes into the film, the air went out. There is no way I am risking that again right now LOL
I am a paranoid mom and I just can't let my 10 year old and his buddy go into a theater without an adult with them. I KNOW they would be fine but I would worry so unless an adult is with them or sitting on the bench reading while they see a show, they are not going.
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 9:19 am (#2114 of 2981)
Well, actually in that respect, I don't think you're being paranoid at all. I don't think a 10 year-old or even two of them should be allowed to go to the movies alone unless an adult is in the same building somewhere. Even saying that, I only let my then-11 year-old nephew even see a different movie than me and his then-12 year-old brother because he was accompanied by his then-15 year-old sister. The boys are a year older now and I still wouldn't go for that and certainly wouldn't drop them off and pick them up later. It is not that I have concerns about them; whoever might kidnapp them would bring them back within an hour. Rather, I would be afraid that the theater might not still be there when I got back.
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Fawkes Forever - May 18, 2005 9:19 am (#2115 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike M!
Fluer, just to let you know I'm thinking of you *sending you a great big squishy hug*
And Fawkes looks just like Hermione, for that matter...
LOL Marè - maybe a 'few' years ago (try 15).
ydnam96 - I'm not going to mention how much my car cost to get fixed... (for fear of bursting into tears or a fit of rage), It's bit of a sore point right now! But hey... I like beans & I like toast... so I'll last til pay day *muttering incantations of curses to send to the nasty 'rip-off merchants' from the Ford garage*
Thanks for the belated birthday wishes...
Actually, I'm in a giddy mood right now. One of my American colleagues just sent me a video clip from SNL. Apparently at the weekend, SNL did a skit on the company I work for. It's very funny... & scarily true... I wonder did the dementors watch it! Hee hee
Hope you had fun watching Episode III, Audrey
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T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 9:24 am (#2116 of 2981)
Phoenix song, has anyone warned your husband's brother about this woman? She sounds like bad news to me! (In fact, she sounds a bit like Lady Schrapnell in _To Say Nothing of the Dog_, which I would recommend as a restorative when this is all over - it's a hoot.)
I've played weddings like that, and they're a nightmare, especially for someone with a very soft instrument. I usually have to be in costume because someone wants a "Renaissance theme," but most of the time when I get there the musicians are the only part of the decor that is remotely recognizable as Renaissance. Then I have to smile at people with more money than brains who ask me if I'm playing a mandoline, or ask why the neck of my guitar is broken, (if they were really interested it would be one thing, but usually they just think they're being funny) and since I don't know whatever charm that the lute player in the Weird Sisters uses to make himself audible, nobody can hear a note - sometimes not even me!
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VeronikaG - May 18, 2005 9:35 am (#2117 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Fawkes, Lauren, Phreaker and Mike. Better late than never.
Ponine must indeed live in Norway. Not did I know she did. Nothing in her posts or even her profile reveals where she comes from. At least now it will be easier for me to mentally separate her from Eponine.
I've missed out on so much information going on around here. You've had your baby Denise?
And about going to the movies alone, I was 12 first time ever I was allowed to go into town in the evening to see a film without adult supervision. Off course all my friends were allowed out alone years before, but you know what the parents in my neighbourhood was like.... Never let your children do anything that seems like a bad idea even if all the other kids are allowed to. There are just too many bad parents out there.
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Good Evans - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2118 of 2981)
Happy birthday Mike
loads of strengthening potion for Fleur, sent with a hug
cheering charms to those who need them
Loopy - I fully understand your compassion for the theatre, when I take my kids anywhere I always think about what damage can be done!!!
re wedding cakes : Mine was made by a friend who lives in Dorset - I lived in Sussex so a three hour drive to transport cake on "interesting roads". She had a sign "cake on board" and was really nervous about the transport - no problem all got here safely, delivered to the hotel night before the wedding - hotel moved it 50 feet from the kitchen to the reception room for the wedding and ....... dropped it!!!!
My friend was livid, but luckily it was only a bit cracked on the icing and wasn't noticable unless you really looked at it, but as I say my friend was so angry with the hotel!!!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2119 of 2981)
Fawkes - Thanks for the birthday wish! I hope you enjoyed your day away from the dementors. As s birthday present to me, I just orderd Harry's PoA wand from Noble Collection.
On the car repair bill issue, here's a tip from my grad school days. You don't need milk or butter to mix up a box of macaroni & cheese if you don't drain all the water out of the macaroni! I know how the car repairs can go. Two cars ago, I was so excited to have paid off the loan only to spend nearly as much over the course of the next year to keep it running.
EDIT: Thanks Julie (Good Evans II)
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2120 of 2981)
Nope Veronika, I still have a looong ways to go. This baby is not set to be released until the end of August
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 9:46 am (#2121 of 2981)
Mare, usually you can make the cake in separate layers and then separate it for the transport. The cake that my future sister-in-law has chosen, however, is a "stacked" and tiered cake. When a cake is stacked, it has two or more different sized cakes placed directly upon each other. These cakes, (being notoriously difficult to center, decorate, and transport), have to be kept together during transport and decoration. I'll be able to take it apart at the separation plates. It will then be in three separate pieces, the top tier is no big deal. The middle and bottom tiers, though, will consists of 2 separate sized cakes (as large as 14 inches in diameter) with 4 layers of cake each. It will be tricky to move 8 layers of heavy cake without having any shifting. I think of it as being about as much fun as trying to move a sand castle.
Denise, I TOTALLY agree with your decision not to let your 10 year old go to the theater unsupervised. I would never allow my kids to do that either. Sure, chances are they'd be totally fine. But it only takes a fraction of a second for something irreversible to happen.
You remind me of this plaque that I got for my mother the year after I married. The title of it was "My Mother is the Meanest Woman in the World". You should have seen the look on her face when she first saw it! It went on to talk about how she never let us do all of the things that other mothers allowed their children to do, like go to friends houses without knowing their parents, or staying out as late as we wanted, eating what we wanted, doing what we wanted. We were grounded, punished, and held accountable for our actions. We had responsibilities/chores at home when our friends did not. We were not allowed to stay out all night with our friends in order to buy tickets to concerts, or go to parties that were unsupervised by trusted adults. The poem ends by thanking this "mean" woman for raising us up to be responsible, civilized, centered people. My mom still has the plaque hung beside her bed to remind herself of what a great job she was doing. There's old saying that you're on the right track in raising your children when they think that you're being mean and unreasonable... not at all like "everyone else's parents".
Barbie
Edit: Good Evans, I would have been SO upset with the hotel that dropped the cake as well. It's a good thing that it wasn't that noticeable... but STILL!!
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:56 am (#2122 of 2981)
Boy Barbie, that could have been written by my own kids! Glad to know I am not the only mean mom out there
My now 23 year old thought we were grossly unfair for not buying her a car when she turned 16. She bought her own car, with money she saved, when she was almost 19. Now, in looking back, she thanked us for sticking to that because she valued her car much more, knowing the effort and time she spent in saving the money, than if we had just handed her a set of keys.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 18, 2005 11:00 am (#2123 of 2981)
Denise, my sister will not let her 10-year-old see Star Wars tonight at midnight, either, even though he will have relatives there.
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The giant squid - May 18, 2005 11:04 am (#2124 of 2981)
Denise, I'd like to add my support to your decision to wait (poor kid, he's getting no help at all ) Besides the crowds, Episode III really did earn its PG-13 rating. There's some stuff you'll want to see with your kids.
Happy birthday, Mike M!
pottermom, the Hagrid's Hut set I'm looking for is from the first movie (item # 4707). It's been off the shelves since before PoA came out because they came out with a new version. I appreciate all you guys checking for me--who knows there might still be one out there somewhere, tucked behind the latest Bionicle or something.
--Mike
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Elanor - May 18, 2005 11:41 am (#2125 of 2981)
WOW!, "oh my G-D!" and "I'm all shaken" is nearly all that I could say for a while after seeing Episode III! Mike, you're right, it really worth it (and your calculation was very good BTW! ). To be honest, I even shed a tear sometimes. Actually, the simple fact of seeing "a long time ago..." and "STAR WARS" appearing on the screen at the beginning gives me goosepimples so I guess I am a real SW freak (sorry about that! ) but really, you won't be disappointed, even if you didn't like the Episodes I and II.
After the movie, that I saw with my brother (another freak), we couldn't stop talking about it (between "wows" and "oh my G-d" and stupid grins). It does so much good to feel like that! I can't wait for July 16th to come! But if I was in that state today I really wonder what it will be then... Do you think St Mungo has a special ward for that?
Have a great day everybody!
Audrey
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Chemyst - May 18, 2005 11:46 am (#2126 of 2981)
Denise, your daughter's car ownership story has some hard-nosed insurance statistics to back up your decision. I read them a while back and, unfortunately, forget the exact numbers, but they were impressive. Teens who buy their car with their own money are several times less likely to have an accident than those whose cars are given to them. And if anyone knows how to look up that exact number, I'd appreciate it.
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librarian314 - May 18, 2005 12:19 pm (#2127 of 2981)
Hey all!
I think I'm probably going to be a candidate for one of those mean mom plaques as well. I regularly fuss at our 6 year old about manners and speaking English. We use ma'am and sir in our house, as well as thank you and please and proper English grammar. I have been heard to say, "We speak the Queen's English in this house not Grunt language, child!"
I survived a similar upbringing and really appreciated it when I started to travel abroad and then again when I went college.
My husband and I have yet to decide when we are going to see the new Star Wars. We still need to find a baby-sitter.
Phoenix Song - Good luck on the cake thing. Have you thought of doing a scale model of the cake, so you have to work less? You could make it look mostly like the one she wants, just not as big. Done right, she'd only know the difference were she to get out calipers and start measuring. Even three-quarters the size she wants would be some help.
The cake really isn't all that important. I can't tell you what the cake looked like at anyone's wedding except my best friend's which looked like a castle with ivy trailing up the side. I barely remember what my wedding cake looked like. (I remember the groom's cake, because it wasn't decorated with the same flowers as the wedding cake. In fact, it wasn't decorated at all, just frosted. I didn't freak out because there wasn't anything that could be done about it and it wasn't worth getting into a tizzy over.) It gets all cut up and eaten anyway.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Ticker - May 18, 2005 12:44 pm (#2128 of 2981)
Grooms are supposed to get their own cakes? So many things I never knew...
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GryffEndora - May 18, 2005 12:47 pm (#2129 of 2981)
Fawkes - Do you work for Oracle? That skit was Hi-larious!!! As a theatre person I think the best part is when he yells have you people ever heard of Glo-tape?
Phoenix Song - Good Luck with the cake! I like the idea of scaling it down in an unnoticeable way. Although, depending on the bride she just might whip out the calipers so you be the judge.
Julia - good shoes will make all the difference in your feet and back. A good pair of shoes can get you through an entire day with the aches that cheap shoes get you in a couple of hours. Remember your entire body is being supports by your feet. Start with a good foundation and the entire building is more stable and stronger.
fleur-de-lys - my thoughts are with you and your Mom.
Elanor and Mike - I'm so glad to hear Episode III is good. I waited in line for the midnight showing of Episode I and was so disappointed after my second showing (that I had to see cuz I was so tired from finals and midnight that I didn't really take it all in the first time) that I only saw Episode II on DVD and then repeated several times on Cable. Had to see Yoda fight. I am getting excited again. I'm starting to feel the old Star Wars Love coming back. Thanks!
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septentrion - May 18, 2005 12:48 pm (#2130 of 2981)
Star Wars will be this week-end for me, I don't want to be exhausted from a day work when I watch it.
Happy birthday Mike !
Julia, how brave from you to take a job as a waitress. It seems to me to be one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
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Ladybug220 - May 18, 2005 1:29 pm (#2131 of 2981)
Ticker, I think it is mainly a Southern tradition, but many times the goom's cake will be some other flavor from the bride's - especially when the bride's cake is white.
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Catherine - May 18, 2005 1:31 pm (#2132 of 2981)
I like the idea of scaling it down in an unnoticeable way. Although, depending on the bride she just might whip out the calipers so you be the judge. –GryffEndora
LOL! How subversive, to subtly change the dimensions of the cake. You know, Barbie should do it just to send the bride sideways.
I have this horrible image of Barbie buying a kazillion pounds of Crisco to the stares of the checkout clerk. Your lion cake looks really good; I hope your sis-in-law appreciates your efforts.
Well, Mr. Catherine is itching to see Sith, but I have no intention of beating the crowds today. Tickets went on sale here at 9 a.m. for the midnight showing. I may be a nerd, but I'm not that much of a goober!
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applepie - May 18, 2005 1:42 pm (#2133 of 2981)
Ladybug/Ticker - I am from the South and our groom's cakes are traditionally chocolate.....just a little f.y.i.
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 2:31 pm (#2134 of 2981)
There's some stuff you'll want to see with your kids.
Mike, there is that aspect as well. I feel better seeing a film first to see exactly what earned the rating and if I need to prepare the kidlets for anything prior to the film. I think he can deal with a lot and not be bothered but I like to know exactly what he is seeing.
Can you be a bit more specific on details, like is it language, violence or the blushing parts that may have earned the rating? He has seen all the other films and I know when not at home, he watches movies I would never allow him to see (like Predator!)
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VeronikaG - May 18, 2005 2:41 pm (#2135 of 2981)
Just a piece of information I've been forgetting all along. If any of you have read a Live Journal by a girl called VeronikaG, that's not mine. Discovered to my surprise that user name was taken. I'm not responsible for anything she has written there.
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fleur-de-lys - May 18, 2005 3:03 pm (#2136 of 2981)
WOW, 42 messages since last night. I couldn't go through them all yet, as dinner is bubbling merrily in the cauldron, but I wanted to update everybody real quick.
First, thanks so very much to everyone for your prayers, words of encouragement, info and magical pick-me-ups. It’s so wonderful to be a part of a community that cares so much. I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.
Mom is home. She was released today. She's doing quite well, although she is tired. We cleaned out her kitchen of all evil food, so she's set on that aspect. Her catheterization (sp? again) went well and there were no blockages, praise God! So that's a good thing. She's supposed to be able to go back to work on Monday too, she's a school bus driver. So, I think that's a good sign. She's got a whole new pile of medication and they'll be doing blood work every so often to see how the medication is working. All in all, things are looking pretty good. It will be a major lifestyle change for her. She's dieted well in the past, but the low sodium and diabetic diets are a new thing for her. The hubby and I are going to start to follow similar diets as well, seeing as how both heart problems and diabetes run rampant in both of our families.
So, that's the update. I'll read through all the new posts and see what else is being discussed soon. Thanks again, everyone for all your prayers and support. Its great to know you care and that I'm not alone in this. To know others have gone through this and know what its all about is a great comfort. Thanks again and cheers to you all. I'll be in the Three Broomsticks soon to buy a round of butterbeer and firewhisky!
PS: Barbie (Pheonix Song), I did get your email, thanks so much and will be replying very soon. You're a sweetheart!!!!!!!
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Catherine - May 18, 2005 3:13 pm (#2137 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys,
What good news that your mom is improving and will be able to resume her old life, although with different choices.
Not to sound preachy, since I am not exactly a model of extreme fitness and slimness, LOL, but Mr. Catherine and I really enjoy many of the recipes from the publication Cooking Light. What's great about most of the recipes is that you are not trying to change an old favorite into something healthy, but they provide a lot of flavorful and interesting foods that are good in their own right. My children have grown up on many of these recipes, having no idea that they are "lighter" than other foods, and many of them are favorites. When my husband takes leftovers to reheat at work when he's working late, or busy in lab, everyone always comments on how tasty things look and smell. They have special sections on "Quick," "Vegetarian," and "Techniques." Not to mention that the alphabetical index at the end is quite handy.
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Lina - May 18, 2005 3:29 pm (#2138 of 2981)
Phoenix song, your Griffindor lion is great! I tried to do some themed cakes for my children's birthdays but I was never patient enough to make it so accurate. No wonder they wanted you to make the Wedding and the Groom's cake. I'm sure you will do a great job (again). It is normal to get a little panicked (I like the phrase from the CoS movie "Can we panic now?") about the great amount you have to make, but you can't fail it! And, as I can see, you are getting very well along with your, what she is exactly, sister in law in law? (We have a very wide variety of expressions for the in laws here...) I like the way you named your cats! I hope Snape will make friends with your dog, it would be a good omen...
Ponine, I showed your remark on Prof. Balthazar to my daughter and she said "Where is she from? I know that he is known in Scandinavia..." Well, i don't know where she picks all those strange facts from? I lie. She picks them from the Tv. She is my Dudley daughter. She found out about HP from the tv too.
Chemyst: And I'm probably 110% wrong on this, but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
You are not 110% wrong. Only about 30%. I do like to think of me the way I looked many years ago, but, you know, I do have some mirrors on my walls...
Happy belated birthday Mike Miller! I hope you feel better soon. *** Sending some healing charms...
Happy birthday to Shannon's daughter, too. I can only tell you that my youngest is also almost six and I don't have the feeling as if I had her yesterday, I'm just glad that those kids grow up! My eldest is 12 right now and I think I would let her go to the movie, some early show, with her friends, if she asked. But she doesn't ask. They have their aunt (my sister) who was so happy to have nieces who she could take to the cinema to watch films she wanted to watch but was too embarrassed to watch them by herself. So, when she wants to see a movie, my daughter goes straight to her aunt. I have a friend who was allowed to go to the rock concert in Austria when she was 16. Her daughter is 16 now and she (my friend) accuses her mother that she didn't love her when she let her go to that concert...
I'm glad the news about your mom, fleur-de-lys, are so good. Just take care!
And, yes, this thread became "normal" for a while and it boosted up again! I keep deciding to go to bed earlier, but it is just not possible with this forum...
At least, I know that if my English is not always correct, it is amusing. I just hope that it is understood.
Hugs to all!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 3:41 pm (#2139 of 2981)
Thanks for the birthday wishes Giant Squid Mike, Septentrion and Lina. The shoulder is getting better, it's just frustrating not being able to do the things you enjoy. I refuse to accept that it might be the fact that I've been playing softball and volleyball for 20 plus years now. I did play last night and plan to continue, hopefully soon at 100%.
Fleur-de-lys - Glad to hear the news about your mom. I hope she continues to improve. Make sure you understand all of the medicines she is being given. It is very easy these days to have issues with different medicines in combination and even changing responses to the same medication.
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dizzy lizzy - May 18, 2005 5:18 pm (#2140 of 2981)
It is amazing how many posts get posted while I am curled up in a warm bed sleeping the night away. Although perhaps I should rephrase that...I had Thai takeaway last night and was up and down all night with a blocked up nose and a thirst. This is a normal response to Thai/Chinese for me even if they don't use MSG.
Happy birthday Mike!
Fawkes: I can totally sympathise with you over the car repair bills. I took my car in last week for a service prior to doing my workload and walked out with a $500 repair bill. Given my car was made in 1991 and has done close to 200,000 km, I am not complaining as the repairs were needed. Let me put it this way I'm not at all sure where the $500 is going to come from, but as long as I pay a little each week, I should be fine.
Barbie: I hope that cake actually survives being made, let alone transported! I just hope the structure of the cake is strong enough to hold all that icing and all the other cakes. A cheering charm and a strengthening charm for you.
I also like the names Barbie gave her cats. I do hope Snape learns to be friends with the dog.
Fleur-de-lys - Good to hear the Good news about your Mum. Hope all goes well with the re-adjustment of your diets.
Talk to you all later
Lizzy
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T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 6:02 pm (#2141 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, the American Diabetic Association also puts out a great cookbook. (can't remember the name offhand) A friend of mine got it for her mother, and says that the healthy recipes are actually very tasty! Anyway, glad to hear your mom is doing well, and I hope she continues to improve. Cyberhugs, prayers, and best wishes for both of you.
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Gina R Snape - May 18, 2005 7:13 pm (#2142 of 2981)
*sniffs uncontrollably* I wanted to be the first to name a kitten after my darling Severus! Waaaaaaah. Well, I did actually want "Severus" and not "Snape" so I suppose I'll live.
fleur-de-lys, glad to hear about your mother.
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boop - May 18, 2005 7:30 pm (#2143 of 2981)
Happy Belated Birthday Mike M. I Hope you feel better really soon.
hugs always
boop
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Julia. - May 18, 2005 8:02 pm (#2144 of 2981)
Happy birthday to Fawkes, Lauren and Mike. Have butterbeers on me! *hands Fawkes Lauren and Mike butterbeers* Hope you've all day great days and will have amazing years! By the way Fawkes, I answered you on the JKR thread.
Fleur, I'm glad to hear your mum is doing better. I really hope that things will only continue to get better from here.
Barbie, good luck on your cake! I'm very impressed at your bravery in being willing to take this on. I have no doubt that you will produce an excellent cake (any way I can get a piece from the half of the cake that will be left over?). I'm a bit worried about the moving it though. I've watched way too many cake competitions on the Food Network not to get a nervous feeling in my tummy when it comes time to move your creation. If anyone I know comes up with a sort of stabelizing charm, I'll send it your way.
Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'll look into getting good shoes. In the meantime my mum bought me Dr. Scholls inserts for my sneakers. I can now claim to be "gellin.'" On a completly different note, I'm so excited for Star Wars. Just waiting to hear back from a friend and then I'll have solid plans to see it. Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.
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Mrs. Sirius - May 18, 2005 9:54 pm (#2145 of 2981)
Fleur, I hope your mother stays on the path to recovery.
Gina sometime back you asked about student loans, as I'm years from having paid off my student loans, I had nothing to add. But today I heard that the government is going to allow students to consolidate Stafford loans before the rates rise in July. They said this move is designed to help students save thousands of dollars.
Julia, oh your poor aching feet! If you can wear socks, I found that cushy socks also help. By the way, are you at home or at Storrs? I still hope to make it to New Haven with the kids, maybe we'll see you.
I just saw a preview of this week’s SNL (Saturday Night Live) episode, it looks like they are doing a Harry Potter sketch. I am pretty sure that someone was dressed up as Hagrid.
These last 2 days I've felt quite off kilter. My friend's husband just died. She just returned from Iraq after more than a year of service, last week she had an operation and was home recovering. Two days later her husband, while getting ready to take their children out, collapsed. We immediately thought heart attack as he was a very large man. But the vagaries of life, it was an embolism. She survived more than a year of a war zone, he survived a year alone with 3 young children and working full time and they were just getting into a normal life again. He was younger than me.
Happy May to those celebrating the beginning of their life.
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scully jones - May 18, 2005 11:41 pm (#2146 of 2981)
My mom and her friend had a cake-making business, and we made an 18-wheeler together for an 8-year-old's birthday. It was one of my favorite cakes to make, since we had to make all of the little accessories on it edible. We had a lot of fun in the candy store finding all the little parts. Oreos for tires, but we had to open them carefully so the white part would be undisturbed on one side to make it more tire-like. It was a lot of fun, but very difficult to transport. You know the cords that connect the trailer to the truck? We used taffy that we cut thin and wound into springs. That was a lot of fun.
I just finished writing a 6 page research paper that's due in the morning *cough* Slacker *cough*. I always wait last minute on these things, such as the English paper I wrote last night that was due today. I've still got one more to do, but that requires sitting in on some grade-school children first for an observation. That should be fun...
Brandon and I are going to see Star Wars at 9 in the morning on Friday. We put off buying tickets too long, so we have to wait a couple days. We're going to wake up super-early just in case there's a long line. I'm hoping this third one is worth it, I've heard it's all mainly fight scenes so it should be visually stimulating.
Well now, sorry I haven't been around, sorry I don't reply to everything everyone's said, but believe me, I wish I could.
Sarah
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Cornelia - May 19, 2005 3:05 am (#2147 of 2981)
Mrs. Sirius - I´m sorry to hear about your friends husband. You think just everything is going back to normal after a hard time and then live just hits you right in the face.
Barbie - Good Luck with the cake! Are you going to post a photo when it´s ready?
Julia - I hope your feet will get better soon!
Star Wars will start tomorrow here. So we will comfort ourselfes with Orlando Bloom today.
Saturday the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Kiev! This year two estonian girl-groups will sing (we hope), last year the estonian group was kicked out in the pre-final. And there is a scandal because the producer/manager of the German singer is accused of buying many, many CD´s of his singers/groups himself to manipulate the charts (by the way, he is managing the estonian group Vanilla Ninja as well but they won´t sing at the contest).
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The giant squid - May 19, 2005 3:28 am (#2148 of 2981)
Can you be a bit more specific on details, like is it language, violence or the blushing parts that may have earned the rating?--Denise P.
It's the violence, mostly, and what the MPAA calls "Adult Situations". We all know (well, those of us who've seen episodes 4-6) that the Jedi are killed off. In Episode three, we see how, and it's rather brutal. That and just the overall tone of the film--usually things get dark before the bright spot at the end; this time things get dark, then really dark, then the lights go out completely, then there's a hint of a flicker. If you have any depressive tendencies I'd make sure you take your meds before going to see Revenge of the Sith.
Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.--Julia.
Actually, I thought he did a good job. He had a lot more depth than in Episode II. That and...well...George Lucas has never really been known for writing snappy dialogue or "natural" scenes.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 19, 2005 4:25 am (#2149 of 2981)
That and...well...George Lucas has never really been known for writing snappy dialogue or "natural" scenes.--Squid Mike
LOL, too true. Harrison Ford managed to carry the first three films, in my opinion. Without his sly cowboy persona, much of the dialogue falls flat, in my opinion.
I read in our morning paper that Sith sold out yesterday in 20 minutes for three screens in our town. We only have one movie theater, so it looks like Mr. Catherine will have to wait to go see it. The tickets for this weekend go on sale in a few hours, and I'm sure they will be gone quickly, too.
Busy weekend ahead. Claire is in two ballet performances this weekend, and Hayley is in one. The costumes are adorable, though. **has girly moment** We've had rehearsals every afternoon this week, and a dress rehearsal today. So the show I've been more concerned with than Sith is Alice in Wonderland.
To Julia, at least you don't have to wear what I had to wear back when I waitressed. I had to wear white shorts with knee socks and rainbow suspenders! I was too humiliated to care how badly my feet hurt....
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Marè - May 19, 2005 4:33 am (#2150 of 2981)
I just saw episode II...
Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.
Actually, I thought he did a good job. He had a lot more depth than in Episode II
He had depth?
....Anyway, not liking it very much, the romantic scenes were horrid. And O dear! Mamma can speak five clear sentences but when she wants to tell her only son that she loves him, she drops dead. Gasp!
So cliche!
My highlight of the movie was definitely Obi Wan going to see Yoda and the wee little Jedi's because he "lost his planet" (How embarrasing!).
If I don't go and see movie 3, they don't have to die, right?
(PS Elected queen? Somebody forgot to look up the definition of queen... and if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?)
On a no star warsy note: Belated congratulations to Mike. And some strengthening charms to Mrs Sirius and her friend!
And is it Eurovision time again? I completely missed that, not even sure if we are participating?
Ah check, we are... and it could be worse, this time it is some-one who seems to be able to sing.
Edit: on a star wars note (again), the news said yesterday that 5 million people are taking the day of or calling in sick to watch Star wars, there by costing the economy 6 and a lot of zero's for money.... How rude!
T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 6:01 am (#2101 of 2981)
Phoenix song, it sounds like you need the entire Hogwarts kitchen staff for that one, not to mention a Strengthening Solution, a few Cheering Charms, and a large bottle of aspirin. Yikes! How big is this wedding anyway? Is the entire trucking company coming?
Julia, I'll echo the recommendations for comfy shoes. Good luck, and I hope it gets easier for you. Obnoxious customers have to be the worst part of the job; I hope you don't have too many. (Visualize turning them into ferrets and bouncing them around a few times!)
Lina, glad to hear it! We get to read more of your great posts!
fleur-de-lys, hang in there and keep us posted.
Thanks for the recommendation, Mike. I was rather disappointed by "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," except for Alan Rickman, who does a great depressed robot. (Was he the original Marvin on the radio series, does anyone know?) Oh, yeah, the Vogons were good, too.
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 6:25 am (#2102 of 2981)
I've been so busy last week and this week that I threatened to get doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and arrange them decoratively on a cake stand and call it a day—Catherine
If that is what you are actually going to serve, can I join your book club? Mmmmm Krispy Kreme..........
Ruthlesspenguin--- We sang a lot of songs in middle school that, upon the reflection of time, seem to be rather odd choices such as all the Village People hits. I must admit, though, singing along to the Time Warp takes the cake. Mmmmm Cake...........
Also, while I'm not overwhelmed by the new Star Wars movies, I feel good for all the Star Wars goobers who must be too excited to speak. (I should disclose that I haven't seen Sith yet and Mike's review is encouraging.) In years past, this would be an opportunity for me to, perhaps, be a little snarky and have a little fun. However, since I will most likely be pushing 9 year-olds out of my way at the Barnes & Noble this coming July, I have no room to talk.
Have a good Wednesday all!
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pottermom34 - May 18, 2005 6:42 am (#2103 of 2981)
Edited May 18, 2005 7:14 am
Let's see where to start,
Well gas is finally starting to come down its been as high as 2.45 and as low as 1.98 lately. It will go from 2.05 to 2.29 within 3 days around here.
I have a co worker who is in theatre and has been doing Rocky Horror, so I mentioned the forum to him and he started singing Time Warp for me. That was fun.
Squid Mike--I think some of the stores around here still have Hagrid's Hut on the shelves, I can double check.
My high school band used to play the imperial march at graduations
Denise, my daughter still has 2 or 3 more weeks of school. when do yours start?
birthday wishes and cheering charms to all who deserve them.
Julia, just think of all the tips you'll make to ease the aches and pains of waitressing. I hear your pain about every customer coming in at once. If it makes you feel better at the zoo, this is the time of the year for school groups and we've had 300-400 kids coming in ALL AT ONCE also. I heard they were all in line at once for camel rides yesterday. And we get groups of 20 people in the gift shop all at once, and it's not a very big gift shop either. Good Luck to you, gotta love summer!
Michelle
Edit : I forgot to add ONLY 6 MORE MONTHS (from today)TIL GoF MOVIE!!!
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Chemyst - May 18, 2005 7:33 am (#2104 of 2981)
I usually read this thread with a notepad or word processor window on stand-by, but today It's just memory ...so I'll see how that goes.
Julia, the first week is always the most tiring, so take heart. You'll find your groove. And do like Lina says about the shoes; it helps.
Lina, I don't think you realize how much your Croatian-flavored comments spice up the forum, but your postings have added many bright moments to my days. And I'm probably 110% wrong on this, but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
Catherine, never feel guilty about serving doughnuts, especially for a morning meeting. I have been to meetings where the hostess's idea of proper refreshment was diced celery in jello with a dollop of mayonnaise. Trust me, doughnuts are fine.
Gina, that's a cool little southpark studio thingy. I've never had cable, (and the only thing I know about them is that, when it comes to southpark, 'potty mouth' does not refer to talking about Harry Potter,) but it's still fun to build one's own cartoon characters.
Mike, StarWars - It's nice to know it rates a couple of 'Squees" Except for the darkside M&Ms, I haven't caught the excitement, but, on your recommendation, perhaps I'll catch a matinee in a couple weeks.
Barbie, 70 pounds of powdered sugar, 30 lbs of Crisco ~ Doing the math; over a 100 pounds of icing! You are going to need the semi-truck just to transport the cake from the kitchen to the reception! (Watch for pot holes!)
Cheering charms & prayer to those facing trials, loss, and summer vacation.
To all others not mentioned by name, I did read your post!
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Sirius Lee - May 18, 2005 7:40 am (#2105 of 2981)
Mike, I feel for you, it's gonna be nuts for a while! I am on the opposite side of the film business on this one and couldn't be happier. I work for a studio that is not involved with Star Wars, and so we're all expecting to just sit around for a few weeks twiddling our thumbs (and playing with the pingpong table the big boss insisted on getting!). Our next release isn't even until June 10 because we don't want to even attempt to compete. With award season over and Cannes wrapping up, we're all looking at Star Wars as a nice break!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 8:10 am (#2106 of 2981)
Happy belated birthday to Fawkes, Phreaker and Lauren! I guess we all fall under the sign of the bull as my birthday was yesterday. I had to go in and update my profile to reflect both mine and my daughter's birthdays.
A combination of work and physical therapy (PT) are continuing to make it difficult to keep up with this thread among others. I've been going to PT 3 times a week for pain in my right shoulder that was preventing me from playing softball. The situation is improving. I played last evening although did not have to make a throw that would test my arm.
Well, already late for my 11am meeting. I'll try to get back later...
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 8:11 am (#2107 of 2981)
T Brightwater: "Phoenix song, it sounds like you need the entire Hogwarts kitchen staff for that one, not to mention a Strengthening Solution, a few Cheering Charms, and a large bottle of aspirin. Yikes! How big is this wedding anyway? Is the entire trucking company coming?"
Thanks for the Cheering Charms and Strengthening Solutions. I could sure use them! The wedding is going to be moderately large, around 250 people. The cake wasn't picked according to the size of the wedding, it was picked according to the pickiness of the Bride. I've told her that the cake that she's chosen is graphed to serve around 450 people, and asked that she modify the size a bit. It was a definite no-go with her. She's very sure of what she wants and won't let facts modify her stance. (Read that she's quite stubborn and a bit selfish. **OOPS! I didn't mean to let that slip out! Sorry!** )
Her response to my telling her that she is having me bake and decorate twice as much cake as is needed is that she's currently dieting, so she'll be able to eat all of the left overs when she returns from her honeymoon. What can I possibly say to that?
Catherine, yes... about 100 pounds of icing. (Estimated of course, but according to my calculations right about spot on.) The size and weight of the cake are quite a concern for me. I'm only a semi-"professional" cake decorator, and have quite purposefully steered away from wedding cakes because they're so much bother. I'm going to have an ulcer the size of Texas before I've delivered this cake.
It doesn't help me too much that I'm hearing all of these stories from my husband, (who used to deliver wedding cakes when he was a manager at a grocery store), about how often the cake doesn't make it to the reception hall in one piece. All that I need is to spend the next month preparing this cake and have it all fall apart on me during the 15 minute drive to the church!
On a lighter (and less caloric) note, I've recently adopted two kittens. One looks so much like Professor McGonagall's Animagus form that I'd have called it Minerva if it wasn't a male. I settled on "Snitch" instead. The other kitten is black, and I was all set to name him "Snuffles" when he went ballistic and began hissing and spitting at my dog. He was so vehement and ticked off that I decided, right then and there, that only one name would ever do for him... I call him "Snape".
Have a good day everybody!
Barbie
Happy Belated Birthday to Mike and to everybody else that I've missed. I hope that you all had great ones! Mike, I hope that the PT works wonders for you!
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 18, 2005 8:22 am (#2108 of 2981)
Happy Birthdays to everyone celebrating in May and Congratulations to all the graduates!
Pheonix Song - that is one amazing cake, will have to take pictures to show us all when it is done. As for the groom's cake it reminds me of Steel Magnolia's when they'd made an armadillo cake with gray icing and red velvet cake inside! Must be something about groom's cakes that they are very unique and not in form with the wedding theme?
Julia - I remember my waitressing days well and like everyone else the best suggestion that I can give is in the foot wear. If your feet are happy then the rest of you will be happy. As I am the Queen of Warts and Hobbit Feet I can empathize with sore feet.
As for me I'm finally going back to work after my surgery next Tuesday. It's been nine weeks so I'm ready to return. That and I've now scrapbooked 50 pages; next I'll be scrapbooking the cat having a nap!
Also it is my daughter's birthday tomorrow, we're having the official party on Saturday at a local pool. For all those mothers out there can somebody tell me where the time has gone, I can still remember it like it was yesterday when I'd had her and now she's six!
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 8:29 am (#2109 of 2981)
I have a 10 year old who can't believe how unreasonable his dad and I are being. Can you believe it? We will not go camp out in line to catch a midnight showing of Sith or allow him to skip school to go see it. @@ You know every other parent in the world is allowing this. We have told him that he will get the chance to see it within the next few weeks but we are not going anywhere near a theater for at least 10 days.
My kids will start back to school August 11th, if I am not mistaken. That is about the time they normally go back. It is a big switch from where I grew up in CA. We started school after Labor Day and ended in mid June.
Wow on the wedding cake! The bride sounds a bit....interesting. Twice the amount of cake she needs and she thinks she will eat it all? Yeah, okay. Even if she freezes the top portion, that sounds like a whole lotta cake!
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Eponine - May 18, 2005 8:30 am (#2110 of 2981)
My husband's aunt partially made our wedding cake in North Carolina, and then drove it to Tennessee for the wedding. She didn't fully decorate it until she got it there, but I was still very worried about the cake though. That's a lot of cake you're making. Good luck!
Edit: we're going to see Return of the Sith Thursday evening. My favorite tagline for the movie has to be 'Sith Happens'
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Marè - May 18, 2005 8:31 am (#2111 of 2981)
but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
Me too! And Fawkes looks just like Hermione, for that matter...
. . . doesn't help me too much that I'm hearing all of these stories from my husband, (who used to deliver wedding cakes when he was a manager at a grocery store), about how often the cake doesn't make it to the reception hall in one piece. All that I need is to spend the next month preparing this cake and have it all fall apart on me during the 15 minute drive to the church . . .
I know nothing about wedding cakes, sorry, but if they are made of layers, isn't it possible to move them in pieces and put them together at the destination? Anyway good luck on baking. And I'd take the bride on her word: let her eat all the leftover cake! I remember an episode of Friends about that, they made Joey eat a very big turkey I think...
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 9:02 am (#2112 of 2981)
We have told him that he will get the chance to see it within the next few weeks but we are not going anywhere near a theater for at least 10 days. – Denise
Awwwww. You're no fun.
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:08 am (#2113 of 2981)
Darn right I am no fun! I recall standing in line for 90 minutes to see Episode I. The theater was jam packed and 10 minutes into the film, the air went out. There is no way I am risking that again right now LOL
I am a paranoid mom and I just can't let my 10 year old and his buddy go into a theater without an adult with them. I KNOW they would be fine but I would worry so unless an adult is with them or sitting on the bench reading while they see a show, they are not going.
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Loopy Lupin - May 18, 2005 9:19 am (#2114 of 2981)
Well, actually in that respect, I don't think you're being paranoid at all. I don't think a 10 year-old or even two of them should be allowed to go to the movies alone unless an adult is in the same building somewhere. Even saying that, I only let my then-11 year-old nephew even see a different movie than me and his then-12 year-old brother because he was accompanied by his then-15 year-old sister. The boys are a year older now and I still wouldn't go for that and certainly wouldn't drop them off and pick them up later. It is not that I have concerns about them; whoever might kidnapp them would bring them back within an hour. Rather, I would be afraid that the theater might not still be there when I got back.
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Fawkes Forever - May 18, 2005 9:19 am (#2115 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mike M!
Fluer, just to let you know I'm thinking of you *sending you a great big squishy hug*
And Fawkes looks just like Hermione, for that matter...
LOL Marè - maybe a 'few' years ago (try 15).
ydnam96 - I'm not going to mention how much my car cost to get fixed... (for fear of bursting into tears or a fit of rage), It's bit of a sore point right now! But hey... I like beans & I like toast... so I'll last til pay day *muttering incantations of curses to send to the nasty 'rip-off merchants' from the Ford garage*
Thanks for the belated birthday wishes...
Actually, I'm in a giddy mood right now. One of my American colleagues just sent me a video clip from SNL. Apparently at the weekend, SNL did a skit on the company I work for. It's very funny... & scarily true... I wonder did the dementors watch it! Hee hee
Hope you had fun watching Episode III, Audrey
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T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 9:24 am (#2116 of 2981)
Phoenix song, has anyone warned your husband's brother about this woman? She sounds like bad news to me! (In fact, she sounds a bit like Lady Schrapnell in _To Say Nothing of the Dog_, which I would recommend as a restorative when this is all over - it's a hoot.)
I've played weddings like that, and they're a nightmare, especially for someone with a very soft instrument. I usually have to be in costume because someone wants a "Renaissance theme," but most of the time when I get there the musicians are the only part of the decor that is remotely recognizable as Renaissance. Then I have to smile at people with more money than brains who ask me if I'm playing a mandoline, or ask why the neck of my guitar is broken, (if they were really interested it would be one thing, but usually they just think they're being funny) and since I don't know whatever charm that the lute player in the Weird Sisters uses to make himself audible, nobody can hear a note - sometimes not even me!
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VeronikaG - May 18, 2005 9:35 am (#2117 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Fawkes, Lauren, Phreaker and Mike. Better late than never.
Ponine must indeed live in Norway. Not did I know she did. Nothing in her posts or even her profile reveals where she comes from. At least now it will be easier for me to mentally separate her from Eponine.
I've missed out on so much information going on around here. You've had your baby Denise?
And about going to the movies alone, I was 12 first time ever I was allowed to go into town in the evening to see a film without adult supervision. Off course all my friends were allowed out alone years before, but you know what the parents in my neighbourhood was like.... Never let your children do anything that seems like a bad idea even if all the other kids are allowed to. There are just too many bad parents out there.
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Good Evans - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2118 of 2981)
Happy birthday Mike
loads of strengthening potion for Fleur, sent with a hug
cheering charms to those who need them
Loopy - I fully understand your compassion for the theatre, when I take my kids anywhere I always think about what damage can be done!!!
re wedding cakes : Mine was made by a friend who lives in Dorset - I lived in Sussex so a three hour drive to transport cake on "interesting roads". She had a sign "cake on board" and was really nervous about the transport - no problem all got here safely, delivered to the hotel night before the wedding - hotel moved it 50 feet from the kitchen to the reception room for the wedding and ....... dropped it!!!!
My friend was livid, but luckily it was only a bit cracked on the icing and wasn't noticable unless you really looked at it, but as I say my friend was so angry with the hotel!!!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2119 of 2981)
Fawkes - Thanks for the birthday wish! I hope you enjoyed your day away from the dementors. As s birthday present to me, I just orderd Harry's PoA wand from Noble Collection.
On the car repair bill issue, here's a tip from my grad school days. You don't need milk or butter to mix up a box of macaroni & cheese if you don't drain all the water out of the macaroni! I know how the car repairs can go. Two cars ago, I was so excited to have paid off the loan only to spend nearly as much over the course of the next year to keep it running.
EDIT: Thanks Julie (Good Evans II)
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:40 am (#2120 of 2981)
Nope Veronika, I still have a looong ways to go. This baby is not set to be released until the end of August
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Phoenix song - May 18, 2005 9:46 am (#2121 of 2981)
Mare, usually you can make the cake in separate layers and then separate it for the transport. The cake that my future sister-in-law has chosen, however, is a "stacked" and tiered cake. When a cake is stacked, it has two or more different sized cakes placed directly upon each other. These cakes, (being notoriously difficult to center, decorate, and transport), have to be kept together during transport and decoration. I'll be able to take it apart at the separation plates. It will then be in three separate pieces, the top tier is no big deal. The middle and bottom tiers, though, will consists of 2 separate sized cakes (as large as 14 inches in diameter) with 4 layers of cake each. It will be tricky to move 8 layers of heavy cake without having any shifting. I think of it as being about as much fun as trying to move a sand castle.
Denise, I TOTALLY agree with your decision not to let your 10 year old go to the theater unsupervised. I would never allow my kids to do that either. Sure, chances are they'd be totally fine. But it only takes a fraction of a second for something irreversible to happen.
You remind me of this plaque that I got for my mother the year after I married. The title of it was "My Mother is the Meanest Woman in the World". You should have seen the look on her face when she first saw it! It went on to talk about how she never let us do all of the things that other mothers allowed their children to do, like go to friends houses without knowing their parents, or staying out as late as we wanted, eating what we wanted, doing what we wanted. We were grounded, punished, and held accountable for our actions. We had responsibilities/chores at home when our friends did not. We were not allowed to stay out all night with our friends in order to buy tickets to concerts, or go to parties that were unsupervised by trusted adults. The poem ends by thanking this "mean" woman for raising us up to be responsible, civilized, centered people. My mom still has the plaque hung beside her bed to remind herself of what a great job she was doing. There's old saying that you're on the right track in raising your children when they think that you're being mean and unreasonable... not at all like "everyone else's parents".
Barbie
Edit: Good Evans, I would have been SO upset with the hotel that dropped the cake as well. It's a good thing that it wasn't that noticeable... but STILL!!
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 9:56 am (#2122 of 2981)
Boy Barbie, that could have been written by my own kids! Glad to know I am not the only mean mom out there
My now 23 year old thought we were grossly unfair for not buying her a car when she turned 16. She bought her own car, with money she saved, when she was almost 19. Now, in looking back, she thanked us for sticking to that because she valued her car much more, knowing the effort and time she spent in saving the money, than if we had just handed her a set of keys.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 18, 2005 11:00 am (#2123 of 2981)
Denise, my sister will not let her 10-year-old see Star Wars tonight at midnight, either, even though he will have relatives there.
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The giant squid - May 18, 2005 11:04 am (#2124 of 2981)
Denise, I'd like to add my support to your decision to wait (poor kid, he's getting no help at all ) Besides the crowds, Episode III really did earn its PG-13 rating. There's some stuff you'll want to see with your kids.
Happy birthday, Mike M!
pottermom, the Hagrid's Hut set I'm looking for is from the first movie (item # 4707). It's been off the shelves since before PoA came out because they came out with a new version. I appreciate all you guys checking for me--who knows there might still be one out there somewhere, tucked behind the latest Bionicle or something.
--Mike
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Elanor - May 18, 2005 11:41 am (#2125 of 2981)
WOW!, "oh my G-D!" and "I'm all shaken" is nearly all that I could say for a while after seeing Episode III! Mike, you're right, it really worth it (and your calculation was very good BTW! ). To be honest, I even shed a tear sometimes. Actually, the simple fact of seeing "a long time ago..." and "STAR WARS" appearing on the screen at the beginning gives me goosepimples so I guess I am a real SW freak (sorry about that! ) but really, you won't be disappointed, even if you didn't like the Episodes I and II.
After the movie, that I saw with my brother (another freak), we couldn't stop talking about it (between "wows" and "oh my G-d" and stupid grins). It does so much good to feel like that! I can't wait for July 16th to come! But if I was in that state today I really wonder what it will be then... Do you think St Mungo has a special ward for that?
Have a great day everybody!
Audrey
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Chemyst - May 18, 2005 11:46 am (#2126 of 2981)
Denise, your daughter's car ownership story has some hard-nosed insurance statistics to back up your decision. I read them a while back and, unfortunately, forget the exact numbers, but they were impressive. Teens who buy their car with their own money are several times less likely to have an accident than those whose cars are given to them. And if anyone knows how to look up that exact number, I'd appreciate it.
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librarian314 - May 18, 2005 12:19 pm (#2127 of 2981)
Hey all!
I think I'm probably going to be a candidate for one of those mean mom plaques as well. I regularly fuss at our 6 year old about manners and speaking English. We use ma'am and sir in our house, as well as thank you and please and proper English grammar. I have been heard to say, "We speak the Queen's English in this house not Grunt language, child!"
I survived a similar upbringing and really appreciated it when I started to travel abroad and then again when I went college.
My husband and I have yet to decide when we are going to see the new Star Wars. We still need to find a baby-sitter.
Phoenix Song - Good luck on the cake thing. Have you thought of doing a scale model of the cake, so you have to work less? You could make it look mostly like the one she wants, just not as big. Done right, she'd only know the difference were she to get out calipers and start measuring. Even three-quarters the size she wants would be some help.
The cake really isn't all that important. I can't tell you what the cake looked like at anyone's wedding except my best friend's which looked like a castle with ivy trailing up the side. I barely remember what my wedding cake looked like. (I remember the groom's cake, because it wasn't decorated with the same flowers as the wedding cake. In fact, it wasn't decorated at all, just frosted. I didn't freak out because there wasn't anything that could be done about it and it wasn't worth getting into a tizzy over.) It gets all cut up and eaten anyway.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Ticker - May 18, 2005 12:44 pm (#2128 of 2981)
Grooms are supposed to get their own cakes? So many things I never knew...
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GryffEndora - May 18, 2005 12:47 pm (#2129 of 2981)
Fawkes - Do you work for Oracle? That skit was Hi-larious!!! As a theatre person I think the best part is when he yells have you people ever heard of Glo-tape?
Phoenix Song - Good Luck with the cake! I like the idea of scaling it down in an unnoticeable way. Although, depending on the bride she just might whip out the calipers so you be the judge.
Julia - good shoes will make all the difference in your feet and back. A good pair of shoes can get you through an entire day with the aches that cheap shoes get you in a couple of hours. Remember your entire body is being supports by your feet. Start with a good foundation and the entire building is more stable and stronger.
fleur-de-lys - my thoughts are with you and your Mom.
Elanor and Mike - I'm so glad to hear Episode III is good. I waited in line for the midnight showing of Episode I and was so disappointed after my second showing (that I had to see cuz I was so tired from finals and midnight that I didn't really take it all in the first time) that I only saw Episode II on DVD and then repeated several times on Cable. Had to see Yoda fight. I am getting excited again. I'm starting to feel the old Star Wars Love coming back. Thanks!
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septentrion - May 18, 2005 12:48 pm (#2130 of 2981)
Star Wars will be this week-end for me, I don't want to be exhausted from a day work when I watch it.
Happy birthday Mike !
Julia, how brave from you to take a job as a waitress. It seems to me to be one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
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Ladybug220 - May 18, 2005 1:29 pm (#2131 of 2981)
Ticker, I think it is mainly a Southern tradition, but many times the goom's cake will be some other flavor from the bride's - especially when the bride's cake is white.
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Catherine - May 18, 2005 1:31 pm (#2132 of 2981)
I like the idea of scaling it down in an unnoticeable way. Although, depending on the bride she just might whip out the calipers so you be the judge. –GryffEndora
LOL! How subversive, to subtly change the dimensions of the cake. You know, Barbie should do it just to send the bride sideways.
I have this horrible image of Barbie buying a kazillion pounds of Crisco to the stares of the checkout clerk. Your lion cake looks really good; I hope your sis-in-law appreciates your efforts.
Well, Mr. Catherine is itching to see Sith, but I have no intention of beating the crowds today. Tickets went on sale here at 9 a.m. for the midnight showing. I may be a nerd, but I'm not that much of a goober!
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applepie - May 18, 2005 1:42 pm (#2133 of 2981)
Ladybug/Ticker - I am from the South and our groom's cakes are traditionally chocolate.....just a little f.y.i.
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Denise P. - May 18, 2005 2:31 pm (#2134 of 2981)
There's some stuff you'll want to see with your kids.
Mike, there is that aspect as well. I feel better seeing a film first to see exactly what earned the rating and if I need to prepare the kidlets for anything prior to the film. I think he can deal with a lot and not be bothered but I like to know exactly what he is seeing.
Can you be a bit more specific on details, like is it language, violence or the blushing parts that may have earned the rating? He has seen all the other films and I know when not at home, he watches movies I would never allow him to see (like Predator!)
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VeronikaG - May 18, 2005 2:41 pm (#2135 of 2981)
Just a piece of information I've been forgetting all along. If any of you have read a Live Journal by a girl called VeronikaG, that's not mine. Discovered to my surprise that user name was taken. I'm not responsible for anything she has written there.
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fleur-de-lys - May 18, 2005 3:03 pm (#2136 of 2981)
WOW, 42 messages since last night. I couldn't go through them all yet, as dinner is bubbling merrily in the cauldron, but I wanted to update everybody real quick.
First, thanks so very much to everyone for your prayers, words of encouragement, info and magical pick-me-ups. It’s so wonderful to be a part of a community that cares so much. I really appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.
Mom is home. She was released today. She's doing quite well, although she is tired. We cleaned out her kitchen of all evil food, so she's set on that aspect. Her catheterization (sp? again) went well and there were no blockages, praise God! So that's a good thing. She's supposed to be able to go back to work on Monday too, she's a school bus driver. So, I think that's a good sign. She's got a whole new pile of medication and they'll be doing blood work every so often to see how the medication is working. All in all, things are looking pretty good. It will be a major lifestyle change for her. She's dieted well in the past, but the low sodium and diabetic diets are a new thing for her. The hubby and I are going to start to follow similar diets as well, seeing as how both heart problems and diabetes run rampant in both of our families.
So, that's the update. I'll read through all the new posts and see what else is being discussed soon. Thanks again, everyone for all your prayers and support. Its great to know you care and that I'm not alone in this. To know others have gone through this and know what its all about is a great comfort. Thanks again and cheers to you all. I'll be in the Three Broomsticks soon to buy a round of butterbeer and firewhisky!
PS: Barbie (Pheonix Song), I did get your email, thanks so much and will be replying very soon. You're a sweetheart!!!!!!!
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Catherine - May 18, 2005 3:13 pm (#2137 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys,
What good news that your mom is improving and will be able to resume her old life, although with different choices.
Not to sound preachy, since I am not exactly a model of extreme fitness and slimness, LOL, but Mr. Catherine and I really enjoy many of the recipes from the publication Cooking Light. What's great about most of the recipes is that you are not trying to change an old favorite into something healthy, but they provide a lot of flavorful and interesting foods that are good in their own right. My children have grown up on many of these recipes, having no idea that they are "lighter" than other foods, and many of them are favorites. When my husband takes leftovers to reheat at work when he's working late, or busy in lab, everyone always comments on how tasty things look and smell. They have special sections on "Quick," "Vegetarian," and "Techniques." Not to mention that the alphabetical index at the end is quite handy.
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Lina - May 18, 2005 3:29 pm (#2138 of 2981)
Phoenix song, your Griffindor lion is great! I tried to do some themed cakes for my children's birthdays but I was never patient enough to make it so accurate. No wonder they wanted you to make the Wedding and the Groom's cake. I'm sure you will do a great job (again). It is normal to get a little panicked (I like the phrase from the CoS movie "Can we panic now?") about the great amount you have to make, but you can't fail it! And, as I can see, you are getting very well along with your, what she is exactly, sister in law in law? (We have a very wide variety of expressions for the in laws here...) I like the way you named your cats! I hope Snape will make friends with your dog, it would be a good omen...
Ponine, I showed your remark on Prof. Balthazar to my daughter and she said "Where is she from? I know that he is known in Scandinavia..." Well, i don't know where she picks all those strange facts from? I lie. She picks them from the Tv. She is my Dudley daughter. She found out about HP from the tv too.
Chemyst: And I'm probably 110% wrong on this, but I so identify you with your old avatar of Molly that she is what you "look like" to me.
You are not 110% wrong. Only about 30%. I do like to think of me the way I looked many years ago, but, you know, I do have some mirrors on my walls...
Happy belated birthday Mike Miller! I hope you feel better soon. *** Sending some healing charms...
Happy birthday to Shannon's daughter, too. I can only tell you that my youngest is also almost six and I don't have the feeling as if I had her yesterday, I'm just glad that those kids grow up! My eldest is 12 right now and I think I would let her go to the movie, some early show, with her friends, if she asked. But she doesn't ask. They have their aunt (my sister) who was so happy to have nieces who she could take to the cinema to watch films she wanted to watch but was too embarrassed to watch them by herself. So, when she wants to see a movie, my daughter goes straight to her aunt. I have a friend who was allowed to go to the rock concert in Austria when she was 16. Her daughter is 16 now and she (my friend) accuses her mother that she didn't love her when she let her go to that concert...
I'm glad the news about your mom, fleur-de-lys, are so good. Just take care!
And, yes, this thread became "normal" for a while and it boosted up again! I keep deciding to go to bed earlier, but it is just not possible with this forum...
At least, I know that if my English is not always correct, it is amusing. I just hope that it is understood.
Hugs to all!
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mike miller - May 18, 2005 3:41 pm (#2139 of 2981)
Thanks for the birthday wishes Giant Squid Mike, Septentrion and Lina. The shoulder is getting better, it's just frustrating not being able to do the things you enjoy. I refuse to accept that it might be the fact that I've been playing softball and volleyball for 20 plus years now. I did play last night and plan to continue, hopefully soon at 100%.
Fleur-de-lys - Glad to hear the news about your mom. I hope she continues to improve. Make sure you understand all of the medicines she is being given. It is very easy these days to have issues with different medicines in combination and even changing responses to the same medication.
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dizzy lizzy - May 18, 2005 5:18 pm (#2140 of 2981)
It is amazing how many posts get posted while I am curled up in a warm bed sleeping the night away. Although perhaps I should rephrase that...I had Thai takeaway last night and was up and down all night with a blocked up nose and a thirst. This is a normal response to Thai/Chinese for me even if they don't use MSG.
Happy birthday Mike!
Fawkes: I can totally sympathise with you over the car repair bills. I took my car in last week for a service prior to doing my workload and walked out with a $500 repair bill. Given my car was made in 1991 and has done close to 200,000 km, I am not complaining as the repairs were needed. Let me put it this way I'm not at all sure where the $500 is going to come from, but as long as I pay a little each week, I should be fine.
Barbie: I hope that cake actually survives being made, let alone transported! I just hope the structure of the cake is strong enough to hold all that icing and all the other cakes. A cheering charm and a strengthening charm for you.
I also like the names Barbie gave her cats. I do hope Snape learns to be friends with the dog.
Fleur-de-lys - Good to hear the Good news about your Mum. Hope all goes well with the re-adjustment of your diets.
Talk to you all later
Lizzy
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T Brightwater - May 18, 2005 6:02 pm (#2141 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, the American Diabetic Association also puts out a great cookbook. (can't remember the name offhand) A friend of mine got it for her mother, and says that the healthy recipes are actually very tasty! Anyway, glad to hear your mom is doing well, and I hope she continues to improve. Cyberhugs, prayers, and best wishes for both of you.
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Gina R Snape - May 18, 2005 7:13 pm (#2142 of 2981)
*sniffs uncontrollably* I wanted to be the first to name a kitten after my darling Severus! Waaaaaaah. Well, I did actually want "Severus" and not "Snape" so I suppose I'll live.
fleur-de-lys, glad to hear about your mother.
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boop - May 18, 2005 7:30 pm (#2143 of 2981)
Happy Belated Birthday Mike M. I Hope you feel better really soon.
hugs always
boop
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Julia. - May 18, 2005 8:02 pm (#2144 of 2981)
Happy birthday to Fawkes, Lauren and Mike. Have butterbeers on me! *hands Fawkes Lauren and Mike butterbeers* Hope you've all day great days and will have amazing years! By the way Fawkes, I answered you on the JKR thread.
Fleur, I'm glad to hear your mum is doing better. I really hope that things will only continue to get better from here.
Barbie, good luck on your cake! I'm very impressed at your bravery in being willing to take this on. I have no doubt that you will produce an excellent cake (any way I can get a piece from the half of the cake that will be left over?). I'm a bit worried about the moving it though. I've watched way too many cake competitions on the Food Network not to get a nervous feeling in my tummy when it comes time to move your creation. If anyone I know comes up with a sort of stabelizing charm, I'll send it your way.
Thanks for all the kind words guys. I'll look into getting good shoes. In the meantime my mum bought me Dr. Scholls inserts for my sneakers. I can now claim to be "gellin.'" On a completly different note, I'm so excited for Star Wars. Just waiting to hear back from a friend and then I'll have solid plans to see it. Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.
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Mrs. Sirius - May 18, 2005 9:54 pm (#2145 of 2981)
Fleur, I hope your mother stays on the path to recovery.
Gina sometime back you asked about student loans, as I'm years from having paid off my student loans, I had nothing to add. But today I heard that the government is going to allow students to consolidate Stafford loans before the rates rise in July. They said this move is designed to help students save thousands of dollars.
Julia, oh your poor aching feet! If you can wear socks, I found that cushy socks also help. By the way, are you at home or at Storrs? I still hope to make it to New Haven with the kids, maybe we'll see you.
I just saw a preview of this week’s SNL (Saturday Night Live) episode, it looks like they are doing a Harry Potter sketch. I am pretty sure that someone was dressed up as Hagrid.
These last 2 days I've felt quite off kilter. My friend's husband just died. She just returned from Iraq after more than a year of service, last week she had an operation and was home recovering. Two days later her husband, while getting ready to take their children out, collapsed. We immediately thought heart attack as he was a very large man. But the vagaries of life, it was an embolism. She survived more than a year of a war zone, he survived a year alone with 3 young children and working full time and they were just getting into a normal life again. He was younger than me.
Happy May to those celebrating the beginning of their life.
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scully jones - May 18, 2005 11:41 pm (#2146 of 2981)
My mom and her friend had a cake-making business, and we made an 18-wheeler together for an 8-year-old's birthday. It was one of my favorite cakes to make, since we had to make all of the little accessories on it edible. We had a lot of fun in the candy store finding all the little parts. Oreos for tires, but we had to open them carefully so the white part would be undisturbed on one side to make it more tire-like. It was a lot of fun, but very difficult to transport. You know the cords that connect the trailer to the truck? We used taffy that we cut thin and wound into springs. That was a lot of fun.
I just finished writing a 6 page research paper that's due in the morning *cough* Slacker *cough*. I always wait last minute on these things, such as the English paper I wrote last night that was due today. I've still got one more to do, but that requires sitting in on some grade-school children first for an observation. That should be fun...
Brandon and I are going to see Star Wars at 9 in the morning on Friday. We put off buying tickets too long, so we have to wait a couple days. We're going to wake up super-early just in case there's a long line. I'm hoping this third one is worth it, I've heard it's all mainly fight scenes so it should be visually stimulating.
Well now, sorry I haven't been around, sorry I don't reply to everything everyone's said, but believe me, I wish I could.
Sarah
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Cornelia - May 19, 2005 3:05 am (#2147 of 2981)
Mrs. Sirius - I´m sorry to hear about your friends husband. You think just everything is going back to normal after a hard time and then live just hits you right in the face.
Barbie - Good Luck with the cake! Are you going to post a photo when it´s ready?
Julia - I hope your feet will get better soon!
Star Wars will start tomorrow here. So we will comfort ourselfes with Orlando Bloom today.
Saturday the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in Kiev! This year two estonian girl-groups will sing (we hope), last year the estonian group was kicked out in the pre-final. And there is a scandal because the producer/manager of the German singer is accused of buying many, many CD´s of his singers/groups himself to manipulate the charts (by the way, he is managing the estonian group Vanilla Ninja as well but they won´t sing at the contest).
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The giant squid - May 19, 2005 3:28 am (#2148 of 2981)
Can you be a bit more specific on details, like is it language, violence or the blushing parts that may have earned the rating?--Denise P.
It's the violence, mostly, and what the MPAA calls "Adult Situations". We all know (well, those of us who've seen episodes 4-6) that the Jedi are killed off. In Episode three, we see how, and it's rather brutal. That and just the overall tone of the film--usually things get dark before the bright spot at the end; this time things get dark, then really dark, then the lights go out completely, then there's a hint of a flicker. If you have any depressive tendencies I'd make sure you take your meds before going to see Revenge of the Sith.
Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.--Julia.
Actually, I thought he did a good job. He had a lot more depth than in Episode II. That and...well...George Lucas has never really been known for writing snappy dialogue or "natural" scenes.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 19, 2005 4:25 am (#2149 of 2981)
That and...well...George Lucas has never really been known for writing snappy dialogue or "natural" scenes.--Squid Mike
LOL, too true. Harrison Ford managed to carry the first three films, in my opinion. Without his sly cowboy persona, much of the dialogue falls flat, in my opinion.
I read in our morning paper that Sith sold out yesterday in 20 minutes for three screens in our town. We only have one movie theater, so it looks like Mr. Catherine will have to wait to go see it. The tickets for this weekend go on sale in a few hours, and I'm sure they will be gone quickly, too.
Busy weekend ahead. Claire is in two ballet performances this weekend, and Hayley is in one. The costumes are adorable, though. **has girly moment** We've had rehearsals every afternoon this week, and a dress rehearsal today. So the show I've been more concerned with than Sith is Alice in Wonderland.
To Julia, at least you don't have to wear what I had to wear back when I waitressed. I had to wear white shorts with knee socks and rainbow suspenders! I was too humiliated to care how badly my feet hurt....
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Marè - May 19, 2005 4:33 am (#2150 of 2981)
I just saw episode II...
Can't wait, even though Hayden Christianson is supposed to be horrible in it.
Actually, I thought he did a good job. He had a lot more depth than in Episode II
He had depth?
....Anyway, not liking it very much, the romantic scenes were horrid. And O dear! Mamma can speak five clear sentences but when she wants to tell her only son that she loves him, she drops dead. Gasp!
So cliche!
My highlight of the movie was definitely Obi Wan going to see Yoda and the wee little Jedi's because he "lost his planet" (How embarrasing!).
If I don't go and see movie 3, they don't have to die, right?
(PS Elected queen? Somebody forgot to look up the definition of queen... and if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?)
On a no star warsy note: Belated congratulations to Mike. And some strengthening charms to Mrs Sirius and her friend!
And is it Eurovision time again? I completely missed that, not even sure if we are participating?
Ah check, we are... and it could be worse, this time it is some-one who seems to be able to sing.
Edit: on a star wars note (again), the news said yesterday that 5 million people are taking the day of or calling in sick to watch Star wars, there by costing the economy 6 and a lot of zero's for money.... How rude!
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:55 pm
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 19, 2005 4:41 am (#2151 of 2981)
I had to wear white shorts with knee socks and rainbow suspenders!---Catherine
Nanoo, nanoo.
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Catherine - May 19, 2005 4:47 am (#2152 of 2981)
Nanoo, nanoo. –Kim
Alas, I looked more dork than Mork. Nanoo, nanoo.
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Denise P. - May 19, 2005 5:48 am (#2153 of 2981)
if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?
Because she was adopted by the Aldaran ruling family and raised as a princess.
Mike, I had to laugh about taking meds (not that depression is a funny situation, I realize that...it is a serious thing, I just found it amusing advice) Thanks for the tip on what made it get the rating. Ryan should be okay but I am still gonna see it before any of the kidlets go see the movie.
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Marè - May 19, 2005 5:49 am (#2154 of 2981)
Because she was adopted by the Aldaran ruling family and raised as a princess.
Okay, I obviously saw the last 3 movies too long ago. I really can't remember everything. Thanks Denise!
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Loopy Lupin - May 19, 2005 6:02 am (#2155 of 2981)
if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?
You know I've always been a little confused by exactly what kind of political structure is at work in the Star Wars galaxy. The notion of an elected queen is a little oxymoronic.
Have a good day all. ****waves to Kim**** ***snaps Catherine's rainbow suspenders****
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Ladybug220 - May 19, 2005 6:10 am (#2156 of 2981)
Hi Everyone! I need some help. I need to get a graduation gift for an 18 y.o. male cousin and I have no idea what. I am looking at $30 or under (one of my co-workers tried to suggest that I get him an ipod, but I would buy one for myself first). So, I will 'listen' to any ideas that y'all have. Thanks!!
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mike miller - May 19, 2005 6:30 am (#2157 of 2981)
Ladybug - When in doubt, the appropriate gift certificate can be a good choice. As an outdoor enthusiast, I would never look down on a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's gift certificate. I'd try to focus on something he's interested in (hobby) or is very common so he can combine your gift with others to get what he wants. An iPod could be "in the cards" with the help of enough relatives!
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kabloink! - May 19, 2005 6:45 am (#2158 of 2981)
SOrry I've been away for so long guys, being the only one working (and only for $8/hr) has put a lot of stress on me for the last week or so. I skipped about 150-175 posts, so bear with me, please.
Happy Birthday to all those whom I've missed, and any other congrats that need to go out.
Squid Mike-my husband attended Hamburger U. last October. He officially has a bachelor's of Hamburgerology! Okay, off to get ready for another day at work (my last day off was last Wednesday, and my next day off is next Monday).
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Phoenix song - May 19, 2005 6:53 am (#2159 of 2981)
Ladybug, this isn't an exciting gift, but I usually find that it's safest to get people between the ages of 10 and 23 gift certificates to a store (on-line or on site) that you know that they'll shop. If they're athletic, for example, try a sporting goods store. If they're into video games or computers, try Circuit City or Best Buy. If they're a reader, try a book store. I find that gift certificates from Amazon.com are usually the best "fits". They have a wide range of stuff to chose from: books, music, DVDs, clothing, accessories, toys.
Mrs. Sirius, I am so saddened by your friend's loss. How awful to return from oversees and have your young husband to die suddenly. I'm sure that it must be devastating for her and the children. Please know that we're sending Cheering Charms, prayers, and love to them all.
Thanks so much to everyone who has expressed confidence in my ability to produce this cake! It means quite a lot to me. I will post a picture when it's completed.
Julia, do you think that a nice Stabilizing Charm for the cake during transport might be "Stayus Togetherus"? We should probably try... just in case.
Catherine, I had to laugh out loud with your comment about seeing me buying tons of Crisco to the astonishment of the sales clerk. Actually, I had those same thoughts! How mortifying would it be to buy an entire buggy full of Crisco at my local store? I can just see them telling me, "Did you know that it's not exactly healthy to be ingesting so much shortening?" I decided, quite sneakily and cleverly, that I would begin purchasing a can at a time several weeks ago. No clerk is going to blink an eye when a customer buys one 6-pound can of Crisco. They would laugh for weeks afterwards, though, if a customer came in and purchased SIX 6-pound cans of Crisco.
Michelle: I am going to seriously consider if it's possible to cut down this cake. I'm actually already utilizing the smallest pans manufactured, so it might be impossible when you factor in the separation plates. I'm going to think on it, though. Thanks for the idea! If I manage to pull it off the bride will definitely notice! I'm sure that, like Catherine suggested, she will absolutely notice and have a total COW! She is so super, super picky about these wedding details. Fortunately for her, though, she's told me there won't be any more problems between her and her beau after the wedding is over with. I'm so pleased for her! (**read my sarcasm and enjoyment at her naive thoughts on marriage!) Who would ever have known that it's only the wedding planning that causes problems and never the actual marriage! I wish that someone had told me that 12 years ago.
Actually, we get along fine. It's just that for a 29 year old woman she is terribly, terribly immature and naive. Her parents were able to fully pay for everything that she's ever had in her life, including 8 years at college. She never even had to take a part-time job in the summer for spending money. It's left her a tad bit selfish and ignorant about the world. The "entitlement attitude" has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Fleur-de-lys: I'm glad that your mom is doing fine. I'm sure that she can have many more healthy, happy days ahead. Feel free to ask for tips and support, though! We're always around!
Sorry for the super-long post! I must have had lots on my mind this morning! Have a great day!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 19, 2005 7:35 am (#2160 of 2981)
Well I'm off to see the Star Wars movie today AND my work is actually paying for us to go!!!! We are having an end of the year road trip (retreat) and that is our kick-off. (have I ever said that I LOVE my job and the department I work for? They take such good care of us and make sure we are appreciated. We live at our jobs, so it means a lot for someone to recognize all the work we do). After the movie we are headed up to the mountains for a little R&R, fun games, good food, and just some good fun. Yay.
Although, I'm super tired from a poor night's sleep.
Happy Birthday to all those who are having birthdays in the next few days. Cheering and health charms to all who need them.
See you in a few days.
P.S. I filled my gas tank up, finally, yesterday. For 13 1/2 gallons it was over $30. I almost cried.
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mollis - May 19, 2005 7:54 am (#2161 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 19, 2005 7:55 am
Okay, I am popping in briefly to wish my old buddy Mike a Happy (very-belated) Birthday!
I have been trying to keep up with you all here. During the next 4 weeks I have to be out of town for 3 of them. So I'm not sure how well I'll be able to keep up. But who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself and spend my nights in the hotel room on the forum. I can sure think of worse ways to spend my time.
Oh, and Barbie - on the cake front. How about creating a false layer? Simply use a piece of styrafoam and frost and decorate it just like the rest of the cake. The bride gets the cake of her dreams, but without having twice as much actual cake. You could actually do the bottom of both the stacked layers in styrafoam. More stability for the real cake on top. Just a thought to try and save some of your sanity in the coming weeks.
My best friend is getting married this weekend, and work is crazy - but I'll try and check in again soon. Thanks for the report on Star Wars III, Squid Mike. I really was dissapointed in Eps. 1 and 2. We'll probably wait a couple weeks before seeing the third, but at least it might be worth seeing this one.
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Elanor - May 19, 2005 9:01 am (#2162 of 2981)
Oh, it is worth seeing! Actually, I still have stars before my eyes since yesterday and some haunting music in my ears. Lucas really did a great job, and John Williams as well. The new musics are wonderful, I especially loved one, very different from the others but so beautiful (in white: "Padmé's ruminations"). And Anakin is really good actually! And Ewan McGregor perfect, as usual **sigh**.
So, it seems some people here needs intergalactic politics remedials... No problem!
The titles of "queen" on Naboo and "princess" on Alderaan are very different. Naboo was once a monarchy, that became a democracy in which a person was elected as head of state but that person (who couldn't do more than 2 mandates if I remember well) was still called by a royal title. This title is only honorary but is seen by the inhabitants as a symbol of the responsibility he has, as are the "royal clothes" the queen has to wear. Before being elected, Padmé came from a very "normal" family that had nothing to do with power.
Alderaan is very different since, though it is a democracy, the planet is in fact ruled by very old and powerful families that have the confidence of the voters. Leia was adopted by the Organa family, a powerful and aristocratic one, and raised as a princess because this title was linked to this family. As the Organas were very involved in politics, she was immersed in it all her life, that's why she became a senator very young. Does it help? Sorry about the length, the SW freak in me can't help it...
Good luck for the cake Barbie! Happy birthday Mike! and big ((((((hug))))))) to Mrs Sirius and anyone else who needs it!
Edit: Marè, have you heard something from Accio about the T-Shirt and covers contest? **keeping my fingers crossed**
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mike miller - May 19, 2005 9:02 am (#2163 of 2981)
Thank you Mollis! It is always a joy to see your avatar anywhere on the Lex. I can relate to the travel schedule. I've gone through a few weeks like that myself. In fact, I'll be out 4 days next week. The high speed access in most hotels is wonderful.
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fleur-de-lys - May 19, 2005 11:06 am (#2164 of 2981)
Thanks again for all the prayers, well-wishes and support for mom and I. It has really helped. She is doing well, although a bit overwhelmed with all the new meds. I'm sure it'll take a few weeks to get used to.
Barbie, good luck with the cake. I absolutely love being volunteered for things. **heavy sarcasm drips like venom from the Basilisk's fang** I was volunteered once to lead the kids meetings at a church reivival. Talk about pressure. Luckily, I had some puppeteering experience to fall back on. But the false layer is a good idea. I have heard of that being done before. I wish I could decorate cakes. I've always wanted to try, but am just too timid. Someday, maybe.
I am looking forward to the new Star Wars movie, now that I hear everyone on here talking about it. I must admit, I am reading the spoilers. I'M SORRY!!!!!! I have no willpower. But, seeing as how we had the middle of the story already, we know what's gonna happen. Its like reading SS after you've read PoA, GoF and OoP. But I'm looking forward to it. So, does anyone thing the GoF movie trailer will have its own trailer like Star Wars? I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath. Hollywood just doesnt' understand us Potterheads.
T Brightwater, I'll be thinking about your mom as she attempts her driving test. For a while in the fall, my mom couldn't drive. She's been have some severe nerve pain in her leg. She's gotten some relief, enough to drive and shop. But it was difficult when she couldn't. She's very independant, so its hard for her to ask and accept help. I often have to tell her that I'll do things for her. Then she lets me. But its tough to see your parents, who were always strong for you, become weak in some way. Mom also had a battle with breast cancer a few years back. That's going very well, almost 5 years. So she's been through the mill recently. I lost my dad when I was 10 and she sacrificed so much for me over the years. She's always been such in amazing mom, I'm glad that I can be here for her to help and support her. Its tough and draining, but its also a blessing to be able to care for a loved one like this.
So, thanks again to everyone. I appreciate all the support and tips and hints more than you'll ever now. You all are so great. I am so happy to be a part of such an incredible community of people. Thanks!
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Gina R Snape - May 19, 2005 12:18 pm (#2165 of 2981)
Thanks for the student loan tip. I will definitely investigate further.
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Lina - May 19, 2005 12:19 pm (#2166 of 2981)
Mrs. Sirius, what happened to your friend is really sad and I am afraid that there are no words that can bring consolation. (((((All I can send you are hugs.)))))
Phoenix song, I think that your Stabilizing charm is excellent! You have to use it. After all, I don't believe it can do any harm...
Well, I know that the wedding day is just one day compared to years of trying to jointly solve the problems that no one would have if they didn't get married, but I still think that it is a special day that should stay forever in the pleasant part of the memory. I have very nice memories of my wedding, I didn't have to worry about almost anything and I could enjoy the happening. Well, I guess that me not being picky helped (even though my parents let me go to the university for 7 years, i admit, those were different times, they had to pay just the house rent, and I did get married before I graduated...). I wanted to say that I think it is very nice of you that you took care of the cakes and that the bride does not have to worry about that (if I know, she should know that too) and I really hope that she enjoys her wedding day despite her pickiness. I wish a great wedding day to all the Forum brides too.
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T Brightwater - May 19, 2005 1:05 pm (#2167 of 2981)
My mom got nervous and flunked her test (putting the car into reverse instead of drive is an automatic fail) so I got her to practice a little and we'll try again tomorrow. She hadn't been under the wheel for over six weeks, and she'd lost the feel of the car somewhat. I think she'll be okay tomorrow.
fleur-de-lys, I'm so glad to hear your mother is doing better! Don't forget to look after yourself too.
My wedding (17 years ago this month!) was lots of fun - there were 19 people there, I made my own dress, my mother baked a German chocolate cake (her specialty) our landlady made spinach pies from a 15th century recipe (_her_ specialty) and my husband's brothers got press-ganged into cutting up vegetables to have with dip. We had the ceremony in a park right on Lake Michigan, had the reception in a picnic shelter, and a good time was had by all. My father was a little disappointed that I didn't want a big extravaganza, but after he'd endured a few of my cousins' weddings, he told me we had the right idea after all!
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fleur-de-lys - May 19, 2005 1:34 pm (#2168 of 2981)
T Brightwater, you're a good daughter to be so patient with you mom. Please give her my best and let her know I'll be sending her special memory charms tomorrow. I just hope I don't get mixed up and send charms that will make her car fly like the Ford Anglia. Would that be a pass or fail? :goofygrin: Anyway, she'll do better tomorrow. We'll all be pulling for her. I once heard that someone was failed, after taking the entire test, because they didn't ask the tester to put on her seatbelt in the beginning. How frustrating. Also, CONGRATS and Happy Anniversary this month. 17 years is very impressive. We had a couple in our church who had been married at least 70 years, but he passed on this year. Sometimes I wonder if we'll make it to 6. Your wedding sounds like it was beautiful. Ours was inside at Christmas time, with lots of pointsettas, Christmas trees and candles in the church and a Christmas tree and roaring fire (thanks to our pastor) at the reception. It was lovely.
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Phreaker - May 19, 2005 2:55 pm (#2169 of 2981)
Hello all! Thank you for the Birthday greetings. I'm sorry I wasn't here to thank you earlier, but it's been a busy week! I finished book 4, and went right on in to book 5. Last night I got around 100 pages read! Also, if anyone needs a low level web developer or highly trained computer tech, let me know, I am in the job market. My youngest(twin) sisters Graduated on Sunday, and Shepherdess got me THE coolest birthday present! So thanks to all who said happy birthday, and special thanks to Boop!!! You rock girl!
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Phoenix song - May 19, 2005 3:33 pm (#2170 of 2981)
Hello all! Thanks for letting me vent earlier about my future sister in law. I shouldn't have, though. I'm sorry... large weddings and stress bring out the worst in me! My own wedding was a lot like T Brightwater's. We only had around 18 people there, I made the cake myself (before my decorating days, though, so it was just a regular cake). We married at our church and then went out to have a nice Seafood Buffet. No muss, no fuss, no fighting.
I shouldn't have vented about the bride's attitude, either. Again, I apologize. I just needed to get it off of my chest, and didn't want to complain to my husband since he's already upset with the amount of work that she's placed on my shoulders. If I'd have complained to him, he would have insisted that I not bake the cake at all for her... thereby "teaching" her to appreciate what others are willing to do to make her day special. I hope that you can all forgive my uncharacteristic level of resentment and feelings of ill-use. I'm certain that the day will go off beautifully, despite all of the turbulence in the time leading up to it.
I feel much better after having spent the majority of the day playing around on the South Park website that Gina pointed out to us. Thanks, Gina, for giving me something that took my mind off of family squabbles and onto something fun! How do you like my new avatar?
Lina, I think that I will try my "Stayus Togetherus" Stabilizing Charm. Maybe it will be more effective if we both agree to do it on the same day? Two wands are better than one!
Again, I'm sorry for being so petulant earlier. Have a great day everybody!
Barbie
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timrew - May 19, 2005 3:36 pm (#2171 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to all who have had birthdays recently!
Saw Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere recently, and saw this grave behind it, small Celtic cross, name hard to make out......on looking made out the name 'Hartley Coleridge'.
Turns out to be Samuel Taylor Coleridge's eldest son. A poet in his own right, and a damn good one, too! Overshadowed by his dad, I must admit; but Hartley, I'll champion your cause. Good on yer, son!!
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Amilia Smith - May 19, 2005 3:42 pm (#2172 of 2981)
Aloha, everyone!
I am writing to you from a computer in the Sinclair Library on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. I'm actually here! The humidity is wonderful! You would not believe how curly my hair is here. Classes start Monday, and in the meantime, I have been getting settled and looking for a part time job.
Your cake sounds wonderful, Barbie. Lots of luck. I remember when my aunt got married. I was 8 or 9. One of my mom's cousins was decorating the cake. I remember being very surprised that she decorated styrofoam rounds for most of it. I asked her what she was going to do with all of the frosting, and was shocked when she said she would be putting it in the shower and melting it down and rinsing off the rounds. Such a waste! I offered to eat the frosting for her, but she didn't take me up on it. :-)
I am looking forward to seeing Star Wars, but not quite so much as I will have to go see it alone. I hate watching movies alone. No one to share the experience with if it is a good flick, no one to make snide comments to if it is cheesy.
Mills.
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Detail Seeker - May 19, 2005 3:45 pm (#2173 of 2981)
On elected queen:
In Germany, we had elected Kaiser for several centuries - elected by the seven "Electoral Dukes" as some "President for life" of this association of smaller and larger royalties. Formally this ended in 1806, though the title had stayed in one family (Habsburg) since more than 400 years, then, but before, there were rather hot competitions for the title.
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Madam Pince - May 19, 2005 5:19 pm (#2174 of 2981)
Belated Happy Birthday to Mike Miller (and anyone else I missed)! Hope it was happy!
Barbie, I think Mollis' idea of using styrofoam layers for the cake is an excellent one. It's very commonly used. I mean, it would just be totally silly to waste all that cake if it can't possibly be eaten. If the whole issue is that she wants a certain "look," then using fake layers is the perfect solution, I'd say. Plus it will greatly reduce the weight that will be on the bottom layers and the support columns (if you're using columns.) Are you going to be using any fresh flowers? If it "passes muster" with the bride, it might be a good idea to order some extra flowers from the florist doing the bouquets to have on hand -- if the cake gets "scuffed" in transport you can cover up an amazing amount of icing with artfully and "randomly" arranged fresh flowers. And if you don't use them for that, you can always just arrange them around the edge of the cake table or something. I used to decorate cakes like you do -- just on a volunteer basis for friends, etc. It's a lot of fun, but can be stressful for a big event like what you're facing. A bride on her wedding day with an "entitlement attitude" is definitely someone to run and hide from! Don't feel bad about unloading -- that's what we're here for!
Congrats on being in Hawaii, Mills! Wish I was with you!
Mrs. Sirius, I'm so sorry about your friend's husband. There are just no words. I will be thinking of her and hoping that she will find the strength to get through the upcoming difficult days. I know your friendship will be a comfort to her.
Julia, I agree with whomever said something about socks. (Socks is one of my favorite Harry Potter pet theories by the way -- they pop up so often in JKR's world, don't they?!) Anyway, Thor-Lo socks absolutely rock! They are about $11 a pair but worth every cent. Very thick and cushy and nice to wear if you are on your feet all day. And no, I do not make a commission.
Tim, that sounds like such a neat cemetery. I know people think I'm weird, but I'm one of those who thinks cemeteries are cool and interesting places. Fortunately Mr. Pince thinks like me ... we have spent many hours just happily poking around old headstones and making up fascinating and completely fantastical stories about how this one or that one lived or died. The cemetery in Lexington, VA is one of our favorites, as it has loads of people famous in Virginia history. Another favorite one has photographs of the deceased on the headstone -- they are from the early 1900's and I have no idea how they were done. They appear to be photo-screened onto a porcelain-type white oval, which is set into the stone. That particular cemetery had a rather severe-looking physician, who was surrounded by about six wives -- it seemed that one would die, then he'd re-marry in about a year or less, then the next one would die, and so on. Since he was a doctor, we had a lot of fun speculating on what types of potions he studied up on in Potions Class....
Has everyone in all the various parts of the world seen the "Survivor" finale yet? Can I do my little dance yet without spoiling it?
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Gina R Snape - May 19, 2005 6:15 pm (#2175 of 2981)
Hey, Barbie. Glad you enjoyed the South Park thing. It is fun! Nice Harry.
As for cemeteries, I love them! I once spent an entire day with a friend visiting cemeteries in Berlin as we endeavored to track down Marlene Deitrich. It was great. I saw some incredible stone statues, family mausoleum structures and other relief artwork.
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Choices - May 19, 2005 6:57 pm (#2176 of 2981)
There is a fascinating and beautiful old cemetery in Savannah, Ga. The big old oak trees are all draped with Spanish Moss - beautiful in the daytime, but I bet it is scary at night.
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Mrs. Sirius - May 19, 2005 7:06 pm (#2177 of 2981)
Ladybug, this may sound corny, but I like giving "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss as a graduation gift. You can personalize with a cd, gift certificate, or current book . I still feel misty when I read that to my young kids.
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Ticker - May 19, 2005 9:54 pm (#2178 of 2981)
There's no one I can't shop for in our local chocolate shop for under $30. I mean, who doesn't want a brick of chocolate with Mt. Rushmore stamped on it? If you can't do sugar, there's coffees & if you can't do the caffeine, there's caramels & other stuff. It's my favorite place to shop for people I don't know very well (and a few I do...). Mrs. Sirius' idea is really wonderful, but I'd recommend personalizing it with the chocolate brick... and maybe a box of Kleenex.
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scully jones - May 19, 2005 10:20 pm (#2179 of 2981)
I am speechless. I just saw THE most intense season finale that I've ever seen. C.S.I. speechless I tell you. Yep. Even Brandon was brought to tears. It was amazing.
That's all I have for now. Sarah out.
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Lina - May 20, 2005 1:28 am (#2180 of 2981)
Barbie, I don't think you have to apologize, if you can't complain here, then what can you do? And I do think that the bride should be able to appreciate you and all the people who are trying to make this day special for her. I was just saying that it is nice that you are one of them even though it is not being easy at all. She should be aware of it and help someone else when the time comes (oh, how happy I would be if I could organize my sister's wedding!) And yes, the most important is to enjoy the love of people who have gathered to celebrate the wedding.
We have different parts of Croatia. Some have a very rich land and it is not normal to have wedding under 200 people. The others are on the poor land (rocks) and it is not normal to have weddings with more than 20 or 40 people. The problem comes when two people from different parts decide to get married, then they get comments "Oh, what a poor wedding, only 100 people!" or "Oh, how extravagant, 100 people!" depending on which side they come from. I was lucky to choose husband with the same taste, so we were 35 of us. But before that, we were at the wedding with around 200 people and the newly-weds wanted to organize all by themselves. They say that it was the day they were the most tempted to get divorced.
About the "Stayus Togetherus" (I just love it!), count on my wand!
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Marè - May 20, 2005 1:44 am (#2181 of 2981)
Oh, don't spoil CSI for me! We just saw the Sherlock episode over here. I already accidentally read some things about what's going to come, but I don't want to know... (but it's good to know that it is good!)
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The giant squid - May 20, 2005 2:04 am (#2182 of 2981)
So, does anyone think the GoF movie trailer will have its own trailer like Star Wars?--fleur-de-lys
I'm a little confused by this, but I'll try to answer it anyway. The GoF traielr out now is what's known as a "teaser"--it's just there to whet your appetite. In a few months another, longer version will be released (when the movie is closer to completion/release). Sometimes there are multiple versions (Cinderella Man just released trailer #7) but usually it's one teaser and one or two "final" versions. Yes, I have actually seen a trailer labelled "Final version #2"
Elanor, thanks for explaining the Naboo/Alderaan political systems; it saved me from doing it.
Barbie, we had a styrofoam layer on our wedding cake (like Mollis mentioned). The design we wanted required a large base but we couldn't afford that much cake, so the cake lady (not sure what the "official" title is) iced a block of foam for the base then put the cake on top of it. It seemed to work just fine--at least I didn't hear any complaints.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 20, 2005 4:25 am (#2183 of 2981)
The cemetery in Lexington, VA is one of our favorites, as it has loads of people famous in Virginia history. --Madam Pince
Yes! It's very cool. I like old cemeteries, also. Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA has lots of famous people, and is very beautiful, besides.
Barbie, I don't blame you for ranting about Bridezilla. If she continues to act like this, maybe the marriage might need a "Stayus Togetherus" charm, not just the cake! Only joking...mostly. The faux cake layers sound ingenious. I'd love to serve her a nice slice of styrofoam.
The thing about the cake is...I never got but one piece of mine, and it was delicious, but I was too nervous to eat. Some glitch prevented us from getting that top layer--I can't even remember what happened, but something did. I figured if that was the worst thing that happened, then I got off pretty well. Even if it was a white chocolate cake with toasted almond filling....
Back to the start of my post, it looks like Mr. Catherine and I will be taking a trip to Lexington and Charlottesville in early June. Yay! As part of the journey north, we're also looking to visit my brother-in-law in D.C. It's been a long time since we visited the Smithsonian, so we're going to try to work that in.
Have a good Friday.
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 4:52 am (#2184 of 2981)
Mike, looking back at that question you responded to, I can see how it would be confusing. I'm not sure I even understood it, reading it a second time on your post. Oh, it been a long week. What I meant was, around here, they were advertising and starting the hype to tell when the trailer for Star Wars was first going to be shown during some show, it might have been a showing of one of the Star Wars movies. But it was like they had created a trailer or teaser for the trailer of the movie. I said to my husband that they would never do that for Harry Potter. I love Star Wars but hate it when something gets hyped so incredibly much. So, hopefully that clarifies the question a bit, but I understand your confusion completely! Thanks for attempting to answer. And also, you're right, the trailer/teaser (I have never quite understood the difference) is already out. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since I haven't seen it officially on TV, I guess I hadn't put it together. I know they hyped the footage they were gonna show from GoF, but I don't know that they mentioned the trailer/teaser at all. So, I won't be looking for any hype over the trailer of GoF since its already out there. Tee hee, how silly of me. Thanks Mike
Lori
PS: Barbie, I agree with Lina and Catherine...if you can't rant to us, what's the point of being here? We're all here for you and want to support you with anything. I know I've appreciated the support given. This is a wonderful community of people. Its nice to be able to post about problems in our lives and recieve such love, support, encouragement and info! So rant away, Barbie, we're here for you!
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Ladybug220 - May 20, 2005 5:03 am (#2185 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 20, 2005 5:03 am
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I figured I would be getting him a gift certificate but I just didn't which store would be best. I have sent an email to his sister and my aunt to find out which places are his favorites. I was thinking a music store but I need to find out what stores they have locally as they live in Maine.
I'd love to serve her a nice slice of styrofoam. – Catherine
Snort! Thanks for the laugh Catherine! Barbie, I suggest you do it.
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Eponine - May 20, 2005 6:12 am (#2186 of 2981)
Sarah, I had to TiVo CSI last night since we went to see Episode III, but when we got home, and I watched it...WOW! I was curled in a ball on the couch with the blanket ready to pull over my face at any minute. It was a very good episode.
Episode III (which I keep wanting to call Return of the Sith) - I liked it a lot. Some of the dialogue was a bit awkward, but overall I really enjoyed it. You know how everyone's been saying it's not a movie for kids? Well, there was a kid about 9-10 years old sitting on the other side of my husband who kept covering his eyes and ears and got up and left quite a few times because it was too scary for him. Why don't people listen?
I insisted on having chocolate cake at my wedding. My husband's aunt who made the cake never cuts the pretty cake at weddings, but she makes big sheet cakes just to serve. So we had both chocolate and white cake, but I have always hated wedding cake icing, so I just ate my chocolate cake. Well, besides the bit we cut off the big pretty cake. Did anyone here actually eat their cake topper on their first anniversary? We didn't.
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Cornelia - May 20, 2005 6:44 am (#2187 of 2981)
I´m just back from the cinema. Couldn´t wait and watched Star Wars! It started at 11:45am and the cinema was totally full of people! Oh, it was wonderful, I really liked it. Now I´m a bit sad because I´ve seen all films...
Here too, were little children watching the film, even younger ones then you mention Eponine. I´m sure they will not sleep good tonight! But here like anywhere else some people will not listen or know it better...
Yesterday we saw Kingdom of Heaven with Orlando Bloom. I liked it too,(even if it was a littlebit bloody) especially Orlando...
I think it´s quite funny, there are times when nothing really brings me to go to the cinema and then there seem to be 100 films I would like to see at the same time...
Are you getting Bread and Salt too at the wedding? Where I come from some bakers make special decorated bread wich is given together with a bag of salt to the bride and groom.
Detail Seeker - CC? Whitsun and Coburg lead to this (at least for me)
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 7:16 am (#2188 of 2981)
Eponine, just read your post and can't figure out why you can't call Episode III Return of the Sith...oh...wait a minute...its REVENGE of the Sith. OOPS!!!!! Tee hee, see, it happens to the best of us.
Now you've all made me want to start watching CSI. I'll have to check out the reruns this summer. Hope they're not on after my bedtime.
Catherine, that happens to me all the time. I'll go months not wanting to see any movies that are out, then a bizzilion come out, all at one time, that I want to see. Its not possible to see all of the before they leave. Oh well, guess that's what's happens when you have good taste in movies, like we do, right? {=^)
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VeronikaG - May 20, 2005 9:51 am (#2189 of 2981)
{{{{{Hugs for Mrs Sirius}}}}}
I have heard scary stories about wedding cake that can be eaten years after the actual wedding, but the whole idea of historical cake puts me off.
Oh yes, I'll have chocolate cake in my wedding. If I find someone stupid enough to marry me.
Wheee! We just got back the TV channel that airs CSI in Norway, so Now I can watch that and Lost. :-D What series is it that had the intense ending? Miami, NYC or Vegas?
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Phoenix song - May 20, 2005 10:42 am (#2190 of 2981)
Veronika G: "Oh yes, I'll have chocolate cake in my wedding. If I find someone stupid enough to marry me."
Don't sell yourself short! Your future spouse will be super blessed to have you! The only stupid one in that scenario would be the decorator that agreed to decorate a traditional wedding cake in chocolate. Oh the horrors of trying to cover a chocolate cake with super-white frosting and having NO crumbs peeking through!! I shudder at the thought! I love chocolate cake, and much prefer it to the white variety. But, believe me, there's a reason that wedding cakes traditionally consist of white cake. It's easiest to cover without any "imperfections"! The best way to have chocolate cake at the wedding it to do as was suggested earlier, and serve chocolate sheet cakes.
Catherine, I simply adore your suggestion that I serve the Bride a nice piece of styrofoam cake. I got this mental image of forcibly stuffing a large piece of styrofoam in her mouth. It was a quite satisfying thought!
I have come to realize that I really do have qualities of each of the four houses within myself. The two that are predominant are Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. This whole wedding has pushed my Hufflepuff/quiet worker quality to it's absolute limit. You'd think that my other predominant nature (of a Gryffindor) would take over. What a surprise to me that I discovered that when pushed to my limits, it's actually the Slytherin in me that takes over!
I have decided to make the 4-layer, 14 inch cake at the bottom a false one (called a cake dummy) out of styrofoam, as you've all suggested. I've actually heard of this process before, and considered it. The Bride didn't want it, and kept assuring me that she wanted to have lots and lots of cake left over.
The Slytherin in me has come forth and decided that I'm going to go ahead and do what I want and make the false bottom... and I'm not going to tell her about it until it's already done! If she's unhappy about the amount of left-over cake that she's going to have, I've decided that I'm going to offer to re-pay her for all of the money that she's paid me for all of my labor. (Since she's not paying me at all, I could even double that amount!)
When I told my husband my plan, he very sneakily suggested that I make the top layer out of Styrofoam as well. He thinks that it will be the ultimate repayment for all that I've been put through if we keep the "fake cake" a secret for a year, allow them to freeze and protect the cake top, and then go to cut into it and find a little "surprise".
Cornelia, the bread and salt are traditional gifts in the U.S. when couples purchase their first homes. Bread so that they never know hunger and salt so that life always has flavor. It's a really nice gesture.
Thanks again for everyone's support in letting me rant!
Barbie
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Madam Pince - May 20, 2005 11:00 am (#2191 of 2981)
Catherine, I knew you'd appreciate the Lexington thing since that's your old "stomping grounds." It would be nice to do a Charlottesville get-together maybe!?! We are planning a vacation to Williamsburg and Va. Beach June 11-19, but other than that are free in June I think. Wonder what Loopy's schedule is like for then? Anybody else in the vicinity? We could do a mini-gathering!
Eponine, Mr. Pince and I ate the top layer of our wedding cake on our one-year anniversary, and it was delicious! It tasted exactly like it did on the day we got married. From what I understand, this is pretty unusual since cakes frequently get kind of dried out, but we were fortunate and ours was great! I had a very organized and got-it-all-together wedding coordinator, and she swooped down on that cake like a duck on a June bug the minute we were finished with the whole cake-cutting/picture-taking/feeding-each-other fiasco. She had them to double- and triple-wrap the cake with Saran Wrap, then put it inside a really good double-freezer bag, and then boxed it on top of all that. She froze it right away and we picked it up from her house when we got back from our honeymoon, so it never thawed out. As I say, it tasted great! I was pretty surprised actually.
On the topic of "historical foods," we have a fruitcake at my Mom's house that is older than I am (41 years.) It is the family joke. My grandmother made it and gave it to Mom and Dad for Christmas sometime before I was born. Mom put it in a pan and set it aside in a cabinet and forgot about it, then about a year later, noticed it and thought "Wow, that still looks OK. Wonder what it'll look like in another year?" So she kept it, and so on, and so on. You would think it would have molded or looked petrified or whatever, but remarkably, it looks pretty much like any other fruitcake looks. Hard as a rock, but looks great, and doesn't even smell funny. We are not going to put it to the "eating test," but it is kind of cool to still have a cake that my grandma made even though she's been gone for almost 20 years. If I only had some of her homemade rolls and applebutter....
Talking about season finales -- the final "ER" had the Molly/Mommy in me all upset. Carter leaving didn't bother me, but the final scene with that sweet angelic little boy getting into that car on the highway with some total stranger just about put me under. I would've never reacted like this before I became a Mom, but it just really bothered me for some reason. I was actually yelling "Nooooo!" at the screen.
So I've had this headache off and on for about a week now. Yesterday I had just about thrown it off, and then when I was putting Baby Pince to bed last night, I misjudged the distance to the corner of the headboard of the bed and smashed the top of my skull on it. Saw stars and the whole bit. Now the headache's back again. Sigh.....
All right, I suppose I'm off to start building an ark. It's been pouring a heavy steady rain for about the past 20 hours. On the plus side, we could now advertise our home for sale as having a backyard in-ground pool. Happy Weekend everybody!
Edit: Barbie, you go girl!!!! The bride probably won't even notice if she's busy visiting with her guests and dancing and all like any self-respecting bride should be. You can always just bat your eyes innocently and go "What can I say? It must've been delicious, because the guests ate it all up!"
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scully jones - May 20, 2005 12:41 pm (#2192 of 2981)
It was the Vegas one with the awesome episode. They really had the secondary characters played up the last few episodes, so the whole cast really participated in this one. Except for the random blonde chick they added recently, she was nowhere to be found. I dind't mind of course.
Brandon just stabbed himself with a pencil. He claims it was an accident......
Just got back from Star Wars... John Williams IS AWESOME. There were a couple parts where the acting disappointed me, but there were just as many where it impressed me, so I'm counting it even... I'll wait until later someday to really say what I liked, I'm no good with spoilers....
Off to eat now, food is good!
Sarah
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T Brightwater - May 20, 2005 1:18 pm (#2193 of 2981)
My mother took her driving test again today. She passed! She passed! She passed! (imagine Fred, George, and Ginny doing their war dance...) Thanks for all the good thoughts!
Bridezilla - I love it. And yes, the temptation to feed her a large slice of frosted Styrofoam might be too much for me...
One friend of mine had a carrot cake for her wedding - yum!
Madame Pince, if you miss your grandmother's apple butter, it's pretty simple to make, though time-consuming. Let me know if you want the procedure.
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 1:37 pm (#2194 of 2981)
YEAH T BRIGHTWATER'S MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to congratulate her for me. Butterbeers all around, or perhaps this deserves a round of fire whiskey. But seriously, congrats to both you and your mom. That's really great. I'm happy for you both!
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Acceber - May 20, 2005 1:44 pm (#2195 of 2981)
Teens who buy their car with their own money are several times less likely to have an accident than those whose cars are given to them.-Chemyst, ~75 posts ago. Then it's a good thing the money in my bank account's sole purpose is for buying my first car.
I usually find that it's safest to get people between the ages of 10 and 23 gift certificates to a store (on-line or on site) that you know that they'll shop.-Barbie, ~30 posts ago. As someone who falls into this age category, I don't think gift certificates are that personal, and I enjoy an actual present better. But that's just me. I do like Amazon though .
Happy Belated Birthdays to All!
Congrats to your mom T Brightwater!
Cakes--we got a HUGE rectangular one for my bat mitzvah that we only made a dent in at the meal. We put it in the basement for a week or so, and then my mum remembered it was down there, so I tried a slice. It had gone bad and we had to throw it out. I hope we don't make the same mistake for my sister's.
Life is very hectic here. Today, I took the last portion of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System--how do I know that?) in school. It's a standardized test that sees how well our teachers are teaching us what they need to teach us. Wednesday and Thursday, we took the math portion, which was ridiculously easy. Today, however, we took science. Half of the questions covered material that we hadn't learned yet. It just goes to show how good my math teacher is and how bad my science teacher is.
As some of you know, I'm an avid crossword puzzle doer. One of the best parts of my day is coming home from school and attempting the Boston Globe's crossword. It gets steadily harder as the week goes on. Most days, I get more than half of it, but almost never all of it. This week, it was like someone injected all this knowledge into me. I completed the puzzle on Monday and Tuesday, got a good chunk of it Wednesday, all but two squares yesterday, and a lot of it today. I am so insanely proud of myself . My ultimate goal is to complete Sunday's issue of the New York Times magazine's crossword.
Only 24 more days of school, but five or six don't really count because of field trips, graduation, and step-up day. I can survive!
Going to read the rest of the threads, especially the JKR site thread, because I know she updated, but I have no idea what information we got.
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John Bumbledore - May 20, 2005 2:23 pm (#2196 of 2981)
Popping to the end with a reply I've only read up to "Sirius Lee - May 18, 2005 7:40 am (#2105 of 2195)." Please forgive me if I have missed something important in between there and here. I will be going back (that is why I put the link in there.) **points to his own head and thinks, "Kidneys!"**
Julia, just think of all the tips you'll make to ease the aches and pains of waitressing, PotterMom34.
Hem, hem. I am sure you mean waiting table.
Julia, I have one tip about the aching legs (I bussed tables one summer during college as a second job) and that is to raise your feet each night while you sleep. If you have an extra pillow, place it under your legs as you get in bed (I think a folded blanket under the sheet also would work.) This made a world of difference for me at the time. My first job was in a metal frame fabrication plant (made cases for personal computers, frames for floor sweepers, etc.) and that was standing all day on concrete.
When you stand for long periods, especially when you are stationary, the blood does not return as well. Exercising the legs while they are elevated helps get the tired blood out of your legs and back to your heart where it can finally get re-oxygenated and also cleansed by the liver and kidneys.
Well, that at least is my layman's understanding of what a Doctor friend told me. Good luck, Julia; and may your customers tip well.
To the member with the mom with the heart trouble, I send my prayers. I was at university when my mom had a "mild" heart attack. She made it through that, and has not had trouble since (it was back about 1987).
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
Edited to check spelling. Only caught a missing apostrophe in Layman's and objects to waitressing. Go figure.
2nd Edit: Missed the paragraph tag between my "Jump" paragraph and the quote from PotterMom. Sorry.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 2:32 pm (#2197 of 2981)
the final scene with that sweet angelic little boy getting into that car on the highway with some total stranger just about put me under.
Hee hee Don't watch ER much if you classify that child as sweet and angelic LOL I was yelling at the screen too. Only someone with nefarious ideas would pick up a child in that situation. I was telling Mr. P that I would have pulled over nearby to keep an eye on him, called 911 and waited for police but I would not have picked him up.
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Julia. - May 20, 2005 3:26 pm (#2198 of 2981)
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you thank you to whoever it was who bought me a premium membership!!!!!!!! This has obviously made my week and I appreciate it very much!!! By the way, if you identify yourself, there might be some chocolate involved!) I feel kind of bad now. All my posts from the past 6 months, or however long it's been since we switched over to paying will now have my real avatar and my fake avatar. I really wish there were some way to remove the fake ones, but as that would involve a host going over all my posts and manually removing the codes, it would be more than a little bit ridiculous.
Thanks again for the advice John. I'm elevating my feet as much as I can, but not when I sleep. I move around a lot when I sleep, so probably not a good idea to have an extra pillow.
Heh, I share your feelings about ER as well. The last scene with the kid (who is definitely not sweet or angelic at all) getting into the car was not good at all. I was thinking the same thing as you were Denise. I thought the last scenes with Carter were good, but not nearly as good as when Mark Greene died.
Well, off for Shabbos. Have a good one everyone!
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Thora - May 20, 2005 3:28 pm (#2199 of 2981)
Barbie,
Ever worked with fondant? I did a cake with it for my sister's bridal shower, but I'll never do it again because I didn't like the texture. It sure looked cute though! Who knew all those years of play-dough practice would pay off?
I'm in Yuma Arizona this week visiting friends and old haunts, this is where I met Mr. Thora so this town is chuck full of memories for us. We went to the territorial prison on the hill the kids thought of it more as a castle, and though it has a rather dark history I found it more beautiful than anything.
Well today is my daughter Jordan's 1st birthday, so cake, burgers and hotdogs for dinner. I'm going to try hard not to cry, she's my youngest and I'm none-to-pleased with her not being a baby anymore. I guess it's getting to be time for a dog, if I can find one I'm not allergic to.....
Thora
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Finn BV - May 20, 2005 3:35 pm (#2200 of 2981)
This thread is always posted in! How does everybody do it? I'm at post 2200 right now… wasn't it about 3 days ago that people were posting at around 2005 and other years they were graduating…?
Ok, let's see if I can keep up with everything. I'm trying to join the Forum Family so I think I'll start off by wishing a happy birthday to all those people: Mike, Lauren, Fawkes, Phreaker, and I'm sure there were more, so… happy birthday!!
Mrs. Sirius, I express my condolences to you over your friend. Fleur-de-lys, I express my sigh of relief to your mother. T Brightwater, I express my congratulations to your mother. Julia, I express my excitement with you about your premium membership (now if somebody could just do that to me…… ). Thora, I express my best wishes to your daughter. Now, enough expressing!
Hmm, on something happening to me… Hurrah! I finished seventh grade today! Finals next week and then I am out of there!
Whew, that was exhausting. Let's see if by the time I come back in an hour there will be less than 200 new posts to read…
-Finn-
Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 19, 2005 4:41 am (#2151 of 2981)
I had to wear white shorts with knee socks and rainbow suspenders!---Catherine
Nanoo, nanoo.
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Catherine - May 19, 2005 4:47 am (#2152 of 2981)
Nanoo, nanoo. –Kim
Alas, I looked more dork than Mork. Nanoo, nanoo.
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Denise P. - May 19, 2005 5:48 am (#2153 of 2981)
if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?
Because she was adopted by the Aldaran ruling family and raised as a princess.
Mike, I had to laugh about taking meds (not that depression is a funny situation, I realize that...it is a serious thing, I just found it amusing advice) Thanks for the tip on what made it get the rating. Ryan should be okay but I am still gonna see it before any of the kidlets go see the movie.
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Marè - May 19, 2005 5:49 am (#2154 of 2981)
Because she was adopted by the Aldaran ruling family and raised as a princess.
Okay, I obviously saw the last 3 movies too long ago. I really can't remember everything. Thanks Denise!
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Loopy Lupin - May 19, 2005 6:02 am (#2155 of 2981)
if Padme was only an elected queen, why is Leia still a princess?
You know I've always been a little confused by exactly what kind of political structure is at work in the Star Wars galaxy. The notion of an elected queen is a little oxymoronic.
Have a good day all. ****waves to Kim**** ***snaps Catherine's rainbow suspenders****
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Ladybug220 - May 19, 2005 6:10 am (#2156 of 2981)
Hi Everyone! I need some help. I need to get a graduation gift for an 18 y.o. male cousin and I have no idea what. I am looking at $30 or under (one of my co-workers tried to suggest that I get him an ipod, but I would buy one for myself first). So, I will 'listen' to any ideas that y'all have. Thanks!!
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mike miller - May 19, 2005 6:30 am (#2157 of 2981)
Ladybug - When in doubt, the appropriate gift certificate can be a good choice. As an outdoor enthusiast, I would never look down on a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela's gift certificate. I'd try to focus on something he's interested in (hobby) or is very common so he can combine your gift with others to get what he wants. An iPod could be "in the cards" with the help of enough relatives!
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kabloink! - May 19, 2005 6:45 am (#2158 of 2981)
SOrry I've been away for so long guys, being the only one working (and only for $8/hr) has put a lot of stress on me for the last week or so. I skipped about 150-175 posts, so bear with me, please.
Happy Birthday to all those whom I've missed, and any other congrats that need to go out.
Squid Mike-my husband attended Hamburger U. last October. He officially has a bachelor's of Hamburgerology! Okay, off to get ready for another day at work (my last day off was last Wednesday, and my next day off is next Monday).
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Phoenix song - May 19, 2005 6:53 am (#2159 of 2981)
Ladybug, this isn't an exciting gift, but I usually find that it's safest to get people between the ages of 10 and 23 gift certificates to a store (on-line or on site) that you know that they'll shop. If they're athletic, for example, try a sporting goods store. If they're into video games or computers, try Circuit City or Best Buy. If they're a reader, try a book store. I find that gift certificates from Amazon.com are usually the best "fits". They have a wide range of stuff to chose from: books, music, DVDs, clothing, accessories, toys.
Mrs. Sirius, I am so saddened by your friend's loss. How awful to return from oversees and have your young husband to die suddenly. I'm sure that it must be devastating for her and the children. Please know that we're sending Cheering Charms, prayers, and love to them all.
Thanks so much to everyone who has expressed confidence in my ability to produce this cake! It means quite a lot to me. I will post a picture when it's completed.
Julia, do you think that a nice Stabilizing Charm for the cake during transport might be "Stayus Togetherus"? We should probably try... just in case.
Catherine, I had to laugh out loud with your comment about seeing me buying tons of Crisco to the astonishment of the sales clerk. Actually, I had those same thoughts! How mortifying would it be to buy an entire buggy full of Crisco at my local store? I can just see them telling me, "Did you know that it's not exactly healthy to be ingesting so much shortening?" I decided, quite sneakily and cleverly, that I would begin purchasing a can at a time several weeks ago. No clerk is going to blink an eye when a customer buys one 6-pound can of Crisco. They would laugh for weeks afterwards, though, if a customer came in and purchased SIX 6-pound cans of Crisco.
Michelle: I am going to seriously consider if it's possible to cut down this cake. I'm actually already utilizing the smallest pans manufactured, so it might be impossible when you factor in the separation plates. I'm going to think on it, though. Thanks for the idea! If I manage to pull it off the bride will definitely notice! I'm sure that, like Catherine suggested, she will absolutely notice and have a total COW! She is so super, super picky about these wedding details. Fortunately for her, though, she's told me there won't be any more problems between her and her beau after the wedding is over with. I'm so pleased for her! (**read my sarcasm and enjoyment at her naive thoughts on marriage!) Who would ever have known that it's only the wedding planning that causes problems and never the actual marriage! I wish that someone had told me that 12 years ago.
Actually, we get along fine. It's just that for a 29 year old woman she is terribly, terribly immature and naive. Her parents were able to fully pay for everything that she's ever had in her life, including 8 years at college. She never even had to take a part-time job in the summer for spending money. It's left her a tad bit selfish and ignorant about the world. The "entitlement attitude" has always rubbed me the wrong way.
Fleur-de-lys: I'm glad that your mom is doing fine. I'm sure that she can have many more healthy, happy days ahead. Feel free to ask for tips and support, though! We're always around!
Sorry for the super-long post! I must have had lots on my mind this morning! Have a great day!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 19, 2005 7:35 am (#2160 of 2981)
Well I'm off to see the Star Wars movie today AND my work is actually paying for us to go!!!! We are having an end of the year road trip (retreat) and that is our kick-off. (have I ever said that I LOVE my job and the department I work for? They take such good care of us and make sure we are appreciated. We live at our jobs, so it means a lot for someone to recognize all the work we do). After the movie we are headed up to the mountains for a little R&R, fun games, good food, and just some good fun. Yay.
Although, I'm super tired from a poor night's sleep.
Happy Birthday to all those who are having birthdays in the next few days. Cheering and health charms to all who need them.
See you in a few days.
P.S. I filled my gas tank up, finally, yesterday. For 13 1/2 gallons it was over $30. I almost cried.
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mollis - May 19, 2005 7:54 am (#2161 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 19, 2005 7:55 am
Okay, I am popping in briefly to wish my old buddy Mike a Happy (very-belated) Birthday!
I have been trying to keep up with you all here. During the next 4 weeks I have to be out of town for 3 of them. So I'm not sure how well I'll be able to keep up. But who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself and spend my nights in the hotel room on the forum. I can sure think of worse ways to spend my time.
Oh, and Barbie - on the cake front. How about creating a false layer? Simply use a piece of styrafoam and frost and decorate it just like the rest of the cake. The bride gets the cake of her dreams, but without having twice as much actual cake. You could actually do the bottom of both the stacked layers in styrafoam. More stability for the real cake on top. Just a thought to try and save some of your sanity in the coming weeks.
My best friend is getting married this weekend, and work is crazy - but I'll try and check in again soon. Thanks for the report on Star Wars III, Squid Mike. I really was dissapointed in Eps. 1 and 2. We'll probably wait a couple weeks before seeing the third, but at least it might be worth seeing this one.
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Elanor - May 19, 2005 9:01 am (#2162 of 2981)
Oh, it is worth seeing! Actually, I still have stars before my eyes since yesterday and some haunting music in my ears. Lucas really did a great job, and John Williams as well. The new musics are wonderful, I especially loved one, very different from the others but so beautiful (in white: "Padmé's ruminations"). And Anakin is really good actually! And Ewan McGregor perfect, as usual **sigh**.
So, it seems some people here needs intergalactic politics remedials... No problem!
The titles of "queen" on Naboo and "princess" on Alderaan are very different. Naboo was once a monarchy, that became a democracy in which a person was elected as head of state but that person (who couldn't do more than 2 mandates if I remember well) was still called by a royal title. This title is only honorary but is seen by the inhabitants as a symbol of the responsibility he has, as are the "royal clothes" the queen has to wear. Before being elected, Padmé came from a very "normal" family that had nothing to do with power.
Alderaan is very different since, though it is a democracy, the planet is in fact ruled by very old and powerful families that have the confidence of the voters. Leia was adopted by the Organa family, a powerful and aristocratic one, and raised as a princess because this title was linked to this family. As the Organas were very involved in politics, she was immersed in it all her life, that's why she became a senator very young. Does it help? Sorry about the length, the SW freak in me can't help it...
Good luck for the cake Barbie! Happy birthday Mike! and big ((((((hug))))))) to Mrs Sirius and anyone else who needs it!
Edit: Marè, have you heard something from Accio about the T-Shirt and covers contest? **keeping my fingers crossed**
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mike miller - May 19, 2005 9:02 am (#2163 of 2981)
Thank you Mollis! It is always a joy to see your avatar anywhere on the Lex. I can relate to the travel schedule. I've gone through a few weeks like that myself. In fact, I'll be out 4 days next week. The high speed access in most hotels is wonderful.
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fleur-de-lys - May 19, 2005 11:06 am (#2164 of 2981)
Thanks again for all the prayers, well-wishes and support for mom and I. It has really helped. She is doing well, although a bit overwhelmed with all the new meds. I'm sure it'll take a few weeks to get used to.
Barbie, good luck with the cake. I absolutely love being volunteered for things. **heavy sarcasm drips like venom from the Basilisk's fang** I was volunteered once to lead the kids meetings at a church reivival. Talk about pressure. Luckily, I had some puppeteering experience to fall back on. But the false layer is a good idea. I have heard of that being done before. I wish I could decorate cakes. I've always wanted to try, but am just too timid. Someday, maybe.
I am looking forward to the new Star Wars movie, now that I hear everyone on here talking about it. I must admit, I am reading the spoilers. I'M SORRY!!!!!! I have no willpower. But, seeing as how we had the middle of the story already, we know what's gonna happen. Its like reading SS after you've read PoA, GoF and OoP. But I'm looking forward to it. So, does anyone thing the GoF movie trailer will have its own trailer like Star Wars? I hope so, but I'm not holding my breath. Hollywood just doesnt' understand us Potterheads.
T Brightwater, I'll be thinking about your mom as she attempts her driving test. For a while in the fall, my mom couldn't drive. She's been have some severe nerve pain in her leg. She's gotten some relief, enough to drive and shop. But it was difficult when she couldn't. She's very independant, so its hard for her to ask and accept help. I often have to tell her that I'll do things for her. Then she lets me. But its tough to see your parents, who were always strong for you, become weak in some way. Mom also had a battle with breast cancer a few years back. That's going very well, almost 5 years. So she's been through the mill recently. I lost my dad when I was 10 and she sacrificed so much for me over the years. She's always been such in amazing mom, I'm glad that I can be here for her to help and support her. Its tough and draining, but its also a blessing to be able to care for a loved one like this.
So, thanks again to everyone. I appreciate all the support and tips and hints more than you'll ever now. You all are so great. I am so happy to be a part of such an incredible community of people. Thanks!
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Gina R Snape - May 19, 2005 12:18 pm (#2165 of 2981)
Thanks for the student loan tip. I will definitely investigate further.
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Lina - May 19, 2005 12:19 pm (#2166 of 2981)
Mrs. Sirius, what happened to your friend is really sad and I am afraid that there are no words that can bring consolation. (((((All I can send you are hugs.)))))
Phoenix song, I think that your Stabilizing charm is excellent! You have to use it. After all, I don't believe it can do any harm...
Well, I know that the wedding day is just one day compared to years of trying to jointly solve the problems that no one would have if they didn't get married, but I still think that it is a special day that should stay forever in the pleasant part of the memory. I have very nice memories of my wedding, I didn't have to worry about almost anything and I could enjoy the happening. Well, I guess that me not being picky helped (even though my parents let me go to the university for 7 years, i admit, those were different times, they had to pay just the house rent, and I did get married before I graduated...). I wanted to say that I think it is very nice of you that you took care of the cakes and that the bride does not have to worry about that (if I know, she should know that too) and I really hope that she enjoys her wedding day despite her pickiness. I wish a great wedding day to all the Forum brides too.
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T Brightwater - May 19, 2005 1:05 pm (#2167 of 2981)
My mom got nervous and flunked her test (putting the car into reverse instead of drive is an automatic fail) so I got her to practice a little and we'll try again tomorrow. She hadn't been under the wheel for over six weeks, and she'd lost the feel of the car somewhat. I think she'll be okay tomorrow.
fleur-de-lys, I'm so glad to hear your mother is doing better! Don't forget to look after yourself too.
My wedding (17 years ago this month!) was lots of fun - there were 19 people there, I made my own dress, my mother baked a German chocolate cake (her specialty) our landlady made spinach pies from a 15th century recipe (_her_ specialty) and my husband's brothers got press-ganged into cutting up vegetables to have with dip. We had the ceremony in a park right on Lake Michigan, had the reception in a picnic shelter, and a good time was had by all. My father was a little disappointed that I didn't want a big extravaganza, but after he'd endured a few of my cousins' weddings, he told me we had the right idea after all!
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fleur-de-lys - May 19, 2005 1:34 pm (#2168 of 2981)
T Brightwater, you're a good daughter to be so patient with you mom. Please give her my best and let her know I'll be sending her special memory charms tomorrow. I just hope I don't get mixed up and send charms that will make her car fly like the Ford Anglia. Would that be a pass or fail? :goofygrin: Anyway, she'll do better tomorrow. We'll all be pulling for her. I once heard that someone was failed, after taking the entire test, because they didn't ask the tester to put on her seatbelt in the beginning. How frustrating. Also, CONGRATS and Happy Anniversary this month. 17 years is very impressive. We had a couple in our church who had been married at least 70 years, but he passed on this year. Sometimes I wonder if we'll make it to 6. Your wedding sounds like it was beautiful. Ours was inside at Christmas time, with lots of pointsettas, Christmas trees and candles in the church and a Christmas tree and roaring fire (thanks to our pastor) at the reception. It was lovely.
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Phreaker - May 19, 2005 2:55 pm (#2169 of 2981)
Hello all! Thank you for the Birthday greetings. I'm sorry I wasn't here to thank you earlier, but it's been a busy week! I finished book 4, and went right on in to book 5. Last night I got around 100 pages read! Also, if anyone needs a low level web developer or highly trained computer tech, let me know, I am in the job market. My youngest(twin) sisters Graduated on Sunday, and Shepherdess got me THE coolest birthday present! So thanks to all who said happy birthday, and special thanks to Boop!!! You rock girl!
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Phoenix song - May 19, 2005 3:33 pm (#2170 of 2981)
Hello all! Thanks for letting me vent earlier about my future sister in law. I shouldn't have, though. I'm sorry... large weddings and stress bring out the worst in me! My own wedding was a lot like T Brightwater's. We only had around 18 people there, I made the cake myself (before my decorating days, though, so it was just a regular cake). We married at our church and then went out to have a nice Seafood Buffet. No muss, no fuss, no fighting.
I shouldn't have vented about the bride's attitude, either. Again, I apologize. I just needed to get it off of my chest, and didn't want to complain to my husband since he's already upset with the amount of work that she's placed on my shoulders. If I'd have complained to him, he would have insisted that I not bake the cake at all for her... thereby "teaching" her to appreciate what others are willing to do to make her day special. I hope that you can all forgive my uncharacteristic level of resentment and feelings of ill-use. I'm certain that the day will go off beautifully, despite all of the turbulence in the time leading up to it.
I feel much better after having spent the majority of the day playing around on the South Park website that Gina pointed out to us. Thanks, Gina, for giving me something that took my mind off of family squabbles and onto something fun! How do you like my new avatar?
Lina, I think that I will try my "Stayus Togetherus" Stabilizing Charm. Maybe it will be more effective if we both agree to do it on the same day? Two wands are better than one!
Again, I'm sorry for being so petulant earlier. Have a great day everybody!
Barbie
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timrew - May 19, 2005 3:36 pm (#2171 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to all who have had birthdays recently!
Saw Wordsworth's grave in Grasmere recently, and saw this grave behind it, small Celtic cross, name hard to make out......on looking made out the name 'Hartley Coleridge'.
Turns out to be Samuel Taylor Coleridge's eldest son. A poet in his own right, and a damn good one, too! Overshadowed by his dad, I must admit; but Hartley, I'll champion your cause. Good on yer, son!!
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Amilia Smith - May 19, 2005 3:42 pm (#2172 of 2981)
Aloha, everyone!
I am writing to you from a computer in the Sinclair Library on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. I'm actually here! The humidity is wonderful! You would not believe how curly my hair is here. Classes start Monday, and in the meantime, I have been getting settled and looking for a part time job.
Your cake sounds wonderful, Barbie. Lots of luck. I remember when my aunt got married. I was 8 or 9. One of my mom's cousins was decorating the cake. I remember being very surprised that she decorated styrofoam rounds for most of it. I asked her what she was going to do with all of the frosting, and was shocked when she said she would be putting it in the shower and melting it down and rinsing off the rounds. Such a waste! I offered to eat the frosting for her, but she didn't take me up on it. :-)
I am looking forward to seeing Star Wars, but not quite so much as I will have to go see it alone. I hate watching movies alone. No one to share the experience with if it is a good flick, no one to make snide comments to if it is cheesy.
Mills.
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Detail Seeker - May 19, 2005 3:45 pm (#2173 of 2981)
On elected queen:
In Germany, we had elected Kaiser for several centuries - elected by the seven "Electoral Dukes" as some "President for life" of this association of smaller and larger royalties. Formally this ended in 1806, though the title had stayed in one family (Habsburg) since more than 400 years, then, but before, there were rather hot competitions for the title.
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Madam Pince - May 19, 2005 5:19 pm (#2174 of 2981)
Belated Happy Birthday to Mike Miller (and anyone else I missed)! Hope it was happy!
Barbie, I think Mollis' idea of using styrofoam layers for the cake is an excellent one. It's very commonly used. I mean, it would just be totally silly to waste all that cake if it can't possibly be eaten. If the whole issue is that she wants a certain "look," then using fake layers is the perfect solution, I'd say. Plus it will greatly reduce the weight that will be on the bottom layers and the support columns (if you're using columns.) Are you going to be using any fresh flowers? If it "passes muster" with the bride, it might be a good idea to order some extra flowers from the florist doing the bouquets to have on hand -- if the cake gets "scuffed" in transport you can cover up an amazing amount of icing with artfully and "randomly" arranged fresh flowers. And if you don't use them for that, you can always just arrange them around the edge of the cake table or something. I used to decorate cakes like you do -- just on a volunteer basis for friends, etc. It's a lot of fun, but can be stressful for a big event like what you're facing. A bride on her wedding day with an "entitlement attitude" is definitely someone to run and hide from! Don't feel bad about unloading -- that's what we're here for!
Congrats on being in Hawaii, Mills! Wish I was with you!
Mrs. Sirius, I'm so sorry about your friend's husband. There are just no words. I will be thinking of her and hoping that she will find the strength to get through the upcoming difficult days. I know your friendship will be a comfort to her.
Julia, I agree with whomever said something about socks. (Socks is one of my favorite Harry Potter pet theories by the way -- they pop up so often in JKR's world, don't they?!) Anyway, Thor-Lo socks absolutely rock! They are about $11 a pair but worth every cent. Very thick and cushy and nice to wear if you are on your feet all day. And no, I do not make a commission.
Tim, that sounds like such a neat cemetery. I know people think I'm weird, but I'm one of those who thinks cemeteries are cool and interesting places. Fortunately Mr. Pince thinks like me ... we have spent many hours just happily poking around old headstones and making up fascinating and completely fantastical stories about how this one or that one lived or died. The cemetery in Lexington, VA is one of our favorites, as it has loads of people famous in Virginia history. Another favorite one has photographs of the deceased on the headstone -- they are from the early 1900's and I have no idea how they were done. They appear to be photo-screened onto a porcelain-type white oval, which is set into the stone. That particular cemetery had a rather severe-looking physician, who was surrounded by about six wives -- it seemed that one would die, then he'd re-marry in about a year or less, then the next one would die, and so on. Since he was a doctor, we had a lot of fun speculating on what types of potions he studied up on in Potions Class....
Has everyone in all the various parts of the world seen the "Survivor" finale yet? Can I do my little dance yet without spoiling it?
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Gina R Snape - May 19, 2005 6:15 pm (#2175 of 2981)
Hey, Barbie. Glad you enjoyed the South Park thing. It is fun! Nice Harry.
As for cemeteries, I love them! I once spent an entire day with a friend visiting cemeteries in Berlin as we endeavored to track down Marlene Deitrich. It was great. I saw some incredible stone statues, family mausoleum structures and other relief artwork.
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Choices - May 19, 2005 6:57 pm (#2176 of 2981)
There is a fascinating and beautiful old cemetery in Savannah, Ga. The big old oak trees are all draped with Spanish Moss - beautiful in the daytime, but I bet it is scary at night.
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Mrs. Sirius - May 19, 2005 7:06 pm (#2177 of 2981)
Ladybug, this may sound corny, but I like giving "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss as a graduation gift. You can personalize with a cd, gift certificate, or current book . I still feel misty when I read that to my young kids.
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Ticker - May 19, 2005 9:54 pm (#2178 of 2981)
There's no one I can't shop for in our local chocolate shop for under $30. I mean, who doesn't want a brick of chocolate with Mt. Rushmore stamped on it? If you can't do sugar, there's coffees & if you can't do the caffeine, there's caramels & other stuff. It's my favorite place to shop for people I don't know very well (and a few I do...). Mrs. Sirius' idea is really wonderful, but I'd recommend personalizing it with the chocolate brick... and maybe a box of Kleenex.
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scully jones - May 19, 2005 10:20 pm (#2179 of 2981)
I am speechless. I just saw THE most intense season finale that I've ever seen. C.S.I. speechless I tell you. Yep. Even Brandon was brought to tears. It was amazing.
That's all I have for now. Sarah out.
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Lina - May 20, 2005 1:28 am (#2180 of 2981)
Barbie, I don't think you have to apologize, if you can't complain here, then what can you do? And I do think that the bride should be able to appreciate you and all the people who are trying to make this day special for her. I was just saying that it is nice that you are one of them even though it is not being easy at all. She should be aware of it and help someone else when the time comes (oh, how happy I would be if I could organize my sister's wedding!) And yes, the most important is to enjoy the love of people who have gathered to celebrate the wedding.
We have different parts of Croatia. Some have a very rich land and it is not normal to have wedding under 200 people. The others are on the poor land (rocks) and it is not normal to have weddings with more than 20 or 40 people. The problem comes when two people from different parts decide to get married, then they get comments "Oh, what a poor wedding, only 100 people!" or "Oh, how extravagant, 100 people!" depending on which side they come from. I was lucky to choose husband with the same taste, so we were 35 of us. But before that, we were at the wedding with around 200 people and the newly-weds wanted to organize all by themselves. They say that it was the day they were the most tempted to get divorced.
About the "Stayus Togetherus" (I just love it!), count on my wand!
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Marè - May 20, 2005 1:44 am (#2181 of 2981)
Oh, don't spoil CSI for me! We just saw the Sherlock episode over here. I already accidentally read some things about what's going to come, but I don't want to know... (but it's good to know that it is good!)
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The giant squid - May 20, 2005 2:04 am (#2182 of 2981)
So, does anyone think the GoF movie trailer will have its own trailer like Star Wars?--fleur-de-lys
I'm a little confused by this, but I'll try to answer it anyway. The GoF traielr out now is what's known as a "teaser"--it's just there to whet your appetite. In a few months another, longer version will be released (when the movie is closer to completion/release). Sometimes there are multiple versions (Cinderella Man just released trailer #7) but usually it's one teaser and one or two "final" versions. Yes, I have actually seen a trailer labelled "Final version #2"
Elanor, thanks for explaining the Naboo/Alderaan political systems; it saved me from doing it.
Barbie, we had a styrofoam layer on our wedding cake (like Mollis mentioned). The design we wanted required a large base but we couldn't afford that much cake, so the cake lady (not sure what the "official" title is) iced a block of foam for the base then put the cake on top of it. It seemed to work just fine--at least I didn't hear any complaints.
--Mike
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Catherine - May 20, 2005 4:25 am (#2183 of 2981)
The cemetery in Lexington, VA is one of our favorites, as it has loads of people famous in Virginia history. --Madam Pince
Yes! It's very cool. I like old cemeteries, also. Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA has lots of famous people, and is very beautiful, besides.
Barbie, I don't blame you for ranting about Bridezilla. If she continues to act like this, maybe the marriage might need a "Stayus Togetherus" charm, not just the cake! Only joking...mostly. The faux cake layers sound ingenious. I'd love to serve her a nice slice of styrofoam.
The thing about the cake is...I never got but one piece of mine, and it was delicious, but I was too nervous to eat. Some glitch prevented us from getting that top layer--I can't even remember what happened, but something did. I figured if that was the worst thing that happened, then I got off pretty well. Even if it was a white chocolate cake with toasted almond filling....
Back to the start of my post, it looks like Mr. Catherine and I will be taking a trip to Lexington and Charlottesville in early June. Yay! As part of the journey north, we're also looking to visit my brother-in-law in D.C. It's been a long time since we visited the Smithsonian, so we're going to try to work that in.
Have a good Friday.
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 4:52 am (#2184 of 2981)
Mike, looking back at that question you responded to, I can see how it would be confusing. I'm not sure I even understood it, reading it a second time on your post. Oh, it been a long week. What I meant was, around here, they were advertising and starting the hype to tell when the trailer for Star Wars was first going to be shown during some show, it might have been a showing of one of the Star Wars movies. But it was like they had created a trailer or teaser for the trailer of the movie. I said to my husband that they would never do that for Harry Potter. I love Star Wars but hate it when something gets hyped so incredibly much. So, hopefully that clarifies the question a bit, but I understand your confusion completely! Thanks for attempting to answer. And also, you're right, the trailer/teaser (I have never quite understood the difference) is already out. DUH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Since I haven't seen it officially on TV, I guess I hadn't put it together. I know they hyped the footage they were gonna show from GoF, but I don't know that they mentioned the trailer/teaser at all. So, I won't be looking for any hype over the trailer of GoF since its already out there. Tee hee, how silly of me. Thanks Mike
Lori
PS: Barbie, I agree with Lina and Catherine...if you can't rant to us, what's the point of being here? We're all here for you and want to support you with anything. I know I've appreciated the support given. This is a wonderful community of people. Its nice to be able to post about problems in our lives and recieve such love, support, encouragement and info! So rant away, Barbie, we're here for you!
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Ladybug220 - May 20, 2005 5:03 am (#2185 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 20, 2005 5:03 am
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I figured I would be getting him a gift certificate but I just didn't which store would be best. I have sent an email to his sister and my aunt to find out which places are his favorites. I was thinking a music store but I need to find out what stores they have locally as they live in Maine.
I'd love to serve her a nice slice of styrofoam. – Catherine
Snort! Thanks for the laugh Catherine! Barbie, I suggest you do it.
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Eponine - May 20, 2005 6:12 am (#2186 of 2981)
Sarah, I had to TiVo CSI last night since we went to see Episode III, but when we got home, and I watched it...WOW! I was curled in a ball on the couch with the blanket ready to pull over my face at any minute. It was a very good episode.
Episode III (which I keep wanting to call Return of the Sith) - I liked it a lot. Some of the dialogue was a bit awkward, but overall I really enjoyed it. You know how everyone's been saying it's not a movie for kids? Well, there was a kid about 9-10 years old sitting on the other side of my husband who kept covering his eyes and ears and got up and left quite a few times because it was too scary for him. Why don't people listen?
I insisted on having chocolate cake at my wedding. My husband's aunt who made the cake never cuts the pretty cake at weddings, but she makes big sheet cakes just to serve. So we had both chocolate and white cake, but I have always hated wedding cake icing, so I just ate my chocolate cake. Well, besides the bit we cut off the big pretty cake. Did anyone here actually eat their cake topper on their first anniversary? We didn't.
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Cornelia - May 20, 2005 6:44 am (#2187 of 2981)
I´m just back from the cinema. Couldn´t wait and watched Star Wars! It started at 11:45am and the cinema was totally full of people! Oh, it was wonderful, I really liked it. Now I´m a bit sad because I´ve seen all films...
Here too, were little children watching the film, even younger ones then you mention Eponine. I´m sure they will not sleep good tonight! But here like anywhere else some people will not listen or know it better...
Yesterday we saw Kingdom of Heaven with Orlando Bloom. I liked it too,(even if it was a littlebit bloody) especially Orlando...
I think it´s quite funny, there are times when nothing really brings me to go to the cinema and then there seem to be 100 films I would like to see at the same time...
Are you getting Bread and Salt too at the wedding? Where I come from some bakers make special decorated bread wich is given together with a bag of salt to the bride and groom.
Detail Seeker - CC? Whitsun and Coburg lead to this (at least for me)
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 7:16 am (#2188 of 2981)
Eponine, just read your post and can't figure out why you can't call Episode III Return of the Sith...oh...wait a minute...its REVENGE of the Sith. OOPS!!!!! Tee hee, see, it happens to the best of us.
Now you've all made me want to start watching CSI. I'll have to check out the reruns this summer. Hope they're not on after my bedtime.
Catherine, that happens to me all the time. I'll go months not wanting to see any movies that are out, then a bizzilion come out, all at one time, that I want to see. Its not possible to see all of the before they leave. Oh well, guess that's what's happens when you have good taste in movies, like we do, right? {=^)
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VeronikaG - May 20, 2005 9:51 am (#2189 of 2981)
{{{{{Hugs for Mrs Sirius}}}}}
I have heard scary stories about wedding cake that can be eaten years after the actual wedding, but the whole idea of historical cake puts me off.
Oh yes, I'll have chocolate cake in my wedding. If I find someone stupid enough to marry me.
Wheee! We just got back the TV channel that airs CSI in Norway, so Now I can watch that and Lost. :-D What series is it that had the intense ending? Miami, NYC or Vegas?
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Phoenix song - May 20, 2005 10:42 am (#2190 of 2981)
Veronika G: "Oh yes, I'll have chocolate cake in my wedding. If I find someone stupid enough to marry me."
Don't sell yourself short! Your future spouse will be super blessed to have you! The only stupid one in that scenario would be the decorator that agreed to decorate a traditional wedding cake in chocolate. Oh the horrors of trying to cover a chocolate cake with super-white frosting and having NO crumbs peeking through!! I shudder at the thought! I love chocolate cake, and much prefer it to the white variety. But, believe me, there's a reason that wedding cakes traditionally consist of white cake. It's easiest to cover without any "imperfections"! The best way to have chocolate cake at the wedding it to do as was suggested earlier, and serve chocolate sheet cakes.
Catherine, I simply adore your suggestion that I serve the Bride a nice piece of styrofoam cake. I got this mental image of forcibly stuffing a large piece of styrofoam in her mouth. It was a quite satisfying thought!
I have come to realize that I really do have qualities of each of the four houses within myself. The two that are predominant are Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. This whole wedding has pushed my Hufflepuff/quiet worker quality to it's absolute limit. You'd think that my other predominant nature (of a Gryffindor) would take over. What a surprise to me that I discovered that when pushed to my limits, it's actually the Slytherin in me that takes over!
I have decided to make the 4-layer, 14 inch cake at the bottom a false one (called a cake dummy) out of styrofoam, as you've all suggested. I've actually heard of this process before, and considered it. The Bride didn't want it, and kept assuring me that she wanted to have lots and lots of cake left over.
The Slytherin in me has come forth and decided that I'm going to go ahead and do what I want and make the false bottom... and I'm not going to tell her about it until it's already done! If she's unhappy about the amount of left-over cake that she's going to have, I've decided that I'm going to offer to re-pay her for all of the money that she's paid me for all of my labor. (Since she's not paying me at all, I could even double that amount!)
When I told my husband my plan, he very sneakily suggested that I make the top layer out of Styrofoam as well. He thinks that it will be the ultimate repayment for all that I've been put through if we keep the "fake cake" a secret for a year, allow them to freeze and protect the cake top, and then go to cut into it and find a little "surprise".
Cornelia, the bread and salt are traditional gifts in the U.S. when couples purchase their first homes. Bread so that they never know hunger and salt so that life always has flavor. It's a really nice gesture.
Thanks again for everyone's support in letting me rant!
Barbie
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Madam Pince - May 20, 2005 11:00 am (#2191 of 2981)
Catherine, I knew you'd appreciate the Lexington thing since that's your old "stomping grounds." It would be nice to do a Charlottesville get-together maybe!?! We are planning a vacation to Williamsburg and Va. Beach June 11-19, but other than that are free in June I think. Wonder what Loopy's schedule is like for then? Anybody else in the vicinity? We could do a mini-gathering!
Eponine, Mr. Pince and I ate the top layer of our wedding cake on our one-year anniversary, and it was delicious! It tasted exactly like it did on the day we got married. From what I understand, this is pretty unusual since cakes frequently get kind of dried out, but we were fortunate and ours was great! I had a very organized and got-it-all-together wedding coordinator, and she swooped down on that cake like a duck on a June bug the minute we were finished with the whole cake-cutting/picture-taking/feeding-each-other fiasco. She had them to double- and triple-wrap the cake with Saran Wrap, then put it inside a really good double-freezer bag, and then boxed it on top of all that. She froze it right away and we picked it up from her house when we got back from our honeymoon, so it never thawed out. As I say, it tasted great! I was pretty surprised actually.
On the topic of "historical foods," we have a fruitcake at my Mom's house that is older than I am (41 years.) It is the family joke. My grandmother made it and gave it to Mom and Dad for Christmas sometime before I was born. Mom put it in a pan and set it aside in a cabinet and forgot about it, then about a year later, noticed it and thought "Wow, that still looks OK. Wonder what it'll look like in another year?" So she kept it, and so on, and so on. You would think it would have molded or looked petrified or whatever, but remarkably, it looks pretty much like any other fruitcake looks. Hard as a rock, but looks great, and doesn't even smell funny. We are not going to put it to the "eating test," but it is kind of cool to still have a cake that my grandma made even though she's been gone for almost 20 years. If I only had some of her homemade rolls and applebutter....
Talking about season finales -- the final "ER" had the Molly/Mommy in me all upset. Carter leaving didn't bother me, but the final scene with that sweet angelic little boy getting into that car on the highway with some total stranger just about put me under. I would've never reacted like this before I became a Mom, but it just really bothered me for some reason. I was actually yelling "Nooooo!" at the screen.
So I've had this headache off and on for about a week now. Yesterday I had just about thrown it off, and then when I was putting Baby Pince to bed last night, I misjudged the distance to the corner of the headboard of the bed and smashed the top of my skull on it. Saw stars and the whole bit. Now the headache's back again. Sigh.....
All right, I suppose I'm off to start building an ark. It's been pouring a heavy steady rain for about the past 20 hours. On the plus side, we could now advertise our home for sale as having a backyard in-ground pool. Happy Weekend everybody!
Edit: Barbie, you go girl!!!! The bride probably won't even notice if she's busy visiting with her guests and dancing and all like any self-respecting bride should be. You can always just bat your eyes innocently and go "What can I say? It must've been delicious, because the guests ate it all up!"
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scully jones - May 20, 2005 12:41 pm (#2192 of 2981)
It was the Vegas one with the awesome episode. They really had the secondary characters played up the last few episodes, so the whole cast really participated in this one. Except for the random blonde chick they added recently, she was nowhere to be found. I dind't mind of course.
Brandon just stabbed himself with a pencil. He claims it was an accident......
Just got back from Star Wars... John Williams IS AWESOME. There were a couple parts where the acting disappointed me, but there were just as many where it impressed me, so I'm counting it even... I'll wait until later someday to really say what I liked, I'm no good with spoilers....
Off to eat now, food is good!
Sarah
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T Brightwater - May 20, 2005 1:18 pm (#2193 of 2981)
My mother took her driving test again today. She passed! She passed! She passed! (imagine Fred, George, and Ginny doing their war dance...) Thanks for all the good thoughts!
Bridezilla - I love it. And yes, the temptation to feed her a large slice of frosted Styrofoam might be too much for me...
One friend of mine had a carrot cake for her wedding - yum!
Madame Pince, if you miss your grandmother's apple butter, it's pretty simple to make, though time-consuming. Let me know if you want the procedure.
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fleur-de-lys - May 20, 2005 1:37 pm (#2194 of 2981)
YEAH T BRIGHTWATER'S MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to congratulate her for me. Butterbeers all around, or perhaps this deserves a round of fire whiskey. But seriously, congrats to both you and your mom. That's really great. I'm happy for you both!
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Acceber - May 20, 2005 1:44 pm (#2195 of 2981)
Teens who buy their car with their own money are several times less likely to have an accident than those whose cars are given to them.-Chemyst, ~75 posts ago. Then it's a good thing the money in my bank account's sole purpose is for buying my first car.
I usually find that it's safest to get people between the ages of 10 and 23 gift certificates to a store (on-line or on site) that you know that they'll shop.-Barbie, ~30 posts ago. As someone who falls into this age category, I don't think gift certificates are that personal, and I enjoy an actual present better. But that's just me. I do like Amazon though .
Happy Belated Birthdays to All!
Congrats to your mom T Brightwater!
Cakes--we got a HUGE rectangular one for my bat mitzvah that we only made a dent in at the meal. We put it in the basement for a week or so, and then my mum remembered it was down there, so I tried a slice. It had gone bad and we had to throw it out. I hope we don't make the same mistake for my sister's.
Life is very hectic here. Today, I took the last portion of the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System--how do I know that?) in school. It's a standardized test that sees how well our teachers are teaching us what they need to teach us. Wednesday and Thursday, we took the math portion, which was ridiculously easy. Today, however, we took science. Half of the questions covered material that we hadn't learned yet. It just goes to show how good my math teacher is and how bad my science teacher is.
As some of you know, I'm an avid crossword puzzle doer. One of the best parts of my day is coming home from school and attempting the Boston Globe's crossword. It gets steadily harder as the week goes on. Most days, I get more than half of it, but almost never all of it. This week, it was like someone injected all this knowledge into me. I completed the puzzle on Monday and Tuesday, got a good chunk of it Wednesday, all but two squares yesterday, and a lot of it today. I am so insanely proud of myself . My ultimate goal is to complete Sunday's issue of the New York Times magazine's crossword.
Only 24 more days of school, but five or six don't really count because of field trips, graduation, and step-up day. I can survive!
Going to read the rest of the threads, especially the JKR site thread, because I know she updated, but I have no idea what information we got.
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John Bumbledore - May 20, 2005 2:23 pm (#2196 of 2981)
Popping to the end with a reply I've only read up to "Sirius Lee - May 18, 2005 7:40 am (#2105 of 2195)." Please forgive me if I have missed something important in between there and here. I will be going back (that is why I put the link in there.) **points to his own head and thinks, "Kidneys!"**
Julia, just think of all the tips you'll make to ease the aches and pains of waitressing, PotterMom34.
Hem, hem. I am sure you mean waiting table.
Julia, I have one tip about the aching legs (I bussed tables one summer during college as a second job) and that is to raise your feet each night while you sleep. If you have an extra pillow, place it under your legs as you get in bed (I think a folded blanket under the sheet also would work.) This made a world of difference for me at the time. My first job was in a metal frame fabrication plant (made cases for personal computers, frames for floor sweepers, etc.) and that was standing all day on concrete.
When you stand for long periods, especially when you are stationary, the blood does not return as well. Exercising the legs while they are elevated helps get the tired blood out of your legs and back to your heart where it can finally get re-oxygenated and also cleansed by the liver and kidneys.
Well, that at least is my layman's understanding of what a Doctor friend told me. Good luck, Julia; and may your customers tip well.
To the member with the mom with the heart trouble, I send my prayers. I was at university when my mom had a "mild" heart attack. She made it through that, and has not had trouble since (it was back about 1987).
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
Edited to check spelling. Only caught a missing apostrophe in Layman's and objects to waitressing. Go figure.
2nd Edit: Missed the paragraph tag between my "Jump" paragraph and the quote from PotterMom. Sorry.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 2:32 pm (#2197 of 2981)
the final scene with that sweet angelic little boy getting into that car on the highway with some total stranger just about put me under.
Hee hee Don't watch ER much if you classify that child as sweet and angelic LOL I was yelling at the screen too. Only someone with nefarious ideas would pick up a child in that situation. I was telling Mr. P that I would have pulled over nearby to keep an eye on him, called 911 and waited for police but I would not have picked him up.
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Julia. - May 20, 2005 3:26 pm (#2198 of 2981)
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you thank you to whoever it was who bought me a premium membership!!!!!!!! This has obviously made my week and I appreciate it very much!!! By the way, if you identify yourself, there might be some chocolate involved!) I feel kind of bad now. All my posts from the past 6 months, or however long it's been since we switched over to paying will now have my real avatar and my fake avatar. I really wish there were some way to remove the fake ones, but as that would involve a host going over all my posts and manually removing the codes, it would be more than a little bit ridiculous.
Thanks again for the advice John. I'm elevating my feet as much as I can, but not when I sleep. I move around a lot when I sleep, so probably not a good idea to have an extra pillow.
Heh, I share your feelings about ER as well. The last scene with the kid (who is definitely not sweet or angelic at all) getting into the car was not good at all. I was thinking the same thing as you were Denise. I thought the last scenes with Carter were good, but not nearly as good as when Mark Greene died.
Well, off for Shabbos. Have a good one everyone!
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Thora - May 20, 2005 3:28 pm (#2199 of 2981)
Barbie,
Ever worked with fondant? I did a cake with it for my sister's bridal shower, but I'll never do it again because I didn't like the texture. It sure looked cute though! Who knew all those years of play-dough practice would pay off?
I'm in Yuma Arizona this week visiting friends and old haunts, this is where I met Mr. Thora so this town is chuck full of memories for us. We went to the territorial prison on the hill the kids thought of it more as a castle, and though it has a rather dark history I found it more beautiful than anything.
Well today is my daughter Jordan's 1st birthday, so cake, burgers and hotdogs for dinner. I'm going to try hard not to cry, she's my youngest and I'm none-to-pleased with her not being a baby anymore. I guess it's getting to be time for a dog, if I can find one I'm not allergic to.....
Thora
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Finn BV - May 20, 2005 3:35 pm (#2200 of 2981)
This thread is always posted in! How does everybody do it? I'm at post 2200 right now… wasn't it about 3 days ago that people were posting at around 2005 and other years they were graduating…?
Ok, let's see if I can keep up with everything. I'm trying to join the Forum Family so I think I'll start off by wishing a happy birthday to all those people: Mike, Lauren, Fawkes, Phreaker, and I'm sure there were more, so… happy birthday!!
Mrs. Sirius, I express my condolences to you over your friend. Fleur-de-lys, I express my sigh of relief to your mother. T Brightwater, I express my congratulations to your mother. Julia, I express my excitement with you about your premium membership (now if somebody could just do that to me…… ). Thora, I express my best wishes to your daughter. Now, enough expressing!
Hmm, on something happening to me… Hurrah! I finished seventh grade today! Finals next week and then I am out of there!
Whew, that was exhausting. Let's see if by the time I come back in an hour there will be less than 200 new posts to read…
-Finn-
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:57 pm
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Catherine - May 20, 2005 3:40 pm (#2201 of 2981)
I guess it's getting to be time for a dog, if I can find one I'm not allergic to..... –Thora
There are a few breeds that do not bother allergic people as much. That is one reason why I have shih-tzus, but I would advise doing what my friend Tamara did when her kids begged incessantly for years for a dog. She went to all of our houses (those of us with Bichons, Poodles, Shih-Tzus) and played with them inside, and let them lick her and rub their fur on her. Turns out that she had no problem with shih-tzus or poodles, and when a "Shizoodle" came available at the Humane Society, she snapped little Roxie right up. Of course, Tamara had the added advantage that Roxie had been temperament tested with kids by "Yours Truly," so she felt good about getting her.
FYI, Chinese Cresteds are supposed to be OK for dog-allergic people, but they don't appeal to me much; in NC they are a victim of puppy mill breeding, and I don't know much about their personalities, so I didn't mention them. Sorry if I offended.
Long term members of the Chat Thread will know that I am passionate about dogs although as Mr. Catherine says, I am the weird Shih-tzu lady.
Happy Friday.
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Phoenix song - May 20, 2005 3:51 pm (#2202 of 2981)
Catherine, Oh my! I'm afraid that I may have to have my laptop worked on now since I've literally had my first SPEW moment! Your tagline is way too funny! And now that I've seen your "Bridezilla" mug, I won't have to wonder what I'm going to get the Bride for a gift! You've managed to not only make me laugh, but also provided a meaningful gift-idea service to me! My deepest appreciation!
John, it's not uncommon here to term the serving of patrons in restaurants as "waitressing". Waiting on tables is what we would normally do when we've arrived at a popular restaurant on a busy Saturday night!
It's a tough job, Julia, I hope that on the whole it's very profitable and enjoyable for you. Don't worry about your double-avatars. I'm sure that we'll look back and remember your ingenuity at providing your own avatar despite the change.
Barbie
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Ponine - May 20, 2005 4:03 pm (#2203 of 2981)
oook - I was going to try to plow through all the other threads I have not been able to read as of late, but I HAD to add something to what Catherine was saying above.... I have a Chinese Crested - a powderpuff, to be precise... (A hairy one, in other words...) They are known to be good for people with allergies, as they have hair and not fur, but most people with severe allergies still react to him, albeit not nearly as strongly as they normally would. I could write volumes on his personality, but I will spare you all - well - actually - for all non-dog people - skip this paragraph
My Mio is extremely bubbly, with a great sense of humor. They are generally needy dogs, and do not take well to being left alone every day to themselves. Depending on the coat, powder puffs may need A LOT of grooming, and while Mio's coat is show dog perfect, it is a pain in the butt... In some ways they are catlike in their approach to strangers, but love company, and will truly schmooze their way into anyone's heart, whether they initially are welcome there or not... They are fussy eaters, and may overeat, or decide that they only want truffles with cranberry sauce, and rather starve than eat anything else... Overall, I would say the cresties are an awesome, fun, odd breed, but not for everyone, and I would not reccommend them as a firt dog or for a family with very active children. They are always up for fun, but small, after all... (Prettiest picture in the world available on request...) (Yes, I am sickeningly obsessed with him... **blushin**)
Ok. ahem... Enough about my puppy... Congratulations to Brightwater's mom, best of luck on styrofoam baking (I really think you should buy all the Crisco at once and say it is for a back yard wrestling match, just for fun), yey for upcoming graduations, and Lina - I can't believe your daughter!?!? How in the world would she know that?!? I mean, I have not seen that show for - what - fifteen, twenty years? But I loved it, and it is such a catchy tune ***humming Balt - Balt - Balthazar....***
Oh, and I am aware of the fact that my profile is lacking, but I can't figure out how to change it I have repeatedly tried to change it and add little things, but it just makes me go around and around, never allowing me to actually save anything and leave my page. I am consequently very aware of the fact that my page does not indicate that I am Norwegian (But, you know -I don't want to brag, either...
Oh - speaking of Norwegian pride - any of my fellow Europeans in here catch the Norwegian Wig Wam....? I am not sure whether to laugh or cry, but I suppose at least we will be noticed this time around... All attention is good attention...right...??
Hugs to all who need it, next round of butter beer on me
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dizzy lizzy - May 20, 2005 4:11 pm (#2204 of 2981)
Julia :congrats on your membership.
Barbie, my aunt had a similar experience with the bride whose wedding I attended in January. She wanted a real cake and a chocolate cake covered in that white icing. The result, one very unimpressed aunt.
She has made all the wedding cakes in our family and according to her, this brides behaviour over the cake was not good. At the reception she could be heard telling Joanne and I (the two cousins not married) not to ask for a complicated cake.
Its a lovely Saturday morning here, a crispy 10 deg cel. and clear skies. Perfect for drying clothes, but we need rain....badly.
Lizzy
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Catherine - May 20, 2005 4:14 pm (#2205 of 2981)
See? On the Forum--help will be given.
Ponine knows way more about Chinese Cresteds--and I have a feeling that in your country, dog breeding isn't as, um, irresponsible as it here. I know from my experience with dog rescue that Chinese Cresteds (along with other sweet companion breeds) can be victimized by ignorant or uncaring people.
Anyway, to back up to my previous post...good research and thought is the key to enjoying a pet. I'm pleased that our pets at the Humane Society undergo obedience training before they are adopted, and I am grateful for the funds and contributions of time and resources that make this possible. It means that we place pets well most of the time, and get a good reputation for doing so, so we have earned a level of trust that helps future placements.
Enough. I occasionally rant about animals, and I've been boring long enough.
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Penny Lane. - May 20, 2005 4:40 pm (#2206 of 2981)
Julia: I was a server at Red Lobster for about a year. Horrible job. I feel your pain. Also, the leg/feet/back pain does go away once you are used to it.. so about the time you go back to school, you should be pain free and loving your job. :-) J/K, it's more like a week. If you have money to spare on shoes, check out "Shoes for Crews." They have great non-slip shoes that are designed specially for people in the food industry who are on their feet all day. Some of them are even almost stylish. My mom wears mine to church sometimes.
RE: movie trailers: Why is it a trailer, if it's in the middle of "Smallville" or before "Spy Kids 3: Revenge of the Teens"? Shouldn't it be a TV advertisement or a ... well some other term that makes more sense?
I am seriously going insane at home here. I need it to be august so I can go back to school. Well, actually first I need it to be next week Wednesday so I can watch "Lost", then I need it to be August. I'm SO bored.
Dogs: I really want a poodle, a shiz-tzo (Catherine, I can't spell), or a Bishion Frise. But, first I need my own place. I didn't know they had poodle/shiz-tsu breeds. My old neighbors had a Labradoodle, and it was the worst dog ever. I would go over to watch their 8 year old, and would spend the entire night dealing with the hyperactive dog of doom.
I like cake, but I don't like frosting. And I don't really like wedding cake, so maybe I'll just get some sort of desert tray thing when that time comes. I dont' think my family really likes cake much either, because the last few wedding i've attended for family member I remember conversations about the pointlessness of wedding cake. Yes, they would actually discuss the fact that no one liked the cake and yet all felt obligated to eat it. So rude.
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Chemyst - May 20, 2005 4:44 pm (#2207 of 2981)
... since you asked about saving the wedding cake
We had our cake top on our first anniversary, but since we'd moved twice, and since one of those moves was a hour and a half drive, and since we didn't have a really cold freezer - just the refrigerator/freezer combination, the cake dried out and shrank away from the icing so that as soon as it began to thaw, it started calving. (No, not giving birth to little cows, but breaking off chunks of icing.) The wedding cake itself had been three layers. The largest bottom one was German chocolate. The woman who made it for us said if we wanted chocolate, it had to be German chocolate, not dark chocolate because that would avoid most of the aforementioned crumb problems. The middle layer was a traditional white. I trusted the cakemaker for the right size for 80 guests – the chocolate was completely gone and there was so little of the white left that it easily fit on a standard dinner plate; she'd figured that right down to the margin of safety! I remember it because the cake lady would give us a refund for returning the white columns and supports and I had to get those collected and given to a family member before leaving on the honeymoon.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 4:44 pm (#2208 of 2981)
A friend of mine has the most titled Crested (Powderpuff) in the US. I have not seen her in a few years but at 11 years old, Sage was out running agility and earning more titles. He was a breed champion, obedience, tracking and agility titled. He was bred locally by a well known breeder (who no longer has Cresteds) and if I ever got a Crested, I would want a Powderpuff.
Be realistic when speaking to a breeder, shelter, humane society about what you want in a dog and they can match up better with a dog that will suit you and your family. There are many, many, many purebred dogs waiting for homes and their only "crime" is that the OWNERS were at fault, not the dog.
Do research on the breed you are interested in and know what you are getting. I grind my teeth when I see apartment dwellers get a herding breed and go to work all day. A short time later, that dog ends up in a shelter for eating the couch. You can't get a working breed and expect it to be a couch potato. On the other hand, you can't get a lap dog and expect to take the agility world by storm.
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Amilia Smith - May 20, 2005 4:47 pm (#2209 of 2981)
My grandpa wanted to make my mother a traditional wedding fruit cake. She put her foot down, and said, "No way." My folks had a carrot cake wedding cake, and served rootbeer and popcorn balls at their reception.
Mills.
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Finn BV - May 20, 2005 5:08 pm (#2210 of 2981)
W00T! Go Norwegians! (and Irish) My name is Finn Vigeland (I am 12, live in NYC, born in Buffalo, NY) but my heritage is Irish and Norwegian.
PS - No I am not related to Gustav Vigeland but there is a long story behind that, Ponine…
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Emily - May 20, 2005 5:57 pm (#2211 of 2981)
Hey Ya'll!
Wow, It's been like forever since I've been on here. For some reason I'm just really happy, so don't mind me. Here, I'll list the reasons:
1)I've been on the Lex Forum at least two hours today catching up
2)It's a weekend
3)10 DAYS OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, It's great to see you here, there's usually like 20 billion posts so I don't bother.
All this talk about dogs is interesting, but I have to put in: I have the cutest kitty in the world!. Of course that's up for debate, but it is my personal belief.
So I've been rambling for a while now and I'll just go back to my normal threads.
Bye!
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Ponine - May 20, 2005 6:26 pm (#2212 of 2981)
Finn Vigeland... Now that is a good Norwegian name if I ever heard one... but not related, eh? lol - I assume it has come up a time or two before, then...
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Penny Lane. - May 20, 2005 6:43 pm (#2213 of 2981)
You can't have the cutest kitty in the world. I do.
We had a poodle before, and I do know how to do research. Catherine also showed me this petfinder.com site which helped me to find my friend a "used" purebred dog.
Is anyone else watching this Muppet Wizard of Oz thing? Heheh. It's cute.
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B]Pinky[/B] - May 20, 2005 7:47 pm (#2214 of 2981)
Squeeeeee!!!!!! Penny - I want it! Is it actually good? It's coming out on DVD 2 days after my birthday. (I just looked it up.) I love the Muppets. Let me know if it really is good, so I can add it to my birthday list.
I really think you should buy all the Crisco at once and say it is for a back yard wrestling match, just for fun
I absolutely agree with Ponine. If you can say it with a straight face, you'll get a priceless look from the poor clerk. My mother-in-law who also bakes cakes, tried to get me to agree to a part styrofoam cake. I had never heard of that before, so I looked at her as if she had 2 heads. As she was driving to NC from Canada, she wasn't the one making the cake. My cake was all cake, but it was also an appropriate size, and somewhat simple. We ate our topper on our 1 month anniversary to avoid possible freezer burn ruining a delicious cake.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 8:10 pm (#2215 of 2981)
My MIL chose the cake we had at our reception...cherry nut cake BLECH!! I don't really like cherry in the first place and add in there it was a nut cake and you can see I barely managed to choke a teeny bite down. She saved the top for us but fate smiled upon us. Her freezer went on the fritz and it was ruined before our first anniversary!! Yay! The kicker of the story is that SHE picked out the cake and then asked Mr. Denise for a check to cover the cost! It was a beautiful looking cake, it just tasted awful (to me).
Now, 6 months later, we had a second reception in California with my family (We got married in KY, his family was in MI, mine in CA). That cake was wonderful (and I got to pick it out!). It was a white sheet cake with fresh raspberry filling. I would have gladly eaten some on our first anniversary had there been any left.
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Elanor - May 20, 2005 11:33 pm (#2216 of 2981)
Hello! Time for me to wish you a great weekend since it is Saturday morning here. Yesterday was a perfect summer day but storms came in the evening and it is likely the whole weekend will be stormy. I don't mind though because I have so much work to do, both for school and the Accio paper, that I won't be able to go out much anyway.
Today I should receive the Episode III soundtrack I ordered, it should really light up that cloudy day. Sarah, you're right, John Williams is awesome! I can't wait to see the DVD that goes with it too, with musics and videos from the whole saga. Has any of you seen it?
I hope things are not too crazy for you at the theater Mike! BTW, is your theater a digital one? It must be great to see it in that kind of theater!
About cemetaries, I love visiting them too. Especially very old ones around old churches. They are so peaceful and you can read the history of a region in it if you look carefully, I love that!
Have a great night/day everybody!
Edit: as it is already the 21rst here, I can wish your son a very happy birthday Denise!
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dizzy lizzy - May 21, 2005 12:14 am (#2217 of 2981)
I'll second Elanor's birthday wishes for Denises' Iain. Happy Birthday Iain!!
Lizzy
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Lina - May 21, 2005 3:11 am (#2218 of 2981)
Happy birthday to Jordan and Iain!
TBrightwater, congratulations to your mom!
John Bumbledore: I was at university when my mom had a "mild" heart attack. She made it through that, and has not had trouble since (it was back about 1987).
It reminds me my grandfather: he had Tuberculosis when he was around 20, he lost all the teeth when he was around 35, he almost died because he couldn't eat, he had a heart attack when he was around 50. They discovered he had a cancer when he was 90. He asked a doctor if he had to stop smoking and the doctor replied that he was allowed to do whatever his wishes were, they never met a person who started to have a cancer at that age. He died when he was 97. Is there anybody able to say what caused it?
Julia, I know exactly how you feel (jumping out of happiness) and I'm so happy for you, congratulations! You are one of the members on this Forum that I thought deserve it more than I do.
Thora, I read somewhere about Mexican dogs - very special dogs that have no fur at all but I don't know anything more about them. And I do believe that dogs that need to have their fur cut (like puddles) are less dangerous for allergic people.
Catherine: I'm pleased that our pets at the Humane Society undergo obedience training before they are adopted...
Oh, I think that's great! That's something that would really make a person come there to pick a dog. We were planning to go to our local shelter to take a dog at the time that I started to need one, but before we managed to do it, we found our dog at our doorstep. Before that I wanted to have a male dog because you don't have to worry about puppies, but this one was female and now I'm glad about it. Our first dog was male and it was a real shock to me because it was my dad (who never wanted to have a dog) who persuaded me to take it. We had a yard at that time. But yes, he stayed alone at home too much and liked to run away. One time he never came back and I decided not to have a dog until my children don't start going to school. We have schools working in shifts here, so the dog wouldn't be alone any more. And female dogs don't like to run away from home, at least it is my experience. And we moved closer to my mum and my sister who have a female dog too, it would be a great problem now if we had a male dog.
Ponine, my daughter says that she watched a show on tv where they talked about prof. Baltazar and there she gathered all information about it. It seems that they are doing a new series now with 3D animation. I'm always skeptic about it because I'm afraid that the good part might be ruined. Well, this daughter of mine is really crazy about useless informations. The more useless they are, the easier she memorizes them, that's why she has problems with Science. And she watches tv way too much, but I don't have the heart to forbid it to her because she is doing well at school (except for that Science part). The point is that she learned English and Spanish quite well too, just by watching tv shows and soap operas. When she started to learn english at school (4th grade - 10 years), the teacher was surprised with her knowledge, she knew it better that the children who started to learn English in first grade. So, tv is not as useless as it seems.
Sorry for the long post. And all of you I haven't addressed in it, don't think that I didn't enjoy reading your posts too.
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Detail Seeker - May 21, 2005 5:41 am (#2219 of 2981)
Cornelia (some 40 posts ago), you asked CC ?
Yes, since 1985 I was there every year.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 5:55 am (#2220 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Iain!
On the other hand, you can't get a lap dog and expect to take the agility world by storm.
Tee hee! Shih-tzus are notoriously inconsistent in obedience and agility. Books about shih-tzus are filled with funny stories about how such dogs will stop in the middle of a trial and walk over to a stranger to be petted, or will flop down and refuse to finish.
Denise, I grit my teeth about people who get the wrong breed for their needs/lifestyle. We've had our share of Border Collies in our shelter whose only "crime" was that they acted according to their nature and chase pets, kids, and cars. One Border Collie who was left alone all day used to unmake all the beds in the house, which I thought was hilarious, but the owner was not amused. (I thought a the owner should teach the dog to make up the beds instead! ) He has a good home now, and rumor has it that he's doing agility trials, so it sounds like a happy ending.
My girls have ballet performances at the university theater today and tomorrow, so it looks to be a very girly weekend. Their costumes are so cute! The only bad thing is that despite tutoring and links from Pinky, I am still not exactly skilled at french-braiding their hair with excellent results. I tried to bribe my babysitter to return from the beach to do their hair, but no cigar. Let's hope that I can rise to the occasion today.
Have a good Saturday!
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boop - May 21, 2005 7:00 am (#2221 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Iain! have a wonderful day!
Everyone have a great weekend!
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Loopy Lupin - May 21, 2005 7:18 am (#2222 of 2981)
........... I've been boring long enough.--- Catherine
Promise?
Hello everyone. Whew! Been a couple of long days this week in depositions. (For those who don't know, "depositions" are a pre-trial type deal where an attorney gets a crack at asking questions of the opposing party. It is done live, face-to-face, and in person.) Anyway after about 9 hours of depositions yesterday, my client and the other party got together without us attorneys and settled part of the case. Sheesh! If this type of thing becomes a trend, I might have to find something productive and useful to do with my life.
Happy Birthday to Iain. By the way, is that pronounced "e-un" or "een" like on Seinfield .
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Sirius Lee - May 21, 2005 7:23 am (#2223 of 2981)
Penny Lane RE: movie trailers: Why is it a trailer, if it's in the middle of "Smallville" or before "Spy Kids 3: Revenge of the Teens"? Shouldn't it be a TV advertisement or a ... well some other term that makes more sense?
Trailers got their name because they were originally shown AFTER a newsreel or supporting feature. They were attached to the end of the reel to make it easier for the projectionist. The name stuck even after making the move to TV.
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 7:28 am (#2224 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Iain. By the way, is that pronounced "e-un" or "een" like on Seinfield . .
Ian is the traditional Irish way of spelling the name while Iain is the Scots version. Mr. Denise suggested the name and I agreed if we used the Scottish spelling.
Iain Niall= E-in Kneel
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mike miller - May 21, 2005 8:10 am (#2225 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Iain!
Denise - Just out of curiosity, you can tell me to skiv off if it's too personal, but what is the longest gap between birthdays at your house?
In case anyone is interested, I spent some of my recently acquired birthday money on a PoA replica Harry's wand from Noble Collection. I give it a 4 Star rating; easy to order, quick to deliver and great product quality. However, it must be missing it's core because it does not seem to work.
Maybe I need proper training....
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T Brightwater - May 21, 2005 8:25 am (#2226 of 2981)
Happy birthday, Iain and Jordan! Thanks to everyone for their congratulations to my mother, I'll pass them on.
Catherine, you should copyright that mug design - do you have any idea how many musicians, caterers, florists, photographers, etc. etc. would love to have one of those?
Congratulations Julia!
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Winky Woo - May 21, 2005 8:27 am (#2227 of 2981)
Just a quick hello to everyone! It's the big build up to the Eurovision Song contest, which promotes European harmony as people all vote for their neighbouring countries songs regardless of whether the song is any good! Old feuds still run deep and without straying into politics there are certain countries which most certainly won't be voting for each other! Its really great fun and I will be glued to my TV to watch some of the best and most awful tunes to come out of Europe with Glamourous/trashy costumes. Is anyone else watching it?
Edit Poine, I didn't catch Wig Wam, but I'll certainly think of you tonight when they come on!
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 9:09 am (#2228 of 2981)
Sheesh! If this type of thing becomes a trend, I might have to find something productive and useful to do with my life. --Loopy Lupin
What a loss for the Forum! Worst idea ever!
By the way, I googled "Bridezilla" and found the mug used in my avatar. Sadly, I can't take any credit for it.
Off to primp Claire for her performance. I had to explain "break a leg" to her when someone said that to her today, as she hadn't encountered that saying before.
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:29 am (#2229 of 2981)
Mike, naw, it is a fair questions. This is no secret
Kristen and Alex have 18 months between them.
Alex and Nicholas have not quite 10 years between them but I didn't give birth to Kristen or Alex so I kinda discount that gap. We only had Kristen and Alex in our home 3 years before Nicholas.
Nicholas and Ryan have 14 months between them
Ryan and Devin have not quite 18 months between them
Devin and Kaitlyn have just over 14 months between them
Kaitlyn and Iain have 4 years, 3 months between them
Iain and Kierynn have 22 months between them
Kierynn and Baby P will have 2 years, almost 6 months between them
The largest gap between one sibling and the next, barring Alex and Nicholas, is Kaitlyn and Iain. The gap between child #1 and child #9 will be between Kristen and Baby P..there will be 23 years, almost 9 months between them. Kristen has been asked since she was about 16 if the younger siblings were her babies. She laughs, they look at the person in disgust and say "No! She is my sister!" She also thinks that since there is a large gap, they should give her the respect they give an adult. They give her the same respect they give any other sibling, much to her dismay.
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 9:39 am (#2230 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Iain!
Denise and Julia, yes, I know that child in "ER" certainly does not act very sweet and angelic. I should've been more specific -- I was referring only to his face. His little face just looked so innocent and vulnerable as he was standing there beside the highway. Kinda like a little baby harp seal awaiting the club or something. Or maybe it was just the Molly in me coming out.
Speaking of facial expressions, I've been meaning to mention this for awhile -- was it just me, or did Willard on "Survivor" remind anyone else of a big silverback gorilla? They kept showing a scene of him sitting in the hammock and observing everyone else, and I just cracked up every time because it looked exactly like the expression on one of those big huge gorillas sitting behind the glass at the zoo and looking out at all the people looking in at him. Denise, congrats on your Katie getting as far as she did -- I never would've thunk it. I read her bio on the website and listened to her pre-show audition tape, and I thought "Man, she's gonna be one of the first ones out." Good on her.
TBrightwater, congrats on your Mom's driving test! and thanks for the offer of the applebutter recipe. I know how to make it, but there's just no substitute for Grandma's. She never wrote any of her recipes down, so the best we can do is just take a stab at it and hope for the best. Her rolls warm out of the oven with real homemade butter --- oh, they were just divine! I remember as a kid asking her how to make them, and she was so funny... "Oh, just a little bit of such-and-such" "How much, Grandma?" "Oh, I don't know, just until it looks right." Great.... And her cinnamon sweet rolls, and apple dumplings, and oh my gosh I'm really hungry.....
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:46 am (#2231 of 2981)
Now that you mention it, I can see what you mean about Willard! LOL I thought for sure my Katie was a goner too. After reading her bio when I first was awarded her as my partner, I said I thought she would be gone quick. I also agree, on ER, he is a cute kid but boy, the character (and the mom). Yikes!
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 9:54 am (#2232 of 2981)
Yeah, what is up with that lady? She should be all over staying together with Luka and confronting the truth with her kid about her ex. Now look where it's got her. Silly woman!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:56 am (#2233 of 2981)
Knowing that the kid has a HUGE blind spot about Dad and knowing Dad is little more than a 11 year old trapped in a man's body, WHY did she allow that letter to go to Alex without screening it? I bet Dad encouraged him to find a way out. I know I would have been screening the letters.
I know it is tricky to give info about a dead beat spouse to a child but at his age, he is old enough to listen and accept some truths about his dad.
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Ydnam96 - May 21, 2005 11:08 am (#2234 of 2981)
Denise, did you adopt two of your children? I have always thought adoption was the coolest thing. If I ever marry, I think that is the way I will go, I have no desire to have children of my own, but I feel strongly about leaving children in foster care. When I was a child my parents were foster parents for two cousins of mine. We did not want them to be put into the foster system in CA.
Anyway...your description of your children's ages made me wonder
You sure are super mom!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 11:11 am (#2235 of 2981)
Mandy, yes. They were 6 and 8 when they joined our family but the adoption was not finalized until they were 10 and 11.
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Penny Lane. - May 21, 2005 11:11 am (#2236 of 2981)
I'm curious about when their birthdays are: Do they all cluster together over 2-3 months, or are their birthday parties spread throughout the year? Unless, of course you take on the attitude of my parents and think that birthdays are pointless, and that the child should make the parent a gift . . .. Hopefully no. I always wanted a party.
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 11:23 am (#2237 of 2981)
Not in birth order but in calender order:
January 7, February 28, March 4, April 24, May 21, June 23, June 25, (August....not born yet), December 12
We don't do birthday parties until they are in school and once they hit about 12, we don't do birthday parties. They can invite a friend to a movie or something similar but no more 12 kids, cakes etc. They do get a family birthday party, with cake and they also choose where they want to go out to eat or what they want me to fix. Tonight, Iain chose IHOP for dinner.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 21, 2005 11:33 am (#2238 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Iain.
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mike miller - May 21, 2005 11:53 am (#2239 of 2981)
Well Denise, your calendar is pretty full! At least you get a break in the Fall.
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Chemyst - May 21, 2005 11:57 am (#2240 of 2981)
I had to smile at your Grandma's Recipe story Madam Pince. With my grandmother, it was her "pioneer cake" (which was called that because it did not use any refrigerated ingredients). When questioned about how to make it, she always gave the "just until it looks right" answer too. Then when my mom and her sisters were planning for my grandma's 80th birthday, they forced her to write down a recipe for it. She did, but the ingredients list has things like two handfuls of raisins, a big spoonful of cocoa, 1 1/3 cup water?? if water, then warm water, a small spoon of (baking) soda, you may wish to add nuts, etc. So even though she left us with a recipe, it is still an adventure to make it!
Very cool Denise, so even the two that are only four or five days apart (leap years) still get their own months!
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GryffEndora - May 21, 2005 1:15 pm (#2241 of 2981)
Hey All!!!
It's been a few days since I've posted here but I've been reading every day.
Mrs. Sirius - My deepest sympathy to you and your friend.
Fleur-de-lys - I'm happy to hear your mom is doing better. It might be worth it to ask the pharmacist if there is a recommended time of the day for each pill. Some work best if taken in the morning before breakfast, some with a meal and some before bed time. My Grandmother switched pharmacies and the new pharmacy gave her all these tips on how and when to take her meds and she actually had some improvement just by changing when she took the pill.
Ydnam96 – where do you work? Are they hiring?
T Brightwater - I'm so happy to hear that your mother has regained her independence. I know from experience. When my mother had to stop driving, it was painful. She just kept saying, but I can just run down to the store etc... Finally I had to keep her keys with me so she wouldn't be tempted. The last thing you want is someone driving a car who has no problem solving skills, is easily confused in stressful situations and has a bad memory.
Julia & Lina - the memberships are sooooo cool. This place is the best! Congratulations!
Happy Birthday to Jordan & Iain
We've had a lot of rain here lately, but then the sun will peak through for an hour or two. One of the most popular pastimes in Minnesota is complaining about the weather. It usually doesn't bother me though. I figure if the weather gets too predictable then we'll get soft and forget why we love living here. Wait, why do we love living here? I don't know. Something about nature and 4 seasons and Mosquitos and road construction I think. Anyway, even though it's been rainy I've been in a great mood! I made a big change in my life style after my recent illness and I'm really happy about it. I've stopped drinking pop/soda and stopped eating fast food. I'm drinking a lot of water and eating a lot of vegetables. I think the nutrients are making me happy! Yay nutrients!
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and that summer break comes soon for those wishing for it.
To the person who wants to watch next week's Lost and then wants August to get here because they are bored may I just say, how about Lost then July? Surely HBP will relieve the boredom between July and August!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 1:34 pm (#2242 of 2981)
Chemyst, we have a chili sauce recipe from a great, great grandmother that is similar. It called for 2 apple sized onions. Well, what kind of apple and what time of year? LOL I ended up sitting with Mr. Denise's grandmother and quizzing her about it to get more modern measurements. I have the original recipe written down with modern measurements on the side. That chili sauce is really a basic tomato sauce that can be used to make chili, sloppy joes, lasagna or spaghetti. One thing that was not clear to me, a novice cook at the time, was that the tomatoes needed to be peeled. I made the first batch with peels and had little curls of tomato skin in it.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 1:56 pm (#2243 of 2981)
One thing that was not clear to me, a novice cook at the time time, was that the tomatoes needed to be peeled. I made the first batch with peels and had little curls of tomato skin in it. –Denise
Mmm...tomato skin curls...at least it was chock-full of fiber.
My great aunt's recipe for rolls is like that--you have to actually watch the person make it once, and estimate the amounts of liquid and solid ingredients. My grandmother's pound cake is likewise imprecise, as it's hard to know in modern terms what a "slow" oven is. The first time I made the cake it fell and was as dense as a fruit cake. About as tasty as styrofoam, actually.
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 2:51 pm (#2244 of 2981)
I am convinced that that is the difference between someone who is truly a "good cook" and someone who can get by -- whether or not you read a recipe, or if you ever get adventurous enough to just throw some things together and see what happens. I feel like I am just now starting to learn and retain the things that my Grandma probably knew from childhood -- things like exactly how much flour to put in and how long before the gravy starts to thicken, etc.
Catherine, I made a pound cake like that once. The recipe was from yet another older lady who listed several types of flavored extracts as ingredients, then put "add flavoring" in both the cake recipe, and the recipe for the topping. I wasn't sure if you were really supposed to put all that flavoring in the cake itself, but I did. In retrospect, it was probably just for the topping. Anyway, the cake fell, and although it looked awful and was quite dense, it actually tasted pretty good. I am the sort of cook who doesn't get too upset at stuff like that -- good thing, because I had a houseful of Mr. Pince's guests over for a cookout, and I just dumped the cake on a plate and said "You can either eat it, or not!" They did.
That reminds me -- remember awhile ago when we were talking about beer-can chicken? A friend of mine just introduced me to "dishwasher salmon." If you google the name the recipe will come up -- and the same site has the beer can chicken. I have not tried it yet, but my friend swore it was the best salmon she'd ever had. I plan to try it soon.
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Penny Lane. - May 21, 2005 3:51 pm (#2245 of 2981)
Gryffindor... I'm ashamed that I forgot all about July. At least I'll have something to look forward to in between the "Lost" finale and going back to school.
Denise: I made similar mistake with an apple pie. No one made it clear that I was supposed to peel the apples before cooking. Pie was still good though.
Catherine: I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is.
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timrew - May 21, 2005 3:58 pm (#2246 of 2981)
I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is.
All I know is that it's a lot slower than a fast oven.
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Loopy Lupin - May 21, 2005 4:04 pm (#2247 of 2981)
LOL Tim.
Oh, Catherine, much luck to Hayley and Claire. Break legs!!
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Ydnam96 - May 21, 2005 6:10 pm (#2248 of 2981)
So I forgot to tell all of you about my Star Wars experience!
For my job we went on a retreat and they paid for us to go to see the movie. When we got there, it was in an IMAX theater!
It was hard to watch at first because it is so big that you can not see the whole thing at once, you have to move your head around. But man was it awesome!
Yay Yoda! I won't say anything else though because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.
As far as passed down recipies. I got a recipe from a friend for the best peanut butter cookies ever. They are SO simple:
1 egg
1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or chunky your choice)
1 cup of sugar
Mix.
Bake at 325 until they look "done." Which means just before they start to look burned and are a little more solid/dry looking than when they started.
They are so yummmmmmmmmy.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 6:52 pm (#2249 of 2981)
Catherine: I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is. --Penny Lane
Well, judging by the cake's outcome, I didn't know, either. Or maybe I'm just slow.
Actually, I think it means "not hot," which is still unhelpful. Numbers, in fahrenheit, is what I understand. Also, exact baking times and clues to determining doneness help, also.
On the ballet front, it went well for Claire. Tomorrow, they both dance in the afternoon show. Did I mention that the costumes are too cute? No broken legs yet.
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fleur-de-lys - May 21, 2005 7:28 pm (#2250 of 2981)
I think a slow oven is what ours was when it bottom element wasn't working right and it took half an hour to preheat to 350 degrees. How annoying that was. I had to adjust all my recipe times and stuff still wasn't getting done right. And the hubby is very finicky about how his chicken is done. But its fixed so now we have what you would call a normal oven, I guess. I danced a jig the first time i used it afterwards. It took only a few minutes to preheat. It was amazing.
Catherine - May 20, 2005 3:40 pm (#2201 of 2981)
I guess it's getting to be time for a dog, if I can find one I'm not allergic to..... –Thora
There are a few breeds that do not bother allergic people as much. That is one reason why I have shih-tzus, but I would advise doing what my friend Tamara did when her kids begged incessantly for years for a dog. She went to all of our houses (those of us with Bichons, Poodles, Shih-Tzus) and played with them inside, and let them lick her and rub their fur on her. Turns out that she had no problem with shih-tzus or poodles, and when a "Shizoodle" came available at the Humane Society, she snapped little Roxie right up. Of course, Tamara had the added advantage that Roxie had been temperament tested with kids by "Yours Truly," so she felt good about getting her.
FYI, Chinese Cresteds are supposed to be OK for dog-allergic people, but they don't appeal to me much; in NC they are a victim of puppy mill breeding, and I don't know much about their personalities, so I didn't mention them. Sorry if I offended.
Long term members of the Chat Thread will know that I am passionate about dogs although as Mr. Catherine says, I am the weird Shih-tzu lady.
Happy Friday.
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Phoenix song - May 20, 2005 3:51 pm (#2202 of 2981)
Catherine, Oh my! I'm afraid that I may have to have my laptop worked on now since I've literally had my first SPEW moment! Your tagline is way too funny! And now that I've seen your "Bridezilla" mug, I won't have to wonder what I'm going to get the Bride for a gift! You've managed to not only make me laugh, but also provided a meaningful gift-idea service to me! My deepest appreciation!
John, it's not uncommon here to term the serving of patrons in restaurants as "waitressing". Waiting on tables is what we would normally do when we've arrived at a popular restaurant on a busy Saturday night!
It's a tough job, Julia, I hope that on the whole it's very profitable and enjoyable for you. Don't worry about your double-avatars. I'm sure that we'll look back and remember your ingenuity at providing your own avatar despite the change.
Barbie
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Ponine - May 20, 2005 4:03 pm (#2203 of 2981)
oook - I was going to try to plow through all the other threads I have not been able to read as of late, but I HAD to add something to what Catherine was saying above.... I have a Chinese Crested - a powderpuff, to be precise... (A hairy one, in other words...) They are known to be good for people with allergies, as they have hair and not fur, but most people with severe allergies still react to him, albeit not nearly as strongly as they normally would. I could write volumes on his personality, but I will spare you all - well - actually - for all non-dog people - skip this paragraph
My Mio is extremely bubbly, with a great sense of humor. They are generally needy dogs, and do not take well to being left alone every day to themselves. Depending on the coat, powder puffs may need A LOT of grooming, and while Mio's coat is show dog perfect, it is a pain in the butt... In some ways they are catlike in their approach to strangers, but love company, and will truly schmooze their way into anyone's heart, whether they initially are welcome there or not... They are fussy eaters, and may overeat, or decide that they only want truffles with cranberry sauce, and rather starve than eat anything else... Overall, I would say the cresties are an awesome, fun, odd breed, but not for everyone, and I would not reccommend them as a firt dog or for a family with very active children. They are always up for fun, but small, after all...
(Prettiest picture in the world available on request...) (Yes, I am sickeningly obsessed with him... **blushin**)Ok. ahem... Enough about my puppy...
Congratulations to Brightwater's mom, best of luck on styrofoam baking (I really think you should buy all the Crisco at once and say it is for a back yard wrestling match, just for fun), yey for upcoming graduations, and Lina - I can't believe your daughter!?!? How in the world would she know that?!? I mean, I have not seen that show for - what - fifteen, twenty years? But I loved it, and it is such a catchy tune ***humming Balt - Balt - Balthazar....***Oh, and I am aware of the fact that my profile is lacking, but I can't figure out how to change it
I have repeatedly tried to change it and add little things, but it just makes me go around and around, never allowing me to actually save anything and leave my page. I am consequently very aware of the fact that my page does not indicate that I am Norwegian (But, you know -I don't want to brag, either... Oh - speaking of Norwegian pride - any of my fellow Europeans in here catch the Norwegian Wig Wam....? I am not sure whether to laugh or cry, but I suppose at least we will be noticed this time around... All attention is good attention...right...??
Hugs to all who need it, next round of butter beer on me
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dizzy lizzy - May 20, 2005 4:11 pm (#2204 of 2981)
Julia :congrats on your membership.
Barbie, my aunt had a similar experience with the bride whose wedding I attended in January. She wanted a real cake and a chocolate cake covered in that white icing. The result, one very unimpressed aunt.
She has made all the wedding cakes in our family and according to her, this brides behaviour over the cake was not good. At the reception she could be heard telling Joanne and I (the two cousins not married) not to ask for a complicated cake.
Its a lovely Saturday morning here, a crispy 10 deg cel. and clear skies. Perfect for drying clothes, but we need rain....badly.
Lizzy
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Catherine - May 20, 2005 4:14 pm (#2205 of 2981)
See? On the Forum--help will be given.
Ponine knows way more about Chinese Cresteds--and I have a feeling that in your country, dog breeding isn't as, um, irresponsible as it here. I know from my experience with dog rescue that Chinese Cresteds (along with other sweet companion breeds) can be victimized by ignorant or uncaring people.
Anyway, to back up to my previous post...good research and thought is the key to enjoying a pet. I'm pleased that our pets at the Humane Society undergo obedience training before they are adopted, and I am grateful for the funds and contributions of time and resources that make this possible. It means that we place pets well most of the time, and get a good reputation for doing so, so we have earned a level of trust that helps future placements.
Enough. I occasionally rant about animals, and I've been boring long enough.
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Penny Lane. - May 20, 2005 4:40 pm (#2206 of 2981)
Julia: I was a server at Red Lobster for about a year. Horrible job. I feel your pain. Also, the leg/feet/back pain does go away once you are used to it.. so about the time you go back to school, you should be pain free and loving your job. :-) J/K, it's more like a week. If you have money to spare on shoes, check out "Shoes for Crews." They have great non-slip shoes that are designed specially for people in the food industry who are on their feet all day. Some of them are even almost stylish. My mom wears mine to church sometimes.
RE: movie trailers: Why is it a trailer, if it's in the middle of "Smallville" or before "Spy Kids 3: Revenge of the Teens"? Shouldn't it be a TV advertisement or a ... well some other term that makes more sense?
I am seriously going insane at home here. I need it to be august so I can go back to school. Well, actually first I need it to be next week Wednesday so I can watch "Lost", then I need it to be August. I'm SO bored.
Dogs: I really want a poodle, a shiz-tzo (Catherine, I can't spell), or a Bishion Frise. But, first I need my own place. I didn't know they had poodle/shiz-tsu breeds. My old neighbors had a Labradoodle, and it was the worst dog ever. I would go over to watch their 8 year old, and would spend the entire night dealing with the hyperactive dog of doom.
I like cake, but I don't like frosting. And I don't really like wedding cake, so maybe I'll just get some sort of desert tray thing when that time comes. I dont' think my family really likes cake much either, because the last few wedding i've attended for family member I remember conversations about the pointlessness of wedding cake. Yes, they would actually discuss the fact that no one liked the cake and yet all felt obligated to eat it. So rude.
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Chemyst - May 20, 2005 4:44 pm (#2207 of 2981)
... since you asked about saving the wedding cake
We had our cake top on our first anniversary, but since we'd moved twice, and since one of those moves was a hour and a half drive, and since we didn't have a really cold freezer - just the refrigerator/freezer combination, the cake dried out and shrank away from the icing so that as soon as it began to thaw, it started calving. (No, not giving birth to little cows, but breaking off chunks of icing.) The wedding cake itself had been three layers. The largest bottom one was German chocolate. The woman who made it for us said if we wanted chocolate, it had to be German chocolate, not dark chocolate because that would avoid most of the aforementioned crumb problems. The middle layer was a traditional white. I trusted the cakemaker for the right size for 80 guests – the chocolate was completely gone and there was so little of the white left that it easily fit on a standard dinner plate; she'd figured that right down to the margin of safety! I remember it because the cake lady would give us a refund for returning the white columns and supports and I had to get those collected and given to a family member before leaving on the honeymoon.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 4:44 pm (#2208 of 2981)
A friend of mine has the most titled Crested (Powderpuff) in the US. I have not seen her in a few years but at 11 years old, Sage was out running agility and earning more titles. He was a breed champion, obedience, tracking and agility titled. He was bred locally by a well known breeder (who no longer has Cresteds) and if I ever got a Crested, I would want a Powderpuff.
Be realistic when speaking to a breeder, shelter, humane society about what you want in a dog and they can match up better with a dog that will suit you and your family. There are many, many, many purebred dogs waiting for homes and their only "crime" is that the OWNERS were at fault, not the dog.
Do research on the breed you are interested in and know what you are getting. I grind my teeth when I see apartment dwellers get a herding breed and go to work all day. A short time later, that dog ends up in a shelter for eating the couch. You can't get a working breed and expect it to be a couch potato. On the other hand, you can't get a lap dog and expect to take the agility world by storm.
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Amilia Smith - May 20, 2005 4:47 pm (#2209 of 2981)
My grandpa wanted to make my mother a traditional wedding fruit cake. She put her foot down, and said, "No way." My folks had a carrot cake wedding cake, and served rootbeer and popcorn balls at their reception.
Mills.
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Finn BV - May 20, 2005 5:08 pm (#2210 of 2981)
W00T! Go Norwegians! (and Irish) My name is Finn Vigeland (I am 12, live in NYC, born in Buffalo, NY) but my heritage is Irish and Norwegian.
PS - No I am not related to Gustav Vigeland but there is a long story behind that, Ponine…
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Emily - May 20, 2005 5:57 pm (#2211 of 2981)
Hey Ya'll!
Wow, It's been like forever since I've been on here. For some reason I'm just really happy, so don't mind me. Here, I'll list the reasons:
1)I've been on the Lex Forum at least two hours today catching up
2)It's a weekend
3)10 DAYS OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, It's great to see you here, there's usually like 20 billion posts so I don't bother.
All this talk about dogs is interesting, but I have to put in: I have the cutest kitty in the world!. Of course that's up for debate, but it is my personal belief.
So I've been rambling for a while now and I'll just go back to my normal threads.
Bye!
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Ponine - May 20, 2005 6:26 pm (#2212 of 2981)
Finn Vigeland... Now that is a good Norwegian name if I ever heard one... but not related, eh? lol - I assume it has come up a time or two before, then...
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Penny Lane. - May 20, 2005 6:43 pm (#2213 of 2981)
You can't have the cutest kitty in the world. I do.
We had a poodle before, and I do know how to do research. Catherine also showed me this petfinder.com site which helped me to find my friend a "used" purebred dog.
Is anyone else watching this Muppet Wizard of Oz thing? Heheh. It's cute.
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B]Pinky[/B] - May 20, 2005 7:47 pm (#2214 of 2981)
Squeeeeee!!!!!! Penny - I want it! Is it actually good? It's coming out on DVD 2 days after my birthday. (I just looked it up.) I love the Muppets. Let me know if it really is good, so I can add it to my birthday list.
I really think you should buy all the Crisco at once and say it is for a back yard wrestling match, just for fun
I absolutely agree with Ponine. If you can say it with a straight face, you'll get a priceless look from the poor clerk. My mother-in-law who also bakes cakes, tried to get me to agree to a part styrofoam cake. I had never heard of that before, so I looked at her as if she had 2 heads. As she was driving to NC from Canada, she wasn't the one making the cake. My cake was all cake, but it was also an appropriate size, and somewhat simple. We ate our topper on our 1 month anniversary to avoid possible freezer burn ruining a delicious cake.
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Denise P. - May 20, 2005 8:10 pm (#2215 of 2981)
My MIL chose the cake we had at our reception...cherry nut cake BLECH!! I don't really like cherry in the first place and add in there it was a nut cake and you can see I barely managed to choke a teeny bite down. She saved the top for us but fate smiled upon us. Her freezer went on the fritz and it was ruined before our first anniversary!! Yay! The kicker of the story is that SHE picked out the cake and then asked Mr. Denise for a check to cover the cost! It was a beautiful looking cake, it just tasted awful (to me).
Now, 6 months later, we had a second reception in California with my family (We got married in KY, his family was in MI, mine in CA). That cake was wonderful (and I got to pick it out!). It was a white sheet cake with fresh raspberry filling. I would have gladly eaten some on our first anniversary had there been any left.
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Elanor - May 20, 2005 11:33 pm (#2216 of 2981)
Hello! Time for me to wish you a great weekend since it is Saturday morning here. Yesterday was a perfect summer day but storms came in the evening and it is likely the whole weekend will be stormy. I don't mind though because I have so much work to do, both for school and the Accio paper, that I won't be able to go out much anyway.
Today I should receive the Episode III soundtrack I ordered, it should really light up that cloudy day. Sarah, you're right, John Williams is awesome! I can't wait to see the DVD that goes with it too, with musics and videos from the whole saga. Has any of you seen it?
I hope things are not too crazy for you at the theater Mike! BTW, is your theater a digital one? It must be great to see it in that kind of theater!
About cemetaries, I love visiting them too. Especially very old ones around old churches. They are so peaceful and you can read the history of a region in it if you look carefully, I love that!
Have a great night/day everybody!
Edit: as it is already the 21rst here, I can wish your son a very happy birthday Denise!
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dizzy lizzy - May 21, 2005 12:14 am (#2217 of 2981)
I'll second Elanor's birthday wishes for Denises' Iain. Happy Birthday Iain!!
Lizzy
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Lina - May 21, 2005 3:11 am (#2218 of 2981)
Happy birthday to Jordan and Iain!
TBrightwater, congratulations to your mom!
John Bumbledore: I was at university when my mom had a "mild" heart attack. She made it through that, and has not had trouble since (it was back about 1987).
It reminds me my grandfather: he had Tuberculosis when he was around 20, he lost all the teeth when he was around 35, he almost died because he couldn't eat, he had a heart attack when he was around 50. They discovered he had a cancer when he was 90. He asked a doctor if he had to stop smoking and the doctor replied that he was allowed to do whatever his wishes were, they never met a person who started to have a cancer at that age. He died when he was 97. Is there anybody able to say what caused it?
Julia, I know exactly how you feel (jumping out of happiness) and I'm so happy for you, congratulations! You are one of the members on this Forum that I thought deserve it more than I do.
Thora, I read somewhere about Mexican dogs - very special dogs that have no fur at all but I don't know anything more about them. And I do believe that dogs that need to have their fur cut (like puddles) are less dangerous for allergic people.
Catherine: I'm pleased that our pets at the Humane Society undergo obedience training before they are adopted...
Oh, I think that's great! That's something that would really make a person come there to pick a dog. We were planning to go to our local shelter to take a dog at the time that I started to need one, but before we managed to do it, we found our dog at our doorstep. Before that I wanted to have a male dog because you don't have to worry about puppies, but this one was female and now I'm glad about it. Our first dog was male and it was a real shock to me because it was my dad (who never wanted to have a dog) who persuaded me to take it. We had a yard at that time. But yes, he stayed alone at home too much and liked to run away. One time he never came back and I decided not to have a dog until my children don't start going to school. We have schools working in shifts here, so the dog wouldn't be alone any more. And female dogs don't like to run away from home, at least it is my experience. And we moved closer to my mum and my sister who have a female dog too, it would be a great problem now if we had a male dog.
Ponine, my daughter says that she watched a show on tv where they talked about prof. Baltazar and there she gathered all information about it. It seems that they are doing a new series now with 3D animation. I'm always skeptic about it because I'm afraid that the good part might be ruined. Well, this daughter of mine is really crazy about useless informations. The more useless they are, the easier she memorizes them, that's why she has problems with Science. And she watches tv way too much, but I don't have the heart to forbid it to her because she is doing well at school (except for that Science part). The point is that she learned English and Spanish quite well too, just by watching tv shows and soap operas. When she started to learn english at school (4th grade - 10 years), the teacher was surprised with her knowledge, she knew it better that the children who started to learn English in first grade. So, tv is not as useless as it seems.
Sorry for the long post. And all of you I haven't addressed in it, don't think that I didn't enjoy reading your posts too.
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Detail Seeker - May 21, 2005 5:41 am (#2219 of 2981)
Cornelia (some 40 posts ago), you asked CC ?
Yes, since 1985 I was there every year.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 5:55 am (#2220 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Iain!
On the other hand, you can't get a lap dog and expect to take the agility world by storm.
Tee hee! Shih-tzus are notoriously inconsistent in obedience and agility. Books about shih-tzus are filled with funny stories about how such dogs will stop in the middle of a trial and walk over to a stranger to be petted, or will flop down and refuse to finish.
Denise, I grit my teeth about people who get the wrong breed for their needs/lifestyle. We've had our share of Border Collies in our shelter whose only "crime" was that they acted according to their nature and chase pets, kids, and cars. One Border Collie who was left alone all day used to unmake all the beds in the house, which I thought was hilarious, but the owner was not amused. (I thought a the owner should teach the dog to make up the beds instead! ) He has a good home now, and rumor has it that he's doing agility trials, so it sounds like a happy ending.
My girls have ballet performances at the university theater today and tomorrow, so it looks to be a very girly weekend. Their costumes are so cute! The only bad thing is that despite tutoring and links from Pinky, I am still not exactly skilled at french-braiding their hair with excellent results. I tried to bribe my babysitter to return from the beach to do their hair, but no cigar. Let's hope that I can rise to the occasion today.
Have a good Saturday!
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boop - May 21, 2005 7:00 am (#2221 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Iain! have a wonderful day!
Everyone have a great weekend!
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Loopy Lupin - May 21, 2005 7:18 am (#2222 of 2981)
........... I've been boring long enough.--- Catherine
Promise?
Hello everyone. Whew! Been a couple of long days this week in depositions. (For those who don't know, "depositions" are a pre-trial type deal where an attorney gets a crack at asking questions of the opposing party. It is done live, face-to-face, and in person.) Anyway after about 9 hours of depositions yesterday, my client and the other party got together without us attorneys and settled part of the case. Sheesh! If this type of thing becomes a trend, I might have to find something productive and useful to do with my life.
Happy Birthday to Iain. By the way, is that pronounced "e-un" or "een" like on Seinfield .
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Sirius Lee - May 21, 2005 7:23 am (#2223 of 2981)
Penny Lane RE: movie trailers: Why is it a trailer, if it's in the middle of "Smallville" or before "Spy Kids 3: Revenge of the Teens"? Shouldn't it be a TV advertisement or a ... well some other term that makes more sense?
Trailers got their name because they were originally shown AFTER a newsreel or supporting feature. They were attached to the end of the reel to make it easier for the projectionist. The name stuck even after making the move to TV.
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 7:28 am (#2224 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Iain. By the way, is that pronounced "e-un" or "een" like on Seinfield . .
Ian is the traditional Irish way of spelling the name while Iain is the Scots version. Mr. Denise suggested the name and I agreed if we used the Scottish spelling.
Iain Niall= E-in Kneel
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mike miller - May 21, 2005 8:10 am (#2225 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Iain!
Denise - Just out of curiosity, you can tell me to skiv off if it's too personal, but what is the longest gap between birthdays at your house?
In case anyone is interested, I spent some of my recently acquired birthday money on a PoA replica Harry's wand from Noble Collection. I give it a 4 Star rating; easy to order, quick to deliver and great product quality. However, it must be missing it's core because it does not seem to work.
Maybe I need proper training...._____________________________________
T Brightwater - May 21, 2005 8:25 am (#2226 of 2981)
Happy birthday, Iain and Jordan! Thanks to everyone for their congratulations to my mother, I'll pass them on.
Catherine, you should copyright that mug design - do you have any idea how many musicians, caterers, florists, photographers, etc. etc. would love to have one of those?
Congratulations Julia!
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Winky Woo - May 21, 2005 8:27 am (#2227 of 2981)
Just a quick hello to everyone! It's the big build up to the Eurovision Song contest, which promotes European harmony as people all vote for their neighbouring countries songs regardless of whether the song is any good! Old feuds still run deep and without straying into politics there are certain countries which most certainly won't be voting for each other! Its really great fun and I will be glued to my TV to watch some of the best and most awful tunes to come out of Europe with Glamourous/trashy costumes. Is anyone else watching it?
Edit Poine, I didn't catch Wig Wam, but I'll certainly think of you tonight when they come on!
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 9:09 am (#2228 of 2981)
Sheesh! If this type of thing becomes a trend, I might have to find something productive and useful to do with my life. --Loopy Lupin
What a loss for the Forum! Worst idea ever!
By the way, I googled "Bridezilla" and found the mug used in my avatar. Sadly, I can't take any credit for it.
Off to primp Claire for her performance. I had to explain "break a leg" to her when someone said that to her today, as she hadn't encountered that saying before.
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:29 am (#2229 of 2981)
Mike, naw, it is a fair questions. This is no secret
Kristen and Alex have 18 months between them.
Alex and Nicholas have not quite 10 years between them but I didn't give birth to Kristen or Alex so I kinda discount that gap. We only had Kristen and Alex in our home 3 years before Nicholas.
Nicholas and Ryan have 14 months between them
Ryan and Devin have not quite 18 months between them
Devin and Kaitlyn have just over 14 months between them
Kaitlyn and Iain have 4 years, 3 months between them
Iain and Kierynn have 22 months between them
Kierynn and Baby P will have 2 years, almost 6 months between them
The largest gap between one sibling and the next, barring Alex and Nicholas, is Kaitlyn and Iain. The gap between child #1 and child #9 will be between Kristen and Baby P..there will be 23 years, almost 9 months between them. Kristen has been asked since she was about 16 if the younger siblings were her babies. She laughs, they look at the person in disgust and say "No! She is my sister!" She also thinks that since there is a large gap, they should give her the respect they give an adult. They give her the same respect they give any other sibling, much to her dismay.
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 9:39 am (#2230 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Iain!
Denise and Julia, yes, I know that child in "ER" certainly does not act very sweet and angelic. I should've been more specific -- I was referring only to his face. His little face just looked so innocent and vulnerable as he was standing there beside the highway. Kinda like a little baby harp seal awaiting the club or something. Or maybe it was just the Molly in me coming out.
Speaking of facial expressions, I've been meaning to mention this for awhile -- was it just me, or did Willard on "Survivor" remind anyone else of a big silverback gorilla? They kept showing a scene of him sitting in the hammock and observing everyone else, and I just cracked up every time because it looked exactly like the expression on one of those big huge gorillas sitting behind the glass at the zoo and looking out at all the people looking in at him. Denise, congrats on your Katie getting as far as she did -- I never would've thunk it. I read her bio on the website and listened to her pre-show audition tape, and I thought "Man, she's gonna be one of the first ones out." Good on her.
TBrightwater, congrats on your Mom's driving test! and thanks for the offer of the applebutter recipe. I know how to make it, but there's just no substitute for Grandma's. She never wrote any of her recipes down, so the best we can do is just take a stab at it and hope for the best. Her rolls warm out of the oven with real homemade butter --- oh, they were just divine! I remember as a kid asking her how to make them, and she was so funny... "Oh, just a little bit of such-and-such" "How much, Grandma?" "Oh, I don't know, just until it looks right." Great.... And her cinnamon sweet rolls, and apple dumplings, and oh my gosh I'm really hungry.....
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:46 am (#2231 of 2981)
Now that you mention it, I can see what you mean about Willard! LOL I thought for sure my Katie was a goner too. After reading her bio when I first was awarded her as my partner, I said I thought she would be gone quick. I also agree, on ER, he is a cute kid but boy, the character (and the mom). Yikes!
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 9:54 am (#2232 of 2981)
Yeah, what is up with that lady? She should be all over staying together with Luka and confronting the truth with her kid about her ex. Now look where it's got her. Silly woman!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 9:56 am (#2233 of 2981)
Knowing that the kid has a HUGE blind spot about Dad and knowing Dad is little more than a 11 year old trapped in a man's body, WHY did she allow that letter to go to Alex without screening it? I bet Dad encouraged him to find a way out. I know I would have been screening the letters.
I know it is tricky to give info about a dead beat spouse to a child but at his age, he is old enough to listen and accept some truths about his dad.
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Ydnam96 - May 21, 2005 11:08 am (#2234 of 2981)
Denise, did you adopt two of your children? I have always thought adoption was the coolest thing. If I ever marry, I think that is the way I will go, I have no desire to have children of my own, but I feel strongly about leaving children in foster care. When I was a child my parents were foster parents for two cousins of mine. We did not want them to be put into the foster system in CA.
Anyway...your description of your children's ages made me wonder
You sure are super mom!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 11:11 am (#2235 of 2981)
Mandy, yes. They were 6 and 8 when they joined our family but the adoption was not finalized until they were 10 and 11.
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Penny Lane. - May 21, 2005 11:11 am (#2236 of 2981)
I'm curious about when their birthdays are: Do they all cluster together over 2-3 months, or are their birthday parties spread throughout the year? Unless, of course you take on the attitude of my parents and think that birthdays are pointless, and that the child should make the parent a gift . . .
. Hopefully no. I always wanted a party._____________________________________
Denise P. - May 21, 2005 11:23 am (#2237 of 2981)
Not in birth order but in calender order:
January 7, February 28, March 4, April 24, May 21, June 23, June 25, (August....not born yet), December 12
We don't do birthday parties until they are in school and once they hit about 12, we don't do birthday parties. They can invite a friend to a movie or something similar but no more 12 kids, cakes etc. They do get a family birthday party, with cake and they also choose where they want to go out to eat or what they want me to fix. Tonight, Iain chose IHOP for dinner.
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I Am Used Vlad - May 21, 2005 11:33 am (#2238 of 2981)
Happy Birthday, Iain.
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mike miller - May 21, 2005 11:53 am (#2239 of 2981)
Well Denise, your calendar is pretty full! At least you get a break in the Fall.
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Chemyst - May 21, 2005 11:57 am (#2240 of 2981)
I had to smile at your Grandma's Recipe story Madam Pince. With my grandmother, it was her "pioneer cake" (which was called that because it did not use any refrigerated ingredients). When questioned about how to make it, she always gave the "just until it looks right" answer too. Then when my mom and her sisters were planning for my grandma's 80th birthday, they forced her to write down a recipe for it. She did, but the ingredients list has things like two handfuls of raisins, a big spoonful of cocoa, 1 1/3 cup water?? if water, then warm water, a small spoon of (baking) soda, you may wish to add nuts, etc. So even though she left us with a recipe, it is still an adventure to make it!
Very cool Denise, so even the two that are only four or five days apart (leap years) still get their own months!
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GryffEndora - May 21, 2005 1:15 pm (#2241 of 2981)
Hey All!!!
It's been a few days since I've posted here but I've been reading every day.
Mrs. Sirius - My deepest sympathy to you and your friend.
Fleur-de-lys - I'm happy to hear your mom is doing better. It might be worth it to ask the pharmacist if there is a recommended time of the day for each pill. Some work best if taken in the morning before breakfast, some with a meal and some before bed time. My Grandmother switched pharmacies and the new pharmacy gave her all these tips on how and when to take her meds and she actually had some improvement just by changing when she took the pill.
Ydnam96 – where do you work? Are they hiring?
T Brightwater - I'm so happy to hear that your mother has regained her independence. I know from experience. When my mother had to stop driving, it was painful. She just kept saying, but I can just run down to the store etc... Finally I had to keep her keys with me so she wouldn't be tempted. The last thing you want is someone driving a car who has no problem solving skills, is easily confused in stressful situations and has a bad memory.
Julia & Lina - the memberships are sooooo cool. This place is the best! Congratulations!
Happy Birthday to Jordan & Iain
We've had a lot of rain here lately, but then the sun will peak through for an hour or two. One of the most popular pastimes in Minnesota is complaining about the weather. It usually doesn't bother me though. I figure if the weather gets too predictable then we'll get soft and forget why we love living here. Wait, why do we love living here? I don't know. Something about nature and 4 seasons and Mosquitos and road construction I think. Anyway, even though it's been rainy I've been in a great mood! I made a big change in my life style after my recent illness and I'm really happy about it. I've stopped drinking pop/soda and stopped eating fast food. I'm drinking a lot of water and eating a lot of vegetables. I think the nutrients are making me happy! Yay nutrients!
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and that summer break comes soon for those wishing for it.
To the person who wants to watch next week's Lost and then wants August to get here because they are bored may I just say, how about Lost then July? Surely HBP will relieve the boredom between July and August!
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Denise P. - May 21, 2005 1:34 pm (#2242 of 2981)
Chemyst, we have a chili sauce recipe from a great, great grandmother that is similar. It called for 2 apple sized onions. Well, what kind of apple and what time of year? LOL I ended up sitting with Mr. Denise's grandmother and quizzing her about it to get more modern measurements. I have the original recipe written down with modern measurements on the side. That chili sauce is really a basic tomato sauce that can be used to make chili, sloppy joes, lasagna or spaghetti. One thing that was not clear to me, a novice cook at the time, was that the tomatoes needed to be peeled. I made the first batch with peels and had little curls of tomato skin in it.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 1:56 pm (#2243 of 2981)
One thing that was not clear to me, a novice cook at the time time, was that the tomatoes needed to be peeled. I made the first batch with peels and had little curls of tomato skin in it. –Denise
Mmm...tomato skin curls...at least it was chock-full of fiber.
My great aunt's recipe for rolls is like that--you have to actually watch the person make it once, and estimate the amounts of liquid and solid ingredients. My grandmother's pound cake is likewise imprecise, as it's hard to know in modern terms what a "slow" oven is. The first time I made the cake it fell and was as dense as a fruit cake. About as tasty as styrofoam, actually.
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Madam Pince - May 21, 2005 2:51 pm (#2244 of 2981)
I am convinced that that is the difference between someone who is truly a "good cook" and someone who can get by -- whether or not you read a recipe, or if you ever get adventurous enough to just throw some things together and see what happens. I feel like I am just now starting to learn and retain the things that my Grandma probably knew from childhood -- things like exactly how much flour to put in and how long before the gravy starts to thicken, etc.
Catherine, I made a pound cake like that once. The recipe was from yet another older lady who listed several types of flavored extracts as ingredients, then put "add flavoring" in both the cake recipe, and the recipe for the topping. I wasn't sure if you were really supposed to put all that flavoring in the cake itself, but I did. In retrospect, it was probably just for the topping. Anyway, the cake fell, and although it looked awful and was quite dense, it actually tasted pretty good. I am the sort of cook who doesn't get too upset at stuff like that -- good thing, because I had a houseful of Mr. Pince's guests over for a cookout, and I just dumped the cake on a plate and said "You can either eat it, or not!" They did.
That reminds me -- remember awhile ago when we were talking about beer-can chicken? A friend of mine just introduced me to "dishwasher salmon." If you google the name the recipe will come up -- and the same site has the beer can chicken. I have not tried it yet, but my friend swore it was the best salmon she'd ever had. I plan to try it soon.
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Penny Lane. - May 21, 2005 3:51 pm (#2245 of 2981)
Gryffindor... I'm ashamed that I forgot all about July. At least I'll have something to look forward to in between the "Lost" finale and going back to school.
Denise: I made similar mistake with an apple pie. No one made it clear that I was supposed to peel the apples before cooking. Pie was still good though.
Catherine: I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is.
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timrew - May 21, 2005 3:58 pm (#2246 of 2981)
I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is.
All I know is that it's a lot slower than a fast oven.
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Loopy Lupin - May 21, 2005 4:04 pm (#2247 of 2981)
LOL Tim.
Oh, Catherine, much luck to Hayley and Claire. Break legs!!
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Ydnam96 - May 21, 2005 6:10 pm (#2248 of 2981)
So I forgot to tell all of you about my Star Wars experience!
For my job we went on a retreat and they paid for us to go to see the movie. When we got there, it was in an IMAX theater!
It was hard to watch at first because it is so big that you can not see the whole thing at once, you have to move your head around. But man was it awesome!
Yay Yoda!
I won't say anything else though because I don't want to ruin it for anyone else.As far as passed down recipies. I got a recipe from a friend for the best peanut butter cookies ever. They are SO simple:
1 egg
1 cup of peanut butter (smooth or chunky your choice)
1 cup of sugar
Mix.
Bake at 325 until they look "done." Which means just before they start to look burned and are a little more solid/dry looking than when they started.
They are so yummmmmmmmmy.
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Catherine - May 21, 2005 6:52 pm (#2249 of 2981)
Catherine: I'm kinda curious as to what a slow oven is. --Penny Lane
Well, judging by the cake's outcome, I didn't know, either. Or maybe I'm just slow.
Actually, I think it means "not hot," which is still unhelpful. Numbers, in fahrenheit, is what I understand. Also, exact baking times and clues to determining doneness help, also.
On the ballet front, it went well for Claire. Tomorrow, they both dance in the afternoon show. Did I mention that the costumes are too cute? No broken legs yet.
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fleur-de-lys - May 21, 2005 7:28 pm (#2250 of 2981)
I think a slow oven is what ours was when it bottom element wasn't working right and it took half an hour to preheat to 350 degrees. How annoying that was. I had to adjust all my recipe times and stuff still wasn't getting done right. And the hubby is very finicky about how his chicken is done. But its fixed so now we have what you would call a normal oven, I guess. I danced a jig the first time i used it afterwards. It took only a few minutes to preheat. It was amazing.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:59 pm
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Marie E. - May 21, 2005 7:30 pm (#2251 of 2981)
I have some of my Grandma's recipes where it calls for a "pinch" of this or that. Very fun to interpret.
It was soooo hot here today. It hit 90 and where were we? We were at my friend's apartment complex in the pool. The sunscreen stood up pretty good, except on Lexie's face. She's a bit pinkish on the cheeks. I stayed in the shade mostly. We cut up bunches of fruit and snacked on it all afternoon. Mmmmmm.
I am also wondering how my brother is holding up under the strain of constantly showing Star Wars. I imagine we won't hear from him until Monday. My mom is also in Las Vegas with him this weekend, probably spending a lot of quality time with my sister-in-law. Heehee.
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fleur-de-lys - May 21, 2005 8:24 pm (#2252 of 2981)
Marie, I've seen measuring spoons labeled "pinch", "tad" and "smidge" or something like that. I know pinch was in there. I always wondered how accurate they actually were. But I've never found a recipe yet calling for them.
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Matt Allair - May 21, 2005 9:47 pm (#2253 of 2981)
Hi everyone, It seems like I'm never have the time to post anymore. :-( Yet, I have been real curious to see some of the reactions to that i other fantasy franchise, Star Wars. I saw "Sith" and really enjoyed it, personally, I can't say I think it's better than any of the originals, in my humble opinion, but a good, dark movie all the same.
I have to agree with several other posters. The scenes on the volcanic planet when Anakin is set ablaze, was just way too intense for children under a certain age. I could see that sequence giving young kids nightmares.
I'm humored that people have seemed to be so surprised that "Revenge of the Sith" was going to be so dark. Kenobi's explanation to Luke in "New Hope" about what happened was very sober and grim, so I'm puzzled. I'm showing my age here, but I remember that article in 1978's 'Starlog' when Lucas explained how Vader became what he was, he mentioned Kenobi's and Vader's fight on a volcano.
Some of the dialogue in "Sith" made me cringe, but not bad at all. Okay, back to discussing all things Potter. :-)
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Cornelia - May 22, 2005 2:26 am (#2254 of 2981)
Hallo!
Last night we were with some friends and watched the Songcontest. Oops, Germany last place, the only act with single-figure points, well, not that I hadn´t expected that... And Estonia was kicked out again in the pre-final. The other estonian group who started for Switzerland did quite well. We came home at five in the morning, our children were sleeping were the party took place, they really enjoyed it, the party-hosts daughters are our babysitters and the kids just love them and the other way round.
On the recipe front, I just wanted to ask if the American cups are the same size like the German ones, because I would like to try the peanut-butter cookies. Now I looked in my cook-book because I didn´t know how big the German cups are and the book said "a generous one-eighths liter" aaaaaaarg...now maybe I should not ask if the cups are the same size, but just how many millilitres an American cup has...
Have a nice Sunday!
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Winky Woo - May 22, 2005 4:50 am (#2255 of 2981)
Hi Cornelia
I had a good time watching it too! The only reason the UK never came last was sympathy votes from our friends! (*waves at Irish, Maltase and Cypriot forum members*)
It is always good fun, and I did actually like the winning song so thats always a plus...sometimes you wonder if they have watched the same performers as you though....
The Norwegian entry (Wig Wam???) was more to my taste though, slightly more Glam Rock with a proper tune etc!
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Elanor - May 22, 2005 5:42 am (#2256 of 2981)
Hi everybody!
I'm so happy to be able to post today because, since yesterday afternoon, my internet doesn't work anymore **mumbling against muggle technology**. So, as I am at my brother's this afternoon, I borrowed his computer and it does so much good to read your posts! I can't help it, when there is a problem with internet, I panic! Actually, I spent 45 minutes talking with the hotline guy this morning and he doesn't know why it doesn't work. It may have something to do with the storm we had yesterday, maybe... **sigh** They will "diagnose" my phone line tomorrow or the day after and I should know more by then. But I'll try and read the forum from work tomorrow.
Sorry for the rant! On a more cheerful thought, has any of you seen the Cannes ceremony that ended the film festival yesterday? All along the ceremony, musics from movies were heard, when prices were announced, and amongst them there were PoA musics! When Ralph Fiennes came on stage to give the best actress price, there was some HP music first. I couldn't believe my hears! And couldn't help imagining him playing Voldemort... But the nest thing was when the "palme d'or" was awarded and that the beautiful HP theme (the one heard when Lupin and Harry are on the bridge) was heard! Cannes is supposed to show boring serious films and to hear a HP theme there is some kind of recognition, isn't it?
Ydam, you saw SW in an IMAx theater? I'm so jealous! BTW, I haven't received the CD yet **mumbling again** but I'll tell you how it is as soon as I will receive it (and that my internet will work again... )
Miriam, have you heard that Paul Ricoeur you were talking about recently has just died yesterday?
Have a great day everybody! See you soon! (I hope)
Audrey
PS: RPS and marè, I'm so sorry, I had planned to write you this weekend but it will have to wait a little I'm afraid...
Edit: please forgive my English, that must be even worse than it usually is, because, as I'm not at home, I don't have my dictionary at hand, sorry!
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Chemyst - May 22, 2005 6:10 am (#2257 of 2981)
Cornelia, 1 cup = 237 ml but my dual measurement measuring cups round that to 240.
Of course, that is technically for liquid measure, but it is used for flour, sugar, etc. anyway. I've never been picky enough to weigh the dry ingredients as is suggested in some fancy cookbooks.
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Julia. - May 22, 2005 7:41 am (#2258 of 2981)
Don't worry about your English Elanor. It is as wonderful as ever.
Unfortunately, I have absolutely nothing to add to the recipe front, or the wedding cake front, so I shall leave you with a question. Is it weird that three weeks after my Shakespeare exam my book still looks like this?
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Ydnam96 - May 22, 2005 9:02 am (#2259 of 2981)
Chemyst I'm glad that you know that cup ml stuff, because I really don't. Corniela: good luck with the cookies. MMMM I might have to make some. But I don't have any eggs...
Julia, nah, it's not a problem that your book still looks like that! I always leave all the sticky notes in my books. I'm too lazy to take them out.
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VeronikaG - May 22, 2005 10:20 am (#2260 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Jordan and Iain!
So you liked Wig Wam did you, Winky? I thought the song was cool when I first heard it. That bands are so bad taste it's fun. A bit like the Darkness, except Wig Wams lead singer is a bit fatter. Didn't he look lurvely in that silver cat suit? Norway has had a history of sending really awful, dramatic ballads to Eurosong, so I thought it was fun that these long haired, heavy make-up guys went to the final. But since then I've heard the song about 250 times. A guy in class has even been singing it to us. Uh!
Ponine, where do you live? I'm from Arendal. I can assure you it's not as bad as rumors have it.
I'm feeling a bit silly not realizing the historical cake was for the one-year anniversary. In Norway the first anniversary celebrated has traditionally been the 25th, and the idea of cake that old makes me squirm. I've heard stories about some kind of cake that never goes stale. It can just lie in the kitchen cupboard for months and years. I thought we were talking that kind. Frozen 1 year old cake I have eaten several times. Mum likes to bake 4-5 cakes in a go to save time.
Phoenix Song, (and thanks for calling my future spouse lucky) chocolate wedding cake won't be a problem. We don't use the kind of frosting you use in the US. The cake will most likely be covered in marzipan, with whipped cream around the edges. No dark materials showing through.
And what is Crisco, by the way. American groceries are interesting. I don't know about half the food items you talk about.
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Denise P. - May 22, 2005 10:42 am (#2261 of 2981)
Crisco is a brand of shortening sold in the US. There is also butter flavored Crisco, people use it in place of butter in some recipes. I know I call any brand of shortening Crisco, even if is a store brand just because in the US, pretty much everyone knows Crisco is shortening. I actually don't use it often so I don't buy it but occasionally.
Next is more than you ever wanted to know about shortening. I was curious about what, exactly, shortening is so I found this:
Shortening is a fat used in food preparation, especially baked goods, and is so called because it gives a "short" texture (as in shortbread). Shortening can be made from animal fat (lard), but is more commonly a hydrogenated vegetable oil that is solid at room temperature. Shortening has a higher smoke point than butter and margarine, and it has 100% fat content, compared to 80% for butter and margarine. Crisco, a popular brand, was first produced in 1911.
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Madam Pince - May 22, 2005 10:54 am (#2262 of 2981)
Julia, your book looks quite "Hermione-ish."
I think terms like "slow oven" came about from back when people had wood-stove ovens. It would be "slow" when the coals had burned down to a smouldering pile, as opposed to a fast-burning, roaring fire. You can't bake very well when there's a roaring fire. That being said, I don't know how it translates numbers-wise. For some reason I'm betting it's somewhere around the 350-degree mark, because it seems like you can bake almost anything at 350 -- it's pretty universal.
I read something today about a terminology that is different in different countries. So here's a question: In Great Britain, (or elsewhere, for that matter) what do you call the part of the car where you would carry around your baggage? It's funny, because if the answer is what this book said it was, then that's what my Mom has called it all her life. This book seemed to think the term was purely British. Anyway, I'm curious to know....
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Dumbledore - May 22, 2005 10:59 am (#2263 of 2981)
Hi, everybody!
I've been reading all the posts here lately, but, like Julia, had really nothing to add to the conversation so I held my tongue, for what some may attest to is probably the first time in my life.
Boring day for me today. My parents went to a family friend's Bat Mitzvah, so my sister and I have been stuck home for the day. It's good though because it's raining, so I have been getting a lot of schoolwork done. I probably will begin my Harry Potter paper later on...
I actually talked to my old sleepaway camp counselor from Australia today. Every few months we talk and catch up, which is really nice considering I haven't seen her in five years.
Elanor, I just want to let you know that your English is superb! I've always been amazed at how great the people who don't speak English as a first language write. I don't even know that it's not their first language until I find out they're from another country.
Have a great day.
Always, Lauren
Edit: P.S. Julia, my Order of the Phoenix book looks like that! I mark it up with post-its when I see something I want to write on the forum, and I forget to take them out. Not to mention the random post-its and index cards around my house and bulletin board that I place in obscure locations so I remember to post my thoughts here. Oh, the sacrifices to be a Pottie..
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Miriam Huber - May 22, 2005 11:01 am (#2264 of 2981)
Yes, Elanor, I heard about M. Ricoeur´s death. I was sitting in the kitchen preparing my supper and listening to Europe1, the French radio programme, when they announced it. It is a bit curious. Although I only met Ricoeur once very briefly during a conference, I have read so much written by him or written about him that it is almost as if I had lost someone I knew. But, he was 92, his wife who he dearly loved had died several years before, he died in his sleep... I suppose he met death more like a friend. You know: "For the well-organized mind, death is only just the next adventure" - oh, this is the first connection between HP and Ricoeur I have ever made. But I believe for him it is kind of true.
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T Brightwater - May 22, 2005 2:14 pm (#2265 of 2981)
In Great Britain, (or elsewhere, for that matter) what do you call the part of the car where you would carry around your baggage?
I think that's the boot, if you mean what we would call the trunk. (I'm American but I lived in London for a couple of years.)
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timrew - May 22, 2005 2:28 pm (#2266 of 2981)
It is, indeed, the boot, T. Brightwater. And 'boots', that we pull on our feet, are called 'trunks'.........
I'm only kidding about this..........
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VeronikaG - May 22, 2005 2:52 pm (#2267 of 2981)
Tim's joke reminded me of a useless fact. In Norwegian the grain you call "rye" is called "rug" (pronounced rewg), while a rug to put on the floor is called a "rye". Funny, eh?
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Catherine - May 22, 2005 3:03 pm (#2268 of 2981)
Does that mean that J.D. Salinger's novel would be the The Catcher in the Rug in Norwegian? :goofygrin:
Excellent day. Both girls performed their small parts admirably; I took cute pictures; we're all basking in the glow of a project finished and a job well done.
HbP, where the heck are ye?
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timrew - May 22, 2005 3:16 pm (#2269 of 2981)
The Catcher In The Rug...............Nice book! And hello, Catherine!
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Catherine - May 22, 2005 3:19 pm (#2270 of 2981)
Howdy, Tim!
Good to see ya, mate, good to see ya!
How's the King of Spew these days?
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I Am Used Vlad - May 22, 2005 4:31 pm (#2271 of 2981)
The way Salinger is about publishing, you never know. He may have a book about a prematurely balding baseball player hidden away somewhere.
I love stories involving translation errors. I ordered something in a French restaurant without knowing what it was because the English description of it was "crudities." I was hoping the waiter would come out and swear at me, but it turned out to be an assortment of vegetables. One "i" can make a big difference.
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Madam Pince - May 22, 2005 5:03 pm (#2272 of 2981)
Thanks for the info, guys. "Boot" was what this article said, and I thought it was interesting that my Mom, who has never been to Great Britain in her life, has always used the term "boot" for the back of the car. This article seemed to think it was an exclusively British term. Oh well, it must've made it across the pond at some point or another.
So, what do you call the things you put on your feet when it's muddy outside, Tim?
I remember when we were discussing awhile ago about "cookies" vs. "biscuits," and I was so appalled to discover that there is no food in England which is equivalent to the American version of "biscuits" (unless you count scones, which isn't quite right but almost.) My dear granny wouldn't know what to think! However, I'm sure there must be "boots" in Great Britain besides in the backs of cars, right?!
*****Laughing at Vlad's waiter shouting curses at the customers....****
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fleur-de-lys - May 22, 2005 6:46 pm (#2273 of 2981)
Dumbledore, you need to take a picture of your OoP book and put it on the "You know you're a fan when..." thread.
Madam Pince, I've never been to GB, but I think they call their boots wellies. Am I right, Jim?
Julia, I think the fact that your book still looks like that shows that you're taking a nice, well-deserved, rest and enjoying it.
Julia, Mischa Fan, Wormse, Boop and Demonic Kitty, I wanted to post this earlier, but haven't been on. It is now Sunday evening and I wanted to thank you for all the creepy images last night. I just thought you'd all like to know that i dreamt about a huge army of headless chickens and other birds. They came through my town and into my house and confiscated all my Harry Potter books, my DVDs, my calendars and every other Harry Potter item. Then they piled them in the middle of the lawn and burned them. It was horrifying. Then they tied me up and made me watch hours and hours of Desparate Housewives, Scrubs and Survivor. (Sorry to the fans out there, but I don't like those shows.) But seriously, I didn't really dream that. I just wanted to give you guys a hard time. Tee hee. It was fun last nite. We'll have to do it again real soon.
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dizzy lizzy - May 22, 2005 7:43 pm (#2274 of 2981)
I've always called a "trunk" a boot.
Boots are also short for Gumboots (wellies) or any kind of shoe that isn't fancy and designed to be used (and not as foot decoration!).
Good to hear the girls went OK Catherine.
Lizzy
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Julia. - May 22, 2005 10:32 pm (#2275 of 2981)
It's nearly 1:30 in the morning here (I should really get to sleep, I'm sick!) which means that I get to be the first to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!! (AKA Wormse) *hands Lindsay butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and an amazing year!!!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 22, 2005 11:30 pm (#2276 of 2981)
Thanks for your support and sympathy over the past few day folks. The funeral was yesterday, it was quite an experience. Watching young children lose a parent is so very difficult to watch. It makes me feel that I need to be a better person and work harder at parenting because you just don't know when it will be you.
Happy Birthday to Iain Linsey and all the others.
T. Bright congrats to your mom. I too, got my drivers license, uhm uhm, later in life. Growing up in NYC I never need to drive. When we moved to Connecticut, I was much dismayed to learn that people got around by driving!
I am no great cook, I don't enjoy being in the kitchen trying to come up with healthy balanced and creative meals my children will eat. My mother on the other hand was a brilliant cook. Give here a couple of pots and pans, some cooking oil and a vegetable or two and little else and she'd would whip up a fabulous meal that had you begging for more. However you could not ask her for a recipe, because she never used one. At Christmas she made pastelles, an elaborate end year dish. She deemed to let my husband work with her one year so that he might write down what she did. Subsequently, she permitted me entry into her kitchen. When we compared notes, everything was "a bit of this", "a pinch of that" and "some of this other stuff", all in Spanish of course. When we tried to make the pastelles, it was comical, "ok that looks like what she may have add" "no add a bit more". They weren't bad though.
The differences between the British English and American can be really surprising if not downright comical at times. In London, I was once asked for "a lend of your Biro", my husband was asked if he had "a fag I could puntz" and I may have been slow but the lady who liked my "caddie" was a bit frustrated by my lack of understanding. But the winner for me was the look of horror on my co-workers face (we worked in a dry cleaner) when I was explaining something about my favorite pair of "pants" in the middle of the shop with other people around. (She later explained why I should discuss my "pants" in public thankfully.) You would think that it's the same language - - how far wrong can we go?
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septentrion - May 22, 2005 11:39 pm (#2277 of 2981)
But the winner for me was the look of horror on my co-workers face (we worked in a dry cleaner) when I was explaining something about my favorite pair of "pants".
LOL what a nice thing to begin the day with a good laugh ! The "crudities" thing was a good one too. They just made a French word sound more English ! When I tell you the French are horrbile with foreign language !
I saw Star Wars yesterday and I found it to be the best of the series, even better than The empire strikes back. Not too many special effects, not too much focus on strange creatures with no purpose to the story.
Back to work now, and a good day to all, happy birthday Lindsay and all whom I missed these last few days, big hugs to those who need it (you seem in need of it Mrs Sirius).
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 4:49 am (#2278 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Catherine May 23, 2005 5:25 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first started reading books set in England, i had a hard time with the term biscuits. In America, biscuits are doughy rolls that you put butter and, sometimes, jelly on and are served either at breakfast or with dinner. Everytime I read about someone eating a chocolate biscuit, all I could think about was how horrible a chocolate (American) biscuit would be with dinner. Finally, I realized what they were talking about, but it took a long time to get used to thinking "cookie" instead of "doughy roll".
Edited for famiily friendliness. Fleur-de-lys, if you have a question about why I removed your comment, email me.--Catherine
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Marie E. - May 23, 2005 5:22 am (#2279 of 2981)
I remembered that it was Lindsay's birthday because it is also my youngest daughter Lexie's birthday. She's six today, which I can't believe at all. Where did the time go? When I joined this forum she was only three and a half. We're having a party for her tonight so send me some calming vibes. Happy Birthday, Lindsay!
I went on a picnic with Lexie's Daisy troop yesterday and got a nice sunburn on my arms. It's not too bad, but still not fun. They bridged to Brownies and it was so cute. They had painted a box to look like an oven and a newly bridged Junior troop pretended to cook something and all the Daisys came out of the oven door as new Brownies.
Everyone have a good Monday!
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 5:32 am (#2280 of 2981)
They had painted a box to look like an oven and a newly bridged Junior troop pretended to cook something and all the Daisys came out of the oven door as new Brownies. --Marie E.
That's very cute, although I was reminded of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel where the witch baked small children in an oven.
Mmmm....brownies!
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 5:32 am (#2281 of 2981)
Oh Marie, what a very cute and creative bridging ceremony. I am impressed. Happy Birthday to your daughter. ::sending calming and strengthening charms to Marie, not to mention healing charms, and cilling out charms to all the 6-year-olds destined for Marie's house tonite:: Hopefully that will do the trick! Good luck. Is there a theme for the party?
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T Brightwater - May 23, 2005 5:42 am (#2282 of 2981)
The differences between the British English and American can be really surprising if not downright comical at times.
I was already a fan of Dorothy L. Sayers' mysteries before I went to England, so I was slightly prepared, but not for my landlady offering to knock me up in the morning (that is, awaken me by knocking at my door) and the friend who asked me if I was going to be Mother (that is, would I like to pour the tea?)
The scones I remember from England (and especially from a few trips to the Channel Islands - split and smothered in Guernsey cream...oh, dear, I'm getting hungry!) don't really have an American equivalent (though they've since been imported and naturalized) but when I asked a friend from New Zealand for her scone recipe, it turned out to be what I call biscuits.
What I found most hilarious about London was the way a half-inch of snow would bring the city to a complete halt. I'd walk into the local greengrocer and hear the ladies complaining, and sooner or later one of them would ask me "Isn't this weather just awful?" at which point I would smile serenely and say "I'm from Chicago" which would cause a moment of silence.
I'm away for a week, so Happy Birthdays to all who are due them, cyberhugs to all who need them, and I'm looking forward to hearing what happens with Bridezilla! (Catherine, thanks for the lead; I can think of a few people who need those mugs.)
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Loopy Lupin - May 23, 2005 6:02 am (#2283 of 2981)
Hello all and best wishes for the week.
I managed to see Sith over the weekend. I thought it was pretty good, especially in comparison to the other two. However, I do have to admit to not really knowing what was going on throughout much of the flick. It's all a bunch of laser lights to me but interspersed with stiff, wooden dialogue. Still, pretty cool.
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Snuffles - May 23, 2005 7:00 am (#2284 of 2981)
Phew, what a busy week. I dont post on here much but I do read it so Happy birthday to whoever it relates to and cheering and calming charms to those in need!. My 2 year old daughter came down with Chickenpox last week so I had to stay at home and look after her, she is over the worst and isn't infectious anymore. She only had a mild case but it was enough!
Lol T. Brightwater, us Brits do love to moan about the weather. If the sun shines it will be too warm, if it rains the country floods and we have snow and everything grinds to a halt! Good old blighty!!
I know what Americans call Jelly we call jam but we also have a jelly, which is very nice with icecream but is that Jello? There are lots of differences but alas, I cannot think of any at the mo! Hope everyone has a good week. Julie
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Pinky - May 23, 2005 7:07 am (#2285 of 2981)
Jam is a spread made with the fruit (usually mashed up in the process of making it). Jelly is made from the juice of the fruit. Preserves contain big pieces of the fruit. Marmalade has bits of fruit rind. Jello is a dessert made with flavored gelatin and can be served with whipped cream. I've never tried it with ice cream.
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librarian314 - May 23, 2005 7:30 am (#2286 of 2981)
Hey all!
Y'all have been busy over the weekend. I had almost 200 posts to read through!
My favorite language story happened soon after my stepmother moved here after marrying my dad. My stepmom's sister and her husband came for a visit and toured around the coast of the Mid-Atlantic. They were quite surprised that many of the hotels offered weekly "shag" parties. I had to explain that "shagging" is not the terribly rude word found in the UK but in fact a kind of dance done to East Coast beach music.
I have done research into both scones and American biscuits and have decided that major difference may be the amount of kneading done and perhaps the addition of an egg. The two basic recipes are really similar.
I come from a long line of cooks and tend to do things by eye and handfuls and it took me comparing scone and biscuit recipes side by side to finally figure out the difference. It's hard to believe that the addition of an egg changes the texture so much. American biscuits are supposed to be light and fluffy, not dense like scones.
My husband and I were able to have our top layer of our wedding cake on our first anniversary. My Stepmom wrapped it in several layers of cling film and it was fine. We shared it a week early at a cook out for our local medieval group because our actual anniversary took place whilst we would have been on vacation camping and I didn't want to drag my cake there.
I know this is quite a few posts back but Catherine, let me know when you come up to Washington, DC! I work downtown, about 1/2 mile from the Mall for one of the research facilities of the museums you mentioned. It would be great to get together for lunch or something and meet in person.
Denise, your birthday calendar is as full as mine is with the extended family. The majority of the birthdays in my family fall between Jan. and May, with both Feb. and March being really full. My husband and I share the same b-day and my sister's husband's is on Groundhog Day. Two of the three March B-days are a week apart. We tend to do group celebrations.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Julia. - May 23, 2005 8:18 am (#2287 of 2981)
Good morning everyone. Mar. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Loosing someone is very hard, and seeing them buried is often harder. I hope that you and your friend are doing all right.
I love the differences between American and Brittish English. My mum hates it that I call her mum, and that I refer to the mail as 'the post.' A friend of mine was once doing an exchange program in Bridgewater. She was there for quite a while, so she had to go to school there. One day she misplaced a pair of her school 'pants.' She was looking all over the house, and the mother of the family she was staying with was horrified when she suggested they might be in her exchange brother's room. Good thing the sister came buy and suggested that she meant 'trousers.'
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 9:49 am (#2288 of 2981)
Ok, please enlighten me. I've heard "pants" refered to a few times now as meaning something different in England. What does it mean over there? I understand the confusion because Brits call them trousers, but I don't know why it would be horrifying to suggest they are in the brother's room. Please set me straight. Goodness, I really thought I knew a lot about British culture, but after this and the Budgie question, I realized that I still have a lot to learn! I'm glad I have you guys to set me straight. Thanks!
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Marè - May 23, 2005 9:51 am (#2289 of 2981)
I think pants are underwear in Brits English.
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Denise P. - May 23, 2005 9:54 am (#2290 of 2981)
We went and saw Sith last night. There were maybe a total of 20 people in the theater...very nice! Of the three newer SW films, this one was probably the best. Ugh, talk about a whiney, petulant adult that Annakin was! Mr. Denise is taking the older kidlets to see a matinee in about 30 minutes, I think they will like it although I do think Kaitlyn, who is 8, may find some bits a bit much but if we left her out, she would have a holy fit.
If I am not mistaken, "pants" in England refer to undergarments . . . something most people usually don't discuss in public often
My jaw dropping moment came in high school. I went to an international school so we had many nationalities. My seat mate was an Australian girl who casually asked to borrow my eraser one day....only she didn't say that, she used the Australian term for it. It is not a forum friendly term but it is easy to google what it is (I typed in Australian term eraser...first hit). My jaw dropped and I sputtered until she pointed to the eraser and repeated "Can I borrow that?" I can giggle now but I had never heard it before, in that context, and I was horrified she would think I had one! LOL
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 23, 2005 9:56 am (#2291 of 2981)
Just popping in to say hello and to ask who's taken the sun? I checked our 10 day forecast and the little sun symbol doesn't pop up until a week from Tuesday. And even then it's marred by a cloud. This is quite possibly the worst Spring on record.
**waves to Loopy** Has Catherine told you my embarrassing story yet? **buries head in hands** Words cannot express.
EDIT: Cross posted with Denise. ***waves to Denise*** I'm off to google Australia/eraser.
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Loopy Lupin - May 23, 2005 10:17 am (#2292 of 2981)
Hiya Kim. I'll be on the lookout for your embarrassment.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 11:56 am (#2293 of 2981)
Loopy, it's a fabulous piece of blackmail. I hope that Kim or I catch up with you soon to relay the horror!
Denise, I've had that experience with alternate terms for erasers, too. I think I also sputtered.
I played tennis today for the second time in a year. Ouch! I'm so out of shape, and it was scorchingly hot. At least this time, unlike last week, I wasn't playing with people a dozen years younger than I am. That was pathetic.
Off to do Humane Society scut work....and attend a pity party for myself....
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VeronikaG - May 23, 2005 12:22 pm (#2294 of 2981)
LOL!! In my awful imagination I had imagined that the Aussie word for eraser was just horrible. Then when I looked it up I saw that it was the word we learned for "eraser" when we started learning English at 10. Good thing I had my English Americanized within a a few years. But in our school textbooks, used for teaching small children English, it says that word. Yes, I know it can also mean something else... but in our liberal Norwegian schooling that is not a forbidden word either, so I suspect I found a wrong list of Australian terms.
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 12:38 pm (#2295 of 2981)
I was almost afraid to ask the earlier question about boots, because I was sure somebody would say they wear Australian erasers on their feet when it rains.....
undergarments . . . something most people usually don't discuss in public often – Denise
One would think so, wouldn't one? Much less wear them as an outer garment.... But alas, this weekend I saw a lady wearing a satiny lacy strappy camisole as her only top garment, and she was probably in her 50's, was attending a family-friendly smalltown festival at 1:00 in the afternoon, and ...well...let's just say... well, nope, I don't think there's any way I can say it. It truly warranted the "Mr. Spock Eyebrow" treatment. I'm afraid she'd been watching too much "Desperate Housewives."
On a nicer note, the Mama and Papa Robin who built a nest just outside my pantry window have finally hatched their eggs this weekend and become the proud parents of three (I think) baby robins! They are so cute to watch! We have been anxiously watching as she sat on the eggs, and then when she would take a break to go eat, Papa would stand beside and guard the nest but wouldn't sit on the eggs. Now they are both going back and forth bringing tasty bug tidbits to the little babies. It was fun to watch them pick out the pieces of eggshell and discard them after the babies hatched. Baby Pince is enthralled! (Who am I kidding, so am I! This is the first time I've ever had such a good vantage point -- the nest is directly below the window so I can look right down into it anytime!)
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librarian314 - May 23, 2005 12:45 pm (#2296 of 2981)
Hey all!
This last week was a bit of a milestone week at our house. I had a mom/daughter talk with my six year old. (She wanted to know the names for various body parts which either have very clinical names or really vulgar slang terms.) She also cooked supper for the first time.
She made chicken nuggets, cheesy broccoli, salad, and macaroni and cheese. I let her cook this because all of it was fairly simple; nothing to chop, no raw meat to handle, mostly stirring and adding ingredients.
They had been working at school on writing out instructions recently, so I thought this was a decent adjunct activity. Overall, it was a great learning experience. She got to think about planning, nutrition, portions, following directions, time management. I helped, but not much, mostly putting things in and out of the oven and dumping the water out of the macaroni. She's asked to get to cook supper again.
It makes me realize that my baby isn't one any more but that she's growing up. (It also lets me look forward to the day where cooking once or twice a week is one of her regular chores. ;-) )
I have never been one to wear my underwear as outerwear. I've spent quite a lot of time shopping for clothes this year and found that basically, camisoles are now acceptable outerwear and wrinkly ones, at that. I'm glad I'm old enough to ignore the idiocies that fashion designers foist off on an unsuspecting public. :-P
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 12:55 pm (#2297 of 2981)
Michelle, that sounds like such a fun weekend! At six she's already cooking??!! She's well on her way to being a gourmet!
This lady I observed was old enough to ignore those idiocies, too, she just chose not to. And if only it was only the camisole that was wrinkly.....
What was that quote about having to wash your eyeballs?
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 1:43 pm (#2298 of 2981)
What was that quote about having to wash your eyeballs? --Madam Pince
I believe that Loopy Lupin started the trend of eyeball-washing last summer. On the Forum, I've seen, "I have to wash me eyballs now;" "I have to wash my eyeballs now;" and "Pass me the eyewash."
Sometimes it takes several applications of eyewash before the offending image is removed.
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 1:44 pm (#2299 of 2981)
Cute, sounds like something Moody would say, especially when you put it "I have to wash ME eyeballs now." I can just hear (read) him now.
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wormsé - May 23, 2005 2:26 pm (#2300 of 2981)
Thanks for all the birthday wishes, guys!
Marie E. - May 21, 2005 7:30 pm (#2251 of 2981)
I have some of my Grandma's recipes where it calls for a "pinch" of this or that. Very fun to interpret.
It was soooo hot here today. It hit 90 and where were we? We were at my friend's apartment complex in the pool. The sunscreen stood up pretty good, except on Lexie's face. She's a bit pinkish on the cheeks. I stayed in the shade mostly. We cut up bunches of fruit and snacked on it all afternoon. Mmmmmm.
I am also wondering how my brother is holding up under the strain of constantly showing Star Wars. I imagine we won't hear from him until Monday. My mom is also in Las Vegas with him this weekend, probably spending a lot of quality time with my sister-in-law. Heehee.
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fleur-de-lys - May 21, 2005 8:24 pm (#2252 of 2981)
Marie, I've seen measuring spoons labeled "pinch", "tad" and "smidge" or something like that. I know pinch was in there. I always wondered how accurate they actually were. But I've never found a recipe yet calling for them.
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Matt Allair - May 21, 2005 9:47 pm (#2253 of 2981)
Hi everyone, It seems like I'm never have the time to post anymore. :-( Yet, I have been real curious to see some of the reactions to that i other fantasy franchise, Star Wars. I saw "Sith" and really enjoyed it, personally, I can't say I think it's better than any of the originals, in my humble opinion, but a good, dark movie all the same.
I have to agree with several other posters. The scenes on the volcanic planet when Anakin is set ablaze, was just way too intense for children under a certain age. I could see that sequence giving young kids nightmares.
I'm humored that people have seemed to be so surprised that "Revenge of the Sith" was going to be so dark. Kenobi's explanation to Luke in "New Hope" about what happened was very sober and grim, so I'm puzzled. I'm showing my age here, but I remember that article in 1978's 'Starlog' when Lucas explained how Vader became what he was, he mentioned Kenobi's and Vader's fight on a volcano.
Some of the dialogue in "Sith" made me cringe, but not bad at all. Okay, back to discussing all things Potter. :-)
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Cornelia - May 22, 2005 2:26 am (#2254 of 2981)
Hallo!
Last night we were with some friends and watched the Songcontest. Oops, Germany last place, the only act with single-figure points, well, not that I hadn´t expected that... And Estonia was kicked out again in the pre-final. The other estonian group who started for Switzerland did quite well. We came home at five in the morning, our children were sleeping were the party took place, they really enjoyed it, the party-hosts daughters are our babysitters and the kids just love them and the other way round.
On the recipe front, I just wanted to ask if the American cups are the same size like the German ones, because I would like to try the peanut-butter cookies. Now I looked in my cook-book because I didn´t know how big the German cups are and the book said "a generous one-eighths liter" aaaaaaarg...now maybe I should not ask if the cups are the same size, but just how many millilitres an American cup has...
Have a nice Sunday!
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Winky Woo - May 22, 2005 4:50 am (#2255 of 2981)
Hi Cornelia
I had a good time watching it too! The only reason the UK never came last was sympathy votes from our friends! (*waves at Irish, Maltase and Cypriot forum members*)
It is always good fun, and I did actually like the winning song so thats always a plus...sometimes you wonder if they have watched the same performers as you though....
The Norwegian entry (Wig Wam???) was more to my taste though, slightly more Glam Rock with a proper tune etc!
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Elanor - May 22, 2005 5:42 am (#2256 of 2981)
Hi everybody!
I'm so happy to be able to post today because, since yesterday afternoon, my internet doesn't work anymore **mumbling against muggle technology**. So, as I am at my brother's this afternoon, I borrowed his computer and it does so much good to read your posts! I can't help it, when there is a problem with internet, I panic! Actually, I spent 45 minutes talking with the hotline guy this morning and he doesn't know why it doesn't work. It may have something to do with the storm we had yesterday, maybe... **sigh** They will "diagnose" my phone line tomorrow or the day after and I should know more by then. But I'll try and read the forum from work tomorrow.
Sorry for the rant! On a more cheerful thought, has any of you seen the Cannes ceremony that ended the film festival yesterday? All along the ceremony, musics from movies were heard, when prices were announced, and amongst them there were PoA musics! When Ralph Fiennes came on stage to give the best actress price, there was some HP music first. I couldn't believe my hears! And couldn't help imagining him playing Voldemort... But the nest thing was when the "palme d'or" was awarded and that the beautiful HP theme (the one heard when Lupin and Harry are on the bridge) was heard! Cannes is supposed to show boring serious films and to hear a HP theme there is some kind of recognition, isn't it?
Ydam, you saw SW in an IMAx theater? I'm so jealous! BTW, I haven't received the CD yet **mumbling again** but I'll tell you how it is as soon as I will receive it (and that my internet will work again... )
Miriam, have you heard that Paul Ricoeur you were talking about recently has just died yesterday?
Have a great day everybody! See you soon! (I hope)
Audrey
PS: RPS and marè, I'm so sorry, I had planned to write you this weekend but it will have to wait a little I'm afraid...
Edit: please forgive my English, that must be even worse than it usually is, because, as I'm not at home, I don't have my dictionary at hand, sorry!
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Chemyst - May 22, 2005 6:10 am (#2257 of 2981)
Cornelia, 1 cup = 237 ml but my dual measurement measuring cups round that to 240.
Of course, that is technically for liquid measure, but it is used for flour, sugar, etc. anyway. I've never been picky enough to weigh the dry ingredients as is suggested in some fancy cookbooks.
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Julia. - May 22, 2005 7:41 am (#2258 of 2981)
Don't worry about your English Elanor. It is as wonderful as ever.
Unfortunately, I have absolutely nothing to add to the recipe front, or the wedding cake front, so I shall leave you with a question. Is it weird that three weeks after my Shakespeare exam my book still looks like this?
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Ydnam96 - May 22, 2005 9:02 am (#2259 of 2981)
Chemyst I'm glad that you know that cup ml stuff, because I really don't. Corniela: good luck with the cookies. MMMM I might have to make some. But I don't have any eggs...
Julia, nah, it's not a problem that your book still looks like that!
I always leave all the sticky notes in my books. I'm too lazy to take them out._____________________________________
VeronikaG - May 22, 2005 10:20 am (#2260 of 2981)
Happy Birthday to Jordan and Iain!
So you liked Wig Wam did you, Winky? I thought the song was cool when I first heard it. That bands are so bad taste it's fun. A bit like the Darkness, except Wig Wams lead singer is a bit fatter. Didn't he look lurvely in that silver cat suit? Norway has had a history of sending really awful, dramatic ballads to Eurosong, so I thought it was fun that these long haired, heavy make-up guys went to the final. But since then I've heard the song about 250 times. A guy in class has even been singing it to us. Uh!
Ponine, where do you live? I'm from Arendal. I can assure you it's not as bad as rumors have it.
I'm feeling a bit silly not realizing the historical cake was for the one-year anniversary. In Norway the first anniversary celebrated has traditionally been the 25th, and the idea of cake that old makes me squirm. I've heard stories about some kind of cake that never goes stale. It can just lie in the kitchen cupboard for months and years. I thought we were talking that kind. Frozen 1 year old cake I have eaten several times. Mum likes to bake 4-5 cakes in a go to save time.
Phoenix Song, (and thanks for calling my future spouse lucky) chocolate wedding cake won't be a problem. We don't use the kind of frosting you use in the US. The cake will most likely be covered in marzipan, with whipped cream around the edges. No dark materials showing through.
And what is Crisco, by the way. American groceries are interesting. I don't know about half the food items you talk about.
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Denise P. - May 22, 2005 10:42 am (#2261 of 2981)
Crisco is a brand of shortening sold in the US. There is also butter flavored Crisco, people use it in place of butter in some recipes. I know I call any brand of shortening Crisco, even if is a store brand just because in the US, pretty much everyone knows Crisco is shortening. I actually don't use it often so I don't buy it but occasionally.
Next is more than you ever wanted to know about shortening. I was curious about what, exactly, shortening is so I found this:
Shortening is a fat used in food preparation, especially baked goods, and is so called because it gives a "short" texture (as in shortbread). Shortening can be made from animal fat (lard), but is more commonly a hydrogenated vegetable oil that is solid at room temperature. Shortening has a higher smoke point than butter and margarine, and it has 100% fat content, compared to 80% for butter and margarine. Crisco, a popular brand, was first produced in 1911.
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Madam Pince - May 22, 2005 10:54 am (#2262 of 2981)
Julia, your book looks quite "Hermione-ish."
I think terms like "slow oven" came about from back when people had wood-stove ovens. It would be "slow" when the coals had burned down to a smouldering pile, as opposed to a fast-burning, roaring fire. You can't bake very well when there's a roaring fire. That being said, I don't know how it translates numbers-wise. For some reason I'm betting it's somewhere around the 350-degree mark, because it seems like you can bake almost anything at 350 -- it's pretty universal.
I read something today about a terminology that is different in different countries. So here's a question: In Great Britain, (or elsewhere, for that matter) what do you call the part of the car where you would carry around your baggage? It's funny, because if the answer is what this book said it was, then that's what my Mom has called it all her life. This book seemed to think the term was purely British. Anyway, I'm curious to know....
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Dumbledore - May 22, 2005 10:59 am (#2263 of 2981)
Hi, everybody!
I've been reading all the posts here lately, but, like Julia, had really nothing to add to the conversation so I held my tongue, for what some may attest to is probably the first time in my life.
Boring day for me today. My parents went to a family friend's Bat Mitzvah, so my sister and I have been stuck home for the day. It's good though because it's raining, so I have been getting a lot of schoolwork done. I probably will begin my Harry Potter paper later on...
I actually talked to my old sleepaway camp counselor from Australia today. Every few months we talk and catch up, which is really nice considering I haven't seen her in five years.
Elanor, I just want to let you know that your English is superb! I've always been amazed at how great the people who don't speak English as a first language write. I don't even know that it's not their first language until I find out they're from another country.
Have a great day.
Always, Lauren
Edit: P.S. Julia, my Order of the Phoenix book looks like that! I mark it up with post-its when I see something I want to write on the forum, and I forget to take them out. Not to mention the random post-its and index cards around my house and bulletin board that I place in obscure locations so I remember to post my thoughts here. Oh, the sacrifices to be a Pottie..
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Miriam Huber - May 22, 2005 11:01 am (#2264 of 2981)
Yes, Elanor, I heard about M. Ricoeur´s death. I was sitting in the kitchen preparing my supper and listening to Europe1, the French radio programme, when they announced it. It is a bit curious. Although I only met Ricoeur once very briefly during a conference, I have read so much written by him or written about him that it is almost as if I had lost someone I knew. But, he was 92, his wife who he dearly loved had died several years before, he died in his sleep... I suppose he met death more like a friend. You know: "For the well-organized mind, death is only just the next adventure" - oh, this is the first connection between HP and Ricoeur I have ever made. But I believe for him it is kind of true.
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T Brightwater - May 22, 2005 2:14 pm (#2265 of 2981)
In Great Britain, (or elsewhere, for that matter) what do you call the part of the car where you would carry around your baggage?
I think that's the boot, if you mean what we would call the trunk. (I'm American but I lived in London for a couple of years.)
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timrew - May 22, 2005 2:28 pm (#2266 of 2981)
It is, indeed, the boot, T. Brightwater. And 'boots', that we pull on our feet, are called 'trunks'.........
I'm only kidding about this..........
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VeronikaG - May 22, 2005 2:52 pm (#2267 of 2981)
Tim's joke reminded me of a useless fact. In Norwegian the grain you call "rye" is called "rug" (pronounced rewg), while a rug to put on the floor is called a "rye". Funny, eh?
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Catherine - May 22, 2005 3:03 pm (#2268 of 2981)
Does that mean that J.D. Salinger's novel would be the The Catcher in the Rug in Norwegian? :goofygrin:
Excellent day. Both girls performed their small parts admirably; I took cute pictures; we're all basking in the glow of a project finished and a job well done.
HbP, where the heck are ye?
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timrew - May 22, 2005 3:16 pm (#2269 of 2981)
The Catcher In The Rug...............Nice book! And hello, Catherine!
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Catherine - May 22, 2005 3:19 pm (#2270 of 2981)
Howdy, Tim!
Good to see ya, mate, good to see ya!
How's the King of Spew these days?
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I Am Used Vlad - May 22, 2005 4:31 pm (#2271 of 2981)
The way Salinger is about publishing, you never know. He may have a book about a prematurely balding baseball player hidden away somewhere.
I love stories involving translation errors. I ordered something in a French restaurant without knowing what it was because the English description of it was "crudities." I was hoping the waiter would come out and swear at me, but it turned out to be an assortment of vegetables. One "i" can make a big difference.
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Madam Pince - May 22, 2005 5:03 pm (#2272 of 2981)
Thanks for the info, guys. "Boot" was what this article said, and I thought it was interesting that my Mom, who has never been to Great Britain in her life, has always used the term "boot" for the back of the car. This article seemed to think it was an exclusively British term. Oh well, it must've made it across the pond at some point or another.
So, what do you call the things you put on your feet when it's muddy outside, Tim?
I remember when we were discussing awhile ago about "cookies" vs. "biscuits," and I was so appalled to discover that there is no food in England which is equivalent to the American version of "biscuits" (unless you count scones, which isn't quite right but almost.) My dear granny wouldn't know what to think! However, I'm sure there must be "boots" in Great Britain besides in the backs of cars, right?!
*****Laughing at Vlad's waiter shouting curses at the customers....****
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fleur-de-lys - May 22, 2005 6:46 pm (#2273 of 2981)
Dumbledore, you need to take a picture of your OoP book and put it on the "You know you're a fan when..." thread.
Madam Pince, I've never been to GB, but I think they call their boots wellies. Am I right, Jim?
Julia, I think the fact that your book still looks like that shows that you're taking a nice, well-deserved, rest and enjoying it.
Julia, Mischa Fan, Wormse, Boop and Demonic Kitty, I wanted to post this earlier, but haven't been on. It is now Sunday evening and I wanted to thank you for all the creepy images last night. I just thought you'd all like to know that i dreamt about a huge army of headless chickens and other birds. They came through my town and into my house and confiscated all my Harry Potter books, my DVDs, my calendars and every other Harry Potter item. Then they piled them in the middle of the lawn and burned them. It was horrifying. Then they tied me up and made me watch hours and hours of Desparate Housewives, Scrubs and Survivor. (Sorry to the fans out there, but I don't like those shows.) But seriously, I didn't really dream that. I just wanted to give you guys a hard time. Tee hee. It was fun last nite. We'll have to do it again real soon.
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dizzy lizzy - May 22, 2005 7:43 pm (#2274 of 2981)
I've always called a "trunk" a boot.
Boots are also short for Gumboots (wellies) or any kind of shoe that isn't fancy and designed to be used (and not as foot decoration!).
Good to hear the girls went OK Catherine.
Lizzy
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Julia. - May 22, 2005 10:32 pm (#2275 of 2981)
It's nearly 1:30 in the morning here (I should really get to sleep, I'm sick!) which means that I get to be the first to say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!! (AKA Wormse) *hands Lindsay butterbeer* Hope you have a great day and an amazing year!!!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 22, 2005 11:30 pm (#2276 of 2981)
Thanks for your support and sympathy over the past few day folks. The funeral was yesterday, it was quite an experience. Watching young children lose a parent is so very difficult to watch. It makes me feel that I need to be a better person and work harder at parenting because you just don't know when it will be you.
Happy Birthday to Iain Linsey and all the others.
T. Bright congrats to your mom. I too, got my drivers license, uhm uhm, later in life. Growing up in NYC I never need to drive. When we moved to Connecticut, I was much dismayed to learn that people got around by driving!
I am no great cook, I don't enjoy being in the kitchen trying to come up with healthy balanced and creative meals my children will eat. My mother on the other hand was a brilliant cook. Give here a couple of pots and pans, some cooking oil and a vegetable or two and little else and she'd would whip up a fabulous meal that had you begging for more. However you could not ask her for a recipe, because she never used one. At Christmas she made pastelles, an elaborate end year dish. She deemed to let my husband work with her one year so that he might write down what she did. Subsequently, she permitted me entry into her kitchen. When we compared notes, everything was "a bit of this", "a pinch of that" and "some of this other stuff", all in Spanish of course. When we tried to make the pastelles, it was comical, "ok that looks like what she may have add" "no add a bit more". They weren't bad though.
The differences between the British English and American can be really surprising if not downright comical at times. In London, I was once asked for "a lend of your Biro", my husband was asked if he had "a fag I could puntz" and I may have been slow but the lady who liked my "caddie" was a bit frustrated by my lack of understanding. But the winner for me was the look of horror on my co-workers face (we worked in a dry cleaner) when I was explaining something about my favorite pair of "pants" in the middle of the shop with other people around. (She later explained why I should discuss my "pants" in public thankfully.) You would think that it's the same language - - how far wrong can we go?
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septentrion - May 22, 2005 11:39 pm (#2277 of 2981)
But the winner for me was the look of horror on my co-workers face (we worked in a dry cleaner) when I was explaining something about my favorite pair of "pants".
LOL what a nice thing to begin the day with a good laugh ! The "crudities" thing was a good one too. They just made a French word sound more English ! When I tell you the French are horrbile with foreign language !
I saw Star Wars yesterday and I found it to be the best of the series, even better than The empire strikes back. Not too many special effects, not too much focus on strange creatures with no purpose to the story.
Back to work now, and a good day to all, happy birthday Lindsay and all whom I missed these last few days, big hugs to those who need it (you seem in need of it Mrs Sirius).
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 4:49 am (#2278 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Catherine May 23, 2005 5:25 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I first started reading books set in England, i had a hard time with the term biscuits. In America, biscuits are doughy rolls that you put butter and, sometimes, jelly on and are served either at breakfast or with dinner. Everytime I read about someone eating a chocolate biscuit, all I could think about was how horrible a chocolate (American) biscuit would be with dinner. Finally, I realized what they were talking about, but it took a long time to get used to thinking "cookie" instead of "doughy roll".
Edited for famiily friendliness. Fleur-de-lys, if you have a question about why I removed your comment, email me.--Catherine
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Marie E. - May 23, 2005 5:22 am (#2279 of 2981)
I remembered that it was Lindsay's birthday because it is also my youngest daughter Lexie's birthday. She's six today, which I can't believe at all. Where did the time go? When I joined this forum she was only three and a half. We're having a party for her tonight so send me some calming vibes. Happy Birthday, Lindsay!
I went on a picnic with Lexie's Daisy troop yesterday and got a nice sunburn on my arms. It's not too bad, but still not fun. They bridged to Brownies and it was so cute. They had painted a box to look like an oven and a newly bridged Junior troop pretended to cook something and all the Daisys came out of the oven door as new Brownies.
Everyone have a good Monday!
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 5:32 am (#2280 of 2981)
They had painted a box to look like an oven and a newly bridged Junior troop pretended to cook something and all the Daisys came out of the oven door as new Brownies. --Marie E.
That's very cute, although I was reminded of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel where the witch baked small children in an oven.
Mmmm....brownies!
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 5:32 am (#2281 of 2981)
Oh Marie, what a very cute and creative bridging ceremony. I am impressed. Happy Birthday to your daughter. ::sending calming and strengthening charms to Marie, not to mention healing charms, and cilling out charms to all the 6-year-olds destined for Marie's house tonite:: Hopefully that will do the trick! Good luck. Is there a theme for the party?
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T Brightwater - May 23, 2005 5:42 am (#2282 of 2981)
The differences between the British English and American can be really surprising if not downright comical at times.
I was already a fan of Dorothy L. Sayers' mysteries before I went to England, so I was slightly prepared, but not for my landlady offering to knock me up in the morning (that is, awaken me by knocking at my door) and the friend who asked me if I was going to be Mother (that is, would I like to pour the tea?)
The scones I remember from England (and especially from a few trips to the Channel Islands - split and smothered in Guernsey cream...oh, dear, I'm getting hungry!) don't really have an American equivalent (though they've since been imported and naturalized) but when I asked a friend from New Zealand for her scone recipe, it turned out to be what I call biscuits.
What I found most hilarious about London was the way a half-inch of snow would bring the city to a complete halt. I'd walk into the local greengrocer and hear the ladies complaining, and sooner or later one of them would ask me "Isn't this weather just awful?" at which point I would smile serenely and say "I'm from Chicago" which would cause a moment of silence.
I'm away for a week, so Happy Birthdays to all who are due them, cyberhugs to all who need them, and I'm looking forward to hearing what happens with Bridezilla! (Catherine, thanks for the lead; I can think of a few people who need those mugs.)
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Loopy Lupin - May 23, 2005 6:02 am (#2283 of 2981)
Hello all and best wishes for the week.
I managed to see Sith over the weekend. I thought it was pretty good, especially in comparison to the other two. However, I do have to admit to not really knowing what was going on throughout much of the flick. It's all a bunch of laser lights to me but interspersed with stiff, wooden dialogue. Still, pretty cool.
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Snuffles - May 23, 2005 7:00 am (#2284 of 2981)
Phew, what a busy week. I dont post on here much but I do read it so Happy birthday to whoever it relates to and cheering and calming charms to those in need!. My 2 year old daughter came down with Chickenpox last week so I had to stay at home and look after her, she is over the worst and isn't infectious anymore. She only had a mild case but it was enough!
Lol T. Brightwater, us Brits do love to moan about the weather. If the sun shines it will be too warm, if it rains the country floods and we have snow and everything grinds to a halt! Good old blighty!!
I know what Americans call Jelly we call jam but we also have a jelly, which is very nice with icecream but is that Jello? There are lots of differences but alas, I cannot think of any at the mo! Hope everyone has a good week. Julie
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Pinky - May 23, 2005 7:07 am (#2285 of 2981)
Jam is a spread made with the fruit (usually mashed up in the process of making it). Jelly is made from the juice of the fruit. Preserves contain big pieces of the fruit. Marmalade has bits of fruit rind. Jello is a dessert made with flavored gelatin and can be served with whipped cream. I've never tried it with ice cream.
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librarian314 - May 23, 2005 7:30 am (#2286 of 2981)
Hey all!
Y'all have been busy over the weekend. I had almost 200 posts to read through!
My favorite language story happened soon after my stepmother moved here after marrying my dad. My stepmom's sister and her husband came for a visit and toured around the coast of the Mid-Atlantic. They were quite surprised that many of the hotels offered weekly "shag" parties. I had to explain that "shagging" is not the terribly rude word found in the UK but in fact a kind of dance done to East Coast beach music.
I have done research into both scones and American biscuits and have decided that major difference may be the amount of kneading done and perhaps the addition of an egg. The two basic recipes are really similar.
I come from a long line of cooks and tend to do things by eye and handfuls and it took me comparing scone and biscuit recipes side by side to finally figure out the difference. It's hard to believe that the addition of an egg changes the texture so much. American biscuits are supposed to be light and fluffy, not dense like scones.
My husband and I were able to have our top layer of our wedding cake on our first anniversary. My Stepmom wrapped it in several layers of cling film and it was fine. We shared it a week early at a cook out for our local medieval group because our actual anniversary took place whilst we would have been on vacation camping and I didn't want to drag my cake there.
I know this is quite a few posts back but Catherine, let me know when you come up to Washington, DC! I work downtown, about 1/2 mile from the Mall for one of the research facilities of the museums you mentioned. It would be great to get together for lunch or something and meet in person.
Denise, your birthday calendar is as full as mine is with the extended family. The majority of the birthdays in my family fall between Jan. and May, with both Feb. and March being really full. My husband and I share the same b-day and my sister's husband's is on Groundhog Day. Two of the three March B-days are a week apart. We tend to do group celebrations.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Julia. - May 23, 2005 8:18 am (#2287 of 2981)
Good morning everyone. Mar. I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Loosing someone is very hard, and seeing them buried is often harder. I hope that you and your friend are doing all right.
I love the differences between American and Brittish English. My mum hates it that I call her mum, and that I refer to the mail as 'the post.' A friend of mine was once doing an exchange program in Bridgewater. She was there for quite a while, so she had to go to school there. One day she misplaced a pair of her school 'pants.' She was looking all over the house, and the mother of the family she was staying with was horrified when she suggested they might be in her exchange brother's room. Good thing the sister came buy and suggested that she meant 'trousers.'
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 9:49 am (#2288 of 2981)
Ok, please enlighten me. I've heard "pants" refered to a few times now as meaning something different in England. What does it mean over there? I understand the confusion because Brits call them trousers, but I don't know why it would be horrifying to suggest they are in the brother's room. Please set me straight. Goodness, I really thought I knew a lot about British culture, but after this and the Budgie question, I realized that I still have a lot to learn! I'm glad I have you guys to set me straight. Thanks!
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Marè - May 23, 2005 9:51 am (#2289 of 2981)
I think pants are underwear in Brits English.
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Denise P. - May 23, 2005 9:54 am (#2290 of 2981)
We went and saw Sith last night. There were maybe a total of 20 people in the theater...very nice! Of the three newer SW films, this one was probably the best. Ugh, talk about a whiney, petulant adult that Annakin was! Mr. Denise is taking the older kidlets to see a matinee in about 30 minutes, I think they will like it although I do think Kaitlyn, who is 8, may find some bits a bit much but if we left her out, she would have a holy fit.
If I am not mistaken, "pants" in England refer to undergarments . . . something most people usually don't discuss in public often
My jaw dropping moment came in high school. I went to an international school so we had many nationalities. My seat mate was an Australian girl who casually asked to borrow my eraser one day....only she didn't say that, she used the Australian term for it. It is not a forum friendly term but it is easy to google what it is (I typed in Australian term eraser...first hit). My jaw dropped and I sputtered until she pointed to the eraser and repeated "Can I borrow that?" I can giggle now but I had never heard it before, in that context, and I was horrified she would think I had one! LOL
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 23, 2005 9:56 am (#2291 of 2981)
Just popping in to say hello and to ask who's taken the sun? I checked our 10 day forecast and the little sun symbol doesn't pop up until a week from Tuesday. And even then it's marred by a cloud. This is quite possibly the worst Spring on record.
**waves to Loopy** Has Catherine told you my embarrassing story yet? **buries head in hands** Words cannot express.
EDIT: Cross posted with Denise. ***waves to Denise*** I'm off to google Australia/eraser.
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Loopy Lupin - May 23, 2005 10:17 am (#2292 of 2981)
Hiya Kim. I'll be on the lookout for your embarrassment.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 11:56 am (#2293 of 2981)
Loopy, it's a fabulous piece of blackmail. I hope that Kim or I catch up with you soon to relay the horror!
Denise, I've had that experience with alternate terms for erasers, too. I think I also sputtered.
I played tennis today for the second time in a year. Ouch! I'm so out of shape, and it was scorchingly hot. At least this time, unlike last week, I wasn't playing with people a dozen years younger than I am. That was pathetic.
Off to do Humane Society scut work....and attend a pity party for myself....
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VeronikaG - May 23, 2005 12:22 pm (#2294 of 2981)
LOL!! In my awful imagination I had imagined that the Aussie word for eraser was just horrible. Then when I looked it up I saw that it was the word we learned for "eraser" when we started learning English at 10. Good thing I had my English Americanized within a a few years. But in our school textbooks, used for teaching small children English, it says that word. Yes, I know it can also mean something else... but in our liberal Norwegian schooling that is not a forbidden word either, so I suspect I found a wrong list of Australian terms.
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 12:38 pm (#2295 of 2981)
I was almost afraid to ask the earlier question about boots, because I was sure somebody would say they wear Australian erasers on their feet when it rains.....
undergarments . . . something most people usually don't discuss in public often – Denise
One would think so, wouldn't one? Much less wear them as an outer garment.... But alas, this weekend I saw a lady wearing a satiny lacy strappy camisole as her only top garment, and she was probably in her 50's, was attending a family-friendly smalltown festival at 1:00 in the afternoon, and ...well...let's just say... well, nope, I don't think there's any way I can say it. It truly warranted the "Mr. Spock Eyebrow" treatment. I'm afraid she'd been watching too much "Desperate Housewives."
On a nicer note, the Mama and Papa Robin who built a nest just outside my pantry window have finally hatched their eggs this weekend and become the proud parents of three (I think) baby robins! They are so cute to watch! We have been anxiously watching as she sat on the eggs, and then when she would take a break to go eat, Papa would stand beside and guard the nest but wouldn't sit on the eggs. Now they are both going back and forth bringing tasty bug tidbits to the little babies. It was fun to watch them pick out the pieces of eggshell and discard them after the babies hatched. Baby Pince is enthralled! (Who am I kidding, so am I! This is the first time I've ever had such a good vantage point -- the nest is directly below the window so I can look right down into it anytime!)
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librarian314 - May 23, 2005 12:45 pm (#2296 of 2981)
Hey all!
This last week was a bit of a milestone week at our house. I had a mom/daughter talk with my six year old. (She wanted to know the names for various body parts which either have very clinical names or really vulgar slang terms.) She also cooked supper for the first time.
She made chicken nuggets, cheesy broccoli, salad, and macaroni and cheese. I let her cook this because all of it was fairly simple; nothing to chop, no raw meat to handle, mostly stirring and adding ingredients.
They had been working at school on writing out instructions recently, so I thought this was a decent adjunct activity. Overall, it was a great learning experience. She got to think about planning, nutrition, portions, following directions, time management. I helped, but not much, mostly putting things in and out of the oven and dumping the water out of the macaroni. She's asked to get to cook supper again.
It makes me realize that my baby isn't one any more but that she's growing up. (It also lets me look forward to the day where cooking once or twice a week is one of her regular chores. ;-) )
I have never been one to wear my underwear as outerwear. I've spent quite a lot of time shopping for clothes this year and found that basically, camisoles are now acceptable outerwear and wrinkly ones, at that. I'm glad I'm old enough to ignore the idiocies that fashion designers foist off on an unsuspecting public. :-P
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 12:55 pm (#2297 of 2981)
Michelle, that sounds like such a fun weekend! At six she's already cooking??!! She's well on her way to being a gourmet!
This lady I observed was old enough to ignore those idiocies, too, she just chose not to. And if only it was only the camisole that was wrinkly.....
What was that quote about having to wash your eyeballs?
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 1:43 pm (#2298 of 2981)
What was that quote about having to wash your eyeballs? --Madam Pince
I believe that Loopy Lupin started the trend of eyeball-washing last summer. On the Forum, I've seen, "I have to wash me eyballs now;" "I have to wash my eyeballs now;" and "Pass me the eyewash."
Sometimes it takes several applications of eyewash before the offending image is removed.
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fleur-de-lys - May 23, 2005 1:44 pm (#2299 of 2981)
Cute, sounds like something Moody would say, especially when you put it "I have to wash ME eyeballs now." I can just hear (read) him now.
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wormsé - May 23, 2005 2:26 pm (#2300 of 2981)
Thanks for all the birthday wishes, guys!
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:01 pm
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The giant squid - May 23, 2005 2:27 pm (#2301 of 2981)
I am also wondering how my brother is holding up under the strain of constantly showing Star Wars. I imagine we won't hear from him until Monday. My mom is also in Las Vegas with him this weekend, probably spending a lot of quality time with my sister-in-law. Heehee.--Marie E.
You don't know the half of it...
In addition to the 10-12 hour days at the theater & Mom being in town, we also have no air conditioner during a weekend of "unseasonably hot weather" (Kim, I found your sun--it's hanging out over Las Vegas. Come get it. Pretty please...). It's been over 100F (38C) all weekend. It's supposed to cool down later on this week--after the new AC unit has been installed, of course. The worst part is, we did it to ourselves--we needed to replace our AC unit but wanted to put down concrete where it was sitting, as over the years the old one had sunken into the dirt from water runoff. So the old one was disconnected Friday, the concrete was poured Saturday and the new one will be installed Wednesday (the earliest they could get here). In the meantime, I'm melting.
Elanor, our theater doesn't have any digital projectors. We're still running good ol' 35mm film. I haven't heard anything from "civilians" who've seen it digitally, but other film buffs aren't too impressed with digital projection yet. Have you ever downloaded a low-resolution trailer off the net & noticed the heavy pixelation? That's what happens a lot with digital projection--when you're blowing the image up to 50+ feet across, small imperfections become very obvious. They haven't got a system together yet which can reliably project a picture that looks as "clean" as film. Once they can do that (and guarantee the theaters won't have to upgrade their systems every six months) digital projection will become much more common. And I'll be out of a job.
One final note, as I've forgotten the rest of the 120 posts I had to catch up on: My wife & I saved our wedding cake topper until our first anniversary. It was a little dry, but still edible...although we both ate only one piece. We came back the next day and it had passed that fine line between "dry" and "done for".
Marie, congrats on your baked Brownies!
--Mike
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John Bumbledore - May 23, 2005 2:34 pm (#2302 of 2981)
What is all the ado? Tires are made of black rubber. In olden days before anti lock breaking systems, a sudden "panic" stop would leave black, rubber, skid marks on the road. Ernie of Sesame Street has a rubber ducky. Apparently, what Lizzie (or Lizzy?) might call wellies, I would simply call rubber boots? We have a pop song called rubber biscuits (clearly an American use of the word biscuits, too). Please don't let some one's slang definition tarnish a perfectly unassuming word.
Don't forget the Ant that moved the rubber tree plant. It is the sap of such a tree that grows in Africa that is the source of all natural rubber. Oops the tree is also found in Central and South America and Asia.
Wasn't it the singer, Madonna, that started all that about under garments as outer garments? Oh, well, we (many some Americans) like to blame her for it anyway.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Shall we move on to those partial "neck sweaters" that are worn under a shirt to make it look as if you are wearing a turtle-neck sweater under an oxford shirt? I expect not.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 2:48 pm (#2303 of 2981)
P. S. Shall we move on to those partial "neck sweaters" that are worn under a shirt to make it look as if you are wearing a turtle-neck sweater under an oxford shirt? I expect not. --John Bumbledore
Oh, dear. Amongst the "worst gifts ever" from my grandmother (and there were quite a few contenders) was a monogrammed dickey. Unfortunately, it was someone else's monogram.
We gave a joke gift to my friend who is the Humane Society president when she had thyroid surgery--a dickey to cover her scar. Fortunately, she fell out of her seat laughing.
This is not to impugn dickeys--I'm sure they are wonderful, but my experience with them hasn't been wonderful.
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timrew - May 23, 2005 3:07 pm (#2304 of 2981)
Who was it who called the UK and the USA two countries divided by a common language?
It strikes me as funny that in the UK, we have people who want to keep 'Americanisms' out of the language.
In Bill Bryson's excellent book, 'Mother Tongue', he writes.........
.....you can find authorities in Britain attacking such 'Americanisms' as maximize, minimize and input, quite unaware that the first two were coined by Jeremy Bentham (English) more than a century ago, and the last appeared over 600 years ago in Wycliffe's translation of the Bible......
Oh, and that famous English phrase that you hear in all the British movies of WW2, "Stiff upper lip".........that's American, too!
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boop - May 23, 2005 3:49 pm (#2305 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!!!! Sweet Sixteen, have a great day Lindsay.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 3:56 pm (#2306 of 2981)
Edited May 23, 2005 5:00 pm
Who was it who called the UK and the USA two countries divided by a common language? –Tim
This has been attributed to both Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw. If anyone knows otherwise, let us know.
Edited for horrendous grammar.
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mike miller - May 23, 2005 4:24 pm (#2307 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Lindsey! Sorry I didn't get my birthday wishes in sooner but I've spent the majority of the day travelling. I'll be in Palm Desert, California for most of the week.
Squid Mike - I second your comments about the heat. It's well over 100F here in Palm Desert. I went to college in Tempe, Arizona but my body has adjusted to the Mid-Atlantic weather of Baltimore.
Have a great week everyone!
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dizzy lizzy - May 23, 2005 4:28 pm (#2308 of 2981)
What a laugh!!!! That was an excellent read over the last 30 posts or so.
Got all the tension out of my system with all that laughing...
You know, I still can't get over the difference between American Biscuits and Australian/British biscuits (or Bikkies to me). But I do love my scones. My favourite are Parmesan Cheese and Onion scones.
I like the creativeness of the Brownies and their bridging ceremony. I don't think we were ever that creative when we were kids. I think our brownie and guide leader (the same lady) had her creativity skills removed at some point. It was fortunate the Assistant Guide leader was an avid camper and encouraged a lot of us to go for our camping and bushcraft badges.
She must have done OK with me as once I was too old for Guides; I went on to Venturers (scouting for 14-18 boys and girls) and had a ball with all the camping and rough and tumble.
Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone.
Lizzy
PS: Bumbledore: I'm essentially lazy when it comes to language, wellies and gumboots are called boots by me. Riding boots are called boots; steel capped work boots are called boots...you get the drift...the challenge is to work out what pair of boots is being talked about... .
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Ponine - May 23, 2005 6:11 pm (#2309 of 2981)
**still giggling** I love language blunders. I was an exchange student many, many (many) moons ago, and a Swedish friend of mine and her host mother came over to our house to visit. Jess was a lovely girl, but her accent was fairly heavy, and the expressions on our host families' flustered faces when she innocently mentioned how she had been lying on the 'coach' (=couch) when a friend suddenly came in, were priceless...
My most humiliating language blunder pains me to this day, and it is actually the first time I have shared it... I hope it is not too crude, if so, I trust it will be removed. I heard someone call someone else a particular word one day in school, and I thought it was kind of cute, especially as it included some of my favorite fruits. You know, one of those words that gets the point across, but is not offensive (in my book), like fruitcake or dingbat or chump (just you wait, maybe I am mistaken when it comes to one of these, too...). I must have used for a good two months, until someone cooly asked me if I knew what it literally meant... I am blushing as I am typing, and what made me feel even worse is that it is pretty much the exact same word in Norwegian... I am sorry if I shared too much, but I figure that other people's embarrassment are often good sources for a giggle..
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 9:44 pm (#2310 of 2981)
*****is totally clueless as to Ponine's word****
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Ydnam96 - May 23, 2005 10:44 pm (#2311 of 2981)
Madame Pince, so am I. I just thought it was because I'm a little slow sometimes.
I think though that a lot of things just get lost in the translation process. Frankly though, I am quite amazed at our friends on the forum who write in English although it is not their native language. I can't even write in English well
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dizzy lizzy - May 23, 2005 11:59 pm (#2312 of 2981)
I think though that a lot of things just get lost in the translation process. Frankly though, I am quite amazed at our friends on the forum who write in English although it is not their native language. I can't even write in English well –Mandy
Mandy; I so totally agree with you. I thought my writing skills in English were bad, but I have slowly come to realise that I am actually getting better. The words are coming easier, fewer grammar errors and punctuation boo-boo's (although apostrophe's and comma still cause me to get flustered at the editing stage).
Most importantly though, I'm not having to spend so much time getting each word out onto the screen little bit by little bit. So in a roundabout way JKR has done me (and probably all of us) a big favour, by reminding us of the power of the written word no matter what form it is written in.
Lizzy
Ponine; I've no idea what your word is, but never mind. It has happened to me a few times in my own language when I was younger. I would pick up a new word or two and use them in the wrong context (very easy for a deaf person to do) and get embarrassed by others laughing at me. If I find a new word now, it is "out with the dictionary" before I even dare repeat the word!
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Ydnam96 - May 24, 2005 8:03 am (#2313 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Denise P. May 24, 2005 12:32 pm
Yay, I finally got onto the Forum. It wouldn't load for a while and then I saw the message from Kip about the technical difficulties going on.
(My question for Kip is: do you ever sleep? Seriously I am so thankful for the work you do here, but you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself! I saw that the message was posted at 6am Eastern time...and aren't you on the West Coast?)
Well I should go get my day started. Happy Tuesday everybody.
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Snuffles - May 24, 2005 8:10 am (#2314 of 2981)
I was thinking the same thing about Kip. Its 4.08pm here and I’ve been trying to get on since about 8.00am!
I have read the story in the paper about that certain person and I’m hoping it’s just hype by the bookies to get more bets!
Hope everyone has a happy tuesday. Julie
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Marè - May 24, 2005 8:15 am (#2315 of 2981)
Ok Ydman, thanks for putting that in white. I don't want to be that spoiled!
For discussion of people dying in the books... go here: Steve Newton, "Who will die in books 6/7?" #, 20 Jun 2004 11:34 am
At the start of the discussion though, it is nice if you put again a spoiler warning and use white text... It is a speculation thread and other people might not want to spoiled either.
On another note, happy to have my forum back.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 8:54 am (#2316 of 2981)
Hello everybody! **Waves frantically to all of my Forum Friends!** I've been missing you all while busy work has kept me away.
I wanted to announce that I am quite pleased to have just ordered a special item, called a "cake dummy", that I will be using on Bridezilla's cake. It's a dense styrofoam layer that substitutes for the "real deal". I decided to take all of your wonderful advice and do what is right instead of what she wants. I'm not going to tell her, either. I'm hoping that when she goes to delve into the left-over cake, (all piggy-like in typical Dudley style!) that she'll be quite startled when the knife just won't "cut it"! My husband thinks, though, that she's liable to just eat all of the icing off of the styrofoam cake anyway. We shall see. **Cackles gleefully at the thought!** I estimate that just replacing that one cake layer will save me around 4 hours of baking and prep time. (It is going to replace a 4-layered 14 inch cake.) I promise to post a picture of it when it's done. (Late June)
I am getting so excited about the release of the new book! I can practically feel the reassuringly heavy weight of it in my hands!
By the way, on a note that ties in both of my topics... Bridezilla considers herself to be a fan of the series. However, I recently discovered that she's not nearly the fan that she claims to be. On my computer's desktop background, I've done a neat job of adding the cover of the next book. She saw the cover art and said, "Gee, I guess that I need to re-read the books again, because I can't remember who the Half-Blood Prince was right now."
I quite patiently explained to her that the last 5 books wouldn't reveal to her that answer, because that information is in the next book. She looked quite blankly and asked me if I was "sure" that we hadn't already met the HBP. Then she asked me if there was going to be another Minister of Magic in the next book, since they keep changing every year. Turns out that she was confusing the MoM with the DADA professors.
Hope that you all have really great days!
Barbie
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Elanor - May 24, 2005 8:58 am (#2317 of 2981)
It works!!!!!!! I didn't know about the technical difficulties on the forum since my internet was down since Saturday. It seems the phone line had a problem because of a storm we had then. The technician said he would repair it today and when I came back home (10 minutes ago) I made straight for the computer and it works!. Phew! I'm freaking out when there is a problem with internet and now it is like breathing again! Feel free to call me Loony Audrey...
Thank you so much for the compliments and for your indulgence with us, non-native English speakers. I have to say it is a lot of fun for me to write in English. Before I joined the forum, last July, I used to read books in English but I rarely wrote in it. The first posts were difficult but the more I write, the easier it becomes and, at the same time, the more I see the gaps I still have, especially in grammar. But reading your great posts is definitely the best way to learn! I love words and their history and I've always been curious about etymology, first in French of course and, now in English. When I open the Oxford dictionary, I'm like a kid entering Honeydukes!
Mike, thank you for the information about digital theaters, I was really wondering if it was perfected or not. As the film was made with a digital camera, I was curious to know how it feels to see it like this. Good luck with the heat! I can imagine what it must be because when I visited Las Vegas, in 2000, I had the feeling I was put in the oven to roast each time I was going outside, and it was at the end of September...
Here, after a very rainy and fresh weekend, the sun has come back and it is more than welcome. When I drove back home it was really great to feel it and smell the air fragrant with the smell of hay since the haymaking season has begun.
Have a great day everybody! **waving to Marè** How are you? Have you heard some news from Accio about the contest?
Sorry for the long post, but I was so happy to find the forum again!
Edit: **waving like mad to Barbie**
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 9:13 am (#2318 of 2981)
This has been attributed to both Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.—Catherine
You just couldn't wait and let me answer that question could you? Know it all!
Mmmm.... I wonder where Kim is today?, he asked quizzically.
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T Brightwater - May 24, 2005 9:13 am (#2319 of 2981)
I just found out that the term "Bridezilla" has been around for years. Honestly, Catherine, I thought it was your invention! OK, so I'm a little out of touch. :-) I was probably the last person in the US to realize that "The Sopranos" was not about an opera company. (I still think _that_ would be a great serial drama.)
The weather in St. Paul is terrific!
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GryffEndora - May 24, 2005 9:15 am (#2320 of 2981)
Elanor - I am so happy to hear that your Internet is back up and working. Glad to see you back!
Phoenix song - Congratulations on the dummy cake! I'm proud of you. I am also laughing at the idea of not telling the bride and imagining her trying to cut into the dummy layer. As long as she doesn't try to cut into it at the reception though it will be all right.
Ydnam96 - I also thank you for putting that info in white. I read the Leaky article about the rumor existing but I don't want to know who the rumor is about. I will firmly believe it is false unless the publishers have to pay the 5 million penalty for any leaked information. I don't want to color my view of HBP with possible lies. Thanks again for helping me avoid the rumor. I really appreciate it!
Greetings and hugs to everyone else, cheering charms to those who need them.
*edit: T Brightwater - there was actually a TV special a couple of years back called Bridezillas. I didn't watch it. You are in St. Paul? I'm in Roseville right now! *waves to T Brightwater* Does this mean you are a fellow Twin Citizen? (I know that term is wrong sorry) And yes, the weather is gorgeous today!
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Kip Carter - May 24, 2005 9:26 am (#2321 of 2981)
For those who experienced problems earlier today in logging on to the Forums, I have posted full details in my post on the Questions for the Host(s)thread.
Quick explanation: World Crossing uses temporary certificates that are "supposed" to be replaced automatically every month. It obviously did not work this time. All certificates are installed and the servers are now stabilized.
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fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 10:10 am (#2322 of 2981)
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The forum is back working. I was experiencing such withdrawal. I missed everyone. I must admit, I have absolutely no will power. Whenever I see a blank spot in a post, I know that is a spoiler and there is info there and I have to check it out. I'm so soft.
Barbie, I too love the idea of not telling her about the dummy layer. How funny that would be. You'll have to plant a hidden camera when she's going to have the leftovers. What a hoot. As for me, I wouldn't have cared about the cake in our leftovers. I would have done what your hubby predicted and eaten all the icing off the styrofoam. I love icing and the bakery who made our cake has the most incredible buttercream icing. When I sampled it, I said immediately it was the bakery we were using. YUMMMMMM!!!!!!!!
I'm glad to read that I am not the only clueless one on Ponine's word. Can not figure that one out. Ponine, please email me with some enlightenment.
In the Philly area, it is rainy and quite chilly for this time of year, but I'm not complaining. My flowers need the rain and atleast its not 90 degrees with 95% humidity like usual.
Also, I thought certain forum members, like Julia, Wormse, Misha Fan, Boop and Demonic Kitty, would like to know that, as I was working in my mom's flower bed this morning, a small bird started cause quite a ruckus in the tree above my head. I freaked me out a bit, but I was brave and stayed to finish the job, which took about 5 minutes. No bird nightmares lately, but maybe after this I'll have one tonite.
Sorry for the long post, but, as Ponine can tell you, I like to talk. Atleast I put in paragraphs. Are you proud of me Ponine? There's hope after all!!
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Julia. - May 24, 2005 10:51 am (#2323 of 2981)
LOL Fleur! I'm so glad you didn't have any nightmares about strange birds...again!
Beh, I'm home sick from work for the second day in a row today. Can't say I'm too upset about it, I don't particularly like my job, and I'm happy for the chance to catch up on my reading.
GRRR! I'm so mad at myself. Curse my weakness where spoilers are concerned! I'd heard there was a rumor, and then I just *had* to highlight to see who it was. I'm just going to continue to tell myself that unless it's released by the publishers, it's not true.
Have a lovely day everyone.
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T Brightwater - May 24, 2005 11:48 am (#2324 of 2981)
*waves to GryffEndora* No, I'm just here on a working holiday. I'm from the Chicago area, but I like St. Paul a lot!
I don't have a TV, which accounts for a lot of my cluelessness in some areas. I just got out of the habit in college and never picked it up again.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 11:49 am (#2325 of 2981)
You just couldn't wait and let me answer that question could you? Know it all! --Loopy Lupin
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**
Glad to have the Forum back.
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The giant squid - May 24, 2005 12:29 pm (#2326 of 2981)
Elanor, according to reviews I've read online the digital projection version of Episode III actually looks good--not surprising since Lucas is the biggest proponent of changing to digital from film.
Oh, and that famous English phrase that you hear in all the British movies of WW2, "Stiff upper lip".........that's American, too!—Timrew
Okay, all kidding aside, I did not know that and find it really interesting! How did it become a "Britishism", just due to all the Hollywood types giving the line to Brits?
Either it's cooler today than yesterday, or I'm getting used to the heat. I'm not sweating nearly as much. I'll still be very very glad when the new unit is installed tomorrow morning!
Be careful, Julia--a day off from work can seem nice, but it's definitely less so when the paycheck arrives.
--Mike
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 1:24 pm (#2327 of 2981)
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**-- Catherine
Yes, I tremble at the prospect of being sorted out by Kim. Quizzing "glass" or did you mean quizzing "glasses"? The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad horn-rims or something like that. ****waves to Kim***
Okay, all kidding aside, I did not know that and find it really interesting! How did it become a "Britishism", just due to all the Hollywood types giving the line to Brits? – Mike
I think that is the idea. Is there a source on this tim? I might also add that I think it is usually the lower lip that quivers when one is about to start bawling.
Can't say I'm too upset about it, I don't particularly like my job, and I'm happy for the chance to catch up on my reading.—Julia
Sorry to hear that Julia. I can't say I blame you. If I were in your position, I'd just run on and do my reading too, I wouldn't worry about working too much, there's plenty of time for that later. Believe me.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 1:37 pm (#2328 of 2981)
The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad hornrims or something like that. --Loopy Lupin
Loopy, just so you don't stab repeatedly in the dark, here's a picture of a quizzing glass: http://candicehern.com/regencyworld/quizzing-glasses/ I found that using one of these helps me determine if someone is blushing with embarrassment.
**waves at Kim and Loopy**
Julia, I think running along and reading sounds like a fine idea. I'm off to do it meself.
Have a good evening, everyone. **waves to everyone!*
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 1:39 pm (#2329 of 2981)
Ah, thanks for the image Catherine, now I've got things properly sorted.
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fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 1:45 pm (#2330 of 2981)
Julia, I don't blame you either. Its really tough when you don't like your job. And don't be too hard on yourself for not resisting the spoilers. I can't resist either. Maybe some other forumers will create a specific strengthening potion for this problem. If anyone out there has one, please let us know!
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 1:53 pm (#2331 of 2981)
Maybe some other forumers will create a specific strengthening potion for this problem. --Fleur-de-lys
Hmm. I find that a simple spell like "Don'tus Highlightus" works well for me.
If that fails, you could always try the eyeball washing.
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Lina - May 24, 2005 2:10 pm (#2332 of 2981)
Happy birthdays to all that I have missed!
I've always liked to choose the words in Croatian, some are usually more accurate than the others. My grandfather worked as a language editor in some newspapers, once he returned to my dad a letter all corrected with a red pencil. My dad never wrote him back, but the tendency to prefer some words over the others (something like Timrew described the avoiding of Americanisms in the UK) remained. When it comes to English, it is much easier, I just have to choose among the words I know. I use the spellchecker, but it doesn't help much if you choose the wrong word, so there were moments when I was laughing at myself when some kind members have explained to me the meaning of what I wrote. I must say that my English vocabulary has expanded since I joined this Forum. I do have to use the dictionary to understand some posts, but I like it. And I am sorry that I didn't use it to find out what is a shortening (I thought that I know what "short" means, I just couldn't figure out why would somebody try to shorten a cake?). So, thank you, VeronikaG for asking what is Crisco, and special thank you, Denise, for explaining what is shortening. We just don't use here some special term for this.
Well, I do have a large dictionary, but it is just too big and I use it when I can't find a word in my on-line dictionary or in the little one that is always near my computer. The on-line English <--> Croatian dictionary I use, has recently expanded to more languages, even the English <--> Latin, so if someone is interested, you can have a look here.
Once we've got some flour for making a pap for the babies (now I'm aware that I might have chosen some wrong words here, I've never used them before, I just hope you will understand what I wanted to say) and it had no instructions in Croatian. We thought we could understand the instructions in English or Spanish and they both advised to put some number of soup spoons of the flour in some amount of milk. Well, the soup spoons here are really huge, it seemed too much of a flour to put in the small amount of milk, but we tried, and quite soon we found out that soup spoons should mean something else. Later we watched to my sister's dictionary with pictures and it turned out that soup spoons are supposed to be what we call a tea spoon, just with a longer handle.
Congratulations, Barbie, on the decision you made! What can I say but repeat what was already been said - what a great community we have here!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 24, 2005 2:17 pm (#2333 of 2981)
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**---Catherine
Yes, I tremble at the prospect of being sorted out by Kim. Quizzing "glass" or did you mean quizzing "glasses"? The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad horn-rims or something like that. ****waves to Kim***---Loopy Lupin
Ah, thanks for the image Catherine, now I've got things properly sorted.---Loopy Lupin
I found that using one of these helps me determine if someone is blushing with embarrassment.---Catherine
Are you two finished now?
EDIT: For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. Unfortunately, I can't give details as it's not Forum friendly material...hence the problem, but as you can tell, Loopy and Catherine have been brought up to speed and it's brought endless hours of amusement to their heretofore dull and meaningless lives.
***waves to Catherine and Loopy*** Glad you're having fun.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 2:29 pm (#2334 of 2981)
Loopy and Catherine have been brought up to speed and it's brought endless hours of amusement to their heretofore dull and meaningless lives. --Sometimes Kim
W00T!
Well, I can't let you take ALL the credit for providing meaning in my life. I'm still waiting for the moment when Bridezilla realizes that Barbie made a fake cake.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 24, 2005 2:36 pm (#2335 of 2981)
I'm very happy to share the credit as I see you're not disputing 'dull' or 'meaningless'.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:02 pm (#2336 of 2981)
I'm very happy to share the credit as I see you're not disputing 'dull' or 'meaningless'.--Sometimes Kim
**peers at Kim through quizzing glass**
I feel certain that, as long as we are Forum members, we shall find endless entertainment and amusement where we can.
Cheers, everyone.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 3:10 pm (#2337 of 2981)
Well, I can't let you take ALL the credit for providing meaning in my life. I'm still waiting for the moment when Bridezilla realizes that Barbie made a fake cake. Catherine
**Giggles and snorts abound** I've decided that I'm going to wear my tennis shoes (also called "trainers" by many outside the U.S.A.) to the wedding. It may make me look a bit odd to be wearing my Nike's with a dress, but I need to be prepared to make a quick run for it if she decides to begin cutting the cake from the bottom layer up instead of the from the top layer down. (It's the bottom layer that's going to be made of styrofoam.) Besides, I may be too tempted to feed a bit of the styrofoam cake to her myself if I hang around too long!
Lina, I'm sorry that it didn't even occur to me to explain what Crisco was when I made my original post about it. I'm from the South, and we generally tend to use the name of the leading brand for all of the other brands in that category... and we usually tend to leave out the description of the product altogether.
For example, here it is not uncommon for someone to ask "Do you want a Coke?" If they respond with a yes, the question is usually followed by "What flavor would you like? I have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Barq's Rootbeer and Creme Soda." The correct way to have asked the question is by asking your guest if they would like a "soft drink" or a "carbonated beverage". We just stick to the name of the leading brand regardless of which company manufactures the item. Even if it is what we call a "store brand" or generic product.
I could also say something to the effect that I needed to go to the store and buy some Dawn. I'm sure that to you it would sound as if I wanted to buy a little bit of morning. But that's what we Southerners generally call all forms of liquid dish detergent. I'll try to be a bit more concise in my future posts. Please, though, always feel free to e-mail me and I'll try my best to explain away any overt "Americanisms" that may slip into mine or other member's posts!
Barbie
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 3:19 pm (#2338 of 2981)
For example, here it is not uncommon for someone to ask "Do you want a Coke?" If they respond with a yes, the question is usually followed by "What flavor would you like? I have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Barq's Rootbeer and Creme Soda." The correct way to have asked the question is by asking your guest if they would like a "soft drink" or a "carbonated beverage". We just stick to the name of the leading brand regardless of which company manufactures the item. Even if it is what we call a "store brand" or generic product.
You know, when I grew up, this is what we did. "Can I have a Coke?" "Sure, what kind do you want?" It drove my husband batty to have me doing that. I would ask him to pick up some Coke, meaning please pick up the soda of choice that you always see me drinking (and at the time, it was NOT Coke but Diet Pepsi) and he would actually bring home Coke! I still call all pain relievers "aspirin" "Do we have any aspirin?" "No, we have Tylenol" LOL I have gotten better but I tend to revert easily.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:30 pm (#2339 of 2981)
Does anyone need a Kleenex? (or a hankie, a tissue, something to wipe your eyes upon and blow your nose)
Or to Xerox anything? (Makin' some copies)
LOL, we do that, too. Too much, probably, but it is amusing to realize it.
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dizzy lizzy - May 24, 2005 3:38 pm (#2340 of 2981)
I'm glad the forum came back up. It actually went down in the middle of me going through the threads, one minute I was giggling away at something funny, then I press the "read new" button and I get this strange message. It was very upsetting to have to go to bed without reading all these wonderful posts .
Denise and Barbie; I have the same problem with people asking me what to drink. In some restraunts in Australia, they serve either pepsi OR coke. As a result when I ask for a drink of coke, I get an answer that says: "but we only have pepsi, would that do?". I always say yes, because what I was looking for was a black caffeinated non-alcoholic drink and my tastebuds don't care whether it is pepsi or coke.
Lizzy
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Lina - May 24, 2005 3:39 pm (#2341 of 2981)
Please, Barbie, or anyone else, don't feel uncomfortable for using your normal language! It is just interesting to learn every day something new! I think that using the name of a brand to name a category is a normal thing that happens everywhere. I even managed to make a connection between Crisco and shortening, but what shortening was, remained a mystery. Well, thanks to Denise, not any more. The point is, we have a word for butter, fat or margarine, but not for a shortening. At first I thought it was a sort of food emulsifier or flour. It should be something that makes something shorter, right? O.K. I'm just kidding now. It is just a new word in my vocabulary. Before the Forum time (like B. C.), I was able just to talk English within my profession. The first time I make one of the recipes that get posted on the forum, I'll be able to say that I know English!
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:49 pm (#2342 of 2981)
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.
Poppycock! (means ridiculous)
It's that experience in which we realize the richness and fullness of our language, and you do, too.
Also, we English-speaking types realize just how difficult and beautiful our language is (hopefully), and we should appreciate it anew.
My daughter, as many folks now know on the Forum, has an autistic-spectrum disorder, and through her eyes, I realize how funny, strange, and full English language can be.
--"raining cats and dogs" (it's pouring rain outside)
--"hold your horses" (wait a minute)
--"catching some Zzzzs" (sleeping)
--"in hot water" (in big trouble)
--"down in the dumps" (very sad)
--"apple of my eye" (my favorite)
See what I mean? It's nuts (crazy)
Good night.
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haymoni - May 24, 2005 3:52 pm (#2343 of 2981)
Hi all - hope everyone is having a lovely evening.
Hubby and Ungrateful Son are at baseball practice. Daughter is watching "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" - Disney version.
I am patiently waiting for 8:00 pm EST so that I can watch the final episode of "The Contender". I found a way to pick up the Yahoo stream at work, so I was able to see the Undercard bouts this afternoon - very good.
Go Sergio! Go Peter! I really don't care who wins - they are both great guys and deserve to win $1 million.
Have a good evening all!
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Madam Pince - May 24, 2005 3:53 pm (#2344 of 2981)
Several people have thanked Ydnam for posting some type of spoiler in white. I have gone back several days worth of posts and can't find what they're referring to. Did her post get moved or deleted or something, or am I just not looking properly? (Yes, it is true: I have no self-control. All somebody has to do is tell me "Don't look at that!" and I'm off! My mother tells me I once got a very nasty burn on my fingers as a child because she told me "Now don't touch that iron while I answer the phone!" She says she should've known better and just kept her mouth shut, because she knows that the best way to get me to do something is to tell me not to do it.)
Edit: Haymoni, I too am looking forward to "The Contender" final match. They are both good boxers. I'm thinking it will be Sergio, though.
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 3:59 pm (#2345 of 2981)
I thought I had mentioned I removed it, apparently not. Or WX ate my post.
In any event, with HBP fast approaching, no kind of spoiler at all should be posted on the chat thread, white or not.
There are specific threads to discuss the book itself or speculation on who may or may not die.
Sorry I didn't check to be sure my post went through. I was interrupted and just figured it went on.
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dizzy lizzy - May 24, 2005 4:02 pm (#2346 of 2981)
Denise, I could tell you had modified Ydnam's post because there was no spoiler there and your name was up at the top of the message. I think we were looking for the spoiler you successfully removed
Lizzy
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 4:06 pm (#2347 of 2981)
I believe Mandy said she got it from Mugglenet so it should be there for those interested.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 4:14 pm (#2348 of 2981)
Indeed, Mugglenet has it.
So does the Leaky Cauldron.
If one can't resist the "Spoiler/Imperio" spell!
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Chemyst - May 24, 2005 4:26 pm (#2349 of 2981)
For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. - ~ Kim
Thank you for that explanation, cryptic as it is.
**goes off wondering if "cryptic" will give our non-native English speakers a trip back to the dictionary**
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 4:49 pm (#2350 of 2981)
For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. - ~ Kim—Chemyst
Well, far be it to ME to gossip, BUT....
Kim "might" have had a teensy glitch in her HP class
'Nighty-night...
The giant squid - May 23, 2005 2:27 pm (#2301 of 2981)
I am also wondering how my brother is holding up under the strain of constantly showing Star Wars. I imagine we won't hear from him until Monday. My mom is also in Las Vegas with him this weekend, probably spending a lot of quality time with my sister-in-law. Heehee.--Marie E.
You don't know the half of it...
In addition to the 10-12 hour days at the theater & Mom being in town, we also have no air conditioner during a weekend of "unseasonably hot weather" (Kim, I found your sun--it's hanging out over Las Vegas. Come get it. Pretty please...). It's been over 100F (38C) all weekend. It's supposed to cool down later on this week--after the new AC unit has been installed, of course.
The worst part is, we did it to ourselves--we needed to replace our AC unit but wanted to put down concrete where it was sitting, as over the years the old one had sunken into the dirt from water runoff. So the old one was disconnected Friday, the concrete was poured Saturday and the new one will be installed Wednesday (the earliest they could get here). In the meantime, I'm melting.Elanor, our theater doesn't have any digital projectors. We're still running good ol' 35mm film. I haven't heard anything from "civilians" who've seen it digitally, but other film buffs aren't too impressed with digital projection yet. Have you ever downloaded a low-resolution trailer off the net & noticed the heavy pixelation? That's what happens a lot with digital projection--when you're blowing the image up to 50+ feet across, small imperfections become very obvious. They haven't got a system together yet which can reliably project a picture that looks as "clean" as film. Once they can do that (and guarantee the theaters won't have to upgrade their systems every six months) digital projection will become much more common. And I'll be out of a job.
One final note, as I've forgotten the rest of the 120 posts I had to catch up on: My wife & I saved our wedding cake topper until our first anniversary. It was a little dry, but still edible...although we both ate only one piece. We came back the next day and it had passed that fine line between "dry" and "done for".
Marie, congrats on your baked Brownies!
--Mike
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John Bumbledore - May 23, 2005 2:34 pm (#2302 of 2981)
What is all the ado? Tires are made of black rubber. In olden days before anti lock breaking systems, a sudden "panic" stop would leave black, rubber, skid marks on the road. Ernie of Sesame Street has a rubber ducky. Apparently, what Lizzie (or Lizzy?) might call wellies, I would simply call rubber boots? We have a pop song called rubber biscuits (clearly an American use of the word biscuits, too). Please don't let some one's slang definition tarnish a perfectly unassuming word.
Don't forget the Ant that moved the rubber tree plant. It is the sap of such a tree that grows in Africa that is the source of all natural rubber. Oops the tree is also found in Central and South America and Asia.
Wasn't it the singer, Madonna, that started all that about under garments as outer garments? Oh, well, we (many some Americans) like to blame her for it anyway.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Shall we move on to those partial "neck sweaters" that are worn under a shirt to make it look as if you are wearing a turtle-neck sweater under an oxford shirt? I expect not.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 2:48 pm (#2303 of 2981)
P. S. Shall we move on to those partial "neck sweaters" that are worn under a shirt to make it look as if you are wearing a turtle-neck sweater under an oxford shirt? I expect not. --John Bumbledore
Oh, dear. Amongst the "worst gifts ever" from my grandmother (and there were quite a few contenders) was a monogrammed dickey. Unfortunately, it was someone else's monogram.
We gave a joke gift to my friend who is the Humane Society president when she had thyroid surgery--a dickey to cover her scar. Fortunately, she fell out of her seat laughing.
This is not to impugn dickeys--I'm sure they are wonderful, but my experience with them hasn't been wonderful.
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timrew - May 23, 2005 3:07 pm (#2304 of 2981)
Who was it who called the UK and the USA two countries divided by a common language?
It strikes me as funny that in the UK, we have people who want to keep 'Americanisms' out of the language.
In Bill Bryson's excellent book, 'Mother Tongue', he writes.........
.....you can find authorities in Britain attacking such 'Americanisms' as maximize, minimize and input, quite unaware that the first two were coined by Jeremy Bentham (English) more than a century ago, and the last appeared over 600 years ago in Wycliffe's translation of the Bible......
Oh, and that famous English phrase that you hear in all the British movies of WW2, "Stiff upper lip".........that's American, too!
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boop - May 23, 2005 3:49 pm (#2305 of 2981)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY!!!! Sweet Sixteen, have a great day Lindsay.
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Catherine - May 23, 2005 3:56 pm (#2306 of 2981)
Edited May 23, 2005 5:00 pm
Who was it who called the UK and the USA two countries divided by a common language? –Tim
This has been attributed to both Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw. If anyone knows otherwise, let us know.
Edited for horrendous grammar.
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mike miller - May 23, 2005 4:24 pm (#2307 of 2981)
Happy Birthday Lindsey! Sorry I didn't get my birthday wishes in sooner but I've spent the majority of the day travelling. I'll be in Palm Desert, California for most of the week.
Squid Mike - I second your comments about the heat. It's well over 100F here in Palm Desert. I went to college in Tempe, Arizona but my body has adjusted to the Mid-Atlantic weather of Baltimore.
Have a great week everyone!
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dizzy lizzy - May 23, 2005 4:28 pm (#2308 of 2981)
What a laugh!!!! That was an excellent read over the last 30 posts or so.
Got all the tension out of my system with all that laughing...
You know, I still can't get over the difference between American Biscuits and Australian/British biscuits (or Bikkies to me). But I do love my scones. My favourite are Parmesan Cheese and Onion scones.
I like the creativeness of the Brownies and their bridging ceremony. I don't think we were ever that creative when we were kids. I think our brownie and guide leader (the same lady) had her creativity skills removed at some point. It was fortunate the Assistant Guide leader was an avid camper and encouraged a lot of us to go for our camping and bushcraft badges.
She must have done OK with me as once I was too old for Guides; I went on to Venturers (scouting for 14-18 boys and girls) and had a ball with all the camping and rough and tumble.
Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone.
Lizzy
PS: Bumbledore: I'm essentially lazy when it comes to language, wellies and gumboots are called boots by me. Riding boots are called boots; steel capped work boots are called boots...you get the drift...the challenge is to work out what pair of boots is being talked about... .
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Ponine - May 23, 2005 6:11 pm (#2309 of 2981)
**still giggling** I love language blunders. I was an exchange student many, many (many) moons ago, and a Swedish friend of mine and her host mother came over to our house to visit. Jess was a lovely girl, but her accent was fairly heavy, and the expressions on our host families' flustered faces when she innocently mentioned how she had been lying on the 'coach' (=couch) when a friend suddenly came in, were priceless...
My most humiliating language blunder pains me to this day, and it is actually the first time I have shared it... I hope it is not too crude, if so, I trust it will be removed. I heard someone call someone else a particular word one day in school, and I thought it was kind of cute, especially as it included some of my favorite fruits. You know, one of those words that gets the point across, but is not offensive (in my book), like fruitcake or dingbat or chump (just you wait, maybe I am mistaken when it comes to one of these, too...). I must have used for a good two months, until someone cooly asked me if I knew what it literally meant... I am blushing as I am typing, and what made me feel even worse is that it is pretty much the exact same word in Norwegian... I am sorry if I shared too much, but I figure that other people's embarrassment are often good sources for a giggle..
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Madam Pince - May 23, 2005 9:44 pm (#2310 of 2981)
*****is totally clueless as to Ponine's word****
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Ydnam96 - May 23, 2005 10:44 pm (#2311 of 2981)
Madame Pince, so am I. I just thought it was because I'm a little slow sometimes.
I think though that a lot of things just get lost in the translation process. Frankly though, I am quite amazed at our friends on the forum who write in English although it is not their native language. I can't even write in English well
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dizzy lizzy - May 23, 2005 11:59 pm (#2312 of 2981)
I think though that a lot of things just get lost in the translation process. Frankly though, I am quite amazed at our friends on the forum who write in English although it is not their native language. I can't even write in English well
–MandyMandy; I so totally agree with you. I thought my writing skills in English were bad, but I have slowly come to realise that I am actually getting better. The words are coming easier, fewer grammar errors and punctuation boo-boo's (although apostrophe's and comma still cause me to get flustered at the editing stage).
Most importantly though, I'm not having to spend so much time getting each word out onto the screen little bit by little bit. So in a roundabout way JKR has done me (and probably all of us) a big favour, by reminding us of the power of the written word no matter what form it is written in.
Lizzy
Ponine; I've no idea what your word is, but never mind. It has happened to me a few times in my own language when I was younger. I would pick up a new word or two and use them in the wrong context (very easy for a deaf person to do) and get embarrassed by others laughing at me. If I find a new word now, it is "out with the dictionary" before I even dare repeat the word!
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Ydnam96 - May 24, 2005 8:03 am (#2313 of 2981) Reply
Edited by Denise P. May 24, 2005 12:32 pm
Yay, I finally got onto the Forum. It wouldn't load for a while and then I saw the message from Kip about the technical difficulties going on.
(My question for Kip is: do you ever sleep? Seriously I am so thankful for the work you do here, but you need to make sure you are taking care of yourself! I saw that the message was posted at 6am Eastern time...and aren't you on the West Coast?)
Well I should go get my day started. Happy Tuesday everybody.
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Snuffles - May 24, 2005 8:10 am (#2314 of 2981)
I was thinking the same thing about Kip. Its 4.08pm here and I’ve been trying to get on since about 8.00am!
I have read the story in the paper about that certain person and I’m hoping it’s just hype by the bookies to get more bets!
Hope everyone has a happy tuesday. Julie
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Marè - May 24, 2005 8:15 am (#2315 of 2981)
Ok Ydman, thanks for putting that in white. I don't want to be that spoiled!
For discussion of people dying in the books... go here: Steve Newton, "Who will die in books 6/7?" #, 20 Jun 2004 11:34 am
At the start of the discussion though, it is nice if you put again a spoiler warning and use white text... It is a speculation thread and other people might not want to spoiled either.
On another note, happy to have my forum back.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 8:54 am (#2316 of 2981)
Hello everybody! **Waves frantically to all of my Forum Friends!** I've been missing you all while busy work has kept me away.
I wanted to announce that I am quite pleased to have just ordered a special item, called a "cake dummy", that I will be using on Bridezilla's cake. It's a dense styrofoam layer that substitutes for the "real deal". I decided to take all of your wonderful advice and do what is right instead of what she wants. I'm not going to tell her, either. I'm hoping that when she goes to delve into the left-over cake, (all piggy-like in typical Dudley style!) that she'll be quite startled when the knife just won't "cut it"! My husband thinks, though, that she's liable to just eat all of the icing off of the styrofoam cake anyway. We shall see. **Cackles gleefully at the thought!** I estimate that just replacing that one cake layer will save me around 4 hours of baking and prep time. (It is going to replace a 4-layered 14 inch cake.) I promise to post a picture of it when it's done. (Late June)
I am getting so excited about the release of the new book! I can practically feel the reassuringly heavy weight of it in my hands!
By the way, on a note that ties in both of my topics... Bridezilla considers herself to be a fan of the series. However, I recently discovered that she's not nearly the fan that she claims to be. On my computer's desktop background, I've done a neat job of adding the cover of the next book. She saw the cover art and said, "Gee, I guess that I need to re-read the books again, because I can't remember who the Half-Blood Prince was right now."
I quite patiently explained to her that the last 5 books wouldn't reveal to her that answer, because that information is in the next book. She looked quite blankly and asked me if I was "sure" that we hadn't already met the HBP. Then she asked me if there was going to be another Minister of Magic in the next book, since they keep changing every year. Turns out that she was confusing the MoM with the DADA professors.
Hope that you all have really great days!
Barbie
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Elanor - May 24, 2005 8:58 am (#2317 of 2981)
It works!!!!!!! I didn't know about the technical difficulties on the forum since my internet was down since Saturday. It seems the phone line had a problem because of a storm we had then. The technician said he would repair it today and when I came back home (10 minutes ago) I made straight for the computer and it works!. Phew! I'm freaking out when there is a problem with internet and now it is like breathing again! Feel free to call me Loony Audrey...
Thank you so much for the compliments and for your indulgence with us, non-native English speakers. I have to say it is a lot of fun for me to write in English. Before I joined the forum, last July, I used to read books in English but I rarely wrote in it. The first posts were difficult but the more I write, the easier it becomes and, at the same time, the more I see the gaps I still have, especially in grammar. But reading your great posts is definitely the best way to learn! I love words and their history and I've always been curious about etymology, first in French of course and, now in English. When I open the Oxford dictionary, I'm like a kid entering Honeydukes!
Mike, thank you for the information about digital theaters, I was really wondering if it was perfected or not. As the film was made with a digital camera, I was curious to know how it feels to see it like this. Good luck with the heat! I can imagine what it must be because when I visited Las Vegas, in 2000, I had the feeling I was put in the oven to roast each time I was going outside, and it was at the end of September...
Here, after a very rainy and fresh weekend, the sun has come back and it is more than welcome. When I drove back home it was really great to feel it and smell the air fragrant with the smell of hay since the haymaking season has begun.
Have a great day everybody! **waving to Marè** How are you? Have you heard some news from Accio about the contest?
Sorry for the long post, but I was so happy to find the forum again!
Edit: **waving like mad to Barbie**
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 9:13 am (#2318 of 2981)
This has been attributed to both Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw.—Catherine
You just couldn't wait and let me answer that question could you? Know it all!
Mmmm.... I wonder where Kim is today?, he asked quizzically.
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T Brightwater - May 24, 2005 9:13 am (#2319 of 2981)
I just found out that the term "Bridezilla" has been around for years. Honestly, Catherine, I thought it was your invention! OK, so I'm a little out of touch. :-) I was probably the last person in the US to realize that "The Sopranos" was not about an opera company. (I still think _that_ would be a great serial drama.)
The weather in St. Paul is terrific!
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GryffEndora - May 24, 2005 9:15 am (#2320 of 2981)
Elanor - I am so happy to hear that your Internet is back up and working. Glad to see you back!
Phoenix song - Congratulations on the dummy cake! I'm proud of you. I am also laughing at the idea of not telling the bride and imagining her trying to cut into the dummy layer. As long as she doesn't try to cut into it at the reception though it will be all right.
Ydnam96 - I also thank you for putting that info in white. I read the Leaky article about the rumor existing but I don't want to know who the rumor is about. I will firmly believe it is false unless the publishers have to pay the 5 million penalty for any leaked information. I don't want to color my view of HBP with possible lies. Thanks again for helping me avoid the rumor. I really appreciate it!
Greetings and hugs to everyone else, cheering charms to those who need them.
*edit: T Brightwater - there was actually a TV special a couple of years back called Bridezillas. I didn't watch it. You are in St. Paul? I'm in Roseville right now! *waves to T Brightwater* Does this mean you are a fellow Twin Citizen? (I know that term is wrong sorry) And yes, the weather is gorgeous today!
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Kip Carter - May 24, 2005 9:26 am (#2321 of 2981)
For those who experienced problems earlier today in logging on to the Forums, I have posted full details in my post on the Questions for the Host(s)thread.
Quick explanation: World Crossing uses temporary certificates that are "supposed" to be replaced automatically every month. It obviously did not work this time. All certificates are installed and the servers are now stabilized.
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fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 10:10 am (#2322 of 2981)
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The forum is back working. I was experiencing such withdrawal. I missed everyone. I must admit, I have absolutely no will power. Whenever I see a blank spot in a post, I know that is a spoiler and there is info there and I have to check it out. I'm so soft.
Barbie, I too love the idea of not telling her about the dummy layer. How funny that would be. You'll have to plant a hidden camera when she's going to have the leftovers. What a hoot. As for me, I wouldn't have cared about the cake in our leftovers. I would have done what your hubby predicted and eaten all the icing off the styrofoam. I love icing and the bakery who made our cake has the most incredible buttercream icing. When I sampled it, I said immediately it was the bakery we were using. YUMMMMMM!!!!!!!!
I'm glad to read that I am not the only clueless one on Ponine's word. Can not figure that one out. Ponine, please email me with some enlightenment.
In the Philly area, it is rainy and quite chilly for this time of year, but I'm not complaining. My flowers need the rain and atleast its not 90 degrees with 95% humidity like usual.
Also, I thought certain forum members, like Julia, Wormse, Misha Fan, Boop and Demonic Kitty, would like to know that, as I was working in my mom's flower bed this morning, a small bird started cause quite a ruckus in the tree above my head. I freaked me out a bit, but I was brave and stayed to finish the job, which took about 5 minutes. No bird nightmares lately, but maybe after this I'll have one tonite.
Sorry for the long post, but, as Ponine can tell you, I like to talk. Atleast I put in paragraphs. Are you proud of me Ponine? There's hope after all!!
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Julia. - May 24, 2005 10:51 am (#2323 of 2981)
LOL Fleur! I'm so glad you didn't have any nightmares about strange birds...again!
Beh, I'm home sick from work for the second day in a row today. Can't say I'm too upset about it, I don't particularly like my job, and I'm happy for the chance to catch up on my reading.
GRRR! I'm so mad at myself. Curse my weakness where spoilers are concerned! I'd heard there was a rumor, and then I just *had* to highlight to see who it was. I'm just going to continue to tell myself that unless it's released by the publishers, it's not true.
Have a lovely day everyone.
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T Brightwater - May 24, 2005 11:48 am (#2324 of 2981)
*waves to GryffEndora* No, I'm just here on a working holiday. I'm from the Chicago area, but I like St. Paul a lot!
I don't have a TV, which accounts for a lot of my cluelessness in some areas. I just got out of the habit in college and never picked it up again.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 11:49 am (#2325 of 2981)
You just couldn't wait and let me answer that question could you? Know it all! --Loopy Lupin
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**
Glad to have the Forum back.
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The giant squid - May 24, 2005 12:29 pm (#2326 of 2981)
Elanor, according to reviews I've read online the digital projection version of Episode III actually looks good--not surprising since Lucas is the biggest proponent of changing to digital from film.
Oh, and that famous English phrase that you hear in all the British movies of WW2, "Stiff upper lip".........that's American, too!—Timrew
Okay, all kidding aside, I did not know that and find it really interesting! How did it become a "Britishism", just due to all the Hollywood types giving the line to Brits?
Either it's cooler today than yesterday, or I'm getting used to the heat. I'm not sweating nearly as much. I'll still be very very glad when the new unit is installed tomorrow morning!
Be careful, Julia--a day off from work can seem nice, but it's definitely less so when the paycheck arrives.
--Mike
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 1:24 pm (#2327 of 2981)
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**-- Catherine
Yes, I tremble at the prospect of being sorted out by Kim. Quizzing "glass" or did you mean quizzing "glasses"? The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad horn-rims or something like that. ****waves to Kim***
Okay, all kidding aside, I did not know that and find it really interesting! How did it become a "Britishism", just due to all the Hollywood types giving the line to Brits? – Mike
I think that is the idea. Is there a source on this tim? I might also add that I think it is usually the lower lip that quivers when one is about to start bawling.
Can't say I'm too upset about it, I don't particularly like my job, and I'm happy for the chance to catch up on my reading.—Julia
Sorry to hear that Julia. I can't say I blame you. If I were in your position, I'd just run on and do my reading too, I wouldn't worry about working too much, there's plenty of time for that later. Believe me.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 1:37 pm (#2328 of 2981)
The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad hornrims or something like that. --Loopy Lupin
Loopy, just so you don't stab repeatedly in the dark, here's a picture of a quizzing glass: http://candicehern.com/regencyworld/quizzing-glasses/ I found that using one of these helps me determine if someone is blushing with embarrassment.
**waves at Kim and Loopy**
Julia, I think running along and reading sounds like a fine idea. I'm off to do it meself.
Have a good evening, everyone. **waves to everyone!*
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Loopy Lupin - May 24, 2005 1:39 pm (#2329 of 2981)
Ah, thanks for the image Catherine, now I've got things properly sorted.
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fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 1:45 pm (#2330 of 2981)
Julia, I don't blame you either. Its really tough when you don't like your job. And don't be too hard on yourself for not resisting the spoilers. I can't resist either. Maybe some other forumers will create a specific strengthening potion for this problem. If anyone out there has one, please let us know!
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 1:53 pm (#2331 of 2981)
Maybe some other forumers will create a specific strengthening potion for this problem. --Fleur-de-lys
Hmm. I find that a simple spell like "Don'tus Highlightus" works well for me.
If that fails, you could always try the eyeball washing.
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Lina - May 24, 2005 2:10 pm (#2332 of 2981)
Happy birthdays to all that I have missed!
I've always liked to choose the words in Croatian, some are usually more accurate than the others. My grandfather worked as a language editor in some newspapers, once he returned to my dad a letter all corrected with a red pencil. My dad never wrote him back, but the tendency to prefer some words over the others (something like Timrew described the avoiding of Americanisms in the UK) remained. When it comes to English, it is much easier, I just have to choose among the words I know. I use the spellchecker, but it doesn't help much if you choose the wrong word, so there were moments when I was laughing at myself when some kind members have explained to me the meaning of what I wrote. I must say that my English vocabulary has expanded since I joined this Forum. I do have to use the dictionary to understand some posts, but I like it. And I am sorry that I didn't use it to find out what is a shortening (I thought that I know what "short" means, I just couldn't figure out why would somebody try to shorten a cake?). So, thank you, VeronikaG for asking what is Crisco, and special thank you, Denise, for explaining what is shortening. We just don't use here some special term for this.
Well, I do have a large dictionary, but it is just too big and I use it when I can't find a word in my on-line dictionary or in the little one that is always near my computer. The on-line English <--> Croatian dictionary I use, has recently expanded to more languages, even the English <--> Latin, so if someone is interested, you can have a look here.
Once we've got some flour for making a pap for the babies (now I'm aware that I might have chosen some wrong words here, I've never used them before, I just hope you will understand what I wanted to say) and it had no instructions in Croatian. We thought we could understand the instructions in English or Spanish and they both advised to put some number of soup spoons of the flour in some amount of milk. Well, the soup spoons here are really huge, it seemed too much of a flour to put in the small amount of milk, but we tried, and quite soon we found out that soup spoons should mean something else. Later we watched to my sister's dictionary with pictures and it turned out that soup spoons are supposed to be what we call a tea spoon, just with a longer handle.
Congratulations, Barbie, on the decision you made! What can I say but repeat what was already been said - what a great community we have here!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 24, 2005 2:17 pm (#2333 of 2981)
Careful, Loopy, or Kim will sort you out! **she warned him while peering at him through her quizzing glass.**---Catherine
Yes, I tremble at the prospect of being sorted out by Kim. Quizzing "glass" or did you mean quizzing "glasses"? The only type of eyewear I could think of that would fit that description would be some type of mad horn-rims or something like that. ****waves to Kim***---Loopy Lupin
Ah, thanks for the image Catherine, now I've got things properly sorted.---Loopy Lupin
I found that using one of these helps me determine if someone is blushing with embarrassment.---Catherine
Are you two finished now?
EDIT: For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. Unfortunately, I can't give details as it's not Forum friendly material...hence the problem, but as you can tell, Loopy and Catherine have been brought up to speed and it's brought endless hours of amusement to their heretofore dull and meaningless lives.
***waves to Catherine and Loopy*** Glad you're having fun.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 2:29 pm (#2334 of 2981)
Loopy and Catherine have been brought up to speed and it's brought endless hours of amusement to their heretofore dull and meaningless lives. --Sometimes Kim
W00T!
Well, I can't let you take ALL the credit for providing meaning in my life. I'm still waiting for the moment when Bridezilla realizes that Barbie made a fake cake.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 24, 2005 2:36 pm (#2335 of 2981)
I'm very happy to share the credit as I see you're not disputing 'dull' or 'meaningless'.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:02 pm (#2336 of 2981)
I'm very happy to share the credit as I see you're not disputing 'dull' or 'meaningless'.--Sometimes Kim
**peers at Kim through quizzing glass**
I feel certain that, as long as we are Forum members, we shall find endless entertainment and amusement where we can.
Cheers, everyone.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 3:10 pm (#2337 of 2981)
Well, I can't let you take ALL the credit for providing meaning in my life. I'm still waiting for the moment when Bridezilla realizes that Barbie made a fake cake. Catherine
**Giggles and snorts abound** I've decided that I'm going to wear my tennis shoes (also called "trainers" by many outside the U.S.A.) to the wedding. It may make me look a bit odd to be wearing my Nike's with a dress, but I need to be prepared to make a quick run for it if she decides to begin cutting the cake from the bottom layer up instead of the from the top layer down. (It's the bottom layer that's going to be made of styrofoam.) Besides, I may be too tempted to feed a bit of the styrofoam cake to her myself if I hang around too long!
Lina, I'm sorry that it didn't even occur to me to explain what Crisco was when I made my original post about it. I'm from the South, and we generally tend to use the name of the leading brand for all of the other brands in that category... and we usually tend to leave out the description of the product altogether.
For example, here it is not uncommon for someone to ask "Do you want a Coke?" If they respond with a yes, the question is usually followed by "What flavor would you like? I have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Barq's Rootbeer and Creme Soda." The correct way to have asked the question is by asking your guest if they would like a "soft drink" or a "carbonated beverage". We just stick to the name of the leading brand regardless of which company manufactures the item. Even if it is what we call a "store brand" or generic product.
I could also say something to the effect that I needed to go to the store and buy some Dawn. I'm sure that to you it would sound as if I wanted to buy a little bit of morning. But that's what we Southerners generally call all forms of liquid dish detergent. I'll try to be a bit more concise in my future posts. Please, though, always feel free to e-mail me and I'll try my best to explain away any overt "Americanisms" that may slip into mine or other member's posts!
Barbie
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 3:19 pm (#2338 of 2981)
For example, here it is not uncommon for someone to ask "Do you want a Coke?" If they respond with a yes, the question is usually followed by "What flavor would you like? I have Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Barq's Rootbeer and Creme Soda." The correct way to have asked the question is by asking your guest if they would like a "soft drink" or a "carbonated beverage". We just stick to the name of the leading brand regardless of which company manufactures the item. Even if it is what we call a "store brand" or generic product.
You know, when I grew up, this is what we did. "Can I have a Coke?" "Sure, what kind do you want?" It drove my husband batty to have me doing that. I would ask him to pick up some Coke, meaning please pick up the soda of choice that you always see me drinking (and at the time, it was NOT Coke but Diet Pepsi) and he would actually bring home Coke! I still call all pain relievers "aspirin" "Do we have any aspirin?" "No, we have Tylenol" LOL I have gotten better but I tend to revert easily.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:30 pm (#2339 of 2981)
Does anyone need a Kleenex? (or a hankie, a tissue, something to wipe your eyes upon and blow your nose)
Or to Xerox anything? (Makin' some copies)
LOL, we do that, too. Too much, probably, but it is amusing to realize it.
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dizzy lizzy - May 24, 2005 3:38 pm (#2340 of 2981)
I'm glad the forum came back up. It actually went down in the middle of me going through the threads, one minute I was giggling away at something funny, then I press the "read new" button and I get this strange message. It was very upsetting to have to go to bed without reading all these wonderful posts .
Denise and Barbie; I have the same problem with people asking me what to drink. In some restraunts in Australia, they serve either pepsi OR coke. As a result when I ask for a drink of coke, I get an answer that says: "but we only have pepsi, would that do?". I always say yes, because what I was looking for was a black caffeinated non-alcoholic drink and my tastebuds don't care whether it is pepsi or coke.
Lizzy
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Lina - May 24, 2005 3:39 pm (#2341 of 2981)
Please, Barbie, or anyone else, don't feel uncomfortable for using your normal language! It is just interesting to learn every day something new! I think that using the name of a brand to name a category is a normal thing that happens everywhere. I even managed to make a connection between Crisco and shortening, but what shortening was, remained a mystery. Well, thanks to Denise, not any more. The point is, we have a word for butter, fat or margarine, but not for a shortening. At first I thought it was a sort of food emulsifier or flour. It should be something that makes something shorter, right? O.K. I'm just kidding now. It is just a new word in my vocabulary. Before the Forum time (like B. C.), I was able just to talk English within my profession. The first time I make one of the recipes that get posted on the forum, I'll be able to say that I know English!
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 3:49 pm (#2342 of 2981)
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.
Poppycock! (means ridiculous)
It's that experience in which we realize the richness and fullness of our language, and you do, too.
Also, we English-speaking types realize just how difficult and beautiful our language is (hopefully), and we should appreciate it anew.
My daughter, as many folks now know on the Forum, has an autistic-spectrum disorder, and through her eyes, I realize how funny, strange, and full English language can be.
--"raining cats and dogs" (it's pouring rain outside)
--"hold your horses" (wait a minute)
--"catching some Zzzzs" (sleeping)
--"in hot water" (in big trouble)
--"down in the dumps" (very sad)
--"apple of my eye" (my favorite)
See what I mean? It's nuts (crazy)
Good night.
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haymoni - May 24, 2005 3:52 pm (#2343 of 2981)
Hi all - hope everyone is having a lovely evening.
Hubby and Ungrateful Son are at baseball practice. Daughter is watching "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" - Disney version.
I am patiently waiting for 8:00 pm EST so that I can watch the final episode of "The Contender". I found a way to pick up the Yahoo stream at work, so I was able to see the Undercard bouts this afternoon - very good.
Go Sergio! Go Peter! I really don't care who wins - they are both great guys and deserve to win $1 million.
Have a good evening all!
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Madam Pince - May 24, 2005 3:53 pm (#2344 of 2981)
Several people have thanked Ydnam for posting some type of spoiler in white. I have gone back several days worth of posts and can't find what they're referring to. Did her post get moved or deleted or something, or am I just not looking properly? (Yes, it is true: I have no self-control. All somebody has to do is tell me "Don't look at that!" and I'm off! My mother tells me I once got a very nasty burn on my fingers as a child because she told me "Now don't touch that iron while I answer the phone!" She says she should've known better and just kept her mouth shut, because she knows that the best way to get me to do something is to tell me not to do it.)
Edit: Haymoni, I too am looking forward to "The Contender" final match. They are both good boxers. I'm thinking it will be Sergio, though.
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 3:59 pm (#2345 of 2981)
I thought I had mentioned I removed it, apparently not. Or WX ate my post.
In any event, with HBP fast approaching, no kind of spoiler at all should be posted on the chat thread, white or not.
There are specific threads to discuss the book itself or speculation on who may or may not die.
Sorry I didn't check to be sure my post went through. I was interrupted and just figured it went on.
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dizzy lizzy - May 24, 2005 4:02 pm (#2346 of 2981)
Denise, I could tell you had modified Ydnam's post because there was no spoiler there and your name was up at the top of the message. I think we were looking for the spoiler you successfully removed
Lizzy
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Denise P. - May 24, 2005 4:06 pm (#2347 of 2981)
I believe Mandy said she got it from Mugglenet so it should be there for those interested.
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 4:14 pm (#2348 of 2981)
Indeed, Mugglenet has it.
So does the Leaky Cauldron.
If one can't resist the "Spoiler/Imperio" spell!
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Chemyst - May 24, 2005 4:26 pm (#2349 of 2981)
For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. - ~ Kim
Thank you for that explanation, cryptic as it is.
**goes off wondering if "cryptic" will give our non-native English speakers a trip back to the dictionary**
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Catherine - May 24, 2005 4:49 pm (#2350 of 2981)
For those of you wondering what this is all about, I had a rather embarrassing incident take place during my HP class. - ~ Kim—Chemyst
Well, far be it to ME to gossip, BUT....
Kim "might" have had a teensy glitch in her HP class
'Nighty-night...
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:03 pm
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fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 4:57 pm (#2351 of 2981)
Hmm. I find that a simple spell like Don'tus Highlightus" works well for me."—Catherine
How very cute. It made me chuckle and guffaw (another puzzler for those non-Englishers out there) and caused the hubby to come and see what was so amusing. Thanks so much for the tip. I'll have to try it.
**throwing and tantrum and pounding heels into the floor because I don't know Kim's story** Feel free to email me some enlightenment.
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Amilia Smith - May 24, 2005 6:50 pm (#2352 of 2981)
Woo-hoo! I have an interview for a part-time job on Thursday.
I am very glad as I have been feeling a bit at loose ends with no job, no school, no dance classes, no family, no friends, no computer.
But all that is about to change. I have a job interview. Classes started yesterday, and although they are not yet in full swing, they will be taking up more of my time soon. I met a lot of very nice people at church Sunday, and am getting to know my roommates better. And my computer is coming in about 2 weeks . . . (It is following me through the mail via parcel post. If anyone would like to send charms to it that it makes it here all in one piece, they would be appreciated.)
Mills.
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Finn BV - May 24, 2005 6:51 pm (#2353 of 2981)
Yeah, I was completely left in the dark (is this another quick trip to the translator?) when Loopy and Catherine were throwing off jokes about Kim… hmm…
*examines empty hole in Lexicon Forum history in his brain*
I'm going to be so busy this week with finals and a solo piano recital… ooh… ***waves to anybody who says ooh back***
All righty then, have a great rest of Tuesday or - if you're already 2 hours ahead of me - rest of Wednesday! ~Adios
Edit: *Venio Amilia's computer in oneus pieceus*
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Julia. - May 24, 2005 7:30 pm (#2354 of 2981)
Yes, the English language is very hard and it's so easy to confuse words with each other *coughprinceofwhalescough*
Now I'm very curious to hear exactly what happened in Kim's class. Curse me for not being able to get online at a descent hour when Kim's on!
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Puck - May 24, 2005 7:45 pm (#2355 of 2981)
Hello all! I haven't been on the computer much lately. Been home over a week. Have skimmed the posts, but not much more than that. Trying to get things organized. We have to plan and move kids around bedroom-wise to make room for baby.
I survived my days away from my children, but missed them much and couldn't wait to hug them once I got home.
Okay, so last night I had this dream that I met JKR. I was so excited, then I woke up and realized I hadn't really had a conversation with her.
Off to bed. Want to get up before the family to get out for a walk in the morning -if it's not pouring. Really, cold and rainy is not the weather I ordered for the end of May! Where's my warm temperatures and sunshine?
Kathy
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Ydnam96 - May 24, 2005 8:01 pm (#2356 of 2981)
Sorry I didn't realize that the info I put on here about the news from Mugglenet was a spoiler.
Today has been the most frustrating day. My VCR broke. So I tried to go get a new one. Well, that is near to impossible, just to get one that is a VCR. I finally find one at the third store (2nd Walmart) and bring it home...it doesn't work with my perfectly good dvd player!!! So I have to take it back. I end up getting a vcr dvd combo. I bring that home and the antenna that I have (because I have no cable, for many reasons #1 is I live on campus and we aren't allowed to have it, so the antenna is a must) won't fit into the new dvd player. The pokey thing inside the plugy thing is too thick. So I have to go get a new antenna. FINALLY it all works.
Offfff go out and think you are going to spend around $40 for a cheap vcr and end up spending around $100 for the whole lot. Bleh.
Plus my kitty is sick I had to take him to the vet. He's been throwing up and generally not feeling well. Come to find out he has Irritable Bowell Disease. Poor baby. Now I have give him pills twice a day (there went another $100) it's been a long 24 hours.
Now I'm looking forward to a quiet evening of the Season Finale of One Tree Hill. Yes, yes, I haven't watched all season. But I am feeling like I need to indulge in some bad-for-you tv.
Night!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 24, 2005 8:04 pm (#2357 of 2981)
Barbie, before you leave running in your "trainers" in fits of hysterical laughter, make sure someone gets a picture! And run down the bayou, I need a good laugh!
Lina, no one can possibly butcher the American language worse than Americans, so no worries, you get your points across really well!
** . . .toddles off to later daze, er, days . . .**
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The giant squid - May 24, 2005 8:24 pm (#2358 of 2981)
Kim "might" have had a teensy glitch in her HP class –Catherine
Well, thank you so much for clearing that up...
Where's my warm temperatures and sunshine?—Puck
They're still in Las Vegas. Apparently the shippers ran out of funds halfway there.
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.—Lina
Far from it. If anything, you help us improve our English by pointing out things that don't look "correct". That, and those of you typing from a dictionary often use more correct grammar than we native speakers do, and thus show us how to do it right!
--Mike
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 24, 2005 8:33 pm (#2359 of 2981)
Hi All! Haven't popped in for a while, I've been busy at work and exhausted, this growing a baby business is hard work! Although I'm told I will begin to feel a bit less tired soon as I'm now 12 weeks! But I can't complain about anything as I've escaped morning sickness, I did get car sick once, but that's it, and after that I thanked my lucky stars I didn't have to go through something like that each day, so any of you expectant mums out there who have had to suffer through it, you have my sympathies and admiration for being able to carry on!!
Happy Birthday, Congratulations, and all that to all those that deserve it, I must admit I hit mark as read as there was just too much for me to catch up on.
I hope everyone is well, and I'll try to pop in more regularly, I miss you guys!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 24, 2005 9:21 pm (#2360 of 2981)
Amelia good luck on the job interview.
Lol, in NYC we call all sweet fizzy drinks "soda". First time I left the city and ordered a soda with my lunch I got a "club soda". The other one is pizza. You can order a "slice" in any pizzeria in New York City. Ordering in Connecticut, it took a while, but I learned not to ask for a slice, but say pizza, small, medium or large!
Lina was it you who posted that math web site a little time back? I went into it that first time navigated and thought it interesting. When I went into it today it had the home page and page explaining policy, licensing etc. but I couldn't find the games.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 9:26 pm (#2361 of 2981)
Barbie, before you leave running in your trainers" in fits of hysterical laughter, make sure someone gets a picture! And run down the bayou, I need a good laugh!" TBE
Sure thing, Twinkles. I'll have someone who's "in the know" keep a look out for me. If I have to make a run for it, maybe I can just make a beeline over to your place to hide out for a few days? I'm a really tough woman, but I think that I'll just try to duck her punches on that first night. You know what Will Shakespeare said, (tidied up a bit for forum viewing) "Heck has no fury like a woman scorned". It's probably even worse when that woman is wearing enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!
Actually, I can see that she is really trying to create her "dream wedding", and I don't want to take that away from her. I actually find it a bit amusing that she's still so naive about life and marriage. I've had a talk with my brother-in-law, (her future husband). He voluntarily admitted that she's been a bit uncompromising. He's told me that I should only do what I can comfortably accomplish, because he wouldn't have me to stress out over it. She's actually quite lucky in her choice of mates.
I'll talk to you all in the morning! I've been wearing out my telephone dialing and re-dialing into the American Idol phone lines trying to cast enough votes for my favorite... and it's literally worn me out. Even with three phone lines open for each contestant I've really struggled to get through!
Barbie
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 24, 2005 9:36 pm (#2362 of 2981)
make a beeline over to your place to hide out for a few days? You know you always welcome! As for Hell "hath no fury", ...no problems, you in your sneakers and her in "enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!", you got it made, can outrun and get lost in the swamp at the same time...
Maybe by the time you decide to return, she'll have joined the "real" world?
Best hopes and wishes always, Pam
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Lina - May 25, 2005 1:39 am (#2363 of 2981)
Chemyst: **goes off wondering if "cryptic" will give our non-native English speakers a trip back to the dictionary**
Well, "cryptic" is one of those international words and one of those professional words, at least for a woman as old as I am. The food and the plants... well, that is another pair of shoes...
Amelia good luck on the job interview!
Mrs. Sirius, here is the link to the page with downloads so you can check it again. I hope 11 MB is not too much, you can let it download while you read the threads on the Forum...
Barbie: It's probably even worse when that woman is wearing enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!
There is a lucky point at it: you will escape easier!
Thank you all who have comforted me with my English. I have cleared it up enough in my head not to get offended if someone is correcting me, on the contrary. Sometimes I just need more time to make a post than average posters do and eventually i give up when I'm too tired.
I have a friend that comes to me to help her with her math exam that she has to do. I do not have the heart to tell her that I don't have the time for her, but I am really happy when she doesn't have the time to come, like today. So I could spend some more time with my beloved Forum!
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Fawkes Forever - May 25, 2005 4:26 am (#2364 of 2981)
Mrs Sirius... sending a great big hug to you!
Gryffendora, yes indeedy I do work for 'they who must not be named ' aka Oracle... but I prefer to call them 'the dementors'
Finn.... just by posting you're a part of the Forum Family.. welcome by the way
Sorry Julia, I haven't been ignoring you honest, I'm just mental busy here at work. Thanks for your reply of the JKR site thread. Most enlightening As for the waitress job, fingers crossed that the customers are good tippers. Talking of tips, after work, try a bit of lavender oil in a basin of warm water & soak your feet in it. The pillow under your legs also works, oh & of course... really comfortable shoes, or if you can get away with it... trainers.
I waited tables whilst I was at university, (one of my many jobs), & well, I wasn't cut out to be a waitress, (had a hard time being cheerful to obnoxious customers). Most of my waitressing jobs where fine... long tiring shifts, but fine all the same.
However, this one restaurant I only lasted one night. When I arrived for my first shift the guy in charge duly informed me that my skirt was (wait for it), too long... it was at my knee! I was affronted, however I needed the job, so I said nothing (unlike me), & started my shift. I had to wait on a party of 30 on the upper deck of the restaurant, on my own (typical), whilst the rest wandered around on the ground floor, doing very little. But it was ok, the table I was waiting on where a nice bunch of people (teachers I think), who left me a fabulous tip of 35 pounds sterling (50 euro or 60 US$). However, at the end of the night the slimy boss guy told me that all tips where pooled (shared amongst the staff). Normally I wouldn't have had a problem, but no way was I going to share my hard earned cash with those lazy people. My inner Hermione broke through at that point... so I held unto my tip, & walked out the door... unemployed, but a heck of a lot happier!
Opps, sorry for rambling on, haven't been on the forum for about a week & I missed you guys!
Oh, Irish TV has finally started to show LOST! The first two episodes where shown on monday night, & I'm hooked already!
Well done to Lina & Julias benefactors That was real sweet of you. Talking of membership... that reminds me, I must sort out a new credit card, one that will hopefully work when I try to purchase WX membership. It will be a belated birthday gift to myself
OK, the dementors are swarming again... better get back to work.
TTFN ~ Fawkes
EDIT : Hey Catherine, I'm not sure what a twinkie is, but they look yummy! Hmmm, yummmy food..... *checks watch* great it's lunch time over this side of 'the pond'
EDIT 2 : Oh yeah, and did I mention I have a head cold (curse the stupid mental weather), so I'm grumpy & feeling very sorry for myself. Especially since one of my more 'sensitive' male colleagues just informed me that I "Looked like I'd slept outside"... hmmm, exactly what I needed to hear (not)
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:28 am (#2365 of 2981)
My local newspaper tells me that today is the 75th birthday of that American icon of junk food, the Twinkie.
This article was most informative. It seems that Twinkies, contrary to urban legend, do not have a shelf life of 132 years, merely 25 days. I also learned that Twinkies orginally were made with banana cream, but a banana shortage in WWII made it necessary to change to vanilla cream.
The "scary" fact in the article is that Hostess uses 40,000 miles of cellophane to wrap up the 500 million Twinkies it makes every year. Do people really eat that many Twinkies?
Spooky.
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Snuffles - May 25, 2005 4:42 am (#2366 of 2981)
Catherine, What exactly are Twinkies? We don't seem to have them in the UK.
Is your picture of a Twinkie?
Ooh I feel so ignorant!!
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:53 am (#2367 of 2981)
Snuffles, I don't think the UK is missing out on much if you don't have Twinkies!
Yes, the picture in my avatar is a Twinkie, which is a sweet spongy cake filled with vanilla cream. Personally, I find them not very appetizing or appealing, hence my shock when I read that Hostess makes 500 million of them every year.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 5:05 am (#2368 of 2981)
Snuffles, I don't think the UK is missing out on much if you don't have Twinkies!---Catherine
For shame, Catherine.
a sweet spongy cake filled with vanilla cream---need I say more?
Besides, I thought Twinkies were the Southern Regional Dish.
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 5:16 am (#2369 of 2981)
Besides, I thought Twinkies were the Southern Regional Dish.—Kim
Only when they are deep-fried.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 5:21 am (#2370 of 2981)
My mistake then.
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librarian314 - May 25, 2005 5:29 am (#2371 of 2981)
Hey all!
I used to devour Twinkies as a child. They were my favorite. Then, almost over night, about the time I was 15 or so, I couldn't eat them any more. Just thinking about Twinkies makes me a tad queasy.
My best friend's mom worked for the Patent and Trademark office here in the States and so, by extension, I've gotten to be very careful about not using brand names for everything, because she used to correct us. So I say "photocopies", "tissue", "hot tub" (as opposed to Jacuzzi), "soda", etc.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Springtime - May 25, 2005 5:42 am (#2372 of 2981)
all sweet cakes are twinkies to my husband. When he gets up in the morning he has a "coke & twinkie" he's does not drink coffee so he get's his morning caffine with his pop.
When I met him my kids never had a twinkie they were about 5 & 3 at the time and my daughter (demonic kitty) was not sure about trying them. Now when new foods up for them to try we remind them about how they use to say we do not like twinkies until they tried them and now they like them. Therefore now they will try any food once.
So Happy birthday to the twinkie!
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 5:47 am (#2373 of 2981)
TBE, thanks for the offer to stay at your place if Bridezilla goes "mental". I just might "pass on by"!
By the way, since Pam and I are both from southern Louisiana, we both know that people here do not say that they're going to come to your house, or come to visit you. Here we say, "We're gonna pass on by your house." And if you're inviting somebody over to your home, you ask them to "Pass on by and spend a good time". "L'aissez lez bon temps roullez" is the unofficial theme for New Orleans, "Let the good times roll". If you're going grocery shopping, we say that you're "Making Groceries", as if you're literally producing them. And for those old-fashioned domestic-types, like me, who still hang clothes outside to dry... You don't take your clothes off of the clothes line, you "save de clothes".
Just random tidbits of information since we're talking about funny expressions and twists on the English language!
Catherine, do you know that I heard there was an entire cookbook FULL of recipes devoted to the Twinkie? I don't own the cookbook personally, but I "heard tell" about it. Supposedly the almighty Twinkie can be used in hundreds of recipes, including Baked Alaska.
Speaking of people who use prepared snack cakes in the "recipes"... My middle sister, who doesn't cook at all, has a "special dessert" that she "cooks" when she's feeling rather froggy. She takes a few Little Debbie Fudge brownies (the kind with chopped nuts on top), microwaves them for about 30 seconds, places a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and squirts Hershey's Chocolate Syrup all over it. She calls it Brownie ala Mode (which it technically is, I suppose) and considers herself quite the accomplished baker.
Have a great day everybody!
Barbie
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fleur-de-lys - May 25, 2005 5:55 am (#2374 of 2981)
Catherine, I hear ya on the Twinkie front. I was never a big Twinkie fan myself. They're a bit too sweet--if there is such a thing. But I'm not surprised at the number of Twinkies consumed. I'm sure my Pastor is responsible for a large part of that number.
Good luck on the interview, Amelia. I'm glad to hear you're getting settled in. I'll be sending some sort of stickus togetherus and not getus brokenus charm as soon as I'm done posting.
On a more serious note, mom is back in the hospital. We went last nite around 10 o'clock. It was scary. She was terribly weak, couldn't stand on her own and her speech was slow and week too. I was afraid she was having a stroke. What we found out is that her heartrate had dropped drastically. In the ER they said it was down to 10 at one point. We were at the hospital most of the night. (“We” being myself, the hubby and my aunt mom's sister). She had a temporary pacemaker put in and will have a permanent one put in today or tomorrow. What a scary situation. It’s not easy seeing your mom go through something like that. I'm waiting for an update from her nurse as to how she is this morning and then I will be heading down there. So, I won't be on much today. Prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated. I'm so glad to have such a caring community to share this with. Thanks again for being such a wonderful group of people. I'll keep you posted.
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 6:05 am (#2375 of 2981)
Fleur de lys, I am so sorry that you and your family have had such a rough time. It's devastating to see a parent scared and in pain. We're going to be praying that you will all have peace, strength, and the ability to make the right decisions regarding your mom's health. We'll be thinking of you with warm thoughts and love. My own special Patronus will be patrolling from time to time. You'll recognize it because it's a rather large stuffed Care Bear!
Cheers!
Barbie
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 6:06 am (#2376 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys,
I'm sure everyone hopes that you have good news to report later. Best wishes for your mom's improvement, and I'm truly sorry that your mom and your family have had such a difficult night.
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Loopy Lupin - May 25, 2005 6:16 am (#2377 of 2981)
Here are some links to some twinkie fun:
http://www.twinkiesproject.com
http://www.twinkies.com
I have a hard time believing that Hostess makes 500 million of those things a year. While they are iconic in the States and probably everyone would point to them as a prime example of "junk food," I really don't seem to see many people eating them.
And, yes I, too, would like to thank Kim for helping bring some meaning into my otherwise dull life. She seems to be ever the expert on how to spice things up.
EDIT-- Oh, yes, and I'm done now.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 6:23 am (#2378 of 2981)
LOL
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Lina - May 25, 2005 6:25 am (#2379 of 2981)
Oh, Fleur-de-lys, I'm so sorry to read this about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope and believe that the pacemaker will solve the problem.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 6:35 am (#2380 of 2981)
Pam and Barbie, I'm from the New Orleans area too. Nice to know there are some southern bells on the forum...lol
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Snuffles - May 25, 2005 6:39 am (#2381 of 2981)
Thanks for the explanation Catherine, I have to admit they do sound nice.(Anything sweet will do for me!!)
Fleur-de-lys my thoughts are with you, I hope your mum is fine soon.
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T Brightwater - May 25, 2005 7:28 am (#2382 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, my prayers are with you and your mother. Hope the pacemaker does the trick! By the way, did they check her sodium levels? My mom passed out once because she had a sodium deficiency - people who have high blood pressure are always being told to avoid salt, but too little sodium can be worse than too much.
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Denise P. - May 25, 2005 7:37 am (#2383 of 2981)
fleur, sorry to hear about your mom but hope she makes a swift recovery!
I saw a show about an older man, who was in fantastic health. He ate 3 twinkies and fried bologna sandwiches with mayo daily. Ookkaaayyy
Barbie, you could fill up a book on southern expressions. Where else do people cut the lights off? (Turn them off) One that drove me nuts when I first moved to the south was people saying they were "fixing to go to the store" as they headed out. No, you are not "fixing" to, you made up your mind and you are leaving already... Fixing to do the wash, fixing to go watch TV...
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 7:59 am (#2384 of 2981)
LoL Denise! You're so right. But actually, we say that we're "fixxin' teh" go to the store. I'd never actually considered that it was odd to "cut" off the lights. Hmmm... Well, you're right about that one, too!
Yes, we're a unique bunch down here. **waves to apple pie and TBE** I mean, where else can you find an entire population of people that like to "shake Tony Chacere's" seasonings over just about everything that they eat? And it was only a few years ago that I realized that most people don't call that grassy strip that lies between two lanes of street as a "neutral ground". (Also known as 'The Median'.)
I've thought of a few more odd little local expressions: Here we are known to tell stories about "The Gris Gris" instead of telling ghost stories. And if somebody has given you something extra or something "free", it's known as "gettin' Lagniappe". And we don't politely inquire as to your family's well being, we say "How's your momma and dem?" (It's good to be able to laugh at yourself!)
Barbie
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:28 am (#2385 of 2981)
**waves back to Phoenix Song** I've been reading about your cake for "Bridezilla"........so funny! Nice alternative with the "fake cake" Is she a local too? I make cakes for family parties and birthday parties for the kiddies, but I wouldn't dare attempt a wedding cake, to scary for me. So, I'll send you some luck your way...just hope road construction doesn't hold it up too long.
All your cajun talk has made me hungry. I'm beginning to crave a shrimp po-boy for lunch, but need to be sure I have some Tiger Sauce or Tabasco at work, because it's not worth eating without it.
You are so right about our "odd little local expressions", but that's what makes it home. Every time we go on vacation, people ask where we are from. I keep thinking to myself...."Is it that obvious", but I guess it is.
Have a good day in this "melting pot" of ours.
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Ydnam96 - May 25, 2005 8:34 am (#2386 of 2981)
Fluer, I'm sorry about your mother.
On the subject of Twinkies. Bleh. They are sort of gross. Like eating a sponge with creme in it. (just my personal opinion)
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 8:40 am (#2387 of 2981)
All your cajun talk has made me hungry. I'm beginning to crave a shrimp po-boy for lunch, but need to be sure I have some Tiger Sauce or Tabasco at work, because it's not worth eating without it. applepie
Hmmm... Shrimp Po-boy. Sounds good to me. And I won't tell anybody that you don't keep a supply of Tabasco with you at work. Gee, that would be scandalous! You know, it doesn't need to be refrigerated. My husband drives a tanker truck cross country, and he carries a large bottle of Tabasco Habanero sauce in the side pocket of his truck's door. Keep a bit tucked away somewhere for these emergency occasions!
The bride lives here now, but she's from "Up North" originally. I've never made a wedding cake except in decorating class, either. I'm as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a rocking chair factory about making such a large cake for an actual wedding. I'll never be roped into this again, though. My 5 year old asked me the other day if I'd make her wedding cake when she gets married. I told her only if I got to choose the style, size, and color. She beamingly agreed. (She'll regret that later, because I'll make her stick to her agreement or force her to pay a professional!)
Barbie
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:54 am (#2388 of 2981)
Seeing as though my 5 year old wants to marry his Pre-K girlfriend (and sweetheart since age 1) so he can "get a new girlfriend"...I don't think I'll be making his wedding cake too soon....lol
In any case, I think I'd rather pay Gambino's to do the "dirty work".
I do have some Tiger Sauce in the desk drawer. That's my personal favorite...(but don't tell McIlhenny I said so).
I'm off to the office kitchen to "grab a Barq's".
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Julia. - May 25, 2005 10:03 am (#2389 of 2981)
Fleur I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum. I really hope the pacemaker will sort her out, I'm sure she'll be alright in the end. I'll say some Tehillim for her in the meantime.
On the subject of twinkies, like Michelle I liked them until I was about 15, then they became a bit too sweet for my liking, so I gave up on them.
Still sick here. I went to work for about three hours this morning, but my head did not agree with all that standing up, so I headed home for a long afternoon of being horizontal. This evening I had better be feeling better, as I've got plans with a good friend to see Star Wars!!
Oi, Squid Mike! Send some of your sun my will, will you?! It's freezing over here!
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librarian314 - May 25, 2005 10:37 am (#2390 of 2981)
Hey all!
Even in the South, there are differences in turns of phrase. Being from the great state of Virginia, with a heavy dose of western North Carolina (both grandfathers were North Carolinians (one from outside of Mocksville, the other from the mountains around Asheville)), many of the of phrases Phoenix song uses I've never heard. I am occasionally "fixin' to go to the store", refer to people as being "touched in the head" (pronounced in the South as "tetched ina hayid" ;-)), when things are weird say, "tain't natural" and make my daughter say, "Yes ma'am/sir".
Julia, hope you feel better. Tell your parents congrats on making 25 years!!!
Fleur - hope your mom gets better soon. It can be very trying on everyone involved when the docs are trying to figure out what's wrong. Make sure you pay close attention to what the doctors say; ask lots of questions and push them to do all they can.
I've not made a wedding cake, but I did make my sister's wedding gown. She is one of a few people for whom I would do that. Luckily she wasn't a Bridezilla!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Puck - May 25, 2005 11:02 am (#2391 of 2981)
Fleur, sorry to hear about your mom. The pacemaker can be amazing. I have a heart arrythmia and had my first one implanted at age 25. My heart rate had slipped to 9 on occasion. I was amazed how much more energy I had once I actually had a pulse! The new devices can function as a defibulator as well, which means they can shock your heart back into rhythm if it stops or starts getting into a dangerous rhythm. (I now have one of those as well.) I know it can be scary facing the surgery, but living a full life with such a device is possible. Gee, since I had my pacer I've climbed a glacier to reach the Continental Divide, gone sky diving and rock climbing, and am currently on a third child. (Not that your Mom is likely to jump from a plane or have another baby, but she can still lead a full life.)
About Twinkies -I am fairly particular about what I feed my kids. Whole grains, organic yogurt, lots of fruit and veggies. I make waffles and pizza crust from scratch so I can use wheat flour. So, when my first child was one we went to visit the Grandparents. My faher-in-law as excited to tell me that since I didn't believe in giving babies chocolate he had pick out Twinkies to feed my son. I hope I didn't look at horrified as I felt. I'm sure he did get a Twinkie or two that week, but assure you he hasn't tasted one since!
Kathy
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Springtime - May 25, 2005 11:45 am (#2392 of 2981)
Fleur we are thinking of you. My great grandmother had a pacemaker put in at the age of 90 and lived to be 99. Hope all goes well.
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Madam Pince - May 25, 2005 11:52 am (#2393 of 2981)
Fleur, so sorry to hear about your Mom's difficulties -- we'll be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sure it will all work out fine.
Twinkies, bleah. Actually, any kind of those pre-fab-gas-station type cakes, bleah.
Had an interesting HP moment recently. I was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper and drinking my coffee and sub-consciously listening to "Blue's Clues" which Baby Pince was watching in the next room. Steve the Host was going through a spiel about colors and what they mean, and he asked the question: "There's a green light...what does a green light mean?"
I answered automatically "A green light means Avada Kadavra," without even looking up. Only when Baby Pince yelled "No, Mama, a green light means GO!" did I realize what I'd said.
Oh. Yes. Right-o. (I'm such a geek.)
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 12:37 pm (#2394 of 2981)
Hello everybody (again, I can't keep away today!) I just noticed that Lina's daughter posted on the "Tell about yourself" thread. Welcome Catherine Hermonia! We're pleased to have you, and we're sure that you won't embarrass your mom one little bit. (Psst... we all just love your mom here!)
I hope that my own children grown up to be Forum members as well!
Madam Pince, you gave me a real chuckle with your "green like means Avada Kadavra". I've found myself in circumstances like that where the "potter-type" answer flies out of my mouth without me even thinking about it. Q: "Mom, what kind of tree is that?" A: "It's a Whomping Willow... I mean, it's a Weeping Willow."
Julia, I'm so glad to see your family pictures back!
Barbie
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Elanor - May 25, 2005 12:39 pm (#2395 of 2981)
Barbie, I love your sayings! They have a funny echo here, it seems that some of my compatriots brought some local expressions when they moved to La Nouvelle Orléans... "L'aissez lez bon temps roullez", the spelling is curious but the meaning crystal-clear and a "gris-gris" sounds very familiar too. It is really funny!
Catherine, thanks for explaining the curious cake that is in your avatar. When I spent some holidays in your country I tried and tasted everything I could but I'm sure I never tried that, I would remember I think... BTW, there's a few things I learnt about american food during that trip:
- that after some days the Tex-Mex food has funny effects on the body but there was still nothing that could prevent me from tasting "The Hungry Coyote" restaurant's food, it was just too funny...
- I would go back to San Francisco just for tasting the clam chowder again.
- but I can't remember what I ate in Las Vegas, too much "interesting" people to observe for noticing what was in my plate (I have no memory of a walking Giant Squid though...)
- people owning restaurants must think I ate nothing for days to serve people with portions that huge.
- one should not trust her friends when they say the travel guide says there is a store at the bottom of the grand Canyon so you don't have to bring a lot of food with you because you find the way back very long when you discover the said store was closed and you spend the climbing dreaming of the thousands of calories bars sold up there, on the rim of the canyon...
- I have fond memories of all sorts of cakes bound to places you visited **dreaming of brownies and cheesecakes and...**
Fleur, I'm so sorry about your mother. I'm thinking a lot of you!
Have a great day everybody!
Edit: Welcome Catherine Hermonia!
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GryffEndora - May 25, 2005 1:01 pm (#2396 of 2981)
Fleur, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours!
Fawkes, I too got hooked on Lost just after the first episode. You will truly love it! Getting ready for the season finally tonight. I won't give you any spoilers but I will say that you have to watch every episode closely and look for clues especially in the flash backs. Sometimes something that happens to one character in a flash back is happening in the background of a different character's flashback. By the end of the season some things start twisting together in really fascinating ways. It's a great show!
Elanor, I vaguely remember something about how the Cajun-French that is spoken in Louisiana came down from Canada. I believe that is why it's so different from traditional French. The language travelled from France to Canada to Louisiana and changed a bit in every location. I'm sure the people from LA can explain it better though.
Twinkies - used to love 'em, not so much any more. It's very rare if I crave one and I usually can't find just one, I have to buy a whole box. It's also pretty rare for me to crave a sweet that doesn't involve chocolate or dairy. Since I'm allergic to dairy that can be dangerous. I must say that the rice and soy people are very good to come up with good substitutions, but until they open up a Tofutti Queen next to the Dairy Queen so I can get a Peanut Buster Parfait that doesn't make me regret it later, I'll have dairy demons to battle. My dog loves it when I indulge my Dairy Queen cravings cuz they make her a free "Doggy Cone" (a little vanilla ice cream cone with a milkbone dog biscuit in it).
Kim, I'd love you to e-mail me the story from HP Class I must say I'm intrigued.
*edit - CatherineHermonia, welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll be as great a member as your mom!
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John Bumbledore - May 25, 2005 1:22 pm (#2397 of 2981)
For me, Twinkies were replaced by what Mrs. Bumbledore and I call "chemical cakes" (other Americans call them Suzy Q's) But if you read the ingredients on the label you will understand our name for them! See the link for package images of several products recently mentioned in this thread. That link will show you Hostess cakes, these are the sweet treats that established these shapes, flavors and forms know as Twinkies, Suzy Q's, and Ho Hos.
I have since changed my object of compulsive eating to the Hostess cup cake. I can not pass them by without checking my pocket for the change (coins) to buy one.
Oh, and on the soft drink (carbonated beverage) topic. This beverage is properly call "pop" as in soda pop. At least that is what it is called in the western portion of Pennsylvania. Pop is made in colas and un-colas. Colas are: Coke, "Coca-cola;" Pepsi, "Pepsi Cola;" and others. The Un-colas are: 7-up, Sprite, Sierra Mist
That is a different shoe, Lina. That was a speed bump in my reading. (Here is an image of a wider traffic calming device, we would call a speed "hump" here in the US.) So I have to ask if that is a translation of a Croatian saying? But I think your meaning was, (from "The Wizard of Oz") "a horse of a different color" or was it another matter entirely? Well, you made me stop and think about it.
Now the following may be "old hat" (meaning: "so 5 minutes ago" or well known or even archaic) rather than news, but "what else is News?" (meaning: Tell me something I didn't already know.) The word "News" was constructed from the English initials of the four cardinal directions when read from left to right, and top to bottom. N. E. W. S. From the phrase, "All that is fit to print from the N.E.W.S." (meaning north, east, west, and south). This explanation may be fiction. I am not sure. I have heard it from many friends.
Oh, I have gone on too long. Sorry.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Heavily edited for missing HTML elements such as quote marks brackets and an ending tag like .
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Lina - May 25, 2005 1:47 pm (#2398 of 2981)
Thank you for welcoming my daughter so warmly. She was so persistent to join the Forum (What might have attracted her?) and I was so afraid that she might make some silly question, and she is only on her third year of learning English... Well, I'd better let her live her life on the Forum. We'll see how long will that last. She is in bed now, I'll tell her to check here the first thing in the morning.
It just made me think: Barbie, are you sure your sister in law to be is not a member of the Forum too? O.K., I guess she would not be asking questions like "In which book we read about the HBP?" if she were...
We watch here many American films and series(es?), so some expressions you mentioned sound familiar, but I don't remember Twinkies being mentioned. I like the Montana sandwiches though. Just by their name I assume they come from America, as well as McDonalds...
Happy anniversary to your parents, Julia!
And yes, Bumbledore, you understood "another pair of shoes" quite correctly, and yes, this is a translation, I just thought it was imaginable enough to be used. I was just thinking how would it look if I translated some expressions from Croatian and I wasn't aware that I already did it. If I tried to think of something, nothing would have come to my mind. Lol.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 1:48 pm (#2399 of 2981)
Welcome CatherineHermonia. I'm pretty new myself.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 2:04 pm (#2400 of 2981)
Have any of our Louisiana members heard of any bookstores that might be doing Potter Parties. I read that Barnes and Nobles gave a press release saying that they are planning parties, but when I look at potterparties.com there is nothing listed in Louisiana at all. I am sincerely hoping that Barnes and Nobles (at least) does some type of party, but I've had no luck finding anything so far.
fleur-de-lys - May 24, 2005 4:57 pm (#2351 of 2981)
Hmm. I find that a simple spell like Don'tus Highlightus" works well for me."—Catherine
How very cute. It made me chuckle and guffaw (another puzzler for those non-Englishers out there) and caused the hubby to come and see what was so amusing. Thanks so much for the tip. I'll have to try it.
**throwing and tantrum and pounding heels into the floor because I don't know Kim's story** Feel free to email me some enlightenment.
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Amilia Smith - May 24, 2005 6:50 pm (#2352 of 2981)
Woo-hoo! I have an interview for a part-time job on Thursday.
I am very glad as I have been feeling a bit at loose ends with no job, no school, no dance classes, no family, no friends, no computer.
But all that is about to change. I have a job interview. Classes started yesterday, and although they are not yet in full swing, they will be taking up more of my time soon. I met a lot of very nice people at church Sunday, and am getting to know my roommates better. And my computer is coming in about 2 weeks . . . (It is following me through the mail via parcel post. If anyone would like to send charms to it that it makes it here all in one piece, they would be appreciated.)
Mills.
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Finn BV - May 24, 2005 6:51 pm (#2353 of 2981)
Yeah, I was completely left in the dark (is this another quick trip to the translator?) when Loopy and Catherine were throwing off jokes about Kim… hmm…
*examines empty hole in Lexicon Forum history in his brain*
I'm going to be so busy this week with finals and a solo piano recital… ooh… ***waves to anybody who says ooh back***
All righty then, have a great rest of Tuesday or - if you're already 2 hours ahead of me - rest of Wednesday! ~Adios
Edit: *Venio Amilia's computer in oneus pieceus*
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Julia. - May 24, 2005 7:30 pm (#2354 of 2981)
Yes, the English language is very hard and it's so easy to confuse words with each other *coughprinceofwhalescough*
Now I'm very curious to hear exactly what happened in Kim's class. Curse me for not being able to get online at a descent hour when Kim's on!
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Puck - May 24, 2005 7:45 pm (#2355 of 2981)
Hello all! I haven't been on the computer much lately. Been home over a week. Have skimmed the posts, but not much more than that. Trying to get things organized. We have to plan and move kids around bedroom-wise to make room for baby.
I survived my days away from my children, but missed them much and couldn't wait to hug them once I got home.
Okay, so last night I had this dream that I met JKR. I was so excited, then I woke up and realized I hadn't really had a conversation with her.
Off to bed. Want to get up before the family to get out for a walk in the morning -if it's not pouring. Really, cold and rainy is not the weather I ordered for the end of May! Where's my warm temperatures and sunshine?
Kathy
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Ydnam96 - May 24, 2005 8:01 pm (#2356 of 2981)
Sorry I didn't realize that the info I put on here about the news from Mugglenet was a spoiler.
Today has been the most frustrating day. My VCR broke. So I tried to go get a new one. Well, that is near to impossible, just to get one that is a VCR. I finally find one at the third store (2nd Walmart) and bring it home...it doesn't work with my perfectly good dvd player!!! So I have to take it back. I end up getting a vcr dvd combo. I bring that home and the antenna that I have (because I have no cable, for many reasons #1 is I live on campus and we aren't allowed to have it, so the antenna is a must) won't fit into the new dvd player. The pokey thing inside the plugy thing is too thick. So I have to go get a new antenna. FINALLY it all works.
Offfff go out and think you are going to spend around $40 for a cheap vcr and end up spending around $100 for the whole lot. Bleh.
Plus my kitty is sick
I had to take him to the vet. He's been throwing up and generally not feeling well. Come to find out he has Irritable Bowell Disease. Poor baby. Now I have give him pills twice a day (there went another $100) it's been a long 24 hours.Now I'm looking forward to a quiet evening of the Season Finale of One Tree Hill. Yes, yes, I haven't watched all season. But I am feeling like I need to indulge in some bad-for-you tv.
Night!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 24, 2005 8:04 pm (#2357 of 2981)
Barbie, before you leave running in your "trainers" in fits of hysterical laughter, make sure someone gets a picture! And run down the bayou, I need a good laugh!
Lina, no one can possibly butcher the American language worse than Americans, so no worries, you get your points across really well!
** . . .toddles off to later daze, er, days . . .**
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The giant squid - May 24, 2005 8:24 pm (#2358 of 2981)
Kim "might" have had a teensy glitch in her HP class –Catherine
Well, thank you so much for clearing that up...
Where's my warm temperatures and sunshine?—Puck
They're still in Las Vegas. Apparently the shippers ran out of funds halfway there.
To be honest, sometime I'm afraid that you, English speakers, might impoverish your English by hanging out too much with us, non English speakers.—Lina
Far from it. If anything, you help us improve our English by pointing out things that don't look "correct". That, and those of you typing from a dictionary often use more correct grammar than we native speakers do, and thus show us how to do it right!
--Mike
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Daioma Dumbledore - May 24, 2005 8:33 pm (#2359 of 2981)
Hi All! Haven't popped in for a while, I've been busy at work and exhausted, this growing a baby business is hard work! Although I'm told I will begin to feel a bit less tired soon as I'm now 12 weeks! But I can't complain about anything as I've escaped morning sickness, I did get car sick once, but that's it, and after that I thanked my lucky stars I didn't have to go through something like that each day, so any of you expectant mums out there who have had to suffer through it, you have my sympathies and admiration for being able to carry on!!
Happy Birthday, Congratulations, and all that to all those that deserve it, I must admit I hit mark as read as there was just too much for me to catch up on.
I hope everyone is well, and I'll try to pop in more regularly, I miss you guys!!
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Mrs. Sirius - May 24, 2005 9:21 pm (#2360 of 2981)
Amelia good luck on the job interview.
Lol, in NYC we call all sweet fizzy drinks "soda". First time I left the city and ordered a soda with my lunch I got a "club soda". The other one is pizza. You can order a "slice" in any pizzeria in New York City. Ordering in Connecticut, it took a while, but I learned not to ask for a slice, but say pizza, small, medium or large!
Lina was it you who posted that math web site a little time back? I went into it that first time navigated and thought it interesting. When I went into it today it had the home page and page explaining policy, licensing etc. but I couldn't find the games.
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Phoenix song - May 24, 2005 9:26 pm (#2361 of 2981)
Barbie, before you leave running in your trainers" in fits of hysterical laughter, make sure someone gets a picture! And run down the bayou, I need a good laugh!" TBE
Sure thing, Twinkles. I'll have someone who's "in the know" keep a look out for me. If I have to make a run for it, maybe I can just make a beeline over to your place to hide out for a few days? I'm a really tough woman, but I think that I'll just try to duck her punches on that first night. You know what Will Shakespeare said, (tidied up a bit for forum viewing) "Heck has no fury like a woman scorned". It's probably even worse when that woman is wearing enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!
Actually, I can see that she is really trying to create her "dream wedding", and I don't want to take that away from her. I actually find it a bit amusing that she's still so naive about life and marriage. I've had a talk with my brother-in-law, (her future husband). He voluntarily admitted that she's been a bit uncompromising. He's told me that I should only do what I can comfortably accomplish, because he wouldn't have me to stress out over it. She's actually quite lucky in her choice of mates.
I'll talk to you all in the morning! I've been wearing out my telephone dialing and re-dialing into the American Idol phone lines trying to cast enough votes for my favorite... and it's literally worn me out. Even with three phone lines open for each contestant I've really struggled to get through!
Barbie
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 24, 2005 9:36 pm (#2362 of 2981)
make a beeline over to your place to hide out for a few days? You know you always welcome! As for Hell "hath no fury", ...no problems, you in your sneakers and her in "enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!", you got it made, can outrun and get lost in the swamp at the same time...
Maybe by the time you decide to return, she'll have joined the "real" world?
Best hopes and wishes always, Pam
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Lina - May 25, 2005 1:39 am (#2363 of 2981)
Chemyst: **goes off wondering if "cryptic" will give our non-native English speakers a trip back to the dictionary**
Well, "cryptic" is one of those international words and one of those professional words, at least for a woman as old as I am. The food and the plants... well, that is another pair of shoes...
Amelia good luck on the job interview!
Mrs. Sirius, here is the link to the page with downloads so you can check it again. I hope 11 MB is not too much, you can let it download while you read the threads on the Forum...
Barbie: It's probably even worse when that woman is wearing enough yards of satin, lace and beads to decorate a Mardi Gras Float!
There is a lucky point at it: you will escape easier!
Thank you all who have comforted me with my English. I have cleared it up enough in my head not to get offended if someone is correcting me, on the contrary. Sometimes I just need more time to make a post than average posters do and eventually i give up when I'm too tired.
I have a friend that comes to me to help her with her math exam that she has to do. I do not have the heart to tell her that I don't have the time for her, but I am really happy when she doesn't have the time to come, like today. So I could spend some more time with my beloved Forum!
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Fawkes Forever - May 25, 2005 4:26 am (#2364 of 2981)
Mrs Sirius... sending a great big hug to you!
Gryffendora, yes indeedy I do work for 'they who must not be named ' aka Oracle... but I prefer to call them 'the dementors'
Finn.... just by posting you're a part of the Forum Family.. welcome by the way
Sorry Julia, I haven't been ignoring you honest, I'm just mental busy here at work. Thanks for your reply of the JKR site thread. Most enlightening As for the waitress job, fingers crossed that the customers are good tippers. Talking of tips, after work, try a bit of lavender oil in a basin of warm water & soak your feet in it. The pillow under your legs also works, oh & of course... really comfortable shoes, or if you can get away with it... trainers.
I waited tables whilst I was at university, (one of my many jobs), & well, I wasn't cut out to be a waitress, (had a hard time being cheerful to obnoxious customers). Most of my waitressing jobs where fine... long tiring shifts, but fine all the same.
However, this one restaurant I only lasted one night. When I arrived for my first shift the guy in charge duly informed me that my skirt was (wait for it), too long... it was at my knee! I was affronted, however I needed the job, so I said nothing (unlike me), & started my shift. I had to wait on a party of 30 on the upper deck of the restaurant, on my own (typical), whilst the rest wandered around on the ground floor, doing very little. But it was ok, the table I was waiting on where a nice bunch of people (teachers I think), who left me a fabulous tip of 35 pounds sterling (50 euro or 60 US$). However, at the end of the night the slimy boss guy told me that all tips where pooled (shared amongst the staff). Normally I wouldn't have had a problem, but no way was I going to share my hard earned cash with those lazy people. My inner Hermione broke through at that point... so I held unto my tip, & walked out the door... unemployed, but a heck of a lot happier!
Opps, sorry for rambling on, haven't been on the forum for about a week & I missed you guys!
Oh, Irish TV has finally started to show LOST! The first two episodes where shown on monday night, & I'm hooked already!
Well done to Lina & Julias benefactors That was real sweet of you. Talking of membership... that reminds me, I must sort out a new credit card, one that will hopefully work when I try to purchase WX membership. It will be a belated birthday gift to myself
OK, the dementors are swarming again... better get back to work.
TTFN ~ Fawkes
EDIT : Hey Catherine, I'm not sure what a twinkie is, but they look yummy! Hmmm, yummmy food..... *checks watch* great it's lunch time over this side of 'the pond'
EDIT 2 : Oh yeah, and did I mention I have a head cold (curse the stupid mental weather), so I'm grumpy & feeling very sorry for myself. Especially since one of my more 'sensitive' male colleagues just informed me that I "Looked like I'd slept outside"... hmmm, exactly what I needed to hear (not)
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:28 am (#2365 of 2981)
My local newspaper tells me that today is the 75th birthday of that American icon of junk food, the Twinkie.
This article was most informative. It seems that Twinkies, contrary to urban legend, do not have a shelf life of 132 years, merely 25 days. I also learned that Twinkies orginally were made with banana cream, but a banana shortage in WWII made it necessary to change to vanilla cream.
The "scary" fact in the article is that Hostess uses 40,000 miles of cellophane to wrap up the 500 million Twinkies it makes every year. Do people really eat that many Twinkies?
Spooky.
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Snuffles - May 25, 2005 4:42 am (#2366 of 2981)
Catherine, What exactly are Twinkies? We don't seem to have them in the UK.
Is your picture of a Twinkie?
Ooh I feel so ignorant!!
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:53 am (#2367 of 2981)
Snuffles, I don't think the UK is missing out on much if you don't have Twinkies!
Yes, the picture in my avatar is a Twinkie, which is a sweet spongy cake filled with vanilla cream. Personally, I find them not very appetizing or appealing, hence my shock when I read that Hostess makes 500 million of them every year.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 5:05 am (#2368 of 2981)
Snuffles, I don't think the UK is missing out on much if you don't have Twinkies!---Catherine
For shame, Catherine.
a sweet spongy cake filled with vanilla cream---need I say more?
Besides, I thought Twinkies were the Southern Regional Dish.
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 5:16 am (#2369 of 2981)
Besides, I thought Twinkies were the Southern Regional Dish.—Kim
Only when they are deep-fried.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 5:21 am (#2370 of 2981)
My mistake then.
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librarian314 - May 25, 2005 5:29 am (#2371 of 2981)
Hey all!
I used to devour Twinkies as a child. They were my favorite. Then, almost over night, about the time I was 15 or so, I couldn't eat them any more. Just thinking about Twinkies makes me a tad queasy.
My best friend's mom worked for the Patent and Trademark office here in the States and so, by extension, I've gotten to be very careful about not using brand names for everything, because she used to correct us. So I say "photocopies", "tissue", "hot tub" (as opposed to Jacuzzi), "soda", etc.
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Springtime - May 25, 2005 5:42 am (#2372 of 2981)
all sweet cakes are twinkies to my husband. When he gets up in the morning he has a "coke & twinkie" he's does not drink coffee so he get's his morning caffine with his pop.
When I met him my kids never had a twinkie they were about 5 & 3 at the time and my daughter (demonic kitty) was not sure about trying them. Now when new foods up for them to try we remind them about how they use to say we do not like twinkies until they tried them and now they like them. Therefore now they will try any food once.
So Happy birthday to the twinkie!
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 5:47 am (#2373 of 2981)
TBE, thanks for the offer to stay at your place if Bridezilla goes "mental". I just might "pass on by"!
By the way, since Pam and I are both from southern Louisiana, we both know that people here do not say that they're going to come to your house, or come to visit you. Here we say, "We're gonna pass on by your house." And if you're inviting somebody over to your home, you ask them to "Pass on by and spend a good time". "L'aissez lez bon temps roullez" is the unofficial theme for New Orleans, "Let the good times roll". If you're going grocery shopping, we say that you're "Making Groceries", as if you're literally producing them. And for those old-fashioned domestic-types, like me, who still hang clothes outside to dry... You don't take your clothes off of the clothes line, you "save de clothes".
Just random tidbits of information since we're talking about funny expressions and twists on the English language!
Catherine, do you know that I heard there was an entire cookbook FULL of recipes devoted to the Twinkie? I don't own the cookbook personally, but I "heard tell" about it. Supposedly the almighty Twinkie can be used in hundreds of recipes, including Baked Alaska.
Speaking of people who use prepared snack cakes in the "recipes"... My middle sister, who doesn't cook at all, has a "special dessert" that she "cooks" when she's feeling rather froggy. She takes a few Little Debbie Fudge brownies (the kind with chopped nuts on top), microwaves them for about 30 seconds, places a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and squirts Hershey's Chocolate Syrup all over it. She calls it Brownie ala Mode (which it technically is, I suppose) and considers herself quite the accomplished baker.
Have a great day everybody!
Barbie
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fleur-de-lys - May 25, 2005 5:55 am (#2374 of 2981)
Catherine, I hear ya on the Twinkie front. I was never a big Twinkie fan myself. They're a bit too sweet--if there is such a thing. But I'm not surprised at the number of Twinkies consumed. I'm sure my Pastor is responsible for a large part of that number.
Good luck on the interview, Amelia. I'm glad to hear you're getting settled in. I'll be sending some sort of stickus togetherus and not getus brokenus charm as soon as I'm done posting.
On a more serious note, mom is back in the hospital. We went last nite around 10 o'clock. It was scary. She was terribly weak, couldn't stand on her own and her speech was slow and week too. I was afraid she was having a stroke. What we found out is that her heartrate had dropped drastically. In the ER they said it was down to 10 at one point. We were at the hospital most of the night. (“We” being myself, the hubby and my aunt mom's sister). She had a temporary pacemaker put in and will have a permanent one put in today or tomorrow. What a scary situation. It’s not easy seeing your mom go through something like that. I'm waiting for an update from her nurse as to how she is this morning and then I will be heading down there. So, I won't be on much today. Prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated. I'm so glad to have such a caring community to share this with. Thanks again for being such a wonderful group of people. I'll keep you posted.
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 6:05 am (#2375 of 2981)
Fleur de lys, I am so sorry that you and your family have had such a rough time. It's devastating to see a parent scared and in pain. We're going to be praying that you will all have peace, strength, and the ability to make the right decisions regarding your mom's health. We'll be thinking of you with warm thoughts and love. My own special Patronus will be patrolling from time to time. You'll recognize it because it's a rather large stuffed Care Bear!
Cheers!
Barbie
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 6:06 am (#2376 of 2981)
Fleur-de-lys,
I'm sure everyone hopes that you have good news to report later. Best wishes for your mom's improvement, and I'm truly sorry that your mom and your family have had such a difficult night.
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Loopy Lupin - May 25, 2005 6:16 am (#2377 of 2981)
Here are some links to some twinkie fun:
http://www.twinkiesproject.com
http://www.twinkies.com
I have a hard time believing that Hostess makes 500 million of those things a year. While they are iconic in the States and probably everyone would point to them as a prime example of "junk food," I really don't seem to see many people eating them.
And, yes I, too, would like to thank Kim for helping bring some meaning into my otherwise dull life. She seems to be ever the expert on how to spice things up.
EDIT-- Oh, yes, and I'm done now.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 6:23 am (#2378 of 2981)
LOL
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Lina - May 25, 2005 6:25 am (#2379 of 2981)
Oh, Fleur-de-lys, I'm so sorry to read this about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope and believe that the pacemaker will solve the problem.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 6:35 am (#2380 of 2981)
Pam and Barbie, I'm from the New Orleans area too. Nice to know there are some southern bells on the forum...lol
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Snuffles - May 25, 2005 6:39 am (#2381 of 2981)
Thanks for the explanation Catherine, I have to admit they do sound nice.(Anything sweet will do for me!!)
Fleur-de-lys my thoughts are with you, I hope your mum is fine soon.
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T Brightwater - May 25, 2005 7:28 am (#2382 of 2981)
fleur-de-lys, my prayers are with you and your mother. Hope the pacemaker does the trick! By the way, did they check her sodium levels? My mom passed out once because she had a sodium deficiency - people who have high blood pressure are always being told to avoid salt, but too little sodium can be worse than too much.
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Denise P. - May 25, 2005 7:37 am (#2383 of 2981)
fleur, sorry to hear about your mom but hope she makes a swift recovery!
I saw a show about an older man, who was in fantastic health. He ate 3 twinkies and fried bologna sandwiches with mayo daily. Ookkaaayyy
Barbie, you could fill up a book on southern expressions. Where else do people cut the lights off? (Turn them off) One that drove me nuts when I first moved to the south was people saying they were "fixing to go to the store" as they headed out. No, you are not "fixing" to, you made up your mind and you are leaving already... Fixing to do the wash, fixing to go watch TV...
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 7:59 am (#2384 of 2981)
LoL Denise! You're so right. But actually, we say that we're "fixxin' teh" go to the store. I'd never actually considered that it was odd to "cut" off the lights. Hmmm... Well, you're right about that one, too!
Yes, we're a unique bunch down here. **waves to apple pie and TBE** I mean, where else can you find an entire population of people that like to "shake Tony Chacere's" seasonings over just about everything that they eat? And it was only a few years ago that I realized that most people don't call that grassy strip that lies between two lanes of street as a "neutral ground". (Also known as 'The Median'.)
I've thought of a few more odd little local expressions: Here we are known to tell stories about "The Gris Gris" instead of telling ghost stories. And if somebody has given you something extra or something "free", it's known as "gettin' Lagniappe". And we don't politely inquire as to your family's well being, we say "How's your momma and dem?" (It's good to be able to laugh at yourself!)
Barbie
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:28 am (#2385 of 2981)
**waves back to Phoenix Song** I've been reading about your cake for "Bridezilla"........so funny! Nice alternative with the "fake cake" Is she a local too? I make cakes for family parties and birthday parties for the kiddies, but I wouldn't dare attempt a wedding cake, to scary for me. So, I'll send you some luck your way...just hope road construction doesn't hold it up too long.
All your cajun talk has made me hungry. I'm beginning to crave a shrimp po-boy for lunch, but need to be sure I have some Tiger Sauce or Tabasco at work, because it's not worth eating without it.
You are so right about our "odd little local expressions", but that's what makes it home. Every time we go on vacation, people ask where we are from. I keep thinking to myself...."Is it that obvious", but I guess it is.
Have a good day in this "melting pot" of ours.
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Ydnam96 - May 25, 2005 8:34 am (#2386 of 2981)
Fluer, I'm sorry about your mother.
On the subject of Twinkies. Bleh. They are sort of gross. Like eating a sponge with creme in it. (just my personal opinion)
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 8:40 am (#2387 of 2981)
All your cajun talk has made me hungry. I'm beginning to crave a shrimp po-boy for lunch, but need to be sure I have some Tiger Sauce or Tabasco at work, because it's not worth eating without it. applepie
Hmmm... Shrimp Po-boy. Sounds good to me. And I won't tell anybody that you don't keep a supply of Tabasco with you at work. Gee, that would be scandalous! You know, it doesn't need to be refrigerated. My husband drives a tanker truck cross country, and he carries a large bottle of Tabasco Habanero sauce in the side pocket of his truck's door. Keep a bit tucked away somewhere for these emergency occasions!
The bride lives here now, but she's from "Up North" originally. I've never made a wedding cake except in decorating class, either. I'm as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a rocking chair factory about making such a large cake for an actual wedding. I'll never be roped into this again, though. My 5 year old asked me the other day if I'd make her wedding cake when she gets married. I told her only if I got to choose the style, size, and color. She beamingly agreed. (She'll regret that later, because I'll make her stick to her agreement or force her to pay a professional!)
Barbie
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:54 am (#2388 of 2981)
Seeing as though my 5 year old wants to marry his Pre-K girlfriend (and sweetheart since age 1) so he can "get a new girlfriend"...I don't think I'll be making his wedding cake too soon....lol
In any case, I think I'd rather pay Gambino's to do the "dirty work".
I do have some Tiger Sauce in the desk drawer. That's my personal favorite...(but don't tell McIlhenny I said so).
I'm off to the office kitchen to "grab a Barq's".
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Julia. - May 25, 2005 10:03 am (#2389 of 2981)
Fleur I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum. I really hope the pacemaker will sort her out, I'm sure she'll be alright in the end. I'll say some Tehillim for her in the meantime.
On the subject of twinkies, like Michelle I liked them until I was about 15, then they became a bit too sweet for my liking, so I gave up on them.
Still sick here. I went to work for about three hours this morning, but my head did not agree with all that standing up, so I headed home for a long afternoon of being horizontal. This evening I had better be feeling better, as I've got plans with a good friend to see Star Wars!!
Oi, Squid Mike! Send some of your sun my will, will you?! It's freezing over here!
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librarian314 - May 25, 2005 10:37 am (#2390 of 2981)
Hey all!
Even in the South, there are differences in turns of phrase. Being from the great state of Virginia, with a heavy dose of western North Carolina (both grandfathers were North Carolinians (one from outside of Mocksville, the other from the mountains around Asheville)), many of the of phrases Phoenix song uses I've never heard. I am occasionally "fixin' to go to the store", refer to people as being "touched in the head" (pronounced in the South as "tetched ina hayid" ;-)), when things are weird say, "tain't natural" and make my daughter say, "Yes ma'am/sir".
Julia, hope you feel better. Tell your parents congrats on making 25 years!!!
Fleur - hope your mom gets better soon. It can be very trying on everyone involved when the docs are trying to figure out what's wrong. Make sure you pay close attention to what the doctors say; ask lots of questions and push them to do all they can.
I've not made a wedding cake, but I did make my sister's wedding gown. She is one of a few people for whom I would do that. Luckily she wasn't a Bridezilla!
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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Puck - May 25, 2005 11:02 am (#2391 of 2981)
Fleur, sorry to hear about your mom. The pacemaker can be amazing. I have a heart arrythmia and had my first one implanted at age 25. My heart rate had slipped to 9 on occasion. I was amazed how much more energy I had once I actually had a pulse! The new devices can function as a defibulator as well, which means they can shock your heart back into rhythm if it stops or starts getting into a dangerous rhythm. (I now have one of those as well.) I know it can be scary facing the surgery, but living a full life with such a device is possible. Gee, since I had my pacer I've climbed a glacier to reach the Continental Divide, gone sky diving and rock climbing, and am currently on a third child. (Not that your Mom is likely to jump from a plane or have another baby, but she can still lead a full life.)
About Twinkies -I am fairly particular about what I feed my kids. Whole grains, organic yogurt, lots of fruit and veggies. I make waffles and pizza crust from scratch so I can use wheat flour. So, when my first child was one we went to visit the Grandparents. My faher-in-law as excited to tell me that since I didn't believe in giving babies chocolate he had pick out Twinkies to feed my son. I hope I didn't look at horrified as I felt. I'm sure he did get a Twinkie or two that week, but assure you he hasn't tasted one since!
Kathy
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Springtime - May 25, 2005 11:45 am (#2392 of 2981)
Fleur we are thinking of you. My great grandmother had a pacemaker put in at the age of 90 and lived to be 99. Hope all goes well.
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Madam Pince - May 25, 2005 11:52 am (#2393 of 2981)
Fleur, so sorry to hear about your Mom's difficulties -- we'll be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sure it will all work out fine.
Twinkies, bleah. Actually, any kind of those pre-fab-gas-station type cakes, bleah.
Had an interesting HP moment recently. I was sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper and drinking my coffee and sub-consciously listening to "Blue's Clues" which Baby Pince was watching in the next room. Steve the Host was going through a spiel about colors and what they mean, and he asked the question: "There's a green light...what does a green light mean?"
I answered automatically "A green light means Avada Kadavra," without even looking up. Only when Baby Pince yelled "No, Mama, a green light means GO!" did I realize what I'd said.
Oh. Yes. Right-o. (I'm such a geek.)
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 12:37 pm (#2394 of 2981)
Hello everybody (again, I can't keep away today!) I just noticed that Lina's daughter posted on the "Tell about yourself" thread. Welcome Catherine Hermonia! We're pleased to have you, and we're sure that you won't embarrass your mom one little bit. (Psst... we all just love your mom here!)
I hope that my own children grown up to be Forum members as well!
Madam Pince, you gave me a real chuckle with your "green like means Avada Kadavra". I've found myself in circumstances like that where the "potter-type" answer flies out of my mouth without me even thinking about it. Q: "Mom, what kind of tree is that?" A: "It's a Whomping Willow... I mean, it's a Weeping Willow."
Julia, I'm so glad to see your family pictures back!
Barbie
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Elanor - May 25, 2005 12:39 pm (#2395 of 2981)
Barbie, I love your sayings! They have a funny echo here, it seems that some of my compatriots brought some local expressions when they moved to La Nouvelle Orléans... "L'aissez lez bon temps roullez", the spelling is curious but the meaning crystal-clear and a "gris-gris" sounds very familiar too. It is really funny!
Catherine, thanks for explaining the curious cake that is in your avatar. When I spent some holidays in your country I tried and tasted everything I could but I'm sure I never tried that, I would remember I think... BTW, there's a few things I learnt about american food during that trip:
- that after some days the Tex-Mex food has funny effects on the body but there was still nothing that could prevent me from tasting "The Hungry Coyote" restaurant's food, it was just too funny...
- I would go back to San Francisco just for tasting the clam chowder again.
- but I can't remember what I ate in Las Vegas, too much "interesting" people to observe for noticing what was in my plate (I have no memory of a walking Giant Squid though...)
- people owning restaurants must think I ate nothing for days to serve people with portions that huge.
- one should not trust her friends when they say the travel guide says there is a store at the bottom of the grand Canyon so you don't have to bring a lot of food with you because you find the way back very long when you discover the said store was closed and you spend the climbing dreaming of the thousands of calories bars sold up there, on the rim of the canyon...
- I have fond memories of all sorts of cakes bound to places you visited **dreaming of brownies and cheesecakes and...**
Fleur, I'm so sorry about your mother. I'm thinking a lot of you!
Have a great day everybody!
Edit: Welcome Catherine Hermonia!
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GryffEndora - May 25, 2005 1:01 pm (#2396 of 2981)
Fleur, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours!
Fawkes, I too got hooked on Lost just after the first episode. You will truly love it! Getting ready for the season finally tonight. I won't give you any spoilers but I will say that you have to watch every episode closely and look for clues especially in the flash backs. Sometimes something that happens to one character in a flash back is happening in the background of a different character's flashback. By the end of the season some things start twisting together in really fascinating ways. It's a great show!
Elanor, I vaguely remember something about how the Cajun-French that is spoken in Louisiana came down from Canada. I believe that is why it's so different from traditional French. The language travelled from France to Canada to Louisiana and changed a bit in every location. I'm sure the people from LA can explain it better though.
Twinkies - used to love 'em, not so much any more. It's very rare if I crave one and I usually can't find just one, I have to buy a whole box. It's also pretty rare for me to crave a sweet that doesn't involve chocolate or dairy. Since I'm allergic to dairy that can be dangerous. I must say that the rice and soy people are very good to come up with good substitutions, but until they open up a Tofutti Queen next to the Dairy Queen so I can get a Peanut Buster Parfait that doesn't make me regret it later, I'll have dairy demons to battle. My dog loves it when I indulge my Dairy Queen cravings cuz they make her a free "Doggy Cone" (a little vanilla ice cream cone with a milkbone dog biscuit in it).
Kim, I'd love you to e-mail me the story from HP Class I must say I'm intrigued.
*edit - CatherineHermonia, welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll be as great a member as your mom!
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John Bumbledore - May 25, 2005 1:22 pm (#2397 of 2981)
For me, Twinkies were replaced by what Mrs. Bumbledore and I call "chemical cakes" (other Americans call them Suzy Q's) But if you read the ingredients on the label you will understand our name for them! See the link for package images of several products recently mentioned in this thread. That link will show you Hostess cakes, these are the sweet treats that established these shapes, flavors and forms know as Twinkies, Suzy Q's, and Ho Hos.
I have since changed my object of compulsive eating to the Hostess cup cake. I can not pass them by without checking my pocket for the change (coins) to buy one.
Oh, and on the soft drink (carbonated beverage) topic. This beverage is properly call "pop" as in soda pop. At least that is what it is called in the western portion of Pennsylvania. Pop is made in colas and un-colas. Colas are: Coke, "Coca-cola;" Pepsi, "Pepsi Cola;" and others. The Un-colas are: 7-up, Sprite, Sierra Mist
That is a different shoe, Lina. That was a speed bump in my reading. (Here is an image of a wider traffic calming device, we would call a speed "hump" here in the US.) So I have to ask if that is a translation of a Croatian saying? But I think your meaning was, (from "The Wizard of Oz") "a horse of a different color" or was it another matter entirely? Well, you made me stop and think about it.
Now the following may be "old hat" (meaning: "so 5 minutes ago" or well known or even archaic) rather than news, but "what else is News?" (meaning: Tell me something I didn't already know.) The word "News" was constructed from the English initials of the four cardinal directions when read from left to right, and top to bottom. N. E. W. S. From the phrase, "All that is fit to print from the N.E.W.S." (meaning north, east, west, and south). This explanation may be fiction. I am not sure. I have heard it from many friends.
Oh, I have gone on too long. Sorry.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Heavily edited for missing HTML elements such as quote marks brackets and an ending tag like .
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Lina - May 25, 2005 1:47 pm (#2398 of 2981)
Thank you for welcoming my daughter so warmly. She was so persistent to join the Forum (What might have attracted her?) and I was so afraid that she might make some silly question, and she is only on her third year of learning English... Well, I'd better let her live her life on the Forum. We'll see how long will that last. She is in bed now, I'll tell her to check here the first thing in the morning.
It just made me think: Barbie, are you sure your sister in law to be is not a member of the Forum too? O.K., I guess she would not be asking questions like "In which book we read about the HBP?" if she were...
We watch here many American films and series(es?), so some expressions you mentioned sound familiar, but I don't remember Twinkies being mentioned. I like the Montana sandwiches though. Just by their name I assume they come from America, as well as McDonalds...
Happy anniversary to your parents, Julia!
And yes, Bumbledore, you understood "another pair of shoes" quite correctly, and yes, this is a translation, I just thought it was imaginable enough to be used. I was just thinking how would it look if I translated some expressions from Croatian and I wasn't aware that I already did it. If I tried to think of something, nothing would have come to my mind. Lol.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 1:48 pm (#2399 of 2981)
Welcome CatherineHermonia. I'm pretty new myself.
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applepie - May 25, 2005 2:04 pm (#2400 of 2981)
Have any of our Louisiana members heard of any bookstores that might be doing Potter Parties. I read that Barnes and Nobles gave a press release saying that they are planning parties, but when I look at potterparties.com there is nothing listed in Louisiana at all. I am sincerely hoping that Barnes and Nobles (at least) does some type of party, but I've had no luck finding anything so far.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:05 pm
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 2:27 pm (#2401 of 2981)
Kim, I'd love you to e-mail me the story from HP Class I must say I'm intrigued.---GryffEndora
I'm sorry GryffEndora, but discretion seems the better part of valor here. (In as much as I can be discreet at this point.) I think I'll stuff this one back under my hat. Besides, I think Catherine and Loopy have enriched their lives sufficiently to stop having fun at my expense ****she said, casting a quizzical look**** so everyone who didn't hear the story will no longer feel left out. Believe me folks, although it was spectacular, it's just not fit for general publication.
The rain is endless. Given the state of the weather, my house should be spotless. Need I state the obvious?
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 3:10 pm (#2402 of 2981)
Besides, I think Catherine and Loopy have enriched their lives sufficiently to stop having fun at my expense—Kim
No one is THAT enriched! I'm sure that longer-term readers of the Chat thread will have noted that Kim sometimes needs her own "enrichment" and that I usually have a bulls-eye painted smack dab in the middle of my forehead (think Harry's scar). I apologize if anyone felt left out of the fun, and I will try not to do that again. Kim so rarely is in a vulnerable position that Loopy and I quite forgot ourselves.
That's how you know the Forum is really a family! Speaking of which, I should add my own welcome to Lina's daughter CatherineHermonia. So, welcome, CatherineHermonia, and love your name.
I just got back from watching Sith and I did enjoy it much more than the first two movies in this trilogy. What I couldn't enjoy was that a young couple brought their two year-old to this film! The child whined and cried throughout the movie, AND they kept gettting up and walking ACROSS THE SCREEN at least six times. I'm sure this poor kidlet was terrified of the images on the screen, and I am sorry for it, but I was annoyed that I was paying a babysitter to keep my kiddos at home and she was letting her child disrupt the film. The management did nothing about it, as I know that someone did complain.
Grrr.
I did get some good news--Claire is getting the 4th grade "Terrific Kid" award. Yay! She is being recognized for how hard she works, how kind she is to everyone, and that she is a 100% kind of girl. I cried when I opened the note from her teacher. ::sniffs and dabs eyes::
So, all in all, a good day.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 3:13 pm (#2403 of 2981)
Hey Catherine, that's great news. Congratulations to Claire and to you! You must be doing something right. (Oops, there I go enriching myself again. )
EDIT: I just had a strange man pound on my front door wanting to sell magazines. I, of course, did not open my door as I'd never seen this man before in my life. (We had a strained and awkward conversation through the closed door.) Who are these people? And does anyone really buy anything from them???
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 3:16 pm (#2404 of 2981)
Oops, there I go enriching myself again.--Kim
Like I said....BULLSEYE!
Here. Have a deep-fried Twinkie.
EDIT: No, Kim, you did the right thing. I lived in an apartment complex one time where someone who opened the door to "magazine salespeople" was attacked.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 3:17 pm (#2405 of 2981)
Mmmmmmm......deep fried Twinkie.....hello Dixie.
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 3:54 pm (#2406 of 2981)
It just made me think: Barbie, are you sure your sister in law to be is not a member of the Forum too? O.K., I guess she would not be asking questions like In which book we read about the HBP?" if she were..." –Lina
Too funny, Lina, too funny! Actually, I introduced her to the forum when we first met, she took a five minute look at it, gave me a glazed-over look, and said something to the effect that we were pretty deeply "involved" in the books. "Well, DUH!!" Guess it wasn't for her, huh? But I wouldn't be too surprised if she was the person that posed the question: "Does anybody know what's in the Chamber of Secrets?" a few months back.
We're glad to welcome your daughter. I hope that we don't pollute her quite good English with the way that we like to butcher up the lovely language!
Speaking of which, Elanor, I thought that I was spelling the "Laissez Lez Bon Temps Rouilleaux" improperly (and probably am still doing so), but I spelled it the way that I usually see it printed locally. I don't know about French migrating here from Canada, although that is quite possible. The densest population of "Cajun Americans" migrated from France to an area known as Acadiana. I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember much of my Louisiana history, but these were mostly a group of very poor people that were pushed out of France. I believe that the prejudice against them was mostly religious based, but I'm unsure of the steps that led to their displacement. (My ancestors were mainly Indian from Mississippi, so I don't know too much.) Possibly another, more informed, Forumer might know...
I do know that Louisiana law is the only state that is based on what is known as "Napoleanic" or "French" laws. We have many traditions and laws in common with the French as a result. For example, we are the only state that is comprised of "Parishes" and not "counties".
One of the largest attractions in New Orleans is the French Quarter, of course, and the greatest tourist attraction is the annual Mardi Gras. (French for Tuesday Fat) Many streets, parishes, and cities are named for things French.
I'm sure that the spellings and the language has been "altered" in the transition between France and the U.S., though. If anyone is interested, I believe that the story of "Evangeline" is a love story based on the Cajuns leaving France and making a new life in America. It's a story that I need to check out and read again. I haven't read it since the 7th grade. (And that's been a while, folks!)
Hope that I didn't bore you all with too much information!
Barbie
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Dr Filibuster - May 25, 2005 4:00 pm (#2407 of 2981)
YEAHHHHH!
LIVERPOOL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS. They've just won their fifth European Cup in a thrilling match....and I don't normally watch football.
LIV...ER.....POOL!
PS: Twinkies, I spent 20 minutes in a huge K-Mart last year looking for twinkies with my best mate (who moved to the Sates five years ago). Somebody had asked her to send a box over to the UK. We knew they were edible. We'd heard them mentioned on US tv programs (didn't "Buck Rogers of the Twenty First Century" have an annoying robot called Twinkie?). We had to get a sales assistant, "Excuse me, do you sell Twinkies?" "Yes, over in aisle 22". "Thanks", "You're welcome". "Now could you tell us what they are please?" She looked at us like we were as nutty as a fruitcake..
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:05 pm (#2408 of 2981)
She looked at us like we were as nutty as a fruitcake.. --Dr. Filibuster
Uh-huh. Put DOWN the fruitcake and slowly back away!
Actually, I would much rather eat a Twinkie than a fruitcake. But that's not saying much!
I had this bizarre epiphany a bit ago, thinking about Denise's post this morning about the guy, very long-lived, who ate many fried bologna sandwiches (with mayo) and Twinkies.
My conclusion is that Alchemy is useless (waves to Elanor ) because the nitrates in the bologna and the preservatives in the Twinkies have turned this guy into Nicholas Flamel.
You have to love science.
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Penny Lane. - May 25, 2005 4:42 pm (#2409 of 2981)
I'm so excited! Only 19 minutes until the season finale of "Lost"! (It's supposed to be soooo good).
I was watching "Arrested Development" today, and there was a subplot involving "Hot Ding-Dongs" (DingDongs are another Hostess Snack Cake). Has anyone here ever actually heated them up? It sounds kinda gross to me.
The strangest thing I really like is Peanut Butter, Banana, and Honey sandwiches. It's good, I swear.
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fleur-de-lys - May 25, 2005 4:44 pm (#2410 of 2981)
Welcome to the forum, all those newbies out there! Its a great place to me.
Mom is doing better. The pacemaker they are putting in is a double one. They don't do that surgery at her hospital yet, so they're going to move her to another hospital in the city either tomorrow or Friday. She's doing better, but hasn't gotten completely off the meds they're giving her. They're trying to wean her off, but her blood pressure drops a bit and they have to bump it back up. So, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Puck (and others), thanks for your encouraging words about living with a pacemaker. Mom's heartrate had dropped to 10 last nite and they were amazed that she was still talking at that time. I'm glad to hear all the things you've done since recieving your pacer. However, at the age of 68, I doubt mom will be climbing glaciers or having another baby. But she may hear Tim McGraw's song and decide to go sky diving. But I doubt it.
Thanks again to everyone out there. I appreciate your prayers, your thoughts, your advice and your love. You guys are really great and I thank you for caring, not just for me, but for everyone else on the forum. Its really is like a family. Thanks again and I hope you all have a good rest of the week. I'll keep you posted as to how everything goes.
Luv N Stuff, Lori
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applepie - May 25, 2005 4:48 pm (#2411 of 2981)
Fleur, I'm glad your Mom is doing better. I'm sure it has been an agonizing couple of days for you. I know I'm kind of new to things here, but I will definitely keep her in my thoughts and prayers. A few extra prayers never hurt anyone. Take care.
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Eponine - May 25, 2005 4:49 pm (#2412 of 2981)
Penny, my husband and I are so addicted to Lost. You can regularly find me yelling at my TV on Wednesday nights.
Fleur, I hope your mother recovers and that the pacemaker is a success. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Almost time for Lost!
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Ladybug220 - May 25, 2005 5:03 pm (#2413 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 25, 2005 5:40 pm
I wish that I was able to watch TV and see Lost. Oh well, I will just wait until September when it comes out on DVD and get it from Netflix.
Thanks to the monster, I mean cat, in my avatar, I have a new keyboard. Monday night, he knocked a glass of water onto the keyboard. There was hardly any left but it was enough to make the whole keyboard start doing funny stuff. If I hit the 'W' key, the internet explorer help window popped open. I just wish I had a new computer to go with the keyboard. Someday soon I will....
Fleur, I hope your mom recovers. It is amazing what medicine can do nowadays.
edit: I like twinkies but I like Swiss Cake Rolls by Little Debbie better as I am a chocoholic
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Amilia Smith - May 25, 2005 5:15 pm (#2414 of 2981)
The professor of my Mon, Wed, Fri evening class was joking about letting us out early today so we could all catch the season finale of Lost. Well, we'll see if she really was joking or not . . . (it is still only 2:00 here).
When I was in elementary school, we went on a class tour of a twinkie factory. We were very excited as word around the school was that you got a free twinkie after the tour. Alas, they were out of sample twinkies that day, but they promised to send our samples to the school at a later date. They never did. I haven't been able to eat a twinkie since. Moral of the story: kids will remember your promises, and they will remember if you break them.
Fluer, my prayers are with you and your mother.
Mills.
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Denise P. - May 25, 2005 7:14 pm (#2415 of 2981)
Wow, Lost was good. I was surprised at one event, since I got a different impression for a TV Guide interview. I was not really surprised about another part, even though I didn't have any hints it was coming. Too many unanswered questions, too many new questions now!! Auuuggghhh!!
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Madam Pince - May 25, 2005 7:17 pm (#2416 of 2981)
Well, I just saw the season finale of Lost. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! If the previous record for best TV cliffhanger went to Dallas for the "Who Shot JR?" summer, then I'm betting it's about to be eclipsed....
Edit: Me, too, Denise!!!! What in the world was TV Guide thinking about???
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Puck - May 25, 2005 7:38 pm (#2417 of 2981)
Okay, Lost is on the TiVo, so I guess I will be watching tomorrow night. Hubby is busy, and we always watch together.
Lori, yeah, my point was more that the pace maker shouldn't change quality of life stuff. My son (and likely baby under development) have my condition also, but has no restrictions. He will likely get a pacer when he gets older. By a double, do you mean one that functions as a defibulator, or that it has two leads? They are amazing. They can even do check-ups over the telephone.
Catherine, wonderful about your girl!
When I was a kid, soda was "tonic". My grandmother once got yelled at down south for asking for one at a family establishment. "We don't serve alcohol here!" I switched to calling it soda during college. My hubby's family says pop. And the vaccumm is a sweeper, and they say toasted cheese instead of grilled cheese.
Kathy
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Eponine - May 25, 2005 7:43 pm (#2418 of 2981)
Lost. Excuse me while I go die. Holy cow! There was much screaming from me. Some things surprised me, but didn't shock me. Others left me gasping. I dislike cliffhanger endings, but at least we don't have to wait as long as we do between HP books.
Edit: I solemnly swear that I will not spoil Lost
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Ponine - May 25, 2005 7:46 pm (#2419 of 2981)
PLEASE - no LOST spoilers!!
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:44 pm (#2420 of 2981)
I am so out of the "TV - loop" that I have NO IDEA what Lost even is.
On that note, I am off to bed. Sweet dreams to all of you "Potties" out there. See you all in the A.M.!
THE WITCH IS OUT
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Julia. - May 25, 2005 9:10 pm (#2421 of 2981)
Oh man...just saw Star Wars. It was excellent, much better than I expected, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it. something seemed a bit off to me. I'll have to see it again. I had a lovely time though. My friend who I saw it with is to Star Wars what we all are to Harry Potter.
Fleur, again I hope your mum gets better soon. I hope that tomorrow they'll be more sucessful in wein her off her meds.
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Penny Lane. - May 25, 2005 10:21 pm (#2422 of 2981)
OMG - "Lost". I watched it twice. People on my Lost boards are split, about half hated it and are all angry about the lack of answers, and the others (heh!) loved it.
I also got a different impression from that same tvguide interview (are you talking about the one with the underwater spectatular footage?) I hear there is going to be a "deleted scene tommorrow on Good Morning America. I set my TiFaux.
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Chemyst - May 25, 2005 10:26 pm (#2423 of 2981)
I apologize if anyone felt left out of the fun, and I will try not to do that again. ~ Catherine
Humph... I should hope not! And I noticed Miss Manners was conspicuously ... well, I just won't say it.
I'll just shrug it off and assume that the quizzical looks you were giving each other were clues that something went awry when Kim was doing a quiz in her HP class. I haven't quite pieced together the "at my expense" and "enrichment" clues yet, but we Potter fans are great at coming up with theories so, well, you never know. We may just imagine something even better than the truth!
John <)B^D= , That was a very cool soda pop map and I know several people who will enjoy getting that link. Thanks.
Fleur, best wishes for your mom's recovery. One of my son's friends has a pacemaker, which is a little unusual for someone so young, but it is amazing how he can have it checked over the phone and his most recent one has some sort of extended battery boost thingy too, so he his hoping for a long stretch with no repeated surgeries.
CatherineHermiona, welcome!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Well, I've been reading STAR WARS EPISODE 3: REVENGE OF THE SITH SCRIPT over at the Internet Movie Script Database, and it does not read like a break-the-box-office movie! I knew from the other movies that the dialogue wouldn't be the greatest, but reading it without pictures is really bad. Lines like:
PADME: Anakin, all I want is your love.
ANAKIN: Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that.
had me laughing out loud. Same with the life/death scene shifts between the Coruscant-Imperial Rehab Center and the Polis Massa-Medical Center. And the cliche sunset ending! No wonder StarWars is so easy to spoof!
The magnolias are in bloom here, which I think of as the transition marker from spring into summer
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Ydnam96 - May 25, 2005 11:29 pm (#2424 of 2981)
The Lost finale was quite amazing. Won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of seeing it yet.
BUT the Finale of Alias?!?!?!??!?!?! I am in shock. I will not make it till January. I hope so much that they bring it back in the fall.
At least HBP is coming out soon. (on my birthday to boot).
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The giant squid - May 26, 2005 12:00 am (#2425 of 2981)
Oh, Irish TV has finally started to show LOST! The first two episodes where shown on monday night, & I'm hooked already!--Fawkes Forever, 60-something posts ago
Oh, have you got a lot to look forward to...
Julia, I'd love to send you some of our heat. Unfortunately it appears the "cooldown" we were supposed to get tomorrow won't be here until next week sometime. At least our new AC has finally been installed.
Chemyst, George Lucas' dialogue has always been joke-worthy--"Once I was the learner, now I am the master." (from Episode IV: A New Hope [what the uninformed simply know of as Star Wars]}. Who the heck uses the word "learner" in regular conversation?? It does work better with the visuals, though.
Fleur, here's some healing charms for your mom. I hope that the pacemaker helps.
Welcome, CatherineHermonia! Don't tell anyone, but your mom's actually pretty cool!
--Mike
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Lina - May 26, 2005 12:58 am (#2426 of 2981)
Oh, yes, Catherine, sometimes I see parents torturing their little babies the way that couple that you described did (Probably they couldn't arrange the baby-sitting and wanted to see the movie). Then I just remember your advice for the parents: Just follow your instinct! Not all parents, not all! But you should! Congratulations to Claire! That's really great!
Kim, I always open the door. Once there was a man with calendars and pictures and he said: "You see, I'm just collecting charity for myself. If you would be so kind to acquire some of these and help me... I found it to be so cute and honest so I couldn't help, I had to make a donation.
You see, Barbie, my daughter's first reaction to the Forum was similar: "What, you take any sentence from the books and then make a dissertation about what did JKR mean by that?" (almost like saying - how stupid!) But I think she was attracted by a great community and a possibility to practise her English.
Dr Filibuster, (and someone else who I noticed is from Liverpool but I can't remember the name now), congratulations on the European Cup! My husband watched the game and it was really, really great! Almost as great as your story about looking for Twinkies! Lol.
Fleur, your mom seems like a very strong woman to me! I keep thinking of you!
Kathy, your story about pacemaker is fabulous! You make sound having a pacemaker like having glasses! It is really amazing what medicine can do these days.
Chemyst, are you suggesting a new thread "What happened at Kim's class?" or you think it should be discussed under existing "Ideas for Harry Potter class" thread?
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Miriam Huber - May 26, 2005 1:17 am (#2427 of 2981)
LoL Catherine! (Some 80 posts ago) You wrote as an example: "Hold your horses".
See what HP does to us non-English speakers?
I DID know "hold your hippogriffs", of course! And I quite realized that it was not common English.
But I never knew it was taken from "hold your horses", as I never knew THAT expression! So, "hold your hippogriffs" is more "normal" to me..
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Snuffles - May 26, 2005 2:35 am (#2428 of 2981)
Good morning everyone.
I’ve just noticed that on TLC you can buy the Marauders t-shirt at last! The only thing is, it costs more to ship it than to buy!! I'm gutted, I wanted one but I'm now having an internal fight with myself! Do I cough up the $40 or not! Does anyone know if there are any WB shops in the UK?
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CatherineHermiona - May 26, 2005 3:26 am (#2429 of 2981)
First, I'm not CatherineHermoina, I'm CatherineHermiona. I made my name English and Hermione is Hermiona on Croatian. I don't mind it Phoenix song, because I'm doing same mistakes. Only Chemyst writes good so congratulations Chemyst.
P.S: I hope you like my youngest sister's drawing that my mother has as avatar.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 4:03 am (#2430 of 2981)
PADME: Anakin, all I want is your love. ANAKIN: Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that.
Yes, this exchange made me wince. Although I'd like to nominate the line, "Hold me like you did on Naboo" as even more awful. Worst line ever. The movie was immeasurably improved by the lack of a speaking part for Jar-Jar Binks this time around.
Chemyst brings up a good point. Miss Manners, where were you? I think we need Miss Manners' presence every so often so that we don't fall off the manners wagon.
Have a good day, everyone.
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Marè - May 26, 2005 4:15 am (#2431 of 2981)
Hello CatherineHermiona! Welcome aboard. I should really get my nephew (or is it cousin? we only have one word for that) to join this forum. I already got him so far that he asks me everytime I see him if the door has opened yet!
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Good Evans - May 26, 2005 5:22 am (#2432 of 2981)
Julia - so pleased with your comments - I thought I was the only person not overly impressed with revenge of the sith. Sorry but it wasnt a patch on the original three movies and all the reviews said it was up there with empire strikes back and nearly as good as the original (now called episode iv). I enjoyed it and want to see it agian, but I though the dialogue was a dire logue!!!
Dr Filibuster - well done You reds!! but that aside - I think Buck Rogers' robot was tweakie not twinkie - made me laugh though "beberbede another cholesterol shot Buck?"
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Pinky - May 26, 2005 5:26 am (#2433 of 2981)
Steffie, a nephew is the son of one of your siblings. (A niece is the daughter.) A cousin is the child of one of your parents' siblings.
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 5:59 am (#2434 of 2981)
Chemyst brings up a good point. Miss Manners, where were you? I think we need Miss Manners' presence every so often so that we don't fall off the manners wagon. – Catherine
Even Miss Manners likes to have fun once in awhile. Plus, as Catherine says, I completely forgot myself. Wait, who am I?
I must say that I agree 100% regarding Lucas/Star Wars dialogue. Eeesh! Best to just put the brain on "impulse power" while people are talking on the screen. Soon enough, they shut up and lasers start flying and light sabers start swinging again.
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Eponine - May 26, 2005 6:04 am (#2435 of 2981)
On Star Wars. I agree that the dialogue between Padme and Anakin was awkward at best, but Lucas's strength has never really been dialogue. Except for some of the exchanges between Han and Leia, I've always got the giggles at his 'romance' scenes. However, Episode III has really changed my perspective towards Vader in the original trilogy. I hate him and pity him at the same time, and it takes good storytelling to be able to evoke those feelings. One thing I found really interesting about Episode III was the scene where **spoilers** Anankin took the first conscious step towards the Dark Side (Mace Windu's death. I thought it was interesting how it parallelled his redemption scene in Return of the Jedi
Okay, I'll stop talking about Star Wars now. Does anyone know where I can find the special Lost scene online? I missed Good Morning America.
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applepie - May 26, 2005 7:33 am (#2436 of 2981)
Good Morning to all! Just wanted to drop a line to say..... 50 days to go...50 days to go...50 days to go...
Have a wonderful day!
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librarian314 - May 26, 2005 7:48 am (#2437 of 2981)
Hey all!
I second applepie! I've been dancing and squealing all morning because there're only 50 days left. I started counting when there were over 200. Unfortunately, I think these last 50 are going to be the hardest because I want it now!! By the time July 16th gets here I'll be bouncing off the walls!
Oh well, back the the sewing machine. (Darling daughter has outgrown all of her medieval clothing, and since were going to an event this weekend, I get to sew!)
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:07 am (#2438 of 2981)
michelle the librarian - Happy sewing!
That is one of the things my Mother never taught me to do. I can manage a button, but anything else suffers horribly.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 8:16 am (#2439 of 2981)
This isn't really a spoiler, so..... did anyone catch the reference to Twinkies in the Lost episode last night? When Hurley and Locke were walking through the jungle speculating on what they might find, and Hurley says something like "I hope it's lots of TV dinners, and some TVs with remotes, and some Twinkies, you know -- for dessert after the TV dinners. I hear Twinkies can last for like 18 years or something."
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Snuffles - May 26, 2005 8:19 am (#2440 of 2981)
I have to admit, my husband is the one that can do alterations. He can have a long pair of trousers one week and the next he has decided to make them into shorts!!! I've lost count of the times t-shirts with short sleeves suddenly don't have sleeves at all.
I'm like you applepie, I can manage a button but have no artistic flair for things like that at all!
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 8:20 am (#2441 of 2981)
Mr. Pince does that, too, but I wouldn't term his "alterations." It's more like "ripping."
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:30 am (#2442 of 2981)
Madam Pince, your husband and mine seem to have the same style.
He once called me to say he was going to fix dinner and asked me, very matter-of-factly, where the directions were on a can of corn.
I said very calmly.....Step away from the stove.
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Phoenix song - May 26, 2005 8:30 am (#2443 of 2981)
First, I'm not CatherineHermoina, I'm CatherineHermiona. I made my name English and Hermione is Hermiona on Croatian. I don't mind it Phoenix song, because I'm doing same mistakes. Only Chemyst writes good so congratulations Chemyst.
CatherineHermiona, I'm sorry about the mix-up. As our other Forum members will tell you, I'm prone to frequent and often hilarious mistakes. Chemyst is quite good at catching all of the details, which I'm sure makes her an excellent Potion Maker! **wink, wink** I'm more like Harry, mixing my potions while doing 20 other tasks... it leads to sloppy writing and sometimes disastrous results. **blush**
Actually, while I was looking at your name I was contemplating an Alchemical theory that Round Pink Spider and I have been discussing termed "Harmonia". It's concerns bringing into "Harmony" all four of the elements (fire, earth, wind and water) that seem to symbolize the four houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively). Harmonia, the harmony of the 4 elements/4 houses, seems to foreshadow how the four houses must "Unite inside" of Hogwarts or else all crumble from within the castle walls.
Long story short, though, as I was typing your name I was thinking too much about other things and therefore failed to properly spell it. I'll try to do better next time! (But feel free to overlook me as a very chatty and ditzy blonde when I slip up again!)
Barbie
P.S. Catherine, I meant to send you an e-mail with my Congratulations on Claire's award... but have let too much time pass by. I'm sorry! I think that it's simply wonderful and I'm so pleased for you both! By the way, Chemyst is right! What we Chatty Forumers have been imagining as being the "embarrassing and enlightening" event is probably much worse than the actual incident. The only way to quell the rumor mill is to "fess up"!
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Puck - May 26, 2005 9:56 am (#2444 of 2981)
Actually, the pacemaker is less troubling than my glasses on most days. Though I do have a funny story. Last spring I heard this beeping noise, and thought of the kids toys and was checking around but couldn't find it. Next day, I hear it again, and it seemed to be coming from the TV remote. I decided it had a low battery. Next day, again I hear it, but now I'm out in the yard away from such objects -which is how I finally realized it was coming from me! Turns out my defibulator needed an adjustment, and was sending out a signal of a problem. Now, whenever I hear beeping, I always check to see if it's coming from my chest. :goofygrin:
The pacer with a low battery just gave me this odd twitchy feeling. I had both batteries replaced in December, so I should be good for another 7 or 8 years.
Kathy
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Elanor - May 26, 2005 10:03 am (#2445 of 2981)
Hello everybody! Well, if someone needs some heat, I can lend you some. It was 32°C here today (about 90°F) and tomorrow should be even hotter (about 35°C, 95 °F!). It was really hard to make the kids work today, the more because they knew we were going to the swimming-pool this afternoon. I don't know if you ever watched and tried to teach how to swim to 25 kids about 7 or 8 at the same time under a burning sun but I can tell you it is not fun at all. I feel really better now with a fresh drink at hand, though I left my voice near the swimming-pool and just realized I had a sunburn behind my neck... Sorry for the rant, but it was such a hard day!
It was really a joy to read all you posts! Barbie, thank you so much for the information about Lousiana. I would love to visit it sometime. Actually, I may even have some distant cousins there since I know that about a century ago some members of my family moved there, 2 brothers who settled in St Martinville and married British girls. They gave some news for some years and then stopped. I don't know if they ever had children, it would be funny!
Catherine: "My conclusion is that Alchemy is useless (waves to Elanor ) because the nitrates in the bologna and the preservatives in the Twinkies have turned this guy into Nicholas Flamel."
LOL Catherine! I read your post while drinking tea before going this morning and nearly choked with it! Hmm... bologna as a rubedo symbol... not bad! And I do see a stone in his stomach afterwards... (congratulations to your daughter BTW!)
Dr Filibuster, I'm so happy for Liverpool! Journalists kept talking about it today saying how the match was great and that is was the victory of heart and courage.
Eponine, I do agree about the Star Wars scene! I also liked the previous one very much (when Padmé waits in her appartment and Anakin also waits at the jedi council and there is this beautiful and haunting music. The conflict, inside Anakin, is palpable!).
Chemyst, I agree that Lucas' dialogues are not always that good. I wish he would have hired Timothy Zahn for writing them, this guy really knows how to make the SW characters talk! But finally, isn't it amazing to see how great the movies still are despite some dialogues? For me, Lucas is indeed a great wizard. Okay, I'd better stop before I bore you all to death with SW! I really have trouble hiding the SW freak in me, sorry...
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The giant squid - May 26, 2005 11:54 am (#2446 of 2981)
I think Buck Rogers' robot was tweakie not twinkie
Actually it was Twiki...which still isn't "twinkie" but sounds funny nonetheless.
Eponine made a comment about some of Han & Leia's dialogue being the only "love speak" that didn't grate on the nerves. The secret: Lucas didn't write it. He had a screenwriter on both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. If only he'd done the same with episodes II and III.
--Mike
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CatherineHermiona - May 26, 2005 12:54 pm (#2447 of 2981)
Yesterday was the football game between Rijeka and Hajduk (finale). We (Rijeka) won the game and Croatian Cup after 26 years. We had the goal advantage and hit one more. In both games, the final result was 3-1. Today is a fireworks here on Korzo (main street). Everybody are celebrating. Maybe tomorrow we won't have the exam (math). Boys will wreck the school with water balloons.
GO RIJEKA!!!!!!!!!
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applepie - May 26, 2005 12:57 pm (#2448 of 2981)
CatherineHermiona, Congratulations on your victory. Happy celebrating!
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 1:43 pm (#2449 of 2981)
The only way to quell the rumor mill is to "fess up"! –Barbie
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school.
Thanks for the congrats for Claire. I'll pass them along tomorrow when she gets her award. So far, she doesn't know she's getting one!
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Chemyst - May 26, 2005 1:55 pm (#2450 of 2981)
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school. – Catherine
Is that The Wrath of Khim?
Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 2:27 pm (#2401 of 2981)
Kim, I'd love you to e-mail me the story from HP Class I must say I'm intrigued.---GryffEndora
I'm sorry GryffEndora, but discretion seems the better part of valor here. (In as much as I can be discreet at this point.) I think I'll stuff this one back under my hat. Besides, I think Catherine and Loopy have enriched their lives sufficiently to stop having fun at my expense ****she said, casting a quizzical look**** so everyone who didn't hear the story will no longer feel left out. Believe me folks, although it was spectacular, it's just not fit for general publication.
The rain is endless. Given the state of the weather, my house should be spotless. Need I state the obvious?
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 3:10 pm (#2402 of 2981)
Besides, I think Catherine and Loopy have enriched their lives sufficiently to stop having fun at my expense—Kim
No one is THAT enriched! I'm sure that longer-term readers of the Chat thread will have noted that Kim sometimes needs her own "enrichment" and that I usually have a bulls-eye painted smack dab in the middle of my forehead (think Harry's scar). I apologize if anyone felt left out of the fun, and I will try not to do that again. Kim so rarely is in a vulnerable position that Loopy and I quite forgot ourselves.
That's how you know the Forum is really a family! Speaking of which, I should add my own welcome to Lina's daughter CatherineHermonia. So, welcome, CatherineHermonia, and love your name.
I just got back from watching Sith and I did enjoy it much more than the first two movies in this trilogy. What I couldn't enjoy was that a young couple brought their two year-old to this film! The child whined and cried throughout the movie, AND they kept gettting up and walking ACROSS THE SCREEN at least six times. I'm sure this poor kidlet was terrified of the images on the screen, and I am sorry for it, but I was annoyed that I was paying a babysitter to keep my kiddos at home and she was letting her child disrupt the film. The management did nothing about it, as I know that someone did complain.
Grrr.
I did get some good news--Claire is getting the 4th grade "Terrific Kid" award. Yay! She is being recognized for how hard she works, how kind she is to everyone, and that she is a 100% kind of girl. I cried when I opened the note from her teacher. ::sniffs and dabs eyes::
So, all in all, a good day.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 3:13 pm (#2403 of 2981)
Hey Catherine, that's great news. Congratulations to Claire and to you! You must be doing something right. (Oops, there I go enriching myself again. )
EDIT: I just had a strange man pound on my front door wanting to sell magazines. I, of course, did not open my door as I'd never seen this man before in my life. (We had a strained and awkward conversation through the closed door.) Who are these people? And does anyone really buy anything from them???
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 3:16 pm (#2404 of 2981)
Oops, there I go enriching myself again.--Kim
Like I said....BULLSEYE!
Here. Have a deep-fried Twinkie.
EDIT: No, Kim, you did the right thing. I lived in an apartment complex one time where someone who opened the door to "magazine salespeople" was attacked.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 25, 2005 3:17 pm (#2405 of 2981)
Mmmmmmm......deep fried Twinkie.....hello Dixie.
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Phoenix song - May 25, 2005 3:54 pm (#2406 of 2981)
It just made me think: Barbie, are you sure your sister in law to be is not a member of the Forum too? O.K., I guess she would not be asking questions like In which book we read about the HBP?" if she were..." –Lina
Too funny, Lina, too funny! Actually, I introduced her to the forum when we first met, she took a five minute look at it, gave me a glazed-over look, and said something to the effect that we were pretty deeply "involved" in the books. "Well, DUH!!" Guess it wasn't for her, huh? But I wouldn't be too surprised if she was the person that posed the question: "Does anybody know what's in the Chamber of Secrets?" a few months back.
We're glad to welcome your daughter. I hope that we don't pollute her quite good English with the way that we like to butcher up the lovely language!
Speaking of which, Elanor, I thought that I was spelling the "Laissez Lez Bon Temps Rouilleaux" improperly (and probably am still doing so), but I spelled it the way that I usually see it printed locally. I don't know about French migrating here from Canada, although that is quite possible. The densest population of "Cajun Americans" migrated from France to an area known as Acadiana. I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember much of my Louisiana history, but these were mostly a group of very poor people that were pushed out of France. I believe that the prejudice against them was mostly religious based, but I'm unsure of the steps that led to their displacement. (My ancestors were mainly Indian from Mississippi, so I don't know too much.) Possibly another, more informed, Forumer might know...
I do know that Louisiana law is the only state that is based on what is known as "Napoleanic" or "French" laws. We have many traditions and laws in common with the French as a result. For example, we are the only state that is comprised of "Parishes" and not "counties".
One of the largest attractions in New Orleans is the French Quarter, of course, and the greatest tourist attraction is the annual Mardi Gras. (French for Tuesday Fat) Many streets, parishes, and cities are named for things French.
I'm sure that the spellings and the language has been "altered" in the transition between France and the U.S., though. If anyone is interested, I believe that the story of "Evangeline" is a love story based on the Cajuns leaving France and making a new life in America. It's a story that I need to check out and read again. I haven't read it since the 7th grade. (And that's been a while, folks!)
Hope that I didn't bore you all with too much information!
Barbie
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Dr Filibuster - May 25, 2005 4:00 pm (#2407 of 2981)
YEAHHHHH!
LIVERPOOL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS. They've just won their fifth European Cup in a thrilling match....and I don't normally watch football.
LIV...ER.....POOL!
PS: Twinkies, I spent 20 minutes in a huge K-Mart last year looking for twinkies with my best mate (who moved to the Sates five years ago). Somebody had asked her to send a box over to the UK. We knew they were edible. We'd heard them mentioned on US tv programs (didn't "Buck Rogers of the Twenty First Century" have an annoying robot called Twinkie?). We had to get a sales assistant, "Excuse me, do you sell Twinkies?" "Yes, over in aisle 22". "Thanks", "You're welcome". "Now could you tell us what they are please?" She looked at us like we were as nutty as a fruitcake..
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Catherine - May 25, 2005 4:05 pm (#2408 of 2981)
She looked at us like we were as nutty as a fruitcake.. --Dr. Filibuster
Uh-huh. Put DOWN the fruitcake and slowly back away!
Actually, I would much rather eat a Twinkie than a fruitcake. But that's not saying much!
I had this bizarre epiphany a bit ago, thinking about Denise's post this morning about the guy, very long-lived, who ate many fried bologna sandwiches (with mayo) and Twinkies.
My conclusion is that Alchemy is useless (waves to Elanor ) because the nitrates in the bologna and the preservatives in the Twinkies have turned this guy into Nicholas Flamel.
You have to love science.
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Penny Lane. - May 25, 2005 4:42 pm (#2409 of 2981)
I'm so excited! Only 19 minutes until the season finale of "Lost"! (It's supposed to be soooo good).
I was watching "Arrested Development" today, and there was a subplot involving "Hot Ding-Dongs" (DingDongs are another Hostess Snack Cake). Has anyone here ever actually heated them up? It sounds kinda gross to me.
The strangest thing I really like is Peanut Butter, Banana, and Honey sandwiches. It's good, I swear.
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fleur-de-lys - May 25, 2005 4:44 pm (#2410 of 2981)
Welcome to the forum, all those newbies out there! Its a great place to me.
Mom is doing better. The pacemaker they are putting in is a double one. They don't do that surgery at her hospital yet, so they're going to move her to another hospital in the city either tomorrow or Friday. She's doing better, but hasn't gotten completely off the meds they're giving her. They're trying to wean her off, but her blood pressure drops a bit and they have to bump it back up. So, we'll see what tomorrow brings.
Puck (and others), thanks for your encouraging words about living with a pacemaker. Mom's heartrate had dropped to 10 last nite and they were amazed that she was still talking at that time. I'm glad to hear all the things you've done since recieving your pacer. However, at the age of 68, I doubt mom will be climbing glaciers or having another baby. But she may hear Tim McGraw's song and decide to go sky diving. But I doubt it.
Thanks again to everyone out there. I appreciate your prayers, your thoughts, your advice and your love. You guys are really great and I thank you for caring, not just for me, but for everyone else on the forum. Its really is like a family. Thanks again and I hope you all have a good rest of the week. I'll keep you posted as to how everything goes.
Luv N Stuff, Lori
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applepie - May 25, 2005 4:48 pm (#2411 of 2981)
Fleur, I'm glad your Mom is doing better. I'm sure it has been an agonizing couple of days for you. I know I'm kind of new to things here, but I will definitely keep her in my thoughts and prayers. A few extra prayers never hurt anyone. Take care.
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Eponine - May 25, 2005 4:49 pm (#2412 of 2981)
Penny, my husband and I are so addicted to Lost. You can regularly find me yelling at my TV on Wednesday nights.
Fleur, I hope your mother recovers and that the pacemaker is a success. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Almost time for Lost!
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Ladybug220 - May 25, 2005 5:03 pm (#2413 of 2981) Reply
Edited by May 25, 2005 5:40 pm
I wish that I was able to watch TV and see Lost. Oh well, I will just wait until September when it comes out on DVD and get it from Netflix.
Thanks to the monster, I mean cat, in my avatar, I have a new keyboard. Monday night, he knocked a glass of water onto the keyboard. There was hardly any left but it was enough to make the whole keyboard start doing funny stuff. If I hit the 'W' key, the internet explorer help window popped open. I just wish I had a new computer to go with the keyboard. Someday soon I will....
Fleur, I hope your mom recovers. It is amazing what medicine can do nowadays.
edit: I like twinkies but I like Swiss Cake Rolls by Little Debbie better as I am a chocoholic
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Amilia Smith - May 25, 2005 5:15 pm (#2414 of 2981)
The professor of my Mon, Wed, Fri evening class was joking about letting us out early today so we could all catch the season finale of Lost. Well, we'll see if she really was joking or not . . . (it is still only 2:00 here).
When I was in elementary school, we went on a class tour of a twinkie factory. We were very excited as word around the school was that you got a free twinkie after the tour. Alas, they were out of sample twinkies that day, but they promised to send our samples to the school at a later date. They never did. I haven't been able to eat a twinkie since. Moral of the story: kids will remember your promises, and they will remember if you break them.
Fluer, my prayers are with you and your mother.
Mills.
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Denise P. - May 25, 2005 7:14 pm (#2415 of 2981)
Wow, Lost was good. I was surprised at one event, since I got a different impression for a TV Guide interview. I was not really surprised about another part, even though I didn't have any hints it was coming. Too many unanswered questions, too many new questions now!! Auuuggghhh!!
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Madam Pince - May 25, 2005 7:17 pm (#2416 of 2981)
Well, I just saw the season finale of Lost. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! If the previous record for best TV cliffhanger went to Dallas for the "Who Shot JR?" summer, then I'm betting it's about to be eclipsed....
Edit: Me, too, Denise!!!! What in the world was TV Guide thinking about???
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Puck - May 25, 2005 7:38 pm (#2417 of 2981)
Okay, Lost is on the TiVo, so I guess I will be watching tomorrow night. Hubby is busy, and we always watch together.
Lori, yeah, my point was more that the pace maker shouldn't change quality of life stuff. My son (and likely baby under development) have my condition also, but has no restrictions. He will likely get a pacer when he gets older. By a double, do you mean one that functions as a defibulator, or that it has two leads? They are amazing. They can even do check-ups over the telephone.
Catherine, wonderful about your girl!
When I was a kid, soda was "tonic". My grandmother once got yelled at down south for asking for one at a family establishment. "We don't serve alcohol here!" I switched to calling it soda during college. My hubby's family says pop. And the vaccumm is a sweeper, and they say toasted cheese instead of grilled cheese.
Kathy
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Eponine - May 25, 2005 7:43 pm (#2418 of 2981)
Lost. Excuse me while I go die. Holy cow! There was much screaming from me. Some things surprised me, but didn't shock me. Others left me gasping. I dislike cliffhanger endings, but at least we don't have to wait as long as we do between HP books.
Edit: I solemnly swear that I will not spoil Lost
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Ponine - May 25, 2005 7:46 pm (#2419 of 2981)
PLEASE - no LOST spoilers!!
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applepie - May 25, 2005 8:44 pm (#2420 of 2981)
I am so out of the "TV - loop" that I have NO IDEA what Lost even is.
On that note, I am off to bed. Sweet dreams to all of you "Potties" out there. See you all in the A.M.!
THE WITCH IS OUT
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Julia. - May 25, 2005 9:10 pm (#2421 of 2981)
Oh man...just saw Star Wars. It was excellent, much better than I expected, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it. something seemed a bit off to me. I'll have to see it again. I had a lovely time though. My friend who I saw it with is to Star Wars what we all are to Harry Potter.
Fleur, again I hope your mum gets better soon. I hope that tomorrow they'll be more sucessful in wein her off her meds.
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Penny Lane. - May 25, 2005 10:21 pm (#2422 of 2981)
OMG - "Lost". I watched it twice. People on my Lost boards are split, about half hated it and are all angry about the lack of answers, and the others (heh!) loved it.
I also got a different impression from that same tvguide interview (are you talking about the one with the underwater spectatular footage?) I hear there is going to be a "deleted scene tommorrow on Good Morning America. I set my TiFaux.
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Chemyst - May 25, 2005 10:26 pm (#2423 of 2981)
I apologize if anyone felt left out of the fun, and I will try not to do that again. ~ Catherine
Humph... I should hope not! And I noticed Miss Manners was conspicuously ... well, I just won't say it.
I'll just shrug it off and assume that the quizzical looks you were giving each other were clues that something went awry when Kim was doing a quiz in her HP class. I haven't quite pieced together the "at my expense" and "enrichment" clues yet, but we Potter fans are great at coming up with theories so, well, you never know. We may just imagine something even better than the truth!
John <)B^D= , That was a very cool soda pop map and I know several people who will enjoy getting that link. Thanks.
Fleur, best wishes for your mom's recovery. One of my son's friends has a pacemaker, which is a little unusual for someone so young, but it is amazing how he can have it checked over the phone and his most recent one has some sort of extended battery boost thingy too, so he his hoping for a long stretch with no repeated surgeries.
CatherineHermiona, welcome!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Well, I've been reading STAR WARS EPISODE 3: REVENGE OF THE SITH SCRIPT over at the Internet Movie Script Database, and it does not read like a break-the-box-office movie! I knew from the other movies that the dialogue wouldn't be the greatest, but reading it without pictures is really bad. Lines like:
PADME: Anakin, all I want is your love.
ANAKIN: Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that.
had me laughing out loud. Same with the life/death scene shifts between the Coruscant-Imperial Rehab Center and the Polis Massa-Medical Center. And the cliche sunset ending! No wonder StarWars is so easy to spoof!
The magnolias are in bloom here, which I think of as the transition marker from spring into summer
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Ydnam96 - May 25, 2005 11:29 pm (#2424 of 2981)
The Lost finale was quite amazing. Won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of seeing it yet.
BUT the Finale of Alias?!?!?!??!?!?! I am in shock. I will not make it till January. I hope so much that they bring it back in the fall.
At least HBP is coming out soon. (on my birthday to boot).
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The giant squid - May 26, 2005 12:00 am (#2425 of 2981)
Oh, Irish TV has finally started to show LOST! The first two episodes where shown on monday night, & I'm hooked already!--Fawkes Forever, 60-something posts ago
Oh, have you got a lot to look forward to...
Julia, I'd love to send you some of our heat. Unfortunately it appears the "cooldown" we were supposed to get tomorrow won't be here until next week sometime. At least our new AC has finally been installed.
Chemyst, George Lucas' dialogue has always been joke-worthy--"Once I was the learner, now I am the master." (from Episode IV: A New Hope [what the uninformed simply know of as Star Wars]}. Who the heck uses the word "learner" in regular conversation?? It does work better with the visuals, though.
Fleur, here's some healing charms for your mom. I hope that the pacemaker helps.
Welcome, CatherineHermonia! Don't tell anyone, but your mom's actually pretty cool!
--Mike
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Lina - May 26, 2005 12:58 am (#2426 of 2981)
Oh, yes, Catherine, sometimes I see parents torturing their little babies the way that couple that you described did (Probably they couldn't arrange the baby-sitting and wanted to see the movie). Then I just remember your advice for the parents: Just follow your instinct! Not all parents, not all! But you should! Congratulations to Claire! That's really great!
Kim, I always open the door. Once there was a man with calendars and pictures and he said: "You see, I'm just collecting charity for myself. If you would be so kind to acquire some of these and help me... I found it to be so cute and honest so I couldn't help, I had to make a donation.
You see, Barbie, my daughter's first reaction to the Forum was similar: "What, you take any sentence from the books and then make a dissertation about what did JKR mean by that?" (almost like saying - how stupid!) But I think she was attracted by a great community and a possibility to practise her English.
Dr Filibuster, (and someone else who I noticed is from Liverpool but I can't remember the name now), congratulations on the European Cup! My husband watched the game and it was really, really great! Almost as great as your story about looking for Twinkies! Lol.
Fleur, your mom seems like a very strong woman to me! I keep thinking of you!
Kathy, your story about pacemaker is fabulous! You make sound having a pacemaker like having glasses! It is really amazing what medicine can do these days.
Chemyst, are you suggesting a new thread "What happened at Kim's class?" or you think it should be discussed under existing "Ideas for Harry Potter class" thread?
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Miriam Huber - May 26, 2005 1:17 am (#2427 of 2981)
LoL Catherine! (Some 80 posts ago) You wrote as an example: "Hold your horses".
See what HP does to us non-English speakers?
I DID know "hold your hippogriffs", of course! And I quite realized that it was not common English.
But I never knew it was taken from "hold your horses", as I never knew THAT expression! So, "hold your hippogriffs" is more "normal" to me..
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Snuffles - May 26, 2005 2:35 am (#2428 of 2981)
Good morning everyone.
I’ve just noticed that on TLC you can buy the Marauders t-shirt at last! The only thing is, it costs more to ship it than to buy!! I'm gutted, I wanted one but I'm now having an internal fight with myself! Do I cough up the $40 or not! Does anyone know if there are any WB shops in the UK?
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CatherineHermiona - May 26, 2005 3:26 am (#2429 of 2981)
First, I'm not CatherineHermoina, I'm CatherineHermiona. I made my name English and Hermione is Hermiona on Croatian. I don't mind it Phoenix song, because I'm doing same mistakes. Only Chemyst writes good so congratulations Chemyst.
P.S: I hope you like my youngest sister's drawing that my mother has as avatar.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 4:03 am (#2430 of 2981)
PADME: Anakin, all I want is your love. ANAKIN: Love won't save you, Padme. Only my new powers can do that.
Yes, this exchange made me wince. Although I'd like to nominate the line, "Hold me like you did on Naboo" as even more awful. Worst line ever. The movie was immeasurably improved by the lack of a speaking part for Jar-Jar Binks this time around.
Chemyst brings up a good point. Miss Manners, where were you? I think we need Miss Manners' presence every so often so that we don't fall off the manners wagon.
Have a good day, everyone.
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Marè - May 26, 2005 4:15 am (#2431 of 2981)
Hello CatherineHermiona! Welcome aboard. I should really get my nephew (or is it cousin? we only have one word for that) to join this forum. I already got him so far that he asks me everytime I see him if the door has opened yet!
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Good Evans - May 26, 2005 5:22 am (#2432 of 2981)
Julia - so pleased with your comments - I thought I was the only person not overly impressed with revenge of the sith. Sorry but it wasnt a patch on the original three movies and all the reviews said it was up there with empire strikes back and nearly as good as the original (now called episode iv). I enjoyed it and want to see it agian, but I though the dialogue was a dire logue!!!
Dr Filibuster - well done You reds!! but that aside - I think Buck Rogers' robot was tweakie not twinkie - made me laugh though "beberbede another cholesterol shot Buck?"
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Pinky - May 26, 2005 5:26 am (#2433 of 2981)
Steffie, a nephew is the son of one of your siblings. (A niece is the daughter.) A cousin is the child of one of your parents' siblings.
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 5:59 am (#2434 of 2981)
Chemyst brings up a good point. Miss Manners, where were you? I think we need Miss Manners' presence every so often so that we don't fall off the manners wagon. – Catherine
Even Miss Manners likes to have fun once in awhile. Plus, as Catherine says, I completely forgot myself. Wait, who am I?
I must say that I agree 100% regarding Lucas/Star Wars dialogue. Eeesh! Best to just put the brain on "impulse power" while people are talking on the screen. Soon enough, they shut up and lasers start flying and light sabers start swinging again.
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Eponine - May 26, 2005 6:04 am (#2435 of 2981)
On Star Wars. I agree that the dialogue between Padme and Anakin was awkward at best, but Lucas's strength has never really been dialogue. Except for some of the exchanges between Han and Leia, I've always got the giggles at his 'romance' scenes. However, Episode III has really changed my perspective towards Vader in the original trilogy. I hate him and pity him at the same time, and it takes good storytelling to be able to evoke those feelings. One thing I found really interesting about Episode III was the scene where **spoilers** Anankin took the first conscious step towards the Dark Side (Mace Windu's death. I thought it was interesting how it parallelled his redemption scene in Return of the Jedi
Okay, I'll stop talking about Star Wars now. Does anyone know where I can find the special Lost scene online? I missed Good Morning America.
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applepie - May 26, 2005 7:33 am (#2436 of 2981)
Good Morning to all! Just wanted to drop a line to say..... 50 days to go...50 days to go...50 days to go...
Have a wonderful day!
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librarian314 - May 26, 2005 7:48 am (#2437 of 2981)
Hey all!
I second applepie! I've been dancing and squealing all morning because there're only 50 days left. I started counting when there were over 200. Unfortunately, I think these last 50 are going to be the hardest because I want it now!! By the time July 16th gets here I'll be bouncing off the walls!
Oh well, back the the sewing machine. (Darling daughter has outgrown all of her medieval clothing, and since were going to an event this weekend, I get to sew!)
Y'all take care!
**michelle the librarian**
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:07 am (#2438 of 2981)
michelle the librarian - Happy sewing!
That is one of the things my Mother never taught me to do. I can manage a button, but anything else suffers horribly.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 8:16 am (#2439 of 2981)
This isn't really a spoiler, so..... did anyone catch the reference to Twinkies in the Lost episode last night? When Hurley and Locke were walking through the jungle speculating on what they might find, and Hurley says something like "I hope it's lots of TV dinners, and some TVs with remotes, and some Twinkies, you know -- for dessert after the TV dinners. I hear Twinkies can last for like 18 years or something."
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Snuffles - May 26, 2005 8:19 am (#2440 of 2981)
I have to admit, my husband is the one that can do alterations. He can have a long pair of trousers one week and the next he has decided to make them into shorts!!! I've lost count of the times t-shirts with short sleeves suddenly don't have sleeves at all.
I'm like you applepie, I can manage a button but have no artistic flair for things like that at all!
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 8:20 am (#2441 of 2981)
Mr. Pince does that, too, but I wouldn't term his "alterations." It's more like "ripping."
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:30 am (#2442 of 2981)
Madam Pince, your husband and mine seem to have the same style.
He once called me to say he was going to fix dinner and asked me, very matter-of-factly, where the directions were on a can of corn.
I said very calmly.....Step away from the stove.
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Phoenix song - May 26, 2005 8:30 am (#2443 of 2981)
First, I'm not CatherineHermoina, I'm CatherineHermiona. I made my name English and Hermione is Hermiona on Croatian. I don't mind it Phoenix song, because I'm doing same mistakes. Only Chemyst writes good so congratulations Chemyst.
CatherineHermiona, I'm sorry about the mix-up. As our other Forum members will tell you, I'm prone to frequent and often hilarious mistakes. Chemyst is quite good at catching all of the details, which I'm sure makes her an excellent Potion Maker! **wink, wink** I'm more like Harry, mixing my potions while doing 20 other tasks... it leads to sloppy writing and sometimes disastrous results. **blush**
Actually, while I was looking at your name I was contemplating an Alchemical theory that Round Pink Spider and I have been discussing termed "Harmonia". It's concerns bringing into "Harmony" all four of the elements (fire, earth, wind and water) that seem to symbolize the four houses (Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin respectively). Harmonia, the harmony of the 4 elements/4 houses, seems to foreshadow how the four houses must "Unite inside" of Hogwarts or else all crumble from within the castle walls.
Long story short, though, as I was typing your name I was thinking too much about other things and therefore failed to properly spell it. I'll try to do better next time! (But feel free to overlook me as a very chatty and ditzy blonde when I slip up again!)
Barbie
P.S. Catherine, I meant to send you an e-mail with my Congratulations on Claire's award... but have let too much time pass by. I'm sorry! I think that it's simply wonderful and I'm so pleased for you both! By the way, Chemyst is right! What we Chatty Forumers have been imagining as being the "embarrassing and enlightening" event is probably much worse than the actual incident. The only way to quell the rumor mill is to "fess up"!
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Puck - May 26, 2005 9:56 am (#2444 of 2981)
Actually, the pacemaker is less troubling than my glasses on most days. Though I do have a funny story. Last spring I heard this beeping noise, and thought of the kids toys and was checking around but couldn't find it. Next day, I hear it again, and it seemed to be coming from the TV remote. I decided it had a low battery. Next day, again I hear it, but now I'm out in the yard away from such objects -which is how I finally realized it was coming from me! Turns out my defibulator needed an adjustment, and was sending out a signal of a problem. Now, whenever I hear beeping, I always check to see if it's coming from my chest. :goofygrin:
The pacer with a low battery just gave me this odd twitchy feeling. I had both batteries replaced in December, so I should be good for another 7 or 8 years.
Kathy
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Elanor - May 26, 2005 10:03 am (#2445 of 2981)
Hello everybody! Well, if someone needs some heat, I can lend you some. It was 32°C here today (about 90°F) and tomorrow should be even hotter (about 35°C, 95 °F!). It was really hard to make the kids work today, the more because they knew we were going to the swimming-pool this afternoon. I don't know if you ever watched and tried to teach how to swim to 25 kids about 7 or 8 at the same time under a burning sun but I can tell you it is not fun at all. I feel really better now with a fresh drink at hand, though I left my voice near the swimming-pool and just realized I had a sunburn behind my neck... Sorry for the rant, but it was such a hard day!
It was really a joy to read all you posts! Barbie, thank you so much for the information about Lousiana. I would love to visit it sometime. Actually, I may even have some distant cousins there since I know that about a century ago some members of my family moved there, 2 brothers who settled in St Martinville and married British girls. They gave some news for some years and then stopped. I don't know if they ever had children, it would be funny!
Catherine: "My conclusion is that Alchemy is useless (waves to Elanor ) because the nitrates in the bologna and the preservatives in the Twinkies have turned this guy into Nicholas Flamel."
LOL Catherine! I read your post while drinking tea before going this morning and nearly choked with it! Hmm... bologna as a rubedo symbol... not bad! And I do see a stone in his stomach afterwards... (congratulations to your daughter BTW!)
Dr Filibuster, I'm so happy for Liverpool! Journalists kept talking about it today saying how the match was great and that is was the victory of heart and courage.
Eponine, I do agree about the Star Wars scene! I also liked the previous one very much (when Padmé waits in her appartment and Anakin also waits at the jedi council and there is this beautiful and haunting music. The conflict, inside Anakin, is palpable!).
Chemyst, I agree that Lucas' dialogues are not always that good. I wish he would have hired Timothy Zahn for writing them, this guy really knows how to make the SW characters talk! But finally, isn't it amazing to see how great the movies still are despite some dialogues? For me, Lucas is indeed a great wizard. Okay, I'd better stop before I bore you all to death with SW! I really have trouble hiding the SW freak in me, sorry...
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The giant squid - May 26, 2005 11:54 am (#2446 of 2981)
I think Buck Rogers' robot was tweakie not twinkie
Actually it was Twiki...which still isn't "twinkie" but sounds funny nonetheless.
Eponine made a comment about some of Han & Leia's dialogue being the only "love speak" that didn't grate on the nerves. The secret: Lucas didn't write it. He had a screenwriter on both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. If only he'd done the same with episodes II and III.
--Mike
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CatherineHermiona - May 26, 2005 12:54 pm (#2447 of 2981)
Yesterday was the football game between Rijeka and Hajduk (finale). We (Rijeka) won the game and Croatian Cup after 26 years. We had the goal advantage and hit one more. In both games, the final result was 3-1. Today is a fireworks here on Korzo (main street). Everybody are celebrating. Maybe tomorrow we won't have the exam (math). Boys will wreck the school with water balloons.
GO RIJEKA!!!!!!!!!
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applepie - May 26, 2005 12:57 pm (#2448 of 2981)
CatherineHermiona, Congratulations on your victory. Happy celebrating!
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 1:43 pm (#2449 of 2981)
The only way to quell the rumor mill is to "fess up"! –Barbie
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school.
Thanks for the congrats for Claire. I'll pass them along tomorrow when she gets her award. So far, she doesn't know she's getting one!
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Chemyst - May 26, 2005 1:55 pm (#2450 of 2981)
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school. – Catherine
Is that The Wrath of Khim?
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:09 pm
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Good Evans - May 26, 2005 1:57 pm (#2451 of 2981)
Catherine - I hope you have a lovely time watching your daughter get her award, dont forget your hankie!!!
Julie
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 2:00 pm (#2452 of 2981)
Yay for Claire!!
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 2:04 pm (#2453 of 2981)
I forgot how much I hated crutches. I swear they were easier when I was a kid. Julia, how did you survive them up there in the winter? I only have to be on them for two weeks and I think I'm going to spend most of it right here on my couch. Bleh, stupid sprained foot. Julia, did you feel like your arms were going to fall off the first day?
Wow. Only 50 days left till the 16th? That means I'll be turning 27 in 50 days. I think that officially means I'll have left middle twenties and will be in the late twenties stage of my life. I hope the late twenties are better than the early and middle twenties!!! At least I know the first day will be great!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:13 pm (#2454 of 2981)
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school.---Catherine
Smart girl. (Glad to see that Duke education isn't going to waste. Oops, was that another enrichment??)
Is that The Wrath of Khim?---Chemyst
Whatever works.
By the way Chemyst, I sent you an email and I'm wondering if you've received it.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:15 pm (#2455 of 2981)
Last spring I heard this beeping noise, I finally realized it was coming from me! Turns out my defibulator needed an adjustment, and was sending out a signal of a problem. Now, whenever I hear beeping, I always check to see if it's coming from my chest. Puck
As long as it doesn't beep simply because you are walking backward. ** Ducking and running, before the dungbombs are thrown. **
Actually it was Twiki...which still isn't twinkie" but sounds funny nonetheless." The Giant Squid.
Looking even funnier with "Dr. Theopolis" hanging around Twiki's neck like a giant medallion.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 2:16 pm (#2456 of 2981)
Glad to see that Duke education isn't going to waste.—Kim
Is it even possible for a Duke education to go to waste?
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:18 pm (#2457 of 2981)
Is it even possible for a Duke education to go to waste?---Loopy Lupin
I don't know. Let's ask Catherine.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:27 pm (#2458 of 2981)
I am guessing that Chemyst was on the right track, that enlightened refers to something seeing the "light of day" (that normaly shouldn't in public) during a quiz in the HP class?
Kim? Any comments?
Now, I'm back to being confused.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:31 pm (#2459 of 2981)
Kim? Any comments?---John Bumbledore
Sure.
You're on the wrong track.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:54 pm (#2460 of 2981)
way back, some Days ago, PonIne alluded to a word that proved embarrassiNg. with part of it beinG a reference to fruit that she LikEd? one word came to my mind was ___-berrys.
Ponine, am I close to guessing?
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Amilia Smith - May 26, 2005 2:55 pm (#2461 of 2981)
Oh, wow. I really, really, really, want this job. It is in the preservation part of the library. They have a lot of work right now as there was a flood here last fall (read: years' worth of work) and they are getting ready for a special collections exhibit this fall. You would not believe some of the books they have up there. I got to see one of the first known examples of printing. When Buddhism first came to Japan, the Empress Shotoku, after the successful suppression of an insurrection against her Buddhist-oriented court, commissioned 1 million little wooden pagodas to be made. They were hollowed out, and a tiny scroll containing a Buddhist sutra was inserted. This is the earliest dated example we have of printing (770 CE), and I got to touch one! If you are interested, you can see a picture of a similar pagoda, or read more about the history.
I also got to see maps of the Pacific from the 1500s that feature New Guinea prominently, and in which Hawaii is no where to be found.
Also several large life science books from the 1700s featuring absolutely amazing etchings of various flora and fauna. Did you know that there are people out there who buy these rare books, cut them apart, touch up the plates, or pictures, frame them, and sell them???!!! I hope you can hear the indignation in my voice coming through your computers.
Sorry to go on and on, but this would be the dream place to work. I find out Monday. Wish me luck.
Mills.
Edit: Crossposted with about 10 people while I tried to look stuff up on One Million Pagodas. :-)
Mandy, you have my sympathies. How did you sprain your ankle? Or did I miss that?
Ponine's word and Kim's story have been bugging me too, Bumbledore.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:11 pm (#2462 of 2981)
Ponine's word and Kim's story have been bugging me too, Bumbledore.---Amilia Smith
Ah, well. Mystery is good for the soul.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 3:23 pm (#2463 of 2981)
Amilia, good luck on the job -- I hope you get it! It sounds fascinating! I know what you mean about people cutting up old books for the illustrative plates. I collect the bound editions of Godey's Lady's Book, Peterson's Magazine, etc. (they are basically the 1800's equivalent of today's Better Homes and Gardens or Ladies' Home Journal or similar.) The bound editions usually contain six months' worth of the monthly publications. Each month was illustrated with beautiful wood or steel-cut engravings; some illustrate the stories, and some are "fashion plates" that go along with the ladies' fashion updates. These fashion plates are usually the things that cause the ruination of the books. People cut them out and frame them and sell them. It absolutely makes me crazy.
I think you guys might as well give up on Kim's secret. I asked her in chat last night and she pretended not to hear me.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:25 pm (#2464 of 2981)
You did? I'm sorry. I didn't hear you.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 3:25 pm (#2465 of 2981)
Is that The Wrath of Khim?---Chemyst
Oh my goodness, I wish I had an emoticon that shows me falling off my chair and crying with laughter.
Kim as Ricardo Montalban (minus the grey chest hair, natch) is too delicious to even contemplate. But, like Khan, I wouldn't underestimate her.
So, while it might be Fantasy Island time, telling all the goodies on her to the Forum, my Duke education might well be wasted when she sends the brain-eating slug to devour my brain, ala The Wrath of Khan.
Well, it might be wasted anyway, but I wouldn't want to be premature.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:28 pm (#2466 of 2981)
Kim as Ricardo Montalban (minus the grey chest hair, natch)---Catherine
Says you.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 3:29 pm (#2467 of 2981)
Please pass the eyeball wash.
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Ponine - May 26, 2005 4:07 pm (#2468 of 2981)
John Bumbledore - I had to wipe diet coke of my screen after reading your post (2460), it was hilarious.... and yes, *bowing my head in shame* you are indeed correct. Still feel icky when I think about it... I am just stunned that people seem to not get what I was alluding to - I was so sure that my post would be edited since it was so glaringly crude...! I would love to hear about the incident in class as well, but I certainly do understand how some stories are easier to share a good fifteen years after it happened....
I am so excited about everything! Summer and book number six and going to school in the fall, and, and... now, of only my girl would show herself, it would all be good. (Fleur, hon, where are you, how are you doing??) hugs.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 5:17 pm (#2469 of 2981)
Oh! Now I get it! Don't feel bad, Ponine. Years ago somebody used that word while a group of us were sharing butterbeers at Happy Hour, and none of us had ever heard it before either. But it was amusing to hear the uptight, straight-laced vice-president of our company explain it.
Fifty points to your house, John, for figuring out the clues!
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 5:28 pm (#2470 of 2981)
Question for those in the US. Who all has seen the Holiday Inn commercial where all the hotel guests, in all parts of the hotel, are playing Marco Polo with a little girl in the pool?
Mr. Denise saw the commercial and didn't understand it. In questioning him further, he never heard of the game Marco Polo and never realized that his own children play it in our pool. So, is Marco Polo a dying game or do any of you recall playing it as a child?
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Finn BV - May 26, 2005 5:39 pm (#2471 of 2981)
Edited May 26, 2005 6:40 pm
Denise, I am 12 and I still play Marco Polo! It is a big thing in our extended family (and trust me, extended=BIG). I think lots of kids (as well as adults) still are big fans of it. At many of my friends' pool parties that's a big game. I haven't seen the ad but if I do I will let you know.
Ok, on a personal note, this Saturday is my solo piano recital and I have to basically practice every single second I'm not doing something else… so… just wanted to get a whole bunch of luck from my special forum friends!! Thanks in advance -- I will be back with you all Sunday probably!
-Finn-
Edited for typos and an html tag error.
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Marè - May 26, 2005 5:54 pm (#2472 of 2981)
I would love to tell you if we play Marco Polo... If somebody explains what it is...
And I´m having a bit of a problem here... my keyboard is not functioning, I might have hit something, I don´t know but every time I hit shift and a special button, the sign that gets typed is two keys off... So now I´m boring black because I can´t create the brackets for my normal blue... It would look like this ;font color°dodgerblue face°arial: See makes no sense... Anybody know how to solve this thing= thats supposed to be a question mark bye the way.
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 5:56 pm (#2473 of 2981)
Marco Polo is like a hide n go seek game for a pool. One person is Marco, the rest of the people in the pool are Polo. Marco closes their eyes and calls out "Marco!" Everyone else calls back "Polo!" The object of the game is to move around the pool and avoid Marco. Marco has to find someone with their eyes kept closed based only on hearing them call out Polo. If Marco gets you, you become Marco and he becomes Polo and the game continues. In my house, it is usually cut short by accusations of cheating by opening eyes under water to get a fix on the other players LOL
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Ladybug220 - May 26, 2005 5:58 pm (#2474 of 2981)
Denise, my brothers, cousins, friends and I all played it when we were in a pool. I haven't played it in years because, well, I refuse to be seen in a swimsuit.
Mare, did anything happen to get spilled on your keyboard? Mine went wonky when my cat got some water on it and I had to replace it.
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Amilia Smith - May 26, 2005 6:08 pm (#2475 of 2981)
Lots of luck, Finn. I believe that we do make our own luck. As you are practicing hard, you should be plenty lucky and play perfectly at your recital. :-)
Mills.
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GryffEndora - May 26, 2005 6:11 pm (#2476 of 2981)
John Bumbledore - I am so glad you figured out that word, I was so lost.
Lost was great! I will be watching it again to see if I can figure anything out. Does anyone know what the extra scene on Good Morning America was about?
Catherine, what a treasure you have. You must have been "fit to burst" with pride when you learned of Claire's award. I'm glad you got the letter because the award is just as much for you as it is for her.
Amilia, good luck with the job! I'm rooting for you!
I remember Marco Polo from when I was a kid playing at my friends pool. My favorite game of Marco Polo ever is from a TV Show. There was a show called Bosom Buddies that starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari. The guys were in advertising and they did a fish stick commercial, one of them was dressed as the Gorton's Fisherman in a kiddie pool. After the shoot the 2 guys and their gal pal all stood in the kiddie pool while one of them closed his eyes stuck out his arms and called "Marco" to their "Polo". Totally silly but it still makes me smile.
I wish everyone on the forum a moment of totally silly very soon, it will help keep you young, or at least smiling!
*edit: Finn - good luck with the recital!
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Marè - May 26, 2005 6:21 pm (#2477 of 2981)
Mare, did anything happen to get spilled on your keyboard? Mine went wonky when my cat got some water on it and I had to replace it.
Nope I had no drinks near my just brand new not a month old computer, thank you very much. And I have no cats... and no idea what happened unfortunately.
Thanks for explaining Marco Polo Denise. I´ve never heard of it before, but I wish I had known that game when I was still giving swimming lessons. It sounds like a good way to teach children to be confident in the water, only I would change it so they can look under water because so many little kids have problems with that...
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 6:28 pm (#2478 of 2981)
It works well for even non swimmers, my 4 year old can play it with his siblings. Granted, he is usually caught first but he still enjoys playing it. When he is caught, he doesn't become Marco (he can't touch the bottom of the pool yet and hasn't quite mastered directed motion while on a noodle)
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Finn BV - May 26, 2005 6:43 pm (#2479 of 2981)
You might add that works even BETTER for non-swimmers. It's not much of a swimming game as it's pretty hard to swim with your eyes closed… :wishes there was an "eyes closed"/Marco Polo smiley:
Thanks for the luck everyone!!
-Finn-
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Stephanie M. - May 26, 2005 6:54 pm (#2480 of 2981)
It always helps if you are a good swimmer, because if you think you know where a person is in the pool, then you can swim as fast as you can and tag them. Especially if you are faster than them. LOL I'm on my school's Swimming Team and I have a pool in my building so I have a huge advantage over some people.
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Stephanie M. - May 26, 2005 7:10 pm (#2481 of 2981)
FBV you'll do fine!!!! Don't worry! If you mess up just think of me and how I asked someone earlier today what this instrument was and she responded,"Um, Stephanie thats a microphone stand." So no matter what you have more musical skills than I do. Good Luck on the Math final! Then on Wednesday we have our Espanol final! ¡Olé! I will see you at your recital.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 7:13 pm (#2482 of 2981)
OOHHH! Major nostalgia moment. Thanks, Denise et al....
(calling from a long way away through cupped hands....."Marco!")
We played this game ad nauseaum at the pool. I was especially privileged because my best friend Hillary W. was an an amazing swimmer who made otters and fish look dumb and clumsy (by the way, she's an attorney in D.C. now; I wonder if Loopy Lupin has encountered her?? She did go to UVA after all... )
I was never very good at this game, as my voice is distintctive, and I wasn't fast enough to disguise my diving origins. Nor am I a talented swimmer, but I suppose that isn't really the point, even if my playmates were the junior olympic swimmers from our area, and I was the geeky one on the swimming team whose mom "made" her participate just so she could be a team player and appreciate the value of coming in last every time! Losing builds character, sweetheart! Yay! We still love you!
Ooops. Maybe you hear my embarrassment coming through. Did I mention that I wasn't a good swimmer? No matter. Oh, well....
Nonetheless, the game "Marco Polo" is darn fun, and I regret that "grown-ups" don't get to play it at the local pool.
....(hears "Polo" from a long way away....maybe even from way up north...strains to hear....)
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KWeldon - May 26, 2005 7:19 pm (#2483 of 2981)
In our version of Marco Polo, the people who aren't "it" can even get out of the pool, but if the person who is "it" suspects that they are out of the pool, he can say, "Fish out of water!" and the people out of the water have to say, "No fish" and immediately get back in.
Ahhh...summer.
On a Star Wars note (huge fan!!), I absolutely loved it. The lightsaber fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan was so beautifully choreographed. Of course, the dialog left much to be desired, but that's not what I see a Star Wars movie for.
The only thing that had me scratching my head was what Yoda said at the end to Obi-Wan about someone we haven't seen in a while, and I have to go look up how to put it in white font so I don't spoil it for anyone! I didn't understand the purpose of that.
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 7:33 pm (#2484 of 2981)
I had totally forgot about the fish out of water clause! We have an above the ground pool so it is a bit difficult to do that part anyway.
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Puck - May 26, 2005 7:58 pm (#2485 of 2981)
Polo! -I believe I am a bit North, Catherine, here in Massachusetts.
John, did you just comment about me -six months pregnant- being as big as a truck? "Beep". LOL
Have fun at the recital, Finn!
Denise, love the new avatar!
Kathy
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:05 pm (#2486 of 2981)
Denise, the picture of the baby is wonderful. I wish they would have had that when I had my kids. I'm always a day late and a dollar short...lol
Good luck and congratulations to all of you with special events/tests/recitals/etc. going on. We are just getting back from the ball park...baseball game tonight for one of the kids. Now I'm just trying to catch up on e-mail and stuff before straightening up and going to bed. Thank God tomorrow is Friday.
I hope everything is ok with Fleur's Mom. Has anyone heard from her?
I'm sending out prayers and well wishes to all of you. Have a good night!
THE WITCH IS OUT!
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Julia. - May 26, 2005 8:10 pm (#2487 of 2981)
Catherine: Polo!! Mazel tov on Claire's award. I'm all proud of her!
I used to play Marco Polo all the time when I was a kid. Funtimes.
I forget who it was who asked if after my first day on crutches my arms felt like they were falling off. They definitely felt like they were falling off, but it'll get better with time.
Chemyst, George Lucas' dialogue has always been joke-worthy--"Once I was the learner, now I am the master." (from Episode IV: A New Hope [what the uninformed simply know of as Star Wars]}. Who the heck uses the word "learner" in regular conversation?? It does work better with the visuals, though.--Squid Mike
*waves* Actually, I say "learner" in regular conversation. When Chabad Jews refer to studying, they usually say "learning" for example: "I just finished learning some Torah, now I think I'll learn some Talmud."
On Star Wars, I really did love the movie. I got a weird feeling during most of it though, so I'll definitely have to see it again to sort out exactly what it was. I loved the music. John Williams always does a good job. You guys are definitely right about the dialogue. George Lucas is a creative genius, but not such a great writer. The romance dialogue was absolutely horrible, and the "Hold me like you did on Naboo" was terrible, but for me, the worst was in Episode II. "I'm dying Ani. I've been dying, slowly, a little bit more each day, ever since you came back into my life." Let us never speak of these things again. The lightsaber fights were brilliant, as always. I loved the Anakin/Obi Wan one, and Yoda, well, I have a special place in my heart for him with a lightsaber.
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 8:43 pm (#2488 of 2981)
Denise the picture is a great one!
Someone asked (I can't remember who) what happened to my ankle. I sprained it a few weeks ago. Last Thursday I did something to it, not sure what, but since then I've been in terrible pain. I finally got into the doctor today. No broken bones, although my foot is swollen and purple-ish, my doctor says I must have re-damaged my foot.
I just spent 5 hours asleep on my sofa. I'm thinking it might be a little hard to sleep tonight!
As for Marco Polo. We were never allowed to get out of the water! That was considered cheating.
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Round Pink Spider - May 26, 2005 8:46 pm (#2489 of 2981)
Hello again, everybody!Can I join the game? We used to play Marco Polo when I was a kid...
At least Yoda with a lightsaber didn't cause giggles this time, like it did in the last movie. I enjoyed the movie, but being totally obsessive about details, I couldn't help thinking over and over about those continuity problems that were being overlooked. (Wish I wasn't like that... It's useful for writing, but it's a pain when you want to just sit back and enjoy a movie.)
Last week of school! Last week of school! Last week of school! (Check back with me in two weeks, and see if I'm still cheering after a week with all the kids bouncing around... )
Marco!
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Eponine - May 26, 2005 9:07 pm (#2490 of 2981)
Julia, that Naboo line was pretty bad, and the whole 'You're not like sand' (paraphrased) from Attack of the Clones cracks me up every time.
We played Marco Polo in the pool, but we also occasionally played it out of the pool too. The 'Marco' person would stand still, and everyone else would run past screaming 'Polo' and try not to get caught. It wasn't as fun.
Edit: Ydnam, it is from Labyrinth. I love that movie.
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 9:09 pm (#2491 of 2981)
Eponine, what is your Avatar of? It reminds me of the movie Labryinth...(David Bowie should never have been allowed to be an actor...or a singer for that matter...but I still liked the movie).
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Elanor - May 26, 2005 10:08 pm (#2492 of 2981)
KWeldon:"The only thing that had me scratching my head was what Yoda said at the end to Obi-Wan about someone we haven't seen in a while, and I have to go look up how to put it in white font so I don't spoil it for anyone! I didn't understand the purpose of that."
I think I can help you on that one! I have the "official guide" of the movie, which includes a summary of it, and I think we didn't see the entire scene in the final version of the movie. This is what it says (in white): "The guide mentions a scene during which, on Polis Massa, before Obi-Wan arrives, Yoda meditates and hears Qui-Gon's voices explaining that a Jedi can merge with the Force and defy death as the Sith say but only for himself and thanks to compassion, not greed. Then Yoda accepts to become Qui-Gon's "student". This is what he is explaining to Obi-Wan at the end of the movie. IMO it explains Obi-Wan's sentence in Ep.IV (from memory) "if you strike me down I'll become more powerful than you can ever imagine" and why Obi-One, and Yoda, can "reappear" afterwards". The translation is mine, sorry if it is not that good! Anyway, I'm sure I've read somewhere that Lucas said we would find out why they reappeared like that in ep.III so it must be that. Hope it helps!
Congratulations for all the good news here! Good luck with you ankle Ydnam I truly sympathize since mine is swollen for (counting...)16 months now...
The Marco Polo game sounds great, I'll try it with the kid next time at the swimming-pool!
You know what? It's Friday here! YIPEEEH! It is 7 a.m. and it is already hot outside, we're really going to roast today! Have a great night/day everybody!
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 10:29 pm (#2493 of 2981)
Well, Puck, I have to say congratulations! I didn't know, else I never would have written that. Now I feel bad for picking on a pregnant lady.
Polo! ** back to RPS ** Yeah, I've played the game and I even remember the "fish out of water" bit. Wow! What a blast from the past. I had forgotten about that part. My children play Marco Polo every time they're in a pool.
Eponine, Love the Labyrinth, not the movie with David Bowie, just the maze. Mandy, I agree that Bowie shouldn't be an actor, but I do like some of his music. Well, I can't think of anything right now.
Anyone still wondering about Ponine's word? You may notice the capitalization is all wrong (and one mistake, subtract the capital P of Ponine's name), the caps complete the word. Maybe I shouldn't have revealed that secret message?
John Bumbledore <)B^D=
P. S. yeah, I've been lazy with my little siggy lately.
P. P. S. cross posted with Elanor, but thank you for the reminder...
Mandy, hope your ankle gets better soon. I also send prayers for those with ailing family members. And now I must turn in and get some sleep. Oh, my 1:33 AM! Night-night!
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Lina - May 27, 2005 12:21 am (#2494 of 2981)
Oh, Amilia, the new job sounds great, I hope you get it!
Good luck on your piano recital, Finn!
And Mandy and Elanor, take care of your ankles!
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CatherineHermiona - May 27, 2005 2:58 am (#2495 of 2981)
16th July is not so important date for me as for you. I wait autumn when is coming Croatian edition and fourth HP movie. I can't wait this summer, 6th August. I'm going to Gardaland. For the ones that don't know where it is: Italy, Garda lake. That is a fun-fair with roller coasters, some water attractions, etc. Like ay other fun-fair. And I hope I'm not boring and that I have good ideas.
Katarina Calogovic (my name on my language)
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The giant squid - May 27, 2005 5:12 am (#2496 of 2981)
Actually, I say "learner" in regular conversation. When Chabad Jews refer to studying, they usually say "learning" for example: "I just finished learning some Torah, now I think I'll learn some Talmud."—Julia
But do you actually say "I am/was/will be the learner?" I always thought "student" or "apprentice" would have worked much better in that line.
We never played Marco Polo when I was a kid. Then again, growing up in North Dakota we only had about 2 weeks a year that were warm enough to even get in a pool.
Actually, I rather liked David Bowie in Labyrinth. The rest of his "acting", on the other hand... *shudder* Still, he's no worse than Mick Jagger in Freejack.
--Mike
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fleur-de-lys - May 27, 2005 5:34 am (#2497 of 2981)
WHEW!!!!!! I just read through 85 posts. I couldn't believe how many there were. I started writing things down that I wanted to remember to respond to. So, I'm warning you now, this will probably be a long post. Don't worry, Ponine, I'll make sure to put a paragraph in every now and then, love.
Mom is doing pretty well. Sorry I wasn't able to get on yesterday for an update. She was transported to a hospital in Philly (about an hour away). The hubby and I went down with her and didn't get home till 11 o clock. I was exhausted. We talked to the doctor at 8 p.m. The procedure for the pacemaker will either be this afternoon (Friday) or Tuesday, as we have a holiday on Monday. She started with a fever yesterday afternoon, so they're doing some tests to check for infections. She was very overwhelmed after talking with the doctor. It was good news that she was transferred yesterday. That meant she came of the meds for her heart rate and all vitals were still looking good.
Kathy, thanks for the "beep" story. I will definitely pass that on to mom. I believe her pacer will have a defibrulator (sp?). Its a special kind, dual chamber I think. That's why she had to go to Philly. There will be three leads. Because of the heart failure, a pacer could actually weaken her heart, but this kind will pace both sides to help with that. They also said that it will monitor not only for a slow heart beat, but a fast one, which she can get with her condition. So, it sounds like they're taking all precautions necessary. I'm glad for that. I asked if this will guard against another episode like we had Tuesday nite (TERRIFYING!!!!!!). The doctor said her heart will not be able to drop low like that again. Praise the Lord. I never want to go through that again. It was really scary!
Lina, you had commented that my mom seems very strong. She is and that's why this is all so shocking. I was telling a good friend of hers what was going on and she was speechless. As we talked, she kept saying how vibrant mom is. Heart problems to run in her family, but she's never had anything and has had great cholesterol. With that, we never considered heart trouble. But she is strong and pretty resiliant. She's been through so much in her life, both physically and emtionally. She's still strong, full of life and has her wonderful sense of humor. I think she'll be fine.
Ponine and others who inquired. Thanks so much for your concern after not hearing from me. Yesterday was a long day, actually its been a long couple of weeks, and I knew I couldn't face a bizillion posts on the forum last nite. I appreciate your caring anc concern. Its so comforting to know that so many people out there are praying and thinking about us. I should know in a few hours about when her surgery will be. I'll let you know and then I'll be off to the hospital. I'll have to look for an internet cafe or wi-fy hot-spot near the hospital. Don't know if I'll be on to update tonite. If the procedure is today, I'll get on and let you guys know how it went. If its not till Tuesday, I may wait till tomorrow to get on. Depends on how I feel tonite. But thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Kathy and Chemyst, I wanted to thank you for the info that they can be checked over the phone. That is so neat. It really is amazing what doctors can do now. Its nice to know that pacers can be convenient and not a terrible hassle. Thanks again.
Now for other business, congrats CatherineHermiona, on your team winning the Croatioan Cup! I know how frustrating it is to cheer on a team that can get so close. I'm a big Eagles fan (American football). We went to the Superbowl in January, but lost. It was just incredible to be there. We hadn't been there in over 20 years (lost then too). We made the playoffs the last few years, but were eliminated. We're looking to make the Superbowl again this year and hopefully win! Last year, they said that the week before the Superbowl, the hosting city became a sea of green because of all the Eagles fans. Their colors are green and silver. Philly has some of the best and most unique fans in the country and possibly the world. Congrats on the cup and GO EAGLES!!!!!
Mills, good luck with the job. I really hope you get it. It sounds real neat. Its so wonderful when you have a job that you love. Sending intelligence charms to those in charge of hiring so they know to hire you.
Denise, I played Marco Polo as a kid and plan to play it with my son when he's old enough and any other kids we may have. So, fear not, the game is not dead. I'm glad to hear that fbv807 still plays. Then my son won't look at me like I'm really weird trying to teach him such an old fashion game.
Thanks again to everyone for your love and concern. I really appreciate it. I'll try to make sure to update every day. Going into the weekend, things will losen up a bit more and time won't be so tight. Don't know when I'll get in the chat room again though. Depends on how long mom will be in the hospital and what kind of care she'll need when she gets home. Take care all and thanks again.
Luv N Mush, Lori : )
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Finn BV - May 27, 2005 5:42 am (#2498 of 2981)
Wow! I had some spare time before the math final and… so many posts!
Amilia, good luck in that job interview! Three close friends of the family have recently all just made good jobs or are having good interviews, so I hope the vibes are sent your way.
Fleur, it sounds like your mother's in good hands. Looking forward to hearing more good news.
Stephanie, I will see you at my recital!
Thanks again everybody… now off to some y=mx+b and ax2+bx+c!!
-Finn-
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Loopy Lupin - May 27, 2005 5:49 am (#2499 of 2981)
But do you actually say "I am/was/will be the learner?" – Mike
Let's hope not.
Good Luck Finn. Break a leg!
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 6:16 am (#2500 of 2981)
The only time I actually used the word 'learner' was in my education classes in college. My professors would always refer to the students as learners, and we were required to begin every objective with 'The learner will...' I wasn't very fond of writing objectives.
I hope everyone is having a great day today.
Good Evans - May 26, 2005 1:57 pm (#2451 of 2981)
Catherine - I hope you have a lovely time watching your daughter get her award, dont forget your hankie!!!
Julie
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 2:00 pm (#2452 of 2981)
Yay for Claire!!
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 2:04 pm (#2453 of 2981)
I forgot how much I hated crutches. I swear they were easier when I was a kid. Julia, how did you survive them up there in the winter? I only have to be on them for two weeks and I think I'm going to spend most of it right here on my couch. Bleh, stupid sprained foot. Julia, did you feel like your arms were going to fall off the first day?
Wow. Only 50 days left till the 16th? That means I'll be turning 27 in 50 days. I think that officially means I'll have left middle twenties and will be in the late twenties stage of my life. I hope the late twenties are better than the early and middle twenties!!! At least I know the first day will be great!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:13 pm (#2454 of 2981)
I'm too scared of Kim to tell tales out of school.---Catherine
Smart girl. (Glad to see that Duke education isn't going to waste. Oops, was that another enrichment??)
Is that The Wrath of Khim?---Chemyst
Whatever works.
By the way Chemyst, I sent you an email and I'm wondering if you've received it.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:15 pm (#2455 of 2981)
Last spring I heard this beeping noise, I finally realized it was coming from me! Turns out my defibulator needed an adjustment, and was sending out a signal of a problem. Now, whenever I hear beeping, I always check to see if it's coming from my chest. Puck
As long as it doesn't beep simply because you are walking backward. ** Ducking and running, before the dungbombs are thrown. **
Actually it was Twiki...which still isn't twinkie" but sounds funny nonetheless." The Giant Squid.
Looking even funnier with "Dr. Theopolis" hanging around Twiki's neck like a giant medallion.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
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Loopy Lupin - May 26, 2005 2:16 pm (#2456 of 2981)
Glad to see that Duke education isn't going to waste.—Kim
Is it even possible for a Duke education to go to waste?
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:18 pm (#2457 of 2981)
Is it even possible for a Duke education to go to waste?---Loopy Lupin
I don't know. Let's ask Catherine.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:27 pm (#2458 of 2981)
I am guessing that Chemyst was on the right track, that enlightened refers to something seeing the "light of day" (that normaly shouldn't in public) during a quiz in the HP class?
Kim? Any comments?
Now, I'm back to being confused.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 2:31 pm (#2459 of 2981)
Kim? Any comments?---John Bumbledore
Sure.
You're on the wrong track.
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 2:54 pm (#2460 of 2981)
way back, some Days ago, PonIne alluded to a word that proved embarrassiNg. with part of it beinG a reference to fruit that she LikEd? one word came to my mind was ___-berrys.
Ponine, am I close to guessing?
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Amilia Smith - May 26, 2005 2:55 pm (#2461 of 2981)
Oh, wow. I really, really, really, want this job. It is in the preservation part of the library. They have a lot of work right now as there was a flood here last fall (read: years' worth of work) and they are getting ready for a special collections exhibit this fall. You would not believe some of the books they have up there. I got to see one of the first known examples of printing. When Buddhism first came to Japan, the Empress Shotoku, after the successful suppression of an insurrection against her Buddhist-oriented court, commissioned 1 million little wooden pagodas to be made. They were hollowed out, and a tiny scroll containing a Buddhist sutra was inserted. This is the earliest dated example we have of printing (770 CE), and I got to touch one! If you are interested, you can see a picture of a similar pagoda, or read more about the history.
I also got to see maps of the Pacific from the 1500s that feature New Guinea prominently, and in which Hawaii is no where to be found.
Also several large life science books from the 1700s featuring absolutely amazing etchings of various flora and fauna. Did you know that there are people out there who buy these rare books, cut them apart, touch up the plates, or pictures, frame them, and sell them???!!! I hope you can hear the indignation in my voice coming through your computers.
Sorry to go on and on, but this would be the dream place to work. I find out Monday. Wish me luck.
Mills.
Edit: Crossposted with about 10 people while I tried to look stuff up on One Million Pagodas. :-)
Mandy, you have my sympathies. How did you sprain your ankle? Or did I miss that?
Ponine's word and Kim's story have been bugging me too, Bumbledore.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:11 pm (#2462 of 2981)
Ponine's word and Kim's story have been bugging me too, Bumbledore.---Amilia Smith
Ah, well. Mystery is good for the soul.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 3:23 pm (#2463 of 2981)
Amilia, good luck on the job -- I hope you get it! It sounds fascinating! I know what you mean about people cutting up old books for the illustrative plates. I collect the bound editions of Godey's Lady's Book, Peterson's Magazine, etc. (they are basically the 1800's equivalent of today's Better Homes and Gardens or Ladies' Home Journal or similar.) The bound editions usually contain six months' worth of the monthly publications. Each month was illustrated with beautiful wood or steel-cut engravings; some illustrate the stories, and some are "fashion plates" that go along with the ladies' fashion updates. These fashion plates are usually the things that cause the ruination of the books. People cut them out and frame them and sell them. It absolutely makes me crazy.
I think you guys might as well give up on Kim's secret. I asked her in chat last night and she pretended not to hear me.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:25 pm (#2464 of 2981)
You did? I'm sorry. I didn't hear you.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 3:25 pm (#2465 of 2981)
Is that The Wrath of Khim?---Chemyst
Oh my goodness, I wish I had an emoticon that shows me falling off my chair and crying with laughter.
Kim as Ricardo Montalban (minus the grey chest hair, natch) is too delicious to even contemplate. But, like Khan, I wouldn't underestimate her.
So, while it might be Fantasy Island time, telling all the goodies on her to the Forum, my Duke education might well be wasted when she sends the brain-eating slug to devour my brain, ala The Wrath of Khan.
Well, it might be wasted anyway, but I wouldn't want to be premature.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 26, 2005 3:28 pm (#2466 of 2981)
Kim as Ricardo Montalban (minus the grey chest hair, natch)---Catherine
Says you.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 3:29 pm (#2467 of 2981)
Please pass the eyeball wash.
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Ponine - May 26, 2005 4:07 pm (#2468 of 2981)
John Bumbledore - I had to wipe diet coke of my screen after reading your post (2460), it was hilarious....
and yes, *bowing my head in shame* you are indeed correct. Still feel icky when I think about it... I am just stunned that people seem to not get what I was alluding to - I was so sure that my post would be edited since it was so glaringly crude...! I would love to hear about the incident in class as well, but I certainly do understand how some stories are easier to share a good fifteen years after it happened....I am so excited about everything! Summer and book number six and going to school in the fall, and, and... now, of only my girl would show herself, it would all be good. (Fleur, hon, where are you, how are you doing??) hugs.
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Madam Pince - May 26, 2005 5:17 pm (#2469 of 2981)
Oh! Now I get it! Don't feel bad, Ponine. Years ago somebody used that word while a group of us were sharing butterbeers at Happy Hour, and none of us had ever heard it before either. But it was amusing to hear the uptight, straight-laced vice-president of our company explain it.
Fifty points to your house, John, for figuring out the clues!
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 5:28 pm (#2470 of 2981)
Question for those in the US. Who all has seen the Holiday Inn commercial where all the hotel guests, in all parts of the hotel, are playing Marco Polo with a little girl in the pool?
Mr. Denise saw the commercial and didn't understand it. In questioning him further, he never heard of the game Marco Polo and never realized that his own children play it in our pool. So, is Marco Polo a dying game or do any of you recall playing it as a child?
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Finn BV - May 26, 2005 5:39 pm (#2471 of 2981)
Edited May 26, 2005 6:40 pm
Denise, I am 12 and I still play Marco Polo! It is a big thing in our extended family (and trust me, extended=BIG). I think lots of kids (as well as adults) still are big fans of it. At many of my friends' pool parties that's a big game. I haven't seen the ad but if I do I will let you know.
Ok, on a personal note, this Saturday is my solo piano recital and I have to basically practice every single second I'm not doing something else… so… just wanted to get a whole bunch of luck from my special forum friends!! Thanks in advance -- I will be back with you all Sunday probably!
-Finn-
Edited for typos and an html tag error.
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Marè - May 26, 2005 5:54 pm (#2472 of 2981)
I would love to tell you if we play Marco Polo... If somebody explains what it is...
And I´m having a bit of a problem here... my keyboard is not functioning, I might have hit something, I don´t know but every time I hit shift and a special button, the sign that gets typed is two keys off... So now I´m boring black because I can´t create the brackets for my normal blue... It would look like this ;font color°dodgerblue face°arial: See makes no sense... Anybody know how to solve this thing= thats supposed to be a question mark bye the way.
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 5:56 pm (#2473 of 2981)
Marco Polo is like a hide n go seek game for a pool. One person is Marco, the rest of the people in the pool are Polo. Marco closes their eyes and calls out "Marco!" Everyone else calls back "Polo!" The object of the game is to move around the pool and avoid Marco. Marco has to find someone with their eyes kept closed based only on hearing them call out Polo. If Marco gets you, you become Marco and he becomes Polo and the game continues. In my house, it is usually cut short by accusations of cheating by opening eyes under water to get a fix on the other players LOL
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Ladybug220 - May 26, 2005 5:58 pm (#2474 of 2981)
Denise, my brothers, cousins, friends and I all played it when we were in a pool. I haven't played it in years because, well, I refuse to be seen in a swimsuit.
Mare, did anything happen to get spilled on your keyboard? Mine went wonky when my cat got some water on it and I had to replace it.
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Amilia Smith - May 26, 2005 6:08 pm (#2475 of 2981)
Lots of luck, Finn. I believe that we do make our own luck. As you are practicing hard, you should be plenty lucky and play perfectly at your recital. :-)
Mills.
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GryffEndora - May 26, 2005 6:11 pm (#2476 of 2981)
John Bumbledore - I am so glad you figured out that word, I was so lost.
Lost was great! I will be watching it again to see if I can figure anything out. Does anyone know what the extra scene on Good Morning America was about?
Catherine, what a treasure you have. You must have been "fit to burst" with pride when you learned of Claire's award. I'm glad you got the letter because the award is just as much for you as it is for her.
Amilia, good luck with the job! I'm rooting for you!
I remember Marco Polo from when I was a kid playing at my friends pool. My favorite game of Marco Polo ever is from a TV Show. There was a show called Bosom Buddies that starred Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari. The guys were in advertising and they did a fish stick commercial, one of them was dressed as the Gorton's Fisherman in a kiddie pool. After the shoot the 2 guys and their gal pal all stood in the kiddie pool while one of them closed his eyes stuck out his arms and called "Marco" to their "Polo". Totally silly but it still makes me smile.
I wish everyone on the forum a moment of totally silly very soon, it will help keep you young, or at least smiling!
*edit: Finn - good luck with the recital!
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Marè - May 26, 2005 6:21 pm (#2477 of 2981)
Mare, did anything happen to get spilled on your keyboard? Mine went wonky when my cat got some water on it and I had to replace it.
Nope I had no drinks near my just brand new not a month old computer, thank you very much. And I have no cats... and no idea what happened unfortunately.
Thanks for explaining Marco Polo Denise. I´ve never heard of it before, but I wish I had known that game when I was still giving swimming lessons. It sounds like a good way to teach children to be confident in the water, only I would change it so they can look under water because so many little kids have problems with that...
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 6:28 pm (#2478 of 2981)
It works well for even non swimmers, my 4 year old can play it with his siblings. Granted, he is usually caught first but he still enjoys playing it. When he is caught, he doesn't become Marco (he can't touch the bottom of the pool yet and hasn't quite mastered directed motion while on a noodle)
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Finn BV - May 26, 2005 6:43 pm (#2479 of 2981)
You might add that works even BETTER for non-swimmers. It's not much of a swimming game as it's pretty hard to swim with your eyes closed… :wishes there was an "eyes closed"/Marco Polo smiley:
Thanks for the luck everyone!!
-Finn-
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Stephanie M. - May 26, 2005 6:54 pm (#2480 of 2981)
It always helps if you are a good swimmer, because if you think you know where a person is in the pool, then you can swim as fast as you can and tag them. Especially if you are faster than them. LOL I'm on my school's Swimming Team and I have a pool in my building so I have a huge advantage over some people.
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Stephanie M. - May 26, 2005 7:10 pm (#2481 of 2981)
FBV you'll do fine!!!! Don't worry! If you mess up just think of me and how I asked someone earlier today what this instrument was and she responded,"Um, Stephanie thats a microphone stand." So no matter what you have more musical skills than I do. Good Luck on the Math final! Then on Wednesday we have our Espanol final! ¡Olé! I will see you at your recital.
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Catherine - May 26, 2005 7:13 pm (#2482 of 2981)
OOHHH! Major nostalgia moment. Thanks, Denise et al....
(calling from a long way away through cupped hands....."Marco!")
We played this game ad nauseaum at the pool. I was especially privileged because my best friend Hillary W. was an an amazing swimmer who made otters and fish look dumb and clumsy (by the way, she's an attorney in D.C. now; I wonder if Loopy Lupin has encountered her?? She did go to UVA after all... )
I was never very good at this game, as my voice is distintctive, and I wasn't fast enough to disguise my diving origins. Nor am I a talented swimmer, but I suppose that isn't really the point, even if my playmates were the junior olympic swimmers from our area, and I was the geeky one on the swimming team whose mom "made" her participate just so she could be a team player and appreciate the value of coming in last every time! Losing builds character, sweetheart! Yay! We still love you!
Ooops. Maybe you hear my embarrassment coming through. Did I mention that I wasn't a good swimmer? No matter. Oh, well....
Nonetheless, the game "Marco Polo" is darn fun, and I regret that "grown-ups" don't get to play it at the local pool.
....(hears "Polo" from a long way away....maybe even from way up north...strains to hear....)
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KWeldon - May 26, 2005 7:19 pm (#2483 of 2981)
In our version of Marco Polo, the people who aren't "it" can even get out of the pool, but if the person who is "it" suspects that they are out of the pool, he can say, "Fish out of water!" and the people out of the water have to say, "No fish" and immediately get back in.
Ahhh...summer.
On a Star Wars note (huge fan!!), I absolutely loved it. The lightsaber fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan was so beautifully choreographed. Of course, the dialog left much to be desired, but that's not what I see a Star Wars movie for.
The only thing that had me scratching my head was what Yoda said at the end to Obi-Wan about someone we haven't seen in a while, and I have to go look up how to put it in white font so I don't spoil it for anyone! I didn't understand the purpose of that.
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Denise P. - May 26, 2005 7:33 pm (#2484 of 2981)
I had totally forgot about the fish out of water clause! We have an above the ground pool so it is a bit difficult to do that part anyway.
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Puck - May 26, 2005 7:58 pm (#2485 of 2981)
Polo! -I believe I am a bit North, Catherine, here in Massachusetts.
John, did you just comment about me -six months pregnant- being as big as a truck? "Beep". LOL
Have fun at the recital, Finn!
Denise, love the new avatar!
Kathy
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applepie - May 26, 2005 8:05 pm (#2486 of 2981)
Denise, the picture of the baby is wonderful. I wish they would have had that when I had my kids. I'm always a day late and a dollar short...lol
Good luck and congratulations to all of you with special events/tests/recitals/etc. going on. We are just getting back from the ball park...baseball game tonight for one of the kids. Now I'm just trying to catch up on e-mail and stuff before straightening up and going to bed. Thank God tomorrow is Friday.
I hope everything is ok with Fleur's Mom. Has anyone heard from her?
I'm sending out prayers and well wishes to all of you. Have a good night!
THE WITCH IS OUT!
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Julia. - May 26, 2005 8:10 pm (#2487 of 2981)
Catherine: Polo!! Mazel tov on Claire's award. I'm all proud of her!
I used to play Marco Polo all the time when I was a kid. Funtimes.
I forget who it was who asked if after my first day on crutches my arms felt like they were falling off. They definitely felt like they were falling off, but it'll get better with time.
Chemyst, George Lucas' dialogue has always been joke-worthy--"Once I was the learner, now I am the master." (from Episode IV: A New Hope [what the uninformed simply know of as Star Wars]}. Who the heck uses the word "learner" in regular conversation?? It does work better with the visuals, though.--Squid Mike
*waves* Actually, I say "learner" in regular conversation. When Chabad Jews refer to studying, they usually say "learning" for example: "I just finished learning some Torah, now I think I'll learn some Talmud."
On Star Wars, I really did love the movie. I got a weird feeling during most of it though, so I'll definitely have to see it again to sort out exactly what it was. I loved the music. John Williams always does a good job. You guys are definitely right about the dialogue. George Lucas is a creative genius, but not such a great writer. The romance dialogue was absolutely horrible, and the "Hold me like you did on Naboo" was terrible, but for me, the worst was in Episode II. "I'm dying Ani. I've been dying, slowly, a little bit more each day, ever since you came back into my life." Let us never speak of these things again. The lightsaber fights were brilliant, as always. I loved the Anakin/Obi Wan one, and Yoda, well, I have a special place in my heart for him with a lightsaber.
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 8:43 pm (#2488 of 2981)
Denise the picture is a great one!
Someone asked (I can't remember who) what happened to my ankle. I sprained it a few weeks ago. Last Thursday I did something to it, not sure what, but since then I've been in terrible pain. I finally got into the doctor today. No broken bones, although my foot is swollen and purple-ish, my doctor says I must have re-damaged my foot.
I just spent 5 hours asleep on my sofa. I'm thinking it might be a little hard to sleep tonight!
As for Marco Polo. We were never allowed to get out of the water! That was considered cheating.
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Round Pink Spider - May 26, 2005 8:46 pm (#2489 of 2981)
Hello again, everybody!Can I join the game? We used to play Marco Polo when I was a kid...
At least Yoda with a lightsaber didn't cause giggles this time, like it did in the last movie. I enjoyed the movie, but being totally obsessive about details, I couldn't help thinking over and over about those continuity problems that were being overlooked. (Wish I wasn't like that... It's useful for writing, but it's a pain when you want to just sit back and enjoy a movie.)
Last week of school! Last week of school! Last week of school! (Check back with me in two weeks, and see if I'm still cheering after a week with all the kids bouncing around... )
Marco!
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Eponine - May 26, 2005 9:07 pm (#2490 of 2981)
Julia, that Naboo line was pretty bad, and the whole 'You're not like sand' (paraphrased) from Attack of the Clones cracks me up every time.
We played Marco Polo in the pool, but we also occasionally played it out of the pool too. The 'Marco' person would stand still, and everyone else would run past screaming 'Polo' and try not to get caught. It wasn't as fun.
Edit: Ydnam, it is from Labyrinth. I love that movie.
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Ydnam96 - May 26, 2005 9:09 pm (#2491 of 2981)
Eponine, what is your Avatar of? It reminds me of the movie Labryinth...(David Bowie should never have been allowed to be an actor...or a singer for that matter...but I still liked the movie).
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Elanor - May 26, 2005 10:08 pm (#2492 of 2981)
KWeldon:"The only thing that had me scratching my head was what Yoda said at the end to Obi-Wan about someone we haven't seen in a while, and I have to go look up how to put it in white font so I don't spoil it for anyone! I didn't understand the purpose of that."
I think I can help you on that one! I have the "official guide" of the movie, which includes a summary of it, and I think we didn't see the entire scene in the final version of the movie. This is what it says (in white): "The guide mentions a scene during which, on Polis Massa, before Obi-Wan arrives, Yoda meditates and hears Qui-Gon's voices explaining that a Jedi can merge with the Force and defy death as the Sith say but only for himself and thanks to compassion, not greed. Then Yoda accepts to become Qui-Gon's "student". This is what he is explaining to Obi-Wan at the end of the movie. IMO it explains Obi-Wan's sentence in Ep.IV (from memory) "if you strike me down I'll become more powerful than you can ever imagine" and why Obi-One, and Yoda, can "reappear" afterwards". The translation is mine, sorry if it is not that good! Anyway, I'm sure I've read somewhere that Lucas said we would find out why they reappeared like that in ep.III so it must be that. Hope it helps!
Congratulations for all the good news here! Good luck with you ankle Ydnam I truly sympathize since mine is swollen for (counting...)16 months now...
The Marco Polo game sounds great, I'll try it with the kid next time at the swimming-pool!
You know what? It's Friday here! YIPEEEH! It is 7 a.m. and it is already hot outside, we're really going to roast today! Have a great night/day everybody!
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John Bumbledore - May 26, 2005 10:29 pm (#2493 of 2981)
Well, Puck, I have to say congratulations! I didn't know, else I never would have written that. Now I feel bad for picking on a pregnant lady.
Polo! ** back to RPS ** Yeah, I've played the game and I even remember the "fish out of water" bit. Wow! What a blast from the past. I had forgotten about that part. My children play Marco Polo every time they're in a pool.
Eponine, Love the Labyrinth, not the movie with David Bowie, just the maze. Mandy, I agree that Bowie shouldn't be an actor, but I do like some of his music. Well, I can't think of anything right now.
Anyone still wondering about Ponine's word? You may notice the capitalization is all wrong (and one mistake, subtract the capital P of Ponine's name), the caps complete the word. Maybe I shouldn't have revealed that secret message?
John Bumbledore <)B^D=
P. S. yeah, I've been lazy with my little siggy lately.
P. P. S. cross posted with Elanor, but thank you for the reminder...
Mandy, hope your ankle gets better soon. I also send prayers for those with ailing family members. And now I must turn in and get some sleep. Oh, my 1:33 AM! Night-night!
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Lina - May 27, 2005 12:21 am (#2494 of 2981)
Oh, Amilia, the new job sounds great, I hope you get it!
Good luck on your piano recital, Finn!
And Mandy and Elanor, take care of your ankles!
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CatherineHermiona - May 27, 2005 2:58 am (#2495 of 2981)
16th July is not so important date for me as for you. I wait autumn when is coming Croatian edition and fourth HP movie. I can't wait this summer, 6th August. I'm going to Gardaland. For the ones that don't know where it is: Italy, Garda lake. That is a fun-fair with roller coasters, some water attractions, etc. Like ay other fun-fair. And I hope I'm not boring and that I have good ideas.
Katarina Calogovic (my name on my language)
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The giant squid - May 27, 2005 5:12 am (#2496 of 2981)
Actually, I say "learner" in regular conversation. When Chabad Jews refer to studying, they usually say "learning" for example: "I just finished learning some Torah, now I think I'll learn some Talmud."—Julia
But do you actually say "I am/was/will be the learner?" I always thought "student" or "apprentice" would have worked much better in that line.
We never played Marco Polo when I was a kid. Then again, growing up in North Dakota we only had about 2 weeks a year that were warm enough to even get in a pool.
Actually, I rather liked David Bowie in Labyrinth. The rest of his "acting", on the other hand... *shudder* Still, he's no worse than Mick Jagger in Freejack.
--Mike
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fleur-de-lys - May 27, 2005 5:34 am (#2497 of 2981)
WHEW!!!!!! I just read through 85 posts. I couldn't believe how many there were. I started writing things down that I wanted to remember to respond to. So, I'm warning you now, this will probably be a long post. Don't worry, Ponine, I'll make sure to put a paragraph in every now and then, love.
Mom is doing pretty well. Sorry I wasn't able to get on yesterday for an update. She was transported to a hospital in Philly (about an hour away). The hubby and I went down with her and didn't get home till 11 o clock. I was exhausted. We talked to the doctor at 8 p.m. The procedure for the pacemaker will either be this afternoon (Friday) or Tuesday, as we have a holiday on Monday. She started with a fever yesterday afternoon, so they're doing some tests to check for infections. She was very overwhelmed after talking with the doctor. It was good news that she was transferred yesterday. That meant she came of the meds for her heart rate and all vitals were still looking good.
Kathy, thanks for the "beep" story. I will definitely pass that on to mom. I believe her pacer will have a defibrulator (sp?). Its a special kind, dual chamber I think. That's why she had to go to Philly. There will be three leads. Because of the heart failure, a pacer could actually weaken her heart, but this kind will pace both sides to help with that. They also said that it will monitor not only for a slow heart beat, but a fast one, which she can get with her condition. So, it sounds like they're taking all precautions necessary. I'm glad for that. I asked if this will guard against another episode like we had Tuesday nite (TERRIFYING!!!!!!). The doctor said her heart will not be able to drop low like that again. Praise the Lord. I never want to go through that again. It was really scary!
Lina, you had commented that my mom seems very strong. She is and that's why this is all so shocking. I was telling a good friend of hers what was going on and she was speechless. As we talked, she kept saying how vibrant mom is. Heart problems to run in her family, but she's never had anything and has had great cholesterol. With that, we never considered heart trouble. But she is strong and pretty resiliant. She's been through so much in her life, both physically and emtionally. She's still strong, full of life and has her wonderful sense of humor. I think she'll be fine.
Ponine and others who inquired. Thanks so much for your concern after not hearing from me. Yesterday was a long day, actually its been a long couple of weeks, and I knew I couldn't face a bizillion posts on the forum last nite. I appreciate your caring anc concern. Its so comforting to know that so many people out there are praying and thinking about us. I should know in a few hours about when her surgery will be. I'll let you know and then I'll be off to the hospital. I'll have to look for an internet cafe or wi-fy hot-spot near the hospital. Don't know if I'll be on to update tonite. If the procedure is today, I'll get on and let you guys know how it went. If its not till Tuesday, I may wait till tomorrow to get on. Depends on how I feel tonite. But thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
Oh, Kathy and Chemyst, I wanted to thank you for the info that they can be checked over the phone. That is so neat. It really is amazing what doctors can do now. Its nice to know that pacers can be convenient and not a terrible hassle. Thanks again.
Now for other business, congrats CatherineHermiona, on your team winning the Croatioan Cup! I know how frustrating it is to cheer on a team that can get so close. I'm a big Eagles fan (American football). We went to the Superbowl in January, but lost. It was just incredible to be there. We hadn't been there in over 20 years (lost then too). We made the playoffs the last few years, but were eliminated. We're looking to make the Superbowl again this year and hopefully win! Last year, they said that the week before the Superbowl, the hosting city became a sea of green because of all the Eagles fans. Their colors are green and silver. Philly has some of the best and most unique fans in the country and possibly the world. Congrats on the cup and GO EAGLES!!!!!
Mills, good luck with the job. I really hope you get it. It sounds real neat. Its so wonderful when you have a job that you love. Sending intelligence charms to those in charge of hiring so they know to hire you.
Denise, I played Marco Polo as a kid and plan to play it with my son when he's old enough and any other kids we may have. So, fear not, the game is not dead. I'm glad to hear that fbv807 still plays. Then my son won't look at me like I'm really weird trying to teach him such an old fashion game.
Thanks again to everyone for your love and concern. I really appreciate it. I'll try to make sure to update every day. Going into the weekend, things will losen up a bit more and time won't be so tight. Don't know when I'll get in the chat room again though. Depends on how long mom will be in the hospital and what kind of care she'll need when she gets home. Take care all and thanks again.
Luv N Mush, Lori : )
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Finn BV - May 27, 2005 5:42 am (#2498 of 2981)
Wow! I had some spare time before the math final and… so many posts!
Amilia, good luck in that job interview! Three close friends of the family have recently all just made good jobs or are having good interviews, so I hope the vibes are sent your way.
Fleur, it sounds like your mother's in good hands. Looking forward to hearing more good news.
Stephanie, I will see you at my recital!
Thanks again everybody… now off to some y=mx+b and ax2+bx+c!!
-Finn-
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Loopy Lupin - May 27, 2005 5:49 am (#2499 of 2981)
But do you actually say "I am/was/will be the learner?" – Mike
Let's hope not.
Good Luck Finn. Break a leg!
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 6:16 am (#2500 of 2981)
The only time I actually used the word 'learner' was in my education classes in college. My professors would always refer to the students as learners, and we were required to begin every objective with 'The learner will...' I wasn't very fond of writing objectives.
I hope everyone is having a great day today.
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
Join date : 2011-02-22
Location : Silicon Valley, CA
Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:13 pm
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KWeldon - May 27, 2005 6:40 am (#2501 of 2981)
Elanor,
Thanks so much for the information. That makes sense to me now. I was thinking that Lucas threw that in there so the fans wouldn't be so sad for Obi-wan because he would have someone to communicate with during the next two decades!
BTW, where did you get the official guide?
KWeldon
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Lina - May 27, 2005 6:40 am (#2502 of 2981)
Wow, Fleur, this was a long post. It was nice to read that things should be good for your mom! You are right, when a person is strong, it is much harder to accept their illness. I'll just keep having you in my prayers and hoping everything ends up well.
Mare, I think that the point of the Marco Polo (did you know that he is from an island in Croatia?) game would be that "Marco" keeps his/her eyes closed. If he would have his eyes opened, then what is the point of shouting "Polo!"? Everybody else are free to have their eyes wide opened... I have never been much of a swimmer, like swimming long routes or swimming fast, but as kids, we used to play many games in the sea that were including diving.
I was watching my daughter at the Forum today. It might be bothering that she asks me to translate for her too many things, but the fact is that she can improve her English this way and that I don't have to worry about what is she going to read and if it is going to be appropriate or not. Therefore, I think I could repeat around 10 times a day, thank you hosts for keeping this Forum being so wonderful and making it such a nice place for all of us! Thank you to the members to for helping in it. I must admit that I am surprised that there are not more parents of 12 year old members of the Forum attracted to it. I would not allow my daughter to participate on a forum without reading it for a while. And how can somebody read this Forum without falling in love? O.K. I admit that reading "The philosophy of the Forum" might be enough to trust it. But that is exactly the way that I got hooked to the Harry Potter, by checking what is my daughter so eager to read?
I know that I am not exactly invited to say something about it, but I actually like the word learner and the way I imagine the terms learning/learner and studding/student is not quite the same. Now, I find it hard to explain, but studding would be something that you do in school and learning something that you do in life. Not to mention that we used to learn English while I was at school much more than studding it. The studding started at the university. Feel free to disagree.
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Madam Pince - May 27, 2005 7:29 am (#2503 of 2981)
I think President Bush just flew over my house! (Now that doesn't happen every day, does it?) I know he is scheduled to speak at the Naval Academy graduation today, and I just heard a very large noisy helicopter fly over, so I'm assuming that was what it was. Although it's kind of the wrong direction, but maybe he wasn't coming from D.C. or something. Yesterday the Blue Angels (the Navy's air aerobatics unit) were doing their annual airshow over the Academy -- normally I hear that since the noise from those jets is deafening, but for some reason I didn't hear them. I had the windows open and everything! Oh well.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 7:33 am (#2504 of 2981)
Lina, I'm glad you found a place for your daughter to "feel at home" on the internet. Being new here myself, it is a bit intimidating at times. But, isn't everything new a bit intimidating? It is for me, at least. So, please bear with me. This seems to be a pretty tight-knit community of fans, and I look forward to becoming a part of it.
I am so happy that it is Friday, though our weekend is a bit busy as well. I am just ready to get out of this office and have some time with family and friends. This forum is a great refuge for me during the day at work. When I have a few moments of time to spare, I can see what new theories are developing in the minds of my fellow "Potties".
So, thanks to all of you for brightening my day a bit and I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
49 days...49 days...49 days
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applepie - May 27, 2005 7:39 am (#2505 of 2981)
Wow, Madam Pince...that doesn't happen every day!
My kids love the local Air Show. We usually have one around October/November. They love the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, and were most anxious to sit in one of the "model" Blue Angels for a photograph. My husband gets pretty excited about it too. He is like a kid in a candy store. But, he likes the C-130...which I can't imagine getting off the ground it is so huge.
Well, wave to our "Commander-in-Chief" for me.
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pottermom34 - May 27, 2005 7:54 am (#2506 of 2981)
Hi guys, haven't been here in a while my computer had a defective video card and is in repair. I'm using our old win 95 one and a free aol disc til I get mine back. It's amazing how much you depend on your computer and miss it when it's gone. I see there are 400 new messages on this thread. Sorry, not gonna read them all too much for my attention span.
Anyway, happy birthday, anniversary, get wells, etc. to all I may have missed in the past week.
I'll have to find another aol disk or two. they say it'll only take 5 days but I just don't know if I trust that. Please pardon any typos this old keyboard is sticky and something new to get used to.
Well off to catch up on more posts. Michelle
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KWeldon - May 27, 2005 8:12 am (#2507 of 2981)
Air shows rock!! We go to our local one every October. I absolutely love seeing the fighter jets fly by. Actually, I'd love to leave my family at home so they can quit interrupting my viewing! They could take it or leave it, especially the noise. One of my favorite parts is when they re-enact Pearl Harbor. The Japanese planes come in for a while and do some "bombing," (fake explosions on the ground) and then the American planes come in later to save the day. The C-130 is cool, too!!
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Penny Lane. - May 27, 2005 8:25 am (#2508 of 2981)
I must be the only person around who never really liked/understood "Marco Polo". We would always play for like 5 minutes, then be bored and go back to diving/falling off the diving board. I don't know if the pools were the wrong size or we didn't have a right amount of people, or what. I don't remember the "fish out of water" clause either, but we might have called it something different. Speaking of pools - our city's new proposed recreation budget is closing all the city pools, taking away all the senior and adult activities except arobics, and cutting way back on the youth classes. I don't remember ever going to the city pools, but I'm sure a lot of people do, and it's just so sad to think about all those poor kids running around on the street all summer.
Michelle: I went to the zoo and applied. They didn't call me back though. So sad. We should find another way to actually meet.
I think we have an air show somewhere around here in August. When I was really little, someone took me to one and (as the story goes -- i have doubts) apparently I was surprised because no one explained that air show meant planes, not HAIR. I was much happier when I saw the planes instead of a haircut.
Oh: Lost fans... ABC now put up a website with a preview for season 2. Since I can't link you to it, you will have to find the web-site for Oceanic, find the seating chart, and use the numbers. Oh, and the Oceanic site is not google-able. It's fairly simple though. The site is cool, it has all sorts of easter eggs.
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Loopy Lupin - May 27, 2005 8:25 am (#2509 of 2981)
Well, have a good Memorial Day everyone.
I'm off to Virginia Beach to see the nieces and nephews. Something tells me more Star Wars is in my future. ***shudders at the thought of concession stand prices****
See everyone Tuesday!
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applepie - May 27, 2005 8:27 am (#2510 of 2981)
Have a safe trip!
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 8:42 am (#2511 of 2981)
Penny, can you give me a hint as to where to find that site? I'd appreciate it quite a bit.
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Penny Lane. - May 27, 2005 9:01 am (#2512 of 2981)
Eponine, I emailed it to you.
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Lina - May 27, 2005 9:27 am (#2513 of 2981)
I know how you feel, Applepie, I felt the same way. Like you said, everything new is intimidating, at least a little bit, but it is a challenge all the same. And you (at least I did) keep thinking - what will those people think of me? And you know that you like some of them already and you would just like them to like you too. It takes a little while to find out that this is just a great bunch of people and you are already part of this bunch. You always find some that you like more and get to know better, and some who don't share the same interest, just like in a real life. Except, all the people here are polite! I must admit that I am surprised at how brave CatherineHermiona is and has decided to post here. I wouldn't be this brave at her age and in foreign language.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 9:35 am (#2514 of 2981)
You are exactly correct, Lina. CatherineHermiona seems to be a wonderful girl and she posesses many qualities I am sure you are very proud of...(definitely a brave Gryffindor).
Thank you for making me feel welcome.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 27, 2005 9:40 am (#2515 of 2981)
***shudders at the thought of concession stand prices****---Loopy Lupin
That's why you hit the local drugstore ahead of time, buy your goodies and smuggle them into the theatre.
In fact, back in the day when big, straw tote bags were all the rage, I know of one person who smuggled in a KFC bucket of chicken. ***looks around innocently*** You'd think the smell would have given the game up but the usher didn't even blink.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 9:46 am (#2516 of 2981)
Lupin/Kim... I am laughing so hard, I wonder if my co-workers will want to admit me to St. Mungo's. A box of chicken, you say... That is hilarious. I used to think we were tight because my Grandmother would wrap canned drinks in aluminum foil, and bring snacks in her purse. I would look around when I popped the top of the can to see if the "movie police" would take me off to the concession stand to do community service hours...lol
Thanks for the laugh. I needed it!
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Julia. - May 27, 2005 9:48 am (#2517 of 2981)
Good afternoon everyone.
Fleur, I'm glad your mum is doing better. I really hope she'll be all right.
Loopy, have an excellent weekend. I too see more Star Wars in your future, and, thank G-d, mine as well.
Mike, you've got me, we usually don't say "learner." Normally when someone is a student, we usually either call them students, or they say "I go to school, I learn at place x"
Mills, that job sounds excellent! I'm so excited for you, I really hope you get it.
Speaking of jobs, I have just been unceremoniously sacked from mine. Apparantly things are 'very slow' and my bosses cannot 'affort to retain me.' So now I'm back to square one. GRRR!
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Denise P. - May 27, 2005 9:57 am (#2518 of 2981)
It is a time honored tradition to smuggle snacks into a movie. Can't say I have ever snuck in a bucket o' chicken though. A friend of mine is in the entertainment business and at one specific place where she goes to screenings, no food is supposed to be allowed. She said it is hilarious during quiet bits in a movie, everyone trying to not rustle the wrapper of the stuff they bring to snack on.
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 10:05 am (#2519 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 10:54 am
Lina, I think you may wish to stick with learn/learner/learning and not study/student/studding Link. I know you meant to use studying, because I am a poor speller ( and this is my only language! ) This is one of those English words that doesn't always follow the common rule about dropping the letter y before adding an ending. Because there are two different words "stud" and "study" that have completely different meanings. I grew up in the country (farm land) and got quite a chuckle out of the misspelling. If you look up the root word with the link above you will see the agricultural meaning that gave me the chuckle.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Lina, I hope you can laugh with me. My point is that English is such an "evil" language that I am still misspelling words after 40 years. You (and all other forum members with two or more languages) earn my highest respects. I remember very vividly, a time in fourth grade (about 9 years old) when I couldn't find the correct spelling among these: esle, esel, else, eles? I was mortified when I had to ask the teacher which was the correct spelling of "else." I think it was just that I am a visual learner and we were beginning cursive "joined-up" writing. I still have to stop and think about which of the "witch" words means a "choice" or the woman that rides a broom. See! The Engilsh language is "evil" and greedy, it steals words from about every other language and claims it for it's own.
Edits: Spelling mistakes, of course1
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Lina - May 27, 2005 10:20 am (#2520 of 2981)
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, John Bumbledore, it just happens to me all the time. Just when I start to think that I became more cautious, I do it again! As if this was a problem to check and as if something wasn't telling me to check... No, I'm the smart girl, you know. Thank you. Must admit to like the explanation. Off to bake my fingers in the oven.
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Good Evans - May 27, 2005 10:38 am (#2521 of 2981)
Julia - yuck - horrid to be sacked - cheering charms to you
Can anyone tell me what memorial day is? Loopy mentioned it in his / her? post.
Fleur - pleased that things are looking more postiive for you and your Mum now.
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GryffEndora - May 27, 2005 10:48 am (#2522 of 2981)
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. This is a national holiday in the US when many people go to visit war memorials, or cemeteries where vets are buried, or to VFW events etc. It is simply a day set aside to remember the people who have died for our country.
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 10:48 am (#2523 of 2981)
here is the history of Memorial Day.
The gas station by my house is currently priced at $1.93, and it's a madhouse over there. Cars were all over the place, and some people just parked in the middle of the lot, but I got cheap gas!
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Chemyst - May 27, 2005 10:53 am (#2524 of 2981)
Thoughts on learnin' from The Wind in The Willows
The Toad, having finished his breakfast, picked up a stout stick and swung it vigorously, belabouring imaginary animals. `I'll learn 'em to steal my house!' he cried. `I'll learn 'em, I'll learn 'em!'
`Don't say "learn 'em," Toad,' said the Rat, greatly shocked. `It's not good English.'
`What are you always nagging at Toad for?' inquired the Badger, rather peevishly. `What's the matter with his English? It's the same what I use myself, and if it's good enough for me, it ought to be good enough for you!'
`I'm very sorry,' said the Rat humbly. `Only I think it ought to be "teach 'em," not "learn 'em."'
`But we don't want to teach 'em,' replied the Badger. `We want to learn 'em—
PS John, your link sends me to an architectural/construction verb definition. The agricultural meaning was listed as a noun.
Best of luck with finding a better job, Julia. The summer is still young.
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Good Evans - May 27, 2005 10:58 am (#2525 of 2981)
Thanks Gryffendora and Eponine - may I wish all the Americans on the forum a nice / but reflective memorial day on Monday.
Thanks for the link
Julie
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 11:12 am (#2526 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 12:28 pm
Chemyst, yes it does. But buried near the end of the last paragraph was the suggestion to look up the root word (four letters) at the same site. Maybe it was that I was thinking of students, and had co-workers telling me about adolescents and young adults that lead me first to the meaning about animal animal husbandry and the slang. Well, maybe it was just me. ** goes off to wash brain and iron hands. ** Sorry.
Maybe Tim, Squid, Mike or Loopy would understand why the construction verb was not what first came to my mind?
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
Edit: Correcting spelling again, and some phrasing.
Edit again: Just to see how long I can keep coming back to edit a post!
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Catherine - May 27, 2005 11:19 am (#2527 of 2981)
Thanks to all who congratulated Claire. It was a good experience for her, and I'm so proud that she got this award, and it meant a lot to all of us.
I must rant, however. The awards ceremony was combined with "fifth grade graduation." It lasted, no kidding, for three hours. Unbelievable.
This "graduation" ceremony lasted longer than my high school graduation and even longer than my college Baccalaureate service and graduation ceremony combined. What the heck?
I'm sure that finishing fifth grade and moving on to middle school is a big transition, but a three hour ceremony? We were sitting on teensy metal folding chairs the whole time. I couldn't leave, because Claire hadn't gotten her award yet.
They kept filing the entire fifth grade up, and back to their seats. Up and back. Sing a song, go sit down. Get up, and get a certificate for something minor, like remembering to comb your hair. Sit down. Then have the entire fifth grade stand up and move to the front to sing another song. Then wait for them all to file back to their seats. They allowed 5 different fifth graders to give Valedictorian like speeches!
Patience is not my virtue, and while I don't begrudge a little atta boy/atta girl stuff, this was way over the top.
And those chairs were pure Crucio!
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Puck - May 27, 2005 11:40 am (#2528 of 2981)
3 Hours for grammar school? Better bring your sleeping bag to her high school graduation! Plus an extra pillow (to sit on.)
John, no worries, I thought it was hilarious. I finally stopped laughing, then came to your comment about "studding vs. studying" and found a few giggles still lurking.
Fleur sounds like a standard ICD to me. The only reason I have two devices is the technology wasn't the same back when the pacer was put in, and I was pregnant for the second surgery, so they just put in the one lead to keep it simple. Often, rhythm problems are purely electrical and have nothing to do with the heart muscle itself. I'm actually the healthiest of my friends. Low pressure, cholesterol, etc...
Kathy
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 11:41 am (#2529 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 1:04 pm
My empathies, Catherine. My oldest son's school had his ceremony on Tuesday; it lasted merely an hour, and I thought that was Crucio! But then, Mrs. Bumbledore and I also had our nearly six year old (kindergarten) twins on our laps and fidgeting for most of that hour. Now I realize (remember?) why my "sit-upon" has been so achy.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Have you ever heard the suggestion that one of the signs of getting old is that when you find an ache or bruise, you no longer remember how you got it? At only 40, I am only a third of the way to my goal (do I hear accusations that I am overly ambitious? No, merely that G-d isn't done with me yet, and I am so far behind that I'll need all those years to complete the tasks He has for me.)
Edit: for clarity of phrasing.
P. P. S. Thank you, fbv807 for noticing, it started out as BD because someone asked if they could call me DD as in "D"umble"D"ore. Then another member pointed out that it should be "BD"
Well I am a visual thinker, and the BD looked like a smile wearing half-moon glasses. So, I added the cap "<)" nose "^" and beard "=" and I had <)B^D= ! I thought it was a suitable icon for my avatar name of Bumbledore! The avatar came later as a capture and rotation, I am pleased that you and a few others have made comments on it. So don't feel bad, since only a few others have commented on my "siggy" and avatar, you may rate among the top observers!
I just finished reading "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown and now I appreciate my cleverness with multiple meanings in the image. ** perhaps, too much! ** **Or, I delude myself!**
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Finn BV - May 27, 2005 12:34 pm (#2530 of 2981)
Yes, Catherine, I remember my fifth grade graduation two years ago. Both of the head of the Lower Division and the Head of School spoke, and they were about 10 minutes each. Pretty hard for a 10-year-old to endure… Especially because you received your diploma in alphabetical order and my last name is Vigeland… there were in our grade at the time, a W and a Z. I was third to last. Ouch. Painful.
Yeah, anyway… John Bumbledore, I finally get your avatar and signature. It took me forever! I finally stopped thinking of letters and saw it. *smacks self on forehead*
Anyway…
*goes back to practicing for recital*
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 1:40 pm (#2531 of 2981)
Oh, JOy! I got to talk with Elanor, Lina, Stephanie M. and Springtime in the Chat room. First I've seen anyone in there.
But alas, earwax! I must go home now.
I understand that you can select either a java or an html chat in your worldcrossing profile (change password or preferences). I'll ahve to look for comments on that.
bye.
P. S. I think they are still chatting at this time. (as I just left.)
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Lina - May 27, 2005 2:39 pm (#2532 of 2981)
Catherine, what can I say but ouch! Was Claire able to enjoy her award after waiting for such a long time? I'm glad tat you found the right school for her, where they can appreciate her values. And I'm surprised that they arranged such a long ceremony. But every rose has it's thorns. (did I mess something again?)
Just for Chemyst and John to know, I found the explanation of a noun and that is the one I liked. My vocabulary gets enriched from day to day, only if I would learn when to use each of those words...
We are going to the little village by the lake in the mountains for a weekend. We are going to take a computer there, and we have the Internet connection, but I doubt I will be able to stay too much on line there so I might just pop up here and there.
Good night...
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 2:56 pm (#2533 of 2981)
Thanks to whomever (I've forgotten) posted the info on the LOST website. OH, it's soooo much fun!
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GryffEndora - May 27, 2005 3:52 pm (#2534 of 2981)
Could someone e-mail me the info on the Lost website. I haven't been able to find it. Thanks!
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Julia. - May 27, 2005 4:30 pm (#2535 of 2981)
Three hours!!! Yikes! You have the patience of a saint, Catherine. Good job. *hands Catherine butterbeer*
When I graduated from Hebrew high school the ceremony was probably about that long, maybe a bit shorter. They insisted that every member of the class do something, so the parents could have a photo-op. There were people reading poems, singing songs, talking about their time in Israel, talking about their experiences in school, ect. It was really horrible. Thank G-d I managed to be one of the two people (my friend Glen was the other) who got out of having to do something.
Well, off for Shabbos. Have a good one everybody!
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Catherine - May 27, 2005 4:58 pm (#2536 of 2981)
You have the patience of a saint, Catherine.—Julia
Though I share my name with a saint, I am definitely NOT one. Surely you all know that by now? If anyone deserves the award, it is Hayley (age 5) and the young kids held hostage by that nightmare graduation. I took Hayley out to lunch to her favorite restaurant (and she has expensive taste, alas earwax) and she said, "Mommy, do I have to go to that school where they take way too long to do things?"
I told my hubby tonight that when Claire actually finishes fifth grade next year, I don't know if I can "handle" the ceremony. I'd rather eat a bug than do it again. Thank goodness that Hayley, as a kindergartner, won't have to attend, as it was a grade 3-5 ordeal event.
...And now...the clean toenail award goes to.....(muffle, muffle....)
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 6:16 pm (#2537 of 2981)
GryffEndora, check your e-mail.
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Amilia Smith - May 27, 2005 6:23 pm (#2538 of 2981)
Thank you for all your good luck charms. They must have worked. I got the job! I go in next week to fill out paperwork and finalize things.
Memorial Day was always quite an event back at home. My mother would save up milk jugs and tin cans for weeks before hand, and then fill them all with flowers. Usually we took iris and snowballs, sometimes lilacs if they were still in bloom. Then we would all load up in the car and visit the graves. There are two graveyards we always visit, where my grandparents are, and three or four others with more distant relatives that we visit on occasion. The graveyards are beautiful on this weekend, all covered with flowers. And we always ran into relatives whom we see very rarely, so it is a wonderful occasion to visit. As children, we used to play tag around the headstones.
Although my brothers and sisters and I used to grouse about having to go the graves (it is very uncomfortable riding in a car trying to holding two or three cans of flowers, complete with water, on your lap, while trying to keep the jugs at your feet from spilling), I was feeling a bit melancholy about missing it this year. Thank you all for reminding me that the holiday started as a way to remember the veterans. Now I know what I will be doing on Monday. This is the perfect time for me to visit the USS Arizona.
Good luck finding a new job, Julia. Rather odd that they laid off a waitress. You'd think that they would be able to afford your $2 an hour no matter how slow they were. You might not be able to afford to keep working there if they are that slow, though, so it may be all for the best . . .
About sneaking food into movie theaters: I am the oldest of 6. We always had a diaper bag that we emptied out and filled with popcorn. (By telling this story, I realize that I am exposing myself as one of those evil people we were railing against recently who take their babies to movies. My defense? It was a long time ago, and it was always G rated movies. I promise to repent.) Once the last baby got so big that we could no longer do this without looking silly, we were at a loss. About that time, though, I read an article that said that the cost of the ticket only paid for the rental of the film. Concessions were the way movie theaters were able to pay their employees. (Squid Mike: is this true?) So after that, I quit begrudging the price of popcorn, and started buying movie theater concessions.
Mills.
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The giant squid - May 27, 2005 6:29 pm (#2539 of 2981)
That's why you hit the local drugstore ahead of time, buy your goodies and smuggle them into the theatre--Lupin is Lupin
Just a friendly reminder...movie theaters make all their money from the concession stand. If no one buys concessions, the employees can't get paid, the place closes down and there's nowhere to watch movies anymore. Do I think $6 is a reasonable price for popcorn? No. But since it pays my paycheck, I'll accept it as a necessary evil.
I'm not trying to "call anyone out" here, just explaining the actual reason behind the "no outside food or drink" rule. It's all the studios' fault for taking 99% of the box office money, forcing the theaters to look to other sources of income (that's also why we have those godawful ads before the movies...).
Maybe Tim, Squid, Mike or Loopy would understand why the construction verb was not what first came to my mind?--John Bumbledore
Can't help ya there...I rarely hear the other definition of "stud" in my everyday life, more's the pity.
--Mike
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Acceber - May 27, 2005 6:55 pm (#2540 of 2981)
Wow. 296 posts in one week. I think that's a record.
Happy Birthday Linz! A little late, but I still mean it.
I don't really have much to post about, but I wanted to reassure you all that I'm alive and I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Life is busy, what with school, drama, softball, piano, and various end-of-the-year events. I took my Social Studies final yesterday and I know I got only one question wrong, which wasn't clearly worded in the first place, so I'm hopeful.
Oh no. A three hour graduation ceremony. That's exactly what I need the day before school ends: to sit on the wooden bleachers in my school gymnasium listening to my principal and assistant principal blabbing about what an experience high school will be. We had to write graduation speeches for English that only one or two of us are going to give. Maybe I should make mine a little shorter.
I'm listening to the Red Sox-Y****** game as I type and it's not going well for my end (Red Sox). We need this win. I'm going to go watch as soon as I finish reading all the threads, which promises to be a task.
Talk to you all later. Happy Memorial Day to all who celebrate.
EDIT: Oh yeah, almost forgot. As some of you may recall, I post occasionally about our summer house in Upstate New York and that we're knocking it down and building a new one. Well, it's DONE and tomorrow, my mom, sister and I are heading up to unpack the stuff we saved from our old house. Should be fun. We don't have the Internet plugged in up there, so I'll be in denial for three days. I plan on bringing a lot of reading material.
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 7:00 pm (#2541 of 2981)
GryffEndora, I sent you an email with the links as well...I sent them when I saw your post and then after I sent it came back and saw that Eponine had sent them as well
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I Am Used Vlad - May 27, 2005 7:21 pm (#2542 of 2981)
I feel for all who have recently had to sit through a graduation ceremony. My niece graduated from college a few weeks ago, but luckily for me, she didn't have enough tickets to invite me. I was at her high school graduation four years ago(at your Alma Mater, fleur), and only survived the speeches by remembering an episode of All in the Family and pretending to hang myself with my tie.
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Madam Pince - May 27, 2005 7:27 pm (#2543 of 2981)
Catherine, sympathies on the looooonnnngggg ceremony, but congratulations on the award for your little one! You must be very proud!
Mills, I think you will really enjoy the USS Arizona memorial, if you are used to celebrating Memorial Day the way you describe. It is a beautiful spot, the memorial is very well done, and it gives you a great opportunity for quiet reflection. Years ago you could bring flowers to lay at the tablet over the wreckage site where all the names are engraved, but I don't know if you can still do that today. On Memorial Day weekend I would bet it will be a busy spot.
Mike, thanks for the info about studio percentages at the movie theatres -- I wasn't aware of that, but it makes perfect sense. I just wrote about a ten-line rant about over-paid movie star "celebrities," but I went back and deleted it, because it just made me tired to even think about it. 'Nuff said.
I've been spring-cleaning today, and my back hurts and I think I'm off to bed. *****Joins ranks of grumpy old codgers****
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fleur-de-lys - May 27, 2005 7:51 pm (#2544 of 2981)
Mills, congrats on the job! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear how it goes.
Julia, what a bummer to be sacked. That's really a shame. Hopefully, you'll find something much better and find it very soon. ::buys a round of butterbeer and then fire whisky for Julia::
As for mom, we were told that the procedure was going to happen this afternoon and that she should go home the next day. So the hubby rushed over from work to get there and my aunt started down too. After the hubby had been there a few minutes, a physician's assistant came in and said they had found bacteria in her blood and couldn't insert the device until it was gone. So now we're looking at Tuesday, probably. Mom was extremely cranky all afternoon and this just added to all her stress and frustration. Its been a very trying and exhausting day for all of us. One nice thing is that, since she has to be there for the extra days, they moved her to a nice suite that has free tv and free phone. Its kind of back out of the way and is more quiet than the other rooms. We'll be traveling back and forth over the weekend, taking her only grandson down to see her. So, the trial goes on. But we perservere. Hopefully, her mood will improve and she'll feel a bit better. Again I appreciate all the prayers, support, info and concern. Its very encouraging. Thanks again.
And, Puck, I'll be paying close attention to your info. Its extremely encouraging to hear from someone who has been through all this and knows so much about it first hand. Mom enjoyed your "beep" story. Thanks again and hope to talk to all of you soon. I think I'll check out the chat room now real quick.
Luv N Mush, Lori
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 10:38 pm (#2545 of 2981)
Lori, I will be praying for your mom's procedure. My Grandfather, actually I think both of my grandfathers and my great grandmother, have all had the pacemaker/difibulator put in and it has made such a wonderful difference. What's cool about my one Grandpa's is that should they ever need to change it's setting or adjust anything they just put his chest next to this computer thing and it communicates with the device inside his body without having to do any invasive procedures. It's pretty cool. They can regulate exactly the rate of his heart at any time. I'm sure that this will be a positive step for your mom. I do hope that the bactirial infection goes away quickly!
Julia, sorry to hear about the job. You didn't like it much though did you? Maybe there's a perfect job out there just waiting for you. Have you thought about applying at a Borders or a Barnes and Nobles? I have some friends who have worked at those book stores and have loved it.
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Elanor - May 27, 2005 11:03 pm (#2546 of 2981)
Fleur, I'm so sorry about your Mum, I send you all the strengthening charms I know.
Julia, I hope you will find another work soon, and a work that you will like for a change!
Mills, that is great! Congratulations.
John, you're right, it was really great to talk in the chatroom! I wonder why I never tried it before.
KWeldon, I'm happy I was able to help you but I'm afraid you won't find the informations I could give you about the guide I bought very useful since I own the French official guide. I think I have seen ads about an american official guide on the SW official site (starwars.com) but I really don't know where you could buy it. Maybe Squid Mike would know, wouldn't you Mike?
About food in theaters, I didn't know that! Here, in small theaters as in my town, there are only ice-creams and candys to buy. In bigger theaters you can find popcorn and things like that. When "Return of the King" was released, I went to Lyon to see it in a very good theater and they were selling popcorn. The guy who sitted next to me had bought some and I have to say that to hear him chewing on his popcorn really got on my nerves, it is horrible! I kept looking daggers at him and, after some time, he didn't dare going on, I bet I spoiled his appetite, heh, heh... ::evilgrin:: I understand perfectly theaters need money but why don't they sell something people can eat in silence, honestly!
It is Saturday morning here and it is already hot outside again, it should be around 35°C, 95°F again today but at least I will be home. I have a lot of work to do. I'm a bit nervous actually because I have finally finished the preparatory work and decided the plan of the Accio paper and I'm planning to really write it this weekend. Time to take the plunge I guess! This is exiting and terrifying at the same time. I have so much to say but only 4000 words allowed in the paper and it has to be comprehensible, logical and not too boring, a real challenge!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 28, 2005 12:47 am (#2547 of 2981)
Whew! Finally made it through all the posts. Got to get up in two hours for horse show tomorrow. Wish me luck! Not on getting up, on show!
** . . . . toddles off and falls into bed...ker-plunk!**
Prayers and thought are with you Fleur!
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The giant squid - May 28, 2005 2:08 am (#2548 of 2981)
Mme. Pince, Elanor--I didn't know about the reason behind the high concession prices until I started working for the theater. Rules might be different in France, but it's pretty much the same everywhere in the US. It's just a question of how strict the individual theaters are about it. Some are really strict about it, some don't really care; ours is more toward the strict side. we'll make an exception occasionally, but for the most part we stand firm. Of course what really sucks is that we're attached to a casino with a food court, and folks just don't understand that Panda Express is considered "outside food". The secret at my theater is that the more you complain, the less likely you are to get away with it.
Fleur, I haven't mentioned it in all my ranting about movies but my thoughts are with you and your mom as well. Think good thoughts!
--Mike
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Finn BV - May 28, 2005 6:13 am (#2549 of 2981)
Would have posted yesterday but had exceeded the 10 post limit. Errrr…
Anyway, today's the day of the concert so I probably won't get back until tomorrow. Just a head's up that if there's anything like in the Trivia thread (where I have the current question), just give me a chance till tomorrow morning. I'll try to post the winners now, though.
Fleur, my prayers are with you and your mom.
Mills, congrats! That was fast! You'll have a great time working there.
Julia, that must be hard for you. I'm sure that you'll get a new job soon. Maybe Mills can give you some pointers. Good luck!
TBE, good luck at the horse show! We'll be thinking of you. PS Good luck getting up too.
All righty then – off to the Trivia thread and the piano. :-D
-Finn-
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Elanor - May 28, 2005 6:13 am (#2550 of 2981)
Oh my G-d!!!! I've just seen something that gave me a nasty shock! I was checking the Accio site for any news and just saw, not in the "news" section where news precisely are to be seen logically but in the "call for paper" section that I only checked by chance, that the papers were now due for June 12th, though when I asked them some weeks ago they said "June 21rst". I find it really weird that I didn't receive that information from them so I just wrote them about that. What if I had not checked that section? What a fright they gave me! I would have thought they would have written us about that, wouldn't you? Sorry for the rant but I had to tell somebody and I know you will understand.
Good luck TBE! Edit: Good luck Finn too!
Mike:"The secret at my theater is that the more you complain, the less likely you are to get away with it." Thanks for the humour! I really needed something to make me smile!
Okay, back to work now since I have even less time than I thought I had for finalizing the paper!
KWeldon - May 27, 2005 6:40 am (#2501 of 2981)
Elanor,
Thanks so much for the information. That makes sense to me now. I was thinking that Lucas threw that in there so the fans wouldn't be so sad for Obi-wan because he would have someone to communicate with during the next two decades!
BTW, where did you get the official guide?
KWeldon
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Lina - May 27, 2005 6:40 am (#2502 of 2981)
Wow, Fleur, this was a long post. It was nice to read that things should be good for your mom! You are right, when a person is strong, it is much harder to accept their illness. I'll just keep having you in my prayers and hoping everything ends up well.
Mare, I think that the point of the Marco Polo (did you know that he is from an island in Croatia?) game would be that "Marco" keeps his/her eyes closed. If he would have his eyes opened, then what is the point of shouting "Polo!"? Everybody else are free to have their eyes wide opened... I have never been much of a swimmer, like swimming long routes or swimming fast, but as kids, we used to play many games in the sea that were including diving.
I was watching my daughter at the Forum today. It might be bothering that she asks me to translate for her too many things, but the fact is that she can improve her English this way and that I don't have to worry about what is she going to read and if it is going to be appropriate or not. Therefore, I think I could repeat around 10 times a day, thank you hosts for keeping this Forum being so wonderful and making it such a nice place for all of us! Thank you to the members to for helping in it. I must admit that I am surprised that there are not more parents of 12 year old members of the Forum attracted to it. I would not allow my daughter to participate on a forum without reading it for a while. And how can somebody read this Forum without falling in love? O.K. I admit that reading "The philosophy of the Forum" might be enough to trust it. But that is exactly the way that I got hooked to the Harry Potter, by checking what is my daughter so eager to read?
I know that I am not exactly invited to say something about it, but I actually like the word learner and the way I imagine the terms learning/learner and studding/student is not quite the same. Now, I find it hard to explain, but studding would be something that you do in school and learning something that you do in life. Not to mention that we used to learn English while I was at school much more than studding it. The studding started at the university. Feel free to disagree.
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Madam Pince - May 27, 2005 7:29 am (#2503 of 2981)
I think President Bush just flew over my house! (Now that doesn't happen every day, does it?) I know he is scheduled to speak at the Naval Academy graduation today, and I just heard a very large noisy helicopter fly over, so I'm assuming that was what it was. Although it's kind of the wrong direction, but maybe he wasn't coming from D.C. or something. Yesterday the Blue Angels (the Navy's air aerobatics unit) were doing their annual airshow over the Academy -- normally I hear that since the noise from those jets is deafening, but for some reason I didn't hear them. I had the windows open and everything! Oh well.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 7:33 am (#2504 of 2981)
Lina, I'm glad you found a place for your daughter to "feel at home" on the internet. Being new here myself, it is a bit intimidating at times. But, isn't everything new a bit intimidating? It is for me, at least. So, please bear with me. This seems to be a pretty tight-knit community of fans, and I look forward to becoming a part of it.
I am so happy that it is Friday, though our weekend is a bit busy as well. I am just ready to get out of this office and have some time with family and friends. This forum is a great refuge for me during the day at work. When I have a few moments of time to spare, I can see what new theories are developing in the minds of my fellow "Potties".
So, thanks to all of you for brightening my day a bit and I hope you all have a wonderful Friday!
49 days...49 days...49 days
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applepie - May 27, 2005 7:39 am (#2505 of 2981)
Wow, Madam Pince...that doesn't happen every day!
My kids love the local Air Show. We usually have one around October/November. They love the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds, and were most anxious to sit in one of the "model" Blue Angels for a photograph. My husband gets pretty excited about it too. He is like a kid in a candy store. But, he likes the C-130...which I can't imagine getting off the ground it is so huge.
Well, wave to our "Commander-in-Chief" for me.
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pottermom34 - May 27, 2005 7:54 am (#2506 of 2981)
Hi guys, haven't been here in a while my computer had a defective video card and is in repair. I'm using our old win 95 one and a free aol disc til I get mine back. It's amazing how much you depend on your computer and miss it when it's gone. I see there are 400 new messages on this thread. Sorry, not gonna read them all too much for my attention span.
Anyway, happy birthday, anniversary, get wells, etc. to all I may have missed in the past week.
I'll have to find another aol disk or two. they say it'll only take 5 days but I just don't know if I trust that. Please pardon any typos this old keyboard is sticky and something new to get used to.
Well off to catch up on more posts. Michelle
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KWeldon - May 27, 2005 8:12 am (#2507 of 2981)
Air shows rock!! We go to our local one every October. I absolutely love seeing the fighter jets fly by. Actually, I'd love to leave my family at home so they can quit interrupting my viewing! They could take it or leave it, especially the noise. One of my favorite parts is when they re-enact Pearl Harbor. The Japanese planes come in for a while and do some "bombing," (fake explosions on the ground) and then the American planes come in later to save the day. The C-130 is cool, too!!
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Penny Lane. - May 27, 2005 8:25 am (#2508 of 2981)
I must be the only person around who never really liked/understood "Marco Polo". We would always play for like 5 minutes, then be bored and go back to diving/falling off the diving board. I don't know if the pools were the wrong size or we didn't have a right amount of people, or what. I don't remember the "fish out of water" clause either, but we might have called it something different. Speaking of pools - our city's new proposed recreation budget is closing all the city pools, taking away all the senior and adult activities except arobics, and cutting way back on the youth classes. I don't remember ever going to the city pools, but I'm sure a lot of people do, and it's just so sad to think about all those poor kids running around on the street all summer.
Michelle: I went to the zoo and applied. They didn't call me back though. So sad. We should find another way to actually meet.
I think we have an air show somewhere around here in August. When I was really little, someone took me to one and (as the story goes -- i have doubts) apparently I was surprised because no one explained that air show meant planes, not HAIR. I was much happier when I saw the planes instead of a haircut.
Oh: Lost fans... ABC now put up a website with a preview for season 2. Since I can't link you to it, you will have to find the web-site for Oceanic, find the seating chart, and use the numbers. Oh, and the Oceanic site is not google-able. It's fairly simple though. The site is cool, it has all sorts of easter eggs.
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Loopy Lupin - May 27, 2005 8:25 am (#2509 of 2981)
Well, have a good Memorial Day everyone.
I'm off to Virginia Beach to see the nieces and nephews. Something tells me more Star Wars is in my future. ***shudders at the thought of concession stand prices****
See everyone Tuesday!
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applepie - May 27, 2005 8:27 am (#2510 of 2981)
Have a safe trip!
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 8:42 am (#2511 of 2981)
Penny, can you give me a hint as to where to find that site? I'd appreciate it quite a bit.
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Penny Lane. - May 27, 2005 9:01 am (#2512 of 2981)
Eponine, I emailed it to you.
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Lina - May 27, 2005 9:27 am (#2513 of 2981)
I know how you feel, Applepie, I felt the same way. Like you said, everything new is intimidating, at least a little bit, but it is a challenge all the same. And you (at least I did) keep thinking - what will those people think of me? And you know that you like some of them already and you would just like them to like you too. It takes a little while to find out that this is just a great bunch of people and you are already part of this bunch. You always find some that you like more and get to know better, and some who don't share the same interest, just like in a real life. Except, all the people here are polite! I must admit that I am surprised at how brave CatherineHermiona is and has decided to post here. I wouldn't be this brave at her age and in foreign language.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 9:35 am (#2514 of 2981)
You are exactly correct, Lina. CatherineHermiona seems to be a wonderful girl and she posesses many qualities I am sure you are very proud of...(definitely a brave Gryffindor).
Thank you for making me feel welcome.
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 27, 2005 9:40 am (#2515 of 2981)
***shudders at the thought of concession stand prices****---Loopy Lupin
That's why you hit the local drugstore ahead of time, buy your goodies and smuggle them into the theatre.
In fact, back in the day when big, straw tote bags were all the rage, I know of one person who smuggled in a KFC bucket of chicken. ***looks around innocently*** You'd think the smell would have given the game up but the usher didn't even blink.
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applepie - May 27, 2005 9:46 am (#2516 of 2981)
Lupin/Kim... I am laughing so hard, I wonder if my co-workers will want to admit me to St. Mungo's. A box of chicken, you say... That is hilarious. I used to think we were tight because my Grandmother would wrap canned drinks in aluminum foil, and bring snacks in her purse. I would look around when I popped the top of the can to see if the "movie police" would take me off to the concession stand to do community service hours...lol
Thanks for the laugh. I needed it!
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Julia. - May 27, 2005 9:48 am (#2517 of 2981)
Good afternoon everyone.
Fleur, I'm glad your mum is doing better. I really hope she'll be all right.
Loopy, have an excellent weekend. I too see more Star Wars in your future, and, thank G-d, mine as well.
Mike, you've got me, we usually don't say "learner." Normally when someone is a student, we usually either call them students, or they say "I go to school, I learn at place x"
Mills, that job sounds excellent! I'm so excited for you, I really hope you get it.
Speaking of jobs, I have just been unceremoniously sacked from mine. Apparantly things are 'very slow' and my bosses cannot 'affort to retain me.' So now I'm back to square one. GRRR!
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Denise P. - May 27, 2005 9:57 am (#2518 of 2981)
It is a time honored tradition to smuggle snacks into a movie. Can't say I have ever snuck in a bucket o' chicken though. A friend of mine is in the entertainment business and at one specific place where she goes to screenings, no food is supposed to be allowed. She said it is hilarious during quiet bits in a movie, everyone trying to not rustle the wrapper of the stuff they bring to snack on.
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 10:05 am (#2519 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 10:54 am
Lina, I think you may wish to stick with learn/learner/learning and not study/student/studding Link. I know you meant to use studying, because I am a poor speller ( and this is my only language! ) This is one of those English words that doesn't always follow the common rule about dropping the letter y before adding an ending. Because there are two different words "stud" and "study" that have completely different meanings. I grew up in the country (farm land) and got quite a chuckle out of the misspelling. If you look up the root word with the link above you will see the agricultural meaning that gave me the chuckle.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Lina, I hope you can laugh with me. My point is that English is such an "evil" language that I am still misspelling words after 40 years. You (and all other forum members with two or more languages) earn my highest respects. I remember very vividly, a time in fourth grade (about 9 years old) when I couldn't find the correct spelling among these: esle, esel, else, eles? I was mortified when I had to ask the teacher which was the correct spelling of "else." I think it was just that I am a visual learner and we were beginning cursive "joined-up" writing. I still have to stop and think about which of the "witch" words means a "choice" or the woman that rides a broom. See! The Engilsh language is "evil" and greedy, it steals words from about every other language and claims it for it's own.
Edits: Spelling mistakes, of course1
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Lina - May 27, 2005 10:20 am (#2520 of 2981)
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, John Bumbledore, it just happens to me all the time. Just when I start to think that I became more cautious, I do it again! As if this was a problem to check and as if something wasn't telling me to check... No, I'm the smart girl, you know. Thank you. Must admit to like the explanation. Off to bake my fingers in the oven.
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Good Evans - May 27, 2005 10:38 am (#2521 of 2981)
Julia - yuck - horrid to be sacked - cheering charms to you
Can anyone tell me what memorial day is? Loopy mentioned it in his / her? post.
Fleur - pleased that things are looking more postiive for you and your Mum now.
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GryffEndora - May 27, 2005 10:48 am (#2522 of 2981)
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. This is a national holiday in the US when many people go to visit war memorials, or cemeteries where vets are buried, or to VFW events etc. It is simply a day set aside to remember the people who have died for our country.
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 10:48 am (#2523 of 2981)
here is the history of Memorial Day.
The gas station by my house is currently priced at $1.93, and it's a madhouse over there. Cars were all over the place, and some people just parked in the middle of the lot, but I got cheap gas!
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Chemyst - May 27, 2005 10:53 am (#2524 of 2981)
Thoughts on learnin' from The Wind in The Willows
The Toad, having finished his breakfast, picked up a stout stick and swung it vigorously, belabouring imaginary animals. `I'll learn 'em to steal my house!' he cried. `I'll learn 'em, I'll learn 'em!'
`Don't say "learn 'em," Toad,' said the Rat, greatly shocked. `It's not good English.'
`What are you always nagging at Toad for?' inquired the Badger, rather peevishly. `What's the matter with his English? It's the same what I use myself, and if it's good enough for me, it ought to be good enough for you!'
`I'm very sorry,' said the Rat humbly. `Only I think it ought to be "teach 'em," not "learn 'em."'
`But we don't want to teach 'em,' replied the Badger. `We want to learn 'em—
PS John, your link sends me to an architectural/construction verb definition. The agricultural meaning was listed as a noun.
Best of luck with finding a better job, Julia. The summer is still young.
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Good Evans - May 27, 2005 10:58 am (#2525 of 2981)
Thanks Gryffendora and Eponine - may I wish all the Americans on the forum a nice / but reflective memorial day on Monday.
Thanks for the link
Julie
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 11:12 am (#2526 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 12:28 pm
Chemyst, yes it does. But buried near the end of the last paragraph was the suggestion to look up the root word (four letters) at the same site. Maybe it was that I was thinking of students, and had co-workers telling me about adolescents and young adults that lead me first to the meaning about animal animal husbandry and the slang. Well, maybe it was just me. ** goes off to wash brain and iron hands. ** Sorry.
Maybe Tim, Squid, Mike or Loopy would understand why the construction verb was not what first came to my mind?
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
Edit: Correcting spelling again, and some phrasing.
Edit again: Just to see how long I can keep coming back to edit a post!
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Catherine - May 27, 2005 11:19 am (#2527 of 2981)
Thanks to all who congratulated Claire. It was a good experience for her, and I'm so proud that she got this award, and it meant a lot to all of us.
I must rant, however. The awards ceremony was combined with "fifth grade graduation." It lasted, no kidding, for three hours. Unbelievable.
This "graduation" ceremony lasted longer than my high school graduation and even longer than my college Baccalaureate service and graduation ceremony combined. What the heck?
I'm sure that finishing fifth grade and moving on to middle school is a big transition, but a three hour ceremony? We were sitting on teensy metal folding chairs the whole time. I couldn't leave, because Claire hadn't gotten her award yet.
They kept filing the entire fifth grade up, and back to their seats. Up and back. Sing a song, go sit down. Get up, and get a certificate for something minor, like remembering to comb your hair. Sit down. Then have the entire fifth grade stand up and move to the front to sing another song. Then wait for them all to file back to their seats. They allowed 5 different fifth graders to give Valedictorian like speeches!
Patience is not my virtue, and while I don't begrudge a little atta boy/atta girl stuff, this was way over the top.
And those chairs were pure Crucio!
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Puck - May 27, 2005 11:40 am (#2528 of 2981)
3 Hours for grammar school? Better bring your sleeping bag to her high school graduation! Plus an extra pillow (to sit on.)
John, no worries, I thought it was hilarious. I finally stopped laughing, then came to your comment about "studding vs. studying" and found a few giggles still lurking.
Fleur sounds like a standard ICD to me. The only reason I have two devices is the technology wasn't the same back when the pacer was put in, and I was pregnant for the second surgery, so they just put in the one lead to keep it simple. Often, rhythm problems are purely electrical and have nothing to do with the heart muscle itself. I'm actually the healthiest of my friends. Low pressure, cholesterol, etc...
Kathy
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 11:41 am (#2529 of 2981)
Edited May 27, 2005 1:04 pm
My empathies, Catherine. My oldest son's school had his ceremony on Tuesday; it lasted merely an hour, and I thought that was Crucio! But then, Mrs. Bumbledore and I also had our nearly six year old (kindergarten) twins on our laps and fidgeting for most of that hour. Now I realize (remember?) why my "sit-upon" has been so achy.
<)B^D= John Bumbledore
P. S. Have you ever heard the suggestion that one of the signs of getting old is that when you find an ache or bruise, you no longer remember how you got it? At only 40, I am only a third of the way to my goal (do I hear accusations that I am overly ambitious? No, merely that G-d isn't done with me yet, and I am so far behind that I'll need all those years to complete the tasks He has for me.)
Edit: for clarity of phrasing.
P. P. S. Thank you, fbv807 for noticing, it started out as BD because someone asked if they could call me DD as in "D"umble"D"ore. Then another member pointed out that it should be "BD"
Well I am a visual thinker, and the BD looked like a smile wearing half-moon glasses. So, I added the cap "<)" nose "^" and beard "=" and I had <)B^D= ! I thought it was a suitable icon for my avatar name of Bumbledore! The avatar came later as a capture and rotation, I am pleased that you and a few others have made comments on it. So don't feel bad, since only a few others have commented on my "siggy" and avatar, you may rate among the top observers!
I just finished reading "The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown and now I appreciate my cleverness with multiple meanings in the image. ** perhaps, too much! ** **Or, I delude myself!**
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Finn BV - May 27, 2005 12:34 pm (#2530 of 2981)
Yes, Catherine, I remember my fifth grade graduation two years ago. Both of the head of the Lower Division and the Head of School spoke, and they were about 10 minutes each. Pretty hard for a 10-year-old to endure… Especially because you received your diploma in alphabetical order and my last name is Vigeland… there were in our grade at the time, a W and a Z. I was third to last. Ouch. Painful.
Yeah, anyway… John Bumbledore, I finally get your avatar and signature. It took me forever! I finally stopped thinking of letters and saw it. *smacks self on forehead*
Anyway…
*goes back to practicing for recital*
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John Bumbledore - May 27, 2005 1:40 pm (#2531 of 2981)
Oh, JOy! I got to talk with Elanor, Lina, Stephanie M. and Springtime in the Chat room. First I've seen anyone in there.
But alas, earwax! I must go home now.
I understand that you can select either a java or an html chat in your worldcrossing profile (change password or preferences). I'll ahve to look for comments on that.
bye.
P. S. I think they are still chatting at this time. (as I just left.)
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Lina - May 27, 2005 2:39 pm (#2532 of 2981)
Catherine, what can I say but ouch! Was Claire able to enjoy her award after waiting for such a long time? I'm glad tat you found the right school for her, where they can appreciate her values. And I'm surprised that they arranged such a long ceremony. But every rose has it's thorns. (did I mess something again?)
Just for Chemyst and John to know, I found the explanation of a noun and that is the one I liked. My vocabulary gets enriched from day to day, only if I would learn when to use each of those words...
We are going to the little village by the lake in the mountains for a weekend. We are going to take a computer there, and we have the Internet connection, but I doubt I will be able to stay too much on line there so I might just pop up here and there.
Good night...
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 2:56 pm (#2533 of 2981)
Thanks to whomever (I've forgotten) posted the info on the LOST website. OH, it's soooo much fun!
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GryffEndora - May 27, 2005 3:52 pm (#2534 of 2981)
Could someone e-mail me the info on the Lost website. I haven't been able to find it. Thanks!
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Julia. - May 27, 2005 4:30 pm (#2535 of 2981)
Three hours!!! Yikes! You have the patience of a saint, Catherine. Good job. *hands Catherine butterbeer*
When I graduated from Hebrew high school the ceremony was probably about that long, maybe a bit shorter. They insisted that every member of the class do something, so the parents could have a photo-op. There were people reading poems, singing songs, talking about their time in Israel, talking about their experiences in school, ect. It was really horrible. Thank G-d I managed to be one of the two people (my friend Glen was the other) who got out of having to do something.
Well, off for Shabbos. Have a good one everybody!
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Catherine - May 27, 2005 4:58 pm (#2536 of 2981)
You have the patience of a saint, Catherine.—Julia
Though I share my name with a saint, I am definitely NOT one. Surely you all know that by now? If anyone deserves the award, it is Hayley (age 5) and the young kids held hostage by that nightmare graduation. I took Hayley out to lunch to her favorite restaurant (and she has expensive taste, alas earwax) and she said, "Mommy, do I have to go to that school where they take way too long to do things?"
I told my hubby tonight that when Claire actually finishes fifth grade next year, I don't know if I can "handle" the ceremony. I'd rather eat a bug than do it again. Thank goodness that Hayley, as a kindergartner, won't have to attend, as it was a grade 3-5 ordeal event.
...And now...the clean toenail award goes to.....(muffle, muffle....)
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Eponine - May 27, 2005 6:16 pm (#2537 of 2981)
GryffEndora, check your e-mail.
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Amilia Smith - May 27, 2005 6:23 pm (#2538 of 2981)
Thank you for all your good luck charms. They must have worked. I got the job! I go in next week to fill out paperwork and finalize things.
Memorial Day was always quite an event back at home. My mother would save up milk jugs and tin cans for weeks before hand, and then fill them all with flowers. Usually we took iris and snowballs, sometimes lilacs if they were still in bloom. Then we would all load up in the car and visit the graves. There are two graveyards we always visit, where my grandparents are, and three or four others with more distant relatives that we visit on occasion. The graveyards are beautiful on this weekend, all covered with flowers. And we always ran into relatives whom we see very rarely, so it is a wonderful occasion to visit. As children, we used to play tag around the headstones.
Although my brothers and sisters and I used to grouse about having to go the graves (it is very uncomfortable riding in a car trying to holding two or three cans of flowers, complete with water, on your lap, while trying to keep the jugs at your feet from spilling), I was feeling a bit melancholy about missing it this year. Thank you all for reminding me that the holiday started as a way to remember the veterans. Now I know what I will be doing on Monday. This is the perfect time for me to visit the USS Arizona.
Good luck finding a new job, Julia. Rather odd that they laid off a waitress. You'd think that they would be able to afford your $2 an hour no matter how slow they were. You might not be able to afford to keep working there if they are that slow, though, so it may be all for the best . . .
About sneaking food into movie theaters: I am the oldest of 6. We always had a diaper bag that we emptied out and filled with popcorn. (By telling this story, I realize that I am exposing myself as one of those evil people we were railing against recently who take their babies to movies. My defense? It was a long time ago, and it was always G rated movies. I promise to repent.) Once the last baby got so big that we could no longer do this without looking silly, we were at a loss. About that time, though, I read an article that said that the cost of the ticket only paid for the rental of the film. Concessions were the way movie theaters were able to pay their employees. (Squid Mike: is this true?) So after that, I quit begrudging the price of popcorn, and started buying movie theater concessions.
Mills.
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The giant squid - May 27, 2005 6:29 pm (#2539 of 2981)
That's why you hit the local drugstore ahead of time, buy your goodies and smuggle them into the theatre--Lupin is Lupin
Just a friendly reminder...movie theaters make all their money from the concession stand. If no one buys concessions, the employees can't get paid, the place closes down and there's nowhere to watch movies anymore. Do I think $6 is a reasonable price for popcorn? No. But since it pays my paycheck, I'll accept it as a necessary evil.
I'm not trying to "call anyone out" here, just explaining the actual reason behind the "no outside food or drink" rule. It's all the studios' fault for taking 99% of the box office money, forcing the theaters to look to other sources of income (that's also why we have those godawful ads before the movies...).
Maybe Tim, Squid, Mike or Loopy would understand why the construction verb was not what first came to my mind?--John Bumbledore
Can't help ya there...I rarely hear the other definition of "stud" in my everyday life, more's the pity.
--Mike
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Acceber - May 27, 2005 6:55 pm (#2540 of 2981)
Wow. 296 posts in one week. I think that's a record.
Happy Birthday Linz! A little late, but I still mean it.
I don't really have much to post about, but I wanted to reassure you all that I'm alive and I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Life is busy, what with school, drama, softball, piano, and various end-of-the-year events. I took my Social Studies final yesterday and I know I got only one question wrong, which wasn't clearly worded in the first place, so I'm hopeful.
Oh no. A three hour graduation ceremony. That's exactly what I need the day before school ends: to sit on the wooden bleachers in my school gymnasium listening to my principal and assistant principal blabbing about what an experience high school will be. We had to write graduation speeches for English that only one or two of us are going to give. Maybe I should make mine a little shorter.
I'm listening to the Red Sox-Y****** game as I type and it's not going well for my end (Red Sox). We need this win. I'm going to go watch as soon as I finish reading all the threads, which promises to be a task.
Talk to you all later. Happy Memorial Day to all who celebrate.
EDIT: Oh yeah, almost forgot. As some of you may recall, I post occasionally about our summer house in Upstate New York and that we're knocking it down and building a new one. Well, it's DONE and tomorrow, my mom, sister and I are heading up to unpack the stuff we saved from our old house. Should be fun. We don't have the Internet plugged in up there, so I'll be in denial for three days. I plan on bringing a lot of reading material.
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 7:00 pm (#2541 of 2981)
GryffEndora, I sent you an email with the links as well...I sent them when I saw your post and then after I sent it came back and saw that Eponine had sent them as well
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I Am Used Vlad - May 27, 2005 7:21 pm (#2542 of 2981)
I feel for all who have recently had to sit through a graduation ceremony. My niece graduated from college a few weeks ago, but luckily for me, she didn't have enough tickets to invite me. I was at her high school graduation four years ago(at your Alma Mater, fleur), and only survived the speeches by remembering an episode of All in the Family and pretending to hang myself with my tie.
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Madam Pince - May 27, 2005 7:27 pm (#2543 of 2981)
Catherine, sympathies on the looooonnnngggg ceremony, but congratulations on the award for your little one! You must be very proud!
Mills, I think you will really enjoy the USS Arizona memorial, if you are used to celebrating Memorial Day the way you describe. It is a beautiful spot, the memorial is very well done, and it gives you a great opportunity for quiet reflection. Years ago you could bring flowers to lay at the tablet over the wreckage site where all the names are engraved, but I don't know if you can still do that today. On Memorial Day weekend I would bet it will be a busy spot.
Mike, thanks for the info about studio percentages at the movie theatres -- I wasn't aware of that, but it makes perfect sense. I just wrote about a ten-line rant about over-paid movie star "celebrities," but I went back and deleted it, because it just made me tired to even think about it. 'Nuff said.
I've been spring-cleaning today, and my back hurts and I think I'm off to bed. *****Joins ranks of grumpy old codgers****
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fleur-de-lys - May 27, 2005 7:51 pm (#2544 of 2981)
Mills, congrats on the job! I'm excited for you and can't wait to hear how it goes.
Julia, what a bummer to be sacked. That's really a shame. Hopefully, you'll find something much better and find it very soon. ::buys a round of butterbeer and then fire whisky for Julia::
As for mom, we were told that the procedure was going to happen this afternoon and that she should go home the next day. So the hubby rushed over from work to get there and my aunt started down too. After the hubby had been there a few minutes, a physician's assistant came in and said they had found bacteria in her blood and couldn't insert the device until it was gone. So now we're looking at Tuesday, probably. Mom was extremely cranky all afternoon and this just added to all her stress and frustration. Its been a very trying and exhausting day for all of us. One nice thing is that, since she has to be there for the extra days, they moved her to a nice suite that has free tv and free phone. Its kind of back out of the way and is more quiet than the other rooms. We'll be traveling back and forth over the weekend, taking her only grandson down to see her. So, the trial goes on. But we perservere. Hopefully, her mood will improve and she'll feel a bit better. Again I appreciate all the prayers, support, info and concern. Its very encouraging. Thanks again.
And, Puck, I'll be paying close attention to your info. Its extremely encouraging to hear from someone who has been through all this and knows so much about it first hand. Mom enjoyed your "beep" story. Thanks again and hope to talk to all of you soon. I think I'll check out the chat room now real quick.
Luv N Mush, Lori
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Ydnam96 - May 27, 2005 10:38 pm (#2545 of 2981)
Lori, I will be praying for your mom's procedure. My Grandfather, actually I think both of my grandfathers and my great grandmother, have all had the pacemaker/difibulator put in and it has made such a wonderful difference. What's cool about my one Grandpa's is that should they ever need to change it's setting or adjust anything they just put his chest next to this computer thing and it communicates with the device inside his body without having to do any invasive procedures. It's pretty cool. They can regulate exactly the rate of his heart at any time. I'm sure that this will be a positive step for your mom. I do hope that the bactirial infection goes away quickly!
Julia, sorry to hear about the job. You didn't like it much though did you? Maybe there's a perfect job out there just waiting for you. Have you thought about applying at a Borders or a Barnes and Nobles? I have some friends who have worked at those book stores and have loved it.
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Elanor - May 27, 2005 11:03 pm (#2546 of 2981)
Fleur, I'm so sorry about your Mum, I send you all the strengthening charms I know.
Julia, I hope you will find another work soon, and a work that you will like for a change!
Mills, that is great! Congratulations.
John, you're right, it was really great to talk in the chatroom! I wonder why I never tried it before.
KWeldon, I'm happy I was able to help you but I'm afraid you won't find the informations I could give you about the guide I bought very useful since I own the French official guide. I think I have seen ads about an american official guide on the SW official site (starwars.com) but I really don't know where you could buy it. Maybe Squid Mike would know, wouldn't you Mike?
About food in theaters, I didn't know that! Here, in small theaters as in my town, there are only ice-creams and candys to buy. In bigger theaters you can find popcorn and things like that. When "Return of the King" was released, I went to Lyon to see it in a very good theater and they were selling popcorn. The guy who sitted next to me had bought some and I have to say that to hear him chewing on his popcorn really got on my nerves, it is horrible! I kept looking daggers at him and, after some time, he didn't dare going on, I bet I spoiled his appetite, heh, heh... ::evilgrin:: I understand perfectly theaters need money but why don't they sell something people can eat in silence, honestly!
It is Saturday morning here and it is already hot outside again, it should be around 35°C, 95°F again today but at least I will be home. I have a lot of work to do. I'm a bit nervous actually because I have finally finished the preparatory work and decided the plan of the Accio paper and I'm planning to really write it this weekend. Time to take the plunge I guess! This is exiting and terrifying at the same time. I have so much to say but only 4000 words allowed in the paper and it has to be comprehensible, logical and not too boring, a real challenge!
Have a great night/day everybody!
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TwinklingBlueEyes - May 28, 2005 12:47 am (#2547 of 2981)
Whew! Finally made it through all the posts. Got to get up in two hours for horse show tomorrow. Wish me luck! Not on getting up, on show!
** . . . . toddles off and falls into bed...ker-plunk!**
Prayers and thought are with you Fleur!
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The giant squid - May 28, 2005 2:08 am (#2548 of 2981)
Mme. Pince, Elanor--I didn't know about the reason behind the high concession prices until I started working for the theater. Rules might be different in France, but it's pretty much the same everywhere in the US. It's just a question of how strict the individual theaters are about it. Some are really strict about it, some don't really care; ours is more toward the strict side. we'll make an exception occasionally, but for the most part we stand firm. Of course what really sucks is that we're attached to a casino with a food court, and folks just don't understand that Panda Express is considered "outside food". The secret at my theater is that the more you complain, the less likely you are to get away with it.
Fleur, I haven't mentioned it in all my ranting about movies but my thoughts are with you and your mom as well. Think good thoughts!
--Mike
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Finn BV - May 28, 2005 6:13 am (#2549 of 2981)
Would have posted yesterday but had exceeded the 10 post limit. Errrr…
Anyway, today's the day of the concert so I probably won't get back until tomorrow. Just a head's up that if there's anything like in the Trivia thread (where I have the current question), just give me a chance till tomorrow morning. I'll try to post the winners now, though.
Fleur, my prayers are with you and your mom.
Mills, congrats! That was fast! You'll have a great time working there.
Julia, that must be hard for you. I'm sure that you'll get a new job soon. Maybe Mills can give you some pointers. Good luck!
TBE, good luck at the horse show! We'll be thinking of you. PS Good luck getting up too.
All righty then – off to the Trivia thread and the piano. :-D
-Finn-
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Elanor - May 28, 2005 6:13 am (#2550 of 2981)
Oh my G-d!!!! I've just seen something that gave me a nasty shock! I was checking the Accio site for any news and just saw, not in the "news" section where news precisely are to be seen logically but in the "call for paper" section that I only checked by chance, that the papers were now due for June 12th, though when I asked them some weeks ago they said "June 21rst". I find it really weird that I didn't receive that information from them so I just wrote them about that. What if I had not checked that section? What a fright they gave me! I would have thought they would have written us about that, wouldn't you? Sorry for the rant but I had to tell somebody and I know you will understand.
Good luck TBE! Edit: Good luck Finn too!
Mike:"The secret at my theater is that the more you complain, the less likely you are to get away with it." Thanks for the humour! I really needed something to make me smile!
Okay, back to work now since I have even less time than I thought I had for finalizing the paper!
Last edited by Lady Arabella on Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:20 pm; edited 1 time in total
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
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Re: Chat & Greetings 2005
Lady Arabella Fri Mar 13, 2015 8:19 pm
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Sirius Lee - May 28, 2005 7:32 am (#2551 of 2981)
The giant squid - Just a friendly reminder...movie theaters make all their money from the concession stand. ... But since it pays my paycheck, I'll accept it as a necessary evil. ...It's all the studios' fault for taking 99% of the box office money, forcing the theaters to look to other sources of income (that's also why we have those godawful ads before the movies...).
Ok, I have to step in and defend the studio side of things (since that box office % pays MY paycheck). The theatre has other ways of making money other than ticket sales (food, ads), but the studio only has box office returns to cover making the movie, promoting the movie, paying the crews, talent and in-house staff, etc. Ok, the percentage may be off a bit, but we still need to make our money too. If the theatres took all the grosses, then I'd be out of a job! Sure, my boss may be painfully overpaid, but I need my teeny-tiny little check.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 28, 2005 8:53 am (#2552 of 2981)
Julia - so sorry to hear about your job loss; hopefully this turns out to be something positive and you can replace it with a job that you'd really like to do.
Julia and Betty - I apologize for having to go so quickly Thursday night but my poor six year old was having a meltdown about her needle and I had to try and calm her for the umpteenth time. Unfortunately this did not help at the doctors office on Friday. So, there I am in the doctor's office, my daughter sees the needle and goes nuts, then my one year old decides to join in the chaos and starts crying and ends up on the floor between my legs balling. There I am holding my daughter down, trying to turn her head away . Thus she's screaming, Blake's crying, and I'm praying that it will all be over soon. The needle goes in and my daughter immediately stops crying, looks at me, and says, "that didn't hurt very much!" Kids! Needless to say that my husband will be taking her to her next doctor's visit.
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 9:36 am (#2553 of 2981)
Needless to say that my husband will be taking her to her next doctor's visit.
You know, I firmly believe that Dad should experience the meltdown. My husband didn't believe me about Claire until HE had to take her. Equal opportunity parenting at work here.
Actually, Claire does much better at the dentist when Mr. Catherine takes her, so that is now officially "his" job.
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Phoenix song - May 28, 2005 9:49 am (#2554 of 2981)
Shannon, was your daughter just having regular immunizations or is she diabetic? I've missed two days, and just quickly read the numerous posts, so might have overlooked something. Regardless, I understand how difficult it is to hold your child down for a shot. It goes against the maternal instinct to hold down your child while someone else inflicts pain upon them... even though your logical side knows that the pain involved is necessary for the good that is achieved. I liked your little pun about your daughter being upset about the needles and you saying that “needless” to say your husband would be taking her to her next visit.
Chemyst, I loved your excerpt from "Wind in the Willows" about teaching and learning. It gave me my first real smile of the day. By the way, I have thought of a time when "Learner" is considered to be the appropriate term. Whenever the speed at which someone picks up knowledge is discussed, they are usually described as being either a "slow-learner" or a "quick-learner". Of course, I've also heard people being called a "quick-study".
Fleur, I know that it can be difficult to wait for the slow wheels of the medical community to turn. I can't tell you how often my father was scheduled for a procedure or a test that, after waiting for several hours, was cancelled... and often without explanation!! It can be quite frustrating. Here's hoping that your mom's procedure will go off without a hitch next week! We're thinking of you often and warmly.
Julia, I'm sorry that you were "sacked". I'm sure that something much better, and more pleasing, will turn up. Possibly you can get a job in a book store and gain a little pre-July 16th peek for us? Just joking!
I've also been known to sneak in snacks to the Movie Theaters. We usually buy our drinks there, though. When the kids were still babies, I'd take in their diaper bags (minus the normal kiddie supplies) with drinks and stuff. NO theater employee is going to "buy" me coming in with a diaper bag when my youngest is 4, though. I've never snuck in a bucket of fried chicken, that's an interesting concept. When my husband and I were still newlyweds (ages ago) we went with another set of newlyweds to see a movie, and managed to sneak in large daiquiris. Funnily enough, (or not considering the alcohol,) I can't even remember what the movie was now.
I do remember having fun, though.
Catherine, I am so sorry for your 3 hour graduation torture! I feel your pain! I thought that I had it bad sitting through 1 1/2 hour Kindergarten graduation for my nephew. He goes to the school in my church. It was horrible sitting through 90 minutes of 5 year olds trying to recite lines, (with every child mumbling and fidgeting), while sitting on a hard wooden pew and trying to make my three Fidgeting Midgets behave. You had it much, much worse! Congratulations on Claire, though. I'm so pleased for you all!
Twinkling Blue Eyes, good luck with the horses today! I hope that you're able to nap this afternoon while clutching lots of blue ribbons in your hands!
Lina, we're so pleased to have both you and your daughter. She is quite brave to be posting in a foreign language, as are you! It quite "enriches" and "enlightens" us. (To harken back to Catherine and Kim's cryptic codes... which I still haven't let go of!)
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to catch as many of you as I could!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 28, 2005 9:54 am (#2555 of 2981)
Oh, last night I was watching Star Wars Episode IV and Darth Vader uses the word Learner when he encounters ObiWan for the last time. I thought immediately of the forum
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Lina - May 28, 2005 11:05 am (#2556 of 2981)
Congratulations, Amilia and Acceber! I'm so happy for you!
I'm sorry about the complications with your mom, Fleur, but I'm sure it will be fine at the end.
I send you whatever charms you need to make the Accio paper this weekend and be satisfied with it, Elanor.
Good luck with your horses, TBE.
We are having a nice day in the mountains. Actually, it was quite cold in the house that we had to open all windows and doors to make it warmer. We had an unpleasant surprise because the water heater broke during the winter and we have no hot water and the walls are pretty humid. But still no great damage. We can survive a day and half without a hot water and we will manage to repair all until next weekend. It is always so nice when we come here and we always regret tot to come more often. The girls went riding bicycles with their father and we had a nice walk.
Oh, yes, about the shots! When my hero daughter Katarina was being checked about tuberculosis at the age of two, she was sitting so quietly and all she said was "Mum, kiss here!" I was so proud and thought how well I have raised this girl! Next year, when it was Veronika's turn to take the test, it was quite the opposite. She wouldn't stop screaming. So I figured out that not all the secrets are in the way the kids are being raised.
(now, if I used few wrong words, try to figure out what I ment )
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 28, 2005 11:35 am (#2557 of 2981)
Thanks Lina, Catherine, And Pheonix Song for sharing your "needle" stories with me; it's good to know that I'm not alone. Paige doesn't have diabetes, this was her immunization shot and because of how badly it went she still needs one more........and as I stated before her dad is doing this one! And the brilliant thing is that now that she knows that it won't hurt he won't have any problems...why is it that's it's always the mothers who suffer?
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Denise P. - May 28, 2005 2:11 pm (#2558 of 2981)
It was a beautiful day here. We spent the morning at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of various veterans. We had them from the Civil War on up. There were about a dozen of us in our group and we covered 4 sections, over 100 names. The only names we don't place flags on are those who are Confederate Veteran's. An organization called Sons of the Confederacy place Confederate Flags on those. We do check them off our list after making sure they have a flag out. The oldest Vets we actually placed a flag on were Spanish American War Vets (1898) It is always interesting to do this, seeing the names and inscriptions. Sometimes it is very frustrating though. We walked by one headstone numerous times looking for it. It is very weathered and only because I happened to look at it from a specific angle could we see it was the name we had just spent 30 minutes finding.
Tomorrow, we are doing the traditional BBQ...maybe Monday though. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:22 pm (#2559 of 2981)
Denise, your Memorial Day ritual sounds lovely.
Thank you.
We have brand new flag to fly out front, in honor of the occasion.
If I can complain a bit, at Claire's award ceremony/fifth grade graduation, many people did not properly honor our flag and say the "Pledge of Allegiance." One older grandmother praised me that I made sure that Hayley held her hand over her heart as she did recite correctly.
I have always made sure that my kids strictly adhere to propriety where patriotism SHOULD be a fact. My dad is a decorated veteran, and it always rubbed him raw at ball games when kids and those who should know better do not attend to the details, and seeing their parents be disprespectful--talking, laughing, not paying attention--during the anthem and flag display.
Perhaps I have overstepped here, but Memorial Day is here, almost, and I think it is important to reflect on its meaning.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:32 pm (#2560 of 2981)
At the school I graduated from in the states, they would always sing the American national anthem before any game, but at the very end, they would belch out home of the 'Sioux', instead of 'brave' (Fighting Sioux being the *hemoffensivehem* school logo). It just always made me wonder, it would feel very weird to something like that to my national anthem, but perhaps it is common practice among colleges in the states?
On another note (why does all my life's more painful moments end up here in writing???), it is not easy being a foreigner and a leftie in the states... I was in a school choir, and we were on stage with a packed audience, and singing the US anthem. I still shudder to think about how long it took me to realize that everyone else had lifted their RIGHT hand to their chest, and not their left.... *sigh*...
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:41 pm (#2561 of 2981)
I still shudder to think about how long it took me to realize that everyone else had lifted their RIGHT hand to their chest, and not their left.... *sigh*... –Ponine
Truly, don't worry about it. I went to multi-national camp for many years with many children acting polite, and trying to fit it, although the hand choice wasn't correct.
My "issue" with the ceremony I witnessed at Claire's school was that some people absolutely refused to sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or recite the pledge who were clearly Americans citizens by birth and privilege. Oh, well, they have the right to be as dissenting as they wish. I just wish they would notice and appreciate that they can.
But I do not want or intend to raise a political point about the whole thingy.
EDIT: The whole point of using one's left hand is to place the opposite hand--the right, across the heart region of the chest--the left. Supposedly, one is covering one's heart during the pledge.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:48 pm (#2562 of 2981)
I think too Catherine, that there is a very big difference between those who are taking an active and well-educated stand against something for some reason or another, and those who simply can't be bothered, who does not care. Of course that goes for many areas in life, and not just this particular one...
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason.
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:55 pm (#2563 of 2981)
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason. –Ponine
Very much so. I still remember those kids at camp, and wondered if they understood what they were saying. Probably most, if not all, of them are citizens now, and understand what they said. They all took it seriously, what they pledged, and that commitment remains with me to this day, that they cared and chose what they said.
But I still become annoyed at ballgames and "ceremonies" where people are talking, cracking gum, and, ALA Snape, "not paying attention" when they should.
But we all know that I am a huge grump.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:59 pm (#2564 of 2981)
I don't see having values and caring about them as grumpy, Catherine (Particularly when some of them pertain to the welfare of those who do not have a voice of their own!)
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 28, 2005 4:38 pm (#2565 of 2981)
But we all know that I am a huge grump.---Catherine
I don't see having values and caring about them as grumpy, Catherine---Ponine
Neither do I. But she's still a grump.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 5:16 pm (#2566 of 2981)
*giggles*
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Denise P. - May 28, 2005 5:46 pm (#2567 of 2981)
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason. –Ponine
Well said Ponine! I lived in an Islamic country for a few years. Normally, I did not have to cover my hair, but during specific times of the year, I did cover my hair out of respect. More than one time, the guys who manned the gate into our compound, commented to my husband (who speaks Arabic) that they appreciated my respect for their customs. We had many others who refused to wear head covering just because they didn't HAVE to wear it. In most cases, it is no skin off my nose to conform to local customs and putting a scarf on my head is not quite the same as tattooing my face.
As for the left hand on the heart...I have 2 lefties so far, 4 right handed kids. 2 of the right handed kids switch hands when they say the pledge. Sometimes I see the right hand, sometimes the left. I always give the Mom glare and raise my hand to indicate they need to switch. Most kids switch until they are a bit older so I am sure no one even noticed you were using your "wrong" hand
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Chemyst - May 28, 2005 6:20 pm (#2568 of 2981)
Mills, that is wonderful news about your job.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Wind In The Willows excerpt, Barbie. That has always been a "re-center your focus" passage for me.
My Brownie troop did the flags in the cemetery thing one year. I'm not sure I came away with the proper attitude though, and Denise's earlier story reminded me of the lesson I learned that day: Order granite, not marble.
I'd feel too guilty to try and sneak food and drink into the movies, however, I can do a fairly decent job of rationalizing that chewing gum does not count since it is not swallowed. (And neither is it stuck under the seat!) The diaper bag subterfuge would not have worked well for me anyway because I didn't like the bulk of a diaper bag. I always used a men's travel shaving kit, which was just the right size for a couple diapers, some wet-wipes and a receiving blanket.
Now, ballpark food pricing rip-offs? Whole 'nuther story; which I've solved by vowing to never attend again as long as I live.
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas...
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 28, 2005 6:29 pm (#2569 of 2981)
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas...---Chemyst
At this rate, she's gonna need a dais. :goofygrin:
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fleur-de-lys - May 28, 2005 6:48 pm (#2570 of 2981)
Well, mom got a good nite's sleep last nite and was feeling MUCH better today. She's enjoying her suite with the two tvs. I feel much more relaxed now, knowing that she's more comfortable. There were so many things bugging her, the most of which was that she's never been sick and needing surgery that far from home. But she's settled in and has come to terms with the waiting. She's determined to relax, rest and let the staff do for her anything she can get them to do. We took the munchkin down today and that perked her up immensely. Thanks again for all the prayers and support. i look forward to reading more posts everyday and am enjoying all the info and stories about pacemakers.
I'm also enjoying the stories about sneaking in food, especially the bucket of chicken. Just shared that with the hubby and he was impressed. I'll have to remember to tell mom tomorrow. She'll appreciate is seeing as she's (and me too) done her fair share of smuggling. Two stories I wanted to share...for my 15 birthday, she took myself and 4 friends to the movies. Can't even remember what we saw, but we took cans of soda from the party in our pockets. When we sat down, my cousin put her soda in the cup holder in the arm of the seat and it fell right through. It wasn't open, but we were afraid to open it after it fell and rolled to the front. Then, (you'll all be proud of this) when mom and I went to see PoA for the first time, in the IMAX theater, she smuggled two McDonald's fruit and yogurt parfaits in inside her pocketbook. We often smuggle food in because the prices are so high. If I thought about it hard enough, I'd probably find out that, atleast around here-Philly area, a popcorn and soda costs the same as a movie ticket and movie tickets cost around 8 or 9 dollars. Highway robbery! So we sneak stuff in and don't feel guilty! Go ahead, book me!
Luv N Mush, Lori <)B^D= (sorry John, took me FOREVER to figure out what that was, so now I had to try it. I promise not to steal it, just wanted to try it once-thanks)
ps: Julia, is that what I think it is in you avatar? Thanks a lot, nightmares tonite! tee hee
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Finn BV - May 28, 2005 6:51 pm (#2571 of 2981)
Well, thanks for the luck everybody. It seemed to pay off. I was so nervous before I started and then I started to think off all the people who were coming, and unfortunately all the people who weren't coming. Then I started to imagine all the Forum members who look exactly like their avatars starting to arrive! It was funny.
Anyway, one of the highlights of the program was a piece I had been writing since about November, called Paths of Footprints. Everybody came up to me afterwards telling me how much they really imagined the details I had given in the program notes come to life in the piece itself. They placed it higher than the Kabalevsky, Bach, Debussy, Poulenc, and Stravinsky that were also up there with my name Vigeland! It felt so good.
So, thanks again for the help and now I'm ready to POST again… and it will be in my customary blue color as soon as my HTML font tag errors are fixed… Thanks for the help, Catherine…
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Eponine - May 28, 2005 6:59 pm (#2572 of 2981)
I remember going to the movies when I was little with my older sister and her best friend. We had eaten at Chik-fil-a before the movies, and for some reason, her best friend thought it would be a really good idea to put the drinks (styrofoam cups with a lid) in her purse. Well, we didn't get to finish those drinks, but she did have to wash her purse out afterwards.
We went to a wedding today, and after all this talk of wedding cakes we've been having I noticed the cake at this wedding was leaning rather badly. It didn't fall, but it had a definite tilt to it.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 7:04 pm (#2573 of 2981)
Denise said: In most cases, it is no skin off my nose to conform to local customs and putting a scarf on my head is not quite the same as tattooing my face... I am sure no one even noticed you were using your "wrong" hand
Denise - I could not agree with you more; so often, little things go such a long way, and your story ties in with Catherine, I think, with what you do in public can affect others in so many ways you don't even think about... hm...Which again ties into mine - I am sorry to say that in a crowd of fifty right arms on the podium, my left one stuck out like Hagrid at a midget convention... (No offense intended to little people) but thank you for cheering me up about it - it is at least nice to know that I am not the only one...
Fleur - great to hear about your mom - I am sending prayers and thoughts your way (Even if you do sneak snacks into theaters...)
Oh, and I have a question for all you US language/history buffs out there - I was watching the first episode of Deadwood yesterday, and while I am a sucker for US history (and Young Riders . . .remember them?) I must say I was a bit shocked by their language! I consider myself to have a fairly - colorful language - but, let me track down my point - Did they really use those sorts of words back then? Those QUITE derogatory terms for various anatomical parts as well as for any joining of these parts? (Trying hard to remain respectful and pg in terms and descriptions.) It just seemed so wrong for Cowboys from the 1800s to say things I associate with certain rappers and stand-up comedians...
Oh - And I was watching a taping of He's a Lady, and thought of you guys... There was a very pretty wedding cake on there, and I would NOT be surprised if they had a styrofoam layer...
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 7:18 pm (#2574 of 2981)
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas... –Chemyst
ROFL, Chemyst! I've stomped out the old one, for sure.
That will teach me to be a grump!
We've spent the last several weekends "redoing" our front landscape. Which is to say, we removed weeds, installed new plants, and mulched.
Boy, have we mulched. Over the last two days, hubby and I have spread 9 cubic yards of mulch--which is an enormous amount, and I'm tired and grumpy.
Did I mention that I'm grumpy?
**decides how to best construct new soapbox. Thinks that automatic rising dais, per Kim's suggestion, would be optimal for best effect.**
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Julia. - May 28, 2005 8:18 pm (#2575 of 2981)
Julia, is that what I think it is in you avatar? Thanks a lot, nightmares tonite! tee hee –Fleur
Yes Fleur, my avatar is exactly what you think it is, provided you think it's me swinging a chicken (full sized pic is here). Sorry, didn't mean to give you nightmares! Glad your mum's doing better.
I didn't realize how much it bothers me when people don't stand up or pay proper attention and respect during patriotic events. I grew up going to minor league baseball games and my parents always made clear that I was expected to take off my hat, put it over my heart and pay attention when they played the national anthem. I realized how much it bothers me when people don't act this way a few years ago. I was at Yankee Stadium in New York (this was post 9/11) and there was a player for the visiting team who did not come out of the dugout and stand during "G-d Bless America." That really annoyed me, and it seems many other people, as this player was showered with a chorus of boos after that.
Elanor, good luck finishing your paper! I'm sure you'll get it done in enough time. You're right about the chat room, by the way. It's an excellent way to meet your fellow forumers and we use it all the time.
As for sneaking food into movie theatres, I never did it. I was always a good girl and bought my Snow Caps there. I've found that people don't chew as loudly, or as often when the movie is good. My friend Heather once told me that she judges a movie by the box of Snow Caps. If the movie's good she'll forget about them and when the movie's over the box is nearly full. If the movie is terrible she'll eat them and by the time it's over the box is nearly empty.
Sorry for such a long post. I just got an email from my Shakespeare professor, which put me in an excellent mood, and when I'm in an excellent mood I'm more long winded than usual.
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Madam Pince - May 28, 2005 8:33 pm (#2576 of 2981)
One of these days I'm really going to get into trouble, because I absolutely cannot stand it when someone does not take their hat off during the national anthem. My father was a veteran, all my uncles were veterans, my Mom worked at the Pentagon during WW2, and I was never left in any doubt as to the proper procedures for showing respect during the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance. So I have frequently had to almost physically restrain myself from reaching forward and knocking the offending hat right off someone's head. I fear that someday I will be having a very bad day, will think to myself "Oh what the heck, go ahead and do it," and then the person will slug me.
Anyway, that's one of my biggest pet peeves. Ranks right up there with people who don't take their grocery cart back to the cart corral after they've loaded up their car, but rather leave it sitting right there in the middle of a parking spot. Man, that really frosts my bananas.
Denise and Ponine -- regarding the "When in Rome..." I agree so totally. I wish the world could just be a bit more tolerant of other people's beliefs and just have the common decency to show respect. It doesn't have to be a political thing -- it's just a politeness thing.
Yeah, right, I'm preaching tolerance and here I am ready to knock someone's baseball cap right off their heads....
Anyway, Denise, I meant to tell you the other day that I just adore your latest ultrasound. That yawn is so cute!
Ponine, I am not sure about the "accuracy" of Deadwood's language, but I agree with you. I know it shocked quite a few viewers here in the US -- Mr. Pince and myself included. We were all excited to watch it when we heard the previews since we both like Westerns, but we watched about ten minutes of it, looked at each other and said "We don't want to listen to this!" and haven't watched it since. I read an article (TV Guide, maybe?) that said the network had been bombarded with complaints, and the writers defended themselves by saying they had done extensive research and found that the language they were using was very accurate. I still don't know. It is extremely raw, in my opinion. I have no doubt that raw language was used, but just not in such a constant stream, perhaps? And you know what? Even if it was, I still don't see why the TV show has to do it as well. It doesn't "add to the authenticity," it's just yuck.
****Joins Catherine in looking for materials for a soapbox for grumps****
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Penny Lane. - May 28, 2005 8:39 pm (#2577 of 2981)
On the topic of food being snuck into theatres. I never really considered it, until this one time when I was 17 or so. My friend and I were starving, and we wanted Subway. But there was a big hold up for some reason, and by the time we got our sandwiches we had to race to make our movie. That was a fun time - subs are NOT easy to eat in a theatre.
The only other time I brought food in was on a date. This guy I went to community college with picked me up and we stopped at a gas station. He asked what I wanted and said that he wasn't paying movie prices for food, and that it was nice that I brought a big purse. On top of him being a cheap (*insert word here*), we saw the worst big budget film ever made. No, not Waterworld. The Matrix, part deux. Or Three. I don't really remember.
I've never been too concerned with people not holding up their hand for the anthem, but I do think that they could take their caps off. Actually, I don't understand why people feel the need to wear hats indoors anyway. It just seems odd to me.
Anyway, off to the threads!
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Madam Pince - May 28, 2005 8:43 pm (#2578 of 2981)
It is odd, Penny. And it's extremely poor etiquette. ***Looks around for Miss Manners****
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Loopy Lupin - May 28, 2005 9:40 pm (#2579 of 2981)
The rules on hats developed during a time when men actually wore hats as part and parcel of their business/formal attire. Unless the sun and sky are over your head gentlemen, the hat comes off. Ladies may wear hats whenever the mood strikes them.
My personal opinion, however, differs a little bit. ****glances furtively for any surveillance from the Etiquette Mavens High Council*** Today, the things one would properly call "hats" are virtually non-existent. Men wear baseball or skull caps as part and parcel of their casual attire. And being casual, it is not atypical that the hair underneath that cap is as unruly and unkempt as one might expect during an 8:00 a.m. trek to the Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. I personally think that showing up in public with one's coiffure in such a state is somewhat more disrespectful than keeping the hat on or, at the very least, equally so.
Thus, I really think the Rule should be that if etiquette requires to you "get ready" to go to your destination, which is to say, requires a shower and a shave, then there should be no cap involved at all or one's hat should come off as etiquette usually requires. If I didn't need to bathe before going, the cap stays on my head. So, I will continue to wear my cap at the grocery store, but I'll make sure I'm groomed well enough to not need a hat for Court. Applied to baseball games, I would think that a shower would be a good idea before mingling with a crowd at a game. So, while a baseball cap is common at the games, the head underneath it should be in a sufficient state that it could be exposed long enough to show a little respect.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't remind everyone that certain religions require a head cover at all times. Even some of the more backwater Virginia Courts are hip to this and recognize prayer caps. Funnily enough, when I go to temple with my nieces and nephews from time to time ****waves to Julia, but waves off impending butterbeer*** it would be rude not to wear my baseball cap, unless there's a spare kipah laying around.
Edit-- Yes I did manage to sneak on some friends' computer while visiting Va. Beach. It's nice here weatherwise. I babysat for these friends today so that they could go see Star Wars , so I spent the day racking up Karma points and indulging chidren with cookies.
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Julia. - May 28, 2005 10:29 pm (#2580 of 2981)
*waves back at Loopy and sends firewhisky from secret stash* (Thank my Shakespeare professor for that one. You see what happens when I'm in an exceptionally good mood. ) There's always a spare kipah lying around in a Shul, so no worries about the baseball cap. Actually, I have a friend who is really into fashion. He always wears a kipah that matches his shirt, his favorite being his Red Sox kipah. He often wears his Sox hat which he takes off to reveal a kipah. By the way, if anyone happens to come across an orange kipah, please send it to me, my friend has been looking for one.
I pretty much agree with you Loopy, although I think it would be kind of cool if you wore, say, a top hat to court.
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Ydnam96 - May 28, 2005 10:47 pm (#2581 of 2981)
I too am one who gets annoyed when people aren't being respectful during the anthem or pledge of allegience. My dad was Navy so I guess it was just understood that was something you did. I remember as a kid, we would go to the movie theater on base and they always played the anthem before the movies and we would all stand and put our hands over our hearts. Anyone in uniform would, of course, salute.
But, I even find it highly irritating when people are not respectful of other nation's anthems. I know I hate it when I watch the olympics and the US team members who say have won a silver or bronze, are up on the platform and they are talking or whatever while the national anthem of the gold winner is being played. To me that is just rude.
I'm also big on Flag etiquette. I HATE seeing people's flags all torn and battered or faded. It really, really bothers me when I see people who let them sit crumpeled up in a corner somewhere. I was walking downtown the other day and saw in a shop window the US flag just tossed in the corner. It took a lot of self restraint to not go in the shop and give the owner a thought or two (but being as that I live in the greater LA area I thought it would not be wise).
Anyway. I am glad that I am not the only one who feels strongly about these things. Sometimes I feel like it is something that our culture is losing.
Just finished watching Empire Strikes Back. It's so funny, because now when I watch them I see soooo many correlations to Harry Potter.
Hope everyone had a great Saturday.
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Elanor - May 28, 2005 10:47 pm (#2582 of 2981)
Thank you for your words of encouragement about the paper everybody! Julia, I'm so happy to see you're in such a good mood! I still have trouble accepting that they changed the rules without notifying the players but the work is going on well.
It is Mothers' Day here today so I wish a great day to all the Moms! I know Mothers' Day takes place on another day in most countries but Moms can always do with more celebration, don't you think so? It is also an election day here, a referendum is hold about the European Constitution. So, I'm off voting and then back to work!
Have a great day everybody and a good Memorial Day to those who celebrate!
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septentrion - May 29, 2005 2:08 am (#2583 of 2981)
It seems I really can't keep track of this thread....
Elanor, what's about the rules changing you're speaking about ? Is it about accio ?
Happy Mother's day and Memorial day to all people concerned. I'm off to vote as well. The result should be known around 10 pm French time.
Everyone has a good Sunday !
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dizzy lizzy - May 29, 2005 3:00 am (#2584 of 2981)
I can't keep track of this thread either Sept. I've decided its better if you don't try to keep up with the thread. Just jump right in and go with the flow.... .
I've had a rather busy week. I am in the middle of my first "additional" workload and it is not as easy as the "normal" workloads. However, it pays more and I have a little more time to go around getting the interviews. I also got extra work for my second job and that is going OK. My back is starting to cope better with all this exercise I have been giving it. I need to do more and get back into shape and lose a little more weight.
I've just realised I'm working for all but two weeks in between now and HBP. I can't believe the time is so close for HBP to be out. Even worse the book comes out in the middle of my workload and I will be coming back home for the weekend especially to do my washing and to read HBP. The dogs will be at the boarding kennels that weekend so no barking to drive me to distraction.
Congrats on your job Mills, it sound like serendipity had a hand in getting that Uni offer to you just in time .
Sorry to hear about your job loss Julia, I hope your search for a new job goes OK.
((Hugs)) to all who need them - fleur and her mum for starters - and congrats to the piano player and here's hoping TBE enjoys her horsie show!
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 29, 2005 5:21 am (#2585 of 2981)
Julia, does your friend have a Harry Potter kipah?
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CatherineHermiona - May 29, 2005 6:23 am (#2586 of 2981)
I haven't written quite long because I was going out with bikes while we are here in mountains. Besides, now there isn't PC for mum so I'm sharing laptop with her. I fell down the bike yesterday and hurt my: both legs, four fingers of my left hand and a face. But you probably know it already because my mum probably told you. My sister just wants to take laptop and I can't even write normaly.
BYE!!!!!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 29, 2005 7:07 am (#2587 of 2981)
I'm also big on Flag etiquette. I HATE seeing people's flags all torn and battered or faded.---Ydnam96[
My husband, who's a vet, also has an issue with this. Years ago, he worked at a business park where the flag was displayed, but not with the respect with which it is due. He would routinely call the management and complain, "My flag is out in the rain" or "My flag is out at night, unlit" or "If you're not going to take care of my flag, take it down."
As for hats, my 8-year-old son has been taught to remove his cover the moment he breaks a threshold. It's endearing---not to mention the fact that it makes a wonderful first impression.
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Lina - May 29, 2005 7:46 am (#2588 of 2981)
I am not really good in understanding why would people have to eat or drink in a movie theater? Is it so hard to survive 2 or 3 hours without food or your shows last longer? But I can understand that it is a kind of habit... By reading about the prices of your tickets and the food inside the theater, I'm just wondering how are our movie workers managing to survive?
A little rant from my side: There is a nice walking path along the lake. We went to walk there with the bicycles this morning. But someone came to the brilliant idea to let the cars drive through that path too. I can't understand what the authorities that allowed it were thinking. It was not allowed only a year or two ago. Now people take their cars to the walk by the lake. And they close their windows so that air conditioners could bring the fresh air to them. They only need the "pino alpestre" perfume to have the feeling that they are walking through the forest. Except, in that case they don't need to drive their car through the forest! This kind of enjoying the forest they could have done at home. Now I understand why I can not find any more frogs by the lake. They have ran away from the cars.
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fleur-de-lys - May 29, 2005 7:49 am (#2589 of 2981)
fbv807, congrats on the concert and the original song. Wish I could have heard it. I love piano. I'll be looking for your album soon.
Well, now that its Sunday and others should have seen the last episode of American Idol, I can celebrate. CARRIE WON!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!! I liked Bo too and, had he won, he would have deserved it too, but I liked Carrie just a bit better. And since my hometown boy and favorite, Anthony, was out, I really wanted Carrie to win. We're going to see the finalist tour in July, so it will be neat to see them all again. I can't wait.
I have to align myself with all the patriotic forumers out there. Everything you guys have said really bugs me too. My dad was a in Vietnam and I have a cousin back in Iraq for the third time (first was Afganistan and then Iraq and Iraq again), so supporting our current troops and those who have fought before is very important to me. I have a yellow ribbon tied around an oak tree in our front yard that will stay there until either we move, or Jonny (cousin) comes home for good. Its very nerve racking. I really like when I'm watching a sporting event and they show the players singing with the person performing the national anthem. It gives me chills. In NASCAR, they often have teams that will hold flags during the national anthem. Its really neat.
Gee, now I feel I need to go look for soapbox materials as well. Maybe we should just pull together and contruct an indestructible box and just share it around. What do you think?
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 7:59 am (#2590 of 2981)
Excellent link with the HP kipah, Chemyst.
Now I've seen everything.
About hats--I got in trouble for hats when I was a teacher. It was a school rule that no head coverings be allowed (yes, Loopy, really) of any kind. A girl in my class worse a scarf over her hair (bad hair day, apparently) on a day when I was being observed.
I got an admonition on my evaluation for not stopping class and requiring the girl to remove her headscarf. I mean, some of these kids were in 9th grade, couldn't really read, and they were more concerned about whether I made her uncover her hair.
After that, I made a Slytherin-type deal with my students. I wouldn't harass them about hats unless an administrator looked into class, during which time they were to immediately remove them. We even had a "take off your hat" signal. It was rather sweet to watch them police each other when the assistant principal peeked into my room one morning to say hello.
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 8:03 am (#2591 of 2981)
Kim, good for you on teaching your young man to remove his hat. I have to admit, that is one of my biggest pet peeves. It really annoys me to see men and boys inside with hats on. Maybe it is because I was in the military and I am surrounded by military but hats are not made to be worn indoors. My oldest son is almost 22 and we have words over this constantly. He finally will remove it when he walks into the house but if we are not around, he leaves it on. I would rather see hat hair than hats on while inside.
We fly our flag nearly every day. Since it will bleach out fairly quickly, we have a stack of flags each June that we take to the Vets when they do flag burnings to dispose of old, worn out flags. In fact, I told Mr. Denise yesterday it was time for a new flag since this one is starting to fade.
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Ydnam96 - May 29, 2005 8:49 am (#2592 of 2981)
Lina, that's horrible! Letting cars into a setting like that. I would be upset as well. Your daughter said she fell and got hurt, is she okay?
Denise, the songoram in your avatar, is that from the Dr. or one of those professional picture places for expecting mothers? It's a wonderful picture. My friend is pregnant and she sent me a picture of her sonogram. I swear it looked like a fuzzy tv screen with a vauge outline of what appeared to be a potato with antenna.
Happy Sunday all!
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 9:07 am (#2593 of 2981)
Mandy, it is from one of the professional places. I had a few photos from my doctor but they are the standard fuzzy, black and white 2D images. The place I went to does the traditional 2D, 3D (like in my photo) and then what they call 4D...3D video. The yawn is basically a screen capture of a real time motion where Baby P turned, yawned, smacked lips and then arched backwards. We got to see Baby P try to suck fingers, wiggle, turn totally around to show us the back and lots of yawning and arching. We managed to capture that on the DVD. We didn't do this with the others so it is pretty cool. What is even more amazing to me is that we can see some very clear similarities between Baby P and one specific sibling. It will be interesting to see if it holds true once Baby P. is born.
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 9:12 am (#2594 of 2981)
What is even more amazing to me is that we can see some very clear similarities between Baby P and one specific sibling. It will be interesting to see if it holds true once Baby P. is born. –Denise
Well, now that is cryptic.
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 9:15 am (#2595 of 2981)
How about "Baby P looks amazingly like either Nicholas, Ryan, Devin, Kaitlyn, Iain or Kierynn! I can't say which specific sibling without revealing gender. Even family friends, who did not see the sibling as an infant, thought Baby P looked amazingly similar. It will be interesting to compare baby photos once Baby P. is born to see if we are correct."
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 9:52 am (#2596 of 2981)
I can't say which specific sibling without revealing gender. --Denise P.
Foiled again!
D'oh!
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Julia. - May 29, 2005 10:47 am (#2597 of 2981)
Chemyst, I love the HP kipah. I will have to make sure that any future sons I have will be well equipt with several HP kiphas. Unfortunately, my friend is all muggle, so no HP kipah for me.
Ahhhhhh, I love Sunday. It's 1:50 in the afternoon and I woke up only 20 minutes ago.
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The giant squid - May 29, 2005 11:16 am (#2598 of 2981)
Sirius Lee, I meant no disparagement against studio workers in general (well, not *much* ) just the bigwigs and lawyers that negotiate the split. Besides, I understand that the studio needs to pay back millions of dollars, whereas the theater only needs a few thousand to run effectively, so the split is more or less fair.
Ponine, you mentioned the "Fighting Sioux"--did you go to the University of North Dakota? Or has someone else stolen our mascot? I happened to be attending UND when the "PC Patrol" took offense at the mascot (curiously, none of the native Americans in attendance had a problem with it...) and we were subjected to "Thunder, the Bleacher Creature"--a pink & green gorilla. Thankfully, the alumni association overruled that one quickly...
--Mike
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Sirius Lee - May 29, 2005 11:52 am (#2599 of 2981)
Mike, the bigwigs and the lawyers do make WAY too much (and seem to do so much less work)! As much as I love it, it's certainly a highly flawed industry. But if it makes you feel any better, I ALWAYS buy my snacks inside the theatres for your very reason!
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GryffEndora - May 29, 2005 12:29 pm (#2600 of 2981)
Fleur - I'm glad to hear your mom is taking advantage of her situation. I hope she gets well rested so the bacteria clears up and the procedure goes smoothly.
I agree with everyone about respecting the culture you are in. And I also think hats are an outdoor accessory unless it is a part of your faith. The HP Kipah was cool!
Denise P. - Thank you for placing the flags, you have a wonderful Memorial Day tradition.
Lina, I hope your daughter is ok. I feel for you with the cars in the forest. But, on a HP aside, was there a Ford Anglia hiding anywhere in the forest? :goofygrin:
Cheering Charms to all who need them, Butterbeer to the picnickers, best wishes to all!
I changed my avatar temporarily. I found a soap box for all of the grumps. Hope you like it!
Sirius Lee - May 28, 2005 7:32 am (#2551 of 2981)
The giant squid - Just a friendly reminder...movie theaters make all their money from the concession stand. ... But since it pays my paycheck, I'll accept it as a necessary evil. ...It's all the studios' fault for taking 99% of the box office money, forcing the theaters to look to other sources of income (that's also why we have those godawful ads before the movies...).
Ok, I have to step in and defend the studio side of things (since that box office % pays MY paycheck). The theatre has other ways of making money other than ticket sales (food, ads), but the studio only has box office returns to cover making the movie, promoting the movie, paying the crews, talent and in-house staff, etc. Ok, the percentage may be off a bit, but we still need to make our money too. If the theatres took all the grosses, then I'd be out of a job! Sure, my boss may be painfully overpaid, but I need my teeny-tiny little check.
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 28, 2005 8:53 am (#2552 of 2981)
Julia - so sorry to hear about your job loss; hopefully this turns out to be something positive and you can replace it with a job that you'd really like to do.
Julia and Betty - I apologize for having to go so quickly Thursday night but my poor six year old was having a meltdown about her needle and I had to try and calm her for the umpteenth time. Unfortunately this did not help at the doctors office on Friday. So, there I am in the doctor's office, my daughter sees the needle and goes nuts, then my one year old decides to join in the chaos and starts crying and ends up on the floor between my legs balling. There I am holding my daughter down, trying to turn her head away . Thus she's screaming, Blake's crying, and I'm praying that it will all be over soon. The needle goes in and my daughter immediately stops crying, looks at me, and says, "that didn't hurt very much!" Kids!
Needless to say that my husband will be taking her to her next doctor's visit._____________________________________
Catherine - May 28, 2005 9:36 am (#2553 of 2981)
Needless to say that my husband will be taking her to her next doctor's visit.
You know, I firmly believe that Dad should experience the meltdown. My husband didn't believe me about Claire until HE had to take her. Equal opportunity parenting at work here.
Actually, Claire does much better at the dentist when Mr. Catherine takes her, so that is now officially "his" job.
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Phoenix song - May 28, 2005 9:49 am (#2554 of 2981)
Shannon, was your daughter just having regular immunizations or is she diabetic? I've missed two days, and just quickly read the numerous posts, so might have overlooked something. Regardless, I understand how difficult it is to hold your child down for a shot. It goes against the maternal instinct to hold down your child while someone else inflicts pain upon them... even though your logical side knows that the pain involved is necessary for the good that is achieved. I liked your little pun about your daughter being upset about the needles and you saying that “needless” to say your husband would be taking her to her next visit.
Chemyst, I loved your excerpt from "Wind in the Willows" about teaching and learning. It gave me my first real smile of the day. By the way, I have thought of a time when "Learner" is considered to be the appropriate term. Whenever the speed at which someone picks up knowledge is discussed, they are usually described as being either a "slow-learner" or a "quick-learner". Of course, I've also heard people being called a "quick-study".
Fleur, I know that it can be difficult to wait for the slow wheels of the medical community to turn. I can't tell you how often my father was scheduled for a procedure or a test that, after waiting for several hours, was cancelled... and often without explanation!! It can be quite frustrating. Here's hoping that your mom's procedure will go off without a hitch next week! We're thinking of you often and warmly.
Julia, I'm sorry that you were "sacked". I'm sure that something much better, and more pleasing, will turn up. Possibly you can get a job in a book store and gain a little pre-July 16th peek for us? Just joking!
I've also been known to sneak in snacks to the Movie Theaters. We usually buy our drinks there, though. When the kids were still babies, I'd take in their diaper bags (minus the normal kiddie supplies) with drinks and stuff. NO theater employee is going to "buy" me coming in with a diaper bag when my youngest is 4, though. I've never snuck in a bucket of fried chicken, that's an interesting concept. When my husband and I were still newlyweds (ages ago) we went with another set of newlyweds to see a movie, and managed to sneak in large daiquiris. Funnily enough, (or not considering the alcohol,) I can't even remember what the movie was now.
I do remember having fun, though.Catherine, I am so sorry for your 3 hour graduation torture! I feel your pain! I thought that I had it bad sitting through 1 1/2 hour Kindergarten graduation for my nephew. He goes to the school in my church. It was horrible sitting through 90 minutes of 5 year olds trying to recite lines, (with every child mumbling and fidgeting), while sitting on a hard wooden pew and trying to make my three Fidgeting Midgets behave. You had it much, much worse! Congratulations on Claire, though. I'm so pleased for you all!
Twinkling Blue Eyes, good luck with the horses today! I hope that you're able to nap this afternoon while clutching lots of blue ribbons in your hands!
Lina, we're so pleased to have both you and your daughter. She is quite brave to be posting in a foreign language, as are you! It quite "enriches" and "enlightens" us. (To harken back to Catherine and Kim's cryptic codes... which I still haven't let go of!)
Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to catch as many of you as I could!
Barbie
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Ydnam96 - May 28, 2005 9:54 am (#2555 of 2981)
Oh, last night I was watching Star Wars Episode IV and Darth Vader uses the word Learner when he encounters ObiWan for the last time. I thought immediately of the forum
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Lina - May 28, 2005 11:05 am (#2556 of 2981)
Congratulations, Amilia and Acceber! I'm so happy for you!
I'm sorry about the complications with your mom, Fleur, but I'm sure it will be fine at the end.
I send you whatever charms you need to make the Accio paper this weekend and be satisfied with it, Elanor.
Good luck with your horses, TBE.
We are having a nice day in the mountains. Actually, it was quite cold in the house that we had to open all windows and doors to make it warmer. We had an unpleasant surprise because the water heater broke during the winter and we have no hot water and the walls are pretty humid. But still no great damage. We can survive a day and half without a hot water and we will manage to repair all until next weekend. It is always so nice when we come here and we always regret tot to come more often. The girls went riding bicycles with their father and we had a nice walk.
Oh, yes, about the shots! When my hero daughter Katarina was being checked about tuberculosis at the age of two, she was sitting so quietly and all she said was "Mum, kiss here!" I was so proud and thought how well I have raised this girl! Next year, when it was Veronika's turn to take the test, it was quite the opposite. She wouldn't stop screaming. So I figured out that not all the secrets are in the way the kids are being raised.
(now, if I used few wrong words, try to figure out what I ment )
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Shannon aka Brammwell - May 28, 2005 11:35 am (#2557 of 2981)
Thanks Lina, Catherine, And Pheonix Song for sharing your "needle" stories with me; it's good to know that I'm not alone. Paige doesn't have diabetes, this was her immunization shot and because of how badly it went she still needs one more........and as I stated before her dad is doing this one! And the brilliant thing is that now that she knows that it won't hurt he won't have any problems...why is it that's it's always the mothers who suffer?
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Denise P. - May 28, 2005 2:11 pm (#2558 of 2981)
It was a beautiful day here. We spent the morning at a local cemetery placing American flags on the graves of various veterans. We had them from the Civil War on up. There were about a dozen of us in our group and we covered 4 sections, over 100 names. The only names we don't place flags on are those who are Confederate Veteran's. An organization called Sons of the Confederacy place Confederate Flags on those. We do check them off our list after making sure they have a flag out. The oldest Vets we actually placed a flag on were Spanish American War Vets (1898) It is always interesting to do this, seeing the names and inscriptions. Sometimes it is very frustrating though. We walked by one headstone numerous times looking for it. It is very weathered and only because I happened to look at it from a specific angle could we see it was the name we had just spent 30 minutes finding.
Tomorrow, we are doing the traditional BBQ...maybe Monday though. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:22 pm (#2559 of 2981)
Denise, your Memorial Day ritual sounds lovely.
Thank you.
We have brand new flag to fly out front, in honor of the occasion.
If I can complain a bit, at Claire's award ceremony/fifth grade graduation, many people did not properly honor our flag and say the "Pledge of Allegiance." One older grandmother praised me that I made sure that Hayley held her hand over her heart as she did recite correctly.
I have always made sure that my kids strictly adhere to propriety where patriotism SHOULD be a fact. My dad is a decorated veteran, and it always rubbed him raw at ball games when kids and those who should know better do not attend to the details, and seeing their parents be disprespectful--talking, laughing, not paying attention--during the anthem and flag display.
Perhaps I have overstepped here, but Memorial Day is here, almost, and I think it is important to reflect on its meaning.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:32 pm (#2560 of 2981)
At the school I graduated from in the states, they would always sing the American national anthem before any game, but at the very end, they would belch out home of the 'Sioux', instead of 'brave' (Fighting Sioux being the *hemoffensivehem* school logo). It just always made me wonder, it would feel very weird to something like that to my national anthem, but perhaps it is common practice among colleges in the states?
On another note (why does all my life's more painful moments end up here in writing???), it is not easy being a foreigner and a leftie in the states... I was in a school choir, and we were on stage with a packed audience, and singing the US anthem. I still shudder to think about how long it took me to realize that everyone else had lifted their RIGHT hand to their chest, and not their left.... *sigh*...
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:41 pm (#2561 of 2981)
I still shudder to think about how long it took me to realize that everyone else had lifted their RIGHT hand to their chest, and not their left.... *sigh*... –Ponine
Truly, don't worry about it. I went to multi-national camp for many years with many children acting polite, and trying to fit it, although the hand choice wasn't correct.
My "issue" with the ceremony I witnessed at Claire's school was that some people absolutely refused to sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or recite the pledge who were clearly Americans citizens by birth and privilege. Oh, well, they have the right to be as dissenting as they wish. I just wish they would notice and appreciate that they can.
But I do not want or intend to raise a political point about the whole thingy.
EDIT: The whole point of using one's left hand is to place the opposite hand--the right, across the heart region of the chest--the left. Supposedly, one is covering one's heart during the pledge.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:48 pm (#2562 of 2981)
I think too Catherine, that there is a very big difference between those who are taking an active and well-educated stand against something for some reason or another, and those who simply can't be bothered, who does not care. Of course that goes for many areas in life, and not just this particular one...
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason.
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 3:55 pm (#2563 of 2981)
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason. –Ponine
Very much so. I still remember those kids at camp, and wondered if they understood what they were saying. Probably most, if not all, of them are citizens now, and understand what they said. They all took it seriously, what they pledged, and that commitment remains with me to this day, that they cared and chose what they said.
But I still become annoyed at ballgames and "ceremonies" where people are talking, cracking gum, and, ALA Snape, "not paying attention" when they should.
But we all know that I am a huge grump.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 3:59 pm (#2564 of 2981)
I don't see having values and caring about them as grumpy, Catherine
(Particularly when some of them pertain to the welfare of those who do not have a voice of their own!)_____________________________________
Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 28, 2005 4:38 pm (#2565 of 2981)
But we all know that I am a huge grump.---Catherine
I don't see having values and caring about them as grumpy, Catherine---Ponine
Neither do I. But she's still a grump.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 5:16 pm (#2566 of 2981)
*giggles*
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Denise P. - May 28, 2005 5:46 pm (#2567 of 2981)
And it is my notion that when in Rome, so to speak, it is - appropriate - to respect and honor the culture you visit, as long as it does not go directly against your own religion or custom for some reason. –Ponine
Well said Ponine! I lived in an Islamic country for a few years. Normally, I did not have to cover my hair, but during specific times of the year, I did cover my hair out of respect. More than one time, the guys who manned the gate into our compound, commented to my husband (who speaks Arabic) that they appreciated my respect for their customs. We had many others who refused to wear head covering just because they didn't HAVE to wear it. In most cases, it is no skin off my nose to conform to local customs and putting a scarf on my head is not quite the same as tattooing my face.
As for the left hand on the heart...I have 2 lefties so far, 4 right handed kids. 2 of the right handed kids switch hands when they say the pledge. Sometimes I see the right hand, sometimes the left. I always give the Mom glare and raise my hand to indicate they need to switch. Most kids switch until they are a bit older so I am sure no one even noticed you were using your "wrong" hand
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Chemyst - May 28, 2005 6:20 pm (#2568 of 2981)
Mills, that is wonderful news about your job.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Wind In The Willows excerpt, Barbie. That has always been a "re-center your focus" passage for me.
My Brownie troop did the flags in the cemetery thing one year. I'm not sure I came away with the proper attitude though, and Denise's earlier story reminded me of the lesson I learned that day: Order granite, not marble.
I'd feel too guilty to try and sneak food and drink into the movies, however, I can do a fairly decent job of rationalizing that chewing gum does not count since it is not swallowed. (And neither is it stuck under the seat!) The diaper bag subterfuge would not have worked well for me anyway because I didn't like the bulk of a diaper bag. I always used a men's travel shaving kit, which was just the right size for a couple diapers, some wet-wipes and a receiving blanket.
Now, ballpark food pricing rip-offs? Whole 'nuther story; which I've solved by vowing to never attend again as long as I live.
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas...
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 28, 2005 6:29 pm (#2569 of 2981)
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas...---Chemyst
At this rate, she's gonna need a dais. :goofygrin:
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fleur-de-lys - May 28, 2005 6:48 pm (#2570 of 2981)
Well, mom got a good nite's sleep last nite and was feeling MUCH better today. She's enjoying her suite with the two tvs. I feel much more relaxed now, knowing that she's more comfortable. There were so many things bugging her, the most of which was that she's never been sick and needing surgery that far from home. But she's settled in and has come to terms with the waiting. She's determined to relax, rest and let the staff do for her anything she can get them to do. We took the munchkin down today and that perked her up immensely. Thanks again for all the prayers and support. i look forward to reading more posts everyday and am enjoying all the info and stories about pacemakers.
I'm also enjoying the stories about sneaking in food, especially the bucket of chicken. Just shared that with the hubby and he was impressed. I'll have to remember to tell mom tomorrow. She'll appreciate is seeing as she's (and me too) done her fair share of smuggling. Two stories I wanted to share...for my 15 birthday, she took myself and 4 friends to the movies. Can't even remember what we saw, but we took cans of soda from the party in our pockets. When we sat down, my cousin put her soda in the cup holder in the arm of the seat and it fell right through. It wasn't open, but we were afraid to open it after it fell and rolled to the front. Then, (you'll all be proud of this) when mom and I went to see PoA for the first time, in the IMAX theater, she smuggled two McDonald's fruit and yogurt parfaits in inside her pocketbook. We often smuggle food in because the prices are so high. If I thought about it hard enough, I'd probably find out that, atleast around here-Philly area, a popcorn and soda costs the same as a movie ticket and movie tickets cost around 8 or 9 dollars. Highway robbery! So we sneak stuff in and don't feel guilty! Go ahead, book me!
Luv N Mush, Lori <)B^D= (sorry John, took me FOREVER to figure out what that was, so now I had to try it. I promise not to steal it, just wanted to try it once-thanks)
ps: Julia, is that what I think it is in you avatar? Thanks a lot, nightmares tonite! tee hee
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Finn BV - May 28, 2005 6:51 pm (#2571 of 2981)
Well, thanks for the luck everybody. It seemed to pay off. I was so nervous before I started and then I started to think off all the people who were coming, and unfortunately all the people who weren't coming. Then I started to imagine all the Forum members who look exactly like their avatars starting to arrive! It was funny.
Anyway, one of the highlights of the program was a piece I had been writing since about November, called Paths of Footprints. Everybody came up to me afterwards telling me how much they really imagined the details I had given in the program notes come to life in the piece itself. They placed it higher than the Kabalevsky, Bach, Debussy, Poulenc, and Stravinsky that were also up there with my name Vigeland! It felt so good.
So, thanks again for the help and now I'm ready to POST again… and it will be in my customary blue color as soon as my HTML font tag errors are fixed… Thanks for the help, Catherine…
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Eponine - May 28, 2005 6:59 pm (#2572 of 2981)
I remember going to the movies when I was little with my older sister and her best friend. We had eaten at Chik-fil-a before the movies, and for some reason, her best friend thought it would be a really good idea to put the drinks (styrofoam cups with a lid) in her purse. Well, we didn't get to finish those drinks, but she did have to wash her purse out afterwards.
We went to a wedding today, and after all this talk of wedding cakes we've been having I noticed the cake at this wedding was leaning rather badly. It didn't fall, but it had a definite tilt to it.
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Ponine - May 28, 2005 7:04 pm (#2573 of 2981)
Denise said: In most cases, it is no skin off my nose to conform to local customs and putting a scarf on my head is not quite the same as tattooing my face... I am sure no one even noticed you were using your "wrong" hand
Denise - I could not agree with you more; so often, little things go such a long way, and your story ties in with Catherine, I think, with what you do in public can affect others in so many ways you don't even think about... hm...Which again ties into mine - I am sorry to say that in a crowd of fifty right arms on the podium, my left one stuck out like Hagrid at a midget convention... (No offense intended to little people) but thank you for cheering me up about it - it is at least nice to know that I am not the only one...
Fleur - great to hear about your mom - I am sending prayers and thoughts your way
(Even if you do sneak snacks into theaters...)Oh, and I have a question for all you US language/history buffs out there - I was watching the first episode of Deadwood yesterday, and while I am a sucker for US history (and Young Riders . . .remember them?) I must say I was a bit shocked by their language! I consider myself to have a fairly - colorful language - but, let me track down my point - Did they really use those sorts of words back then? Those QUITE derogatory terms for various anatomical parts as well as for any joining of these parts? (Trying hard to remain respectful and pg in terms and descriptions.) It just seemed so wrong for Cowboys from the 1800s to say things I associate with certain rappers and stand-up comedians...
Oh - And I was watching a taping of He's a Lady, and thought of you guys... There was a very pretty wedding cake on there, and I would NOT be surprised if they had a styrofoam layer...
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Catherine - May 28, 2005 7:18 pm (#2574 of 2981)
**Makes mental note that at this rate, Catherine will need a new soapbox by Christmas... –Chemyst
ROFL, Chemyst! I've stomped out the old one, for sure.
That will teach me to be a grump!
We've spent the last several weekends "redoing" our front landscape. Which is to say, we removed weeds, installed new plants, and mulched.
Boy, have we mulched. Over the last two days, hubby and I have spread 9 cubic yards of mulch--which is an enormous amount, and I'm tired and grumpy.
Did I mention that I'm grumpy?
**decides how to best construct new soapbox. Thinks that automatic rising dais, per Kim's suggestion, would be optimal for best effect.**
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Julia. - May 28, 2005 8:18 pm (#2575 of 2981)
Julia, is that what I think it is in you avatar? Thanks a lot, nightmares tonite! tee hee –Fleur
Yes Fleur, my avatar is exactly what you think it is, provided you think it's me swinging a chicken (full sized pic is here). Sorry, didn't mean to give you nightmares! Glad your mum's doing better.
I didn't realize how much it bothers me when people don't stand up or pay proper attention and respect during patriotic events. I grew up going to minor league baseball games and my parents always made clear that I was expected to take off my hat, put it over my heart and pay attention when they played the national anthem. I realized how much it bothers me when people don't act this way a few years ago. I was at Yankee Stadium in New York (this was post 9/11) and there was a player for the visiting team who did not come out of the dugout and stand during "G-d Bless America." That really annoyed me, and it seems many other people, as this player was showered with a chorus of boos after that.
Elanor, good luck finishing your paper! I'm sure you'll get it done in enough time. You're right about the chat room, by the way. It's an excellent way to meet your fellow forumers and we use it all the time.
As for sneaking food into movie theatres, I never did it. I was always a good girl and bought my Snow Caps there. I've found that people don't chew as loudly, or as often when the movie is good. My friend Heather once told me that she judges a movie by the box of Snow Caps. If the movie's good she'll forget about them and when the movie's over the box is nearly full. If the movie is terrible she'll eat them and by the time it's over the box is nearly empty.
Sorry for such a long post. I just got an email from my Shakespeare professor, which put me in an excellent mood, and when I'm in an excellent mood I'm more long winded than usual.
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Madam Pince - May 28, 2005 8:33 pm (#2576 of 2981)
One of these days I'm really going to get into trouble, because I absolutely cannot stand it when someone does not take their hat off during the national anthem. My father was a veteran, all my uncles were veterans, my Mom worked at the Pentagon during WW2, and I was never left in any doubt as to the proper procedures for showing respect during the national anthem or the pledge of allegiance. So I have frequently had to almost physically restrain myself from reaching forward and knocking the offending hat right off someone's head. I fear that someday I will be having a very bad day, will think to myself "Oh what the heck, go ahead and do it," and then the person will slug me.
Anyway, that's one of my biggest pet peeves. Ranks right up there with people who don't take their grocery cart back to the cart corral after they've loaded up their car, but rather leave it sitting right there in the middle of a parking spot. Man, that really frosts my bananas.
Denise and Ponine -- regarding the "When in Rome..." I agree so totally. I wish the world could just be a bit more tolerant of other people's beliefs and just have the common decency to show respect. It doesn't have to be a political thing -- it's just a politeness thing.
Yeah, right, I'm preaching tolerance and here I am ready to knock someone's baseball cap right off their heads....
Anyway, Denise, I meant to tell you the other day that I just adore your latest ultrasound. That yawn is so cute!
Ponine, I am not sure about the "accuracy" of Deadwood's language, but I agree with you. I know it shocked quite a few viewers here in the US -- Mr. Pince and myself included. We were all excited to watch it when we heard the previews since we both like Westerns, but we watched about ten minutes of it, looked at each other and said "We don't want to listen to this!" and haven't watched it since. I read an article (TV Guide, maybe?) that said the network had been bombarded with complaints, and the writers defended themselves by saying they had done extensive research and found that the language they were using was very accurate. I still don't know. It is extremely raw, in my opinion. I have no doubt that raw language was used, but just not in such a constant stream, perhaps? And you know what? Even if it was, I still don't see why the TV show has to do it as well. It doesn't "add to the authenticity," it's just yuck.
****Joins Catherine in looking for materials for a soapbox for grumps****
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Penny Lane. - May 28, 2005 8:39 pm (#2577 of 2981)
On the topic of food being snuck into theatres. I never really considered it, until this one time when I was 17 or so. My friend and I were starving, and we wanted Subway. But there was a big hold up for some reason, and by the time we got our sandwiches we had to race to make our movie. That was a fun time - subs are NOT easy to eat in a theatre.
The only other time I brought food in was on a date. This guy I went to community college with picked me up and we stopped at a gas station. He asked what I wanted and said that he wasn't paying movie prices for food, and that it was nice that I brought a big purse. On top of him being a cheap (*insert word here*), we saw the worst big budget film ever made. No, not Waterworld. The Matrix, part deux. Or Three. I don't really remember.
I've never been too concerned with people not holding up their hand for the anthem, but I do think that they could take their caps off. Actually, I don't understand why people feel the need to wear hats indoors anyway. It just seems odd to me.
Anyway, off to the threads!
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Madam Pince - May 28, 2005 8:43 pm (#2578 of 2981)
It is odd, Penny. And it's extremely poor etiquette. ***Looks around for Miss Manners****
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Loopy Lupin - May 28, 2005 9:40 pm (#2579 of 2981)
The rules on hats developed during a time when men actually wore hats as part and parcel of their business/formal attire. Unless the sun and sky are over your head gentlemen, the hat comes off. Ladies may wear hats whenever the mood strikes them.
My personal opinion, however, differs a little bit. ****glances furtively for any surveillance from the Etiquette Mavens High Council*** Today, the things one would properly call "hats" are virtually non-existent. Men wear baseball or skull caps as part and parcel of their casual attire. And being casual, it is not atypical that the hair underneath that cap is as unruly and unkempt as one might expect during an 8:00 a.m. trek to the Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast. I personally think that showing up in public with one's coiffure in such a state is somewhat more disrespectful than keeping the hat on or, at the very least, equally so.
Thus, I really think the Rule should be that if etiquette requires to you "get ready" to go to your destination, which is to say, requires a shower and a shave, then there should be no cap involved at all or one's hat should come off as etiquette usually requires. If I didn't need to bathe before going, the cap stays on my head. So, I will continue to wear my cap at the grocery store, but I'll make sure I'm groomed well enough to not need a hat for Court. Applied to baseball games, I would think that a shower would be a good idea before mingling with a crowd at a game. So, while a baseball cap is common at the games, the head underneath it should be in a sufficient state that it could be exposed long enough to show a little respect.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't remind everyone that certain religions require a head cover at all times. Even some of the more backwater Virginia Courts are hip to this and recognize prayer caps. Funnily enough, when I go to temple with my nieces and nephews from time to time ****waves to Julia, but waves off impending butterbeer*** it would be rude not to wear my baseball cap, unless there's a spare kipah laying around.
Edit-- Yes I did manage to sneak on some friends' computer while visiting Va. Beach. It's nice here weatherwise. I babysat for these friends today so that they could go see Star Wars , so I spent the day racking up Karma points and indulging chidren with cookies.
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Julia. - May 28, 2005 10:29 pm (#2580 of 2981)
*waves back at Loopy and sends firewhisky from secret stash* (Thank my Shakespeare professor for that one. You see what happens when I'm in an exceptionally good mood. ) There's always a spare kipah lying around in a Shul, so no worries about the baseball cap. Actually, I have a friend who is really into fashion. He always wears a kipah that matches his shirt, his favorite being his Red Sox kipah. He often wears his Sox hat which he takes off to reveal a kipah. By the way, if anyone happens to come across an orange kipah, please send it to me, my friend has been looking for one.
I pretty much agree with you Loopy, although I think it would be kind of cool if you wore, say, a top hat to court.
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Ydnam96 - May 28, 2005 10:47 pm (#2581 of 2981)
I too am one who gets annoyed when people aren't being respectful during the anthem or pledge of allegience. My dad was Navy so I guess it was just understood that was something you did. I remember as a kid, we would go to the movie theater on base and they always played the anthem before the movies and we would all stand and put our hands over our hearts. Anyone in uniform would, of course, salute.
But, I even find it highly irritating when people are not respectful of other nation's anthems. I know I hate it when I watch the olympics and the US team members who say have won a silver or bronze, are up on the platform and they are talking or whatever while the national anthem of the gold winner is being played. To me that is just rude.
I'm also big on Flag etiquette. I HATE seeing people's flags all torn and battered or faded. It really, really bothers me when I see people who let them sit crumpeled up in a corner somewhere. I was walking downtown the other day and saw in a shop window the US flag just tossed in the corner. It took a lot of self restraint to not go in the shop and give the owner a thought or two (but being as that I live in the greater LA area I thought it would not be wise).
Anyway. I am glad that I am not the only one who feels strongly about these things. Sometimes I feel like it is something that our culture is losing.
Just finished watching Empire Strikes Back. It's so funny, because now when I watch them I see soooo many correlations to Harry Potter.
Hope everyone had a great Saturday.
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Elanor - May 28, 2005 10:47 pm (#2582 of 2981)
Thank you for your words of encouragement about the paper everybody! Julia, I'm so happy to see you're in such a good mood! I still have trouble accepting that they changed the rules without notifying the players but the work is going on well.
It is Mothers' Day here today so I wish a great day to all the Moms! I know Mothers' Day takes place on another day in most countries but Moms can always do with more celebration, don't you think so? It is also an election day here, a referendum is hold about the European Constitution. So, I'm off voting and then back to work!
Have a great day everybody and a good Memorial Day to those who celebrate!
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septentrion - May 29, 2005 2:08 am (#2583 of 2981)
It seems I really can't keep track of this thread....
Elanor, what's about the rules changing you're speaking about ? Is it about accio ?
Happy Mother's day and Memorial day to all people concerned. I'm off to vote as well. The result should be known around 10 pm French time.
Everyone has a good Sunday !
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dizzy lizzy - May 29, 2005 3:00 am (#2584 of 2981)
I can't keep track of this thread either Sept. I've decided its better if you don't try to keep up with the thread. Just jump right in and go with the flow.... .
I've had a rather busy week. I am in the middle of my first "additional" workload and it is not as easy as the "normal" workloads. However, it pays more and I have a little more time to go around getting the interviews. I also got extra work for my second job and that is going OK. My back is starting to cope better with all this exercise I have been giving it. I need to do more and get back into shape and lose a little more weight.
I've just realised I'm working for all but two weeks in between now and HBP. I can't believe the time is so close for HBP to be out. Even worse the book comes out in the middle of my workload and I will be coming back home for the weekend especially to do my washing and to read HBP. The dogs will be at the boarding kennels that weekend so no barking to drive me to distraction.
Congrats on your job Mills, it sound like serendipity had a hand in getting that Uni offer to you just in time .
Sorry to hear about your job loss Julia, I hope your search for a new job goes OK.
((Hugs)) to all who need them - fleur and her mum for starters - and congrats to the piano player and here's hoping TBE enjoys her horsie show!
Lizzy
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Chemyst - May 29, 2005 5:21 am (#2585 of 2981)
Julia, does your friend have a Harry Potter kipah?
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CatherineHermiona - May 29, 2005 6:23 am (#2586 of 2981)
I haven't written quite long because I was going out with bikes while we are here in mountains. Besides, now there isn't PC for mum so I'm sharing laptop with her. I fell down the bike yesterday and hurt my: both legs, four fingers of my left hand and a face. But you probably know it already because my mum probably told you. My sister just wants to take laptop and I can't even write normaly.
BYE!!!!!
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Lupin is Lupin. Natch. - May 29, 2005 7:07 am (#2587 of 2981)
I'm also big on Flag etiquette. I HATE seeing people's flags all torn and battered or faded.---Ydnam96[
My husband, who's a vet, also has an issue with this. Years ago, he worked at a business park where the flag was displayed, but not with the respect with which it is due. He would routinely call the management and complain, "My flag is out in the rain" or "My flag is out at night, unlit" or "If you're not going to take care of my flag, take it down."
As for hats, my 8-year-old son has been taught to remove his cover the moment he breaks a threshold. It's endearing---not to mention the fact that it makes a wonderful first impression.
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Lina - May 29, 2005 7:46 am (#2588 of 2981)
I am not really good in understanding why would people have to eat or drink in a movie theater? Is it so hard to survive 2 or 3 hours without food or your shows last longer? But I can understand that it is a kind of habit... By reading about the prices of your tickets and the food inside the theater, I'm just wondering how are our movie workers managing to survive?
A little rant from my side: There is a nice walking path along the lake. We went to walk there with the bicycles this morning. But someone came to the brilliant idea to let the cars drive through that path too. I can't understand what the authorities that allowed it were thinking. It was not allowed only a year or two ago. Now people take their cars to the walk by the lake. And they close their windows so that air conditioners could bring the fresh air to them. They only need the "pino alpestre" perfume to have the feeling that they are walking through the forest. Except, in that case they don't need to drive their car through the forest! This kind of enjoying the forest they could have done at home. Now I understand why I can not find any more frogs by the lake. They have ran away from the cars.
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fleur-de-lys - May 29, 2005 7:49 am (#2589 of 2981)
fbv807, congrats on the concert and the original song. Wish I could have heard it. I love piano. I'll be looking for your album soon.
Well, now that its Sunday and others should have seen the last episode of American Idol, I can celebrate. CARRIE WON!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!! I liked Bo too and, had he won, he would have deserved it too, but I liked Carrie just a bit better. And since my hometown boy and favorite, Anthony, was out, I really wanted Carrie to win. We're going to see the finalist tour in July, so it will be neat to see them all again. I can't wait.
I have to align myself with all the patriotic forumers out there. Everything you guys have said really bugs me too. My dad was a in Vietnam and I have a cousin back in Iraq for the third time (first was Afganistan and then Iraq and Iraq again), so supporting our current troops and those who have fought before is very important to me. I have a yellow ribbon tied around an oak tree in our front yard that will stay there until either we move, or Jonny (cousin) comes home for good. Its very nerve racking. I really like when I'm watching a sporting event and they show the players singing with the person performing the national anthem. It gives me chills. In NASCAR, they often have teams that will hold flags during the national anthem. Its really neat.
Gee, now I feel I need to go look for soapbox materials as well. Maybe we should just pull together and contruct an indestructible box and just share it around. What do you think?
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 7:59 am (#2590 of 2981)
Excellent link with the HP kipah, Chemyst.
Now I've seen everything.
About hats--I got in trouble for hats when I was a teacher. It was a school rule that no head coverings be allowed (yes, Loopy, really) of any kind. A girl in my class worse a scarf over her hair (bad hair day, apparently) on a day when I was being observed.
I got an admonition on my evaluation for not stopping class and requiring the girl to remove her headscarf. I mean, some of these kids were in 9th grade, couldn't really read, and they were more concerned about whether I made her uncover her hair.
After that, I made a Slytherin-type deal with my students. I wouldn't harass them about hats unless an administrator looked into class, during which time they were to immediately remove them. We even had a "take off your hat" signal. It was rather sweet to watch them police each other when the assistant principal peeked into my room one morning to say hello.
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 8:03 am (#2591 of 2981)
Kim, good for you on teaching your young man to remove his hat. I have to admit, that is one of my biggest pet peeves. It really annoys me to see men and boys inside with hats on. Maybe it is because I was in the military and I am surrounded by military but hats are not made to be worn indoors. My oldest son is almost 22 and we have words over this constantly. He finally will remove it when he walks into the house but if we are not around, he leaves it on. I would rather see hat hair than hats on while inside.
We fly our flag nearly every day. Since it will bleach out fairly quickly, we have a stack of flags each June that we take to the Vets when they do flag burnings to dispose of old, worn out flags. In fact, I told Mr. Denise yesterday it was time for a new flag since this one is starting to fade.
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Ydnam96 - May 29, 2005 8:49 am (#2592 of 2981)
Lina, that's horrible! Letting cars into a setting like that. I would be upset as well. Your daughter said she fell and got hurt, is she okay?
Denise, the songoram in your avatar, is that from the Dr. or one of those professional picture places for expecting mothers? It's a wonderful picture. My friend is pregnant and she sent me a picture of her sonogram. I swear it looked like a fuzzy tv screen with a vauge outline of what appeared to be a potato with antenna.
Happy Sunday all!
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 9:07 am (#2593 of 2981)
Mandy, it is from one of the professional places. I had a few photos from my doctor but they are the standard fuzzy, black and white 2D images. The place I went to does the traditional 2D, 3D (like in my photo) and then what they call 4D...3D video. The yawn is basically a screen capture of a real time motion where Baby P turned, yawned, smacked lips and then arched backwards. We got to see Baby P try to suck fingers, wiggle, turn totally around to show us the back and lots of yawning and arching. We managed to capture that on the DVD. We didn't do this with the others so it is pretty cool. What is even more amazing to me is that we can see some very clear similarities between Baby P and one specific sibling. It will be interesting to see if it holds true once Baby P. is born.
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 9:12 am (#2594 of 2981)
What is even more amazing to me is that we can see some very clear similarities between Baby P and one specific sibling. It will be interesting to see if it holds true once Baby P. is born. –Denise
Well, now that is cryptic.
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Denise P. - May 29, 2005 9:15 am (#2595 of 2981)
How about "Baby P looks amazingly like either Nicholas, Ryan, Devin, Kaitlyn, Iain or Kierynn! I can't say which specific sibling without revealing gender. Even family friends, who did not see the sibling as an infant, thought Baby P looked amazingly similar. It will be interesting to compare baby photos once Baby P. is born to see if we are correct."
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Catherine - May 29, 2005 9:52 am (#2596 of 2981)
I can't say which specific sibling without revealing gender. --Denise P.
Foiled again!
D'oh!
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Julia. - May 29, 2005 10:47 am (#2597 of 2981)
Chemyst, I love the HP kipah. I will have to make sure that any future sons I have will be well equipt with several HP kiphas. Unfortunately, my friend is all muggle, so no HP kipah for me.
Ahhhhhh, I love Sunday. It's 1:50 in the afternoon and I woke up only 20 minutes ago.
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The giant squid - May 29, 2005 11:16 am (#2598 of 2981)
Sirius Lee, I meant no disparagement against studio workers in general (well, not *much* ) just the bigwigs and lawyers that negotiate the split. Besides, I understand that the studio needs to pay back millions of dollars, whereas the theater only needs a few thousand to run effectively, so the split is more or less fair.
Ponine, you mentioned the "Fighting Sioux"--did you go to the University of North Dakota? Or has someone else stolen our mascot? I happened to be attending UND when the "PC Patrol" took offense at the mascot (curiously, none of the native Americans in attendance had a problem with it...) and we were subjected to "Thunder, the Bleacher Creature"--a pink & green gorilla. Thankfully, the alumni association overruled that one quickly...
--Mike
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Sirius Lee - May 29, 2005 11:52 am (#2599 of 2981)
Mike, the bigwigs and the lawyers do make WAY too much (and seem to do so much less work)! As much as I love it, it's certainly a highly flawed industry. But if it makes you feel any better, I ALWAYS buy my snacks inside the theatres for your very reason!
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GryffEndora - May 29, 2005 12:29 pm (#2600 of 2981)
Fleur - I'm glad to hear your mom is taking advantage of her situation. I hope she gets well rested so the bacteria clears up and the procedure goes smoothly.
I agree with everyone about respecting the culture you are in. And I also think hats are an outdoor accessory unless it is a part of your faith. The HP Kipah was cool!
Denise P. - Thank you for placing the flags, you have a wonderful Memorial Day tradition.
Lina, I hope your daughter is ok. I feel for you with the cars in the forest. But, on a HP aside, was there a Ford Anglia hiding anywhere in the forest? :goofygrin:
Cheering Charms to all who need them, Butterbeer to the picnickers, best wishes to all!
I changed my avatar temporarily. I found a soap box for all of the grumps. Hope you like it!
Lady Arabella- Prefect
- Posts : 2566
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