EWP group?

[helenabear]

Yes SG, I plan on going to sleep rather early and am resting nicely this evening. I was hoping to read some of a new book my dad bought me for my birthday but somehow the DIS keeps calling to me

I have to say I loved the Hamster e-mail. I am no prude (obviously) and that one just sent me roaring in laughter. Your post just reminded me to forward it onto Luis I am also very glad you liked my hair. It was very simple to do and that is always best. I like simple & elegant as they seem to fit my style. I just figured with all the dancing we did, I needed it all back and out of the way! What was really funny about the dance was I saw my old middle school principal grooving to a new J Lo (Jennifer Lopez) and Ja Rule song that is out. It was rather funny to have seen him (even after all these years) so out of context of howI remember him and singing along to the song. I am not saying that if you are over 60 (and I believe he is now) that you cannot listen to "modern" or pop music, it was just odd to see my old "disciplinarian" being so relaxed.

I am very much with you SG on the whole church issue. I was raised to be a "straigh arrow" Catholic. Now I am not saying I am really far off from that but I have strayed a few times in my life and questioned a lot. I love the current church I go to because they embrace the differences in all the people and respect & love all no matter who or what they may be (in all respects). We are a very open church and we welcome everyone. That is our churches motto "All are welcome!" What is wonderful is that every year we have around 30 adults who are baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church because of how my church approaches everyone. We love to have fun and we do have the drum set, electric bass, guitars and others playing along with our choir. I love this group as they are very loving back to everyone and it doesn't matter if you are 9 months or 90 years old, we all seem to get along and enjoy each other for who we are. The other wonderful thing is that our church empisizes that we should love all Christians and we do not even talk about "oh we are the ones who will be up in heaven while those Protestants will burn in he!!" We also realize that our religion is based very much on the Jewish faith and we are told never to forget it. My church even goes one step further to remind us to love every one of all religions. When a local Islamic place of worship was trashed by some people full of hatred or fear, our church helped both financially & physically to help them fix up all the damage. Our priests have even been known to say that it doesn't matter what we call God (Allah, Abba, or whatever) we are all his children and treat each other as such. The Catholic Church has come a long way even in the last 20 years or so. It has become more open and more loving in general.

Well I have rambled so... I probably shouldn't have but I got started on it and didn't feel like stopping. I hope I haven't offended anyone by all I said. With that good night everyone!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Helenabear, you have convinced me. I think I will show up at your church next week. I am of the opinion that most evil in this world is done in the "name' of religion. True religion is loving not exclusive.

What book did you dad give you? What a wonderful thing to be able to pick out books for people. A couple of older friends have convinced me to read "The Lord of the Rings". One friend brought a bag with all of the series. There were even books on how to read the books. I read many pages of one of them and was about to give them back without reading the first novel. Luckily I went past all the prologe and started in reading and am glad to report that I am finding it interesting. My best friend from grade school and I exchange books for Christmas and our birthdays. It is usually a book we read during the year that we think the other would enjoy. Our local library has a free box where you can put in magazines and books that you don't want anymore. You never know what you will find in there.

I took a bag of dinosaur books out to the preschool this morning. They are studying dinosaurs this week. Gee, can you all tell that I love books? (grin)

I am feeling better today and might actually be of some use to the school library this week. Last week about all I could do was sit and file the books on the cart for Connie to put on the shelves. It hurt so bad that I even started taking an aspirin a day just in case it was heart trouble. Old age is not a pretty sight children. If I had known I was going to live this long I really would have taken better care of myself. LOL

All your talk of self improvements this new year got me to thinking and I am now drinking 2 quarts of water a day. Not sure if it will help much but it couldn't hurt.

We are taking our boys out to eat for Valentine's Day. Their parents have to go to Indy that day for a follow up visit with the eye doctor and are planning on going out to eat also. I will make a big old lemon merienge pie for DH, his favorite.

Hope it is warmer where you all are and the workload is light.

Slightly Goofy

 

[IASW Rider]

Just wanted to pop in and say.........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HELENABEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful day! There will be a major EWP celebration in the Suite, tonight - looking forward to seeing you and Luis at that time!

Have a great day!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey Everyone!

So sorry that I haven't been in touch in so long! I've been thinking of all of you, though, and have some more little souvenirs of the North East to send to all of you (will do that, tonight!)!

We spent the weekend at Frank's mother's house, so I wasn't able to check in and post. It's funny how it seems that the only time when I really have time to post is exactly when I SHOULDN'T be doing that....at work!

I must make it clear that I absolutely DID NOT forget that Dan-the-Man was the first "real" gentleman to ever grace our Suite! It's just that I assume that he is always sort of here with us.....like an ever-present angel.....so it's not as though he actually ever left, after the first time that he visited! Luis, however, is the first "random gentleman" to wander into our little enclave! Where has he been, these past few days, anyway?? I hope that he will be back with Helenabear, tonight, for her birthday celebration!

That's so kind of you to put a care package together for me, Angelina! I will keep my eyes open for it! Keep your eyes open for an envelope from me, too!

I loved the cat quotes, SG - they were very cute! Glad to hear that your DD has been able to go back to work and that you're feeling better! I love books, too! The most recent book that I have gotten was actually a birthday gift from my best friend (and "Man of Honor"), Gary - he got me a book about the way that Walt Disney used his animated characters as insignia for various World War II corps and related groups. It's really neat to see Donald Duck flying a WWII plane or Minnie dressed up as a nurse, healing a patient who's the shape of the US with a big heart for a head!

You hair looked really nice for your dance, Helenabear! I can't believe that it only took you 10 minutes to get it that way - that would have taken me all day to do! Or I would have given up in frustration and had it professionally done! It looked wonderful! Glad to hear that you had a nice time at the dance, too! It sounds like fun!

And glad to hear that you have been able to make it to some of the parades and festivities for Mardi Gras, Angelina! They sound great! It's nice that you and DH and your friends and the kids can all get together and have some nights out celebrating, during the festival! I can't wait to hear more about it!

Sorry that this is another quick one, but I suppose that I should try to do something of a "responsible" nature, now!

Hope that you all had a wonderful weekend! Talk to you soon!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!

Thank you Rider for your birthday wishes to me. I can't wait to party with you all tonight Believe it or not, the way I wore my hair is honestly very easy to do. All you have to do is pull your hair back in a ponytail kind of low on the head. Then I took the ponytail and separated it in four equal sections. I took each section and braided them (that was the longest part honestly).I took one braid and wrapped it around like a bun as a base, placed a bobby pin or two in it to hold it. Then I took the remaining three and kind of weaved them around eachother. I couldn't see what I was doing and when I was done I went up to Luis and asked if it looked good or not. He said yes so I took a few more bobby pins and secured it. Sprayed with hairspray and voila, a nice hair style easily done at home that stays out of the way

I am not quite sure where Luis has been. He doesn't frequent the DIS as much as I do to begin with and he is not the talkative type so he may have wandered in without saying hi. I will bring him tonight but I won't be surprised if he doesn't say much. Rider you are very right about Dan. He is here and there and everywhere on the DIS. That is kind of a reasuring thought though. You know that all the mods are out there watching over us making sure all is well.

SG, I am glad you are feeling better now. Your plans for Valentine's Day sound great! We don't have anything planned but then again it is right smack in the middle of Birthday celebrations in my family so it isn't that big of a deal for us much. Oh and you are welcome at my church any time you like! We are a friendly sort of bunch. Very loving group

My dad got me a book called "Meta communications: How families communicate." It really is like reading a text book (it might be a text book for a class or two) but I truly enjoy reading studies on these types of things. I studied a lot along this subject in college and really enjoy reading about it. Luis' family won't ever get me a book like that mostly because most of the books I like are why relationships fail and they have a hard time buying a book about divorce for their son's wife

Angelina I hope you are enjoying the last full week of celebration before Ash Wednesday. It sounds like you are having a wonderful time (even missing a game here and there ). Stop in and tell us how it is going.

Well I should go now. I hope you all are having a great day!

 

[IASW Rider]

Hey everyone! Hope that you're all having a nice day!

I just turned around and looked out my beautiful new office window, behind me, and saw.....that it's snowing! Figures that that would have to happen just before I leave work! Rush hour should be CHARMING. UGH. I think that it's just a bunch of heavy passing flurries.

I hope that you're not at work today, Helenabear! I hope that you're home relaxing or out having fun and celebrating, somewhere! Hope that you're having a great day, wherever you are!

And thanks so much for the adorable Mickey card! It was such a wonderful surprise to receive it - I love it! And it's always great to hear from you!

You make your hair style sound so easy! Well, you're obviously much more talented and artistic than I am. The extent of my hair styling (beyond just having it down, at work) is piling my hair up on top of my head in a crazy pony-tail-like-thing that makes me look like Pebbles from "The Flintstones", as soon as I get home from work!

Well, Frank registered on The DIS, today! Maybe he will come in and visit us at some point! Look out for him - he's "FrankNJ"!

Hope that you're all having a nice day! See you all later for a special edition of the EWP and Fantasy in the Sky, refreshments, music, and dancing in the Suite, in honor of Helenabear's birthday!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

HB2UHB2UHB dear Helenabear HB2U!!!!!!!

Wow, a major party tonight!! We have not had one of those in awhile. AND we are to be honored by the presence of Luis and Frank. Gee, I will have to behave myself. Will be hard but I promise to wear shoes and try to act like the mature woman I am supposed to be. (most of the time anyway).

I caught the guys planning a little birthday surprise. I had told them about the servers on some of the cruises we have been on and how they did things. Look for limbo dipping servers with flaming trays among other tricks of the trade.

Helenabear, you need to check with Bo and the gang and let them know what your favorite foods are so they can prepare them for tonight's festivities. You know their only purpose in life is to wait on us hand and foot and cater to our every want or need.

I never have a hard time figureing out how to wear my hair. I have short dark naturally curly hair and it is truly wash and wear. I wash it, hit with a lick of anti frizz stuff and let it dry and comb it out with a special plastic brush that has wide spaces and there it is. I never look any better BUT I also never look any worse. LOL

It is a nice clear night so we should have a great view of the parade and fireworks. I am looking forward to seeing Luis again and meeting Frank.

Til later, Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[helenabear]

Hi all. First of all Linda, no shoes are required tonight. You think that after a day at work I want to get all gussied up for my own birthday? Heck no! So this is a come as you are party and we are just going to have some fun. So in answer to your question Rider, I did go to work today. I am kind of busy at work right now and I didn't have enough reason to stay at home today. Don't worry I enjoy what I do at work so it wasn't too bad. I was up anyway

I did check with Bo and all the guys and in addition to all the yummy food they are making for everyone else they are making my favorite Chinese dish just the way I want it In addition to making something for me, we worked up a little thing for Lisa as well. We were talking and we realized that because we were unable to get in here for her birthday as well due to the slight DIS problems we were having. So because of that, we decided to have a dual birthday celebration (if that is okay with Rider).

Rider, I am glad that you like your Mickey card. I was out and about getting other cards and there he was. I just couldn't pass him up

Well my cats are calling for food so I had better feed them before they get to angry. I will be back soon!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

With true friends you come in the backdoor and sit around the kitchen table, you tell your business without it being passed on or judged, AND you get to go barefoot!!! Yah!!

I plumb forgot that Lisa did not get a proper birthday celebration either. What a kind and sharing person you are, Helenabear.

What is your favorite Chinese dish? Our favorite restaurant is a Chinese Buffet near us. It is also cheap enough that we can afford to eat there a few times a week. Great combination.

See you all later!

Slightly Goofy (Check my new signature AND I got the EWP logo also, Luis will be so proud of me!)

 

[IASW Rider]

Barefoot sounds good to me! I hate wearing shoes! In fact, I have my shoes off, under my desk right now! And I like to wear shorts all year round, too (in the house in the winter, anyway!)!

Thanks so much for including me in your birthday celebration last night, Helenabear! It was so kind of you all to come and celebrate with us! SG is going to have to teach us that dance that she was doing with Kas A. Nova.....don't think that we didn't see you two dancing in the corner, there! The food was great, didn't you think? Those boys must have been practicing, as we've been out and about at the parks!

I love Chinese food, too - YUM! Unfortunately, Frank isn't a big fan of it, so I rarely get to eat it any more. I love mu shu anything, chow fun, chow mein, all of the soups, and preferably everything with shrimp! And I love to put that spicy hot mustard all over everything - even in my won ton soup - YUM! We also have a great Chinese buffet near us......but as I said, it's not at the top of Frank's list of places to go, so we don't get there very much (ever since I started cooking, after Frank moved in, we don't go out to lunch or dinner very much at all, any more! That's actually a good thing - saves money, plus I get to practice not poisoning people! Hee hee!) Fortunately, Frank does like Japanese food, so we do have that often when we go out!

I like your hair, SG! It would be great to have hair that just naturally came out nicely after washing it! I enjoyed having curly hair, during the years when I permed my hair - it was so easy to deal with - I just let it dry naturally, and was able to go out! I guess we all want what we don't have..... My hair was a lot thicker and wavier when I was younger, but it's thinned out a bit as I've gotten older. Now it's much straighter, as well. Nothing that half a can of hairspray in the morning can't fix! (hee hee!)

Well, time to do something responsible.

Have a great day and see you all, soon!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone! I am so glad we all had such fun last night barefoot & all. I would be without shoes right now except that it is so dang cold in here that I don't want to take my warm shoes off, but I certainly have been known to do so at my desk in the past This is probably why my favorite shoes are my Tevas. They are almost like not wearing shoes at all

Rider, I was very glad to celebrate with you! I enjoy planning the parties just as much sometimes and planning with our cuties in the kitchen was more than fun

I think the reason why I like Chinese food a lot is becaue I love rice & chicken and I can always find a ton of rice & chicken at Chinese restaurants. Those are my staple foods and with out them I would be lost I make some Chinese style chicken quite often at home as well!

I agree simple hair is always the best. I am lucky with this long hair all I do in the morning is wash it, brush it and go! Sometimes I will put it back in a ponytail but that only adds 20 more seconds to my hair regimant! I have natural wave/soft curl in my hair but I never have been lucky enough to hold real curl in my hair even with a perm That always looked so easy to me.

Well I hate to make this so short but I am starving and need to bug the guys to make me some good food See you all later

 

[IASW Rider]

Yes, all this talk about food is making me hungry, too! I like all the shrimp and vegetables in Chinese food. And the spices that they use to make various dishes. And especially.....that hot mustard - YUM!

Helenabear - do you do anything special for your long hair to keep it from getting tangled when you wake up in the morning? I have a friend who has hair that is probably as long as yours, and she braids it before she goes to sleep at night - do you do anything like that? My hair is always full of knots in the morning, no matter how much I brush it the night before or when I wake up - probably residue from the piles of hairspray that I use. It's a wonder that I have any hair left on my head at all, with all that comes out when I get the knots out!

Well, I believe that SG is having her new computer installed, now - I hope that everything is going well, SG, and look forward to your return to the Suite to tell us about it!

Nothing too interesting to report, here. I think that I had mentioned that they are reorganizing our division......and that we all have to post for jobs created under the "new model" (ie: we have to post for essentially our own jobs!). My area's responsibilities are changing slightly - it's becoming more of a compliance / regulatory / oversight area. I especially want to stay in my area because most of my experience is dealing with retirement plan regulatory stuff, so the new subject matter is "right up my alley". But I had to post for the position, just like everyone else. I submitted my resume and qualifications, 2 days ago. I think that we'll all find out where we'll wind up in the "new" organization next month. I hope that I get to stay in this group!

We're meeting with the calligrapher who will be addressing our wedding invitations, this weekend and giving her all of our envelopes. Time is flying by!

Well, wish that I had some more news to report! Hope that you're all having a nice day! Talk to you soon!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone! I won't have much to add today as I am a little tired because I was up petting my cat last night... she was so cute, I couldn't resist

Rider I do special things to keep my hair out of "damage" way. First one thing I hardly ever do is blow dry my hair. When your hair is this long and you get it cut so rarely, this can make a huge difference. At night I do put my hair in braids so that I don't have to worry up with tangles. I do it every night and I have been for many years now I think so it is like second nature to me now. Honestly I think if your hair is down a little past your shoulders this is something you should do every night. It really helps! One or two braids works nicely but I don't do french braids as they aren't as comfortable (or easy for me to do). I can tell you it has nothing to do with the amount of hairspray in my hair. Sunday morning was no more worse than any other day for me (I had TONS of hairspray in my hair Sat. night). Also I refuse to do things to my hair like back combing or teasing. When I got my hair done for the wedding they did that for me even after I requested not to have that done but what can I say she had really short hair and didn't understand why I wouldn't want it Other than that I am trying a new brush that is really good for the hair and I can only use some shampoos & conditioners because some just don't work at all!

I hate to rush but I just forgot about a meeting I need to get ready for I will see you all later. Have fun with the calligrapher Rider! SG, I hope all is well with your computer transfering! Take Care all!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Well, as you all see, I have survived thus far. I disconnected the old computer, hooked up the new one and even got connected to the internet in under an hour. Funny thing is that it took me longer to properly hang the new picture over the desk than it did to do all the other. I had this picture (a Monet print) for a couple of years but dreaded to try to put it up with all my computer equipement etc. on the desk. Tomorrow I will attempt to transfer my old settings etc. to the new computer. We are having a blast with it. The new XP makes it easy to have different settings for each user. I just finished walking Austin through picking his screensavers etc. He was really interested and is picking out a password so no one but he and I can look at 'his' stuff. Since the only other person in the house is DH I think it is he who is to be kept out. LOL DH even played with the computer a bit today. Have very mixed feelings about that. Would love to see him do something besides sit on the couch and watch tv (a new show every 3 seconds WHY do men do THAT)? BUT I would hate to have to share the computer TOO much with anyone!!! It is much different for me to be sitting in front of the computer for hours than for him to be in front of the tv. IMVHO (LOL)

I used to braid my daughter's hair every night. She was late in getting hair and when she finally got some she never wanted it cut. It was long enough to sit on. It looked so pretty in the morning rippling down over her back. She finally cut her hair short (chin length) last year and it looks very nice. She is 31 and it looks more professional and she has such a lovely shaped face so it is very flattering. It came out with a natural curl to it. Not as curly as mine but just the right amount. She is back to driving already. Even working full days although one day she left early because the computer screen was getting to her. I was glad to see tht she was willing to do that. They are very good at her business about everything. Of course, she is very good to them also, working late and weekends when needed etc.

My son has curly hair like mine and he keeps it long. Not very attractive IMHO. It is far too frizzy to look good long. He is 6 foot 5 and very scary looking. I don't think he is mean but if I did not know him and met him on a dark street I would speed up. In other words, he has a face only a mother would love. (LOL)

It is a universal thing that beauticians do not listen to 'requests'. It is a pet peeve of mine. I go to a drop in place now and they do a good job. I used to go to beauty colleges. Always like the work as they are so supervised and try so very hard as it is their grade AND it is cheaper. Have not been able to find one since my regular hairdresser got too busy but am still looking. I don't like to make appointments for haircuts or oil changes.

Rider, I will be rooting for you to get your assignment of choice. I bet there will be a fight over which department will get you. Hope your choice wins. I always say that you spend so much time at work, it is best that you enjoy what you do for a living. If you like it, you will do better work and thus be a bigger success which is usually rewarded by more pay and benefits.

Helenabear, up all night petting the cats? I hope it was for pleasure and not to calm your nerves or something to do if you could not sleep. Beats counting sheep though. I just threatened my little guy and told him if he did not come to visit me soon I was going to have to go out and find some other little boy to play with. (grin)

Angelina must be recuperating after her wild weekend parties. She deserves the fun. Anyone who thinks being a 'stay at home' mom is easy work is a fool. Being on duty 24/7 is impossible for anyone.

I had a funny thing happen at the school library today. This young lady came up to me and said "I don't mean to make you feel bad but I would not want your job". I told her that I understood, that everyone wants different things BUT I told her that it was not a job but a volunteer position. That surprised her and she wanted to know why I did it. I told her it was for kids just like her. It is so nice to do some work that is needed and appreciated.

I am staying at home tomorrow and get caught up on a few things around here. Have to go to Indianapolis Friday and scope out hotels for my 4th of July sister's reunion. Variety of likes and budgets so it is hard to find something for everyone. Oh, the joys of being the 'older' sister. (smile)

Hope you guys have a great night and sure am glad that I did not have to be gone as long as I had feared.

Slightly Goofy

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!!!

SG, I am so glad that so far the transition is going pretty well! I hope the file transfer goes smoothly. I just hope your DH doesn't steal the computer too much as we would miss not seeing you around here as much I always think that is interesting when people say they wouldn't want a job. For some the job is wonderful and for others it would be a chore. I guess that is why we have so many different options out there for people

Rider, I do hope you get the position you want when they re-org your group! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I wasn't up quite all night petting Gwen, just an hour or so. I woke up because I was cold, but then I started thinking about something I wrote in a post. It was really stupid because I was trying to decide if I wrote "daughter" or "child". I am an unfortunate person who when they begin to think about something they can't stop. I am awful about that. I really can't ever get my mind to stop thinking about something. So stroking Gwen was very relaxing and I was glad to have her sitting there on me. I wish I could be like my DH and have moments where I didn't think about something but that has yet to happen yet!

Luis took our baby Gwen to the vet today to get her rabies shot. The vet told us that Gwen belongs on cards. She said that she is a beautiful cat, but I didn't need her to tell me that. She is getting to be a big girl now but she is such a sweetie!

Well I wanted to check on a few things online tonight before I signed off. Take Care everyone!

 

[helenabear]

It just occured to me that I forgot to tell you all how to put the EWP Groupie in your signature

So just copy this: {IMG]http://home.columbus.rr.com/coqui/icons/ewp.bmp[/IMG] change the first '{' to a '[' and you can use it and it should work. Have fun

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Ladies!

You know, I snuck in here yesterday (bet that you didn't see me!) and I was just about to post, when I wound up getting stuck in meetings all afternoon - UGH. Sorry that it took me so long to thank you both for your kind words of support about my prospective new position! It's very kind of you! We found out yesterday (in one of the meetings) that all final decisions will be made about where everyone will "wind up" by the end of March. Hopefully I will find out before then, though!

Maybe I will try braiding my hair at night, too, Helenabear! I really worry that I am going to go bald from ripping the knots out of my hair every morning. And even though I hate doing it, I really should condition my hair more often than I do. That would probably help, too (even though it tends to weigh my hair down and make it just hang there like spaghetti!).

Glad to hear that you're enjoying your new computer, SG! I'm sure that it's a lot of fun making individual settings for everyone and seeing all that it can do, etc. And glad to hear that your DD is feeling better and is doing well! I liked the story about the woman who approached you in the library! I think it's wonderful of you to take the time to volunteer there, and it sounds like you really enjoy it and feel fulfilled by it, too!

Helenabear - you are not the only one - I do things like your worrying about what you wrote in a post all the time! I worry and worry about things and can't stop thinking about them. Frank can always tell by looking at my face when I am worrying about something or still thinking about something that either happened or we talked about like hours before! So, you are not alone! And it's nice to have furry kitties around to pet and play with to take your mind off of those things and help put them in perspective, too!

I am so tired, today - I was up till 1:30 AM last night e-mailing with my Fantasmic friend. He leads such an interesting life down there at WDW - I am so jealous!

Looking forward to watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics, tonight! I am such a sap - I always get all choked up when all of the athletes enter the stadium! And tonight they are going to fly the flag found at the WTC site. I'm sure that that will be very emotional. I really enjoy watching the Olympics - especially the figure skating! (and gymnastics during the summer Olympics!)

So, what's up for the weekend? Maybe we can all take one of those private IllumiNations cruises - I've never done that before!

Hope that all is well with you, out there, Angelina and Jstmee!

And hope that all is well with you both and that you're having a nice day, SG and Helenabear!

Talk to you soon!

 

[IASW Rider]

You know, SG, I just wrote a long response to your "regular e-mail"......and AOL (through the internet) wouldn't let me send it, and it just disappeared!

I won't trust sending a message through AOL through the internet until they fix whatever problem they're having, right now, so I'll just respond, here!

Yes, my entire family are "Ford people". My parents and grandparents have always driven Fords, Mercury's, and Lincolns. My parents always felt that larger cars are safer.....so that's what I've become used to driving! My father still drives his 1986 Continental, and until recently still had my grandfather's 1965 Continental, as well! I have always driven Grand Marquis's. (Gotta love those "Bessies" - hee hee!)

Toyotas are great cars. Frank drives a Camry (and the car he had before this one was also a Camry). It's very comfortable and really reliable - they're very good and well made cars. My ex-husband drove a Corolla, and that was also a nice and reliable car.

OK - I'm up for one of those smoothies at the Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland - anyone who would like to join me is welcome to come along!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone!

I hope all are having a great day today whatever you are doing. I know SG said she would be going to Indy today to check out hotels so I wish her good luck on that!

Rider, I do suggest trying to braid your hair! It really made the world of difference for me. To me your hair is long enough to consider trying it and I made it a must for me when my hair went down to my shoulder blades. It got caught up enough under my arms to braid it. I think I have been doing it constantly for four years now. As for conditioners, not all are made equal. Some will weight hair down and some are wonderful. Pantene, Suave & Back to Basics all make a good conditioner. For Pantene I would always get the moisturizing conditioner and when they switched formulas I went to hydrating curls. Back to Basics I use Honey shampoo & conditioner but they are rather expensive. I love them but right now I don't want to pay $8 a bottle. Suave makes a really good shampoo & conditioner. I get moisturizing and paying only $1 a bottle is very nice. Theirs is nice and light and worth trying. The key is making sure that the conditioner is 100% rinsed out or you can have greasy hair. I can (like today) tell when I didn't get all the conditioner rinsed out. Also not blow drying or washing hair in warm (not hot) water helps. I use conditioner every day and use leave in conditioner as well on my ends.

I think that is kind of funny that some families are "Ford people" or "Chevy People" or whatever. Oddly enough though Luis and I both drive Honda's and my next car will probably be one. But if you look at the rest of my famliy, my dad drives a Mercury, my sister a VW and me the Honda. I guess we are becoming a Honda family though because my brother drives an Acura and his wife's family seem to all own Hondas. I don't know how it happens. But maybe like Rider's family are big car lovers that is how it starts. I got into Hondas not too long ago but when looking around for a new car, I considered many makes & models. I was between a Toyota and a Honda when I decided I liked the ride of a Honda better. I am not into cushy rides and just two or three years ago Toyota was more into that so they were elminated because of that. They are great cars though. My dad though will probably always drive what he likes and will never stick to one brand of car. The only brand of car I have seen him buy twice in a row was a Chevy Van. When the '77 van started to die after many road trips in it, he bought an '87 Chevy Van. Other than that he picks what he likes.

I am so glad I am not alone in thinking too much all the time. Luis said he can make his mind shut off from thinking for a moment but I don't know how to do that. At least Gwen & Cleo loved to be pet so I get a lot of enjoyment out of petting them at night. They are so soft and beautiful

My weekend is nice and free so I'd love an Illuminations Cruise. I was thinking of looking for dresses again just to get an idea of what is out there but I am not sure I will do that now. Who knows

I have never had a smoothie at the Sunshine Tree Terrace so I think I might join you! Well I need to get some things done today so I had better go. I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

[angelina]

Hi, everyone, I thought I'd check in while the little ones are taking naps. We've been trying to take it easy this week, we're all still recuperating from the festivities from last weekend. Our efforts to get everyone to bed earlier have failed miserably, and as a result, the kids are not behaving very well. We had planned to go to the parade tonight, it's one of the best, but it's going to be down in the 30's ( I know, not too cold to the rest of you) tonight, and windy, so we probably won't go. Tomorrow night is our next ball, so I have to take care of my dh's tux today. Actually, the parade tomorrow night is my very favorite, it has three dragons, Vernadean, the mother, and Verna and Dean, the smaller dragons. They weave back and forth across the street, and in years past, actually blew smoke and fire from their mouths. The parade tonight is the Crewe of Columbus, with the three ships, the sea serpant Isabella, and the officers of the organization are dressed as Indians, with feathered headresses that reach to the floor. In their tableau, which is after the parade, they announe the members and their wives, as they are "presented" to the audience, then they play Neil Diamond's Coming to America, and the indians burst out of globes one at a time on stage to the music, complete with pyrotechnics, and finally, "Chris" walks up from behind to the top of the largest globe while everyone cheers. It's a beautiful sight with all of the costumes, and ladies in their sparkly dresses, and really is a lot of fun.

I hope everyone is well. We haven't heard from Jstme lately, have we? I hope everything is going well for her. I will check in with the rest of you later.