EWP group?

[helenabear]

That is one thing that being near to New York would be nice for. I have only seen Broadway shows that travel here. I have seen "Phantom" (I cried at the end... and I even know the music) "Cats" and "Jesus Christ Superstar". I have also seen what my high school did as productions but I don't think that counts

I surely did not get enough done today. We still have the majority of the smaller bedroom to go through. I did get the closet there cleaned out and I did find a lamp that I needed to get for the other bedroom. I guess I spent too much time here Maybe I'll blame those who were sending me PMs today So I am ready for some holiday fun, especially after going to THREE different stores looking for something that Luis' brother wants for his birthday and still couldn't find it Oh well. My babies are asking for attention so I had better give them some loving! I hope you all have a great weekend!

 

[angelina]

Rider, how nice it must be to live close to so much wonderful entertainment! I was in NY many years ago at Easter time, and was able to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with David Cassidy. It was very good, (was that an Andrew Lloyd Webber production?) but I remember seeing the billboards for so many other shows I would have loved to see. Last year, I took my daughter to see Phantom in Birmingham. Even at 7, she GOT IT! She cried at the end, too. Tomorrow I'm taking my two oldest to see Cats, along with my sister and her daughter. We try to see most of the "big" shows when they are here. I would love to see Phantom again, though. I think it's my favorite.

Tonight we gave my mom her Christmas present. I know it's early, but my sister isn't sure of her plans for Christmas Day. We all chipped in and bought her a new dryer. Her old one had been on the blink for months. She was so surprised, she cried. Then we took her to see a couple of neighborhoods that really decorate for the holidays.

Rider, anytime you're ready, let me know. A lot of people I know would NOT say Alabama is either interresting or very pretty, but I've lived here all my life, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. The city itself is celebrating it's 300th birthday in 2002, so there are a lot of things planned for that. Mobile is Alabama's 1st city. We're on Mobile Bay, and the Eastern shore is one of the best kept secrets around. We're also less than an hour from the Gulf of Mexico, so we have lots of fresh seafood, too. Yes, I know this sounds hokey. Seafood and pecans, woowoo.

OK, I'm off to clean up the kitchen--what a mess! I did a lot of baking today, and my kids were soooo wired from all the sugar they ate tasting things. Thank goodness they're finally asleep!

 

[IASW Rider]

I also love "Phantom", Helenabear and Angelina - I cried through it both times - the music is so beautiful! And yes, Angelina, "Joseph" is also an Andrew Lloyd Webber production - I enjoy those Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals! Speaking of which, how did you all enjoy "Cats"? I saw that a few years ago, too! I also saw David Cassidy on Broadway (he was the first person I ever had a crush on, way back in "The Partridge Family" years!) - in "Blood Brothers", with his brother Shaun! Got to meet them both, too!

Hey - seafood and pecans sound good to me! And that's so neat that you live so close to the water! I'm sure that it is really nice down there! And since Mobile is having a special celebration, soon, it sounds like this will be a great time to visit!

And that's so nice that your mother was so touched by your gift! I'm sure that she really appreciated your all getting the dryer for her!

Wow, Helenabear - you need to give yourself a break from cleaning and shopping and preparing for your company! Give yourself a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the holiday season!

We went to my parents' yesterday, for the last night of Chanukah, and we all exchanged gifts. I was very happy - my parents and my uncle all seemed to really like the gifts that we got them and everyone (including my mother, amazingly enough!) was in a good mood! It was a pleasant day and evening.

Well, time to stop procrastinating and get to work, here! Have a nice day, everyone!

 

[helenabear]

Hi there everyone! I hope you all are having a less busy day than I am here at work

I will have to say, I swear Andrew Lloyd Webber seems to do no wrong in my book! I love almost all the music I have heard of his. I really did like Cats a lot! It was a lot of fun and I had great seats for that.

I will admit right now I am very annoyed with a program we have here at work and when I am annoyed I am not to talkative so excuse me if I don't ramble on as I usually do! I probably shouldn't be here when I am so annoyed because then I have a tendency to be more negative in the long run

Angelina, it sounds like you had a very nice time wiht your family. That sounds like a wonderful gift to give and I am glad she liked it so much. And you too Rider, it sounds like you had a good day with your family for the last day of Chanukah. I am still dreading the in-laws coming. Luis doesn't understand that no matter how much he claims that I don't have to do anything special for his family, he doesn't understand that I don't eat a full breakfast lunch & dinner the way his family does and I don't even begin to know how to deal with having to cook three meals a day when I only really eat two. I also keep things organized in my Palm and Luis' mother thought I was nuts when I had a list of questions to ask them listed on my Palm Pilot (like any foods they can't eat, do they drink coffee in the morning... we don't so I have to find my old coffee maker if they wanted it, what time are they coming and leaving...) and she thought I was getting stressed over that!!! If she only knew what I worry about with them coming. I know you guys have told me to be myself and she will like me for me, but I have been me in the past and I really don't think she does like the real me. And that makes me really sad. I know I can be a pain and I KNOW I have a temper that will flair at times so I am not perfect but I get this nagging feeling that there is something about me that she just can't get over and I don't know what it is. Sometimes I fear that it is because I am not Puerto Rican. At any rate she has picked at me and the last time she picked at me it was around Christmas and I already told Luis that I am not in the mood to be picked on this year. I don't want to be instructed on how to do things or to improve myself. Anyone who knows me knows that around this time of year I can't hack it. Tell me at another time, but not around this time of year. See what I mean, when I am frustrated, I get negative... so I will stop now. I just hope the 25th comes quickly and it isn't as bad as I fear it will be.

I hope you all have a great day and I am now ready to tackle the database again and hopefully this time when I input my info, it won't lose it!!!

 

[angelina]

Helenabear, having never had to deal with inlaws, I can only rely on tales my sister has told me, so she is constantly telling me what to do and what not to do when my son ( the only boy out of all our children) grows up and gets married. I try to imagine what kind of MIL I will be, and my sister thinks I'm going to be awful, and I can't imagine liking anyone my son could bring home, so I sit here laughing at your comment that you think there must be something your MIL doesn't like about you. Yeah, you married her son! Sometimes that's all there is to it. Besides, of course you have to do something special, just as you would for anyone who visits your home. I'd be worried if you didn't feel like you had to make things as comfortable for your guests as you could. You know, this might be the get together where you and your MIL enjoy yourselves. Just plaster a big smile on your face, do your best, and let the rest roll right off your back. I have every confidence that you will be fine. It will be over in no time, and who knows, you might enjoy it.

 

[helenabear]

Thank you angelina for your kind and thoughtful words. I am sure it won't be as bad as I fear, but somehow I got the terrible pessimistic streak in me! I will try to be positive and hopefully it will be rather pleasant. Well I'm off to bed. My cat kept me up last night (I had to try to convince her that my head was NOT her pillow ) Night all

 

[IASW Rider]

Yes, Helenabear - Angelina is absolutely right - this just might be the time when you and your MIL really hit it off and relax and enjoy one another's company! I know how stressful it is to prepare for guests - especially overnight guests whom you really want to impress! But I'm sure that you're doing a great job, that your house looks wonderful, that you will have all of the appropriate foods and drinks and other things to make Luis's family comfortable, and that everything will go much more smoothly than you imagine! I know that it must be especially stressful and emotional for you, particularly at this time of year. But it sounds like you have everything under control. And if - hopefully it won't happen, but - your MIL says something that irks or upsets you, try the best you can to let it roll off. As Angelina said, her "prickliness" might just be because you married her son - nothing more! Don't worry about anything! Now, as for your cat sleeping on your head......!

We keep our bedroom door closed at night (my bedroom is the only place in which the cats are not allowed - I have some knick-knacks and stuff that I don't want them near, in there), so none of my cats have the opportunity to sleep on my head or face......but it would be interesting to see what that's like!

Hope that your database update was successful, too! I have to run, now - speaking of work. We have an afternoon-long "team building workshop" for our group from 1:00 - 5:00.....I guess they think that we need that after all of our boss and staffing changes over the past 6 months! It will be a nice break and change of pace, anyway!

Hope that you're all having a nice day!

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have been missing out. I was wondering what was going on as I had not received notice of any new postings. Darn it, I am so far out of touch I don't think I can remember everything I read and who all said what. Please pardon me as I am the oldest and am getting near to senility. LOL

I have seen Jospeh also and really enjoyed it. It was supposed to have Donnie Osmond and I was a bit put off as there was a last minue replacement. It was the guy who won all the contests on Star Search. Afterward I could not imagine anyone better in the role. I am a bit cheap and the tickets were pricey but when we left we had a happy, awed look in our eyes and we still talk about how wonderful it was. I have the tapes of Joseph and Cats but it is not the same, even on a large screen tv.

Helenabear, maybe things will go well during the holidays. If not, possibly you might consider writing or calling your mil to get your feelings out in the open. It is easier for me to write to people than to talk face to face as I get too emotional. By writing you also get the chance to sleep on it and edit if needed. It also gives the other person a chance to think about what was said before replying. Since your main worry is that she does not like you rather than criticizing her she may open her heart to you and you will discover that there is just a misunderstanding. I cannot imagine not being touched by someone who wants you to like them. It is such an honor and blessing.

Angelina, I have been through Alabama many times and think it is a perfectly nice place. We enjoyed the Space Museum the most. There is something special about every spot on Earth it is just a matter of what a person is looking for IMHO. We have been to the Biltmore many times and have a wonderful place to eat while there. It is the Park Grove Inn up on a hill. It is am attracation all it's own and the dining room looks out over the hills and the food is nice also. We celebrated out 25th anniversary there. Congrats on your 75th post!!!


Jstmee, I hope your recovery is a quick and easy one. It is like childbirth, you have the hard part over and the sense of relief and happiness must be awesome. What better present could your family get this year or any other. I have several friends who are veterans of the cancer wars and they are going strong many years after the fact. (myself included)

Rider, you would naturally have good seats for any show would you not? You must be like my sister. She can make the best friends and is able to do so many things that others only dream of. I am letting her make all the plans. It will be so nice to sit back and let someone else take charge. I get tired of being the 'boss'.


ILast of cards and presents went out today. I am puttering around doing a few last minute things as this is my only full day home without company before the 24th (our big celebration). I have the menu all figured out and just have to shop for a couple of things. I have been receiving packages from Amazon.com all week. Lots of books for me and the school library. The town library was offered the money but the main library would not allow them to take it so I took my offer back after a year of waiting and bought books from the requested list at the grade school library.

I need to go take a nap. David Cassidy was my DAUGHTER'S heart throb. I feel so old. (sob) Now, if you wanna talk about Ricky Nelson, I am the gal for you!!!


The sun is shining nicely on the Magic Kingdom today. Crowds are low and no lines. Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it is off for fun we go!!!

Slightly Goofy

 

[jstmee]

Ah, yes, David Cassidy.....he's was a heart throb to me also.

helenabear, i can understand your worries. And you know something, your MIL might have a little dislike for you because you are not Puerto Rican like you said. I'm sure she's not doing it intentionally, but she is the mother to your son and sometimes things are hard for mothers. I know my MIL like me immediatly because I was Catholic, she didn't even know ME. and I remember her not really liking my BIL's first wife because she was not a Catholic.

You mentioned that she is allergic to cats. I was thinking as a goodwill gesture, you can keep the room that they are sleeping in closed off before they arrive and spray some fabreeze or something like that to have it cat allergy free. You can even mention it to her when she arrives that you did that in hopes of getting in her good graces. I really hope things go well, and if there are any tiffs, try to wait and thing about anything before reacting, sometimes it's just not worth.....I speak from experience, I have put my foot in my mouth MANY times over the years with my inlaws and the SIL's and BIL's, my DH is one of 8 children.

Angelina, Your area sounds like the next vacation spot for us! Mardi Gras, safer.......pecan groves, and the Gulf close by !!!!! Here we come! I've also been to the Biltmore House and love that area. I lived in Rock Hill, SC, it's right on the NC border, close to Charlotte, NC.

SG, I am so proud of you getting books for the school library, they always need books.

IASW Rider, I used to live in Binghamton,NY as a child and the Poconos as a teen and went to New York for a few shows, I think A Chorus Line is one of my favorites. I was even in some musicals in college, always in the chorus and small little parts, lol, like in "A Pajama Game" my part was to scream in the Hernandos Hideway part. I really loved performing, the whole excitement of it. My DD and I were in the mall on Sunday and a dance school had their annual recital we both watched the entire thing and enjoyed every bit of it, and we didn't know a soul in any of the performances. What was the brand of Guitar you had mentioned a while before about being defective. I forgot what you said.

and about housekeeping....I hired a woman to come in and clean and she was here for 5 hours, and what a blessing that was....she cleaned the ceiling lamps, laundry, floors, toilets, and yes, she even does windows. She dusted stuff that I would never dust, just because I'm not a big detail person, nor do I have the time, the trophy shelves in my boys rooms are dusted and cleaned. This was definately my Christmas present.....

goodnight to all..Wendy

 

[helenabear]

Hello everyone! I hope all is well with you!

I think it is such a shame that some people judge others before they really get to know them. My mom, being the strict Catholic she was didn't want me to marry anyone who was not Catholic. Maybe because of that I became more open to other religions and don't really care what you believe in as long as you can stand by your convictions. She was also a fair amount more prejudiced against people than I am (and I really don't think I am that prejudiced against people) and she didn't want me to hang out with someone because of her sexual preferences. Maybe that helped me to see how silly prejudices can be. Because I was friends with these people and didn't see what the issue was with their "differences" that my mom did. I am actually rather surprised I married someone who is Catholic because after I went to public schools I didn't find myself dating anyone who was Catholic. Besides little grade school crushes or dates here and there, Luis is the only Catholic I ever seriously dated. But jstmee, I can totally understand how your MIL felt, as I said my mother didn't want any of us to marry someone who wasn't Catholic. She even told me she would have a real hard time with any of us dating someone who was not even Christian When writing it down it sounds very silly to me.

You know jstmee, when we talked to Luis' family on Sunday and I asked how allergic people were to cats and his mom said really only her, that moment I went and closed the bedroom door for her. I had just vacuumed the day before so I figured that would help keep some of the hair out. I will vacuum again right before they come (all over the house and in that room especially) and we are going to put our Ionic Breeze in their room for them to help as well. You are right about one thing though, I doubt if the reason why she doesn't like me is because I am not Puerto Rican is an intentional thought. I normally wouldn't even want to think that of someone, but she always refers to "our country" as Puerto Rico even though she has been living in the US about half of her life now. There are just the little things I pick up on that make me think this. But I don't want to think about that too much now as things can't get better by me worrying about them (but I will admit I am darn good at worry about the stupid things of life).

I just found out yesterday that a cousin of mine & his oldest daughter are planning on coming to the Columbus area next week I haven't seen him since Luis and I got married and I haven't seen his oldest daughter in years!!! My cousin was in town for our grandmother's 90th birthday and he wound up buying an antique grandfather clock. He was going to wait for a face for his clock (no it didn't have one) but it has been almost 6 months so he is coming to pick it up now. When I found out, I e-mailed him and offered up our house since it will be freshly cleaned from Luis' parents it wouldn't be a trouble at all to get it ready for him and his daughter. He took me up on his offer and said he'd love to stay with us for a few nights. So I am excited about that. His girls have grown up so much over the last years and it is amazing to see them now.

Jstmee, can you send your housekeeper my way? It would keep Luis from having to clean today Seriously I am so glad to hear you hired one. You need a good break now and then! I always told myself if I had a maid, I would not be silly and clean the house before s/he came. I would let them clean it up, after all what would be the point of having one then anyway? To dust off little things here and there

Well I really should get back to work. I will remember all the good advice you all gave me these last few days and I will try my best to have a great time with them!!! I hope you all have a wonderful day

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I grew up with a father who pretty much hated everyone, especially if they were 'different". I was lucky enough to have an intelligent mother who let us know, without lectures, that was wrong. I tend to think that everyone is prejudiced about something whether they admit it or not. IMHO you have to recognize your prejudices before you can change them. That is what I love about the Internet. You get to know people before you get influenced by looks, sex, color, religion, voice, clothing or social status. It is the ideas that people have and how they conduct themselves that matters, not the outward appearances.

I have tried to be good to my dil in spite of fears, that I believe most anyone would have had. She called out of the blue after years while in the middle of a divorce and having 2 boys. She had broken my son's heart many years ago and I sort of figured she was looking for someone to pick up the pieces but was so hoping that it would work out as my son loved her so much. With 3 days notice I arranged a wedding and reception and we even paid for the honeymoon. I kept the boys while they were away and always took care of the kids when I was well enough to do so. It just tears me up to see such nice young women who want their mil's to love them and they feel rejected while some mil's bust their you know whats and get rejected. It is probably easier on a marriage if both people come from similar backgrounds and values and such but you cannot help you fall in love with and once your child has made their choice it is up the the family to help the marriage succeed not tear it apart. I have also seen that when couples are different from each other they can bring out the best in each other. Love is a funny thing, you either got it or not and love can make almost any couple last.

Gee, do you think putting up a tree with ornaments with pictures of all my grands put me in this mood? Yep, sorry. I will stop whining.

Helenabear, if your mil is really allergic it is quite brave of her to come and spend time at your house. Even if you clean the bedroom all up she will still have some problems. It is nice of her to do that. I am sure that she will appreciate the effort you are making to make her comfortable. What great timing for your cousin and family to come while you already have the house all fixed up. I hope you will allow them to take you out to eat one evening so you can have a bit of a break between sets of company tho.

Jstmee, what a great present to give youself. A housekeeper gives you the gift of time to spend on more important things. My brother who is coming for the holidays was missing for over 18 years and we found him in the Poconos. Tobyhanna to be exact. He now lives in Cincy.

I am getting an early Christmas present. One of my dil's is coming and picking up my DH to spend a couple of days with his brothers. It will give me a chance to catch my breath (literally) and get a few things done before Monday. It is hard to clean when someone else is going around messing up right behind you. I think I have a case of pneumonia also and need some time with my nebulizer so I will be able to avoid the doctor or hospital. This is not a good time for either. LOL

Have to check the gift closet and see if I can come up with a couple of gifts for bil's I was not expecting to see. Life in the fast lane, that's me!!

Slightly Goofy

 

[jstmee]

Just a quick little note. I'm in between sewing some holes in my sons favorite shirt that he wants to wear to school today, helping another son with his homework, combing my daughters hair and just loving the little one. Life is beautiful if we just let it be!

Have a wonderful day everyone. What shall we do tonight. I'd like to see some light parades.

wendy

 

[helenabear]

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a good day yesterday (jstmee, it sounds like you were having a beautiful day yesterday) and I hope you all have a good day today. My week feels so LOOOOONG. Probably because I know that next week I am not coming in and I won't return to work until Jan. 3rd I always try to save up my vacation to allow most of that time, if not all of it off. If I felt like it, I would be gone two full weeks. But I guess I also have a few issues with that because even though my back up on my orders is beyond compitant (she is wonderful actually) I just like having my hand in my orders and projects and I don't like to bog others down with my work. But I don't feel so bad about this time because she was gone for two full weeks in November and I took over her orders then. So we don't take adavantage of each other but I am so glad to know that she is there for me when I am out.

SG, I love the internet for the exact reasons you stated. I love getting to know people for how they feel & what they say and I really don't care how they look or what they believe spiritually. So through the internet we don't even have a chance to do that. Sure we see pictures of people now and then but after time it doesn't matter because we have come to like or dislike the person for who they are on the inside. I know everyone judges for whatever reasons (I know I do and as SG said, I try to recognize them so I can try to be fair but sometimes it is hard) and now I have noticed it isn't always as cut and dry as "I don't want to talk to them because they are of x race" or "I can't be friends with them because they believe x" sometimes it is little factors that we judge others on (accents, style of clothes, even where they live) and those are the ones that can be just as bad. And sometimes those are the hardest to come face to face with. Like I grew up in a nicer neighborhood. It was a wealthier neighborhood and some people there were downright rich & snobby. Because of these few snobs and the stereotyped home of the area were "known" to many, I was classified as a snob. Granted I wasn't poor but we weren't rich either. But people assumed I had a ton of money and that I was snobby. Even at my work someone heard of where I lived and currently live and she said something to the effect of all the snobs who live there and she was constantly making cracks about my wealth status. I guess the only good thing that has come out of me living where I do is that big homes don't impress me anymore. They don't phase me because I have been in million dollar homes and that isn't what impresses me. It is the people inside who do or don't. I know many people who are millionaires or close to it who are the kindest, sweetest people in the world and then I know some poorer people who are the snobbiest people I have come across. So it never pays to judge someone based on their home.

Now that I have rambled and rambled on about that. I have stronger feeling about prejudices than some. My dad's side of the family is very prejudiced to the point that if you weren't one certain way, you were a foreigner and not welcome. I lived incredibly close (physically) to some of my dad's family and they didn't care to get to know us because of who my dad married. I don't even know most of my dad's side. That stung when you realized your grandparents really didn't like you because of your mother. They lived less than 5 miles away and we saw them maybe 6 times a year. That hurt us a lot and it really affects how you look at people when you are the target of the hate.

Anyway I should stop now I have a lot of stupid work to try to get done today so I had better get started. I hope you all are having a great day, and I promise not to ramble so.

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi All!

How are you doing, today? Sorry that I wasn't in touch yesterday - I have the weirdest sore throat ever and have not been feeling too great! It's weird because it's only on the left side, and it doesn't feel like it's all in my "throat", but rather in my neck, as well! It must be a swollen gland. But wouldn't they both get swollen at the same time? And what made it swell to start with? And why one side and not the other?? Very weird! I just hope that this isn't the beginning of a cold.......I don't want to be sick for our 110 mile trek to DF's parents' house next week!

Pneumonia, SG????!!!! Do you really think that you have it? If so, PLEASE SLOW DOWN! I know that you have a lot to do before Monday night, but DON'T PUSH IT! I've had pneumonia once before and bronchitis many times before, and I know how they tend to linger and hang on. I hope that you're feeling better, soon! Hopefully, you'll be able to have a bit of rest while DH is away! Actually, I rarely ever get great theater seats! We sat in the very last row of the balcony for "The Lion King" (waaaaaay up high! I said to DF "well, at least we're in the theater!") and we sat up in the balcony for the past few other shows that we've seen, as well. I almost prefer sitting up in the mezzanine or balcony, 'cause you get a better "panoramic" view of the stage that way! We sat in the FRONT ROW for "Saturday Night Fever", and although it was neat to be so close, we couldn't see the entire stage.

Glad to hear that all is well, Jstmee! We also have a housekeeper - in fact, she was there when I left for work, today - it's wonderful to have someone to help out! DF and I get home from work so late that it really helps to have someone give us a hand, a few times a month. It's funny though - just like Helenabear said, we DO clean before she comes, so that she won't think that we're total slobs! Actually, we make sure that the cats didn't make any messes before she comes - we really need to take care of those - if there are any - ourselves! I spent almost every summer of my youth in the Poconos! I went to and worked at summer camps in Marshalls Creek (near Stroudsburg) and Dingman's Ferry (near Milford)- whereabouts did you live, when you lived up there? I love it up in the mountains - very pretty! I wish that I had been more brave and tried out for more plays in high school and college - I'm sure that you had a lot of fun performing in them! I also love dance school recitals - brings back the memories of all the years of dancing lessons (ballet, tap, jazz) that I took as a child and adolescent! That's so neat that you watched the recital - I would have done the same thing!

Sounds like you have everything under control, over there, Helenabear! When is your company arriving? I enjoyed your thoughts and your conversation with SG about the unfairness of the way that some people judge others with very little information or based on stereotypes, and how meeting people on line kind of disspells those things and allows you to see people for who they really are - not based on "vital statistics". I have some experiences to add, as well....but unfortunately I'm at work, so I can't write for too much longer! Anyway, we'll continue later!

Hope that you're all having a nice day and that your holiday plans are coming along nicely! Take care and I'll talk to you soon!

 

[helenabear]

I just read your post Rider and I missed what SG said about Pneumonia (teach me to read early in the morning) SG, please take care of yourself. We don't want you ill!!!! I hope you get all the rest you need to be your normal self and not have pneumonia.

I all here who aren't feeling well feel better soon. Sending PD out everywhere so no one get sick for the Holiday travelings and gatherings!

 

[IASW Rider]

Thank you! It feels like I have a golf ball stuck in the right side of my throat / neck - UGH. Hope that it goes away, soon! Thank you for your good wishes, Helenabear, and hope that you're having a nice day and getting ready for your vacation!

 

[angelina]

Good morning, everyone. I have a house full of children today, and I still have some baking to do and a dress to make for my daughter, so I am going to have my hands full. We are all fighting a cold and sore throats, too. I know this weekend is going to be very busy for everyone, and I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone here, and look forward to reading your posts every day. In a way I feel like we've all become fast friends over the past few months, and I have to tell you how much it meant to have your kind words and PD when things were down around here. Many blessings to all of you.

Angelina

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

OMG, I did not mean to scare anyone. I get pneumonia on a regular basis. I have my very own nebulizer so I can care for myself at home. It is not a big deal as long as I get on it right away. Just makes it much harder for me to get around and get things done.

We have a housekeeper too. ME!!! I did not get much of a break as my DH showed up early and with a brother in tow. Seems I provide better service than their other brother. LOL I managed to get a meal together but had to get up extra early today to bake the cookies and such I was planning on doing last night.

My poor DD and family are all down sick. What a terrible time to not feel like eating!! Hope I did not pick up those germs as I had been taking care of the small boy when he came down with the crud.

Rider, I sure hope you have not caught any bugs from this direction. I am praying that you are feeling much better today. I cannot believe that you do not get the best seats in the house on every occasion. Do they not know who they are dealing with? My sister would always get the best seats. Mom always said that Donna was charmed. She gambles and wins!!! Not me, the only thing I ever won was a case of whiskey and I don't drink. LOL I have been to Stroudsburg. My fondest memory of the Poconos involved a cheesecake factory. Mind you I did not eat any but I have not been able to look at another cheesecake without comparing it to what I had seen there. It is amazing how small the world is and it is getting smaller every day. Bet we have all been to many of the same places. I spent an hour on a site this morning that my bil sent me. He is retired military and is eligible for a special discounted rate on some really great places. You pay about $225 a week for a suite or condo in all kinds of places. Myrtle Beach was one of the places that interested me. I even knew one of the places that was available. Looks like a great way to stretch our retirement vacation dollars and since we would be staying in one place it would not be too hard on me. Our NY trip is getting complicated as one sister refuses to fly. Amazingly it is the one who lives in Columbus, O and is a former MP. She was stationed overseas and flew often. I will have to wait and see how it comes out. She wants to take the train but it would take a day and a half and have several stops.

Helenabear, sending much PD your way and hoping that your visitors are enjoying all the hard work you have gone through to ensure their comfort. Cannot wait to hear how it all went. Christmas is just so much better with family and friends around.

I used to be a reverse snob. I was terrified to skinny beautiful women and was sure that they would not like me. After a life altering experience I found it was my problem not them and I now have a wide variety of friends chosen for their hearts and worth and not their girth or lack thereof. LOL I can understand how it must have hurt to be thought a snob. I bet you were shy. Shy people are often considered snobbish. I like to quote Ricky Nelson "You can't please everyone so just please yourself". The best you can be is polite to everyone and you will occasionally find a friend among the crowds. Some are short term, some are long term but they all come along for a reason and sometimes just for a season. I used to regret the people who passed through and were gone from my life but I have come to realize that I would not have missed knowing these people even if they did leave a void when they moved or became interested in other things that lured them away. Had a weird thing happen to me recently. We attended an open house, just looking. The older lady that was having the open house was quite a talker and even tho there were many people looking she became attached to us and followed us out to the car and we had a hard time leaving. She was very interesting. Yesterday I opened some Christmas cards and one was unfamiliar. When I opened it I found it was from this lady. How in the world did she find out our names and address? Don't know whether to be flattered or frightened. (smile)

Angelina, things are going well at your house now? I hope so, it adds so much to the celebratory nature of the season. In the middle of the holidays you have the time, not to mention the talent, to make a dress for your daughter. I am in awe.

Jstmee, just stated a simple truth that says it all "Life is beautiful if we just let it be! " What more can be said?

Happy Holidays all you wonderful ladies!!!! Your Slightly Goofy friend, Linda

 

[IASW Rider]

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to thank you all for the wonderful correspondence of the past 9 or so months! It's wonderful hearing from all of you every day and learning about you all and your lives and the special people in them. Thank you for being my friends and for sharing yourselves with me. Thanks for all of the great laughs, stories, advice, comments, and information! I really do hope that we can all meet in person some day!

Wishing you all and your families a wonderful, special and very merry Christmas!

Love,
Lisa / IASW Rider

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Ahhhhhhhh Gawrsh!!!!! Huk Huk Huk. Thanks so much. We feel the same about you!!!

SG/Linda