Pity Party Room!

[Melanie]

Oh we HAVE to have a Pity Party Thread here! It wouldn't be BT without one :) So, where's all my buddies?!? I guess I'll soak in the hottub and wait for the rest of ya! :D

[CoolAngel28]

Hi,brought you a nice cup of hot chocolate..:D

Man,missed you guys...Kept up with Gina,but,wondered about everyone else..Have a great day tomorrow.

Kristin

Yeah,changed my username,haven't redone my sig yet..maybe tomorrow.;)

[Jolene]

Let's see.... That would make this the Grand Re-Re-opening?? :D

[uvamomb]

I was new to this group when things went wrong, but so glad to be back with you guys!

Kathy
uvamom

[Ponyguy]

Hmmm...
It's been while since I've posted a song here...

Here, this one seems appropriate for today:

Well you know those times
When you feel like there's a sign there on your back
Say's I don't mind if ya kick me
Seems like everybody has
Things go from bad to worse
You'd think they can't get worse than that
And then they do

You step off the straight and narrow
And you don't know where you are
Use the needle of your compass
To sew up your broken heart
Ask directions from a genie
In a bottle of Jim Beam
And she lies to You
That's when you learn the truth

If you're going through helll
Keep on going, Don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

Well I've been deep down in that darkness
I've been down to my last match
Felt a hundered different demons
Breathing fire in my back
And I knew that if I stumbled
I'd fall right into the trap that they were laying, Yeah

But the good news
Is there's angels everywhere out on the street
Holding out a hand to pull you back upon your feet
The one's that you been dragging for so long
You're on your knees
You might as well be praying
Guess what I'm saying's
If you're going through helll
Keep on going, Don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

Yeah, If you're going through helll
Keep on moving, Face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

If you're going through helll
Keep on going, Don't slow down
If you're scared, don't show it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there

Yeah, If you're going through helll
Keep on moving, Face that fire
Walk right through it
You might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah you might get out
Before the devil even knows you're there
Yeah.

http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/big_grin.gifhttp://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/fire0000.gifhttp://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/big_grin.gif


Howzat? :)

Much love and

[Wheelin Rev]

I'm not interested in having a pitty-party for me but I am here just to see what's new. :D Dave

[razzle51]

No we dont need a pity party . Just a welcome back party

[Braindrain]

Melanie, how long have you been sitting in that tub?:D

Kris, thanks for the hot chocolate!:)

Jolene, have you been collecting hood ornaments:p

Kathy, welcome back!

Gene (love that name!), that's a great song. How's your daughter doing?

Razzle and Wheelin: It may be called the Pity Party Room, but that's not
all we do here. We have (virtual) food and drinks and a lot of conversation.
Sometimes it's about our health (or lack of it) and sometimes it's just about
our lives in general-what would be considered "off topic" on other sites.
And, yes, we do need a welcome back party.:) So, pull up a chair (so to
speak) and let's have some fun!

[Ponyguy]

Open the Bar!
Bring on the girls!
Break out the Booze!

:D

Who the heck am I kidding? In 15 minutes, I have to leave to see the OrthoSurgeon, and I don't want to hear what I know he's gonna say...

:(

Much love and

[ERGYRL]

WELL LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!!!!!

Melanie, make sure you don't get water logged, but if you wait 5 more minutes i'll be joining ya......

Bringing the glasses, ice and the"new" Chocolate Mint Bailey's Irish Cream, and we are all going to have a little sip, to toast our reunion!!! NO EXCUSES!! You can add it to the hot chocolate if you wish!!

Happy to be back!!! MISSED EVERYONE!!!!!:D

[Braindrain]

WELL LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!!!!!!
Bringing the glasses, ice and the"new" Chocolate Mint Bailey's Irish Cream, and we are all going to have a little sip, to toast our reunion!!! NO EXCUSES!!

Okay, I had to look at this 3 times, because I
thought it said, "Chocolate Mint Bailey's Ice
Cream! Could someone bring me a new pair
of glasses, please??:o :rolleyes:

[ERGYRL]

It is definately "Chocolate Mint Bailey's Irish Cream!!" IT ROCKS!!!!

OH!! Maybe is it not available yet in the U.S.? It is new here in Canada, but I LOVE Bailey's anyways, when I saw the Chocolate mint, I would've been jumping up & down if I could!!!! It also comes in Caramel as well, but that one was too rich for me.........

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...what if we were to blend it in the blender with some Vanilla ice cream??

HA!!!!!!!

[Braindrain]

I'm not sure if it's available here in the U.S. or not. I'll have to ask my
SIL (she's Irish:D ). Blending with vanilla ice cream sounds good!:D

[Ponyguy]

Blending with vanilla ice cream sounds good!:D

As long as you don't use too much ice cream... ;)

Much love and

[razzle51]

You mean Road trip. I will bring the Margiritas .

[Jolene]

http://randalls.stores.yahoo.net/rws32610.html

At least it's available online from this company in Illinois.

[Braindrain]

Looks good to me-tell the bartender here to stock up!:D

[Jolene]

Gina, No new hood ornaments. Just have been polishing my steel toed boots a lot on peoples rearends. :D I call it the deep muscle hemmoroid massage... I know, I know.... I'm as terrible as ever. :D

[Colin Sullivan]

No, NO.NO!!! Do not change! The thought of having to get used to a NEW "improved" Jolene is too much to bear. Stay just the way you are, a great pal, Colin

[Jolene]

:D :p Colin, you are only saying that because you are afraid it would be a change for the worse...

[carolynms]

Can I bring a dish? I was so in need of a pity party a few weeks ago! I had to have one all by myself. I felt like Alice in Wonderland, flooding everything with my tears! Melanie, I needed your "honeys" and sweetie talk. I missed that so much! Jolene, it is great to see your sense of humor again. If anyone finds out where you find that Bailey's, let me know. I think the Caramel sounds delicious!
Carolyn

[Jolene]

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?follow-pro=1&vwcatalog=randalls&catalog=randalls&query=Baileys%20caramel&.autodone=http://www.internetwines.com/nsearch.html&imageField2.x=32&imageField2.y=16

That page has all the flavors listed. Contrary to belief you can in many cases have it shipped. They simply can't use the USPS.

These states they can NOT ship to-to: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Wyoming.

Also check your Sam's Club. you don;t have to be a member to buy alcohol in many states and they have a lot.

[Jolene]

Carolyn, glad you're back.!!! :D

[Braindrain]

Well, I'm in Maryland and they don't ship here, but Sam's Club might be
worth a shot...so to speak.;)

[southernlady]

Hey, I'LL ROAD trip to Canada (only 45 mins away, LOL) for that ice cream, Liz

[ERGYRL]

Ok Thats It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll Ship It Over To Whoever Wants One!! I Live 5 Mins To The Lcbo(liquor Store), Will Pick It Up And Ship It Out!!!

What A Party It Will Be!!!

What Are We Going To Do About The Food Part?? Hmmmmmmmm...............chicken Wing Dip And Nacho Chips??

[Braindrain]

I'm partial to seafood, myself: fish, shrimp, crabs, lobster, scallops.:D
(And pasta, of course!;) ) What does everyone else like? Let's get
this menu started!!:D

[nopain]

Unfortunately for me the lists of foods I like is no longer the lists of foods I eat. Just the things that are helpful to healing. But I've found new foods to enjoy and over time don't miss the old foods so much.

[southernlady]

Hey, nopain, don't you know that virtual food is sugar free, carb free, calorie free, and GUILT FREE!!! :eek: Therefore it's on EVERYONE'S LIST!!! LOL. Liz

[Jolene]

Southernlady-- You have a great point. Think I'll have a for real cigar but enjoy it virtually so it doesn't bother you folks... :D

Gina-- Call Mark an Sb an tell them to get their bu--s in here. This dive just ain't the same without them!!

[southernlady]

We need to add some salty snack stuff, chips and dip type stuff. Liz

[Melanie]

WOW! Miss a day and suddenly I'm lost in the dust! LOL!! I wonder if I'll ever catch up ;)

Thanks for the music Pony, I really missed you and your songs :)

[Jolene]

I sure hope Mark is ok. He doesn't answer my email.... Time will tell. Who else are we missing?? Ver had already moved on. She's too good for us now... :D SB, Just Jacquie, There are several we are missing....

I email JB from LA (you know, Lower Alabama) Haven't heard from him yet either.

[southernlady]

People will either wander back in OR not. I know that having the server down for so long hurt but given that it's only been a couple/three days since it came back up and we are back to almost 1300 people? That says alot. Not everyone gets online every day.

Anyway, did we decide on a menu yet? Liz

[froglady42]

Anyone mind if I crash the party? I'll bring a platter of country ribs, BBQ'd just right and some dippin chips with dips of everyone's choice.

I found Braintalk right before they abandoned us and barely got started checking in so I'm beginning to make my way around again.

I have a 'yet unknown' shoulder/back problem and am just listening right now to get an idea of what's in store for me.

I'm a very intelligent grandma from TX, who fell on her head trying to do a handstand when her energetic 12 year granddaughter challenged her to 'show her she could'. Since then my left shoulder down to the center of my back hurts/burns almost everytime I do anything with repetitive movement. I spend a lot of time trying not to do anything and this looks like a good place to do it:D Looks like a fun place to be. Hi Ya'll;)

[Kathi49]

Hey, I want to crash this party too! LOL

Unfortunately, I am not much of a great cook, can't have any drinks anymore, but since it is virtual, then I am in!!!

[ejbpesca]

Hey y'all from WA. I have not ventured to the mountains since ice is already on the ground but it is a nice 70 down here in the valleys.

Been here almost two weeks...three to go and back to the deep south.

My buds down there are still using my house to play poker...brother, father, and a couple fo friends.

Been in and out of pain here but overall ok..at least staying in walking condition.

Man what a different world than Alabama.

Glad to see the forum back.

If any of you remember the situation with my brother...Reiter's syndrome, two of his docs have totally agreed to help anyway they can to get him fully retired and on SSDI. As they say...there is no way you can continue working. His biggest enemy is pain but he goes paralyzed in the legs from time to time...too weird. Our aged healthy father just can't figure all this out. He's had so little health problems over the years..he's 85.

Y'all take care out there.
jb

[Mark N]

I finally made it back! Time to party as this reality stuff isn't much fun. It is good to get back to cyber land and know that we can do anything we want and not just the things we are able to do now. I will get back when my spine lets me spend more time here. It is good to see all the old and new PP members.

[Jolene]

Mark!! You have no idea how much you were missed.! But shhhh.... Don;t tell anyone I said that or it will ruin my hard-a--ed bi--h reputation... :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, I am doing okay but I haven't been getting your emails unless it is one of the ones I have been dumping because I didn't recognize the name. We have been having virus problems and trying to stay away from emails we don't know. Sorry if I was dumping them all the time without realizing they were from you.

[Jolene]

Well it's not like I can just show up and kick your tail.... Wait a minute... That's an idea.... :D That's fine. Several people were surprised to get email from me that BT was back up. It worked out.

[Mark N]

Jolene, don't tell my wife I was missed because it would ruin her perception that everyone thinks I am so abrasive. She is doing much better the past two weeks and I hope it continues. I think it may have sunk in when I told her she treated me like our dog. Our dog only wants affection from her and he is a good dog even though he smells a little bit and sheds a little bit but afterall it is only what a dog does. I told her that I love her and care for her but I only do the things that a man does and she dislikes me for it and that is wrong. Since then she has been much nicer to me and actually been caring towards me.

[Jolene]

Well as long as you put the toilet seat down and don't uhhhh "adjust" yourself in public what more could she ask? :D

Yes, I'm as terrible as always. :D

[Mark N]

Well Jolene I am okay on both of those so I guess she shouldn't have any complaints. I have to point out though that my sone has a good point [one I have tought of on my own too] it takes as much for us to put it down as it does for you ladies to raise the lid for us after you are finished - what do you say?

The meds haven't done their job yet and the muscle spasms are keeping me up for now.

[Jolene]

Mark-I'm a firm believer that both the seat and lid should always be kept closed. (when not in use of course) That way everyone is even.

JB- WELCOME BACK!! I can deff say that yes Washington state is another whole world from LA. (lower Alabama) I bet you are appreciating home a lot right now.... :)

Frog- Welcome to the party. Anyone who brings BBQ is ok in my book.

Kathi- What am I going to do about you...? You don't cook, you can't clean or pick up nails (inside joke) and to top it off you don;t even drink real coffee!! You are trouble... :D

[southernlady]

and to top it off you don;t even drink real coffee!!

It's not her coffee that's trouble, it's what IN her coffee! :D

Mark N, JB, and Frog, glad to meet all of you. Welcome to the party. Liz

[Melanie]

Well, it's unlikely that I could possibly catch up with everyone so I'll just start here ;) I'm thirlled to see the room has taken off again! Hopefully I can pop in more often soon, everyone keeps me out shopping and by the time I get home I'm in too much pain to sit here. Miss chatting with my friends though!
((((Hugs))))

[Ponygirl]

{{{{{{{{{{{{Gene}}}}}}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{{{{{{Gene}}}}}}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{{{{{{Gene}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Jolene]

Ponyguy hasn't been online much. After he posted the results of his Dr. visit he kind of took a powder... Hopefully he is ok.

Liz- I said the same exact thing to Kathi about her coffee!! That is hysterical. Of course she's in total denial, but we know better don't we?? ;) :D hehehe

[Ponygirl]

Jolene, check out, "who's on-line".;)
He's "around", but, not at the computer, probably.

[Ponygirl]

Never mind!:p Geez, people are quick!:eek:

[Jolene]

Ponygirl I see where you're from... A company I used to have my truck leased to had a drop yard there... Talk about tiny, narrow streets now.. :)

Glad Pony answered you. I really hadn't seen him online for a while.

[Ponygirl]

Jolene, he didn't answer. As soon, as, I made my post, he left. :pYeah, Mass. is
nothing to "write home, about", definitely.;)

[Jolene]

My Mom was raised in Quincy. I don't mind the area, it's just that when you're driving something close to 80 ft long it's a headache. Maybe I should say an arm buster. :D

[Ponygirl]

:eek:80 Ft. long?!! Sounds like, you have a pretty interesting life, there!;)

[secretbard]

Guido and I are sitting back and drinking a cold Bass Ale right now. :p

Welcome back everybody... I hope you are all doing well.

Mark, nice to see you after so long... I hope you kept the gravity chair warm for my weary bones.

Jolene, stop driving down my roadway shouting "Bard is hairy and scary".

Mel, guido has a little surprise for you later. He is waiting for the pokadot bikini to come out of the moth drawer.

Hope you have all been well. I have been surviving. My biggest challenges have just been to function from day to day and save my marriage. The pain is like a devil on my shoulder, but I am managing. Just stopped in to say hi and try out the new avatar. I couldn't down load my old one, so don't jump out of your pants or skirts in fear. I am just a zombie on the surface. :eek:

[Braindrain]

Welcome back, SB! And, be careful with that avatar-you know we have
a ZombieSlayer on the forums.;) :p :D

[secretbard]

Thanks Gina...

There have been many bumps in the road of life, but the struggle builds character.

Thankfully, Guido has released my head from under the hot tub water. I think he stole my swim trunks though. :eek:

How are you doing? How is that darn cat of yours? I will certainly try to stick around. I am sorry for not sticking around, I almost lost my home. I am still struggling to keep it, but with a bit of tweaking, I will make it.

Now where are the girls in those skimpy bathing suits? I need some release from the tension. No Guido, you can not suck on anyone's toes...

Yummmmy... Ewwwwww... Help me... Arrrrrrr... *Bard screams like a girl, wakes the neighbors and almost gets tossed in the slammer for indecent exposure*

[Braindrain]

I've been using a walker for months, because my walking/balance was
so bad. But, I've finally "graduated" to using a quad cane. I like it
much better than the walker. It's easier to move around with it.
The walker was a lot more cumbersome to use. I'm also due to have
a Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) procedure done. I'm hoping
that it will take care of the pain in my lower back.

Raven hasn't changed a bit. She's still as bad as Jolene...oh, hi,
Jolene!:p :D

I hope you're able to keep your home, SB.

I've got the bathing suit but I don't know about the hot tub. Someone
will have to help me get in and out of it.

Guido, stop that! Leave SB alone!! Can't take your eyes of of Guido for
a minute...!!:eek:

[southernlady]

Jolene, stop driving down my roadway shouting "Bard is hairy and scary"

It got you in here, didn't it?

Nice to meet you, SB.

I have a member of my forum who refers to her dh that way-SB (her's stands for Sweet Brit, tho) :) Liz

[secretbard]

Glad to see you are getting along Gina... I hope you remain as mobile.

Very nice to meet you Southern Lady...

[Mark N]

SB, Gina, and all others it is good to see somany people at the PP room. SB the zero gravity chair is warm but sure to get worn out soon as I don't seem to get out of it very often any more. Like you, marriage [much better the past few weeks] and pain are quite a burden.

Gina, enjoy your new mobility. I find my cane helps me alot but I could get by without mine as long as I was willing to trip and fall several times a day as my foot drags and catches on something.

Southern lady it is nice to meet you and have you visit.

Jolene, don't let the streets get too tight for you. If you came to our small town you would be amazed to see our streets that are 5 lanes wide [on our 2 lane streets. I have never seen such wide streets in a small town.

Ponyboy, I am sorry to here of your cervical problems. I hope it doesn't restrict your school plans.

ponygirl? is this just the alter ego of our friend gene or are you a new member? Either way, welcome aboard.

Melanie, I hope that you have had some improvement while we have all been gone. Not much time left for bikini season.

The past couple of weeks has seen my time off my feet increasing but I am hopeful that it is temporary and I will be regaining my mobility soon. The worst part is that it cuts into my computer time so I don't get to visit with my friends as much.

[Ponyguy]

Howdy folks!
Still a nice place here...

Beertender, a tall cold Diet Coke, please... not too much ice.
Gottany pretzels?

Yup, that kind... as long as they're fresh. Those you had last time I was here were pretty stale... musta been left from when... July?

Ha! Yeah, those tree rats will eat anything they can get their grubby paws on... and enjoy it, too. Must not have any active taste buds left.

YES I DO HAVE TASTE BUDS! How else would I be able to enjoy my fizzy drink? But as for my taste in company, you might have a point...

Can't get no respect around here... think I'll go sit in the corner and suck lemons or sumpin'...

Guido, leave her alone! You want a bust in the mouth? Jolene, put your bikini top back on and go find Melanie... tell her to get over here... I gotta take muster of her freckles... see if any have disappeared.

Sheesh! Watta Saturday night!



Much love and

[Melanie]

C'mon over by the fire Gene, we'll snuggle and count, count and snuggle :D I actually do have, or will have, one less soon as this mess falls off. I had a growth on my right shoulder directly on top of a freckle! So I imagine when the wound heals and the scab comes off, it'll take the freckle too.

Mark, there is always time for bikinis in the virtual world! Besides, Guido promised to keep a roaring fire so us ladies wouldn't freeze ;)

[Jolene]

Dumps a 5 gal bucket of ice on Gene. That should cool you down a weee bit. :D :p Be nice or I will put a curse on you an the only naked woman you will ever see again is that certain dear friend of yours. Remember who I mean? hahahahahaha :D :cool: Even hinting that I would be caught dead in a bikini....:eek: I have more pride than that ollld timer.

SB-I had to get you out of that house some how... What do you know.... Here you are... :D

Gina- No way can your cat be as bad as I-- It just isn't possible. :)

[Ponyguy]

Better watch out who yer icing down, gear-jammer... you ain't the only truck driver here who can double clutch and split shift a Roadranger...

Ever have a flat on an inside dual? http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/evil0000.gif


Beerkeep, I'll hava 'nother Diet Coke... twist of lime, too. An' refill the pretzels, while yer attit...

And give this truckin' gal a refill, too. She seems to have lost all her ice... some dude got her all flustered when her bikini string snapped... maybe she weakened it tossin' a trucker bomb at that County Mountie the other day...

[Sluuuurp.... Burrrrp]

[Ponyguy]

C'mon over by the fire Gene, we'll snuggle and count, count and snuggle :D
Mark, there is always time for bikinis in the virtual world! Besides, Guido promised to keep a roaring fire so us ladies wouldn't freeze ;)


... twenty four, twenty five, twenty six...

Melanie, you don't need a FIRE to keep from freezing... maybe a FIREMAN, but not a fire... http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/fire0000.gif


... twenty seven, twenty eight, twenty nine, twenty ten...

[Jolene]

Gene you are so far behind times.... RoadRanger is a thing of the past... Not that they weren't the best but they have kind of went by the wayside. The big thing now is RockWell and Meritor. Ohhh welll.. My last truck with the 18 speed was about 14 more than you can handle... :p :D Dang, me anywhere near a bikini would make the planet evacuate... :eek: :eek:

[Mark N]

Gene, no reason to sit in the corner sucking on lemons. I checked earlier and you have to count much higher to find out if Melanie lost any freckles or not.

Jolene, keep the ice buckets handy because you have to keep us old guys cooled down before our spines break.

Melanie, I know cyberspace has no season on bikinis I just wanted you to get your's own soon so us guys didn't miss any more days.

Gina, maybe it is time for a showdown at the high corral. You and the "kitty" at 10 paces to decide who is the boss although I think Raven has already settled that issue. As far as the hot tub goes, if Gene, SB, or I aren't here then Guido will help you get in. The water is hat and feels great on our sore muscles and aches [I sure miss mine, we had to leave it behind when we moved].

[Braindrain]

Mark, do you really trust Guido around the hot tub? You know how he
gets all worked up. You may have to ice him down, too. But, as long
as you, SB and Gene (love that name!) are around, maybe he'll behave
himself for a while. Okay, I'll try the tub-I need to do something about
these sore back and leg muscles, anyway.:) As for Raven, she's not
the boss, but she's very bossy...or is that, b--chy?:p :D She has a
habit of screaming when she doesn't get her way. Unfortunately, she
wants her way at 5:00AM.:rolleyes:

[Ponyguy]

My last truck with the 18 speed was about 14 more than you can handle... :p :D

Spoken by someone who plays with an Allison... :rolleyes:

And my truck has more gears than you think... and fewer cylinders, too...

[secretbard]

Thanks for spending some time in there with me Mark, Gene, Mel, Jolene and Guido. Gina, you missed a revealing party last night. Mel wanted to show us her freckles. :eek:

Mark, I hope you and your wife are sorting through the issues. I know mine and I are trying a little bit at a time to regain what we once had. It seems that we have been falling out of love for a while now. Communication between us has rebridged that gap, although only slightly, at least it is a start. I just don't want the pain of devouce on top of everything else. Just know if you ever need to talk, you know my PM.

Hope you all have a good painfree sunny day. It is definitely worth the effort to enjoy what good days you get in the midst of the emotional and physical pain.

[Jolene]

[QUOTE=Ponyguy;3874]Spoken by someone who plays with an Allison... :rolleyes:

Hahaha- Hate to crack your cyl head but that is one trans. I've never used. I've rebuilt them, but never driven anything that had one. I have driven a truck with a 5 and a 4 though. Not many can say that.

[carolynms]

Melanie, are the guys counting freckles, or the spots on your polkadot bikini?

SB, I hope you get to keep your home and your marriage. Mark, I hope the same for you. I am not a fan of Dr. Phil, but he did say something once that stuck with me. He said you don't just get to leave your marriage, you have to work your way out of it. Meaning, you have to give it your all and then some before you should even consider calling it quits. I myself, worked my way out of mine, and earned what I got!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jolene, do drive the road in your bikini, or just sit at the bar in it? Or relax in the hot tub? Where is this bar anyway?

Gene, how is the c-spine? I think Melanie and Jolene are trying to make you forget about your issues by distracting you in their bikinis. Is it working?

Carolyn

[ERGYRL]

OK, I AM HERE TO RELAX !!! AND BARTENDER I FOR SURE NEED A DRINK, HMMMMMMM....MAYBE I WILL HAVE A "TOM COLLINS".

JUST FINISHED EATING MY TURKEY, HAPPY TURKEY DAY TO ANY CANUCKS OUT THERE.....BUT OF COURSE FROM DOING ALL THAT WORK, NOW I AM PAYING FOR IT!!!!!!!!!! BLAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

WELL, I AM HAPPY TO SEE THAT EVERONE IS SLOWY GETTING BACK INTO THE GROOVE OF THINGS, INCLUDING THE BIKINIS.......SORRY GUYS I DON'T WEAR THOSE THINGS, DON'T WANT TO CAUSE ANY NIGHTMARES!!:eek: WE DON'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP AS IT IS,,,,,LOL!!

SO AS I AM JUST GOING TO CHILL OUT WITH MY DRINK, CHECK OUT WHATS BEEN CRACKILACKIN WITH EVERYONE IN THE LAST 3 MTHS.....

SAME OL, SAME OL, OVER HERE..PAIN, PAIN, PAIN MY HUSBAND TOOK OFF AND NOW I AM LEFT FENDING FOR MYSELF AND MY 4 KIDS, WITH MY BACK NOT DOING WELL AT ALL.....BUT HEY BARTENDER COULD YOU MAKE MY DRINK A DOUBLE!!! THANX........

BT, COULD NOT HAVE CAME BACK AT A BETTER TIME!!!!!!!!!!!

MISSED ALL THE JOKES AND TALKS, CAN'T WAIT TO KEEP THIS PARTY GOING, ANYONE BRING MARSHMELLOWS FOR THE FIRE, OR SHOULD WE MAKE S'MORES??:p

ANYWAYS, I HAVE TO GO AND LAY DOWN IN FRONT OF THE FIRE WITH MY LOUNGER AND JUST CHILAX, TO TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF MY BACK (WHAT IS THAT ANYWAYS, ANY IDEAS??)

TALK TO YA ALL WHEN I COME BACK FOR ANOTHER DRINK!!!!!:rolleyes:

[Mark N]

Ergirl, sorry to hear you husband left you hig and dry but I hope you bleed the sucka dry. Here is your drink, I hope it helps you make it through this evening.

Carolyn, I will work on mine as long as it takes. The only way it will be over is if she gives up. I hope not because she has some psychological issues and needs our help. She is a great woman for me when her issues don't get in the way.

SB, things are getting better with my wife and I hope the AD continues to help her through her issues. Knowing some of the situations in her early life that cause her problems doesn't help much when she is off the deep end but when she is like this it is easy to deal with her and overlook some of the bad things.

Gene and Jolene, it sounds like the two of you have transmission envy and remember it isn't how many gears you have but how you use the gers that you have, or something like that.

Gina, in the past Guido couldn't be trusted but he has tried hard to regain our trust so I am giving him the benefit of the doubt.

The spasms are really bad today so I will talk to everyone some time tomorrow.

[Jolene]

Mark- Isn't it funny how Gene and I didn't talk for nearly three months and we are right back harassing each other without missing a beat...? It's like he's my brother or something... :D

Ergyrl-- Here's a little laugh for you.... You know the easiest way to lose about 185 pounds?? Divorce his sorry a--. :D Seriously though, sorry you are going through that on top of everything. If I knew where he was I'd plant a steel toed boot in the family nut bowl for you..:D

As for the bikini question NO WAY IN satan's playground would I ever THINK of wearing a bikini let alone wear one when I drive! :eek: Every person on the road would have to carry a barf bucket with them. :eek: Ewwww Just the thought!!! My motto is "The only skin I show is from the hand to the elbow!! "

[Braindrain]

I just got this really strange picture in my head of Jolene in a bikini and
steel-toed boots!:eek: :p :D Probably why she doesn't wear bikinis...;)

[Spiney]

Bikini? EWWWWWWW :eek: It ain't the fat anymore.........its all of that skin left behind. These days, it's an industrial strength one piece. :D

[carolynms]

Jolene, where is your sense of adventure? Why, a well travelled girl like yourself, the bikini and steeled-toed boots (that one was NOT my idea)........

Carolyn

[Braindrain]

Jolene, where is your sense of adventure? Why, a well travelled girl like yourself, the bikini and steeled-toed boots (that one was NOT my idea)........

Carolyn

Actually, it was Gene's (love that name!) idea. Go to Post 63 on page
7 and you'll see what I mean.;) :D

[Melanie]

Thanks for spending some time in there with me Mark, Gene, Mel, Jolene and Guido. Gina, you missed a revealing party last night. Mel wanted to show us her freckles. :eek:

Don't worry SB, there are certain freckles that don't get shown ;)

[Jolene]

I just keep digging myself in deeper don;tI?? Well to quote one of my favorite sayings.... When you find you have dug yourself into a hole "QUIT DIGGING ALREADY!!" :D

Spiney, hopefully with time my problem will be the loose skin.... As of yet while it is more loose, it still isn't ready to be cut off. :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, I guess you wouldn't appreciate the shovel I got you for Christmas then. I will have to return it for something else, maybe something to go with your steel toed boots.

Melanie, That bikini couldn't be hiding any freckles as small as it is!

Carolyn, you have a great sense of adventure and I am sure you will provide some great entertainment here in the room.

Gina, if Raven thinks he is the boss then you have to face it and acknowledge that he rules you. Time to knock that kitty down a few pegs before he takes over the PProom.

[Colin Sullivan]

...I recieved this reply to my blog which is about living with chronic pain. I'm at a loss. What do I say to this poor writer?

THis is all sound advice. THe hard part is when your spouse decides your disability (AA, spine disease, etc) has to go and you with it. THere is no falling in love again, or re-commitment when the spouse says I would rather have you dead than disabled or crippled. So, 'GO OFF AND DIE before you bankrupt me' is what I hear for support. It is like listening to a Nazi.

That kind of support does no supporting and helps not one iota to an arach situation. Mine is similar to Wanda's in that I have diffuse advanced adhesive arach, complicated by a birth defect (6 lumbar segments on one side, 5 on the other, leading to spondylosis, multiple Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, etc, AND an ongoing ruptured disk, severe central stenosis, and a 3 level fusion which has settled over, and resting on the L-5 at a 30 degree angle, crushing all sorts of ligaments and muscle/nerve fibers. As if AA wasn;t enough.

I guess they feel like 5 surgeries, with only 3 of them working, is not a good enough track record.

It is hard to fight the pain, but fighting the health bigotry and the anger at something I cannot control, despite 8 doctors (who refuse to do any more operating, even though it is clear the ruptured disk MUST be fixed) is more than I care to listen to. Most of my docs are doing the best they can to control the foot neuropathy, the brain neuropathy, the mega migraines, and the shooting lumbar pain, but someone HAS to do this surgery, and no one wants to. I have seen experts at every medical center within 50 miles, and a few major ones across the country. The only one who WILL do the op needs me in a nursing home in AZ for a month after surgery and in a body cast for a year. THAT won;t work and has been vetoed by the whole family. GO figure.

Well, that is all from here. Those of you who have supportive, loving spouses, enjoy it while you can. It can go south on you at any time. Health, relationships, it all comes and goes like the tides.

I'll forward any appropriate replies. God Bless, Colin

[ERGYRL]

I Have Absolutely No Kind Of Advice To Give Unfortunately. My Husband Decided That It Was Too Much To Handle And Decided That He Actually Needed To Escape From The Situation, And Couldn't Deal With Our(my) Situation Anymore...to Top It Off, He Didn't Even Tell Me To My Face He Left A Letter On The Kitchen Table That Said....."i Don't, Can't And Won't Deal With You And Your Situation, I Already Have To Work 2 Jobs To Keep Us Above Water, And With You No Longer Working, This Isn't The Life I Signed For 11 Yrs Ago!! You Are A Miserable B***ch Who Only Thinks Of Herself, And I Am Sick Of Trying To Fix What Is Broken, And As Far As I Can See, It Will Never Be Fixed To What It Use To Be(so Much Fot Better Or Worse, Sickness And Health) , You Have Changed And I Can't And Don't Know How To Deal With You Anymore!! I'm Done!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Have Packed What I Need For Now, But When Things Get Settled I Will Be Back To Claim My Things, And Taking My Kids, Afterall, You Are Too Disabled To Look After Them Anyways Aren't You?? If You Can't Work, How Could You Possibly Care For 4 Kids? You Can't!!!"

So, As I Sat In My Kitchen Bawling My Eyes Out Thinking This Was All My Fault And Not Having A Clue As What To Do, Knowing I Had To Try To Explain To The 4 Kids Where There Dad Is And Why He Wasn't Going To Come Home Anymore, Knowing They Would Probably Hate Me For It, All I Could Do Is Cry The Whole Night, And Felt Sorry For My Kids As Well As For Some Reason, The Husband That Just Left Me And His Kids,because He Felt Like He Was Getting The Short-end Of The Stick, With All Of This.

Then Came Out The Fear Of The Fact Of Him Actually Being Able To Take My Kids Away From Me, And How Was I Suppose To Deal With That......it Was Shear H*ll, It Has Been 2 Mths, And I Have Had Nothing But Crap To Deal With His Pity, His Mother Calling Me Telling Me Why Did I Do This To Him, I Should Have Been More Thoughtful For His Feelings, And Not Been So Self-absorbed, And Realize He Had Needs As Well, That Were No Longer Being Met....i Think In The Last 2mths I Have Had About 4 Flare-ups, 2 Severe That Caused Actual Hospitalization, I Am Convinced It Was From All The Throwing Up I Did From The Stress I Was Dealing With.........

The Only Thing, I Have Gotten Out Of This Whole Experience Is, I Have Never Doubted That Our So's Have To Deal With Alot, And Sometimes More Stress Then We Have To. But!!! They Also Have To Learn That This Is Not Something That We Asked For, And Sure As Heck Don't Enjoy It. But, Like I Said To My So, For Mths, Yrs Before The "day" Was That, At The Age Of 28 When I Had Everything Going For Me, I Was Finally Able To Finish University, Had All The Kids We Wanted, His Needs Were Met, Then All Of A Sudden One Day I Go To My Work Like I Did Every Other Day, Thinking That The Other Nurse Had The Pt's Weight As Equal As I Did, As We Made A Bed Transfer And Bam!! That Was It, She Was Unable To Keep Her Side In Control, Which Made All The Pt's Weight Come To Me, At Which Point So You Don't Drop Them You Use All Your Power To Make Sure Things Are Good, Until You(me) Next Thing You Know Is The Pt!!!

That Was The End Of My Happiness As I Knew It, I Was Unable To Continue Working, Had To Have A 2 Level Decompression Went Back To Work, 3 Mths After, Turned The Wrong Way, And Here I Am To This Day, Seeing Doctor, After Doctor,after Doctor....

It Is Very Hard For Us As Spineys To Completely Change Our Lifestyles That We Were Use To, I Had A 18 Mth Old Daughter Who Couldn't Understand Why Mommy Couldn't Pick Her Up...i Was Always Very Active With Many Sports, Can No Longer Do Those......so Yeah, Just As Much As They Think Thier Lives Suck!! So Do Ours, Even More So!!!

I Am Really Sorry For This Reply Being Soooooooo Long, But I Actually Feel Much Better Now That I Have Let It All Out!!!

My Point Is, I Am Sure That There Are More Spineys Out There With Difficult Marriages Than They Are Willing To Admit. It Is Hard To Keep Fighting For Something That You Believe In, But It For Sure Has To Work Both Ways, Or Else It Will Never Work!!!

Ok, I Have Said My Peace, Sorry If I Rambled On And On, But I Was Trying To Get As Many Points In There As Possible Without It Being To Dragged Out.......

I Have To Go Now And Relieve The Pressure Off My Back And Lay Down........

Have A Little Cocktail(maybe), Hope The Party Continues Here, And I Am Sorry If I Ruined Anyones Mood, That Was For Sure, Not My Intention!!!

Take Care All, And When I Wake Up In 2 Hrs, From The Pain Kicking My A$$, Maybe There Might Be More Of A Party Happening Here.....it Is Still Kinda Early!!

Take Care, All The Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CoolAngel28]

Cell phone companies need brains..:rolleyes:

Customer service with my plan is a nightmare,then today,I found out through a cell phone message that I was switched to another carrier.I talked with my nicest relative,who thinks he'll be able to help out...We'll see.

I'll keep ya'll advised.

[Jolene]

Well considering I have never been married advice from me may seem strange. Let me say first my parents have been married nearly 52 yrs. My grandparents on Mom's side were married over 60 yrs. when Grandpa died. On Dad's side they were married 40 some yrs when Grandpa passed away many yrs. ago. So I'm not single because I have a problem with marriage. I'm single because, as many of you are experiencing, people only want marriage to be the "better" and what "you" can do for "me", take and never give back. My belief is that marriage only is ended when there is a damn good reason. Not being able to cope with what your spouse is going through is not a good reason.

Over 20 yrs. ago my Dad went from being an active rancher, logger to at the snap of a finger being paralized from the waste down. My brother who was to take over the ranching was a yr later killed in a car wreck. Now I have never and I mean NEVER heard my Dad whine or complain or ask "WHY MEEE" through all this. My Mom, while not entirely thrilled stepped up to the plate and took over the ranching and did it for the next 15 yrs. She finally at 67 decided she'd had enough. My Dad has worked in the hay field, built fence and irrigated all from either his wheel chair or his ATV. Mom has taken care of him when he needs help.

Now I tell this because I think people need to learn something from it. Based on what I believe, while dealing with their abandonment is pure **** you need to accept something. If the person won't stand by you through the hard times, they don't deserve having you during the good times. Surround yourselves with people who care. Even if it means relocating to where you have other family. However, make dang sure you have everything documented so when they try to get your disability money you can tell them to shove it. Find support groups. Talk to your minister/rabbi/priest whoever. If you don;t believe in GOD maybe it's time to start. I know for a fact while HE doesn't grant you everything you want HE will NEVER abandon you.

Keep reminding yourself... IF they won't stand by me through the hard times they don't deserve me through the good times. I realize the good times may be scarce. They do exist however. Just do the best you can to let them go as dwelling on them will do nothing but hurt YOU. Trust me, one day they will get what they deserve. If it's not in this life it will be in the next. If none of this helps then handle it the way I would...

Explain to them that you have called a tow truck and that the driver is well equipped with a cable and wench strong enough to pull their head out of their a--.

[carolynms]

And she is wearing a bikini and steel-toed boots.
Jolene, that is the most serious, and eloquent I have heard from you, and I think it is good advice. I have been married, and divorced, and there is life after. And it can be good. You look for your happiness, and you will find it!

ERGIRL, I had that knot in my stomach for so long, and once the divorce was final, and we seperated, the knot left, and I was so much better off. Stress wrecks havoc on the body, more than you realize until it is gone. When you come back to the PP room, I will buy you a drink, or two, or 3............
and you can unload. My shoulder is soft, and I never repeat what I hear!
Your kids will not hate you. Just be careful what you say about their dad when he is not around. It is best not to bad mouth him. Make sure they know that they are loved, and that their dad leaving is not their fault. I am truly sorry you have to go through this. You have a lot of friends here, to help you through!

Carolyn

[Mark N]

ERGyrl and Colin's blog person, I am sorry to hear that your spouses are such lousy partners because when I got married I promised ... for better or worse... and our spouses should be honorable to stand by their vows. That is why Jolenes post means so much to me. My wife has struggled with my disability and even though she is the love of my life I know there may come a time [I thought she was there already a couple of times] when she can't deal with it any more but that is her shortcoming not mine. It is hard to find anyone that is committed enough any more. So many, as Jolene has wisely seen, are in it for the good times but if it gets tough forget it. I know that before I got married I thought about situations like this to make sure I could stay with her through any physical or mental disability she might have because I never expected life to be perfect without any troubles.

If you can save your marriage then I say do your best but if you can't save it then good riddance.

[southernlady]

Well, I am the one with the spine issues but my husband has HIS share as well. So we are both care-givers to each other. (Depends on which one of us feels lousiest that day).

No, this isn't the marriage I PLANNED on 10 years ago but *I* am not the person I was 10 years ago and NEITHER is he. However, BOTH of us are there for each other, for the good, the bad, the hard days when even getting out of bed takes every thing you have. And days when WE still feel like we can conquer the world. Thankfully, we have never hit bottom at the same time. :) Liz

[secretbard]

Hey guys...

What is it with marriage and a partner's inability to cope with the pain of another? My wife thinks that I can control my pain and disability and that she is getting the short end of the stick. She feels unloved, but it isn't that I don't love her anymore, I just can't share affection when all I feel is discomfort and pain. She won't even let me touch her even when I do feel half-way decent. It is like she hates me for my disability. It is like she gave up on our marriage a long time ago. I don't know if I will ever get it back. I have told her that I would be crushed if she left me because of this. Why can't she understand? She thinks it is all personal and that I don't care about her when I can't sleep with her some nights. She seems so insensitive. I just don't know how our life will get any better with her and I pushing eachother away. Her, for her own reasons and me because of my pain. Sorry for crying out to you guys tonight, I just don't have too many people to talk to. Have a good night all...

[Jolene]

Hands SB a beach towel... There. Now you can cry to your hearts content and not mess up the saw dust on the floor... :) Hang in there.

[Kathi49]

Jolene,

Your post was excellent and very well written! :) Dang, I am surprised...just kidding; really, it was great.

Okay, for spouses...my first one committed sins of omission rather than comission. He was not a bad person by any means. But 13 years of trying to have a "partnership" took its toll on me. As Always-Aching said earlier in another post, sometimes you have to ask yourself if it is worth salvaging. In my opinion, if one isn't willing to make things work..then, yes, you are probably better off going it alone.

Now for the second spouse. From the get-go he was extremely supportive in anything I did; from working to helping me raise my daughter and in all aspects. Now, the only time he ever really came down hard on me is when he DID NOT understand the severity of my pain and this, of course, was when all the spinal issues started. I think he thought I might have been making it all up because as well all know, these conditions cannot be "seen". I was having a lot of trouble getting up out of bed with those horrific headaches. He kept insisting I could get up and make it through the day. By this time I was so tired and hurting so bad that I lit into him. When I was done, he was hanging his head and telling me how sorry he was. Well, I didn't intend to be mean but he just didn't get it at the time. But the day came when I was rushed to the ER in agony. He finally saw and HEARD just how really bad this was. From that point on he completely understood and has stood by me every step of the way. He now has lumbar issues and can relate to this type of pain.

For myself, I try to stay quiet most of the time. I mean, he has heard over and over again what my pain is like, etc. I feel like I can only talk about it so much because sometimes I don't even like hearing myself talk about it LOL! But when it gets bad, he is right there.

Now, is our marriage the gung-ho relationship we had in the beginning? Not really. But that comes from growing older and mellowing out I guess plus the pain we both have. But I know for a fact that if either one of us need something we are there for each other. It has not been easy for either one of us. I wish I could go and do like we used to do. But he is content to sit back and if I have a good day which is more often now, we will go out and about and have some fun. Sometimes both of us are in such pain that we actually sit around and make fun of ourselves and wonder what in the heck we both did to deserve all this crud! :) I don't know I guess what I need most of the time is to have someone around with a great sense of humor. It gets me through my roughest times and my husband can get me to laughing even through tears.

[Tbackpain1]

You know, I have to say that for me, I've been so very lucky. While many of my friends have married in recent years, many of them are already divorced, before they're even past the early years of marriage. Now, I don't like to always bring up the age thing, since I feel it isn't really important with regard to pain, but what is it with more and more failing marriages, at earlier and earlier times? I'm not even 30 yet, but my DH and I have managed to get through the rough parts of "early" marriage, the "adjustments" that every young couple goes through. Add in the stresses of my illness, loss of income, loss of intimacy, etc and you've got all the makings of a divorce. But we've stuck with it. Maybe it's our family past...my parents are together for 30 years this Dec.4; his parents were married 40 yrs before his father passed away. Grandparents on both sides made it to at least 50 years before illnesses claimed a partner. Each one of those marriages had been through thick and thin, the Great Depression, immigration, loss of children, mental illness...all of those "speed bumps" that ruin marriages today.

I don't know why...I pledged "in sickness and in health". We also pledged to "promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard." Why is it that people can't seem to love when it is an effort?

Isn't it bad enough that we've got this physical issue, without adding in all of the other pressure? For me, my self-worth went down the toilet without being able to provide...I felt completely empty and unseen without my career identity. I am still afraid about being able to support us, even with disability payments. And let's not even talk about feeling unattractive. How can one be intimate when every movement is painful? But most of all, I really think it's the loss of my dignity that has stressed our marriage most. Yeah, my own pride. Somehow, being through this whole process with Workman's Comp, being poked and prodded while half naked, and often helpless and drugged has been the worst.

I didn't come to these conclusions overnight...and they're still a work in progress. My DH and I make it a point to sit and talk on a regular basis, often with little notes for ourselves, to remind us of why we're still working on it. I think people sometimes forget that marriage really is a work in progress. As Liz said, no one is the same person they were *10* years ago...you've got to work and adjust to life as it comes. But most important is that you have to do it together.

My heart goes out to all of you, married and divorced, with and without support. We've all been dealt something we didn't expect, and each of us has to come to grips with it as best we can. And our caregivers, our partners do too. Try and remember that during moments of frustration. Not to sound trite, but communication is key. Talk with eachother if you can...if not, write little notes, or long ones...but make sure your partner is aware that you're aware of their issues as well.

Much love to you all. <<<<<BIG HUGS>>>>>

Theresa

[ERGYRL]

Jolene-Wow, thank you for what your thoughts, and helping me make sense of all of this. You for sure put it into a perspective that NO ONE has been able to, and make be cry AGAIN for the 50th time today.

To all of you other guys who are now stuck in my life whether you wanna be or not!! I am THANKFUL!!

Thankful, that you all give me the strength to get up every morning and have something to look forward to when I turn on my computer. This is just about all the support I have right now anyways...

Everyone else that were our friends as a "married" couple, sure can't be found now, and if they are around all they say is, "I don't know what to tell you" I wasn't there and didn't see what went on behind closed doors.

As for my kids, it tears me up inside out, I can't stop thinking that they are suffering, and losing out on a father they had that meant the world to them, and at the same time I have a 4 yr old little girl every night that I put her to bed says "I love you mommy, and I hope your back feels better".

SO, I guess as I sit around and read the countless letters that I wrote to him, begging for him to TRY to understand what we as a couple were going through, the fear that I had to deal with the "not knowing" what was going on with me, and what was going to happen, surgery or not.

Why can it take a 4 yr old to understand that those simple words make a world of difference to someone who is not "feeling well". I NEVER asked him for the world, I NEVER asked him to do anything he didn't want to do, ALL I asked was for some understanding, and for him to show me that he cared for how I felt, and could maybe look at me and say, "you know what!! We are gonna get through this!!" Maybe I was living in the dreamland, maybe that really doesn't exsist, who knows? Does anyone?

I just REALLY want to show my appreciation to all of you who come on this site day after day, night after night, while dealing with your own situations as a spiney and as a husband or wife, and be able to help me, pull through, which is probably (next to my mothers death)one of the hardest situations I have EVER had to learn how to deal and cope with.

And hopefully, someone can tell me when the heck it is that I will be able to hold my chin up and stop crying for god sakes!! ( I DON'T CRY!!) never use to anyways.........Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

So to Mark, Southern Lady and whoever else may still be in a relationship, I pray that you will be able to work out the kinks together, and have some sort of an agreement, together to make it work.

Carolynms-thank you for the shoulder to cry on, but I hope you don't regret it, cuz you know what, you might have offered a service that you may wish you never did, cuz there are some days, I just can't SHUT UP!!!! LOL!!!

Well, at first when I logged on here I hoped that I wouldn't get into the drama of my life outside of braintalk, but truthfully, I don't really have a life outside of braintalk anymore.....I guess it is going to take some time for me to realize who were my friends and who weren't, and it is so amazing to be able to come on here and talk to dozens of people who I have never met face to face, but have the upmost respect for!!!!!

SO!!! Now that I am starving TO DEATH!!! as well as DEHYDRATING!! From all the damn crying, I am going to have a drink............hmmmmmmmmm, maybe this time it will be the same as last time, Tom Collins, does anyone know if the kitchen is open?? I think I could use some Nachos LOADED with the WORKS!!!!!

Hopefully, I will meet up with the rest of ya around here somewhere, is the hot tub going?? I could really use that for these tense muscles. HEY!!! we need to hire a massage therapist, then we would be all good!!!

Well, guys and gals, as I always say.....THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE FOR ME!!!! ESPECIALLY, WHEN YOU HARDLY KNOW ME!!!!

Now Jolene, you do take off the steel toed boots when you go into the hot tub, don't you??

LETS GET THIS PARTY STARTED.......WOOOO HOOOO!!!

[Mark N]

Yes our situation is tough enough with a loving supportive partner and much worse when our partners cause more pain for us. I know in my case that not only do we lose a big part of our life but our spouses also lose quite a bit. As we go through the process to accept our new situation our spouses go through their own process. If they have some issues themselves then it is especially hard on them. It would be a wonderful world if we were all adult enough to be content with ourselves and aware of the people around us looking to help them through there problems. Unfortunately, there aren't that many adults out there any more because our society emphasizes "what am I getting out of this" and in our situations that is a bad combination. I found that when I was in pain and struggling, my wife could deal with it and we were okay because she still saw me as the breadwinner and even though she always worked, she could count on me to support our family. When I got so bad that I became totally disabled and it was clear that this was the way things were going to be, her issues became much more important and made our relationship much worse because I couldn't carry her through them any more. Instead of being the rock that she could cling to I became an anchor for her and she felt like she was drowing. If you are with a partner like this and they are unwilling to deal with their issues then I don't see how you are going to make it. I know that my wife and I won't make it if she doesn't continue to work on her issues. It will really get bad if I continue to decline unless she can cope with caring for me and helping me through the day. This isn't a sure thing, just a couple of weeks ago when we talked about the help I may need in the near future she made the comment I would have to go into a home then.

Our condition is very difficult for us but almost impossible for our spouses if they have issues themselves. It would be nice to have our spouses care for us as we progress but that isn't always the kind of spouses we have.

[Jolene]

I have to take them off in the hot tub or they would rust... :p :D

[Ponyguy]

I have to take them off in the hot tub or they would rust... :p :D

They aren't Stainless Steel? :confused:

Oughta be... ya don't want stained boots... especially the way you polish the toes of 'em. :D


Much love and

[Jolene]

Gene, you have a point about the polishing.. :D

Actually the bikini is stainless steel. How else do people think I've remained abstanent for 15 yrs.. :D :p

[Ponyguy]

Gene, you have a point about the polishing.. :D

Actually the bikini is stainless steel. How else do people think I've remained abstanent for 15 yrs.. :D :p

That situation is eminently curable.

Now get back to work. And quit taking 10 miles to pass another governor semi with your own 64 MPH Reo... (Like a few Cal-Ark drivers I know of... :mad: )

[Jolene]

Well yeah, now that I drive a company truck it's 67 mph., But hey, I'm making way more money than your Cal Ark pals... :)

As for curable, welllll not exactly. I don't believe in sex outside of the covenant of marriage and I have no plans of marriage any time soon. So the stainless steel bikini stays on. hahaha:D :D

[carolynms]

Ergirl, you can cry on my shoulder anytime! Been there and done that, and I know how hard it is. I only have one child, so my situation was not as complicated as yours. Most kids are pretty resiliant, and will come through this OK. I highly recommend seeing a medical doctor and see about anti-depressants, if you already don't take them. They made the world of difference for me! Once I stopped crying, I could once again make rational decisions, and boy, does it feel good to not feel so rotten!
So, lets do get that party started, it is getting cold, and I could use a hot toddy. And a hot tub.

Jolene, do you have to polish the bikini if it is also made out of steel?

Carolyn

[Kathi49]

Ergyrl,

Carolyn is right, kids are resiliant! I only had/have one child and I divorced when she was 8. She is now 22 and there are no ill after affects. They do come through it okay. Right now I know it is hard but as Carolyn suggested I would go to the doctor and ask about getting some anti-depressants so you can get through this rough time.

Carolyn,

It IS getting cold and I now wish we had gone ahead and got that hot tub we were looking at last spring! :) And, if I could have a drink, I would! Darn these meds LOL!

[Jolene]

No polishing, but these dang wool underwear under it are driving me crazy!! I tried going without them but it's too chilly. :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, you should try some of the underarmour bodywear the athletes, it is much better under any uniform [I have to wonder about your company and their rules about drivers needing to wear a stainless steel bikini] than the wool you have on lol.

[Jolene]

Hahahaha. Shhhhhh.... The company doesn't know... :D :D

[ERGYRL]

JOLENE- Mark is right!! Under Armour ROCKS!!!!

[Ponyguy]

But hey, I'm making way more money than your Cal Ark pals... :)

Believe me, Miss Duster, those two illegitimate road hogs were most definitely NOT my pals! http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/mad00000.gif


Much love and

[Jolene]

Time for roads lesson 101-- If this occurred on an interstate highway which it sounds like it did.. Ohhhh welllll. The interstate highway system was built for the more rapid deployment of our military and movement of freight. So cars should run the secondary roads if they have a problem with military or trucks.

Next, leave for your appointment at the groomer in a more timely manner and it wouldn't be an issue. :p :D (hey ponies go to groomers don't they) ??

Or were you going to get your hooves trimmed and shoed.? :p :D :D

Hehehehehe

[Tbackpain1]

Hey Jolene! Did I see you today on the NJ Tpk? There was a lady driving a double trailer and I thought I saw the glint of a metallic bikini top :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, watch out for the bombers that the interstates were designed to land when Eisenhower started the building program. I wouldn't want your truck to get flattened by a B-2:eek: !

Kathi, we still haven't had our leaves turn colors yet - they are close. The hills of Southern Indiana have more trees and colors that the fabled Brown County area [I have lived there in the past and it is as pretty as any area] we just need to get the word out.

[Kathi49]

Mark,

You are right! The hills of southern Indiana are just as pretty as Brown County...I agree! :) It is just that if I have a "good" day, hopefully on a weekend, I want to get to Nashville and walk around. I miss my annual treks down there. :)

[Jolene]

Yeah well driving through MAnhattan isn't exactly safe from small planes now days. I feel for the mans wife and kid but what the he-- is an inexperienced pilot doing flying through Manhattan?? If he was experienced flying that kind of plane he wouldn't have had a flight instructor with him.

Nope, I'm no where near NJ. Weren't me... :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, you are right about the streets of Manhattan, at least you have a long straight stetch of interstate to get out of the way of the B-2s.

I hope everyone is having a quiet painless night.

[Jolene]

:D Well I can't say for others but I'm doing great. Just parking for the night. I;m kind of back on schedule after two weeks of driving until 4 or 5 am. :)

[Jolene]

Enjoying a mango cigar... Mmmmm mmmmm

[Mark N]

Jolene, after a rough few days [weeks] a good cigar sounds nice but i will stay away from the mango ones. Glad to hear you are home and have some time off to relax.

Time to party tonight as it has been a rough day for me. I was out of it and couldn't get going even though my dog kept trying to get me up. The only way to make up for these days is to party all night except i will be out of it again soon. Fot now I will take an ice cold coke, some good prime rib, shrimp, and a good mellow cigar for after dinner. Anyone want to join me?

[Jolene]

Home? Heck I won;t be there until Jan. But that dinner sounds great. I'd love to join you. I'll furnish the cigars. No mango. Too rich for after dinner.

[Mark N]

Glad to have you join me Jolene and I will accept your cigar. I thought the meal was well done [prime rib was medium rare] and the company was great. It is good to kick back and enjoy the evening with you.

[Jolene]

I agree MArk. Now it's time to sleep.Morning is going to get here too soon. As always good talking to you.

[Ponyguy]

Must be quite a wild Saturday night out there... this place is like a morgue. (Hmmm... that's sounding like a better place all the time.)

Much love and

[Ponyguy]

Hey, Beertender...

Yeah, me again... but I'm not Jesus Christ! How's about a Diet Coke? Not too much ice... you know the drill... Got a twist? Thanks!

Yeah, kind of quiet... same ol', same ol'...

She's snoozin' on the couch... and we don't have another couch, so I'm here.

Like I care if they have 'em on sale! I ain't buying another one. I'll hit the floor first... Pretzels? Yeah, just dump 'em in a bowl... let the next customer have what I don't scarf up... Thanks!

What's in the juke? Anything good yet? Or you still pimpin' off that Rap and Heavy Metal scrap?

Hmmm... Hey! Heerza coupla oldies from my era...

How's about we massage our eardrums with this one from Ol' Blue Eyes?

So I'm down and so I'm out

But so are many others

So I feel like tryin' to hide

My head 'neath these covers

Life is like the seasons

After Winter comes the Spring

So I'll keep this smile awhile

And see what tomorrow brings



I've been told and I believe

That life is meant for livin'

And even when my chips are low

There's still some left for givin'

I've been many places

Maybe not as far as you

So I think I'll stay awhile

And see if some dreams come true



There isn't much that I have learned

Through all my foolish years

Except that life keeps runnin' in cycles

First there's laughter, then those tears



But I'll keep my head up high

Although I'm kinda tired

My gal up and left last week

Friday I got fired

You know it's almost funny

But things can't get worse than now

So I'll keep on tryin' to sing

But please, just don't ask me how...



Thanks, pal.... Naw, you keep it.

I'm gone... http://www.v6power.net/vb/images/smilies/bye00000.gif

[Jolene]

Very nice Gene. Sorry I missed your visit. I was driving through fog and road construction to boot. But I made it. I haven't been to southern Cal for right at 2 yrs. It's even more insane and the drivers more stupid than ever.. Ohhh welll. Here's the song I'm in the mood for right now.... Yes, country as usual...

*******s, White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer
by Johnny Russell
Words & Music by Chuck Neese,
Bob McDill and Wayland Holyfield

VERSE 1:
(F)There's no place that I'd rather (Bb)be than right (F)here
With my red necks, white socks and (C7)blue ribbon (F)beer
The bar-maid is mad 'cause some (Bb)guy made a pass
(F)The juke box is play-in' there stands the (C7)glass
And the (F)cig-a-rette smoke kind-a hangs (Bb)in the air
(F)Red-necks, white socks and (C7)blue rib-bon (F)beer

VERSE 2:
(F)A cow-boy is cus-in' the (Bb)pin-ball ma-chine
(F)A drunk at the bar is get-tin' nois-y and (C7)mean
And, some (F)guy on the phone says ill (Bb)be home soon (F)dear
Red-necks white socks and (C7)blue rib-bion (F)beer

CHORUS:
(C7)No we don't fit in with that (Bb)white col-lar crowd
(F)We're a (C7)lit-tle too row-dy and a (Bb)little too (F)loud
There's no place that I'd rath-er (Bb)be than right (F)here
With my red-necks white socks and (C7)blue rib-bon (F)beer

VERSE 3:
The sem-is are pass-ing on the high-way out-side
The four thir-ty crowd is a-bout to ar-rive
The sun's go-in' down and we'll all soon be here
Red-necks, white socks and blue rib-bon beer

REPEAT CHORUS:
TAGG:
There's no place that I'd rather be than right here
With my red-necks, white socks and blue rib-bon beer

[Mark N]

Gene and Jolene, it is good to come hear and see that the two songsters are still putting out the tunes for us. Jolene, gllad to hear you made it through alright with the bad conditions you had to drive through.

Just heard from my wife who is in Cancun [work sent the whole office down for 4 days] right now. She is having a great time in spite of all the fear and anxiousness she [we] dealt with for two weeks. I am glad she is having a great time I just wish she would learn from these good experiences that life is better than she thinks.

Gene, old blue eyes had it right when he said we are so low and still sing just don't ask how we can do it. I know it is a good thing I don't focus on the future and what I face.

I hope everyone is keeping themselves sane and continue to hang in there as you try to find a way to deal with this pain.

[Jolene]

Thanks Mark. Now in the morning I get to fight my way out of town during rush hr. But that's life.

[Tbackpain1]

Fight? There's no such thing as a fight with an 18 wheeler...they win!

Just popping in to say hi. Freezing my tushie off here...though I do love the fall smells...fresh, crisp breeze, with a hint of wood-smoke from the neighbor's wood-stoves. Hope you all have a good night.

Theresa

[Mark N]

Theresa, I agree with you about the smell of fall, it is one of the pleasures of life.

Jolene, be careful with the drive out of town. Even the big rigs have to stop and file accident reports.

[Jolene]

You would be surprised how many people are stupid enough to play chicken with a truck. You know, pulling in front of them and stopping for no reason, pulling in front of us when a lane is ending, etc. etc.

Here's a little known fact. The AAA, you know, American Auto. Assoc. that caters to car drivers?... Well they announced that 75% of the time in wrecks involving a car and a truck the car is to blame. I didn't hear the media pushing that fact like they do when a truck causes it. Amazing.

Mark, sounds like you know more about accident reports than I do.. :p :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, I just had an idiot [trying to be nice] pull away from the curb and turn onto a side street without looking and seeing me, thank goodness this small town has extra wide streets. There are a lot of people that need to prove they can drive before given the opportunity of getting behind the wheel but if I am in an accident my meds can be used against me. Jolene, I have some experience with them as I have been stopped at a light twice and been rearended by distracted drivers [good thing I leave alot of space between me and the car ahead of me or more cars would be invovled].

It is a nice cool rainy day here today. It is nice to hear the rain come down and just take it easy today.

[Braindrain]

Jolene & Mark:

It's interesting that you bring this up-when I read your posts, it reminded
me of a commercial for Allstate Insurance ("the good hands people").

The commercial is talking about "accident forgiveness". I think it means
that you aren't penalized by Allstate if you have an accident. I hope I'm
saying that right.

In the commercial, one of the "accidents" is that somebody opens a car
door and an oncoming car smashes into the open door. Now, correct me
if I'm wrong, but:

1) Aren't you supposed to check for oncoming traffic before you open the door?!

2) If you're the oncoming driver, shouldn't you be on the lookout for the
people getting out of their cars? Anybody driving fast enough to crumple
an open car door is driving too fast, IMO.

The whole scenario just seemed contrived, to me, y'know? But, I guess
that's how insurance companies make their money-by scaring people.:mad:

[Jolene]

Well the speed limit is going to be at least 25 mph. If the person throws the door open I can easily see it getting torn off. Many times I've had people open their door and step out right into the traffic lane. It was their lucky day they lived through it.

One day I'm driving along. I go around a curve and a cop has a car stopped where I couldn't see it until I was on top of him. I'm on a 2 lane rd with oncoming traffic so I don't swerve. As soon as I seen him I started blowing the horn. He literaly put his hand on the car hood and jumped over the corner of the hood to be in front of the car. As I went by he tipped his hat and waived. I bet he remembers not to stand in the traffic lane... But I am glad he was agile.. :)

[Braindrain]

I don't remember whether the driver threw the door open, or just opened
it like you normally would. I'll have to take a look the next time I see the
commercial.

Sounds like that cop was quick and lucky! I'm just glad that nobody
was hurt.:)

[Jolene]

In my book the person opening the door is at fault because it sticks into the traffic lane. It's a traffic lane, not a door lane... :D

[Mark N]

Jolene, that cop was lucky that you were the driver so he got a warning to get out of the lane.

Gina, he is in a hurry to go touch coach Bowden and just opens the door wide while still in his seat. You are right about it being rigged.

My wife got back from Cancun. It is good to have her back. I tried to teach her how we are different - she comes home and can only get upset about the trouble with connecting flights and goes over it over and over. I am on a trip and coming home all I can think about is her and that is why I want to jump [in the good old days] bed with her to hold her and get a little randy while she never thinks about me until she gets home. I got a big hug, which was nice, but we couldn't go to bed because she was sunburnned and I couldn't touch her [I thought that is what we did when we hugged]. I understand we are different but she expects me to be the same as her. She had a problem with her ticket and got angry with the lady at the ticket desk [it is good to know that me and our kids aren't the only one to get her anger]. She gets the trip and I get a T-shirt with orders not to touch her for several days - oh well.

It is still rainy and cool here.

[Jolene]

Unfortunately Mark, that reminds me of a country song....

Johnny Wright - Jack Anglin - Jim Anglin)
« © '53 Acuff-Rose Music, BMI »


[ Kitty & Red ]

One by one we've broke each vow we made
It was you who lied it was me who paid
As sure as there's a heaven beyond the sun
We'll pay for our lies one by one

My plans and hopes have tumbled down
My castle of dreams plunged to the ground
How can you face me after what you've done
You've shattered my dreams one by one

One by one we've broke each vow we made...

[ steel ]
How can you go to sleep at night
Don't know mem'ries make you long for daylight
You'll pay the price after having your fun
You'll regret each mistake one by one

The love I treasured you sold for gold
For wordly goods you left me cold
You're happy now but the time will come
Your false love will lead you one by one

One by one we've broke each vow we made...
**********

[Braindrain]

Jolene, I agree with you: since there was oncoming traffic, he should have
checked before opening the door. To make matters worse, the commercial
shows the oncoming car coming up from behind the parked vehicle-hitting
the inside of the door-which means that the driver didn't look both ways
before opening the door. How ridiculous is that??:rolleyes:

Mark, I'm sorry that your wife is still giving you a hard time. I was really
hoping things would change for the better for you when she got home.:(
I do hope she eventually sees how she's treating you and the rest of
your family and changes her ways.

((((((Mark))))))

[Jolene]

The thing that gets me about stupid drivers, whether car or big truck is stopping under overpasses. You should NEVER stop under an overpass. If your car breaks down and you have no choice then leave the dang thing there and get out of the way. An officer in Nashville was killed a few yrs ago by a truck driver. A car broke down and the person coasted under the over pass. Rather than stopping before or going past it and walking back the officer stopped under it also. It's pitch black and raining. The overpass is in a curve so until you are into the curve you can't see anyone stopped.

I had an officer pull me over in PA yrs ago. I'm at 80k going down hill. He thinks I should have stopped faster than I did. I went around a turn and stopped where the road was straight. He threatened me with attempting to alude a police officer. I told him, PLEASE DO!! I will own this state and make sure everyone knows YOU wanted me to endanger drivers because you have an ego problem.!! He was so pissed at me. I got my phone and dialed information.. He asked what I was doing and I said calling the local newspaper.... For some reason he decided that a speeding ticket was enough. I wonder if it helped that the paper was at the very exit I stopped near... Hmmmm :D

[Mark N]

Sorry I gave everyone the wrong idea. I would have loved to be with my wife more but I knew that wasn't going to happen. After a long trip and her issues with trip anxiety, there wasn't any way I was expecting much more than to say hi and have her go to sleep. She had to work today and I knew she needed the sleep. I was just trying to show her how I avoided trip anxiety and why her complaints about me wanting to be with her when I come home from a trip is because I am thinking about her the whole trip.

Jolene, thanks for the song but my wife is the country music fan in our family. I find most country depressing because it talks more about the struggles of life than the joy we can find. Keep cranking out the songs though, it is nice to come here and know I might find a song or a joke to ligthen my day.

Gina, my wife is actually doing better and I am hopeful that it will stay that way. How has life at home been lately. I hope no news means they have been cutting you a break.

Gray and cool here today, these are the kind of days I don't like. Let it rain or let the sun shine!

[southernlady]

Okay, I haven't been around the last couple of days..

Hubby is a contract nuclear engineer right now, he just took a buy out with his old company and is spending 6-7 weeks in the WONDERFULLY FLAT state of KS in the back end of NOWHERE. Hang a right at BFE, go 50 miles and you MIGHT find him.

He has NPH (http://www.patsabin.com/NPH.html) and altho his body can handle the 12-14 hours straight for 6 weeks, his brain is getting a bit woozy and I'm not there to handle the stuff I usually handle during these outages. Like laundry and cooking and shopping, etc.

Then there is this:

I started off this morning(10/16) with a phone call already. Discovered over the weekend that someone in the HR dept at dh's old job FAILED to put us into the COBRA for our insurance. It's been paid for (SIX months of our share of premuims taken out of the buy out money off the top!!!) So we have a right to it. But I went to access the members' only section of BCBS and got the notice that THEY could not find an active account!

This was Sat but had to wait til this morning to do anything. A PITA is what it is. Didn't get OR keep their ducks in a row.

Went on to this: I was looking thru ANOTHER job site I found and one just about landed in my lap...it describes him to a T! These people NEED an MOV Engineer and he IS an MOV Engineer. I just hope he 1) gets the interview and 2) gets it. So cross toes, legs, etc for me.

He's going to apply for it!

Now the hard part...he has to WAIT til MY laptop gets out there. His died, we think...at least it's giving all indications of it. Yes, he could just go to Staples and buy one, but I'd rather he order one from someplace else, like Sam's Club or Tiger Direct. So mine is packed and in the morning(10/17), off I go to the UPS Store and send him mine overnight (ok, maybe 2nd day air) but fast enough. He will have to edit a few things and I may have his new one shipped here to wait on him but boy am I glad I had one. And we've only had that one since June. (mine)

That means no more watching TV while on the laptop, :( My desktop is in the office in the back of the house and the TV is in the great room in the middle of the house.

Okay, got up and discovered I HAD no hot water :eek: :eek: when I went to take my shower this morning. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. :mad: Relighting the water heater is dh's JOB!!! Mainly because you have to lay down and twist and turn to get to it and me and my back does NOT like that. So I washed what I HAD to wash, and then headed out to go send off the laptop to dh.

He will get it Fri (his day off). The cost difference between Thursday and Friday was over $45.00 and he hardly uses it for more than posting an email or two, scanning the subject line of his incoming email, and hot syncing his pda except on Fridays. And it's usually mid afternoon before he settles down to even GET online that day.

In the meantime, I looked around online at several of my sources and found a good deal at Sam's. It is being delivered here but will take a week to 10 BUSINESS days so it could get here just before he gets back home. Mine has 512 mb of memory, this one has a full GIG. His has a NVIDIA GeForce Go 6150 whereas mine is just a generic vedio card (makes a BIG difference with Windows Vista). But I will get a chance to play with it and update it before he makes it his.

To top it ALL off yesterday,
2) Got a letter from the bank that holds the lein on his vehicle...said we didn't have coverage (yes, we do, THEY just got lost in the shuffle). SO I had to
call my insurance company and have them call the bank and let them know we DID have coverage.

3) Found out the bank put a hold on one of the check's (the biggest one) for deposit. My order for my pump supplies did not go thru...saying my CC was declined (used my DEBIT CARD) so I called my bank and got that fixed (took three mins to release the funds, two of which were to verify the password on MY account, LOL). The guy told me I would get a letter explaining the hold...and in the next breath said that by the time I actually GOT the letter in the MAIL, the funds would be released. Still waiting on the letter.

4) While on the phone about the car insurance, she asked if we wanted the policy to remain in NC (that's where it was issued to two weeks ago) or
moved back to MI. I told her since I didn't know for sure about NC, we better move it back and then told her about the job I found in Southport. She said,
"Well, let me fix this up right now cause if we move you back to MI, you WILL need to move again, I just know it, LOL*. Pray she's right.

I don't have TIME to work, even if I could...too busy on the phone sorting stuff out.

We were suppose to move to NC the 1st of this month but the closing on the house fell thru the day OF closing. Which is why so much has been re-routed.

Oh, and I did manage to get the water heater re-lit. :D Liz

[Jolene]

The best definition of country music I have heard is "Three chords and the truth" by Harlan Howard. One song you may know he wrote was "Heartaches By The Number" plus about a thousand other hits.

So a cheerful country song... Ok... Maybe not cheery, but def. positive Written and sung by Hank Williams Sr

I [g] wandered so aimless life filed with sin
I [c] wouldnt let my dear saviour [g] in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord [d7] I saw the [g] light.

Chorus
I saw the light I saw the light
[c] no more darkness no more [g] night
Now Im so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the lord [d7] I saw the [g] light.

Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the lord I saw the light.

Chorus

I was a fool to wander and astray
Straight is the gate and narrow the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the lord I saw the light.

Chorus

[Mark N]

southernlady, sounds like you are busy! Your husband is fortunate to have you and work all these things out while is is working so many hours. Good luck on the job hunt and I hope you end up living where you want.

I am having a tough night with the pain. Does anyone have a problem with anybody saying "you have had all day to get this done" like we just lie around being lazy instead of lieing around to relieve the pain. I told my wife that it hurts and not to do it any more but past performance indicates she will again. She isn't being mean just not very thoughtful about my condition. Maybe I should lie around all day and do nothing day after day like it feels like I should be. Then maybe she wouldn't take it for granted that I am doing more than I should be just to be productive and accomplish a few things.

Take care everyone and have a good day today.

[Jolene]

Mark, in my never to be humble opinion what you need to do is accept that she is who she is, and does what she does and that it's not likely to change. I think as soon as you realize that, and can accept it, what she says, and does won't be near so painful. You know the saying.... Consider the source...

[Melanie]

I can't begin to catch up so I'll just say "HI!!" and leave it at that ;)

[Mark N]

Jolene, you are right about accepting her for who she is. She really is a good person but her fears and anxieties can have her come across as uncaring. She is the most self-centered person [not from a selfish I am better than everyone point of view] that looks at everything from the perspective of how it can hurt her. The dream of making her feel safe and protected dies hard. Keep that big rig between the lines Good Buddy.

Melanie, good to see you drop in and I hope you can come back and visit later on.

[Ponyguy]

Keep that big rig between the lines Good Buddy.

Not a good thing to call a trucker any more... Times have changed...

[Mark N]

It warmed back up today so winter is a few weeks away at least. I am hoping for a long fall with some nice crisp evenings and mild days. Our trees are just starting to show signs of turning colors so I hope that means fall will be around for a couple of months.

[Jolene]

Gene, since I'm not a guy that GOOD BUDDY doesn't mean that to me... :D
Now if he called me a device that hold water we would have a problem...

[Ponyguy]

Hi, barmates...
Been a busy week at school; I'm trying to get my new computer set up and get familiar with it (and get three papers ready to be submitted while I'm at it... :( ).
And I contracted a nasty cold and hoarse throat over last weekend... and my "foursome" group in my History class had to do a class presentation this week. Needless to say, I failed to carry my vocal weight adequately, but the rest of 'em pulled through okay. I guess I owe them... or maybe they're glad that Mother Nature zipped my bigmouth for them...

Not much else to add... I continue to feel like the camel with the load of straw... I just wonder how much more straw will cause my collapse. Especially concerning the situation with our daughter and her molester...
I'm not really sure who's the real "molester" now: Is it the guy who attacked Holly or is it the sheriff and the State's Attorney? (The perp has confessed, but the state's attorney and sheriff haven't decided to do anything to him yet. It's been a few weeks now... no jail, no warrant, nothing at all... I guess the Sheriff isn't up for re-election next month.)

"I won't bother calling the cops any more; I'm gonna call the coroner."

Much love and

[Jolene]

Gene, I know you want the person who did that dead. There is only one problem... How many times do people confess to things they didn;t do? Very recently a guy confessed to killing the Ramsey girl. Evidence says he didn't do it. You are thinking like a protector and well you should. It may be that the cops know things you don't.
While this may not help it should.... Keep reminding yourself that whether you see the perp punished or not he will be. Far worse than any human could punish him.

[Ponyguy]

Gene, I know you want the person who did that dead. There is only one problem... How many times do people confess to things they didn;t do? Very recently a guy confessed to killing the Ramsey girl. Evidence says he didn't do it. You are thinking like a protector and well you should. It may be that the cops know things you don't.
While this may not help it should.... Keep reminding yourself that whether you see the perp punished or not he will be. Far worse than any human could punish him.

All quite true, Jolene...
What perplexes me is that the perp walks free, perhaps to repeat his offense with how many other young girls in our neighborhood? And Holly, meanwhile, has been forbidden from riding her bicycle around the block, because if she does, she rides past the perp's home.
Holly's activities are restricted, and the perp's aren't. What's wrong with this picture? If the cops know something, and I have no idea what it could possibly be, maybe they ought to tell me what it is, to try to ease my anxiety... I tend to think it has something to do with Holly being mentally challenged... which fries my cojones... :mad:

Much love and

[Mark N]

Gene, I agree with your concern about this guy and how he is running free while Holly is restricted. My philosophy is if he is dumb enough to confess to something he didn't do then he deserves jail. The police should give you the reason they haven't done anything yet so that you know what is going on. They wonder why some people take justice in there own hands when they don't let us know what is going on and they don't seem to be doing anything.

I don't know if you want to go this route but Bill O'Rielly on Fox News is good about looking in to these cases and exposing officials that don't pursue molesters the way they should. Just go to the Fox News site and you will find a place to email him.

Gene, no matter what you think, Jolene is a better buddy than many of the people around here in my area. But I was just letting us remember the trucker craze back in the late 70's.

[Jolene]

[QUOTE=Mark N;10404]I don't know if you want to go this route but Bill O'Rielly on Fox News is good about looking in to these cases and exposing officials that don't pursue molesters the way they should. Just go to the Fox News site and you will find a place to email him.QUOTE]

Mark, that is brilliant!! I'm sorry I never thought of it. Even through your med induced fog you are thinking... :D :p

[Tbackpain1]

Hey gang,

<<<BIG HUGS>>> Gene. I wish there was something I could do to help. It just steams my broccoli that this guy's walking free. You know what's really sick...in the news around here today, there's a 72 y/o man, a registered sex offender (he molested his grandkids), who's filing a lawsuit because his home is in a "Predator Free Zone". This guy says his rights are being violated?? Pulheessee! My personal feeling on this stuff, to quote one of my fav. radio shows, "Take 'em behind the shed and shoot 'em!"

Mark, I understand what you're saying when you talk about things with your wife. My grandpa was the same with my grandma...and that kind of love is just amazing to me. So much today people just take off with things like that, but men like you and my pop are one in a million. Take things day by day, ya know what I mean? <hugs>

Jolene, you crazy lady! Where's today's joke? Can it be off-color? I love to read your jokes...they always give me a laugh :)

Gina, how's thing's at home? And how have you been feeling? Didn't you have surgery just a little while ago? And where's that crazy, domineering cat of your's? Still running the show at your home?

Just wanted to say hi to you guys. Been pretty busy here. DH and I have been looking at property out in the Pocono's area (/waves to SecretBard), trying to find a nice plot of land to build our new home. Just not having any luck finding what we're looking for right now. Oh well, such is life, I guess. Just gonna keep looking till we find the right one...we settled with our last home...I'd rather stay in the apartment a bit longer and get the place we really want, instead of buying another "handy-man's special"...I just don't think I have it in me to do another repair/re-sell. I want to have my "special" home, ya know? I've done two fix-it homes, one Victorian that was a historical home (what a nightmare...the town historical board was such a PITA!) and the other was a 1950s Cape Cod that needed ALOT of work. I just can't physically do the "fix it" stuff, or the painting, and all the other things old houses need...and my hubs, while he's good at some of the work, well, I'd just end up calling a contractor to get the majority of it done, if I couldn't do it myself.

Anywho, take it easy gang! Gotta go lay down for a bit.

Theresa

[Braindrain]

Hi, Theresa:

I had shunt surgery in December and I just had an RFA a week ago.
I'm doing pretty well with both procedures. Now, if I could just find
out what this pain in my groin is from and if I could breathe without
using the nebulizer machine several times a day, I'd be fine.:rolleyes:

Raven's still getting me up at 5:00AM. I can't exactly ignore her,
since she screams at my bedroom door. First of all, she wants her
breakfast and then she wants to go outside and patrol the whole
neighborhood. I think she's got a boyfriend, too.:eek: ;)

[Melanie]

Hi Again :) I'm just making a quick stop in here cuz the rest of the place is moving too fast for me right now. My head is starting to hurt now, I had a birthmark removed this afternoon and the med is just now wearing off. I wish it would stay numb!!! I had to have it removed cuz it's the kind that can turn cancerous, but we're hoping mine hasn't.

((((((Gene)))))))

[Tbackpain1]

Hey Mel,

I was wondering where you'd wandered off too. I thought maybe you were shopping for new bikini's that show off your freckles :D I was just at the dermatologist myself for the yearly fair skin freckle face check up. Only had to have one taken off, but dang did it hurt...of course it would have to be right near where my spine is mightily pissed off, wouldn't it? I hope your spot removal heals up soon...Neosporin+pain relief was my best buddy for a couple of days after.

Gina, good to see things are doing ok. And you just make sure you keep the catnip away from Raven...it's bad enough she's demanding...I can only imagine a demanding kitty on kitty crack! Pain in the groin? OUCH! Is the smoke in the house what's causing the nebulizer use? I really wish they'd understand. When my pop was dealing with the COPD, I made dang sure my butt was outside to have a cig. Didn't matter that we lived in the same house...didn't need to make his issues worse. He was already on the nebulizer 3x/day and on 3L of O2 all the time. /Smack's Gina's parents

<<<BIG HUGs>>> to you both.

T.

[carolynms]

Mel, did all of our freckly comments make you want to get rid of them? We were just being really tacky, and hon, we love your freckles! Please do not remove the ones the guys have been talking about. Seriously, I hope your report comes back clean. Keep us posted!
Carolyn

[Braindrain]

Hey, Theresa:)

The good news is, we don't have any bags of catnip in the house...the bad
news is, some of her toy mice might have catnip in them. Mom tries to buy
the ones that don't have it, but sometimes it's hard to tell.

The pain in the groin "might" be related to the hydrocephalus. See what
you think of this: when I have a shunt failure, one of the signs is poor
balance/coordination. Which means that my walking is affected. I seem
to have more of a problem with the left leg. It just won't hold me up some
times. Would that put a strain on the groin area? I'm just guessing, here.

It's not just the cigarette smoke that's affecting my asthma. Any type of
smoke in the air will set me off, and my father bought a pellet stove and
set it up in the basement. Naturally, when he's using it, the smoke drifts
up from the basement-even with the door closed. I also think that I've
developed an allergy to plants. And, yep, we have a lot of plants in the
house.

[Mark N]

Good to see everyone tonight.

Theresa, hold out and find the house of your dreams, you sure have picked a pretty area.

Gina, good thing you have Raven around or else you might start getting lazy and sleep in in the mornings.

Melanie, sorry to hear you are still having such bad headaches.

Jolene, I have really like that O'Rielly has started this drive against predators. It does some good to get it out in th light of day instead of judges letting these creeps off easy.

[Mark N]

Ponyboy I hope you don't mind if I use one of your phrases - hey barkeep set me up with an ice cold coke and slide the pretzels down this way. It will be a chilly 38 before the night is over and this is a warm place to meet friends and knock down a few. I hope everyone is doing okay tonight and Jolene, if you are on the road be safe pushing that rig down the road. I need to sleep but the pain makes it hard tonight. I will finally collapse when I can't go any more.

[CoolAngel28]

Here is your coke,Mark..and some chocolate-covered pretzels..hope ya like them...:D:D

Bartender,a chocolate cappuchino milkshake,and a nice hot fudge brownie please???:):cool:

[ERGYRL]

3 SHOTS ON ME!!!!

What do you guys prefer?? I like the good ole' fashion B52, but whatever you prefer, lets get this party started!!! PLEAAAAAAAASE!!(not to mention the fact that my RIGHT LEG IS ON FIRE, AND BEHIND MY KNEE(back of my leg) IS KILLING ME??ANY IDEA??)

Ok, that was my vent for the night.....sing us a song you're the piano man, sing us a song tonight, we're all in the mood for a melody, and you got us feeling alright(ok, maybe those are the meds, but shhhhh).

Well, here's to another night of friends and fun.......LAST ONE TO THE HOT TUB IS A ROTTEN EGG!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA HA!!!

[Jolene]

Gets hammer out from behind the bar... Hold out your thumb ErG.... I promise your leg won't hurt for a while.. :D Ok, ok so that wasn't nice... :p :D

Have a good time guys. I have miles to drive tomorow so time to visit the saw mill shortly.

[Mark N]

coolangel, thanks for the coke and pretzels. It is nice to be able to come here and party even if I don't feel up to it in the real world. I hope you enjoyed your shake and brownie, they are a specialty of the house.

ergyrl, if you are buying shots I will take shots of chocolate milkshakes with coke chasers - I have strange tast in drinks what can I say. I hope you party so hard that you forget about your leg pain.

I think it is time for the best bartender contest so get up on the bar [any that dare] and show your stuff as you make the drinks. Then maybe we can have a wet MRI shirt contest to see who has the hottest MRIs. With halloween around the corner maybe an xray contest would be more appropriate tonight. We can count staples [my son flipped when he saw all the staples I had]. Any other ideas for our party? If melanie comes around we could connect the freckles and see who comes up with the best picture contest. After all this activity I am going to try and let sleep overcome this pain.

[Jolene]

PS- Mark I was going to suggest counting the parts used in fusion but realized how it sounds... Typical truck driver I am.

[ERGYRL]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...................... ....................

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!! TOGA!!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

ANYONE?

[Mark N]

ergyrl, you looked pretty good in that toga, are you sure you aren't a Greek goddess? The party last night was a blast and I was able to get a few hours of good sleep afterwards. I think I will kick back and enjoy the football games [I like the college game] tonight.

[ERGYRL]

Well Thank You Mark For The Comment, You Really Know How To Make A Girl Feel Special!!!!

Same Over Here, I Am Going To Crash And Relax, Take In Some Of The College Ball, Some Of The Hockey And Then Maybe Find A Movie To Watch, Boy I Tell Ya, As Much As My Husband Drove Me Nuts With His Ignorance Through All My Trials And Tribulations, I Didn't Realise How Lonely I Would Be Without Him Around..........

Anyways, Going To Go And Eat Some Blueberries And Cottage Cheese..and Chilax!!

Hope All Is Well With Everyone, The Party Was Jumpin'.

[Mark N]

It was cold and windy here and it is too early to give up on good weather. I know we will warm up again but it can't happen too quickly. I have had a good trip visiting my mother while going to my doctor for my blood work. It will be a week or two before I find out the results [negative every years so far] but I did have a thoracic attack during the doctor's visit. Just breating deep during the exam of my chest and listening for anything in my lungs causes the bad T4-7 disk to cause wrap-around pains that put me on the floor. My doctor asked what it was and I told him just my thoracic spine acting up. I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Gene, those Huskies are having another good football season, keep them rolling along.

[Kathi49]

Mark,

It was very cold and windy yesterday. I had a "pajama day" and never did change into something else LOL. I agree, I think we will have a few more warm days.:) Oh, and my sister said she went to Brown County/Nashville over the weekend and said it was packed which is normal for this time of year. But she also said it has changed a LOT! She said it was more of a "flea market" atmosphere now. So, if that is case, I am not going down like I originally wanted to. I wish you well with your test results!

[Ponyguy]

Gene, those Huskies are having another good football season, keep them rolling along.

Yup, for a while we even had a Heisman candidate in Garrett Wolfe. But the last couple of games pretty much wiped him off the slate.
But, he had his 15 minutes, I guess...

Much love and

[Jolene]

Here's my question... What do you guys think of the Jet's back up QB? The guy that used to play for the Oregon Ducks?? I find it interesting that he went from coast to coast.

[Mark N]

Jolene, he has been getting good reviews and he had a good pre-season. It will be a couple of years before he plays alot unless Pennington gets injured again.

Gene, it is hard to understand since he has had such big games against top competition ie Ohio State.

Kathi, I made the trip to my doctor in Indy and came back today. The hills are alive with color now that a cold snap has hit. Perry County needs to do a better job of promoting itself as our county is covered by forest and the colors are a match for brown County especially with the commercialization of Brown County.

Off to take my meds and try to get my back returned to better shape over the next couple of days as I recover from my trip.

[Jolene]

Well Mark.... Happy recuperating

[Mark N]

Jolene, I have recovered faster than usual and even though the pain is still up there the spasms haven't been as bad. I hope you survived your early morning drive and are having some good down time tonight.

[Jolene]

Well Mark I didn't get much sleep. But I have days to make up. For it.

[ERGYRL]

HI EVERYONE!!

OK! I have to say this, I have been thinking about this over the last couple days, and I want to know how you guys feel about what I wrote below, it is in NO WAY directed to anyone, more EVERYONE.

BUT!.........When you read it, think about if for a little bit, to let it sink in as you analyze it.

"Why can't things be SIMPLE? People in life just like DRAMA cuz it makes them happy!!"

Okay, well there she be. It is 3am and I can't sleep, due to the doctor visit today, now my muscles are going haywire in my hamstring and calf.(never knew that you could get muscle spasms from your back, that can also affect your hamstring and calf...HA SEE!! Learn something new everyday!!

Well, going to the MED SHED, top up on the meds, and try to get some sleep, I hope...........I want my husband back!!! I miss him sooooooooo much.:(

Anyways, have a good night all, talk to you all later, oh and bartender could I get a peppermint tea to go please, 1/2 sugar. THANK YOU!!

Nite Nite!!
ERGYRL

[Mark N]

ergyrl, I think that some people use the drama to gain attention. There are many ways to get a attention and not all of them are the right thing to do. Try being nice to people and being there when they need you and before you know it, they are thinking about you and paying attention to you.

Jolene, I hope you are able to catch up on your sleep. I have had a lifetime of lack of sleep which has never bothered me. My friends tell me I could be a vampire because I can stay up all night - not true any more but that is the way it used to be.

I have been dozing off and on tonight but thankfully I seem to sleep soundly in the mornings. I hope everyone is doing okay and having a good night sleep.

[Jolene]

Er- I don't know if you realize this but it has been documented over many yrs that when people are continually subjected to something, it becomes "normal" to them and even if it's bad or wrong. This has even happened to prisoners of war who are tortured. Some who have been pow's for many yrs go into deep depression after being rescued. In some cases it wasn't from being tortured but from the loss of attention they experienced, no matter how drastically violent it had been.

So are you truly missing your husband, or just missing life as you knew it, and aren't wanting to be alone even if it means torture and pain and grief if he's back??

Now you have something to think about... :)

[Braindrain]

Yes, I'm up!:rolleyes: Only this time, Raven didn't have anything to do
with it. It's "that" time of the month, which is making the pain in my groin
act up. And, my sinuses are acting up again. I'm either allergic to this
house, or to my parents...or, both.:rolleyes: :p :D

[Jolene]

Too much fun Gina. That's what it is.. :D

[Kathi49]

Gina,

You sound EXACTLY like my daughter. Her sinuses are acting up, had to go to the doctor and all at the same her "friend" came to visit LOL! Plus, she is VERY allergic to her mother (me)! :) All I can do is look back, remember, empathize and just plain ole laugh out loud. We are all our mother's daughters. :D

[Mark N]

The sinus problem is running through my house with my son and with my wife. We are running out of kleenixes. Not much happening around here although I can't sit at the computer for long any time today. For some reason it is really hurting my back. We have a front coming through tomorrow and along with the rain I hope the weather warms up. Take care and see everyone later.

[Kathi49]

Mark N,

I know what you mean! And yeah, here comes one of those "fronts" that makes everyone ache. I was telling someone else here that all day yesterday I was severely dizzy (as if I am not already :) ) It was very scary so I stayed off the computer as much as I could and did those darn neck exercises all day long...in the shower! I was in and out of the shower all day LOL! Finally, those muscles loosened up and I am much better this morning. Anyway, a thought occured to me too. I had taken a little more Miralax than I usually do (I never take the full dosage anyway) and as soon as I did the night before, the dizziness started. I read the leaflet that came with it and dizziness is a side effect. I am not blaming the Miralax totally, but that is the one thing I had done different. Colace does the same thing to me too! I just don't get it! :) So, maybe the tight muscles and that stuff just made my head spin for a day or so.

[Braindrain]

Kathi, I'm glad you're feeling better today.:) You're probably right about
the Miralax, especially if you took more than you're used to. And, yes, I
can sympathize with your daughter!;) :D

Mark, I'm sorry to hear that you're wife and son aren't feeling well. I
hope you don't come down with it, too. Take care of yourself, okay?

Jolene, I'm going to need a vacation from all this "fun" very soon!:rolleyes:

[Mark N]

Hi Gina, the funny thing is that since I have started my meds I haven't been sick. I don't know if I just don't feel it or if I am out of ciculation enough to avoid it. Have a good day.

Kathi, you mean you don't come by dizziness honestly, that the meds are responsible lol. Gad to hear you are feeling better. You sound like my son, when he is sick he is in the shower off and on all the time. He says it makes him feel better.

[Melanie]

Hi Again, sorry to be anti-social these days, just seems like I don't have enough energy to sit at the computer long anymore. I do think of ya'll though :)

[Kathi49]

Mark,

Yes, the dizziness comes naturally...my whole family is crazy LOL!

Shoot, I don't know what the real deal was yesterday; probably a combination of everything! But, yeah, the shower helped tremendously. And the docs say keep using moist heat LOL! I have a "bed buddy" (not DH though because he is traveling right now) that I microwave and put on the back of my neck. That thing helps too!

[Braindrain]

Kathi: don't feel bad, my whole family's crazy, too-including the cat!:D

Melanie: It's good to see you and I hope you're feeling better soon.:)

Mark: I'm glad that you've been able to avoid getting sick. At least one
of us can stay healthy.:)

[Mark N]

Melanie, good to see you again. I hope you are feeling better soon and cn stay for a short visit [the only kind I can have any more].

Gena and Kathi, I hope both of you are having a good day. Enjoy your evening and sleep tight.

[Braindrain]

Well, I finally found a way to breathe that doesn't involve using the nebulizer
machine 3 times a day.

In an effort to save money, my father has portable electric heaters for
the bedrooms. That way, my mother isn't turning up the thermostat
to a reasonable temperature because my father has it below freezing
in the house. (He's cheap, what can I tell you?:rolleyes:)

I've had one of the portable heaters in my room since last evening and
I haven't used the nebulizer once!:D Of course, if my parents come in
here, they'll complain that it's a sauna. What's more important, their
comfort, or mine?:rolleyes: :p

[Jolene]

Whatever it takes Gina. You have a stuffed bear in your room? Well, if they start in just start staring at the bear's bottom. When they ask what your problem is just say that if you're going to have to look at an a-- it may as well be a friendly one! :D

[Braindrain]

Wait a minute, let me write that down...!;) Here's another one for you:

If you can't take the heat, stay out of my bedroom!

Hmm, that doesn't sound right...oh, well...!:p :D

[Kathi49]

You guys crack me up!

Those were both good ones!

I wish I could come up with a good witicism!

Anyway, another cold, yucky, rainy day in Indy. :( I have cancelled my Neurology appt. simply because I don't want to risk getting sick for right now. That would be all I would need on top of this fusion! So, I am staying in and being bored today. Well, at least there are some good shows on right now. My husband will finally be home tonight after his trip...so that is a GOOD thing! :) And massage therapy is tomorrow...I am looking forward to that. :)

Oh, and Gina you mentioned your cat earlier being crazy LOL! My one Shih Tzu is taking over the heating pad on my recliner! If I get up, she immediately jumps on it LOL! It must feel good to her achy bones too! :)

[Braindrain]

Hey, Kathi:

Yeah, the cat's crazy, all right. Wonder if we can have her committed?;)

Now, about the heating pad: Raven's never done that (yet!) but what
she does is, if I'm folding sheets/towels that have just come out of the
dryer, she'll lay on top of them! I'm not sure if it's because she likes the
warmth, or if she's just doing it "to get my attention".:rolleyes:

[Tbackpain1]

LOL! You should try fighting with an 80 dog over your heating pad. He always jumps up in my recliner, and when I get ready for bed and turn on the electric blanket (I have it underneath me, so that I have a full body heating pad), my dog will hop up on my side of the bed and give me a look like "I'm not moving!", stretched out to take up as much space as is physically possible.

Cold and miserable here. The weather is changing, rain coming in, so I am really feeling it. That raw, damp, cold is just not nice to these bones. I could definitely do with a nice trip to somewhere alot warmer.

Hope you're all well. Take it easy this weekend.

Theresa

[Braindrain]

What I really want to know is: how does this little cat take up 3/4 of the
bed, leaving me only the edge?!

[ERGYRL]

Ughhhhhhhhhh!!!

That's all I can say!!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!!

When I can get rid of this EXTREME right sided pain/spasm, I will be back on to talk the talk!!

Take care!!!

[southernlady]

What I really want to know is: how does this little cat take up 3/4 of the
bed, leaving me only the edge?!

ROFLOL, Gina...try living with FIVE of them who all, at one time or another, and sometimes all at the same time, have decided our bed was theirs.

On the good side, as of today, there WILL be more acreage in the bed (for the cats) cause we are getting a new mattress set and going from a queen to a king. :eek: Liz

[Braindrain]

On the good side, as of today, there WILL be more acreage in the bed (for the cats) cause we are getting a new mattress set and going from a queen to a king. :eek: Liz

So...where are you and your husband going to sleep?:eek: :D

[southernlady]

So...where are you and your husband going to sleep?

Gina, right this min, HE is in Kansas on a job and will be there another week (it's been almost 4 now). And there is always the recliner...however, when I sleep there, so do the cats. Liz

[Tbackpain1]

LOL! You know that by the time hubs gets back, your cats are going to have staked their turf on the new bed and he'll get the "look of death" if he tries to displace them!

I swear our animals know that their nose to tail ratio is much larger than their curled up position, so they will stretch every part of their body out as far as it can go to claim "their" space. Dylan has managed to take up a 3'x3.5' space at the foot of the bed...good thing we have an extra long mattress (my hubs is 6'3", so without the extra long queen his feet would hang off the bed), which leaves plenty of room for me to have my furry foot warmer, without too much fighting for sleeping space.

Enjoy the new bed.

Theresa

[Braindrain]

I'm telling you, these cats are plotting a hostile takeover of our houses!

[Kathi49]

Too funny! How many cats do you all have?

I just have the two Shih Tzu's. The female, of course, sleeps in my recliner or on my bed. She will NOT allow the male to lie on MY bed! I am forever trying to move her LOL! When I try to make the bed in the mornings, she will stay put so I make the bed right over her. She thinks this is fun! And it is a morning ritual. The male makes me laugh, he is twice her size, but backs down from her every time! You would think he would stand up to her but he doesn't. So, he hangs out with my husband and stays clear of her LOL or lies on the floor instead! Don't get me wrong, they are pals but not when it comes to what they think is their territory.

[Braindrain]

I've got one cat and it's funny that you mentioned about making the beds.
Raven does the exact same thing! I could completely make the bed and
there would be a lump (Raven) under the sheets and she'll just stay there
until she's good and ready.

My brother used to own a collie and it was the dumbest thing you ever
saw. The first time my brother brought the dog over to our house, the
cat took one look and blew up-literally. Her whole body swelled up to
twice her normal size and she started roaring at the dog! I'd never
seen anything like it before! Then, she attacked the dog!! She actually
threw herself at this collie and started swatting at him with her paws!
She'd climb up on the end table and every time the dog went past, she'd
swat him in the head.:D

[Tbackpain1]

No cats here (DH is allergic), but I have one large Golden Retriever who thinks he runs the house. I love him to pieces, but sometimes I have to show him who's the boss and put him on the floor. He's an absolute pest when it comes to making the bed...he tries to climb into the duvet cover and will pull on the blankets like a tug toy if I let him. He's a mushy puppy and loves to cuddle, though he's a bit large for a lap dog, we've managed a way to snuggle on the couch without me feeling like I've got an 80lb weight on my chest.

I did have kitties when I was a child...Socrates and Aristotle were standard american short-hairs. My mom got them when she was pregnant with me, and they passed on when I was 13. They were my kitties from day one, sleeping in the crib with me, and then on my pillow and at my feet every night. They were definitely the one's running the house, getting under your feet to get your attention and giving me "wet willies" when it was time to get up and feed them.

Theresa

[Kathi49]

Gina and Theresa,

You guys are a hoot!

Ya gotta love 'em though right? Mine are like two two year olds even though in human life they are 42! The female is loyal yet can be a ***** and the male is as loveable as he can be but a whiner LOL! The female taunts him all the time. She will drop a treat in front of him, then back up a little and then growl at him. As if to say, "I dare you to take it!" They tease each other all day long like this! But when it is all said and done, they do like each other and are a team.

[southernlady]

and the male is as loveable as he can be but a whiner

I didn't know you knew Charley, my only male cat! In fact, he's in there TALKING to me now...

You can see my crew here: Ramsey Cats (http://cats.southerngazebo.com/) along with pages to the three I had when I got married in 1996. They have since passed on over the Rainbow Bridge but are waiting for me to join them someday. Liz

[Braindrain]

I just finished looking at your page for the cats. Thanks so much for
sharing! I know they meant a lot to you.:)

[Tbackpain1]

Liz,

I thought my cats were smart, since they could open cupboards and the little packet's of tender vittles...not to mention the catnip..we had to put it in a locked closet on the top-most shelf! Socrates and Aristotle were both polydactyl kitties like Charlie...you must have loads of fun with that! They used to use their paws to get into all kinds of things...we found them inside the china hutch on day with one of those little catnip stuffed toys...looked like demon's looking back at us! :D

I sure do miss their antics. Though, I have a very smart dog who can open doors (french doors, sliding doors, and the standard handle), any kind of bottle, you name it, if he has the time and desire, it will open! Made for some interesting surpises if I didn't kennel him when I went out when he was a puppy, let me tell you! The linen closet was the worst...there was an entire case (24 rolls) of toilet paper that was mutilated and shredded throughout the entire lower level of my house :eek:

If I didn't have my puppy, I'd probably be very lonely when my hubs isn't home. He works long, odd hours, so it gets very lonely at times, and to be honest, its kinda scary being completely alone at night...I'm a big wuss like that. I love my solitude during the day, but at night, not so much. His antics always make me smile, no matter how badly I'm hurting, and he always knows when mum's having a bad day and will be alot less demanding than usual. He gets upset when I get sick...to the point of howling, whinging and whining when I'm physically ill (N&V) in the bathroom. Puppy kisses heal all though, don't they? or Kitty kisses for that matter...Socrates and Aristotle always knew when I was down or sick too, and would snuggle up and give me kisses, and love pats too, grooming me with their paws and tongues. Cat tongues being the sandpaper like texture they are, it wasn't always pleasant, but I did appreciate the gesture ;)

Off to bed for me. Hope you all have a low pain night. This weather here is killing me...the barometer has dropped two whole points since this afternoon when the rain finally arrived...OUCH!

Theresa

[Mark N]

Theresa, we have a Golden retriever, he is our second one. We got him after the toher one died becausethe first one was such a good dog. They are so loving and need attention so much. At 2 he is just growing into his mature age. He jumps in th SUV with me every time I go out [except summer time when it is too hot] and absolutely loves to take a ride.

Gina and the rest, you can have the cats [we have one that I love but I don't like cats]. I just don't get cat people, I know you love them as much as I love my dog; I just don't understand it.

I had a nice quiet day with my wife today. She took the day off and took it easy other than doing some cleaning. I got up at 1pm and had a nice day other than the usual issues with my spine. We have been getting back to eating supper together now that it is my wife, son, and me and it has been nice. I am fighting pain and spasms tonight but maybe tomorrow will be better.

Kathi, southern lady, Gena, and theresa good night and sweet dreams.

[Braindrain]

Mark, I'm glad that you had a pleasant day with your wife and I hope that
it continues for you. Hopefully, you'll have a pain-free day today.

You're all going to love this: Raven got me up at 6:00 this morning to go
outside...in the rain. Guess who's going to show up at the door in an hour
or two screaming at me, because I put her outside...which is what she
wanted in the first place??:rolleyes:

[Kathi49]

So...we all have pets in one form or another. :)

I agree about those "puppy" kisses even though my dogs are a little older. They are 6, but still act like pups. My husband travels a lot too and works long hours. So, when he is away, it is nice to have them with me. And, you guys are right, when I am in pain, the female senses it more than the male. I used to come home from work and just say, "Puppers, mommy has to lay down!" I know, stupid LOL! But she would just curl up with me and he would just lay at the foot of the bed. I felt bad because I couldn't hardly get up to play with them. But they do KNOW when I am feeling bad.

It is funny too, sometimes Shih Tzu's have what the vet calls "backward sneezes". It is frightening when it happens, but the vet showed me how to handle them when that happens. It is a long story. But when it would happen to him, I would do this routine and then kind of rub his chest until he would stop. Now, when I cough or something, he comes running and licks my face...I guess he thinks he is "fixing" my cough LOL! I literally have to get out of bed so that he can come over and see if I am alright; otherwise he whines.

Mark...

I was having BAD spasms yesterday and I know it is because of this cold weather and rain. It was so bad my whole scalp tightened up. I HATE that when it happens because there is not a DARN thing I can do except to stand in the shower and take a half of Klonopin. It was bad, bad, bad! When my husband got home last night he asked if he could do anything. I said no, because there isn't anything anyone can do. I just have to lie down with heat and ice and hope it goes away. This is why I said originally, before I had this second fusion, that I would dread those spasms. And here they come! :eek: But this morning I am a little better.

[Mark N]

Gena, like you, my pet wanted out early this morning but he loves the rain [it must be the retriever in him] and he is still outside right now getting wet.

Kathi, my dog takes care of me but my wife thinks I am crazy. I know when I am having a bad day and I have been out of it for so long I need another dose of meds he comes around and licks my hand to wake me up. If I am able to be awake and about he wants attention but it I am doing bad he just lies down under my feet and leaves me alone. He has been a great buddy since my disability started.

My spasms have finally settled down although I feel them at the edge of beginning again. I didn't get much sleep so I will watch some football [I love college football] and get some zzz inthis afternoon. Have a good day everyone, see you tonight.

[southernlady]

I just don't get cat people, I know you love them as much as I love my dog; I just don't understand it.

Okay, YOU had to get up this morning, GET decent and let your dog out while *I* got to sleep in. My cats stay inside ALL the time and yes, I have cat litter boxs to clean but is it any harder than a pooper scooper and bag while walking your dog? Dogs HAVE to go outside and therefore end up with fleas during the summer. *I* haven't had flea issues with any cats unless they were exposed to dogs.

And while cats are supposedly aloof...you wouldn't know it by my bunch. Maggie has even decided that she is in charge of me while hubby is out of town. She gets up and gets in my lap every morning. Her children help me sleep...nothing like a warm furry body next to you, dog OR CAT.

I don't truly understand dog people myself...not after having cats since I was 10 (52 now). But what ever pet works for us...that's the one we need. :) Liz

[Braindrain]

Well, your cats may let you sleep in, but Raven won't let me sleep!:rolleyes:
She's always getting me up at 5:00AM to go outside. Let's see, how
can I put this...she likes her breakfast "to go"!:eek:

It's all my father's fault that she's like this: she was supposed to be
an "indoor" cat, but she cries like a baby every time my father goes
outside. The only way to stop her from crying is to let her out, too.

Naturally, when she's out for a few hours, she's bound to get a bit
hungry. Most cats would just come back home to eat. Raven gets
her snacks "on the run". Of course, she does bring the "leftovers"
home-she gives them to my mother!:eek:

I think she might be claustrophobic-she really hates closed doors!
If the bedroom doors are closed, she "yells". If the basement door
is closed, she "yells". If the front door is closed, she yells. (You
get the picture). It doesn't matter which side of the door she's
on, either. If it's closed, she wants it open.

To paraphrase a saying: "It's Raven's way, or NO WAY!"

[Kathi49]

You all are making me laugh...

Now let me add another one. My sister has 14 birds...and I mean the BIG kind! She has rescued most of them. But anyway, yes, they all talk! It is hilarious! You can go over to her house (she has them all in one huge room) and they are speaking English to each other. One cute story she told me is that when a thunderstorm came through one night, one bird was trying to sleep but fell off his perch when it heard thunder. The other one said, "Okay honey, you can get up." It is a riot! Or, you will hear one just talking and another might yell...SHUT UP! Not to long ago I was over at her house, and I heard one say, "I hate this job!" But I CANNOT go into everything they say LOL! I am sure a few of them might have heard a few choice words along the way LOL. They are neat but I sure wouldn't want to clean cages all the time like she does.

[Mark N]

Southern lady, I just can't play the same way with my cat the way I can with my dog. Even when the cat climbs up on me for attention its not the same as the dog coming over for pets. I think there is just something different between cat and dog people, not better just different. The midnight walks are fun lol.

My dog got me up bcause he had to go outside so I thought I would check in. Have you ever thought how much our pets do for us? I know my "pup" is one thing that keeps me looking forward to the next painfu day. The unconditional love they give us when everyone else would like to ship us out of their lives. No matter what they seem to always come back to love us more. My dog is at my feet right now and when I get up and move he will move too, no complaints, not too tired, or not what he wants to do, he just moves and as for pets.

I hope everyone is having sweet dreams and I will try to get back to sleep now that the pup is back in the house.

[Ponyguy]

Hi, beertender...

Okay, I guess... can't complain; nobody listens anyway...

Nope, not even you.

Yeah, I guess... the usual... a Diet Coke with a twist of lime... easy on the ice, willya?

Same ol', same ol'...

Yeah, she's coming around... she still can't understand why that S.O.B. ain't in the caboose.

Nope, he sure ain't! Even after an admission to the detectives! Ain't that a kick in the slats?

I can't either... some screwed-up legal system we have, ain't it?

Sure, but just one more... it's a long walk home, and there aren't any gas stations along the way.

Yes, I know there's trees, you halfwit! But the dogs would probably try to kick me... one little ankle-nipper tried to the other day... so hurry up with the refill... where's the pretzel bowl?

Thanks... wow! Fresh, even!

Whaddaya got in your music machine? Anything from Ol' Blue Eyes? I kinda feel like some soft bluesy stuff while I soak up this belly-wash.

Here's a good one... gimmee some change for this sawbuck, willya? Yore moe-sheen is gettin' spensive...

Next thing you know, you'll install a credit card slot in the confounded contraption...

IN TWO WEEKS?!?! :eek: Good Lord! What prompted that decision?

Yeah, okay... enough of that twaddle... shaddap... here's the tune...



So I'm down and so I'm out
So are many others
So I feel like tryin' to hide
My head 'neath these covers
Life is like the seasons
After winter comes the spring
I'll try to keep this smile awhile
And see what tomorrow brings

I've been told and I believe
That life is meant for livin'
And even when my chips are low
There's still some left for givin'
I've been many places
Maybe not as far as you
So I think I'll stay awhile
And see if some dreams come true

There isn't much that I have learned
Through all my foolish years
Except that life keeps runnin' in cycles
First there's laughter, then those tears

But I'll keep my head up high
Although I'm kinda tired
My gal up and left last week
Friday I got fired
You know it's almost funny
Things can't get much worse than now
So I'll keep on tryin' to sing
But please, just don't ask me how...


S'okay, keep th' rest of it. You can probably use it. I might not need it much longer anyhow...

G'night!

[southernlady]

I just can't play the same way with my cat the way I can with my dog.

Maybe not but a pen lazer light is SO much fun with cats.

Yes, we are different...cat people and dog people. I'm just lucky I married another cat person. Liz

[Tbackpain1]

You guys talk about cat or dog people....you should try living with an "animal" person. If it's got four legs, he's interested in them. When we first were dating, my DH had quite the menagerie...two dogs, about 6 cats (they were indoor/outdoor), an aquarium full of tropical fish, two corn snakes (YUCK!!), and then his mom had a small herd of dogs of her own (5 mixed breeds rescued from the shelter, and she was fostering two more at the time). I felt like I was in wild kingdom every time I walked in. And there was never a shortage of critters looking for attention...even the snake food (mice).

I'm glad we only have one dog now...I just don't think I'd have the energy to clean up after all those critters. I love all animals, even the creepy crawly kind. But, I definitely prefer dogs. Like Mark said, No matter what they seem to always come back to love us more. My dog is at my feet right now and when I get up and move he will move too, no complaints, not too tired, or not what he wants to do, he just moves and as for pets.

Its a bit brisk here today, but enjoyable all the same. Just got back from a long walk with Dylan around the park. He was frisking and sniffing for other animals, but we still managed to make it around the whole lake (2 miles). I'll probably pay for it later, but I'm dreading the really cruddy winter weather we'll be getting in a few weeks, so it's worth it.

Take it easy gang. Hope you're all having a low pain day.

Theresa

[Mark N]

Theresa, our last golden retreiver could open doors, turn on the outside spicot when he was out of water, eat our chocolate and leave the papers on the table. One year he ate the ears off the kids chocolate bunnies while we were out. He used to follow my son [when he was a toddler] at eat his sandwich out of his hand when my son was distracted. We could never leave a sandwhich on the table to go back and get some mustard because the sandwhich would be gone whith him sitting there with a smile on his face.
Our new one is too spoiled to need to do those things/

Southern lady, my dog will chase laser dots too but it is bad for his brain [dogs will get psychotic about moving lights]. I know the biggest difference for me is that dogs crave attention and I like big dogs, cats just aren't big enough. I know people love their cats as much as we love our dog.

Gene, thanks for the song, I hope the barkeep treated you right this time. Sorry that our law system has forgotten they are suppose to create justice not feel sorry for the criminal. I am still hopeful that something will be done if you can bring the right pressure to bear on the DA.

We had a gorgeous day today and tomorrow is suppose to be better before another cold front comes through starting on Tuesday. I sat outside and painted a small part of the foundation and I hope to get more done tomorrow.

[Braindrain]

Arrrgh!!! You remember that procedure I had to fix the pain in my
lower back? Well, it worked just great and the pain in my lower back
is gone...only now, it's starting in the middle of my back!!! I don't
don't know if it's the same problem or not, but it wouldn't surprise
me.

I can't seem to win with my health lately!

I hope the rest of you are having a better day.

[Mark N]

Gina, sorry to hear that you get rid of one pain source and now another one crops up. I hope you health issues get better soon.

Today isn't as nice as it was forecasted to be but better than the cold weather that is coming in. I am off to the drugstore but first I have to get the pup as he likes to ride with me.

[Kathi49]

Mark,

It IS a beautiful day! I got out out, walked the pups and just did a few things in the yard. I still can't do too much lifting but I did manage to get over to Kohl's LOL! My sister has been on me for not being "hip" and wearing loose jeans LOL! So, now that I have lost a few lbs., I bought some tighter jeans and some cute clogs. Now, maybe, she will get off my back LOL! It was fun though...just to do something for myself for once...one of those pick me up deals. :) Well, anyway, she forgets that I almost 50...hello...no longer 18!

Now, if I can only get those neck spasms to stop. Boy, this hurts and makes me a little dizzy (and yes, Jolene, I was able to drive!). I called my doctor and they said there isn't much I can do...just to treat as I am doing and that it can take up to 18 months...I believe it. But they did say that my PM might be able to give me a trigger point injection. I am wary of that because it is an anti-inflammatory. But, then again, they told me the other day I could start the oral ones. But I am not going to until I see how or if I am fusing in January.

A cold front coming in? When? I have not been watching TV. I thought I heard on the radio that they said Halloween would be nice. Well, you know Indiana, you never know from one minute to the next what it is REALLY going to be doing. :)

I am glad to hear that you got out and managed to get some work done around your house. That's great!

[Mark N]

Kathi, it is easy to see what your spinal problem is, I can't believe your high priced doctors haven't seen it. You have got to get that sister off your back or you will never be without spinal problems lol. I was able to take the pup out for a walk of a couple of blocks when we got back from our ride. He has really improved with his walk [he doesn't run the show any more]. The weather channel says another Canadian front is coming through starting tonight.

I hope everyone has a good evening tonight. Our town has a witches walk downtown where children visit the tables outside the stores and get their candy. It is safer for the kids and cuts down on our Halloween traffic tomorrow night.

[Tbackpain1]

Hey Gang!

Gina, I'm sorry to hear you're dealing with a new pain. Isn't it such a bummer...you get one of those monsters under control and another one pops up in its place to get at you?? Have you ever seen those Imitrex commercials with the lil' cartoon monster? I swear I can see him sometimes, behind me with a hot poker, just giggling with delight to make me want to keel over. Take care of youself, and make sure your doing the old RICE routine. How's things at home? Hope all is as well as can be....maybe we can arrange for one-way tickets for your parents to go somewhere far away?? ;) Wouldn't that be a nice X-mas present.

Mark, what kind of lead/collar do you use? Dylan was so head-strong that even an "easy leader" (over the nose type) was no good. I tried using a harness, a martingale type collar, a choke collar, and finally a prong collar, though I prefer not to use them. I've been handling dogs since I was a kid, and had always been used to dogs that would straighten up and fly right when a regular choke collar was used. Dylan just has so much strength behind him, and I'm afraid of getting yanked around and hurt, that I didn't have a choice. I do have the rubber covers over the prongs, so it's more like a pinch collar...and one little reminder as we're approaching the curb is all it takes and then he snaps into his normal stride and we're off for a pleasant walk.

I'm trying to work on his "greeting" manners with other dogs...he doesn't know when to back off sometimes, and he's gotten nipped at because he's come off too aggressive. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and he's got no fear, so I'm not worried about him, it's the other dogs, you know what I mean? He's gotten the whole sit/stay/back up/lay down/roll over thing down, but the "go say hi" still needs work. There's a local dog park near here that has an agility course set up...boy does he love that! When he's got energy to burn and I'm just not up to walking a couple of miles, I take him over there and let him run to his heart's content. He absolutely loves the whole course, even the see-saw, which usually gives some dogs pause. We're still working on learning the weave poles, but I love watching him soar over the hurdles and run through the chute and see his head popping out the other end, with his ears forward and a big grin on his face. Its too physically demanding for me to get him into competition state (no to mention I can't do the course), but it's a very fun past-time for the both of us...and he loves getting his Kong stuffed with treats at the end. If you're interested, I can send you some of the stuff I have from my dog-trainer.

Kathi, I'm glad to hear you got to have some "me" time today. Isn't retail therapy wonderful?? Check your PM box...you've got mail :)

I'm heading out of town to visit my nieces and nephew for a few days. I'm going to try and check in here and see how everyone's doing. I miss the kids so much...I've really been looking forward to this trip. Hopefully, going Trick-or Treating with them won't be too much. They live in a small neighborhood, so it isn't too long...and I can't wait to see all of the kids dressed up at the school parade. Hopefully I'll get some good pics to share. Hope you all have a great week this week. See you when I get back.

Much Love,

Theresa

[Mark N]

Theresa, I use a halter on him and he is a joy to walk. We take pleasant strolls where he can stop occasionally and has learned to respond when I put the brake on his retractable lead. Now he maintains the distance I want and has a good time on the walk. My sone uses a collar and short lead because he wants him to walk just behind his left side. Trooper does fine with either situation but before he learned to walk the right way, he was a horse for my son to deal with. I wasn't going to mess with his walks until hel learned to follow our lead. It sounds like your dog has a great time. We don't have any dog parks so he has the house, side yard, and our walks to keep him interested. Thank goodness Goldens are so laid back.

Have fun on your visit.

[Jolene]

Well, time to kick back and enjoy a nice premium cigar. Gene, I stole your pretzels. The bartender tried to stick me with the rancid ones but I got her straightened out. Isn't that right Gina? :p :D

Nothing too exciting. Was 9 deg F when I woke up this morning. It sure is nice having a truck that starts and turns the heat on when it gets cold. I was used to having the truck running all night so this saves fuel supposedly. I personaly don't think so but then it's not my bill so they can spen their money as they wish. Hopefully I'll get out of here before snow hits Wed night, Thurs morning.

Hope everyone is behaving themselves and not in too much pain.

[Mark N]

Jolene, it sounds like you have a nice truck to drive, just keep it between the white lines. I hope you don't mind if I take one of your cigars and sit here with you to see who can tell the best tall tale.

The pup and I went out for a couple of short trips today but no walk as it was raining and getting cold - just his kind of weather but its not for me. At least he had fun riding in the back of the SUV.

I will turn in early tonight if I am lucky. I haven't slept much since yesterday other than some cat naps here and there. I hope the meds put me out soon so I can go to sleep and stay asleep without the spasms waking me up.

[Jolene]

Sure Mark, enjoy. I'm having one by Drew Estates called Acid. They have several different Acid flavors. This one is Kuba Kuba. Not for everyone for sure.


Hope you get some sleep. I haven't been sleeping well myself but it's due more to dealing with dip wad fleet manager than anything else. So I just take a nap if I need to and then hit the road again. Hopefully I will get a long run tomorow. Time for a 2000 plus mile load.

[Mark N]

My nap didn't last to long but there is still time to get some more sleep tonight. 2000 m :eek: Jolene, you are ready for the big time. I hope you get the ride you are wanting. I would say that the scenery on a 2000 m run would be pretty nice, just don't get caught in a snowstorm.

Off to sleep some more perchance if I can get these damn spasms calmed down. Time for some more soma and let the meds take effect. Hope everyone is having sweet dreams tonight.

[southernlady]

Can't sleep cause I can't get comfortable...my BACK feels like it's been broke in two right now! Liz

[Jolene]

Liz, I could always walk on your back... Then it wouldn't "feel broken" it would be. At least that would be a new experience... :D

[southernlady]

Then it wouldn't "feel broken" it would be. At least that would be a new experience

BRAT! LOL.

You're right, it would be. Liz

[Mark N]

I guess i am not alone being up right now. I could use my hot tub [we had to leave it behind when we moved] right now. Southern lady sorry to hear your back is hurting like mine is hurting me - no Jolene I don't need it broken:D .

[Jolene]

No Mark, you aren't alone. Parties alone are kind of blah anyway. Unless the person is a friend of Shirley McClain... :D

[Mark N]

I am off to try and sleep again. Once again dear ladies be careful and have some fun without me.

[Jolene]

Good night Mark. Pleasant dreams. Or at least painfree ones.

[secretbard]

Hey Jolene, you can walk on my back... Right now, I have this crunchy sound in my lower back when I breathe in deeply. I could make music tonight with this back and neck. Dirty Dancing anyone? Oh Mel, I know you are in the mood for that, just let me cut in... Don't worry Guido, I won't do your job by stepping on toes and feet.

Mark, I hope tonight is finding you a bit more rested. I have my bouts of insomnia and pain, but eventually my body gives in.

Hey Guido, stop drooling all over Mel... It isn't very becoming of you. What's that? Gina is your next victim? HaHa... :p

[Mark N]

Hi, I had the best rest I have had for quite a while but the muscle spasms still haven't abated. I have made some good fudge [the Eagle brand decadent fudge kit], it is very easy and taste great. If nothing else tonight, I can get fatter eating fudge all night or maybe I will actual sleep agan tonight.

I hope everyone is having a good night and SB it is good to have you come around again.

[secretbard]

Thanks Mark... I will have some of that fudge if you please... Guido has a brown go-tee, but I do believe that he has been eating dirt again.

It sounds like you have a nice night ahead of you Mark. Enjoy it and sleep well. That goes for all of you insomniacs out there... :p

[Mark N]

SB, I wouldn't be doing too bad tonight if it weren't for watching the political fight going on right now. I will be glad when the baby boomers who grew up being told they were the brightest and the best retire and turn their attention to golf and tennis. That is as far as I will go on politics tonight. I sent a couple of pieces of fudge your way but I am afraid guido's mustache isn't brown from eating the dirt so you may not received the fudge.

[Jolene]

Hey SB! Welcome back. :D

[secretbard]

Hey Jolene... I have been trying for the longest time to rid my back of this Guido sack... LOL. Well, maybe I will finally turn in... Three hours of sleep are better than nothing I suppose.

Hey Mark... Fellow insomniac... I hope you get some sleep as well. Keep Guido from hidding underneath your bed covers and you might sleep more soundly tonight. Oh well, time for another pill and some calming nature sounds... and no Jolene... I am not talking about the nature sounds that come from flushing your toilet. Good night all.

[Jolene]

Very funny SB. :p :) Good night. Sleep well. Time for me to do the same. Many miles to go by Sun. morning.

MArk- Remember I said I hoped for a 2000 mile run?.... Well I got a 2600 mile run! Yabba Dabba Doooooooo.

[Mark N]

Jolene, glad you got the kind of run you wanted. Be safe and stay out of trouble as you travel down the road.

SB, I was finally able to sleep from 7:30am to 11:55am. All I was able to do before then was cat nap. I hope everyone is having a good day and keeping your pain levels down.

[secretbard]

Jolene, it is good to see you on the road again. It looks like you have found your drive again... No pun intended... ;) Well, I hope you are enjoying the sight-seeing as well.

Mark, I am glad you got more sleep yesterday. It seems that sleep is something we only covet when we can no longer do it peacefully. I will try to engage in some restful sleep later on after the Vicodin kicks in. My wife took me for a drive today and my back is all criked up. See you later guys... Just remember that when the clock strikes 12, you aren't going to turn into a pumpkin... because Halloween is over. :rolleyes: Instead of a pumpkin, I will be turning into a nut... :p

[Jolene]

Heck, who has time to sight see? :D I am glad to be back to work. So far I've had very litle trouble. I hope it continues. While I'm not paranoid I can't help but wonder if there's a surprise ahead.