Hogwarts Express Members' News: Good, Bad, and Other...

Bad News: The last thread was getting a bit long.
Good News: I've started a new thread.

So how's everyone doing today? Post your Good and Bad News here!

GN: I had a lovely picnic lunch today: golden delicious apple, pita chips, and Babybel cheese. My university was build on the grounds of a local estate back in the '50s, and when the matriarch passed, the estate - house, gardens & grounds, farm buildings - became part of the extended campus, with a beautiful wooded trail connecting the two. I walked over for 15 minutes, ate and read for 30 minutes, then walked back. Perfect way to spend a lunch hour!
BN: I now have no motivation to do any work...I just want to go back into the sunshine!!

GN: Day off, and I had a long-awaited book to read . . . so I took the morning and early afternoon, and just read. Lovely! (The book was The Mark of the Golden Dragon, most recent entry in the Bloody Jack series, if anyone was wondering.)

BN: Now I supposed I should get some errands and cleaning and stuff done.

#2 grmwk:
I saw it! Your picnic looked wonderful. :)

GN: I can read in my room again! My older lamp passed away last week (checked the light bulbs and everything), leaving just the lamp I don't ordinarily use because it's lighting is poor. It's right by where my cat Tumble loves to spend time so fingers are crossed she won't get any ideas.

My condolences to your lamp, K. I hope it didn't suffer much. I think one of our smoke alarms is on its way out. It keeps having convulsions.

You may want to move the new lamp. ;o)

Bad news: My dad is in the hospital with pneumonia.
Good news: they expect him to be fine

I'm glad your dad's okay, Polly, and I hope he gets out soon. I know that being in the hospital can be intolerably boring.

Good news for me: I have driving lessons! :D Let's all hope that I do not crash the car when it comes time to actually drive.

GN: first NBTPS group meeting is done.
BN: only 5 months to get everything done!

BN: double ear infection = not fun

take your medicine Kirby, It will clear up fast if you do

GN: Baby Lefty is asleep before 10pm! (She can be such a night owl! Not complaining though -- she is rarely up before 8am.)
BN: I'm so tired too, I don't think I'm going to do anything fun. Just go to bed early myself!

I did take some otc medicine and took a nap. I'm feeling some better.

So a funny news:
Mom & Dad were cleaning out their storage buildings when Finnegan decided to come visit them. After dad holding on to him for about 5 minutes he got to thinking about Kirby. Finnegan was out on his own, that meant Kirby was probably too. Both dogs are inside dogs and are always on the leash. After looking for about 5 minutes (driving around the neighborhood) dad saw Kirby's white tail go over a hill and was able to get him pretty quickly. Kirby got a nice bath when he got home, and Finnegan got a scolding for opening the door. Note to mom & dad: Finnegan can open the front door. Keep it locked or shut the door gate in the kitchen so he can't get out. I'm very glad they found Kirby safe and sound, and glad that Finnegan came straight to dad. He just wanted to know what they were doing.

GN: Off to bed.

that reminds me of the time both of our dogs got out, a german Shepherd and a miniature poodle. We had every one looking for them even the pound. A couple days later the pound called us and said somebody reported the dogs in their neighborhood. I said oh good did they say which one? She replied that they were both there. We had to jump in the car and drive to this neighborhood calling and calling, finally we heard an answering bark and our german shepard came barreling toward us with our poodle limping behind. They jumped into the car Teeka, the shepard simply laid down to rest but Joey the poodle sat with his front paws on the seat back whimpering and yipping until I took him in my lap, even then he kept a steady stream of telling us about their horrible experience, how hungry he was and that he'd never leave home again. People flagged us down and told us how they had tried to take them in and how Teeka growled and protected Joey, how they stayed together.

today in church, the pastor had a demostration with the kids of the church. She gave them all a paper bag then asked them to look inside and see what they had. Seven of the kids had candy. two had nothing. This was to show that one in seven kids have little or no food daily. Anyway Cole got a bag with candy, Missie did not Cole immeadiately gave her one of his. The Pastor noticed and asked him why he did that and he replied that she didn't have any! The Congregation statred clapping and applauding him. He was embarressed but proud, and the pastor said Cole demonstrated exactly what she was trying to say, that we should help those in need without prompting or regret, that when we know of a need we should do our best to help! I was so proud I almost cried! This is not what I would have expected out of Cole.

#13: *floaty hearts of happiness* Awww! So cute! Way to go Cole!

I'm starting to think I need a category other than good or bad news--maybe it's surreal news?

I'm watching an alcoholic friend self-destruct . . . except that she seems to have a small army of men dedicated to helping and protecting her no matter how she uses them. I am frankly confused by this.

I have found that you can't help an alcoholic. They have to help themselves. I don't know why the men are around her but they are enablers. Its a sad situation that you should try to distance yourself from ejj. I speak from experience

Thanks, Polly. I already know I can't affect her behavior at all, and in fact I think her problems go much deeper--that the alcoholism is a symptom, not the main problem. My main goal at this point is to try to help her husband, either by relieving him of some of the burden of babysitting her or by feeding him when she finally gets back into rehab (well, now, too, because she's not capable of doing anything as complicated as cooking a meal). Made delicious chicken soup yesterday!

GN: Have met a guy I really, really like.
BN: Naturally, he has a girlfriend. When don't they?

Sophie says she doesn't understand humans and their obsessive need to clean everything. Just when she gets a nice even coat of dog hair over everything in the house, the human comes along and vacuums it all up!

GN: I'm on a bit of a cleaning spree this evening. This is good because I enjoy a clean house, and because if I get it done tonight, I can just kick back and relax for the rest of the weekend!

Poor Sophie. She throws herself into her work, adding that personal touch to the house, you just suck away her artistic efforts. I think you owe her a chew toy. Or a sock. Same difference. :o)

Good News: New York Comic Con! It's going to be insane! It's sold out. Fingers crossed that we will be able to get autographs from Rose McGowan and James Marsters.

ejj, hugs!!

GN: I have had a lot of work!
BN: I have had to spend it fixing my car's brakes and getting the oil changed....
GN: I think I did great on my accounting test yesterday
BN: I know that I did poorly in my statistics test today
JN: I know better and I'll study more for the next tests
GN: It's official! We bought the tickets today and I'll be in Miami from January 25th till February 25th! Woohoo! I am really excited!!

#5 jp:
I will, just as soon as the spider where I was originally going to put the lamp decides to move out. See, I'm being good! I didn't kill him. ;)

#6 polly:
I hope your father gets better soon.

#8, #11 kirby:
I'm sorry! I know that hurts something awful. Also, glad Kirby was found! This reminds me of when one of my sister's cats ratted out his brother, who had fallen off the balcony.

#20 Ron:
Better luck on statistics next time. Congrats on your accounting test and the tickets.

GN: I met James Dashner on his tour for The Death Cure tonight! He was very nice and had a lot of interesting things to say. He even hugged one of my friends, which was amusing. When signing my book, it touched me that he seemed to really care about my answers to his questions regarding his work. Also, Dashner is a definite Snape fan!

Ron, have marked my calendar in hopes of being in Florida to meet you sometime that month!

gn dads fine

bn
I'm not. Got a toothache from h&ll

gn I have a dentist appt today! Will likely be on antibiotics and pain meds for a week or so until he/she will pull it!

#21: Thanks K! I'm glad you got to meet James Dashner and that he is such a nice guy!

#22: Fingers crossed ejj! Hopefully we'll be able to meet in RL!!

#23: Hope you get better from your toothache polly!

Okay! Tooth is gone! The Dr said it was too far gone and already a big ball of infection. So she pulled it and packed it and I've got "andy biotics" and I already feel better

Good news: We saw James Marster, Rose McGowan, and several other stars from various scifi shows we enjoy.

Bad news: Could not afford any autographs. Most were around $40, and after comic con tickets and parking fees, we couldn't really do any.

Good news: We did see Mark Hamill at a talk about his latest project, New Gen. And we got photos of Adam West's original Batmobile and the Back to the Future DeLorean.

>26 jugglingpaynes: Your cool geek quotient is off the charts.

27: I have always been a cool geek. :o) I even wore my Wonder Woman t-shirt!

GN: Although I generally try not to on Sundays, I did five loads of laundry and cleaned the bathroom. I had to clean on Sunday this weekend because we had a full day of fun on Saturday!

BN: After cleaning our shower, I discovered that we have a moth (drain) fly infestation, but in the larval stage (i.e., tiny worm-like things). Except they aren't in the drain, but in the grout along the edge of the shower, which I have now discovered needs to be re-grouted in a few spots. Unfortunately, I discovered this too late to do anything about it tonight other than hit the suckers with bleach to keep them at bay until I get can get some bio foam cleaner tomorrow. Then I need to get someone here to re-grout the shower. UGH.

#24 Ron:
Thanks! It was awesome.

#25 polly:
I'm glad you're feeling better, though sorry about the tooth.

#29 grmwk:
Good luck.

GN/BN: I got to see one of my good friends this weekend that I hadn't seen since July. Unfortunately, it can't be said that she's doing well. : /

G(?)N: Apparently our geographic area is having a large drain fly problem this fall, so it isn't just us (some comfort there). It also seems like I should be able to take care of the problem myself, using bleach, drain cleaners, and boiling water. I've also arranged for someone to come tonight to give us a quote on re-grouting the shower.

GN: My husband is enjoying his new job loads more than he did his hold job.

GN: Met Alton Brown at a Q&A and book signing a couple weeks ago, and I'm still enjoying Good Eats 3.

GN: A friend of mine is getting married next week.

BN: Some may remember from my post in The Green Dragon, a friend of mine passed away on Sunday. He was in a nasty car accident.

#32: Lucky! I would love to meet Alton Brown!

GN: I had two great mentoring meetings today! The first was this morning with the woman at work whom I'm mentoring. The second was this afternoon with the man who's been a mentor to me. Both relationships have gone beyond investment in professional pursuits to investment and concern about all areas of life, and I am richly blessed by both.

BN: I spread-eagle fell while walking down the sidewalk in downtown this afternoon. I scraped my palms, bruised my leg, and re-injured my foot, which I first hurt in New Orleans in June. Fortunately, though, I didn't break anything or tear my clothes (scuffed my shoes, sadly), and the biggest injury was to my pride!!

Oh no! And yet you still found the time to help a friend through copyright procedure. And thank you. :o) Feel better soon!

Good news: I have taken the first step toward publishing my comics in a collection.

#32 Rozax:
I'm sorry about your friend.

#34 grkmwk:
I'm glad you're not hurt. I did something embarrasing today, too. You win, though. I'm sorry.

G/B News: We keep having small earthquakes today (a 3.8 and a 4.0). I hate it 'cause my mother's at work on a fault line closer to where it's centered. It's freaking her out. She's okay otherwise, though.

GN: The basement is clear of unneeded stuff! Thanks to some boy scouts who hauled a lot up to our dumpster and then swept and cleared the floor. This is a huge burden off my shoulders. Now, on to the attic! Once the house is ready to show I think I will sleep better. I wake up in the middle of the night and think of all the stuff I still need to do.

GN: I'm typing this on my new laptop which meets (and in some cases exceeds) all of the requirements and wishes I went shopping with! I love playing with new toys!
BN: It took me way too long to find this thread!

Good for you Bib! I love new toys too *casts a longing glance at Bibs new laptop*

Figured I should pull this up since the other news thread is a bit unwieldy at 488 posts!

Bad news: Headache. Ouch. I hope the meds kick in soon, since my day is about to get busy. :oP

#40 -- Good idea! I posted a link there, as well.

GN: Done with work for the day!
BN: Sink full of dirty dishes.

BN: Went to the Burleigh china factory shop yesterday to buy Xmas presents (only good thing about living in Stoke-on-Trent) and had to wait an hour outside in the cold because bloody Prince Charles was in there stocking up!

GN: He apologised for holding us up, I do think good manners are essential in a future King : )

charles will never be king, i don't think. his mother should step aside and let him do what he's been born to do

spoken by a yank

I don't think he would be too happy if she did. It's easy to imagine all the top royals lusting after the throne but the reality of being the King/Queen of Britain these days is not exactly like it used to be, sitting around doing nothing and getting gout, it's an endless round of duties and appearances with very little time to actually live your life. I think the Queen will sort of retire at some point when she can no longer physically keep up and hand a lot of the duties over to Charles but I doubt he is much looking foreward to it.
There's been lots of talk (mainly from America I'm afraid) about Charles stepping aside and letting William become King but although the idea of a young attractive couple being King and Queen apeals to us looking on I don't think he would want to rob them of the time they have got to live a semi-autonomous life whilst he is alive. William would have to give up his sea rescue job for a start. I'm sorry if I'm shattering any fairy tale illusions saying this :P

well i never thought of it in those terms! thanks K

I need to cancel my Anytime Fitness membership, and I'm afraid they're going to rip me off.

It went through with no problems :)

GN: Made chocolate chip cookies today using Lefty's recipe. Yum!

BN: I have way too many sweets around the house, and have eaten too much junk food today. I will have to take some of it in to work on Monday and give it away, I think.

GN: I have plans to make a lovely pot of chili tomorrow -- perfect weather for it! And I put lots of veggies in my chili, so that should make up for all of the junk food today, right? ;-)

Of course foggi!

BN: Took my car in for an oil change today, and they found a thousand dollars' worth of work that needs to be done. I'm not even sure if my poor old car is worth a thousand dollars, frankly. (I'm also not sure how much they're scamming me, so don't worry, I'll talk it over with a car-savvy relative before I get any repairs done.) The place I took it to seems pricey, anyway -- I had a coupon, which made it worth getting the oil change done there, but I wouldn't normally take it there. But I can't afford much in the way of repairs, and certainly can't afford a new car at this point. I'm feeling a little frantic about the whole thing, frankly.

Hugs and Prayers to those who need them.
Congratulations to those who need it.
Good Luck to those who need it.

Sorry guys! So Busy!

BN: I've been swamped with college work.
GN: The semester ends in the first week of December.
BN: I haven't been able to write on my novel(s) at all.
GN: I'm going to attempt to write my novel during the month of November for Nanowrimo. Wish me luck. (I think I might be able to do it since the daily word count requirement for the challenge is only 1,667 words)

You'll feel better after youget an opinion from someone you trust foggi, calm down.

#52 -- You sound like my mother. ;-)

ETA: Speaking of which . . .
Good news: my parents are flying back to the USA -- they get in later tonight. (For those who don't know, my parents live overseas, so I get to see them about once a year or so. They are flying in for my brother Espy's wedding, which is less than two weeks away.)

Sounds like a classic bait and switch foggi. I think you are smart to have it checked by a car savvy relative first. Either that, or get references to a dependable garage from friends in the area.

Yep, after talking to my uncle, I am feeling much better about the whole thing. He's going to be at the wedding, and says he can take a quick look then -- and he thinks it should be fine for me to drive it there. There are a couple of things that I can do to test and see if the problems the mechanic mentioned are as serious as the mechanic made them sound, too, which should help ease my mind even more.

Good news, I think: I'm talking on the phone every day with a guy I met on PlentyofFish.com. It's very nice to have someone calling me and showing interest . . . but we haven't met face to face yet. That will be a big deal!

GN: Made a nice dinner for my new "son" for his birthday. I think he enjoyed it Also the socks I gave him (he really needed socks).

#50/53 foggi:
I'm so sorry about your car, but glad you get to see your parents again.

#51 Theamwriter:
I'm participating, too. Good luck!

#56 ejj:
I would call it good news. I hope everything goes well!

GN: Our first trick-or-treater last night was the daughter of one of my childhood friends. I'd never met his wife and kids, so I was glad to at last.

Supposed GN: My father says he, my step-mom, and half-brother are coming to visit in December. I don't know if I can believe that, but I hope it's true. We haven't seen each other in about seven years.

#48 Foggi, I made chocolate chip cookies using my recipe just the other day! It had been a while so, you know, we needed them. :)

#58 -- I added some Reeses Pieces to the ones I made. Mmm . . .

BN: the "for sale" sign" went up yesterday. This morning, while I was waiting for the recycling truck to finish, and I looked at the sign, I started crying. Didn't think it would hit this soon.
GN: The house looks great!

I'm sorry, Kasongo. :( I hope everything works out for you, though.

GN: I took the day off for a couple of doctor appointments.
GN: I got lots done!
BN: My day off is almost over, and I need to go into school tomorrow to plan for next week.
GN: Hopefully I will get everything done and have Sunday to take it easy!

BN: I'm coming down with a cold, and I leave Monday for DC for a conference.
GN: We've had a fun weekend so far, spending time with my in-laws, and today going to a glass fusing class!

Busy, busy, busy. That's what I've been lately, so I have been AFK for a while. Silently checking in on you guys and reading the news.

So just plain news: Decided to go to bed at a decent time last night and was awoken by my bed shaking. It happened for a few seconds and then stopped. Then about a minute later it happened again, but much worse and for about 2 minutes. Ran out in the hall to see everyone opening doors saying "Did you feel that?" The china in the cabinet continued to rattle for another 5 minutes. Earthquake. Not bad. We think it was actually aftershocks from an earthquake that happened in Oklahoma City earlier yesterday (we're about 3.5 hours away). First time I've experienced any.

BN: Yesterday, I fell off of a ladder at work and dislocated my elbow. My arm's in a splint, cast and sling. I'm dealing with the pain, although it's uncomfortable because I injured my left arm and I'm a lefty.

65> Ouch! Healing thoughts speeding to you!

Kirby I think I fear an earthquake more then any other natural disaster. I commend your courage

Unless it's a major one, earthquakes aren't that bad--they happen relatively quickly and half the time you're wondering what it is and only figure it out when it's over. Now, floods, tornadoes, tsunamis, forest fires, blizzards, hurricanes . . . yeah, there's a lot of scary stuff out there waiting to get ya'.

#64: Glad it was nothing big, kirby!

#65: So sorry about your elbow, wingert. Hope you'll feel better soon!

GN/BN: I studied a lot today.
BN: I really hate one of my teachers at college, she's rude, irresponsible and she doesn't explain anything at all.
GN: I finished everything I had to do for college this weekend.
GN: Lots of work, so that means money coming my way!
GN: I am going to buy a Kindle touch! And hopefully some friends who will be in the states in early December will be able to bring it to me.

Ouchie, wingert, I'm so sorry. I hope it heals quickly.

Good News: I had an extra hour of sleep this morning!
Bad News: It's now tomorrow here, so I've wasted my hour staying up late. Whoops!

#60 Kasongo:
I'm sorry. I hope your new home will give you many wonderful new memories.

$#64 kirby:
I'm glad it was a minor one and that your first earthquake wasn't serious. I think they can get a worse reputation than how most of them really are.

#65 wingert:
Scary! I hope your arm heals quickly. Are you ambidextrous at all?

#67 ejj:
I completely agree. It's some of those other things that would scare me.

#68 Ron:
I hope your friends will be able to bring it to you. Sorry about your teacher.

GN: My youngest sister's going to be in "Grease" for the next two weeks! She's been rehearsing for a while now.

GN: I started the thread and sent out invites for this year's gift exchange last week.
BN: Half the invitees have yet to respond.
GN: We have some new people signed up.
BN: (For some of you) I will start bugging people to sign up soon. If you can't find the email but have participated before, at least send me a PM saying yes or no so I can accept for you and make sure I have the right email address so you'll get your draw.

#71 -- I'll pester Espy . . . but this is a busy week for him, because:

GN: Espy and birky22 are getting married this weekend! Apart from the general wedding excitement, I'm also excited about seeing a lot of my extended family. And my parents are coming to visit me the following week!

#64 - It's better to have earthquakes than to not have them. Here in California we haven't had that many, which is not good. I am fully expecting a big one, but the quake is not what I'm worried about. Tsunamis are what we'll have to worry about.

We've felt 3 more since then. They've had over 25 in the Oklahoma City area in the last 2 weeks. Only 3 major ones. Dad is there now and called last night. He asked if we felt that, and right about then we started to feel it. Since he's much closer to the epicenter, he heard a pop and had major movement. We just have slight movement and the china shakes. Last nights' was very minor.
Then later last night there were several tornadoes in our area. Those warnings and watches ended about 3 this afternoon. Now we're worried about flooding.

Congrats to Espy and birky!

Thanks for the get well wishes. Kerian (70)- yes, I'm ambidextrous.

Wow, I have missed so much. But I'm supposed to, otherwise I would not be fulfilling my role as a Bad HE-er.

Love and hugs to all, whether in congratulaiotn or comiseration.

GNBNGNBNGNBNGNBNGN: Work has been awful-ok again-awful-ok again-awful-ok agin...etc (we're on "ok again" at the moment)
BN: A friend of mine is suffering badly with his depressiona nd alcoholism again.
GN: He's making all the right steps to help himself. I'm very proud of him for that.
GN: The ratties are still gorgeous and well and lovely. Not a day goes by when I'm not entertained by something they do.
JN: I'm trying online dating again. We shall see how it goes.
GN: I've been selected to contribute to the Christmas Day episode of Desert Island Discs on Radio 4. This is VERY EXCITING, as I have been listening to the programme for years. If I'm not famous enough (ie at all) to have my own complete episode, I at least get to feature in one!

I think that's about it.

GN: moving in a week and a half
BN: not ready to move, not packed, need to go through stuff, need to do some cleaning.

BN: My exciting online dating romance has been with a scammer. I asked some pointed questions, like why I couldn't find anything on him on the Internet (seriously, google anyone you know--something always comes up), and he got mad. Then asked me for money.

GN? Might as well try to get blood from a stone as money from me. Ha.

I'm more pissed that I wasted the time than heartbroken or anything. Sheesh. But it's going to be hard to find the energy to try again--except that I really do want to find *true love* or something like that.

I'm so sorry ejj, but at least you found out now then later. (Let's go open a can of whupass on him)

#72 foggi:
Please tell espy and birky22 congratulations from us!

#76 wingert:
That's good, at least. I'm a little bit, too. I hope it heals quickly!

#77 LadyN:
Congrats! :)

#78 rissa:
Are you moving far? Good luck with everything.

#79 ejj:
I'm so sorry. I've had guy trouble lately, too.

BN/GN: My grandfather was doing awful earlier this week, but he's slowly getting better. He injured his back and was having a lot of back spasms that kept almost sending him to the floor when he wasn't sitting or lying down. (He's stubborn, so that was often.)

k, just moving across town. we're in need of a bigger place. the two bedroom apartment was the perfect size when there was just three of us, but with five it's a bit crowded.

GN: I'm home after a four day trip to DC this week for an international conference (started in Berlin, previously held across Europe and last year in China, first time in US). It was an incredible experience: I learned a lot, heard amazing speakers, and connected with great people.
BN: I have had a cold all week. Cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, and now red, watery eyes. Fortunately I'm home now and can rest a bit, but (GN) we're supposed to go to the Renaissance Fair tomorrow, so I need to feel better fast!

Thanks, all. Heart barely bruised but definitely unbroken.

Sorry, K, that you've had guy trouble, too. I hear there are some nice ones.

Rissa, I'd say you needed a bigger place for sure! Enjoy the new place.

Molly, sorry about the cold but a little envious about the Ren Faire--haven't been to one in a few years and would really enjoy that kind of outing about now. Hope you're feeling better for it and have a great time!

#82 riss:
Makes sense. I'm glad you guys won't have to haul things far.

#83 grkmwk:
Not everyone says it works, but I recommend Airborne. I hope you're feeling better in time!

#84 ejj:
Thanks. The same for you!

BN: Someone's cologne gave me an asthma attack on a bus today. I hate when it happens there! No escape, and when there is, I'm off at the wrong stop.
GN: I was only two minutes late to work from this.

#57 Kerian: Good Luck to you as well. Look me up, I'm the same username as here (Theamwriter)

Bad News: Revisions. I just spent three hours rescanning and re-editing some of my earliest comics so that they are higher resolution. Kill me. Kill me now.

BN: it snowed :(

gn> it didnt snow here
gn> my new apartment is coming together!

GN: The cast comes off Monday morning!

Good News: I've completed Driver's Ed and training! Woo-hoo!!!!!!! Now I only have to get my permit - look out world! Eris is coming to a street near you!!

Bad News: Still have to work on freeway driving, staying in my own lane, checking over my shoulder, stopping more slowly at intersections, and merging into other lanes more slowly. Other than that, I'm perfect.

GN: Lego Harry Potter Years 5-7 came out yesterday.
GN: I pre-ordered it and have therefore finished through year 6 already.
BN: Mandy also pre-ordered it, but her's didn't arrive in time.
BN: It would be even more fun if Mandy and I could be texting back and forth to see where the other is and share tips, hints and frustrations.

:( I don't have Lego Harry Potter 5-7 yet. waiting until after moving to get it. Mr. Gameaholic got his Skyrim though, so he's playing and I'm packing. how unfair is that.

GN: We had an amazing time at the Renaissance Festival today!! The weather was perfect, and Rex was great: he happily stayed in his stroller, and loved looking at all the people, buildings, musicians, jugglers, shows, etc. And my cold is better, though not completely gone.
GN: I have tomorrow to recover from this past week before I head back to normal life next week. :)

GN: I am back online after a whirlwind weekend away. Espy's wedding was lovely, and I also got to visit with some friends on the way back home. Sophie stayed in a boarding kennel while I was away, so she is very happy to have me back.
More GN: Mom and Dad are coming to visit for a few days, starting tomorrow!
BN: I need to do some cleaning and stuff before they get here, and instead I am being distracted by the internet.

Yay! Happy wedding day Espy and Birky!

Best wishes to Espy and Birky for a long and happy life together!

GN: Reported my online dating scammer to the website and posted the story on a Yahoo group so others may beware. Learned that you can google images, so found that a couple of his pictures were on the LinkedIn profile of a British fitness trainer (ah, that explains those nice muscles!).

GN: Never sent the guy a dime, so am apparently a lot luckier than many who have been victimized. Score one for being broke most of the time?

ejj, how do you Google images? Is there a way to look up the same image even if the name is different? That's something that would be useful to know.

>98 jugglingpaynes: Yes, I found out that you can google images. Go to the Google home page. Click "images" in the top left corner. The search box will have a little camera icon in the corner. Click that to upload a photo and then search for it. It will find matches, which is how I found the image of my scammer on the website of a British fitness expert. Guy probably has no idea his image has been hijacked.

Thanks ejj! I learned a new thing today!

#99 - Good tip to know, ejj, although I'm sorry for the reason you know it. :/

BN: Rex has hand-foot-mouth disease. Fortunately, his case seems to be mild, as he so far has no blisters in his mouth/throat and no fever, but regardless, he's out of school until at least Wednesday.
BN: My husband's work has been incredibly tense and stressful lately, and as a result, even though I'm way low on PTO, I'm taking off tomorrow to stay with Rex since he needs to be at work to diffuse tension among several coworkers. I really thought after the good news that came their way earlier this fall that things would improve, but no.
GN: Unless he starts a fever, Rex doesn't seem to be adversely affected by his HFM blisters (mainly just his hands), and I anticipate a fun play day tomorrow.

#86 Theamwriter:
Thanks!

#95 foggi:
Isn't the internet great at that? Just when you need it not to be. Some unwritten rule.

#101 grkmwk:
I'm sorry Rex isn't well again. I hope tomorrow may go as planned.

GN: I got to see my sister in "Grease" this weekend.

BN> I've got a cold making me miserable this morning, and the rain is POURING!
MBN> The air mattress I bought until I can afford a bed will not hold air! I paid $70 for the @#$n thing! I have to get hold of the manufacturer to get satisfaction since I bought a 1 year warranty but what am I supposed to sleep on?

#103: I hope you feel better soon. You sleeping arrangements can't be helping. I've never owned an air mattress that didn't leak air. I would rather sleep on the floor, since I usually end up there anyway. :o)

Thanks Jp. I guess I'll be curling up on the love seat

#103 polly:
I'm sorry, polly. Did it come with a patching kit?

GN: Someone can't keep secrets. I'm getting a new ipod for my birthday. :) My current one's a 1GB shuffle, I believe - not much space.

No, there's no hole, It just leaks

#107 polly:
Have you tried returning it yet, or is that why you have to contact the manufacturer?

yes I know I can return it I just havent had time or energy to do so

#109 polly:
I hope you're feeling better soon. Sorry for the rain. Tell it to go west.

I do! But it insists on hanging around! Thanks K I be fine in a day or two

I've had pretty good luck with Coleman air mattresses. I have a queen-size one right now that I am using as my spare-room "bed," and since my parents are in town right now, I've been sleeping on the air mattress for the past few nights. Every three or four nights, I have to give it a little more air, but it doesn't leak so much that I wake up with my hip bone digging into the floor, the way I do with most air mattresses.

Thanks foggi. I wanted a coleman but this one had a pump with it and I got convinced it was a better deal. When I return this one I'll get a coleman. I take it Newark survived the storm last night?

#113 -- The tornado sirens went off for a while, just as my parents were arriving, so we spent the first few minutes of their visit in the cupboard under the stairs (Harry may not have been fond of it, but it's about as secure a place as you can find above ground in case of a tornado)! We didn't actually get a tornado where I am, but the rain was coming down in buckets.

I'm at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

I bought a wand!

I'm married!

All of those things are good!

Wow, congrats Espeon on your marriage! What wand did you get?

#115: Did you get matching wands? :o)

Ended up just getting one wand. It's the Hawthorn one.

#115: Espy: Congratulations to you and birky!! Hope you had a great time at The Wizarding World!

GN: I have ordered my Kindle! Woohoo!!
BN: I won't get my hands on it just yet
BN: My niece has a cold...
GN: She has been taking some medicine and is much better now....

GN: The double vision I was getting from Graves disease (although we changed the name to Eagles disease, no matter what you do you just keep losing) is gone! It wasn't too bad, only if I looked up but it is not there now and the bulging eye is gone.

Thank goodness, Kasongo!

Good News: Our girls volleyball team is in the state semifinals!
Better News: They closed all the schools for the game!
News: I am not going down, but I plan to work on report cards for a good chunk of the day.

BN: I caught hand-foot-mouth disease from my son, who was out of school earlier this week with it. While he fortunately only had blisters on his hands (and the side of one toe), I've got them on my hands and in my mouth. I also have the cold symptoms that can come with it, which he too was spared.
GN: Although it means less time off at Christmas, I am blessed to have a job that gives me ample PTO, so I'm able to stay home and rest today.
BN: We won't be able to go to my parents' tonight to celebrate my sister's birthday. I think she'll love her actual gift, but probably wouldn't welcome the germs that would come alongside...

This is bad allover. I read an article entitled The Face of Modern Slavery and read that "at least 10 times as many girls are now trafficked into brothels annually as African slaves were transported to the New World in the peak years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade." Places you can find them? Cambodia, Vietnam, New York...

I know this isn't the sort of news typical of this thread, but how can one read this and not want to do something about it? This is part of why Massage Therapy is being regulated.

123> yes it is a horrible thing that has gone on for centuries. I wish someone would figure out a way to stop it

#123 - If you've not yet read Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, Rozax, you should. It's a difficult read, but I am better for having done so; better, and more aware.

N: Hand-foot-mouth is horrid. I'm ready to be well, dang it!

GN: Starting a new job next week with the Royal Mail

BN: I'm working nights

GN: Night shift = more money!

GN: fully moved
BN: still not very far into unpacking and we've run out of steam. and we leave for thanksgiving on Tuesday.

GN: I did another sponsored tree-planting event yesterday, and planted 111 trees. Sponsorship money is still coming in.

BN: I ache today!

GN: The gifts I ordered for my elfster have arrived. :-)

GN: I went on a good date on Friday night.

Edited to correct my tree total. I planted 111, not 11!

GN: Got Deathly Hallows, Part II on DVD!!!!!!! I will force my mom to sit through it and I will have a box of tissues ready. Can't wait to watch it! :)

BN: We won't be able to watch it today, probably. :(

BN: I can't read right now. *sobs* Stupid school.

GN: I'll be reading at the end of the day! Yay!

GN: LibraryThing's SantaThing (not to be confused with our own group's gift exchange) is up -- and I really like how they're doing it this year. I was thinking that I wouldn't be able to afford the usual $25, but $10 I think I can manage.

GN: I'm really excited for Thanksgiving! I only have to work today and tomorrow (and today is almost over, really), and then I get to go spend time with nearly all of my Mom's side of the family -- all of the aunts and uncles, and most of the cousins and their offspring, will be there this weekend! I will even get to see Espy and Birky again!

I am currently folding all the garbage I received from Capital One into it's postage-free "business reply" envelope. I plan on sending it back to them, sans application form. Does that fall under "tampering with this envelope or its contents"?

#115 Espy:
Congratulations!

#120 Kasongo:
I'm glad your eyes are doing better.

#122 grkmwk:
I'm sorry to hear it. Wishing you and your son both well!

#126 KayEluned:
Congratulations on the new job. I know a lot of people who work late. They feel just about the same as you. : /

#128 LadyN:
I love that you're planting trees. It makes me angry to see trees taken down without new trees planted. The park nearest me is doing that like crazy. :(

#130 foggi:
I'm happy you get to spend Thanksgiving with so much family, your parents included.

GN/BN: I discovered one of my newer friends is somone I've known of for years and is a friend of my family. This is bad because the connection means it's her mom who is dying. Her time is very limited.

GN: Our cat Tipinski (three years old), daughter of our stray-turned-friendly cat, sat on a person's lap for the first time today.

GN: I get to see friends tomorrow. It's a belated birthday celebration at a restaurant I've never been to.

I also got HPDH 1&2 when it came out. It was the first time for me to watch part 2.

Anne McCaffrey passed away yesterday. *heavy sigh*

#132 What a great milestone for Tipinski :)

GN: Made it through the first quarter with all A's.
GN/BN: Only 3 more weeks left in the semester!
GN: I've applied to 3 colleges and have only the UCs left.
GN: I had my last marching band competition on Saturday! It's nice but crazy to think that after 4 years it's all over.
BN: Thanksgiving is complicated this year. We have to celebrate on Saturday with my mom's side of the family and apparently we were not notified that friends (of my 17-year-old cousin) were being invited, so now we might have to feed 20 instead of the usual 12. I'm not too happy about this because holidays are always family get-togethers. And I want leftovers! If they eat all my aunt's rolls of buttery deliciousness...

135: There's something my parents never seemed to understand about me. They LOVED big get-togethers (probably still do) but I did not because these holidays were the only time we'd sit down at the table and eat together. Call me crazy, but I wanted to spend time with my family. Not my family, plus the neighbors, coworkers, subordinates, sometimes including a significant other from those last two. I've wanted to say, "I'm sorry my brother and I are too boring for you," but I'm 6 years removed from the situation, now. They wouldn't think it matters, anymore, if ever.

I didn't care about leftovers, though. My mother isn't exactly a culinary artist, while my dad is a decent cook, but for some reason, they like filling their gender roles. ~_~

Rozax - Sad to hear about Anne McCAffrey, I have never read the Pern books but keep meaning to. Maybe I should try to start them in the new year as a tribute.

Chelsea - Congrats on the As :)

BN: I finished reading The Mists of Avalon the day before Thanksgiving, but have yet to start another novel...and really have no inclination to. I knew I wouldn't over the holiday weekend, as we were just so busy, and I've had a crazy week at work, but normally that's when I'd be reaching for the nearest read for some relief. Yet, the desire just isn't there. It's been a long, long time since my last slump; I really hope this isn't the beginning of a new one.

#138 -- Aw, man, I hate a reading slump! Hope yours goes away quickly.

GN: I put up my Christmas tree tonight. It's lovely, and has really helped me locate my Christmas spirit (it must have been in the box with the ornaments). I've had a hard time building up any sort of excitement about Christmas this year, but today I think I'm starting to get there.

BN: My immediate family and I have been going through some bad and upsetting stuff lately. Tomorrow's going to be a big day.
GN: Things will be better, soon.

GN: got fully moved and turned in the keys to the old place yesterday.
VBN: in the process we somehow lost the hat that Cat knit for Adara :(

GN: I am employed. :)

Congratulations Rozax! Rissa, have you unpacked everything? Sometimes things mysteriously reappear. Did you have help packing up?

#138/139: I've been in a slump for about a year and a half now. I manage to find the occasional book the yanks me out for a bit, but then I slip right back into it.

Elbow update: I had the cast removed about two weeks ago, and then the doctor put my arm in a brace and locked it at a 90 degree angle. I just had the brace unlocked, so I can move my arm. I started PT and have really, really god news: I already have 70% Range-of-Motion! My therapist is working to relax the muscle so I can have 100% ROM. If all goes well, I should be fully healed right before Christmas. Thanks for all of the thoughts and get well messages.

>138 grkmwk: I think in that situation I might reach for an old favorite to re-read: for me, that might be something from my childhood (Rose in Bloom springs to mind) or a Georgette Heyer or Agatha Christie. What I've found is that if I don't have a book going, I have a vague feeling of unease, knowing that something essential is missing from my life. At any rate, I hope the slump ends. {{{Hugs}}}

>140 Kerian: I'm sorry, K; hope it all gets better soon. {{{Hugs}}}

BN: Work has been dicey lately; one of my main clients simply stopped having work available. I have some I don't much want to do (and with no deadline! what has that client been thinking?) and there are some things on the horizon, but it's made things tough--the one that disappeared is the one that paid twice a week, not a month after the invoice goes out like most others.

GN: Possible additional tenant, another pilot. I loves me the pilot tenants!

#145 - Great news! Elbow function is of course very important at Christmas for the unrestricted shoveling of copious amounts of Xmas pud :)

GN: It was my birthday yesterday and my sister bought me a Kindle! Completely unexpected present, I have been obsessively playing with it all day. Just need to get one of those fancy leather cases that looks like a book, and a clip on light and nothing can stop me!!

143 It disappeared when we were cleaning the old place, so I'm pretty sure it's gone permanently. she was wearing it when we went to clean, and then we couldn't find it when we were leaving, might have gotten lost on the trip up the street to the grocery store she and Jessi made.

rissa: Maybe she saw you cleaning and threw it out. When Sierra was one, she threw away our TV remote because she copied me cleaning. I know this because I rescued it twice when I saw her put it in the trash before it permanently disappeared. Send your new address and when life slows down here I'll convince her to knit another. (Never ask a knitter to do a new project in December. They get very upset.)

#138: Hope you don't get into reading slump, grk!

#139: Yay! for Holiday spirit! foggi!

#140: Hope everything's fine, K! *hugs*

#141: Sorry for the hat, but glad now you are finally moved to the new place, rissa.

#142: Woohoo! Happy you have a job, Rozax!

#145: I'm happy that you're elbow is much better, wingert!

#146: I'm sorry for the lack of work, ejj, hopefully you'll find something as good as the old one or even better! and good luck with the new tenant!

#147: Happy belated birthday Kay! Feliz cumpleaños atrasado! I bought a Kindle too, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

GN: I will hopefully get my Kindle in one week and a half!
GN: I bought the four seasons of Mad Men on DVD, I love that show.
GN: I had two tests this week and I am sure I did really good on both of them
BN: I have two more tests next week...
GN: Just two more weeks till I'm on vacation!
GN: I discovered I am an honor roll student at college! Woohoo!

Good news: Things have been going really well with my fourth grade class. They are a nice group.
Scary news: Next week is Parent/Teacher conferences. I am nervous about certain ones and there is a ton of record keeping to do in the meantime.
Good news: I will hopefully have lots of time to do report cards this weekend: My house is decorated, it is going to be a rainy weekend, and the ski hill is not open yet.

My OMG Pwnies t-shirt came in, today! I ordered the small unisex because I hate the babydoll cut, and the women's classic cut is a joke (they ALWAYS eff up women's sleaves!). It also doesn't have any glitter on it. I've always hated glitter. Glittered shirts, glittered cards, glittered anything because it gets EVERYWHERE and won't. come. out.

Thank you, Bronies, for making this shirt possible!


Hey, it wasn't that large on the website! What are they playing at?

GN: My husband's representing his station at a local performance of "A Christmas Carol" this afternoon, and Rex is currently napping, so I have a quiet house all to my self!
GN: A friend loaned me a book, Ghostwalk, that's been on my TBR pile for a while, which I'm hoping will help me move past my recent (mini-)slump. Thanks for all the encouragement, y'all! Fingers crossed...

ghostwalk is awesome! Enjoy!

Thanks, polly! So far, so good...I'm optimistic!!

Not news, just a random observation: I love YouTube. I love that I can make a favorites list and just sit at my keyboard here and listen to a completely self-created playlist that ranges from such old favorites as Fleetwood Mac's "Hypnotized" and Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" to new favorites, including Florence and the Machine and Snow Patrol.

Music is an eternal delight.

#156 - My thoughts exactly, ejj! The soundtrack for Inception, The Dark Knight, and Mars Attacks! (courtesy of YouTube) is the only thing that is keeping me alive right now as I battle the sanguineous ogre, Homework. Blah.

#142 Rozax, #145 wingert, #147 KayEluned:
Congratulations!

#146 ejj:
Thank you. Sorry how work is going lately. I hope everything works out with the new tenant. *hugs*

#150 Ron:
Thanks. *hugs* Congratulations on your good news and good luck on the rest of your tests!

GN: Things are resolving themselves and looking up.
GN/BN: Apparently I'm getting a new boss, 'cause mine quit today.
GN: My youngest sister's singing all over our city this week with her advanced choir class. I'm so happy they have their teacher. Not only does she create events and make them outstanding, but the last teacher was a shy band teacher who just didn't seem to enjoy the job.

158 Thats one real good clue that you will be getting a new boss! lol

#158 Polly:
Yes, it is. ;)

158: That definitely makes all the difference! I've had one really bad instructor in my musical career, and unfortunately it was while I was attending the university, so I had to pay for it in more ways than one.

So semi BN: Mom wrecked my car today. No one was hurt, just the 2 cars. She backed into a parked car (clipped it) because of a blind spot. She was a mess this morning and had to go home. She had borrowed it to get some ice for our church lunch, and taken a couple of the girls in my Sunday School class to help her. The back end of my car will need some work, and so will the other person's car. The good thing is that everyone was very nice to her about it.

GN: We have 7 days left of school left before our break.
BN: I have too many assessments left to do over the next 5 days! They take forever to do since they are individual testing. A lot of my boys are such slow readers, and this takes a lot of time to get them done. There's only 1 of me!
S(ad)N: We (the teachers) have to go back on the 2nd, so we have less of a break this year. Then, to top it off, the 2nd and 3rd are training days. Yeah.

#162 kirby:
I'm sorry about your car, but am glad it wasn't too serious and that you're mom's okay! Good luck with the assessments.

I haven't been around much this last week, but it's been lots of good fun. . .

GN: I saw one of my friends who is a dancer performing with her class at her college.

GN: I went to this place called Christmas in the Park, where I got fake snowed on.

GN: I got to see one of closest friends who I hadn't gotten to see since October.

GN: We found a home to rent in Cedar Rapids.

#162: Sorry about your car, kirby! Really glad nobody was hurt, and hope your mom is feeling better... and good luck with the assessments.

#163: Happy that you only got good news, K!

#164: Woohoo, Kasongo!

GN: My friends arrived safe and sound yesterday night, tired but happy.
Awesome news: I got my Kindle and I LOVE it...
GN: I am officially on vacation from college!
BN: I am not done with this semester yet...
GN: I can use the holidays to get everything done in time.

GN: Plane tickets are reasonable enough that Groxx and I should be able to visit my brother (home from Iraq) in January. Just gotta check in with our sister since we'll be congregating at her place.

GN: My grandparents sent a care package from home - cheese curds!!! I brought some to work and have converted a few people to this wonderful creation. <3

Mmm, cheese curds . . . one of my college roommates was from Wisconsin, so she introduced me to that yummy treat.

GN: Today is my day off!
BN: Looks like I'll spend most of the day cleaning the house. How can it get so messy in just a few days? I know I cleaned it last Saturday!

Foggi, if it makes you feel any better, as soon as I kick myself off the computer I'm cleaning house too. My family is coming over tomorrow for an early Christmas (it's the only weekend everyone will be in town together) and the tree is still in a box! So today is cleaning and tree-put-upping. (But so far, it's just been breakfast and LT/Ravelry playing!)

Okay, so I have 6 more reading assessments to do! They're starting to go a little faster since these are my higher readers. Right now I'm grading writing assesments, and only have 6 more to go on those. That will take me another 30 minutes or so. When the boys come back, I have a little less than 2 hours to finish testing. Parents are coming at 1:00 to hear them read their fractured fairy tales. Hopefully we can keep the room from being destroyed in that time!

Then after that I have report cards to work on. I'd like to get them finished before we go for break, but I have a week when we get back to finish those off. They also take fooooorrreeeeveeeer. Well, I guess part of the reason is that there are 3 report cards for every child.

Off to grade.....

GN: Work. It's been a dry couple of months and now it's raining work!

#170 -- Glad to hear it!

GN: This morning, I vacuumed the living room and the stairs, washed the dog and clipped her toenails, put out the last few Christmas decorations, washed the first round of dishes, and started on the laundry.

BN: I stalled out in the early afternoon, and spent the rest of the day up to this point reading. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, but it didn't get my bathroom cleaned or my bedroom vacuumed. I guess I will be spending a little while this evening finishing off a few more tasks, since I really don't want to leave them for later.

GN: My husband's family is coming to our house this weekend to gather for Christmas. We won't be able to travel to them Christmas afternoon as usual because my husband is on-call the week of Christmas, so we're doing our celebration early.

GN: Because I hosted my book club's holiday potluck party this past Wednesday, am hosting family this weekend, and will be hosting another potluck party next Thursday, our house is in tip-top shape: cleaned, de-cluttered, and decorated! It's usually clean enough, but we're bad for letting clutter build up in a few areas, so it's really nice to have it at bay.

GN> I have a boyfriend who thinks I am wonderful!

BN> um....none I can think of!

173 - YAY!!!! xx

Thanks LadyN! I am very happy with my life right now and hope it continues

Polly - : D Very happy for you

Also very happy for Polly!

JN: I picked up a pair of knitting needles and some yarn last night, and started knitting for the first time in years, just to see if I could remember how to do it. Don't get me wrong, it's VERY basic stuff, but it feels nice to be having a go again. Maybe next year I'll be able to knit something nifty for my elfster :-)

You deserve nothing less, Polly!

GN: I've been quoted in this article. Though they didn't name names, keeping everyone's privacy in mind, I'm #6.
Sure, anyone could have said it, there are many like it, but this one is mine. <3

#170: Yayy for work coming your way, ejj!

#173: I'm really happy for both of you, polly!

#179: Yay, being mentioned in any article must be so exciting, Rozax.

GN: I had a birthday party yesterday and had a blast.
BN: I have been sleepy all day.
JN: I have several things to do but I just can't find the energy to do them today...oh, well, maybe tomorrow.

GN: I've been invited to apply for a position at my alma mater. This is not a totally unknown practice in my field, but it's also not common. And this invitation comes after a conversation I had last month with the Associate University Librarian to whom this position will report, in which I shared my disappointment that when the job posted (I've known about it for a couple months now), I didn't meet the degree requirements (I have a MLIS, but not a JD). Yet I've been asked to apply, degree notwithstanding, and invited two weeks after the application deadline, so presumably two weeks after early assessment of candidates. Needless to say, I'm all over the place in thinking this through!

>181 grkmwk: Sounds as though this does not bode well for the applicants they already have! Would you have to relocate? If you were disappointed you couldn't apply originally, you must be interested in this job . . . go apply!

GN: Book club's annual holiday lunch today.

BN: Fell on some stairs, bruised tailbone, still hurts after a couple of days. Ow.

BN: My grandmother is in the hospital with congestive heart failure. She's been having heart problems for the last year or more, and has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months . . . your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated.

#183 - I'm so sorry foggi. I shall hold your grandmother and your family in my thoughts xx

183: So sorry, Foggi. You are all in my thoughts.

183: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. {{hugs}}
182: Ouch. Tailbone injuries are the worst. I hope you recover quickly.
181: Congratulations! Do apply. It sounds like you have good chances.
173: Polly, it is wonderful to hear this! You deserve it!

And to all others I've missed, hugs to those who need it and congratulations to all with happy news.

Good news: Two more busy days and we can rest!
Bad news: I know I've said that before.
Good news: This time it could be true!

#182: Ouch, hope the pain goes away soon, ejj.

#183: Hope your grandma gets better soon, foggi.

Dearest Foggi, hope your granny has speedy recovery

youch, Ejj. Admit it... you we're sliding down the banister, weren't you?

prayers for you and your Grandma!

Thanks everyone

Best to your grandmother and your family, Foggi. Hope she's well soon.

>188 suge: Not even that much fun was involved--simply missed the last step in the dark and down I went! But I think it's feeling a bit better now.

GN: Very nice book club lunch today. Love the ladies of the club!

BN: Alcoholic neighbor completely off the wagon not even a month out of rehab. Her adoring husband is headed for a world of heartbreak, again.

ejj glad your feeling better, that kind of misstep can be very serious.

Too bad about your neighbor, being the spouse of an alcoholic I understand what he's facing.

BN: Tomorrow I have to close my Curves. But we are partying tomorrow, but it will be a sad day as I have to say good-bye to some wonderful ladies and wonderful friends. I am glad Bib will be at home when I get home.

I will be there as soon as I can MOMMY!! Love you!

GN: My grandmother (mentioned up-thread) is doing much better. In fact, she went back to the hospital for a procedure, and then didn't have to have it because her heart rhythm was back to normal. She still needs rest, and may need the procedure at some point in the future, but seems to be doing better.

GN: Sophie and I are at the farm (with the other grandparents) for Christmas.
BN: Sophie found something fantastically smelly to roll in earlier this afternoon, and got her first bath of the trip. With the amount of mud here, and her ability to find smelly things, I am sure there will be more baths. Also, even after the bath, she is still mildly smelly. Ah, dogs. As I was washing her, the song from How the Grinch Stole Christmas was running through my head: "The three words that best describe you are as follows, and I quote: Stink! Stank! Stunk!"

GN: After many trial runs and hardship, I made a present for my mom, and I am so happy with how it turned out. This is what I made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9xKxEV1FkY

Maybe I'm not that bad at origami!

@195 Awesome!

Thank you! :D I hope my mom likes it! It's not big or anything, and it's so light that it feels like I only wrapped a bundle of tissue paper, but hopefully my mom will think it's neat.

BN: Turns out my alma mater doesn't particularly want me for the job I mentioned above. Apparently, even after the job date has closed, if someone is nominated the HR department just sends a letter, *without* checking to see if the nominee meets the qualifications. Definitely a bitter blow, but one from which I'll thankfully bounce back, as I have a job I love and wasn't looking to leave. But still, it hurt.

GN: It's Christmas Eve, and we'll be serving in our church's 4pm Lovefeast service (we're Moravian...Google us if you're curious!), then hosting my parents and sister here for Christmas Eve dinner. This year, rather than have a full sit-down meal, we're having party foods: lots of appetizers, mini sandwiches, etc. I'm really, really excited we're doing this, if only because it means I can walk in the door from church and pretty much just start enjoying time with my family!

Merry Christmas to all!! And if you don't celebrate Christmas, I still wish you a joyful, relaxing weekend and peaceful end to your year :)

Hey everyone! I am back from my lengthly dissapearance :) Hope everyone had a very happy holiday and that your new years will be wonderful! Hugs for all who need them and congrats on all of the good news!!!!! I am so glad that you are all doing well. I have nothing but good news right at the moment which is great! I hope I will have more time to be on now that I will have a tablet and will be able to get on from places other than home!!!!

Grabbing the 200th position in a thread feels like a small victory, so I'll take it. ^_^

In other Good News, my husband has the week off from work. I don't, but it still feels like a vacation knowing that I can go home to him after my shift is over. :)

#200 Rozax, and he'll have dinner ready for you I hope! ;)

Really excited because I almost have built-in bookshelves!! I can't wait to share pictures when they're finished. Right now I'm waiting for polyurethane to dry so I can put up the trim. For those of you who were here for the HBP movie meetup, the shelves are in the back room where we ate. I'm building them on top of the cabinets that were already on the wall opposite the fireplace. :D

Lefty, did you build the secret room behind the built in bookcase? That's what I always wanted to do. :o)

Aw nuts, I knew I was forgetting something!

#201 - Yesh! He is a good cook. :)

#182 ejj:
Ouch!

#194 foggi:
I'm glad your grandmother's doing better!

#198 grkmwk:
I'm sorry about the job. That wasn't right of them to get your hopes up.

#199 Bella:
Glad to see you on LT and hear that you're doing well.

#201 lefty:
I can't wait to see pictures.

Lefty i am glad you are getting your bookshelves!

K am happy to be back on!

I am writing from my nook!

a secret room! That would be so cool to have

#203: Are you sure there's no secret room? Maybe it was secretly put in. Start pulling at all the books and see what happens.

I'll wait.

BN: My first cold in a decade or so. I did not miss having them and I am not enjoying this one. Bleah.

GN: A New Year, a new start, slates wiped clean, another chance to make the 75-book challenge (for a change), finish writing a book, eat better, exercise more, handle finances better, have more fun, see places I've not seen before, meet people I haven't met . . . it's all new in 7.5 hours!

a new year with no mistakes in it yet! to paraphrase Anne of Green gables

#209 ejj:
Sorry about your cold. I have one, too, and don't ordinarily get sick, either. I also agree about new starts.

This is why I haven't been on LT much lately, besides work:

GN: I finally found one of the good ones! A very sweet, caring guy.
BN: Because he doesn't want to hurt me while going through some stuff...he broke up with me, until he's at least in a better state of mind.

I don't know who that was more difficult for, but I'm not all that happy right now. Please don't mention any of this outside of LT.

#211, K: I am both happy and sad for you, but ultimately glad that he respects you enough to not knowingly hurt you. That might seem small consolation, and I'm sure it's difficult right now, although hopefully you can find hope and grace in his concern for you.

GN: It's a new year, which in NC has dawned sunny and bright, with promise of warm temps today (61 F). Happy start to 2012!

BN: It's going to drop to a high of 32 F by Tuesday. While this is more winter appropriate weather, it will be the first truly cold day of this winter, hitting on the first day we go back to work. Since my library has had the temperature reduced to 55 F for the week+ break, and even when set to normal my office is always cool, I am anticipating a chilly return to work. :o/

K> wishing you all the best. Stay strong.

grkmwk> dress warm!

K, good to hear from you, though sorry you're going through a hard time.

GN: New year, new start! I'm going to work on keeping a positive outlook this year. The past two have been rough, but I have high hopes for 2012.

#211: *Hugs* K!

Bn> My new guy turned out bad. We broke up today and it wasn't fun

#216: I'm so sorry. polly. *huge hugs*

Oh No. I'm sorry K and Polly. {{hugs}} for both of you. :o(

Good News: I'm feeling better after being sick through half of December. I wish I hadn't missed all the Christmas caroling. One time of the year I know all the lyrics to the songs on the radio and I have to have a gravelly voice. :oP

Good News: I have successfully used our new sewing machine hemmed two pairs of pants to the proper length!

Kerian&Polly: My sincerest condolences for your losses. Ending relationships isn't at all easy. :(

#216: I'm sad for you, Polly. Hang in there!!

#212 grkmwk:
Thank you. I do. I'm not giving up on him. Good luck on Tuesday, and dress warmly. I hope the low high temperature will go back up to the standard high soon.

#213/216 polly:
Thanks, and likewise for you. I'm really sorry things didn't work out. How I'm trying to look at things right now is, this is the start of a new year, so surely things can only get better, even if right now things feel like they'll be worse. *Hugs*

#214 foggi, #215 Ron, #218 jp:
Thanks, and for the hugs.
JP, I'm glad you're feeling better! Sorry you missed out on caroling.

#219/220 Rozax:
Congratulations. I wish I knew how to use a sewing machine - I've been wanting to learn for years. Also, your condolences are appreciated.

Sorry to hear your bad news, Polly.

Congrats on conquering the cold, JP! And congrats on conquering the sewing machine, Rozax! I have several small projects I need to do with my sewing machine, but it's currently in its box in my closet, and I keep procrastinating about getting it out and setting it up.

GN: Seems like the group has been more active today than it has in a while. I love the holidays, but it does seem like people (including me) get too busy to post at this time of year. It's good to be heading back to normal. In fact, I think I will continue this topic in another thread, to encourage even more posting and sharing of news!