TinaV's Next Chapter is a Mystery....

I'm choosing this thread topper because this trip was right before the job announcement happened & we were really happy here. Good memories of a great mini get away.

The thread title alludes to the mystery that is the next chapter of my life / career....



Lisa on left; me on right

2013 Reading up to present

1. Case Histories Kate Atkinson 4 stars
2. Wyrd Sisters Terry Pratchett 4.5 stars
3. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan -- via audio book 3.5 stars
4. Swamplandia! by Karen Russell 3 stars
5. The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien 4 stars
6. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 2.5 stars
7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
8. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 4 stars
9. Wake by Amanda Hocking. 3.5 stars
10. Fire by Kristin Cashore 5 stars!!
11. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren 3.5 stars
12. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman 4 stars
13. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore 4.5 stars
14. The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead 3.5 stars
15. Selected Poems of Emily Dickinson - 4 stars
16. Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich 3.5 stars
17. Approaching the Hunger Games Trilogy by Tom Henthorne 4 stars
18. The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group by Catherine Jinks (mostly audio book -- last CD was missing from the library audio, so I had to finish reading it by print) 2.5 stars
19. Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn 3 stars
20. Cinder by Marissa Meyer 4 stars
21. Hex Marks the Spot by Madelyn Alt 3 stars
22. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris 3.5
23. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka 3.5 stars
24. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 4 stars
25. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie 4.5 stars
26. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home my FIRST Graphic Novel *no idea how to rate these things
27. The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood 4.5 stars
28. The Night Circus re-read" to hear the audio performed by Jim Dale 5 STARS AGAIN! Jim Dale is superb!!
29. Beautiful Creatures by Garcia and Stohl - enjoyable 3.5 stars
30. First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones -- 3.5 stars
31. Life After Life by Jill McCorkle -- 4 stars
32. Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris -- 3.5 stars
33. Lisel & Po by Lauren Oliver 4.5 stars
34. The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland by Catherynne M. Valente via audio book 4.5 stars
35. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen 4 stars
36. Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown 4 stars
37. Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer 3 stars (via audio book)
38. A Dog Walks into a Nursing Home by Sue Halpern 4 stars
39. Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones 3.5 stars
40. Fallen by Lauren Kate 3 stars
41. The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There by Catherynne M. Valente 4 stars
42. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness 5 STARS!!
43. Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx 4 stars
44. Claire of the Moon by Nicole Conn 2.5 stars
45. Haldol and Hyacinths by Melody Moezzi 5 STARS!!!
46. Soulless by Gail Carriger 3.5 stars
47. Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente 4 stars
48. Chocolat by Joanne Harris 5 STARS!!
49. What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn 4.5 stars
50. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters 4 stars
51. The Leper's Companios by Julia Blackburn 2 generous stars
52. La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock 4 stars
53. Last Vampire Standing by Nancy Haddock 4 stars
54. Warm Bodies by Issac Marion 4 stars
55. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman 4 stars
56. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 5 STARS!
57. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare 4.5 stars
58. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson 5 STARS!
59. Real Vampires Get Lucky by Gerry Bartlett 3 stars
60. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 3 stars
61. A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison 4 stars
62. Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson 3
63. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 3.5 stars
64. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith 4 stars
65. Crown of Embers by Rae Carson 5 STARS!
66. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 4 stars
67. Bite Me: A Love Story by Christopher Moore 4 stars
68. What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality by Daniel Helminiak 4 stars
69. Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson 4.5 stars
70. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs 4 stars
71. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman 4 stars
72. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher 4 stars
73. Hounded by Kevin Hearne 4.5 stars
74. More than This by Patrick Ness 4.5 stars
75!!!!!! The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman 3.5 stars
76. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill 4 stars
77. A Hint of Witchcraft by Anna Gilbert 3 stars
78. Ghost Shadow by Heather Graham 3 stars
79. The Boy in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne 4 stars
80. Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan 3.5 stars
81. The Wolfman by Nicholas Pekearo 4 stars
82. The King's Guard by Rae Carson 4 stars
83. Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia 3.5 stars
84. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman 4 stars
85. 1984 by George Orwell 3.5 stars
86. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 4 stars
87. After Dead by Charlaine Harris 4 stars
88. Summer Knight by Jim Butcher 4 stars
89. How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters by Patricia Criscito 4 stars
90. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson 4 stars
91. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater 3.5 stars

Favorite reads of '13
Young Adult Genre

*= 5 star read!

Graceling trilogy*
Cinder
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
A Monster Calls*
The Book Thief*
Clockwork Angel
Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy*

Favorite reads of '13
All other genres (this is my take on a genre / sub genre)

*= 5 star read

Wyrd Sisters - fantasy
The Blind Assassin - literary fiction
The Night Circus* - literary fiction / fantasy (reread for audio)
Haldol and Hyacinths* - memoir / ER
Chocolat* - literary fiction
Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore - contemporary fiction
Hounded - fantasy

Current audio book The Subtle Knife

Current print book -- to start tonight More Than This

Hope so, 'cause I'm jumping in! :)

Watch out, I'm right behind ya, Jim!

Lol... Welcome y'all! I'm having a devil of a time with the Internet at the hotel so I can't get my messages to load!

So welcome first, Jim!!! And shortly behind in 2nd place, Julia!! :)

I am giving up on this afflicted thread tonight. I just added all 73 of my current reads and I lost them in the never-never land of the internet. Something is really off with this hotel internet right now, so I'll try again later!

Tina- Congrats on the mystery thread! I hope you can figure it out. LOL. Hugs!

Yay for a lovely new thread Tina. I always have a horrible time getting a new thread started which explains why mine has over 300 posts LOL.

They are there, Tina! LT has been a bit wonky tonight, I've noticed. I click Post Message and nothing happens, so I click it again and eventually it posts. Weirdness.

Happy new thread, Tina!

Just making myself nice and cosy on this shiny new thread :) I hope it brings only good things.

*smooch*

*goes back to ignoring Mrs. Lisa for typing the F word*

Happy new thread, Tina!

Your thread topper is a lovley photo of the two of you. Happy new thread.

Mark... Both my life & this new thread are a mystery to me right now LOL. I'm sure I'll figure both out soon (I hope)!

Bonnie... You're right! But this time has been even harder than normal for me. I'll bet the LT police will be after you soon! ;)

Julia... I was so irritated after last night I left my computer in the car tonight (don't tell the bosses!). I'm on the iPhone so I surely can't make major changes using this tiny screen. ;)

Mamie.... Thanks, dear!! See you soon, I hope! Hoping Birdy had a wonderful birthday!

Bekka... May you always find a comfy spot on my thread! Settle in ~ visit often!! Good things are coming; I'm certain of it.

Richard... *smooches* anyway; even if you are ignoring me! I know you still love me!

Roni... Thank you for the new thread wishes & welcome!

Nicole... Thank you for your sweet comments! I do so miss the beach!

*grumble* can't resist a saucy tomato like Mrs. Lisa. darn.



One of your very own for your new thread.

Just peeking in. Continue on. :)

Who cares if your bosses know you left the laptop in the car? What are they gonna do, fire you? :D

Hope your week continues to get better and better every day, Tina!

Richard.... Awwww... RD does still love me!! :D

Mickey... So fine! Did you happen to watch Dancing with the Stars last night? Snookie & her partner did a cheer leading routine with your song & I had to grin thinking about you!!

Julia... LOL--- too true!!! Ten years of paranoia is hard to erase, I guess! You crack me up. Have I told you lately how glad I am that you're back?!?

Can't sleep so spent some hours on the iPhone fixing the touchstones on the posts and listing my favs for the year thus far. Hope all makes sense. I should not be allowed to operate a technological device after a certain hour. ;)

No, not drinking, just goofy.

Hiya Tina! Hope all is well in your world today. There have been at least three positive recommendations for Hounded on threads I visit....resistance is futile! LOL

>23 TinaV95: No, I haven't been watching DWTS this year. :)

Hi Tina!
Just swinging by to say hi on the new thread :) Looking good so far!

Heidi.... *Insert evil villain laugh here*. My work is done!

Mickey... Well it wasn't a pretty number, but I was thinking of you fondly anyway!

Megan... Thanks for coming by and leaving your loveliness! :)

Dear followers & lurkers alike... I am supposed to be having dinner with Mamie right now but I am a wuss and had to cancel. I haven't slept well in 2 nights, my throat is terribly sore & I've been sneezing all day. Sound familiar?!? It feels like the beginning of the creepy crud I had a month ago that nearly wiped me out. :(

I've had to train new people 2 of 3 days and another day tomorrow (that's 8 hours of talking straight through). My voice is crackly & I'm coughing. So... Although I'm really fatigued, I also didn't want to make Mamie sick.

I have my last big presentation for all of Georgia's Activity Directors next week, so I really can't be sick. Literally.

I've scheduled a doc appt for first thing Friday, so send me those prayers & vibes & healing energy please.

I'm going to go feel sorry for myself for missing out on Mamie now. :(

Aw, Tina, feel better soon, dear friend!

Oh, drat.... I hope you can beat the crud. I suggest chicken soup, with lots of garlic. And maybe some rest?

^^^Yes, this, plus heavy on the rest.

Oh, dear dear Tina!
I was so behind and there is so much going on over here.
I am so sorry for the trials you are being put through. It's easy for me to say that losing this job may very well be a blessing in disguise - but so hard for you to live it.

When I was working in a large corporation that was downsizing (hate that word), I heard so many say "I'm not worried. I'm safe... etc" and though they were good workers, they were still let go - at all levels. Ultimately, many of them found much better jobs elsewhere and were much happier - and they never would have made the move voluntarily. It took time.

Your decision to take the accounting job (or not) is a tough one. From what I have seen though, you are so well suited for the type of work you now do. More importantly, there is a great need for people like you who are not only good at - but love what -they do. You are much needed in your field and are a special lady.

I hope you get swift and attractive offers that will allow you to do what you want. Unfortunately - the world doesn't always work that way. The economy stinks and the wrong people suffer.

Sorry you missed out on some Mamie time - that's a loss for sure. I hope you are feeling better or at least getting whatever medicine, love, and attention you need to stay tough.

Sending prayers and hugs your way every day...

{{{{{Tina}}}}}

Sorry to learn you are not feeling well, Tina. Travel, stress and long hours can take their toll on a person so I think cancelling your meet up with Mamie - I know you were looking forward to it! - was probably a good decision. Take care of yourself!

Sorry you're not feeling up to snuff Tina. I hope you're soon feeling better.

Tina sorry to hear you are sick. Take extra good care of yourself.

Boy, someone sure was feeling sorry for herself on that last post! I'm sorry y'all!!

I've seen the doc and have started the good ol' antibiotics again, so here we go...

JuliaI am trying! I am home now and that always helps!

Rhonda Ooooh, that's a good idea for tomorrow!! I'll see if I can talk Lisa into making some for me.

Richard I know that's what I'm supposed to do but those assholes wonderful bosses are running me ragged and I just don't have time to rest on weekends because of the whole looking for a job thing and other real life things! Maybe I can squeeze in time for a little nap sometime. I always feel better after a Saturday or Sunday nap.

((((Cee)))) So good to see you here! Rest assured, I had no worries you had other things to do than visit all the threads! You've been in my heart and prayers still! I'm sure that this is a blessing... that I will see it for a blessing down the road. You're right that it is just so hard to see it NOW though. I keep thinking about the "no travel" but then the love would be gone. You hit it right on the head. I may fuss about the travel, but I so love working with older folks and teaching other people. "Keep the faith" is my mantra of late. Love and hugs, dear one! Thank you for visiting!

Lori You're right :( It wasn't the easiest decision, but it was the best decision for me. I finally slept some that night, so I must have been supremely exhausted as the beds were uncomfortable.

Bonnie Thank you! I smiled when I read "up to snuff." I haven't seen that expression in a long time. Anyone know the origin of that phrase?

Roberta I'm trying, Ro. How's mom? I need to go check your thread and see.

PS for those inclined to offer words of wisdom -- I was doing really well (for me & in comparison to where I was) and praying to forgive them for their actions, but as the "DATE" approaches I am finding that I'm having a harder time with bitterness.

They mentioned that they want to take Lisa and I to dinner at some point and it took everything in my Christian nature not to spit and say something really nasty.

I cannot burn bridges here. I am getting one month's severance so I especially can't burn bridges, but do I really want to go to dinner with them? HELLL-NAW.

I know I have no choice. They are giving me no options. Help me here.

Alternative to government shutdown rants????

Rant about Tina's insanely cruel bosses...............STARTING now. GO!

Tina, the first thought that came to my mind is that they seem incredibly tone-deaf to think they could take away your job and then expect you and Lisa to make nice by going to dinner with them. My hunch is that they are not offering dinner because they want to "honor" you or say thank you for your hard work, but because it will make THEM feel better.

And, being (unlike you) someone not inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to people who have endangered my ability to survive and support myself, I say eff 'em.

Oh, and have a nice weekend. :-D

And I, on the other hand, think that they really do care and are feeling terrible about letting you go, but are desperately trying to cut back to save the business itself, and are trying to honor you by taking you out to dinner. And giving you a month's severance and giving you great references. I think if they really had a choice, they wouldn't do it. And no matter what problems it causes for you, feeling bitter at them as opposed to feeling bitter about the economy in general and how it is affecting people's lives is probably not very productive. Signing off now from your Not-the-Mama.

And there you have it — the two sides summed up nicely! If you're taking votes, Roni's version sounds much nicer than mine. I'd go with that one. :-)

Finally all caught up again.

Kudos to you for sending that email, it's tough to do for sure.

I hope the dreaded flu isn't taking hold, sending {{{{hugs}}}} your way.

Book bullet for Hounded, sounds really good.

And finally I vote for Roni's view on things.

Hope you have a fabtastic weekend :)

Tina a belated congratulations on your latest thread.
I don't think your bosses are being necessarily insensitive; my feeling is that (as per usual) Roni has her finger on the pulse and there is genuine regret there.
Here's hoping your thread tag line is right and this is the start of the new chapter to an award winning book of your life. xx

Hi Tina- I hope you are feeling better, so you can kick back this weekend and enjoy every minute. Sorry, you missed our Mamie, maybe there will be another chance.

Are the antibiotics kicking in yet? You poor, poor baby! Too much stress, too much work, too little sleep... I was so very sorry to miss out on seeing you, but even sorrier to know that you were feeling so poorly. I am keeping you in my thoughts and praying that the job situation resolves itself very soon. Like Roni, I always try to look on the bright side and to give people the benefit of the doubt, and, having met you, I cannot imagine them letting you go willingly. You have such a heart for the work that you do, I don't know how anyone could NOT see it. Please take good care of yourself and get well soon, dear one. Hugs to you from the entire gang at the Pecan Paradisio.

>40 ronincats: Roni speaketh sooth.

Now, when it's time to go to dinner, beforehand you and Lisa eat a pound of beans apiece and let fly at will, without explanation, or apology.

"Heap burning coals on their heads", Tina.

Be sweet, gracious, and strong. Then - shake the dust from your shoes and go on...

Hope you are feeling much better today ;-)

Lovely photo to top your new thread, Tina.
I do hope this new thread brings good things your direction, life- and career-wise.
Sorry you've been fighting (and losing to, from the sound of it) the cold/flu gunk.
Take good care ---

Tina - Mom is up and down. I'll PM you because it is a lot of medical and may TMI for some folks. LOL

As for the job/boss stuff I like the way Roni summed it up too.

If you are doing any scripture reading then take some time to devote the Psalms where King David is ranting to God about his enemies. He speaks of betrayal, anger and anguish.

Then take a deep breath and remember this is just a season in your life.

I heart you girl!

Hi Lisa! LOL

Julia I believe you're on to something when you say they are "tone-deaf." Completely clueless. Although it looks like you and I are outnumbered **grin** so I'm going to have to be nice now. ;)

Roni Not-the-Mama... Oh so wise and kind you are... My heart just hurts and I'm finding it terribly hard to be as nice as I usually am. You have a great outlook on this and I am going to pretend that you are right and that their motives are pure. It will help me. Being bitter and angry doesn't hurt anyone BUT me, right?? Ok... putting on big girl panties right NOW.

Adrienne You will LOVE Hounded I think! Roberta got me, I got you... wonder who you will get??? ;)

Paul Howdy, sir. Roni is a dear and wise soul, isn't she. We'll all just assume that they are genuine in their stated regrets from now on. I had a little spat with them earlier and said more than I should, so now I've really got to keep my mouth shut from now on.

Mark Hi! I'm hopeful that we'll get together again one day in the not-too-distant future!

Mamie Mi amiga! How is life at Pecan Paradisio? I hope all is going well there. I am still struggling, but I think the antibiotics are finally starting their magic. Just in time for tomorrow's big presentation! (((Hugs))) to you and the whole gang!

Richard I had to laugh at that!! I was expecting a rant from you at least~~ I figured if anyone would be on my side and rail against "the man" with me (so to speak LOL), it would be you!! Then, you went all mellow on me. Are you feverish? Is everything okay with you? ;)

Cee Coals = SO hard for me to do! I will do better though. I'll think of you and Roni and everyone else's encouragement here and be cooler headed!

Ellen This gunk/junk was winning, but pretty soon I'll be kicking its tail! The antibiotics are starting to work finally! :) I hope you are doing well.

Roberta Please do send me a message... Wouldn't want to gross out the masses LOL. You must be exhausted. Can't imagine how you are hanging in and doing all you are doing without nuttiness... So, I need to re-read Psalms. I remember those rants; they would fit right about now. I love you!

Not the moment for additional tsurres, me lurve. It's the moment for "make it work" and the moment to take stock of what assets remain useful despite their ugliness, and what assets are now liabilities.

xo

So tomorrow is my last big presentation. It is for the Activity Directors across the state -- so close to 100 people or so. I'm talking about regulatory changes in End of Life Activities... Then at the end, I will say my goodbyes.

The bosses said this morning one of them was going to come "if it was okay." I said no; it would make things harder. So, she agreed. As I was driving, they called back and head boss says she is sending second in command anyway to "explain the changes."

Now, I have just said above that I am putting on my big girl panties now. I didn't have them on at that time. I lost it a little. I didn't melt down, but it was apparently obvious from my tone that this plan of theirs was NOT okay with me, so I had to explain. I need to say goodbye. I need to be able to leave with some dignity. They have to protect their company and themselves, but this is extremely hard for me.

I vocalized a bit more expressively than I should have because at one point, boss one says "you are very angry" and I corrected her to say, "no, I'm very hurt."

Anyway... after expressing that they were taking away my ability to say goodbye in the way I had planned and wished, they are still coming, but will let me say my portion first. Then, boss two will get up to "explain" the company changes... Oh, and "express their gratitude for my service." I almost threw up at that point.

Okay, rant over. Now that the panties are on and I have vented here I will say only this. They have mucked up my exit ~~ but I will still be able to tell my folks how much I love them and how honored I have been to have worked with them... and how much they have touched my lives. If they screw it up after that, at least my words have been said and I hope people will remember what I said, and not the crap-tastic bull that they end with.

Okay, so now the rant's over???

Love you guys. Thanks for reading.

Off to update my book-ish things now!

You are right Richard. I love you!

Book #74
More Than This by Patrick Ness



I can't review this book without giving plot twists and spoilers away that begin almost immediately! This is a page turner from the get-go that had me staying up WAY past bedtime to see what happened next. The twists just kept coming. READ this one!! Richard, this means you!!
4.5 stars

And.......drum rolllllllllllllllll please.......

BOOK 75
The Subtle Knife



Can I get a WHOOP-WHOOOOOOP?? I finally reached 75 with this audio book finished on my 3.5 hour drive today!!

Happy 75th! Just like the Golden Gate!

Congrats on reaching 75! And good for you for standing up to the bosses. I'm so glad that you'll be able to say good-bye the way you want to. If it were me, I'd be tempted to stick my fingers in my ears while the bosses are "explaining the changes," but I'm sure you'll be much classier! Thinking of you!

Congratulations on hitting the 75 book mark! And I'll be haunting your thread tomorrow with my fingers crossed that you can say your good-byes the way you want to.

Congrats on 75!!!! Very nice ;-)

OK. Those bosses are obviously feeling guilty and not wanting it to look like it really is. Jerks! (oops, excuse me)
I think most people will see right through it - but that does not make it any easier for you.

Good luck tomorrow - keep your cool best you can. All good energy heading your way... we're behind you all the way!

Congrats on reaching 75! I really want to read More than this I have heard it is super good! Good luck with your presentation, I will be thinking of you.

Tina- I snagged an ARC of the Ness book back at ALA. I am so glad you loved it. I need to make room for it in a very crowded queue.

Yep, if you ever make it anywhere in the upper Midwest, we will have to hook up.

High-five for reaching 75, Tina! And like Mark says, you have friends up here in the Midwest who would love to meet you!

Happy 75!!!

Congrats on 75 read, Tina and wishing you all the best with the presentation tomorrow!

Congrats!

Congratulations for reaching the goal and reading 75 books.

It is no wonder you haven't felt well...stress, stress, stress! I'm so sorry for all that is happening in your life.

I admire your dignity and courage. And, it is not easy to stick up for ourselves. Good for you that you set some boundaries.

Hugs!

Congrats on reaching 75, Tina! Best wishes to you tomorrow.

Congratulations on 75!

Happy 75, and best wishes for tomorrow!

Congratulations on reaching 75 books!

I'm so sorry life is throwing so much crap at you at the moment. Hugs and prayers for your presentation today.

Happy 75 Tina!

Good mojo for today.

Congratulations on reaching 75 Tina!

And {{{{Tina}}}} on dealing with your goodbyes the best way you can.

Wooo! Congrats, plus big love for making sure you get your say in - they can look out for themselves all they want but it gives them no right to take you for granted and it make sme crabby :(

Plus extra hugs for giving me the extra nudge to pick up Hounded again. I ended up loving it and am a chunk through Hexed already :)

How did I get so behind in 4 days???? You have a LOT going on, woman.
I hope you're feeling better physically and that the presentation is so superlative (I know it will be) that Jerk #2 who attends will kick self all the way home for letting you get away.
(Uh - they didn't have any idea that you might be angry or hurt before that telephone conversation? Sounds like you've been a saint as far as I'm concerned.) Anyway, keep to the high road, m'dear. It feels better and gets to that mystery destination better.
Congratulations on 75!!!!!

Well done Tina for passing 75 whilst you have so many things going on about you. xx

Felicitations on reaching the magic number, Tina!

Congrats on 75!

Hoping to hear some good news! I understand there was a small IED explosion near Atlanta today....

Also anxiously hovering...

Hoping you're fine and dandy, Tina...

I love that you enjoyed More Than This! It's a good one. Congrats on reaching 75. :)

Congrats on the 75!!! Woot Woot

I hope your presentation went ok. Anxiously awaiting your update....

I'm officially worrited.

Thanks for all the visitations and congratulations, my friends... Richard x2, Amy, Roni x3, Cee, Nicole, Mark, Julia, Nora, Lori, Jim, Linda, Joanne, Rhonda, Carol, Heather, Roberta (and thanks for the PM that spurred me to come out of hiding), Ardene, Bekka, Peggy, Paul, Mickey, Rhian, Kathy, and Heidi.

These last days / past week have been a roller coaster of emotion. I have had maybe the hardest week of my working life, and I've told y'all before that I tend to do the "turtle" thing, so I've been away in my own little world of grief.

This is going to be a long update, so let me just warn you ahead of time...

The Presentation and Goodbyes
The presentation and goodbye were a huge success. The guy that introduced me is an Executive Director at one of the centers where I consult. I've already said my goodbyes there and they knew this was my last presentation. His introduction of me was HANDS DOWN the best intro I've ever received -- in all of my years of public speaking! It brought tears to my eyes before I even began the talk. I wish I had had someone record it because over the next several weeks, I may need to hear those words again and again. I can't do justice to what he said, but it was truly incredible.

The presentation started 30 minutes late because their elections (for state offices) ran over that long. So I started in the hole, but kept my cool about that... They had great questions and it was overall a terrific training. I just didn't have enough time to cover everything because of the time constraints.

So at the end, they are already late to lunch, when I had to ask them to give me 5 more minutes of their attention. I couldn't even start the goodbye without crying, but somehow I managed to get the words out and express how much they mean to me, how much of an honor and privilege it has been to work with them over the past 10 years and how much THEY have taught me.

I left to a standing ovation with tears streaming down my face.

Then walked in the boss. I did not leave as I had planned. I promised to have on big girl panties, and I put them on and wore them ALL DAY LONG. I stayed like an adult in the front of the room and listened to her explain the company's decisions and how they hated to lose me. I was glad I stayed because she said some very wonderful things about me. She told them how even after I was informed I was being let go, I insisted on seeing through this training and how that reflected on the type of character I had. She was gracious and used the term "compelled" to make the decision multiple times. When she finished, she asked them to honor me once more and I got another standing O and then many of them came up to hug me and tell me goodbye (the ones I hadn't already personally told goodbye yet).

More coming

The Offer

So after all the Activity Directors had hugged me and I was gathering my supplies and equipment, boss C was still there and it was awkward...

She had respected that I didn't want her in the room, but had apparently listened to the majority of the presentation and was impressed by how well it went. She was more complimentary than usual, even. She could tell I still wasn't well as my voice was still coming and going. I had throat drops and throat spray out on my table and had used them throughout the training.

In fact (this matters in just a bit), sometime in the last week, she had asked me why the doctor thought I was sick again. I told her that she didn't guess, but that she (the NP that I see) is pretty sure this is the same strain as what I had last month. Even though the NP didn't guess, I had a theory so she wanted to know what that was. So, I told her.... they announced the 'downsize' the week I was sick; I hadn't fully recovered when they broke the news and ever since that time, I have been working full time and been searching for a job in my spare hours. I don't go to bed until after I've done at least a little job search work, then I have to unwind some, so I'm not getting as much rest as I need. *That was just my theory, and I'm not a medical person, but it makes sense to what I was feeling.*

So.....after I've gathered up my belongings, she wants to have a meeting. It's "confidential" so we have to step to the back of the room so we can't be overheard. She again praises my presentation, then begins to get teary talking about the other day, how they never intended to 'take my goodbye away' but they wanted to honor me, as well as explain the company's decision. At this point, I've got no fight left since I'm emotionally drained and again, I'm wearing the big girl panties, so I just thank her for letting me at least say my goodbyes first the way I had wanted and intended.... indicating that it meant a great deal to me to be able to do it in a way that allowed me some dignity.

So then she begins to tell me that she has been thinking about our conversation last week, about how sick I've been and how hard it has been on me... how I did this training without even a thought and how I've not complained about the stress I'm under. She said, "I want you to know I really HEARD you... Most folks would have asked to be let go a long time ago and we don't want you to feel like we are the enemy or that we are taking advantage of you." So, they made me an offer to leave early "on a high note" after the training and a few days to get things ready for them. I told her I had to talk it over with Lisa and pray about it.

Cut to conversation with Lisa (a fairly short one -- "If you feel okay with it, take the offer") and about 5 minutes of prayer where I felt a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.

I took the offer.

My last day was Friday.

More coming if you're still willing to read

The Last Day

In a show of class, they gave me Wednesday off as a 'recovery' day as a 'thank you' for the great job I did on the presentation.

Thursday I cleaned out my office and car of 10 years of training materials, notebooks, reports, etc. I'm quite sure I didn't find everything, but I really tried.

Friday I took everything over to their house.

It was a somber, sad occasion.

All three of us cried for most of the 3 hours we were together.

They wrote me a super nice letter of recommendation. Funny story: As she starts to read it, before she even gets a sentence in, I find an error. ;) She laughs out loud and says that they need to at least hire me for proof-reading. After finding about 3 more errors in my letter of recommendation, she fixes it and gives me my copies. Mom says I should have used a red pen and left the original so they'd have something to remember me by. hehehe

So... that's the end of my work saga.

Lisa has kept me super busy this weekend to attempt to provide distraction, but I will just be honest and say that even though I accepted the offer, I still feel terrible and depressed.

I am not sure what I'm going to do next.

I started today with cleaning the kitchen and coming to update LT, but now I've got to figure out unemployment and such.

Wish me luck. I've got no idea how to proceed now.

I am keeping my chin up and praying and keeping those big girl panties firmly in place but it is very, very hard.

LISA
Special prayers needed for Lisa, please. She is taking this harder than I am, I think. She has started having migraines and panic attacks. Of course, she is also under a huge amount of stress at work. And you all know about her mom's heart attack, but I've been away so you don't know about the latest with her dad. He's been showing signs of cognitive impairment for a few months now. He's very young and they've found now that his brain is shrinking because there is too much fluid. He is now going to have to have a shunt placed and they are trying to get brain surgery scheduled. It's just one thing after another for her and she's having a very difficult time right now too.

I love you all.

I know that's a lot to digest.

I'll keep my reading updates for later because I have to go do something productive now. I'm sure you will all understand, but I'm asking for forgiveness en masse for being absent from your threads. It surely doesn't indicate that I don't love you. I'm just about to crack up.... so I am doing only what I can.

We love you, too, Tina! You and Lisa are both in my thoughts. It sounds like there is so much hard stuff going on in your lives right now, of course you are both feeling sick and overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing what's happening with us. There's nothing I can do for you except let you know you have a tiny little rooting club up here in Iowa that wishes you nothing but love and sunshine and all the best, because you deserve it!

Do only what you can, my dear Mrs. Lisa. You're here for destressing, pleasurable conversation, not added stress!

Ask for any help you and Mrs. Tina need, any time, day or night, and I know I will give whatever is mine to give. I'm sure many, many others feel the same way. You are NOT burdening us or asking too much or being annoying or causing trouble for us if you ask for whatever means or method of support you and your wife need to give you more strength to face your challenges.

It's little short of miraculous to me that the pair of you aren't headed for a nice, 28-day visit to the white-padded room. Whatever you'd like me to do to help that NOT happen, call on me.

Forgiveness for not visiting our threads? Pooh, nothing to forgive. Forgiveness for keeping us in suspense for 5 days over whether you survived the presentation in good shape--warranted but granted.

I am SO proud of you! You kept your dignity and self-respect all the way through. You ended on a really high note. People will remember you that way.

Unemployment IS depressing. You are reacting normally to your situation. As long as the depression is not paralyzing you, just keep reminding yourself that it is normal and it WILL pass.

{{{hugs}}} to both you and Lisa. I'm so sorry to hear about her dad on top of everything else. You have my prayers for the success of his surgery.

Now, take a little time to regroup. Get healthy, get the place in order (with both you and Lisa working overtime, I know it could use a little work ;-)), and then start reworking your resume and thinking about what positions at all these agencies that love you might be worth applying for. Oh, and get your unemployment paperwork completed and in--that's YOUR money, girl!

First of all, can I just say that you are doing everything right? Because you are. Everything. I cannot imagine your heartbreak and all of the emotions that you are dealing with right now, and I wish that I could fix it for you. Since I can't do that, I will simply say that you are in our hearts and in our thoughts and in our prayers - you have the full weight of the Pecan Paradisio behind you. What a fabulous job you have done of being honest and brave and true - no one can ask more than that. And I am so glad that you chose to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can help to lift you up - this group can do amazing things! Give yourself the time and the permission to grieve for what you have lost, but also pat yourself on the back for how you have handled everything. I think you were so smart to take the offer - now you can focus all of your efforts and your energy on a new beginning. Julia is right - we love you, Tina, and we will be with you every step of the way.

(((((Hugs))))))

Tina, I'm not sure what to say. I think you have handled the situation brilliantly and should be proud of yourself. Thinking of you and Lisa. Sending positive energy your way.

Everyone's said it all - but you are doing wonderfully. Take care of yourself and Lisa for a while. Big love.

What everyone else has said :-)

You and Lisa are both dealing well with a really difficult situation. Prayers and hugs to you both.

Sheesh. rd suggested I check our your thread due to ( I believe) our similar reading choices. So I started with your previous thread and followed here .What a lot of negativity you have been dealing with lately, and doing it so well! There are parallels in our lives besides our reading choices. .... one day I will share....

In the mean time, I will confess to stealing your lost of 75 books for further perusal.. since it's true, we do have similar taste, and I may find something I would like to read ( as in I already have ... sigh... ) and I will wish you well in your job search and the health of all !

Hang in there...
kath

You are all so wonderful.... I just don't know how to tell you how much you EACH mean to me!

I just came by to say I'm in a better mental place today and finally have landed an interview, so at least I feel like less of a huge-a$$ loser for the immediate present. ;)

I was going to tell you all about the super weird dream I had the other night, but I really need to respond to each one of you individually so let me start with that first!

Julia My love and hugs to you in Iowa!

Richard The white padded room is not out of the equation yet, but I've got all my fingers and toes crossed that it won't be necessary. You are a gem. Have I told you that lately?? I love you, my dearest.

Roni I am so very sorry for keeping you in suspense. I just feel so down and embarrassed about myself right now. I know other people have gone through job loss and come out on the other side with better jobs... I know there is a greater plan in this... All this knowledge in my head doesn't help the negativity in my head right now. I keep beating myself up and it's no excuse but it was really hard to come and tell y'all it was over. I never really realized just how much of my self-esteem was tied into my work. Forgiven?? **Have you seen my house??? LOL

Mamie I love you. Thank you for loving me and for your encouragement. I don't feel like I have done everything right, but I have done what I feel is right for ME. And that's all I know how to do. :) My love to the entire Pecan gang.

Rhonda (((hugs))) right back!

Nicole You said all you needed to! Thanks for the positive energy!

Bekka Thank you, dear. I'm trying to take care of us both. I went to the grocery store yesterday (with a plan, a list, and coupons) and I'm going to be cooking dinner tonight. Scary thought, but YES! I am trying the domestic route to save some money. I saved $30 with coupons and I was so proud of myself you would have thought I had won the lottery! LOL

Heather Thank you so much! We need all the prayers and hugs we can get! :)

Kath Welcome! I wish it were under better circumstances that you were making your first visit, but... Life is tough here in my part of the world right now, but we will make it through. Sorry for making your wish list larger, but your thread has already wounded my wish list so you know what they say about payback. ;0)

The dream

Most everyone here has heard me moan and groan about insomnia.... So on Sunday evening / Monday morning (the first night before I had NO job to go to the next day) I was up until around 3am, unable to sleep.

When I finally did go to sleep I had an incredibly odd dream. It was like a mixture of Willy Wonka meets Stephen King. *I had just finished a murder mystery (more on that later). I was in some type of a chocolate factory running around for my life in high heels (that's how I knew it was a nightmare) and there was blood and gore everywhere. I was a victim and my parents and Lisa were trying to help me. I just couldn't get to them; suddenly I got mad and decided to take revenge. That's when my bladder woke me up, so I don't know how I was going to "fix" the situation, but I was determined to rectify it somehow. Best I can figure from the little dream analysis we covered at Wesleyan is this....

DO NOT mess with this depressed, fat girl's stash of emergency, comfort chocolate. You will come away with a few less digits!

How's that for a messed up, stressed out dream?? Last night, I knocked myself out with a melatonin (my sister found these new Vitamelts that act quickly) and I don't remember any dreams at all!

Updated Reading

I'd been trying to read spooky stuff for October's themed reads -- that may partly explain the aforementioned dream. :) But I've never had a problem reading horror before now, so I think it's due to the stress. Anyway, I'm still looking for spooky things on my shelf to finish out October.

76. NOS4A2


77. A Hint of Witchcraft


78. Ghost Shadow


79. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

Oh yes, job loss + Halloween + chronic insomnia = best time *ever* to read scary, depressing, scary, grim books!

SMH at silliness running rampant in the Mrs. Lisa household.

*hugs* to you and Lisa.

Tina,
I am so proud of you. You are handling things with aplomb, despite the trauma this is all causing you and Lisa. There is no fault or shortcoming to be found in you. I admire your guts and control. You needed that time to yourself to sort things out in your mind and heal your heart. Though it's not over, you are rising to the challenge with skill and courage (including making that supper - ha!)
Really. I am very proud of you.

Hugs and strengthening energy winging your way from Maine!
We got you covered from many directions ;-)

{{{{Tina and Lisa}}}}

Hi Tina, you have so much happening right now! It's all sounding busy and stressful, I know you can handle it though, and then calling for special prayers for Lisa as well. You are so lovely :) Take care!!

Oh my Tina, you have so much on your plate and yet you carry on and show so much courage and intelligence. Someone out there is going to get an excellent employee at some point. Hugs to you and Lisa.

Sending you strength, Tina! Take care of yourself and of Lisa.

Dear Tina - and I do really mean DEAR TINA - you are better than "big girl"; you are a fine woman. In fact, you're my new hero. I am as sure as I can be that some great job is being opened for you. Have patience until you find it or it finds you. Meanwhile, eat your chocolate, read your horror, cook (!), and take care of yourself and Lisa.
If I had a hat, it would be off to you!

Richard LOL -- You are probably right, dear sir!! But, alas.... October only comes once per year!!! :) I wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween growing up (the super religious upbringing and all), so as an adult I tend to really enjoy this season!

Roberta Hugs, my dear, sweet friend. Love to both you and mom. I surely hope she's holding her own right now.

Cee Hey, dear lady!! I hope you are doing well! My love is coming back to you in Maine in droves! Sending gentle ((hugs)) your way! Btw, enchiladas weren't terrible! :)

Megan Hey! Thanks for the visit and the lovely words!

Bonnie Hi there! Thank you so much for saying that! That made me smile!

Amy Thank you so much for the strength! I need all that I can borrow!! :)

Peggy You are so very sweet! I really needed to hear all those nice things today!

I really love you guys / gals. I truly I hope I tell you enough how much your support and encouragement and visits mean to me. Even though I haven't been around to your threads in weeks, you're still coming here to check in on me and offer kind words and thoughts. I don't deserve y'all, but I surely am grateful for this group of wild, wooly and wonderful folks!!

Update
I had an interview yesterday and it went okay... it was for a drug rehab / addiction center which is way outside of my expertise, but they saw something in my resume that grabbed their attention enough to bring me in. I'm not holding my breath, as it is quite a long shot honestly, but at least I've had a "bite" as they say. I have been on the computer applying for jobs for so many hours this week I just cannot count. I feel like I've worked just as hard as a normal week... How is that possible?!? ;)

I am going to try to come out of the turtle shell and start catching up on threads a little this weekend. If I don't get back to real life, I will have let "it" win and get the best of me. You all have convinced me that I can do this and come through this a stronger person.

Again... let me reiterate my love for you all. You have helped keep me sane, whether you know it or not!

Wise decision to un-turtle. Allowing yourself to experience normal (well, normal for YOU) life again is a huge boost to emotional healing.

Hug Mrs. Tina from me, and *smooch* for you both.

Hi Lisa! Just wanted to add my good wishes to the bunches here. I agree with everyone else...you are handling these trials very well. I hope that you can at least find your way to enjoying some of this down time. As someone else said...that unemployment money is yours, and if you are trying to find another job there's no reason not to enjoy some of your downtime with things you enjoy. Pretty soon you'll be back to work full time with no time to spare.

Remember to take care of you!

Good job on landing an interview all ready! Job hunting IS full time work. (IMHO, it wouldn't hurt you to kick back for a week or so on unemployment, read good books and take care of yourself.)

But on the job-hunting front--have you been doing informational interviews? My partner works for WorkForce, and she keeps telling me that networking is the way to land a job. That worked for her. And I am sure you are good at it.

Hi Tina

I've be MIA for awhile. I'm emotionally preparing for surgery in a few weeks and haven't had a lot of energy. Thus, time on LT is limited. That makes me sad because I enjoy visiting here.

All good wishes for a successful job hunt. Fingers crossed and prayers sent for you.

Happy Sunday My Dear!

Richard Un-turtling is taking some time, but I'm getting back into my groove. You are the best, sir!! *Smooches!!*

Heidi Thanks for the encouragement! :) I am trying to take care of myself, some. I'll work on that! :)

Mark Awww... thanks, Mark!

Rhonda Do tell... what are informational interviews?? I have heard that networking is key. I'm not as good at it as I wish I were, but I am working on that angle as well. I've been putting in the hours something fierce on my LinkedIn profile and working on building my network there too. Who knew?? It has been SO long since I have looked for employment that I am totally out of touch with the way the work sector does things! I did just meet some new folks at a church festival yesterday, so that was good too!

Linda Oh, my! I have only slowly started working towards visiting some threads and I haven't made it to yours yet, but I will go check it out and see what is going on. I'm guessing it's your neck, but goodness knows any surgery is scary! I'll add you to my prayers and keep you in my thoughts! Thank you for taking some of your limited time to visit me here!

Let me give y'all a quick update and then I'll go visit a few threads. I'll do a book update a bit later.

Health Update
I'm still depressed and having bad days, but most of the time I am choosing to focus on the positives at least that's my goal anyway. I am feeling physically stronger than I have in a LONG time. Y'all know I've had this respiratory infection off and on (mostly on, it seems LOL) for the last month and a half. I think it is almost gone! I have another week left on antibiotics and although the side effects are bothersome, I feel like my breathing and sinuses are finally clear!! Yipeeeeee!!! Also, this is the LONGEST stretch I have slept in my own bed for over 10 years. I feel more rested than I have in years! Can you imagine how rested I'm going to feel by next week? I'm still having trouble going to sleep, and I'm getting up at a 'decent' time, but I think it's just the luxury of sleeping next to Lisa in my very own bed, with my pillow and my animals at a temperature that we can control. So... I am trying to look on the bright side of things!

Weekend Update
I tried telling Lisa that I had NO time for fun, that I needed to be working on practical tasks this weekend. She was having NONE of that. She looked at me all serious and said "You won't like me if I don't get to have any fun." I felt like I was back in the 80's watching an episode of "The Incredible Hulk" and listening to Bruce Banner!! I made her compromise with me so that my anxiety and type A personality would be under control, so we did the un-fun (to her) stuff first (i.e. planting a rose bush that was given to me by someone I consulted with, pulling up an old bush I wanted out, putting together a few Thirty One fliers with treats for Halloween trick-or-treaters to take back to their moms, etc.). Then we went to see Gravity in 3-D. Have any of y'all seen it? My neck is still tense!! It was pretty blasted excellent. After that, Lisa wanted cake. I saw a bakery sign and pointed it out, and it turns out it was a bakery inside of a Korean grocery store. So, we had our first experience shopping at the Super H Mart. A friend of mine shops there often and has raved about it and I've wanted to go for awhile, but never have had the opportunity... We will definitely be going back! Their selection of produce was amazing! We got a cart full of groceries for $35! **Win**

On Sunday, our church had their Fall Festival... We are newbies and this is our first event. We joined as a couple and they have been very welcoming, so we decided to volunteer to work at the festival. Like a dummy, I signed us up for two shifts. (I wanted to make a good first impression. I forgot we are fat and in bad shape with terrible knees and ankles). So... we worked the kids' games. I did a bean bag toss game and Lisa worked a inflatable jumpy thing. Right next to me there was a couple of teen girls doing hair. Their booth was called "Who Hair" as in Dr. Seuss' Whoville. Well, I stood there watching for an hour and half... When Lisa's relief showed up, I just couldn't resist any longer and I had to pay the $3.00 to get my hair done.

It was a terribly goofy thing to do, but it made my day! I smiled for hours after this!!







See, I was not allowed to do Halloween as a girl. I grew up in a very religious (read: Baptist) house where Halloween was considered to be an evil holiday. So, my first time dressing up was in my 20's. Now, I'm just a big old kid when it comes to this time of year and scary things! They just make me very happy!

Here's the funniest part. After I did this, my shift ended 30 minutes later. Then, Lisa and I finally get to walk around the rest of the fair. That's when I see a table called "Networking Works" and meet a few new folks who give me some tips for new LinkedIn groups to join. I guess they won't forget me anyway!! Whoops!

Who Hair! Outstanding choice for a pre-networking moment. Accidentally perfect.

*smooch*

Hi Tina! After being away for so long, I'm terribly sorry to hear of your recent stretch of really bad life stuff. However, I'm glad that you were convinced to have a bit of fun - love the Who hair!

Hooray for Who Hair! You deserve some fun!

Love the Who hair!! I'm glad you got a few leads--I'm sure they will remember you.

The Who Hair is fabulous — two snaps! Bravo to Lisa for making sure you got some "forced fun" this weekend. And you did the unfun stuff, too, so no self-imposed guilt trips. Win-win!

You look like you are ready for a Deadhead concert! Hey, you are never to old, right? Ask, RD!

WHO HAIR!! AND LISA!!!!!
I'd say you're greatly ahead of the game to have somebody who insists on getting you out for fun. You worked some and you played some and you rested some. That's called Balance, and it's good for you.
So there.

I LOVE the hair! And I'm glad to see you had some fun this weekend. Looking for a job is stressful and exhausting. Way more so than going to work.

Glad to see you enjoyed Gravity in 3D. We're planning to see it this weekend.

Great hair, Tina!

Informational interviewing is using your networks by having interviews with folks you know in jobs that you might find interesting, not to ask for a job, but just to ask for information about their fields. here is an article about it.

Lots of times it really helps people expand their network and find jobs that suit them. It definitely worked for Mrs. Banjo. If you need more information, private message me with your e-mail, and I will see if she has any other articles.

So glad that Lisa made you take some time out and relax. Long may it continue :)

Good to hear that Lisa got you out of the house for some fun. Your hair looks great, I want Who hair! Good luck with the job hunting but make sure to take some time out for yourself, remember all work and no play made Jack a dull boy!

Tina! Congratulations on getting the first interview under your belt. I remember being so nervous about interviews after having been in a job for 5 years so well done to you!

#105 "I have been on the computer applying for jobs for so many hours this week I just cannot count. I feel like I've worked just as hard as a normal week... How is that possible?!? ;)"

That makes complete sense to me. I think looking for a job is probably harder than doing a job - it's so uncertain and stressful and you have to sell yourself which, if you're like me, does not come naturally.

#112 Yay for your infection going! And I love the hair!

So glad you are finally getting rested and healthy! It's about time. And good for Lisa insisting that you don't stay totally task-oriented.

Richard Accidentally perfect?!? Well, let's just say I'm sure I was about as pink as my hair when we came across the booth. :)

Kerri Hey there, stranger! Glad to see you back! I'll try to catch up with your thread soon. Thanks for coming by and for your words of encouragement!

Amy Hehehehe! It was so much fun!

Roni x2 I'm sure they will! The one person that I spoke with the longest and I have already connected on LinkedIn and I used the 'hair' as the reminder in my invitation. ;) Look out world -- not sure what I'll be like when I'm fully rested and healthy!!

Julia You're right! We managed to get both done, so that is indeed a WIN-WIN! Thanks!

Mark Hey! I've never been to a Deadhead concert ~ that might be fun!!! :) I have a tie dye "Peace Frogs" T-shirt that would help me blend right in if I could get my hair to do that again!

Peggy Yes, that Lisa is a keeper for sure!! She's very, very good to me! Balance is important and I'm not so good at it myself so it helps having her around to keep an eye on the balance-o-meter. ;)

Joanne I loved the hair too, obviously! ;) I really didn't know a job search would be so tiring! I hope you enjoy Gravity! Let me know how you like it, okay?

Rhonda Email message sent! I read the article and learned quite a few things! So thanks so much for including that link! I learn so much from y'all here, it never ceases to amaze me.

Bekka LOL, if she has her way (which I don't seem to say no often), we will be relaxing regularly. :)

Nicole In retrospect, I am super glad she insisted on it! I would have made her miserable and I would have been miserable too. You know where my head went as soon as I read "all work and no play made Jack a dull boy"??? That scene in The Shining..... one of the creepiest movies / books of all time! That is the only book I've never been able to finish due to fear! *I did finish the movie, multiple times, however.

Heather I was SOOOOO nervous too! I'm glad to hear both you and Joanne agree that job searching is both tiring and stressful. I just had no idea. I'm plugging along anyway. :)

Reading Update

Long overdue.... Sorry folks...

Book 80 Team Human
by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier



I only picked this up from my library because they had this amazing little display of brown paper wrapped books with a poster titled, "Blind Date with a Book". Each book had a label that gave a one sentence description and you basically checked the book out not knowing what you were getting. It was like Russian Roulette with a book! Turns out this was a YA mystery with a unique twist on the vampire tale. Instead of being told from a romanticized vampire point of view the heroine is very much TEAM human. Her best friend falls for a vampire and wants to turn and she spends the book trying to convince her why it makes no sense to give up her humanity. There is also a mystery element that I won't spoil... especially since it's been about 2 weeks since I read it. It was a solid, fun read. 3.5 stars

Book 81 The Wolfman
by Nicholas Pekearo



A surprisingly GREAT werewolf novel. Let me start by saying that I picked this one off my shelf because it's October. Duh, right? ;) Well, it has been sitting on my shelves for a while (ahem, don't judge). I thought this was the book that the movie "The Wolf Man" that came out a few years back was based on. I quickly found that it is not. This novel was written by a young man named Nicholas Pekearo who tragically lost his life while he was volunteering as a NYPD auxilliary officer. The Wolfman was to be the first in a series, but Pekearo was killed prior to its publishing. So I read the book with a heavy heart (this was on the back cover and the story was further explained in the editor's note). So... on to the plot... Why did I like this one more than other werewolf sagas that I've read? Aside from the aforementioned, this "wolf man" does not have control of his wolf during the turn, does not recall what he does while a wolf, BUT he gains the memories and some of the habits of his victims. He also has learned how to target his wolf to kill particular "guilty" persons, rather than innocents. I was emotionally connected to the character in this one. A definite 4 stars!

Book 82 The King's Guard
a novella by Rae Carson



A quick 'prequel' novella to one of my new favorite series - The Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy. This gives us the back story of how Hector became the king's guard (hence the title...another duh). 4 stars

Hi Cindy LouTina!
Love the hairdo! Whatever job you get with that is sure to be fun ;-)
Keep on keeping on...

Hugs and energizing job-hunting-strength to you.

LOL Cee!! Cindy Lou Who, indeed! Thanks for the job hunting mojo!

Hey all. Quick family update...

Lisa's mom had her follow up heart cath today and the news wasn't great. She is going to have to have bypass surgery on at least four vessels. I guess this unemployment really is going to be a blessing in disguise as we will definitely need to be there for support.

Please keep us in your prayers (again). She will *hopefully* meet with the surgeon this week and I'll let y'all know when surgery gets scheduled. God really does know best, doesn't He?

OH, and my mom fell at school on Monday. It's the second fall she has had in 2 weeks, so I'm not sure what is next there. She has asked me to look into disability for her and I've done so, but I've also looked into retirement. We will discuss both options this evening and I could really use some additional prayers on her behalf because she is having a rough time too.

My heartfelt love to you all from the ATL crew!

Oh dear, the saga of the mothers is not smooth going! You have the prayers and support, never fear.

When it rains, it pours, doesn't it, Tina? So sorry your moms are struggling health-wise, but here's hoping they are both back on their feet soon. And yes, how fortunate that you will be able to give them time without feeling pulled in two different directions.

Sorry to hear both your mothers are on stuggle street in terms of their health, hoping that they both get better soon. I haven't read the shining but I have watched it, when I was about 12, needless to say it freaked me right out!

Love the Who hair, Tina! But so sorry to hear the continuing saga of the Moms - not fun, but it is so great that you do have time to be there for both of them. I will be keeping you and Lisa and both of your moms in my prayers. Sending you love and hugs from the Pecan Paradisio.

Thanks for the visits and the love Roni, Julia, Nicole, and Mamie .

You guys and gals are just not going to believe this, but it continues to worsen. Julia said it... when it rains, it pours. Lisa's mom met with the cardiac surgeon today and they informed her that her vessels were in such bad shape that she is not a candidate for surgery. She has 3 that are blocked 100% and three others that are 95%, 80%, and 65%. Lisa is an absolute wreck, as I'm sure you can all imagine. I haven't talked to her mom directly yet, but she's not doing so well either.

We are headed out tomorrow morning for the weekend for emotional support. I am trying in my best Social Worker / spouse / partner role to remain positive and hopeful and encourage Lisa not to give up. One doctor does not the rules make. I still believe in second opinions, the power of prayer, (AND LT'S positive energy) and miraculous recoveries. **Where's Cee when I need her to back me up with her story?????**

Anyway... I know that my thread has been nothing but a total bummer lately and I'm so sorry for that. I'm not a downer in real life usually. I am typically a very happy person. I'm / we're just having a really tough go of things lately.

Please keep coming back with positive thoughts and mojo and prayers and parties and stuff. I have seen it work before. I believe in you guys. :)

So sorry to hear about the report to Lisa's mom. We're sending all the positive mojo we can round up pronto.

I have long experience with doctors, unfortunately, and while most of it has been overwhelmingly positive I cannot emphasize enough that Lisa and her mom should absolutely get a second opinion. Even wonderful doctors can mis-read something, or be hesitant to perform a procedure because it is not "in their wheelhouse" or they had a bad experience one time. They are only human, after all. No sense in panicking and worrying until you have more information. In the meantime, requests for strength and hope are being placed on your behalf, with a delivery time of ASAP.

Great hair do for $3.00!

Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers to you and Lisa; and your moms. It's really hard, and I know from experience that dealing with aging in your own family is SO much harder than dealing with it professionally.

Try not to forget to take care of yourself! It's like they say on airplanes--in the event of an emergency, put your own oxygen mask on first, before you try to help the people next to you.

Oh, Tina. I'm so sorry to hear about Lisa's mom on top of everything else. I agree with Julia regarding second opinions. Take care.

Tina, Sorry to hear about the results for Lisa's mum. Sending lots of positive thoughts in your direction. Take care.

Sorry to see things continue to be tough for you both Tina. Give Lisa's mom a gentle hug - there may be a chance of a second opinion?

Hope something comes of the interview.

Find it hard to believe that the good fun that is Halloween would be banned on religious grounds.

Have the best possible weekend.

Sorry you continue to struggle with such tough challenges in your life. I hope things start looking up for you soon but kudos to both you and Lisa for taking such good care of your moms!

Sorry about your Moms Tina/Lisa. It is a blessing that Lisa is an RN and your background to help sort out all the information on the surgery/recovery for her mom and sort out for your mom if she needs disability or retirement.

Hugs and prayers to you both.

I love LOVE the hair. Take care of you.

Hi Tina- It looks like you are shouldering a heavy load lately. Good luck, my friend. Sending you a wave of positive vibes.

Tina, sorry to hear the news about your Mums (and on top of everything else too). Hugs to you and Mrs Tina and will keep you all in my prayers.

I'm sorry for everything you've had to deal with lately, Tina. And I admire how well you are dealing with it. Hugs

Just stopping in to say that I am thinking of you. And missing you...

First to responses....

Roni Thank you Roni!! It works! I really believe it!

You are so right on that, Julia... I guess the docs are only human, after all, but I can't tell you how many times this weekend I repeated "He's an asshole." LOL Story about second opinion forthcoming for entire group!

Linda I thought so too, Linda! :D

Rhonda It really is, isn't it?? **Harder to deal with your own aging stuff than the professional side, I mean. And I know you are right about the oxygen... I am trying hard to keep that focus for Lisa. I'm doing okay (I think), but her???? Not so much.

Kerri Thanks, Kerri. It is a very full plate right now, it seems.

Nicole Thanks for those positive thoughts Nicole... and keep them coming, dear!

Paul Hi there, sir! We've missed our Paulie in these parts! :) YES... we are getting a second opinion!! More details to come! Lots of things were banned in my childhood on religious grounds -- not just Halloween... evil rock music, pants, dancing, etc. *It's the main reason I think I love 80's music so much.... that's the first time I rebelled and found music on my own that wasn't religious and I fell in LOVE and sneaked around and listened to anything I could get my hands on. ;) Also probably why I won't wear a dress now unless I'm almost forced. hehehe

Heidi Thank you Heidi... We are claiming that things are going to start getting better very soon! We keep saying that this is the "for worse" part of the vows we took. :)

Roberta Hey friend. I hope your mom is okay. Sorry I haven't visited you lately to check on y'all. You are SO right on about Lisa's background being a HUGE blessing. She is able to do so much more with navigating the field and asking questions that most folks wouldn't know to do. It has been a relief for her mom, I'm sure.

Mark Hi Mark... My shoulders could really use a massage for sure! :) Thanks for the positive vibes!

Heather Thank you so much ~~ we need all the prayers we can get!

Carol Thank you, Carol... I'm not sure how I've not gone officially 'batty' yet, but so far I'm still hanging on to a shred of sanity. I think I have y'all to thank for that. (((hugs)))

Mamie ((((Mamie)))) I love you & miss you too. Thanks for stopping in to see me. Keep us in your prayers, my friend. Give all the Pecan gang my love.

Weekend and Mom Update

So, we drove down to Valdosta, GA on Friday and Lisa stayed on the phone most of the trip. By the time we made it halfway, she and her brother had found a cardiac surgeon in Jacksonville that is highly regarded and will often take cases that other doctors find too challenging. The key was getting all her mom's medical records to his office to see if he would take the case. Bless her heart, Lisa tried to get all of this done, but by the time she talked to the right person at the new doctor (Mostovych is his name), all the local Valdosta offices were closed... One closed at 11:30 on Friday?!? Must be nice! Anyway, Lisa helped her mom gather all the information she already had and made her exact notes of what to do yesterday morning (i.e. what records to ask for, etc.) and by 1pm yesterday Lisa had the good news that Mostovych will see her next Monday in Jacksonville. We have a second opinion coming, folks!!! Everyone is SO thrilled. We'll be going back down again for that so Lisa can be with her to ask questions, etc. during the visit. So that is the good & excellent news.

The weekend was incredibly emotional for my Lisa. Her mom, bless her, should really be on an episode of "Hoarders." Her idea of what she wanted us to do for the weekend was to help her go through her things and clean out the "junk room." Um... there's two rooms you can't walk into because of the amount of stuff piled high. She then goes on to say that she also wants to start going through her jewelry, shoes and purses and giving Lisa stuff to take so we don't have to do it after she's gone.

Lisa looks at me and says 'I can't do this.' I have to talk her through that this is what her mom is asking us to do... she has to think of this as a 'gift' she is giving to her mom. It was brutal. My counseling background came in handy. I tried to teach Lisa how to compartmentalize and focus on one task at a time. All my grief training and teaching was front and center as I watched her, her brother, and her sister-in-law react so differently. I talked with them and tried to help (all except her brother who has gone straight to anger and doesn't want to be helped), but like Rhonda pointed out in her post in 140... it's so much different dealing with things in your own family versus dealing with things professionally. So... we worked with her mom on Friday night, all day Saturday, and several hours on Sunday and made a dent in the house. Many, many tears were shed. Both she and her mom broke down. Lisa really broke down once and sobbed in front of her mother and begged to stop and that's when her mom stopped with the sentimental things and moved to the easier, junk room stuff.

So that's the sad part of the story. Levity is coming. I promise. Then I have to get back to doing job search stuff...

So here's the story....

Lisa's niece (Ashlin) is a beauty queen... literally. She is Little Miss something right now and currently has 3 crowns. I don't know if you can see all three on my head or not, but any way... Saturday she had to crown the new Little Miss Something so she was all made up with her gorgeous blonde hair all done and her makeup to the nines, etc. Her mother is a former Ms. Georgia and runs a super successful dress shop in Adel. So, Ashlin's birthday was on Thursday / Halloween... the day that the news came in about Lisa's mom. So her birthday was basically ignored and she's only 10. :( She's not really understanding what all is going on, but she knows that everyone is really sad and that her Nana is very sick, but doesn't get the gravity of the situation. She DID know that we had been working at her Nana's house all day and that we were tired, but alas, she is 10 and was bored. Hence, having been at home after watching a pageant that she wasn't in and having to crown a NEW winner, she saw a perfectly good target as I just sat down on the couch and commented on how pretty she looked.

"Wanna see my crowns??"
"Sure!"

Cut to her putting all three current crowns on my head and trying to get all three *tiny* banners to fit on my non-tiny body.

Well apparently, I didn't look pageant-y enough, so the next question was...

"Aunt Tina, can I do your makeup?"

At the time, Lisa and her brother were outside talking about the day and crying so of course, I'm going to say yes and entertain the child. groan

An hour plus later, maybe close to two???? I look like a clown (I did not allow a close up! picture) I have 80's hair, very exaggerated makeup and she is trying to teach me how to walk in a pageant. :)

At least it kept her busy until the grown ups were ready for bed. Right???? The child used so much hair spray that it took me 10 FULL MINUTES to wash the mess out of my hair!

Your reward is in heaven, Mrs. Lisa. That was a lovely thing to do for the whole family.

SO HAPPY about the second opinion! And Moms's practical, considerate decision to participate in her own final arrangements is, to me, one of the most thoughtful and moving gifts she could ever give to her dearly beloved kids.

Sending healthy-happy whammys to the clan.

What a funny story!! Tina the Beauty Queen--it makes me think of Little Miss Sunshine.

Hugs to Lisa--it is so hard to have your mom critically ill. I guess it's part of being human--love and grief mixed together.

>127 TinaV95: The Shining..... one of the creepiest movies / books of all time!
I love/hate that movie! lol It is so cool- you have made me want to suggest it for next movie night.

Tina, your beauty queen shots are a crack up! Nice posing btw :) I think you have it down pat. But you say you have heaps of makeup on and I can barely see blusher! And I am sure your hair could have got to perpendicular....maybe MORE hair spray was needed? It was lovely of you to amuse your little niece :)
I bet Lisa really appreciated you that weekend.

>155 banjo123: I agree, with both sentiments.

What a weekend you had, Tina! Highs and lows all over the place. I think your "beauty queen" pose is fab, but then again so is your regular pose so I guess that just means it's you that's fab and not the pose!

Hoping for a quiet end of the week for you and Lisa.

(((Hugs))) to you and Lisa, Tina!

The beauty queen walk and the pose are all about attitude. Work it, girl! What a lovely memory you made for that little girl! A very tough weekend, but very well done. And I think Megan is right - I think you could have gotten that hair to perpendicular with just a bit more product and effort.

Sending you love and hugs from the entire gang at the Pecan Paradisio.

*smooch* for Mrs. Lisa on this Happy Hump Day!

Just a drop in to add to all the good wishes. Fingers crossed for good/better things.

Fingers crossed that there is good news with the second opinion. Love your pose :) was great for you to spend time with your niece, as Mamie said, you have created a nice memory for her. The crowns look lovely, very regal. Still sending you positive thoughts your way.

Richard You're awfully sweet to say that! But I do LOVE all of them so much, that I would do anything I could to help ease the pain. And if that meant walking across burning coals of fire... so be it! It was a small price to pay (my dignity) to help offer a few laughs! You are right about the gift Linda is giving her family. They have no idea why she's doing what she's doing or HOW much they will appreciate it later, but I do. Love you!

Rhonda It was funny ~ while it was happening, she (Ashlin) was laughing so hard I thought she wasn't going to finish. When she screwed up my eye makeup and licked her finger to "fix" it and I almost hurled, she REALLY thought that was entertaining!!! :) You're right on about the grief and love often mixing together...

Megan Oh, she wanted about 2 more hours with the hair and makeup but it was already 10 and we had to reinforce that the adults needed to go to sleep!! Any more time and I think it would have been standing straight up! She tried to brush it straight towards the end because she asked if I wanted to look like I was in a "glitzy" pageant or in a Miss America pageant. She had to pull up pictures of "glitzy" and I'll just say they look OVER THE TOP so I chose Miss America... hence the brush out and less intense makeup. ;) And let me just say... for the posing, you should have seen the attempted walk! It was awful LOL. Lisa tried to video it, but I threatened her within an inch of her life!

Julia You're too sweet... We did have lots of lows, but tried to throw in some good times too.

Roberta Return hugs for you and your mom, Roberta!

Mamie A "work it" attitude is one thing I have (when I'm with Lisa, anyway!) --- not so much in public. All my love to the all the Pecans!

Richard *Smooches*

Bekka Thanks for the good wishes and fingers crossed!

Nicole Thanks for the positive thoughts and good wishes! The crowns were so pretty, but really, really uncomfortable! Who knew??

So this is what the REAL beauty queen, Ashlin looks like! Just thought y'all should see what she was trying to teach me... Her dad told her she should be charging $2,500 for the makeup and lessons she was giving me LOL. I guess there is a LOT of money to be made in the pageant business??

So these pictures I'm going to post are of Lisa's mom. I hope she doesn't kill me if she ever finds out I've posted them. Of course, I stole them off her Facebook, so I guess they are public property! hehehe

This is what we worked on packing up all weekend. She was a History teacher and since she has retired, she has been dressing up as various characters and going around to schools and reading to the kids. I think it's mostly elementary schools that she goes to based on these characters. I'll post the pictures I found then mention a few of the other characters that I can remember. I'm doing this here because I think y'all will find it interesting whereas other folks would be like "who cares?" I think what she did was AMAZING in bringing stories to life for children. She's hoping to pass her characters's clothing and books (what we packed up and what we can continue to find) to someone else who will be interested in carrying on the tradition.

Cat in the Hat Y'all could probably guess that one


Little Critter That's a younger Ashlin sitting on her lap


Martha Washington



She also has a leprechaun, several plastic containers full of Christmas things (Mrs. Santa, etc.), clown outfits, etc.

Wow, what great costumes and what a great service, Tina. I imagine Lisa is very proud of her mom. Keeping fingers crossed and positive mojo flowing your way for the second opinion.

How wonderful! What a kind-hearted woman Linda is. I hope she comes through this tough passage with flying colors and makes us smile for more years to come.

Coming in to give hugs and spread cheer... And throw chocolate kisses at to you.

Roni Thank you! I think Lisa is proud of her... And even though I've only been around a short while in comparison, I am proud of her wonderful service too! Thanks for the mojo!

Richard Thank you dear sir!! You're a gem yourself!

Kathy Hugs & cheer always welcome! But how did you know I was in need of chocolate?!? Lol

Ok folks, when I dropped in yesterday in between my "job/work" tasks, I forgot to mention that I finally got THE CALL. I have an interview with the large company next Tuesday!! I forgot to tell you bc they wanted to do interview on Monday when I'll be in Jacksonville with the gang getting the second opinion, so we had to come up with a quick game plan to get me back to Atlanta for Tuesday. I'll be flying solo from Jacksonville to Atlanta on Monday eve to get back!

As I'm typing this, I'm on my iPhone sitting in the hairstylist's chair. I haven't had color in months bc of money, but all the blogs & research say you need to feel your best when you interview so Lisa & I agreed new hair it is! Wish me luck! I'll try to take a "selfie" after & post. Eventually I will get to threads & updating my reading. I swear, I think I'm as busy now as I was when I was working.

Finally found you and starred you! (Well, must confess, till now I didn't look hard enough). Good luck with your job interview!

Flying solo? I do hope you manage to get a certified Pilot to come along as well :D

And good luck with the hair colour as well, I have done quite a few things with my hair, including hair straightening (for almost 4 years), but despite thinking about it a few times, never got my hair coloured, blame it on my conservative work sector, finance and the fact that Indians only have dark hair, so I will be quite unable to naturally pull off a blonde or a ginger look, or blue or green for that matter :(

Congrats on the interview! And you are so right to do the hair color.

Congrats on the interview Tina, hope that it all goes well. Yay for a new hair colour. I have to admit that I haven't been to the hair dressers in 3 years, yes you heard right, not even for a trim.

>165 TinaV95: I think what she did was AMAZING in bringing stories to life for children.
Wow- that is a really really cool thing to do! What a fun thing to do too- I think I would like doing that.

The pageant photo actually scares me a little bit- how old is that girl? I am not a makeup or dress up person, so it all looks very frightening to see a child in that get up. *yikes* I am sure it teaches them confidence and poise though?

Congrats on the interview! Break a leg and all that.

#153 - Great pose photos! Perhaps you missed your calling.

Darn Megan #173 wrote my post for me... also rather scared by the pageant. It's Cassie's first ballet concert-thingy this xmas and I'm scared they'll make her shiny (my fave Cass is summer holiday Cass who hasn't been bathed in days and is a happy mess). But re M-I-L, she looks amazing - I know so many kids who would have loved that! Hell my kids would love that! Fingers crossed she'll be able to do it again.

Your m-i-l makes a terrific Martha Washington! My mom is a retired teacher and still does the dress up and go in and read thing at the local elementary school.

Good luck on the interview!!!!!!!!

Tina, I'm so far behind, I shall never catch up. I love all the photos (the hair thing for Halloween was fabulous) and I wish you the very best in the upcoming interview!

Tina, catching up on MIL and family news. Very impressed by you and Lisa helping her mum with the clear out but boy, that must have been emotional. And well done on sacrificing yourself to the makeover beauty queen! I,m with Megan and Bekka in finding the idea of a 10 yr old beauty queen a little scary but we don't really have beauty pageants over here.

And good luck for the interview!

Hmmmm. I don't see how you can top the "Who Hair"! And the price was right, too. Ah well.... I'm sure you know best ;-)

Good luck with the interview. I know you will do fine. I'll be thinking of you.
Sending good luck mojo to the max!

Hi Tina, I am sooooooo far behind with your thread, I only managed a quick skim. Glad to see the drama of your exit from your previous job is now over and done with and sending good health vibes for Lisa mom. Good luck with your interview!

Congrats on landing the interview! I know you'll do great.

Oh, I love you all so much!!! Thanks for all the visits and good mojo and prayers! Keep them coming! Tomorrow is Linda's "big day."

We've traveled down to South GA today and will be leaving early in the morning to drive Lisa's folks into Jacksonville for the second opinion appointment.

I fly back to Atlanta around 6:30. I may have some time to come and give a prognosis update. It's going to be a minute until I get to your individual responses... But I will get there! I promise (eventually)! Lol

I couldn't manage a decent self shot, so I had Lisa take it. Excuse the red eyes! She's not a pro! ;)

I also got a new blouse; and later this weekend, I splurged and had my eyebrows waxed, so I should feel my best for Tuesday.

You look beautiful Tina. Lots of prayers and hugs for you and Lisa during this difficult time. Be yourself tomorrow because you are wonderful.

Don't worry so much about responding to individual post right now. We are all your dear friends and we know how much you have going on. Just enjoy the love and take care.

Beautiful new hair, dear Tina! Good luck with everything today and tomorrow. We'll be thinking of you!

Wish you the very Best of Luck for your interview! Go with a swagger ;)

>183 TinaV95: please tell me that is an elaborate hair piece coming off the top and sides of your head and not just something on the wall behind you :)

Take care Tina! Your new hair looks great.

Oh, I wish I had time to respond to everyone! But I just can't leave out Megan! I so needed that smile this evening, as I'm exhausted! LOL ~~ thanks, but no that's not cool hair... it's just wall art. teehee

I'm dropping in before I drop from exhaustion... IT'S A MIRACLE!! The doctor thinks she's a great candidate for surgery! Of course, he can't fix all the blockages, but she has at least two vessels that he kept calling "great targets" for bypass with another possible one that he thinks he might be able to bypass, but he won't really know until he gets in there and sees it. He says she does have small vessels and that makes her anatomy a bit of a challenge, but he's seen worse. He's also going to do something called "Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization." It has something to do with a laser that will (in layman's terms) poke holes in her heart so that the blood will rush to the holes to create healing. Like when we get a scrape, or bruise, new blood vessels run to the area and form to heal the area -- same thing in the heart. Here the official term is called angio-genesis. So in key areas in her heart he will do the laser business, creating holes with the goal of stimulating the heart to create new blood vessels itself. How freaking cool is that??

Oh... and by the way. Surgery is freaking tomorrow. I'm freaking out.

I'm a bit of a wreck. I flew home and managed to buy a ticket to fly back down there after my interview, but I'll miss the surgery. Nothing to be done about that. I have to have this interview. And the surgery couldn't work into any other day this week after he tried to re-arrange his schedule, so here we are. My mom says that's God's way of testing Lisa and I and making us lean on Him, rather than on each other. I'm not sure about that, but I know we are both a bit (more than a bit if I'm being honest) anxious about doing this without the other one there). She depends on me to keep her calm. And "vice reverse" (what 80's movie/TV show did they say that?? That used to make me laugh so hard because I had a friend who didn't know it was a joke...).

So... one big huge praise for the power of prayers and positive thinking and good vibes from the land of LT and one more huge request for prayers and vibes for surgery tomorrow and interview ju-ju.

I'm about to fall out on top of the dog, so I'd better run. I really appreciate the role each of you play in keeping me sane. Your love, your comments of support and encouragement, your hilarity, your stories, your books, your book bullets, your pictures of your kids, your loving me for who I am with all my junk just flung all out for the world to read about, just everything.... Joining the 75 group was one of the best things I have ever done for myself personally. I mean that in all sincerity.

To borrow from Richard... *smooches*

Great news about your MIL, Tina! I know it will be hard not to be there for the surgery, but I know both you and Lisa are strong women and you will cope with it all.

Tina, you look fantastic, love your hair! Sending positive engergy for your mother in law's surgery and interview ju - ju. I hope everything goes fantastically on both fronts! Keep calm, and stay strong.

Fantastic about the surgery, my thoughts are with you, hope that it all goes well.

Good luck with the interview, not that you need it really, they will see your fabulousness shining through :)

The new hair looks great by the way.

Sending positive vibes from the Midwest! Wishing your MIL, all the best. And good luck with that interview.

OMG! Tina! I've missed so much!
First let me say that whether you don Who hair or 10 lbs of hair spray you always look ravishing.
Secondly, I'm so glad that you have Lisa and Lisa has you. You guys are pillars of strength for each other.
Thirdly, my prayer card for LTers is growing but there's always room when necessary and will send healing thought and prayers for a success surgery for Lisa's mom. My 80 yr old, diabetic mom had a quad 2 years ago and today you'd never know that she had one. Of course she's not walking laps around her sr. facility but she can function just fine.
Hugs to you both :0) Be strong and carry on!

Keeping all the fingers crossed for Lisa's Mum and all the toes crossed for you. Keep being strong for each other.

Well, all I can say is that, if gawd only gives us what we can handle, she must think you and Mrs. Tina are a couple of badasses.

*surgery success WHAMMY*

*interview joy WHAMMY*

The angiogenesis treatment will make all the difference in the world!!

I missed all the latest news but you are both on my mind and always in my prayers.

Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. And a huge ditto to what Richard said. Hugs to you from the Pecan Paradisio.

Ladies & Gents... I'm sorry I've been away, but I know you'll forgive me. I'm exhausted.

A very quick update to let you know that the interview went fantastically well! The person I interviewed with has known me since I was a Social Worker & she was an Administrator... She even told me "unofficially" that although she has to interview the other applicants, she's leaning toward me & has been the whole time. :)

Now, on to Linda. She is doing great! She's already out of ICU and in a regular room. She is awake and talking... Not a lot, but more than I certainly expected. Lisa is thrilled with her progress thus far & how quickly she came off the ventilator. She's been very, very nauseous but has a real problem tolerating pain meds & anesthesia, so they are using lots of drugs to help with that. The ICU for open heart recovery is super strict on visiting hours so we only were allowed to see her for 20 minute stretches 3 times today. In between, we ran errands all over Jacksonville. I'm whooped & Lisa is sawing LOTS of logs as I type, lol.

We stayed in a hotel last night, but a family friend has allowed us the use of their condo while Linda's here... The downside is we are an hour away; the upside is we are on the beach... Oh, and did I mention it.is.FREE?!?! Of course, we are in FL, but had to go to Wal Mart today to buy jackets. It's flipping cold here!!! And the winds are blowing the palm trees something fierce! We didn't get here until late, but I'm pretty sure there's ocean out the window! It sounds like there's a hurricane out there right now though and it's a wee bit unsettling.

Love you all... Keep those prayers coming! We can feel them!!! Individual responses later... One day... I promise?????!!!!!

Richard We are definitely not bada$$es, but are certainly stronger than we were a few months ago! ;) Think we may be working on bada$$ status now, though! LOL!!

Hooray!! I knew you would do a great interview.

And great news about Linda...

And positive energy will continue to flow your way from Banjo-land.

Great news on both fronts, Tina!!

Fantastic news on both fronts!

So glad to hear your good news on all sides, Tina! Now that you've aced the interview, you've got the hardest part of all — waiting. Just know we are waiting and hoping right along with you. So good to hear Linda is doing so well!

Another very glad for you over here. Brilliant news. I def think you both qualify for badass status!

All of this is just plain old wonderful, Mrs. Lisa, you badass you. So happy! *smooch* to you both!

Three cheers for second opinions and second chances!

Great news all around! Yay!

Glad to see all the good news, Tina. :)

Yay! Just Yay for everything!
Get what rest you can and keep smiling :-)

I love checking in and finding good news, Tina! I hope that this is the start of lots of positive things coming your way.

Hoping y'all're having a good weekend with Linda.

Swinging by to say hooray for fabulousness at interviews and for successful surgeries. I agree with Richard that you and Lisa are clearly badasses (and I am confident that God thinks this, as well) but I do wish a spell of peace (even boredom!) for you two.

I assume you're barely squeezing reading in between the cracks of Real Life. Just know that I'm joining others in sending you major positive vibes.

Ladies & gents!!! We are exhausted but doing great... I only have a few seconds to write. I tried to stop in last night when I had a bit more time but the site was down?

We are on the way to pick Linda up from the hospital now! The last of her three chest tubes was pulled out yesterday, so as soon as all of the consulting docs give the go-ahead, we are cleared to go!

I haven't had time to crack a book :( but I have squeezed in listening to some chapters late at night.

As soon as there is any down time (will there be any??? Lol), I'll try to get back for more details!

Love to you all!

Nice to see that things are moving in the right direction Tina. Maybe the site should go down more often if such good news ensues upon catching up on its return.

Glad to hear the good news Tina! Hope that Linda has a speedy recovery :)

Hey Bada$$
(you know I mean that in the completest nicest way that is possible!!)
:)

So glad surgery went well, and things are looking good on the job front too!

Hello dear just popping in to give you my best. Yay on MIL being discharged. Y'all get some rest.

Happydancing for Linda!! {{{Mrs. Lisa}}} {{{Mrs. Tina}}}

Glad things are going well for Linda. Yay! And don't forget to take care of yourself.

Tina- Glad to hear the good news. See, all these positive LT vibes pay off! We miss you.

Thanks for that update, Tina! SO glad that all went well and that Linda is getting to go home - so much nicer to be in your own place surrounded by the comforts of home. Sending you good thoughts and keeping all of you in my prayers. Hugs from the Pecan Paradisio.

woo hoo!

((Tina))
I'm glad to see some good news around here!

Oh, good! Glad to hear the good news about Lisa's mom! I hope all things continue in this positive direction.

Sending you strong mojo in case your energy is running low.

Hope everything is still going well and you are home and happy.
Hugs for all!

Busy week, but thinking of you and your MIL--hope all is well.

Quite the roller coaster ride here as I catch up on your thread. Glad to hear all of the good news!!

I'm heading to Jacksonville next week - hope it warms up a little...

Hugs to you!

Oh my goodness!! How I have missed my Library Thing time and all you wonderful, amazing people!!!!!!!! This has been the longest 2 weeks of my life, I think!

We have FINALLY made it back to Atlanta (a few days ago), but have done nothing but unpack bags, wash laundry, and catch up on sleep since we returned!! Almost literally!!!

I seriously had NO clue how tired we were! Lisa slept until 2:30 or 3:00 PM Friday and Saturday -- LOL. I woke up a few hours earlier than that, but not by a huge margin! Apparently, the physical and mental wear and tear was much more than I had anticipated!

Once we got Linda home, the real fun began since we had no other nurses or aides to help us... We were on food duty, bath duty, beck and call duty, etc. The upside to all of this is that Linda now LOVES me! She started introducing me at the hospital as her "daughter from another mother" LOL. And on the day we left, she asked Lisa how they ever got along before I came around. ***Big huge smiles.***

I did have a bit of a hard time with the fact that her brother and sis-in-law disappeared after the day of surgery and we were left to handle everything. I've seen it happen numerous times from the professional side, but this was the first time I was on the family side of it. Grrrr... What made it worse was that the free condo was on the beach (remember??)... which, yes was very pretty but we never even got to walk on. The brother's first words to Lisa (joking, I know) were "Well, Lisa's just had a week's vacation at the beach". I wanted to kick him you-know-where. I was already peeved that he didn't come down at all to assist us, then after that comment I really was irritated. Oh well... I had to practice the good Christian lesson of biting your tongue instead of being nasty and saying what comes to mind. I just kept eating my hamburger and swallowed what I really wanted to say. ;)

I will probably never be able to give appropriate individual follow up comments to all of you lovely folks who visited me and offered me unwavering support during the past (almost) month of craziness so let me at least do a quick SHOUT OUT.... with a promise that I will try to start getting around to threads soon.

I love each one of you!!! Thank you for the visits:
starting up in #170
Piyush
Rhonda
Nicole
Megan
Kerri
Bekka
Heidi
Ellen
Heather
Cee
Lori
Roni
Roberta
Julia
Piyush (again)
Roni (again)
Nicole (again)
Adrienne
Mark
Lynda
Bekka (again)
Richard
Roberta (again)
Mamie
Rhonda (again)
Roni (again)
Nicole (again)
Julia (again)
Bekka (again)
Richard (again)
Lynda (again)
Heidi (again)
Mickey
Cee
Amy
Richard (again)
Ellen (again)
Paul
Nicole (again)
Megan (again)
Roberta (again)
Richard (again)
Rhonda (again)
Mark (again)
Mamie (again)
Lynda (again)
Kathy
Kerri (again)
Cee
Roni (again)
Joanne


Here's hoping I didn't miss a visit!!!

Y'all are the bestest folks ever!! ;)

Hope to catch up on threads sooner rather than later... some of you "talkative" threads I may just have to start from present... you know who you are. LOL

Good to hear the follow-up, Tina. You all just rest up now. Bask in the knowledge you are loved (not just by Lisa's mom) and you've done the right thing for the best of reasons. Karma, you know!

Mrs. Lisa! *smooch* So happy you're within hailing distance of normal again and at last. See you around!

Welcome home, Tina! Glad that you will finally be able to catch up with yourself - and with us, of course! WE MISSED YOU! No hurries, just know that your absence on the threads was felt. Hooray for the opening of Linda's eyes to see you for who you are - so incredibly generous and loving, not to mention witty and charming...

Hugs to you, dear!

Fantastic news about Linda and the job interview! And welcome home! Now you and Lisa get some rest!

Tina - So glad to hear that you and Lisa are home and getting some rest! What an amazing thing you both did for Linda. I had to smile when I read about her calling you a "daughter from another mother."

Rest up, Tina (and Lisa!). I'm glad you're home and that things have turned out as well as they could. Don't worry about "catching up." RL is more important and we'll all still be here.

Take good care of you.

You and Lisa are building up some powerful karma that is bound to pay off somewhere down the road, Tina, so console yourself with that. And let me know if you change your mind and need someone to kick your brother-in-law in the gahoolies. He sounds a little too much like my GFN (good for nothing) brother.

Wow, you guys must have been pooped! Sleeping til 230 pm!! I am more likely to be up for the day at 230 am than pm :)

Welcome home and get all the rest you need! I hear you on the brother-in-law comment. Completely uncalled for. I am thankful that all of my siblings live in the same city with our mom and dad - I am the only member of the family who decided to leave town and managed to place a mountain range, a provincial border and even a small skiff of water between myself and them (not that that was the objective, it just worked out that way), so if any comments like that one were to occur, it will probably come my way, but I would be very surprised if that would happen.

Glad to hear that you are home and that Linda is doing well. Both you and Lisa need and deserve a huge rest. Its terrible that your brother in law took off like that and made that comment, I know that I wouldnt have been able to bite my tounge, I would of said something. I think sometimes people say things in jest and don't realise they are terdding on toes or hurting people's feelings. Hope you are well :)

Hello Tina

I've been MIA and now, reading your thread, I see that a lot is on your plate right now.

Whew...thinking of you and sending hugs

*Waving by, and spreading good wishes all around*

You are such a great daughter in law! I am glad you are appreciated! Your brother-in-law sounds like a poop, but, as you know, illness brings out the best and worst in people. ((((hugs))))

Hey there!

Somehow, your thread got red x'd.That happens when I try to do LT from my phone ... and so with that and my own laxness in visiting LT , I lost you. I sorta caught up.. sorta. But it looks like you are doing pretty well after a roller coaster ride.

VERY good to see you.. I hope things just get better and better :)

Happy to see Linda is home and so are you and Lisa! Hope your MIL continues to improve and feels better than ever in a short time. Lots to be thankful for this T-Day.

Thanksgiving *smooches* for you and Mrs. Tina!

Roni Consider me basking!!! LOL

Richard hailing distance of normal... I LOVE it!! It perfectly describes where we are! *smooches*

Mamie Awww... you made me blush. And smile! Thank you for your kind words!

Heather Hey! Thanks for the welcome... We have been resting up. I finally feel almost caught up!

Amy I know, right?? I think she was trying to be cool LOL. Playing off the "brotha from anotha motha" slang she's undoubtedly heard on TV. hehehe It made me smile when she said it and countless times as I remembered it!

Ellen I can't help worrying about catching up... don't want y'all to forget about me! :)

Julia I'm going to keep your offer saved up for Christmas... if he acts up again, I'll take you up on it!! :D

Megan I KNOW! I slept til 10:30-11:00 at my latest, but she indeed slept until 2:30 PM!!! And that was with ME waking her up because I was about to fall out with hunger. LOL I had no idea she was that sleep deprived, but apparently she was totally physically and emotionally exhausted.

Lori Hi! Thanks for the support on the BIL. In your case, I think sometimes it's better to move away. I think it all depends on the family in question.

Nicole Yeah, it's okay... my tongue was just a bit bloody from biting it so hard. ;)

Linda I'm honored you took some of your limited strength and energy to come visit!! (((((LINDA))))) Now, go rest and be a good patient!!! I hope your pain meds are working well!

Piyush Returning waves and good wishes!

Rhonda I don't know about "great" yet, but I am trying very hard to be a good one! The BIL has always been decent before, but you are right about illness showing folks' worst sides. I'm hoping I don't see that side again so he doesn't get to see the ugly side of ME.

KATH So good to see you!! I'm glad you found me again! Yes, it's been quite the roller coaster around these parts, but here's hoping for a boring ride from here out!

Lynda Boy, you hit THAT nail right on the head!! We have SO very much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season with Linda's recovery that I feel extra super sized blessed!

Richard Special *smooches* for you!

Life Update

So one of the things I didn't mention because there were so many other (more important) things to tell you about was that while I was in FL, I got hacked and was a victim of identity theft with several accounts. After sleuthing and talking things over with Lisa, I still couldn't figure out how and where this happened. Finally, after talking it over with Lisa and my parents we figured out it happened in the airport when I was buying my ticket to fly back to Atlanta. Anyway, the moral of the story is that I am VERY THANKFUL for fraud alerts and for AMERICAN EXPRESS. They have been wonderful to me. The other moral of the story is that if you are ever in the situation where you need a plane ticket immediately and the lady at the counter tells you that she will have to charge you a service fee to get your ticket ($35), but that you can go to the gate, get online and purchase it yourself for free... don't be a cheapskate and go the free route. Someone may have some high tech scanning something that you only see on TV / movies; and even if you only bring out your card for a brief second to put in the number, it's long enough for someone to take a picture or scan the code or some crap. PAY THE FREAKING $35 FEE AND BE DONE WITH IT.

'Nuff said?

On Monday, I will start a temporary gig doing Social Work for one of my nursing centers where the Social Service Director is pregnant and is expected to go out on maternity leave in January. It will only be a few days a week but it will still be something. I'm supposed to hear about the other *full time* job next week, I hope.

We are cooking Thanksgiving dinner here at our house tomorrow for my folks and my sister. We did our shopping trip last night, so for the rest of the day, I will be cooking and doing prep. So, my LT time is going to be limited. :(

But I did want to come in and respond to folks and wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

I am so very blessed to have each of you in my life... I know that this is a virtual place, but I am sincerely grateful and consider you LITERAL friends.

One more post to come with a reading update. Just in case Paul does any stats over the holidays, as I am dreadfully behind in posting reads!

Just stopping by, Tina, to wish you and Lisa a very happy and relaxing Thanksgiving!

Hi Roni! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!! Love to you and yours!

Book #83
Beautiful Chaos



Caster Chronicles book #3 -- The story continues...I will read or listen to the 4th, but I am tiring of it. If the ending hadn't left us with Ethan plummeting off the tower.... I might have stopped. But alas, I must have closure. 3.5 stars

Book #84
Orange is the New Black



I read this on a recommendation from Kerri. Well, actually -- in all honesty, Kerri was recommending the show that is loosely (and I mean loosely) based from the memoir. She warned me that the book was much different than the show; and I very much enjoyed the book. So far I've only seen one show, but it is indeed quite different. :) 4 stars

Book #85
1984



Not exactly enjoyable, but one to cross off the list of classics that I'd never read. Listened to this on audio; on the plane / in the airport... not a very great travel companion book for sure. It was more than a little scary to think this was written in the 1940s, but again, not such an uplifting read for such a hard time in life. ;) 3.5 stars

Book #86
Eleanor & Park



Recommended by Amy, this was a wonderful YA book that deserves a read by anyone who ever felt like one of the UN-cool kids. I'm guessing that may have been more than a few of us here. Perfectly wonderful audio book with alternating chapters done by a male and female narrator to provide authenticity to the rotating chapter voices. 4 stars!

Book #87
After Dead



An incredibly generous gift from the ever-wonderful, and always smoochful Richard, this is the lovely and talented Ms. Charlaine Harris' view on what occurs for each character in the world of Sookie Stackhouse after the novels end. I had forgotten SO many of these characters that eventually I.MUST.REREAD.ALL.SOOKIES!!! 4 stars

Book #88
Summer Knight



Another dangerous delve into the wizardly world of Harry Dresden. Much fun! 4 stars

Book #89
How to Write Better Resumes and Cover Letters



No fun to be had here, folks. Just trying to learn how things a bit better to increase the number of bites to my ol' fishing pole!

I'm still not finished with updates. I completed Gilead last night, but I owe that one more time than I have. I really must go start cooking now...

Maybe I'll sneak back later?

I've just bought Orange is the New Black although I haven't seen the TV series - sounds good anyway.

Such updatey goodness! And thankfully I wasn't hit by any book-bullets because I already own, or have read before, all the books you've reviewed! (Except the YA, which ain't no damn chance on this wide green earth I'll ever read.)

After Dead made me sad. I thought it was skimpy and an afterthought to get one last splash of Sookie money. Mine went to live at the library, so that other people could be disappointed too. I think I was particularly let down because I too want to read all things Sookie ...

It just goes to show how careful we have to be with cards now, especially the ones that have pay wave, where you just place your card over the machine. Very scary. Hope you have got it all sorted out now Tina. Hope you all have a happy thanksgiving. We don't celebrate it here in Australia but I still wish you all the best!

Happy Thanksgiving, Mrs. Tina and Mrs. Lisa! So many wonderful things to be thankful for, most especially Linda's good good results.

Have a happy day! You deserve and need it!

Happy Thanksgiving, Tina! Have a great time with your family.

Tina Happy Thanksgiving to you and Lisa!

Rhian I did enjoy the book very much... It wasn't overly gratuitous sexually like the show may lead you to believe. In fact, I don't recall there being any sex in the book at all, now that I mention it.

Richard Are you just an anti-YA man in general? Or are you anti YA romance, more specifically?? LOL

Kath I'm sorry you were disappointed by After Dead. I guess after having read Richard's reviews, I knew what to expect. I intend to keep it so that one day, when I re-read the Sookies, I can recall who some of the smaller characters were.

Nicole I know...it's truly scary. This one is just a plain old card, but apparently crooks know what they are doing and don't need much time to do it with. Everything seems sorted out now; what's weird is that I must have also been on the laptop enough that they tried to hack into Facebook (failed) and Paypal (worked, charged something for $143 but I caught it and got it reversed). Never again will I use my computer in public. Stupid, stupid mistake. Belated Happy Thanksgiving ~ even though you don't celebrate it. ;)

Richard, Cee, Mark, & Roberta Happy late Thanksgiving!!! I missed you all! Hope everyone had a wonderful Turkey Day! :)

Tina.. I totally get that reason for having it. I knew it wasn't a story, I did expect that it would be...more. My intention was to keep it to remember the characters by, as the Sookie books were never mine. Rd donated them to our branch of the library, on condition that I read them first ( Thank you again for that rdear). So after I read it, I decided it would have a good home next to the real Sookie books :)

I will of course be doing stats next week and you are well in time!

I am thankful for, amongst so many things, having friends who can still smile in adversity, who can share their pain but exude positivity. Life has dealt one or two blows maybe Tina but it did bring you a very special day with Lisa this year as well as guiding you to this group.

Keep smiling. Have a lovely thanksgiving weekend.

Hi Tina!

Sorry to hear about the credit card fraud, but glad you got it sorted out.

#249 - Oh, good. You liked the book version of Orange Is the New Black! Yeah, the show is definitely "loosely based" on the book. I'm looking forward to the second season, but keep hearing there will be less Laura Prepon. That doesn't seem quite right. :-(

Hi TIna! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. On congrats on the temporary gig. I think it's nice to be working, even if it is a temp thing.

So how was dinner? Did you have a nice time? Are you exhausted after hosting the event? and most importantly, were there left overs?

In India, all cards come with a chip now, and you have to punch-in a password, even while swiping the card physically, which makes it relatively safer to use in public. I am for some reason assuming that such safeguards are not there in US, an unreasonable presumption on my part perhaps...

Kath Isn't he (RD) a gem of a find??? I mean, donating all those books and then giving me one?! And he has the audacity to call himself a curmudgeon. I swear... :)

Paul I thought you might be! I have a few more to add before you get to them (unless I'm too late by the time I finish my responses). You are SO very right about the blows-turned-blessings, Paul. I have many, many things to be thankful for this year!!

Kerri I really did enjoy the book AND the show! I keep trying to get time to watch more of the show, but life just keeps getting in the way. I think if I could just get Lisa to see a few episodes with more than just that one glimpse of Laura Prepon, she'd be hooked too, then that would help me squeeze in more viewing time. ;) I hope they don't lose viewers with taking away Prepon's screen time.

Rhonda YOU are SO right! Today was the first day and even knowing it is temporary... it was still great to get out of the house with a purpose and a plan! And, we had an excellent Thanksgiving. I hope all the Banjos had a great holiday as well!

Kath Dinner was nice, but exhausting! I woke up with a pulled muscle. WHO else can pull a muscle in their sleep??? So, cooking the turkey and the hefty casseroles was a bit of a challenge, but we got through it. We napped (in a tryptophan coma on the couch) for 2 hours after the parents left, then woke up and went to bed to watch TV. We had to laugh that the whole day was cooking, then sleeping to recover from cooking. ;)

Piyush A chip!?! That makes a LOT more sense! No, we have no chips that I know of. *Someone correct me if I'm wrong.* I'm not very technologically savvy, so I may not know what safeguards there are.

Tina, we have chip and Pin cards in Europe as well, so that you need to enter a PIN number whenever the card is swiped,and we don't need to sign but I think I read somewhere that they are not common in the US? But it doesn't necessarily stop the fraud. Someone in my office was complaining about a credit card fraud just this afternoon.

Reading Update

Book #90

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson




This Pulitzer prize winning novel is the story fathers and sons... written as a series of letters by a reverend to his young son; the reverend John Ames is the son and grandson of ministers as well. None of whom Robinson paints as perfect in their portrayal. There is some beautiful language in this book and some notable quotes. One of my favorite passages was about books (of course) and I wanted to share:

"...I've developed a great reputation for wisdom by ordering more books than I ever had time to read, and reading more books, by far, than I learned anything useful from, except of course, that some very tedious gentleman have written books. This is not a new insight, but the truth of it is something you have to experience to fully grasp... Tina's thought: I kept thinking of Richard's hatred of Dickens in this quote here... :)... Thank God for them all, of course, and for that strange interval, which was most of my life, when I read out of loneliness, and when bad company was much better than no company. You can love a bad book for its haplessness or pomposity or gall, if you have that starveling appetite for things human, which I devoutly hope you will never have."

4 stars

Book #91

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater



Perfectly acceptable young adult paranormal romance of the werewolf variety. The twist in this one is that the werewolves are sensitive to cold and stay in wolf form during the winter; the other plot twist is that they only return to human form for a finite number of summers until one winter, they just remain wolf forever. Hence when heroine who was bitten as a child and never turned and hero who is a werewolf fall in love, we have a problem. Other issues arise; other teens are "killed" by wolves (but not really, he was just bitten). And the fun begins. 3.5 stars

Generally in my experience, swiping a credit card does not require a PIN, but if I use the debit card that is attached to my checking account, I generally do have to enter a PIN.

In the past year, I've had my procurement (credit) card at work because of fraudulent charges. The first time the criminals charged a membership in The Disney Movie Club or something goofy (pun intended) like that, and the second time I cancelled it preemptively because I had previously used it at an online site that later got hacked and had data stolen. I figured better safe than sorry.

I am TOO a curmudgeon!! I hate everyone!! And everything!! Equally, except I hate cats more!!

As for YAs, I oppose their right to exist. And the books, too.

Sneaky in-between posters!!! LOL

Rhian Dang it, everyone is smarter than the US. Shhh... don't say I said that. Probably not a surprise to anyone else overseas, but the other Americans here might be miffed that I let our secret out. ;) We need some other type of system that's more secure.

Julia Mine is like yours. Debit requires PIN, but credit is just a swipe or just the number if on the computer. Love the pun!! I guess there's just no end in sight to the lengths crooks will go to in order to make a buck off someone.

Richard Ha!! Your secret is safe-ish with me!!! I'll tell Kath not to tell!!! **You're allowed to hate YAs. LOL

Mini life update

1. Thanksgiving was wonderful! I'm very blessed in many different ways; not the least of which is by the wonderful friendship and support from this group here!

2. I started the temporary, fill in, social work position today. I'm beat, but boy did it feel good to go to work!

3. In case you missed it in my post to Kath above, I managed to somehow pull a muscle in my shoulder in my sleep. WHO DOES THAT??? ;) I had a massage yesterday to help straighten things out and I'm hurting like the dickens today. Which brings me to a question... Where does that phrase come from? My mom had a child in her class ask her what it meant. My guess was that since it's physically painful to read Dickens, it MUST have originated there... how's that for an ODE-TO-RICHARD answer!?! ;)

4. I finally talked Lisa into seeing Catching Fire this weekend!! I thought it was fantastically done. It's been over a year since I read the book, but I cried multiple times! Can't wait for Mockingjay to come out and the trailer for Divergent looks great too! ****Betting this entire sentence makes RD cringe!! ;)

5. I supported "Small Business Saturday" by going to my local used bookstore and trading in a bag of books and buying three books that will meet Mark's American Author Challenge including Death Comes for the Archbishop, Delta Wedding and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Oh yes, you're reading "Archbishop" for Cather month? I borrowed that one from a friend of mine, so we can read it together!

I remember how good that first day of work feels after being out of work for a while. Congratulations!

I've read all the "Hunger Games" books but haven't seen any of the movies. I noticed the first one is on Netflix streaming, so I may have to check it out.

>267 TinaV95: Tina honey, rd IS a curmudgeon... I swear!

Glad your Thanksgiving was good, if tiring..

Glad to hear that your first day back at work was good! You are not the only one who can pull muscles in their sleep, its happend to me several times. No idea how. Continuing on with the credit card thread in Australia we also have the chips, you still need to use your pin however. We do have this thing called 'pay wave' which I alluded to in a pervious post, if it is a purchase under $100 you don't need to use your pin, $100 + you use your pin (you just hold the card above the machine to get it to work). I don't really like the idea of them but all new cards have them now. Sounds like you had a good thanksgiving, excuse my ignorance but why do you celebrate it? Hope you and yours are well :)

Why would one wish to "catch fire"? And as a lifelong curmudgeon, I AM divergent...is there something I'm not understanding here...?

Oh I went to the midnight screening of Catching Fire. Loved it, so glad you enjoyed it. It was totally worth the practically sleepless night :)

Glad to hear you're first day in your new job went well! Sorry to hear about your pulled muscle :-(

#270 and #272 Debit Card always required a PIN while swiping, the Chip and PIN for Credit Card is something which was mandated by the Central Bank and executed earlier this year in India. While it doesn't eliminate the risks completely, it does make the system a lot more secure.

#273 Congrats on the new job, even if it is a temporary one, I am sure the permanent one will materialise soon enough.

Hope your shoulder muscle (that surely is a weird muscle to pull) relieves itself soon. It seems the phrase involving Dickens predates Charles Dickens.

"Like the Dickens

Meaning

A lot; as in 'hurts like the dickens'.

Origin

This phrase has nothing to do with Charles Dickens. Dickens is a euphemism, specifically a minced-oath, for the word devil, possibly via devilkins. Shakespeare used it in 'the Merry Wives of Windsor, 1600:

I cannot tell what the dickens his name is my husband had him of."

I need to watch Catching Fire as well, and read and then watch Divergent.

All caught up here, Tina. So glad to hear that the theft of your identity has been cleared up - what a mess stuff like that makes. And thrilled to hear that your Thanksgiving was a good one. It is funny that we have an entire holiday based on cook, eat, recover - and it's my favorite one!!

And look at all your mini reviews! I see that one of them (Shiver) is a favorite of Rae's- she loved that series when she read it. And I am wanting to get to 1984 - somehow I missed reading that one in school, but I have this whole George Orwell thing going, so it's on my hit list.

I am crossing my fingers and praying about the job thing. In the meantime, it's lovely that you have the temporary position.

Finally, Catching Fire! We saw that the day before Thanksgiving, and we thought they did a very good job with it. And we can't wait to see Divergent!!

Sending to you love and hugs from all of us at the Pecan Paradisio.

Julia Yay! Glad to have company with "Archbishop"!! You're so right about the first day back! It's just so hard for me to conceptualize how MUCH of my identity is tied into work. I feel like a pretty evolved person, but still, so much of my self worth is based on what I DO rather than who I AM. I'm going to need to work on that further I think... Do tell what you think of Hunger Games when you are finished!!

Kath Well, I'm going to pretend anyway cause what I see is a very sweet person with just very loud opinions! ;0)

Nicole Glad to know I'm not the only person that has ever done that! I thought for sure that I must be the first! I'm not sure I like the idea of a pay wave card. We have some of those things here, but I don't have one. I think they'd be way to easy to use if a thief got them. Thanksgiving is the American holiday that we celebrate because we took the land from the Indians / Native Americans, then invited them back for a huge celebration dinner to show how thankful we were; we celebrate it every year on the last Thursday of November. *I'm screwing up the actual history, but someone smart can tell you the real story. That's the way it always seemed to me.

Richard Oh Richard, we love you!! One "catches fire" to thumb her nose at the authority and you have always been and will always remain DIVERGENT! ;) You might actually like both series if you tried them. We seem to share some tastes....one NEVER knows until one tries!

Adrienne You too?? I kept rehashing the movie over and over in my mind! Reconsidering re-reading; trying to remember what comes next! Reliving the action!! What a great book / movie!

Heather Thank you! Lots of ice / heat... sleeping is a dangerous business these days. ;)

Piyush Thanks for the clarification on the chip / pin requirements. I understand it doesn't eliminate all the risks, but it does sound more secure, for certain! All fingers are crossed for permanent job! *smile* So, the best the doctor and I can figure, the way I sleep is what did it. I tend to sleep on my sides with my arms under my head with shoulder / arms extended. She figures that I must have slept fully extended too long or turned wrong or something during the night to have pulled it that way. The massage therapist said it was the pectoral minor and pressed way down deep and nearly had me jumping off the table when she found the injury. Good news is that with the massage, ice, heat, meds, etc. it is getting better. I had to switch to a smaller purse and stop carrying my big-old bag. :/ But eventually it will heal enough that I can get back to the BIG purse that can carry everything! THANKS for the 'dickens' lesson; can't wait to share that with my mom!! I hope you enjoy Catching Fire and Divergent {movie and book respectively}!

Mamie Hi there, Mamie love! How's my favorite gang of Pecanites? I'll have to give the rest of the Shiver series a go if Rae liked them... :) So glad you all enjoyed Catching Fire too! Can't imagine how we both missed 1984 in school, but alas! Big hugs to you all!